Stockwinners Market Radar for April 21, 2021 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:45 EDT Cathie Wood's ARK Investment discloses 58.9K shares of Netflix bought today

19:38 EDT Cathie Wood's ARK Investment discloses 2.7M shares of UiPath bought today

19:14 EDT Woodside Petroleum reports Q1 revenue $1.12B, up 4% from last year - Reports Q1 production of 23.7 MMBOE, down 2% from last year and Q1 sales volume of 25.7 MMBOE , up 8% from last year.

18:39 EDT Arrival delivers first electric delivery van to UPS for testing - Arrival Group (ARVL) said in a video posted to Twitter that it delivered its first electric delivery van to UPS (UPS) for testing. Reference Link

18:17 EDT Zoom Video COO sells 2.6K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Zoom Video disclosed that its COO Aparna Bawa sold 2.6K shares of common stock on April 19th in a total transaction size of $845.8K, reducing her stake by about 2%.

17:59 EDT Disney to license streaming, TV rights to Sony Pictures' releases - Disney (DIS) and Sony's (SNE) Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a multi-year content licensing agreement for U.S. streaming and TV rights to Sony Pictures' new theatrical releases across Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution's portfolio of platforms including its streaming services Disney+ and Hulu, as well as linear entertainment networks including ABC, Disney Channels, Freeform, FX and National Geographic. The deal covers theatrical releases from 2022-2026 and begins for each film following its Pay 1 TV window. The agreement builds upon the companies' prior arrangement which saw Sony movies licensed to FX in the post-Pay 1 TV window. The deal also grants rights to a significant number of Sony's library titles, ranging from the "Jumanji" and "Hotel Transylvania" franchises to Sony Pictures' Universe of Marvel Characters films, including Spider-Man. Notably, the agreement provides Hulu access to a significant number of library titles beginning as early as this June. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

17:24 EDT Sleep Number says it expects to grow top, bottom lines in each quarter of 2021 - Says Q1 demand was 30% higher than prior year. Says had record return on invested capital this quarter. Says average sale per store grew 9% in Q1. Says online sales remain strong. Says targeting 650 new stores by the end of the year. Says many Q1 metrics were similar to Q4, but it was one week shorter. Says expects $25M of gross margin pressure for the rest of the year. Says expects to grow top and bottom lines in each quarter of 2021. Says expects more growth in the back half of the year. Comments taken from Q1 earnings conference call.

17:10 EDT LoanDepot declares special dividend of $200M or 61.2c per share - LoanDepot announced that it has declared a special cash dividend on its Class A common stock and Class D common stock. LD Holdings Group LLC, a subsidiary of the company, has declared a simultaneous special cash dividend on its units. The aggregate amount of the special dividend to be paid by the company and distribution to be made by LD Holdings is $200.0M, or $0.612 per share or $0.615 per unit, as applicable. The Special Dividend will be paid on May 18, 2021 to the company's stockholders and LD Holdings' members of record as of the close of business on May 3, 2021.

17:03 EDT Air Lease delivers two new Boeing 787-9 aircraft to China Southern Airlines - Air Lease (AL) announced the delivery of two new Boeing (BA) 787-9 aircraft on long-term lease to China Southern Airlines. Featuring GEnx-1B76A engines, these new Dreamliner aircraft are the fourth and fifth of five new 787-9s to deliver to China Southern Airlines from ALC's order book with Boeing.

16:46 EDT KemPharm confirms receipt of $10M milestone payment for FDA approval of AZSTARYS - The company states: "KemPharm announced receipt of a regulatory milestone payment of $10 million for the FDA approval of AZSTARYS(TM) in accordance with the recently amended definitive collaboration and license agreement with Commave Therapeutics, SA, an affiliate of Gurnet Point Capital. The License Agreement provides for an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize KemPharm's product candidates containing serdexmethylphenidate (SDX) and d-methylphenidate , including AZSTARYS, a once-daily product for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients age six years and older. AZSTARYS was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on March 2, 2021. As previously announced, Corium, Inc., a portfolio company of Gurnet Point Capital, is leading U.S. commercialization efforts for AZSTARYS".

16:41 EDT AutoZone names Michelle Borninkhof as Chief Information Officer - AutoZone (AZO) announced that Michelle Borninkhof will join the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Customer Satisfaction, replacing Ron Griffin who is retiring. Michelle will come to AutoZone from McDonald's (MCD) where she most recently served as Chief Information Officer and Vice President for U.S. Technology.

16:37 EDT Seritage Growth Properties names Mary Rottler COO, Andrew Galvin CIO - Seritage Growth Properties announced that the company will reorganize its operations following an initial asset-by-asset analysis led by recently appointed Chief Executive Officer and President, Andrea Olshan. The company has appointed Mary Rottler as Chief Operating Officer; Andrew Galvin as Chief Investment Officer; Eric Dinenberg as Executive Vice President of Development; and Edouard Cuilhe as Chief Accounting Officer. The company is also taking further steps to restructure and realign its personnel throughout the organization. The company plans to continue its portfolio analysis and finalize plans to optimize the value of its individual property assets through additional leasing to retail tenants, densification of sites, modifications and repurposing for other uses, large-scale redevelopments, partnerships and dispositions. Further details of these portfolio plans will be shared at later dates. Mary Rottler has been named Chief Operating Officer, having previously served as the Executive Vice President of Leasing and Operations since the company's inception in 2015. Andrew Galvin has been named Chief Investment Officer, from his prior role as Executive Vice President of Investments. Eric Dinenberg has been named Executive Vice President of Development, from his prior position as Senior Vice President of Development. Edouard Cuilhe has been appointed Chief Accounting Officer. As part of the creation of a streamlined C-Suite, Matthew Fernand, General Counsel, Executive Vice President and Secretary, will become Chief Legal Officer. In addition, as part of this transition, Kenneth Lombard, previously the company's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President will become a Special Advisor, and James Bry, the company's Executive Vice President of Development and Construction, will depart Seritage.

16:35 EDT Conifer Holdings incurs pre-tax losses of roughly $2.3M in Q1 - Conifer Holdings announced that it incurred pre-tax losses of approximately $2.3M, net of expected reinsurance recoveries, during the first quarter ending March 31, 2021, due to Winter Storm Uri. These estimates are based on management's best estimates as of the date of this press release. Conifer also expects to report prior year reserve development, predominantly for 2019 and prior years and largely stemming from its quick service restaurant line in certain geographies, which have been deemphasized in the company's current overall business mix. The company intends to strengthen its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses on prior accident years on a pre-tax basis by approximately $5.7M for the quarter ending March 31, 2021.

16:32 EDT La-Z-Boy announces 10-year VPPA with American Electric subsidiary - La-Z-Boy (LZB) has finalized a 10-year resource-backed virtual power purchase agreement, or VPPA, extending through the end of 2030, with AEP Energy Partners, an energy subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP). La-Z-Boy's VPPA will support approximately 70,000 MWh of renewable energy per year, from AEP's principally owned Santa Rita East wind energy center in Irion County, Texas, throughout the term of the agreement. Once fully implemented, La-Z-Boy will receive renewable energy certificates equivalent to roughly 16 MW of wind power capacity representing more than 90% of La-Z-Boy's current total annual domestic energy consumption.

16:29 EDT Mercury Systems launches Rappid spectrum processing platform - Mercury Systems launched the Rappid spectrum processing platform, an open system architecture designed to accelerate the development of electronic warfare, or EW, signal intelligence and software-defined radio applications.

16:26 EDT Kraton's BiaXam granted emergency exemption by EPA for applications in 3 states - Kraton (KRA) reported that the EPA has approved a public health emergency exemption under Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act submitted by the Georgia, Utah, and Minnesota Departments of Agriculture for the deployment of BiaXam in specific applications. The EPA exemption will allow Delta Air Lines (DAL) to use BiaXam in specific applications in these states to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. BiaXam sulfonated block copolymer is a solid yet transparent material that can provide long-lasting antimicrobial protection on public surfaces and can kill up to 99.999% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus under laboratory conditions. Kraton is currently seeking regulatory approvals in other jurisdictions, including countries outside of the U.S. Delta will be the launch customer for BiaXam. The airline's kiosks and counters in Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis will be the first to feature the product. Delta will look to expand its use to other airports pending further regulatory approval.

16:23 EDT Axalta Coating increases share repurchase authorization by $625M - Axalta announced that its Board of Directors authorized an increase in its common share repurchase program of $625M, bringing the total size of the program to $1.3B, of which Axalta has already purchased approximately $500M. There is no expiration date on the share repurchase program.

16:22 EDT Bank of Princeton raises quarterly dividend 50% to 18c from 12c per share - This dividend will be paid on May 28 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 7.

16:21 EDT CACI says FY21 revenue cut due to impact from COVID-19 - The company states: "As a result of greater than expected impact from COVID-19, including travel restrictions, reduction in government processing of deployment orders, and delays in task orders, we are lowering our FY21 revenue guidance. We are raising net income and diluted earnings per share guidance to reflect a number of factors, including strong operating performance, lower program and indirect expenses, and certain tax benefits. Specifically, we now expect a full-year effective tax rate of between 8% and 9% driven by higher R&D tax credits and a material tax benefit we expect to realize in our fiscal fourth quarter. We are also reflecting a reduced share count driven by our recently announced accelerated share repurchase."

16:17 EDT CACI reports Q3 total backlog up 12.3% - Total backlog as of March 31, 2021 was $22.3 billion compared with $19.9 billion a year ago, an increase of 12.3%.

16:15 EDT Chipotle up 1% to $1,528.25 after Q1 earnings report

16:14 EDT Chipotle sees Q2 comparable restaurant sales up 'high twenties' to 30% range - Chipotle said: "Revenue in the first quarter was $1.7 billion, an increase of 23.4% compared to the first quarter of 2020 and includes a 17.2% increase in comparable restaurant sales. We believe several new menu items, effective marketing, and on-going strength in digital sales, as well as a tailwind from government stimulus payments to consumers contributed to first quarter revenue growth. For Q2, we expect our comparable restaurant sales to be in the range of high twenties to 30% with quesadilla incidence normalizing, and lower marketing investment. Digital sales grew 133.9% year over year to $869.8 million and represented 50.1% of sales. A little more than half of the digital sales were from order ahead transactions as guests increasingly appreciate both the value and convenience offered by this channel, as well as the added convenience of more Chipotlanes. We opened 40 new restaurants during the first quarter and closed five restaurants, bringing the total restaurant count to 2,803. During the quarter, 26 of the 40 new restaurants included a Chipotlane. These formats continue to perform very well and are helping enhance guest access and convenience, as well as increase new restaurant sales, margins, and returns."

16:12 EDT Graco sees improvement in end markets during Q2, cautious on longer term view - The company states: "Improvement in our end markets and our incoming order rates bode well for continued success in the second quarter. However, we are cautious on the longer term outlook as uncertainty remains in the overall demand environment. We will continue to execute on our core growth strategies."

16:10 EDT Whirlpool raises share repurchase authorization to $2.4B

16:09 EDT Whirlpool raises share repurchase authorization to $2.4B

16:08 EDT Kinder Morgan sees FY21 net income $2.7B-$2.9B - For 2021, KMI now expects to generate net income attributable to KMI in a range of $2.7 billion to $2.9 billion, declared dividends of $1.08 per share, a 3% increase from the 2020 declared dividends, DCF in a range of $5.1 billion to $5.3 billion, and Adjusted EBITDA in a range of $7.6 billion to $7.7 billion. KMI also now expects to end 2021 with a Net Debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA ratio in a range of 3.9 to 4.0.

16:06 EDT D.R. Horton announces $1.0B stock buyback - D.R. Horton announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a new $1.0B stock repurchase authorization replacing the Company's previous authorization. The new authorization has no expiration date. The Company's prior $1.0 billion stock repurchase authorization had $465.5 million remaining at December 31, 2020.

16:03 EDT Dynavax: Valneva initiates Phase 3 trial for COVID-19 vaccine candidate - Dynavax announced Valneva SE has initiated a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for its inactivated, COVID-19 vaccine candidate, VLA2001, using Dynavax's CpG 1018 adjuvant. The Phase 3 trial "Cov-Compare", (VLA2001-301), will compare Valneva's SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate, VLA2001, against AstraZeneca's conditionally approved vaccine, Vaxzevria, in a comparative immunogenicity trial.

15:49 EDT Canadian Pacific shareholders approve five-for-one share split - Canadian Pacific Railway announces that all resolutions placed in front of shareholders at its 2021 annual and special meeting earlier today have been passed, including the election of all 11 nominees listed in the management proxy circular dated March 10, 2021 as directors of CP, and the special resolution approving the five-for-one share split of CP's issued and outstanding common shares. CP will proceed to file articles of amendment under the Canada Business Corporations Act to effect the share split. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 5, 2021 will receive from Computershare Investor Services Inc., CP's registrar and transfer agent, on May 13, 2021 four additional common shares for every one common share held.

15:29 EDT Twitter to let users tweet images in 4K on Android, iOS - Twitter (TWTR) said that the option to upload and view 4K images on Twitter for Android (GOOG) and iOS (AAPL) is now available for everyone. "To start uploading and viewing images in 4K, update your high-quality image preferences in "Data usage" settings," the company said. Reference Link

14:55 EDT Imax announces five-picture agreement with Imagine Documentaries - Imax and Imagine Documentaries announced a new five-picture production and distribution agreement. "The multipicture deal will marry IMAX and Imagine's storied, award-winning leadership in premium filmmaking. The five-film slate is set to cover topics including space, exploration, natural sciences, music, civilization, society and more, and will be distributed across IMAX's global network of institutional and commercial theatres. The first release will be 'Mars 2080,' a large-format event film that will launch audiences into the future of celestial travel, immersing viewers inside a colony on Mars set sixty years in the future," the company said. Reference Link

14:26 EDT Cadillac sees bringing LYRIQ electric luxury SUV to market earlier than planned - General Motors' Cadillac brand stated earlier in a press release: "The production debut of the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ is the culmination of a century of innovation and the beginning of a great new era. With testing of Cadillac's inaugural electric luxury SUV running ahead of schedule, the brand announced that customers may place order reservations beginning in September 2021, with initial availability starting the first half of 2022." The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ is expected to go into production in the first quarter of 2022, with pricing starting at $59,990. It will be produced at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly facility, which is receiving a $2B investment to support electric vehicle production. An additional $2.3B is being invested in an all-new battery cell manufacturing plant at Spring Hill, by Ultium Cells LLC, the joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution, GM stated. Jamie Brewer, LYRIQ chief engineer, added: "Thanks to the modular and highly flexible Ultium Platform that powers LYRIQ, along with advanced virtual development tools, Cadillac has been able to accelerate development and put more real-world miles on prototypes sooner than expected. It's exciting to see our objectives realized on the road - and it means we are on track to bring this pioneering electric luxury vehicle to customers nine months earlier than originally planned." Reference Link

14:16 EDT Star Group raises quarterly distribution to 14.25c from 13.25c - Star Group announced that it has increased its quarterly distribution for the three months ended March 31 to 14.25c per common unit from 13.25c per common unit. The record date is May 3 and the payment date is May 11.

14:02 EDT Caesars announces plans to invest $400M into Atlantic City resorts - Caesars Entertainment announced details on its $400M master plan investment in Atlantic City where it owns and operates three casino destinations - Caesars, Harrah's Resort and Tropicana Atlantic City. "The plans include remodeled room towers; freshly appointed interior design elements; enhancements to the casinos' gaming floors; new dining concepts with acclaimed restaurant partners; and many more exciting additions within the next three years. These developments will bolster the City's position as a Las Vegas-style destination market with a focus on revitalizing the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. The first phase of the project, a $170M renovation of guestroom and suites at Caesars and Harrah's, will debut in Summer 2021," Caesars stated. Additional details on new hospitality, entertainment, and culinary offerings will be shared in the coming months, subject to New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement approval, the company said.

13:50 EDT North American rail traffic rose 28% in week ended April 17, AAR says - The Association of American Railroads, AAR, reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 17.For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 533,217 carloads and intermodal units, up 32.2% compared with the same week last year.Total carloads for the week ending April 17 were 237,607 carloads, up 25.2% compared with the same week in 2020, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 295,610 containers and trailers, up 38.3% compared to 2020. For some rail traffic categories, percentage changes for the current week compared with the same week in 2020 are inflated because of the widespread shutdowns - and subsequent large reduction in rail volumes - that impacted many economic sectors last year at this time.North American rail volume for the week ending April 17, 2021, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 341,017 carloads, up 23.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 384,527 intermodal units, up 32.5% compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 725,544 carloads and intermodal units, up 28%. North American rail volume for the first 15 weeks of 2021 was 10,389,949 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.4% compared with 2020. Publicly traded companies in the space include CSX (CSX), Canadian National (CNI), Canadian Pacific (CP), Genesee & Wyoming (GWR), Kansas City Southern (KSU), Norfolk Southern (NSC) and Union Pacific (UNP). Reference Link

13:07 EDT Salisbury Bancorp increases quarterly dividend 3.4% - The board of Salisbury approved a 1c increase in the quarterly dividend. The quarterly cash dividend of 30c per common share will be paid on May 28 to shareholders of record as of May 14, 2021.

12:56 EDT PNM Resources, Avangrid file stipulation in merger application with NMPRC - PNM Resources' (PNM) wholly-owned New Mexico subsidiary, Public Service Company of New Mexico, and Avangrid (AGR) filed a stipulation in its merger application before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, or NMPRC, with the New Mexico Attorney General, Western Resource Advocates, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 611, Dine Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, Nava Education Project, San Juan Citizens Alliance, and To Nizhoni Ani, the companies announced. "This agreement among a diverse set of parties enhances and builds upon the commitments in the original merger application to benefit customers and the state of New Mexico... If approved by the NMPRC, the agreement among the parties will bring over $250M in benefits to New Mexico," the companies stated.

12:48 EDT FDA provides feedback from Emergent's Baltimore-Bayview facility inspection - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has completed its inspection of Emergent BioSolutions' (EBS) Baltimore-Bayview facility and provided specific feedback. Given the heightened focus on this facility, the FDA has proactively shared its findings to keep the public, policymakers and all other stakeholders informed. The issuance of findings by the FDA is normal following a facility inspection and provides direction on the necessary steps to improve operations. Emergent is committed to working with the FDA and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) to quickly resolve the issues identified, it said. "We deeply value the relationship we have with our manufacturing partners and with the FDA," Emergent said. "The FDA's feedback will help us continue to improve and strengthen the supply chain for Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. While we are never satisfied to see shortcomings in our manufacturing facilities or process, they are correctable and we will take swift action to remedy them. We are exceedingly proud of our heroic workforce in Baltimore who have stepped up to work 24/7 to ensure vaccines will be produced with the highest quality and be quickly available to fight this pandemic."

12:17 EDT cbdMD files Novel Food Application with UK Food Standards Agency - cbdMD announced that on March 26th, it officially filed its Novel Food Application with the United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency. The Application included all of the requisite data to allow for a validated submission and thorough scientific assessment. A similar submission was simultaneously made to the European Food Safety Authority to ensure compliance for the European markets. The Company's products have been offered for sale in the UK since mid 2019. The Application is currently undergoing an administrative check for appropriateness and will then move to the validation process. Upon the successful validation of the Application, the FSA and the EFSA will each individually undertake a suitability review of the data in the Application. The Company estimates this suitability review to be completed by the end of 2021.

12:05 EDT Coca-Cola names Monica Howard Douglas as SVP, general counsel - The Coca-Cola Company announced the election of Monica Howard Douglas as senior vice president and general counsel. Douglas is a 17-year veteran of the company who most recently served as chief compliance officer and associate general counsel for the North America operating unit. In her new role, Douglas will oversee the company's global legal function, reporting to Chairman and CEO James Quincey. "Monica is an outstanding legal leader who has deep experience working across our company and system," Quincey said. "She will oversee the continued evolution of the legal function at the company while also serving as a valued voice in helping lead our overall business."

12:04 EDT Ocwen 'pleased' with Court's final judgment against CFPB - Ocwen Financial issued a statement in response to the Court's entry of final judgment in Ocwen's favor following the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's decision to drop any remaining claims under its Counts 1-9 and the entirety of its Count 10. "We are pleased the Court has entered final judgment in our favor against the CFPB, and has ordered this case closed. We believe the Court's March 4 decision granting summary judgment in Ocwen's favor, along with the CFPB's subsequent decision to drop its remaining claims, is consistent with our belief that the Bureau's allegations regarding Ocwen's past servicing practices were without merit. Should the CFPB decide to file an appeal, Ocwen will continue to vigorously defend itself, as we have done throughout the course of this litigation."

12:01 EDT Coca-Cola names Bradley Gayton as strategic consultant to chairman and CEO - The Coca-Cola Company announced that Bradley Gayton, who currently serves as senior vice president and global general counsel, has been appointed to a strategic consultant role. In this new capacity, he will focus on working with Chairman and CEO James Quincey to drive certain key objectives. Gayton assumes his new role effective immediately. His successor as senior vice president and global general counsel will be announced separately. "I, along with the company's leadership team and the board of directors, thank Bradley for his service as our global general counsel," Quincey said. "I look forward to working with him in this new role."

12:01 EDT Solaris Oilfield falls -6.4% - Solaris Oilfield is down -6.4%, or -69c to $10.05.

12:00 EDT Skillz rises 20.1% - Skillz is up 20.1%, or $2.52 to $15.07.

11:58 EDT Microsoft says multiplayer for FTP Xbox games free even for non-Gold subscribers - Microsoft said that, starting today, all Xbox players will be able to access online multiplayer at no charge for free-to-play games that support it even without an Xbox Live Gold membership. "Today, we are sharing more details on our plans to make online multiplayer in free-to-play games available on Xbox without an Xbox Live Gold membership," the company said. "As part of listening to your feedback, this change will take place starting today, and all Xbox players will be able to access online multiplayer at no charge for a library of over 50 free-to-play games that support online multiplayer." Reference Link

11:48 EDT Sonoco Products board approves share repurchase authorization up to $350M - Sonoco's Board approved a new share repurchase authorization of up to an aggregate amount of $350M to be used at such times and in such amounts as the company deems appropriate. This new authorization restores and replaces the company's prior residual repurchase authorizations, and it allows the company to repurchase shares through the open market, privately negotiated transactions or other programs.

11:33 EDT Luminar appoints Alan Prescott as CLO - Luminar Technologies (LAZR) announced that two executive appointments: Alan Prescott as chief legal officer, and Trey Campbell as VP of Investor Relations. Prescott will be responsible for directing all legal operations as Luminar's CLO. Alan joins Luminar from Tesla (TSLA), where he spent four years acting most recently as General Counsel. Campbell will lead Luminar's Investor Relations functions, acting as the primary liaison with Luminar shareholders and the financial community. Prior to joining Luminar, Trey was a 20-year veteran and financial executive of Intel Corporation (INTC).

11:05 EDT JetBlue announces plans for expansion in New York, Boston - JetBlue (JBLU) and American Airlines (AAL) announced plans for the next phase of their Northeast Alliance. Enabled by the alliance, JetBlue will bring its service to more travelers in the northeast by adding seven all-new new destinations in New York and Boston, tripling flights at LaGuardia compared to 2019 levels and introducing more than 40 additional codeshare routes. JetBlue plans to add seven new destinations to its route map later this year and in 2022. The company said, "Each new city advances JetBlue's focus city strategy in New York or Boston by strengthening JetBlue's service in the Midwest, southern U.S., Central America and introducing JetBlue in Canada and Honduras." Seats will go on sale in the coming months. JetBlue also announced significant growth plans at LaGuardia Airport made possible by the Northeast Alliance. By the end of this year, JetBlue plans to operate more than two dozen daily departures and intends to more than double that number by summer 2022 with more than 50 daily departures.

10:31 EDT Cortland Bancorp raises quarterly cash dividend 7% to 15c per share - Cortland Bancorp announced that its Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of 15c per share. The dividend will be payable on June 1, 2021, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 17, 2021.

10:00 EDT Nam Tai Property falls -6.0% - Nam Tai Property is down -6.0%, or -75c to $11.69.

10:00 EDT West Fraser Timber falls -6.3% - West Fraser Timber is down -6.3%, or -$5.18 to $76.50.

10:00 EDT Genco Shipping rises 8.0% - Genco Shipping is up 8.0%, or 99c to $13.44.

09:59 EDT Halliburton says maximizing free cash flow a 'key priority' - Expects more operating profit ahead.

09:47 EDT Bloom Energy falls -6.5% - Bloom Energy is down -6.5%, or -$1.46 to $21.12.

09:47 EDT Nam Tai Property falls -8.4% - Nam Tai Property is down -8.4%, or -$1.04 to $11.40.

09:47 EDT Genius Sports rises 11.3% - Genius Sports is up 11.3%, or $1.87 to $18.37.

09:33 EDT SPX Flow hires Dori Armstead as first CDO - SPX FLOW has hired its first chief diversity officer to help build upon its culture of belonging throughout the global company. Dori Armstead will advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as spearhead community relations. She will develop and implement innovative strategies that foster a more inclusive work environment across SPX FLOW while enabling an exceptional team member experience aligned with superior organizational performance. Before joining SPX FLOW, Armstead served as vice president of human resources at Wingate University.

09:29 EDT CN submits prefiling notice of intent with Surface Transportation Board - CN (CNI) announced that it has submitted to the Surface Transportation Board a prefiling notification of its intent to file an application seeking authority to combine with Kansas City Southern (KSU) further to CN's superior proposal for a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $33.7B, or $325 per share. The Notice of Intent sets out CN's commitment to proceeding under the STB's current merger rules and assuring the STB and customers that CN will maintain seamless service and enhanced competition after combining the two end-to-end networks. The Notice also confirms that CN intends to seek approval of the voting trust in the coming days. STB approval of the voting trust would enable KCS shareholders to receive full payment of consideration under CN's $325 per share proposal without having to await final STB approval of the transaction. CN's plain vanilla voting trust is identical to the one already approved by KCS' board of directors in its previously announced transaction, and CN believes that they are both equally likely to be approved by the STB. The company said, "CN is confident that its proposed combination is in the public interest. Following the closing of the voting trust, CN welcomes the opportunity to participate in the STB process and provide a full forum for stakeholders to comment on the proposed transaction. CN is confident that it will be able to effectively address any reasonable remediation concerns and ensure rail customers and other stakeholders benefit from the proposed combination with KCS. That is why CN supports the STB reviewing this combination under the modern new rules, as opposed to seeking to have a combination with KCS reviewed under rules from four decades ago that have been opposed by virtually every other party to have filed before the STB. Together, CN and KCS would offer multiple interchanges and create greater choice and service options for customers of both companies. Customers will benefit from a faster, more direct and more efficient network of end-to-end single-line services from Mexico to the United States to Canada, with an enhanced ability to connect ports in the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Gulf of Mexico. The combined company would add more fluid, rapid and cost-efficient options across network points for customers such as Laredo, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; and Southern Ontario, Canada. Once combined, CN and KCS would be fifth among Class 1 railroads, as measured by U.S. revenue and track miles. CN has a demonstrated track record in merging other railroads into a seamless network and is committed to keeping existing gateways open. Importantly, this rail and logistics network would also reduce traffic congestion and prevent thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere every day."

09:25 EDT FDA says completed inspection of Emergent plant, working with company on fixes - The FDA issued a statement from Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs - Food and Drug Administration Janet Woodcock M.D. and Director - Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Peter Marks M.D., PhD. that states in part: "As part of our regulatory processes for reviewing all manufacturing facilities, the FDA recently completed an inspection of Emergent BioSolutions, a proposed manufacturing facility for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine. As Johnson & Johnson announcedExternal Link Disclaimer last month, the FDA has not authorized this facility to manufacture or distribute any of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 Vaccine or components and, to date, no COVID-19 vaccine manufactured at this plant has been distributed for use in the U.S... During an inspection of Emergent BioSolutions that ended Tuesday, the FDA cited a number of observations concerning whether the facility's processes met our requirements and standards. These observations are outlined in our inspection closeout report, also known as a 'FDA Form 483.' The FDA's observations are intended to identify certain conditions observed during an inspection that have the potential to lead to quality issues during the manufacturing of a product. Once we observe such conditions, we can then work with a company to help identify a path forward to remedy the issues. Indeed, it is often in the public's best interest that the FDA work with firms to quickly resolve compliance matters to ensure that the public has access to medical products that meet the agency's high standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. In the case of Emergent BioSolutions, we are working with the company to address the conditions identified. At the agency's request, Emergent BioSolutions has agreed to pause new production while it works with the FDA to resolve potential quality issues. For the vaccines already manufactured, the products will undergo additional testing and will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure their quality before any potential distribution. We will not allow the release of any product until we feel confident that it meets our expectations for quality. These actions are unrelated to an ongoing evaluation by the FDA and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of extremely rare cases of a specific type of blood clot reported in a very small number of individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine. We are doing everything we can to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines that are given to the people of this nation have met the agency's high standards for quality, safety and effectiveness." Reference Link

09:21 EDT ContextLogic in strategic partnership with South Africa Post Office - ContextLogic or Wish announced a strategic partnership with South Africa Post Office SAPO to strengthen its logistics capabilities and customer experience for South African consumers. Wish will be working directly with SAPO to create a more consistent and efficient experience for the customer with benefits such as: Average 50%+ faster transit times ; End to end tracking visibility and delivery confirmation. Thomas Chuang, Vice President of Operations at Wish said: "Our mission at Wish is to democratize ecommerce and make it affordable, accessible and open to all by constantly improving product, process and technology. The South African market is an important one for the business and our partnership with SAPO will help us to provide faster time to door by 50% or more. This is critical to ensuring a positive customer experience and satisfaction and will enable us to better serve our customers in this market."

09:17 EDT Eros STX Global reaches settlement resolving all matters with Manuel Asensio - Eros STX Global announces that it has reached a settlement favorably resolving all matters with Manuel P. Asensio, Asensio & Company, Inc., and Mill Rock Advisors,. As previously disclosed, on September 29, 2017, Eros International Plc, a predecessor of ErosSTX, filed a lawsuit in New York state court against Mr. Asensio, a well-known short-seller, and several of his companies in connection with statements that Mr. Asensio made or caused to be made that were critical of Eros. Mr. Asensio states, "The five-year-old statements are in the past and have no applicability to the existing Eros entities or their leadership. I withdraw them and wish ErosSTX well in the future." The case was settled for an undisclosed sum. Neither ErosSTX nor Mr. Asensio intends to comment further on the settlement.

09:13 EDT Cigna, Oscar Health announce small business health insurance for Connecticut - Cigna (CI) and Oscar Health (OSCR) announced that Cigna + Oscar small business health insurance will be available to Connecticut employers starting July 1. Connecticut small businesses with between one and 50 employees will have access to services driven by the combination. Cigna and Oscar will share risk equally under a reinsurance agreement for solutions offered through this strategic partnership and plan to expand the partnership over time.

09:11 EDT DISH and AWS form strategic collaboration for 5G services - Amazon Web Services, AWS,(AMZN), announced that DISH Network Corporation (DISH) selected AWS as its preferred cloud provider and will construct its 5G network on AWS, part of a strategic collaboration agreement under which both companies will work to transform how organizations and customers, including AWS and Amazon, order and consume 5G services or create their own private 5G networks.DISH is deploying the first standalone, cloud-based 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) in the United States, beginning with Las Vegas later this year. DISH will connect all of its hardware and network management resources through the world's leading cloud to enable secure, rapid scaling and innovation as well as on-demand responsiveness to customers' wireless needs. Given this marks the first time that a 5G network will be run in the cloud, DISH will achieve agile and cost-effective operations while seeking to redefine the practical applications of 5G. As DISH deploys its network, the company is partnering exclusively with vendors offering cloud-native technology, bringing them together on AWS to provide DISH customers greater flexibility and control of their 5G-enabled solutions.

09:10 EDT Intelligent Product Solutions awarded group purchasing agreement with Premier - Intelligent Product Solutions, subsidiary of Forward Industries (FORD), has been awarded a group purchasing agreement for the IT Consulting category, which includes software development services with Premier (PINC). As a supplier, IPS will offer its software development services to Premier's members, allowing them to take advantage of special pricing and terms pre-negotiated by Premier for software and IT services.

09:08 EDT Northland Power announces closing of bought deal equity offering - Northland Power is pleased to report the closing of its previously announced bought deal equity offering of common shares. A total of 22,500,500 Shares, including 2,045,500 Shares issued pursuant to the exercise in full by the underwriters of their over-allotment, were issued at an offering price of $44.00 per Share for aggregate gross proceeds $990,022,000. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund the cash purchase price of a portfolio of operating onshore renewable assets in Spain with a total combined net capacity of 540 megawatts, with the remainder of the net proceeds, allocated to fund equity capital requirements including acquisition costs for Baltic Power, expected near-term capital commitments for Northland's portfolio of 4 to 5 GW of identified development projects and to repay borrowings under Northland's corporate revolving credit facility.

09:06 EDT Medicenna Therapeutics announces the appointment of Kevin Moulder as CSO - Medicenna Therapeutics announced the appointment of Kevin Moulder, PhD, as the company's Chief Scientific Officer. Moulder brings over 30 years of experience in drug discovery and development in the fields of protein design, antibody technology, immuno-oncology, inflammation and autoimmune disease. Most recently Kevin held C-level positions at PolyProx Therapeutics and Tusk Therapeutics.

09:03 EDT BetMGM expects to achieve $1B of net revenue from operations in 2022 - BetMGM, jointly owned by MGM Resorts and Entain, is providing a business update setting out the key drivers of its strong momentum and future expectations as it delivers a market leading position in the U.S. As part of the investor day, BetMGM announces the following: BetMGM is the number one market leader across the U.S. in iGaming with a market share of 23% over the three months ended February 2021, and is on course to take the number two spot in U.S. sports betting and iGaming overall. Sports betting & iGaming continues to accelerate across North America. As such, BetMGM now expects the total long-term addressable market in the U.S. and Canada to be approximately $32B. With continued strong momentum in its business, BetMGM now expects that, as a leading operator, it will drive long-term market share of approximately 20%-25% in the U.S. BetMGM expects to achieve $1B of net revenue from operations in 2022. The investment by MGM Resorts and Entain this year is expected to be approximately $450M, incremental to the $210M already invested until the end of 2020.

08:59 EDT Verizon sees no material impact to adjusted EPS view from C-Band program

08:54 EDT Verizon CEO: Strategy remains unchanged, to deliver on commitments

08:46 EDT Verizon sees 'plenty of room' to expand penetration rates

08:45 EDT Verizon saw best volume in quarter in March - Comments taken from Q1 earnings conference call.

08:42 EDT KULR Technology announces product line of high capacity lithium battery packs - KULR Technolog announced the June 2021 launch of a new product line of high capacity lithium battery packs targeting the $127B commercial drone market. The Company recently secured a global commercial drone manufacturer as a customer and expects to secure additional customers in the second half of 2021. The announcement is a first step in KULR's overall strategy of targeting adjacent markets complimentary to the Company's established battery safety and thermal management products. KULR intends to expand into additional e-mobility markets in the coming year.

08:39 EDT Assure Holdings appoints John Flood to board of directors - Assure Holdings Corp. has appointed John Flood to its board of directors. Until retiring in 2019, he served as chairman and managing partner of Craig-Hallum Capital Group, an equity research, trading and investment banking firm that Flood co-founded in 1997. In connection with Flood's appointment, he was issued 150,000 options to purchase common shares of Assure. The Options have an exercise price of $1.12. Flood's appointment and the issuance of the Options remain subject to review and approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

08:38 EDT Ferroglobe announces amendment to Lock-Up Agreement - Ferroglobe refers to the Company's release on March 28, 2021 regarding the lock-up agreement dated March 27, 2021 between the Company and certain financial stakeholders. The Company is pleased to announce that holders of approximately 96% by value of the 9.375% Senior Notes due 2022 issued by the Company and Globe Specialty Metals have signed or acceded to the Lock-Up Agreement. In light of this, the Company has agreed an amendment to the Lock-Up Agreement to allow it to proceed to implement the transaction by way of an exchange offer instead of an English law scheme of arrangement. The exchange offer will also involve a concurrent solicitation of consents to amend the terms of any non-participating 2022 Senior Notes to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants, certain events of default and other related provisions. Further details of the exchange offer will be made available to holders of 2022 Senior Notes in due course.

08:37 EDT Greenlight Re Innovations announces investment in Player's Health - Greenlight Re Innovations, part of Greenlight Capital Re, has announced an investment in Ao1 Holdings, or Player's Health, a managing general underwriter that provides insurance and risk management services to the amateur sports organization market. Greenlight Re CEO Simon Burton said, "The sophisticated risk management approach Player's Health has developed is market leading in the amateur sports sector and we are looking forward to supporting the Player's Health team as they grow their business."

08:36 EDT Cassava Sciences to initiate Phase 3 program of simufilam in 2H21 - Cassava Sciences plans to initiate a Phase 3 program of simufilam in Alzheimer's disease in the second half of 2021. The Phase 3 program consists of two large, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease dementia. Cassava Sciences' first Phase 3 study is designed to evaluate disease-modifying effects of simufilam in Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to demonstrate a slower rate of decline in cognition and health function in subjects treated with simufilam compared to placebo. Approximately 1,000 subjects to be enrolled, randomized to simufilam 100 mg, 50 mg or placebo BID, and treated for 18 months. The co-primary efficacy endpoints are ADAS-Cog, a cognitive scale, and ADCS-ADL, a functional scale, both widely used clinical tools in trials of Alzheimer's disease. Cassava Sciences' second Phase 3 study is designed to evaluate symptomatic improvement in Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to demonstrate improved cognition and health function in subjects treated with simufilam compared to placebo. Approximately 600 subjects to be enrolled, randomized to simufilam 100 mg or placebo BID, and treated for 12 months. The co-primary efficacy endpoints are ADAS-Cog, a cognitive scale, and ADCS-ADL, a functional scale.

08:34 EDT Cassava Sciences to initiate Cognition Maintenance Study in June - In June 2021, Cassava Sciences plans to initiate a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Patients who have completed at least one year of open-label treatment with simufilam qualify to enroll in the Cognition Maintenance Study. Study subjects in the CMS will be randomized to simufilam or placebo for six months. The CMS is designed to compare simufilam's effects on cognition in Alzheimer's patients who continue with drug treatment versus patients who discontinue drug treatment.

08:33 EDT CACI gets prime position on $12.6B multiple award DIA contract - CACI International announced that it has been awarded a prime position on a 10-year, multiple-award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, with a ceiling value of $12.6B, by the Defense Intelligence Agency DIA for the Solutions for Information Technology Enterprise SITE III contract. Under the contract, which is largely new business opportunities for the company, CACI will support enterprise and mission needs for the DIA and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency NGA. SITE III provides strategic, technical, and program management guidance and support services to facilitate the operations and modernization of the agency's infrastructure, systems, and applications. The enterprise-focused work includes cybersecurity, application development and sustainment, connectivity and network services, and enterprise computing and cloud services, among others.

08:32 EDT Allogene Therapeutics announces FDA RMAT designation to ALLO-715 - Allogene Therapeutics announced that the Food and Drug Administration granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy, or RMAT, designation to ALLO-715 in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The FDA granted RMAT designation based on the potential of ALLO-715 to address the growing unmet need for patients who have failed other multiple myeloma therapies. "RMAT designation was granted based on our encouraging initial clinical experience in heavily pretreated patients. ALLO-715 demonstrated for the first time that an allogeneic CAR T therapy directed at BCMA can achieve deep clinical responses while eliminating the need for bridging therapy and delays associated with autologous CAR T manufacturing," said Rafael Amado, M.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer. "We look forward to completing the UNIVERSAL study and working closely with the FDA as we seek to rapidly advance this important therapeutic alternative to patients with advanced multiple myeloma."

08:27 EDT Royalty Pharma, MSCI enters strategic alliance for life science indexes - Royalty Pharma (RPRX) announced a collaboration with MSCI Inc. (MSCI) to expand MSCI's thematic index suite with the launch of new indexes that aim to capture long-term, cutting edge themes that will disrupt the life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry groups. Royalty Pharma will provide expertise on various medical conditions, clinical trials, transformative therapies, and technologies that may lead to breakthrough medical treatments that will assist MSCI to design a classification framework and index methodologies. The initial indexes will measure the performance of companies focused on delivering new and innovative therapeutic treatments related to virology and oncology. The MSCI indexes are planned to launch later this year.

08:25 EDT II-VI partners with World Economic Forum - II-VI announced that it has partnered with the World Economic Forum as a member of the Advanced Manufacturing & Production Platform. The partnership allows II-VI to "connect, engage, exchange ideas, and learn from a powerful group of companies, innovators and pioneers, civil society, and academia. By partnering with the World Economic Forum, II-VI joins the many distinguished political, business, cultural and other leaders of society who are involved with the World Economic Forum to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. II-VI will support the World Economic Forum's Advanced Manufacturing & Production Platform's vision to ensure a future of advanced manufacturing and production that is inclusive, people-centered, agile, sustainable, and connected," the company said.

08:23 EDT Enzo Biochem's Ampicollect cleared for distribution by FDA under EUA - Enzo Biochem announced that the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has cleared its Ampicollect Sample Collection kit for distribution under Emergency Use Authorization, or EUA. The Ampicollect Sample Collection kit is now available for sample collection for COVID-19 testing protocols in the United States. The company's sample collection kit has been shown to meet the FDA's policy standard as outlined in "Enforcement Policy for Viral Transport Media during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Public Health Emergency." The Ampicollect kit is authorized for use with Enzo's proprietary Genflex molecular diagnostic platform and can also be used for sample collection with other PCR-based molecular diagnostic platforms or antigen-based testing platforms that require the collection of upper respiratory specimens.

08:21 EDT FERC approves Avangrid's proposed PNM Resources merger - Avangrid (AGR) announced that it has received Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FERC approval for its proposed PNM Resources (PNM) merger. "This approval is an important step in the merger process, which will bring together two companies focused on delivering safe, reliable and clean energy for customers and communities," said Dennis V. Arriola, CEO of AVANGRID. "The merger will further AVANGRID's growth in both clean energy distribution and transmission, as well as expand our leadership position in renewables." Today's announcement follows Federal Communications Commission approval, the approval of the merger by PNM Resources' shareholders, the receipt of regulatory clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. The company recently announced a unanimous stipulation agreement with all parties for the merger approval before the Public Utility Commission of Texas and continues to pursue state approval for the merger from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. The merger also requires approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. AVANGRID announced the strategic PNM Resources merger combination in October 2020 in an all cash offer for PNM Resources' shares at $50.30 per share, an $8.3 billion enterprise value transaction. The resulting entity would be one of the major clean energy companies in the US with ten regulated utilities in six states and the third largest renewables company with operations in 24 states.

08:19 EDT Biocept announces full commercial launch of CNSide - Biocept announced the full commercial launch of CNSide, its cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, assay designed to better detect and manage treatment of metastatic cancers involving the central nervous system, or CNS. The assay, initially introduced in January 2020, has the ability to offer a timely and accurate method to diagnose disease, identify actionable biomarkers, and assess response to therapy, potentially impacting life expectancy and quality of life.

08:18 EDT Brii Bio, Vir, VBI Vaccines initiate Phase 2 trial of BRII-835/BRII-179 - Brii Biosciences, Vir Biotechnology, and VBI Vaccines announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating BRII-835, an investigational small interfering ribonucleic acid targeting hepatitis B virus in combination with BRII-179, an investigational HBV immunotherapeutic, for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. This is the first clinical trial in the field to evaluate the combination of these two HBV mechanisms of action. The multi-center, randomized, open-label study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BRII-835 compared to the combination of BRII-835 and BRII-179 with and without interferon-alpha as a co-adjuvant. Both agents have demonstrated proof of mechanism in HBV patients. Brii Bio has led the design and implementation of this functional cure proof-of-concept study with the support of VIR and VBI, and is the sponsor of the Phase 2 study. The study will be conducted at sites in Australia, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand.

08:17 EDT Brii, Vir Biotechnology VBI , start phase 2 trial of hepatitis B treatment - Brii Biosciences, Brii Bio, Vir Biotechnology (VIR), and VBI Vaccines (VBIV) announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating BRII-835, VIR-2218, an investigational small interfering ribonucleic acid, siRNA, targeting hepatitis B virus,HBV, in combination with BRII-179, an investigational HBV immunotherapeutic, for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. This is the first clinical trial in the field to evaluate the combination of these two HBV mechanisms of action. The multi-center, randomized, open-label study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BRII-835 compared to the combination of BRII-835 and BRII-179 (VBI-2601) with and without interferon-alpha as a co-adjuvant. Both agents have demonstrated proof of mechanism in HBV patients. Brii Bio has led the design and implementation of this functional cure proof-of-concept study with the support of VIR and VBI, and is the sponsor of the Phase 2 study (NCT04749368). It will be conducted at sites in Australia, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand.

08:14 EDT Ayala Pharmaceuticals announces first patient dosed in Phase 1 trial of AL102 - Ayala Pharmaceuticals (AYLA) announced the dosing of the first patient in the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating its potent investigational gamma secretase inhibitor, AL102, in combination with Novartis' (NVS) investigational anti-B-cell maturation antigen agent, WVT078, for the treatment of patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. AL102 is an oral small molecule that inhibits gamma secretase. Inhibition of gamma secretase prevents the cleavage and shedding of BCMA, which are ubiquitously expressed on MM cells. Preclinical data have demonstrated that treatment with AL102 increases expression of membrane-bound BCMA on the surface of MM cells and could enhance activity of WVT078.

08:12 EDT Taoping establishes Taoping Capital Limited subisidiary - Taoping announced that it established a wholly-owned Hong Kong subsidiary, Taoping Capital Limited, to provide capital support for the growth of TAOP's blockchain and digital asset business and the Company's cloud desktop, cloud rendering and cloud gaming business. Mr. Jianghuai Lin, the Chairman and CEO of TAOP, will concurrently serve as Chairman of Taoping Capital. Mr. Qian Wang, Chief Investment Officer of TAOP, will serve as CEO of Taoping Capital. Mr. Huaqiao Zhang, a top-ranking analyst by Institutional Investor or multiple years, has joined Taoping Capital as the Chief Advisor and Chairman of the Research Institute of Taoping Capital. Most of the funds provided by Taoping Capital will be invested in TAOP projects for the purchase of bitcoin mining machines and general-purpose servers suitable for Ethereum and cloud desktops. At the same time, Taoping Capital will support the Company with operation management consulting. Taoping Capital will also actively seek investment opportunities in the blockchain industry.

08:10 EDT Energy Fuels and Hyperion sign MOU for rare earth element production - Energy Fuels (UUUU) and Hyperion Metals executed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for the supply of natural monazite sands from Hyperion's Titan Project in Tennessee. Energy Fuels plans to produce mixed rare earth element products from processing the Monazite at its White Mesa Mill in Utah. The parties have also agreed to evaluate a potential teaming, joint venture, equity investment or other arrangement under which Hyperion would collaborate with Energy Fuels, and potentially other parties, in advancing Energy Fuels' current initiative to establish a fully integrated, "mine to market" U.S. rare earth supply chain for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors, as well as other specialty uses. The parties have agreed to negotiate a definitive sales agreement for this supply of Monazite. Hyperion and Energy Fuels will evaluate entering into a joint venture or other similar arrangement whereby Hyperion would participate with Energy Fuels, and potentially other parties, in the continuing development and operation of an integrated, low-cost and sustainable independent U.S. rare earth supply chain, under which Monazite would be supplied from Chemours (CC) U.S. projects, the Titan Project, and potentially other U.S and international mines. Hyperion's Titan Project covers a large area of heavy mineral sands properties in Tennessee prospective for titanium, zircon, Monazite and other valuable minerals such as high-grade silica sand and other refractory minerals.

08:10 EDT Toyota investing $1.7M to help diversify engineering workforce - Toyota is teaming up with three institutions of higher education in Kentucky to help change the face of engineering. Toyota announced a $1.7M investment to increase opportunities for underrepresented students and assist them in earning engineering degrees. The program will provide full-tuition scholarships to female and minority students, along with needed resources to earn an engineering degree from either the University of Kentucky or University of Louisville. Bluegrass Community & Technical College is also part of the collaboration with students first acquiring a two-year associates degree before enrolling in an engineering program in the commonwealth. Beginning Fall 2021, 35 students over a five-year period will be selected to receive full-tuition scholarships. The students will also be mentored by Toyota engineers and participate in a paid co-op opportunity with the company earning $17-$21 per hour. Additionally, students will complete two to three co-op rotations that will provide critical hands-on experience in multiple areas of the field.

08:09 EDT Kratos Defense awarded $30M to support space-related national security efforts - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced that it had received more than $30M to support space-related U.S. national security efforts. The follow-on awards are to previous contracts, implementing advanced technologies to provide better system performance. Phil Carrai, President of Kratos' Space, Training and Cybersecurity Division, said, "Space is undergoing a renaissance. Advancements in ground systems and satellite technologies are joining to form space networks that support multi-domain missions and broader data requirements. Kratos is leading the digital transformation on the ground side by introducing into space networks proven technologies from other network-centric industries. Not only does this enhance performance and affordability for the DoD, it opens doors for the defense industry to better integrate with and capitalize on commercial space enterprises as well."

08:07 EDT Dave & Buster's announces appointment of Atish Shah to board of directors - Dave & Buster's (PLAY) announced the appointment of Atish Shah to the company's board of directors, effective April 16. Since April 2016, Mr. Shah has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Xenia Hotels & Resorts (XHR). Brian Jenkins, CEO, said, "Dave & Buster's is emerging from the challenges of the past year as a stronger, more competitive company. Atish's hospitality expertise and business acumen will be invaluable as we work to fortify our leading position in the dining and entertainment industry."

08:05 EDT Humacyte announces long-term follow-up data from Phase 2 vascular access trial - Humacyte announced that five-year data from a Phase 2 clinical trial of patients receiving the human acellular vessels for arteriovenous access in hemodialysis suggest the long-term durability and functional hemodialysis access of the HAV. Secondary patency was 58.2% at five years, after censoring for deaths and withdrawals, suggesting that the HAV may provide a promising long-term hemodialysis option. The data also showed a substantial reduction in infection rates compared to published rates for ePTFE. Long-term explant samples showed progressive host cell remodeling with the formation of a neo-adventitia, the vessel wall containing vascular smooth muscle cells and lumen of HAV was lined with endothelial cells. In the five years after HAV implantation, no infections of the HAV were noted and no clinical evidence of immunological rejection were observed in this Phase 2 trial. The prospective Phase 2 trials evaluated HAV in adult patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis at six sites in the U.S. and Poland. The long-term follow-up data is based upon the cohort of patients in Poland who continued routine dialysis with HAV and were followed for conduit status every three months following completion of the main portion of the study through at least five years, the longest-term follow-up to any trial of any implanted engineered human connective tissue. The data were presented in an oral presentation at the Charing Cross International Symposium by Dr. Lawson and have been submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. On February 17, 2021, Alpha Healthcare Acquisition, a special purpose acquisition company, and Humacyte announced the execution of a definitive business combination agreement along with a fully committed $175 million PIPE financing agreement.

08:05 EDT Vaccinex announces publication of results from CLASSICAL-Lung phase 1b/2 trial - Vaccinex announced the publication of results from the company's CLASSICAL-Lung clinical trial in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research. CLASSICAL-Lung was a Phase 1b/2 trial evaluating the company's lead clinical candidate, pepinemab, in combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitor BAVENCIO for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC. The paper, entitled, "A Phase 1b/2 Study of Pepinemab in Combination with Avelumab in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer," presents data showing that pepinemab is clinically active when combined with BAVENCIO and was well tolerated, with no identified safety concerns. The combination appeared to halt or reverse tumor progression in a subset of both immunotherapy naive patients, including patients with often difficult to treat PD-L1-negative or PD-L1-low tumors, and some patients with primary or acquired resistance to prior single-agent anti-PD-1/L1 therapy. Among 21 evaluable immunotherapy naive patients, most of whom had negative or low tumoral expression of the PD-L1 biomarker, five patients experienced partial responses, four patients evidenced clinical benefit at or greater than one year, and the disease control rate, or DCR, was 81%. The objective response rate with the combination therapy was higher than previously reported for single agent avelumab in the PD-L1 negative / low population. Among 29 evaluable patients who previously experienced disease progression during or following anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapy, the subsequent combination treatment resulted in a DCR of 59%, including two partial responses and seven patients with durable clinical benefit of at least 23 weeks. Finally, exploratory biomarker analysis from biopsies demonstrated improved penetration of killer CD8+ T cells into the tumor.

08:04 EDT Nuverra Environmental appoints Patrick Bond as CEO - Nuverra Environmental Solutions announced the appointment of Patrick L. Bond as the Chief Executive Officer of Company, effective April 21. Charlie Thompson, the Company's current Chief Executive Officer, will continue to serve as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors following the transition. "Pat has a long and distinguished history in the oilfield services sector, and we are excited to have him lead the Nuverra team," said Mr. Thompson. "As a 30-year industry veteran, Pat brings not only tremendous operational expertise, but also a deep commercial focus that will be critically important to the Company as the industry emerges from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the oil price collapse in 2020. He is a petroleum engineer who has successfully undertaken numerous business development and management roles throughout the United States and internationally, including senior leadership positions at Halliburton, Weatherford, Schlumberger and several of its affiliated companies, and most recently as Co-CEO of Gravity Oilfield Services. Pat has spent the better part of the last ten years leading smaller private companies like Gravity and its predecessors, and we believe he will be an excellent fit for Nuverra, our customers and our employees." Mr. Bond will be based in the Company's corporate office in Houston.

08:03 EDT Chevron, Toyota announce MOU to pursue hydrogen strategic alliance - Chevron (CVX), through its products company division, and Toyota Motor North America (TM) announced a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, to explore a strategic alliance to catalyze and lead the development of commercially viable, large-scale businesses in hydrogen. Chevron and Toyota are seeking to work on three main strategic priorities: collaborating on hydrogen-related public policy measures that support the development of hydrogen infrastructure; understanding current and future market demand for light-duty and heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles and supply opportunities for that demand; and exploring opportunities to jointly pursue research and development in hydrogen powered transportation and storage.

08:02 EDT BIO-key announces college adoption of PortalGuard IDaaS Platform - BIO-key International announced that Barstow Community College and Southeastern Illinois College selected the PortalGuard IDaaS Platform, further demonstrating continued strong growth in customer adoption for the company's cloud-based IAM solution. PortalGuard IDaaS provides enhanced IAM security while empowering workforces and institutions to access enterprise applications across any device and work or educational environment. Organizations should consider IDaaS as an opportunity to streamline IAM processes, optimize the user experience, and provide an enterprise-wide access security approach that supports both on-premises as well as cloud-based environments.

07:57 EDT NFI Group to build electric buses in New Zealand with Kiwi Bus Builders - NFI Group announced that its subsidiary Alexander Dennis Limited will build two electric buses in New Zealand, as NFI continues to expand its international presence in zero-emission electric mobility. This new order builds on NFI's growing electric vehicle presence in New Zealand, where the Company has previously delivered 16 battery-electric buses. The three-axle single-deck buses will be assembled locally in New Zealand by ADL's partner Kiwi Bus Builders. The electric buses will be built for Howick & Eastern by Transdev's operation in New Zealand, for use on Auckland Transport services. New Zealand is preparing to fully transition its bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2035 as part of a wider set of measures intended to help meet the country's 2050 carbon neutral target.

07:45 EDT Marathon Gold reports maiden mineral resource estimate for Berry Deposit - Marathon Gold is pleased to report the results of the maiden mineral resource estimate for the new Berry Deposit at the Valentine Gold Project in Central Newfoundland. The resource estimate is based on 42,000 metres of drilling completed to the end of November, 2020. Highlights are as follows: Inferred Mineral Resources of 638,700 oz; Open pit Inferred Mineral Resources of 566,400 oz, or 89% of the total estimate; "High grade" open pit Inferred Mineral Resources of 493,700 oz; and Exploration continues at the Berry Deposit, with up to 30,000 metres of additional drilling budgeted in 2021. In total, mineral resources at the Valentine Gold Project now stand at: Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 3.14 Moz, unchanged form the previous estimate; and Inferred Mineral Resources now stand at 1.64 Moz, an increase of 64% compared to the previous estimate; Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Matt Manson, President and CEO, commented: "We are very pleased with this strong maiden resource estimate for the new Berry Deposit. Berry demonstrates the same style of concentrated quartz-tourmaline-pyrite gold veining in "Main Zone" type configurations with which we are familiar elsewhere at the Valentine Gold Project. Starting in late 2019, exploration drilling at Berry has been steadily delineating strong gold mineralization over what is now a 1.5 kilometre strike extent. The drill dataset used in this first estimate is still preliminary, with only 42,000 metres included compared to 100,000 metres at the Leprechaun Deposit and 170,000 metres at the Marathon Deposit. The drill density we have established merits an Inferred classification for the estimate. However, we are seeing open-pittable resources along the full 1.5 kilometres, with a conceptual pit shell up to 200 metres deep and good continuity of mineralization between sections. Overall, the geological relationships at Berry, the distribution of mineralization, and the high resource grades are reminiscent of the nearby Leprechaun Deposit, which contributes a substantial portion of the mineral reserves used in the current 13-year Valentine Gold Project mine plan. It is early days at Berry, and substantial infill drilling is required to properly delineate its full resource potential. This is already a focus of our 2021 exploration program, and will be central to our exploration efforts carrying forward into 2022. This first Berry Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate, while highly encouraging, will not be incorporated into our core development plan, which is based on two open pits at Marathon and Leprechaun and a central 2.5 to 4 million tonne per annum mill. This is the mine plan presented in our recent Feasibility Study and which is currently subject to Environmental Assessment. Further work at Berry is required. However, we are encouraged that additional mineable resources offering substantial mine life extension potential continue to be identified at Valentine Lake through our exploration efforts."

07:42 EDT Vision Marine Technologies opens reservations for E-Motion 180 - Vision Marine Technologies is announcing the unveiling of its new electric outboard engine to the general public; the E-Motion 180. Vision Marine's go-to-market strategy is two-fold. Initially, it is to offer customers the ability to reserve the E-Motion 180, starting May 1, so they can secure a unit within the next six months. To achieve this, Vision Marine has partnered with Nerd Marketing. Key components of the strategic initiative involve securing prime advertisement in significant trade publications and establishing a strong presence among recreational boaters through a variety of online channels. In addition to the marketing campaign, Vision's team is further developing its distribution channel to support the demand for parts and services throughout North America, Australia and in select countries in Europe.

07:38 EDT Verizon reports Q1 Wireless retail postpaid net losses 170K - Total retail postpaid churn of 1.03 percent, and retail postpaid phone churn of 0.81 percent.

07:37 EDT DraftKings appoints Gisele Bundchen as special advisor to CEO - DraftKings announced the appointment of Gisele Bundchen, environmental activist, philanthropist, and former super model, as a special advisor to the company's CEO and board of directors for environmental, social, and governance initiatives. "Gisele Bundchen is a global icon who has utilized the platform she established in modeling, fashion, and entertainment, to lead and advocate for vital environmental and social causes," said Jason Robins, co-founder, CEO and chairman of the board of DraftKings. "I believe that the strategic counsel and unique global perspective that Gisele brings to me and the board will be indispensable and, as evidenced by our Earth Day campaign, her impact will be immediate and far-reaching."

07:22 EDT Welbilt jumps 12% to $17.56 after takeover proposal from Middleby

07:15 EDT Nam Tai Property's Special Meeting postponed by British Virgin Islands court - Nam Tai Property announced that the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal in the British Virgin Islands has granted an order postponing the Special Meeting previously scheduled for April 26. The Court's Order was issued in connection with the company's appeal against the order of Justice Adrian Jack of March 3, in which he held that the private placement previously announced by the company on October 5, 2020 was void and should be set aside. The Special Meeting will be rescheduled at a later date to be determined by the Court in due course.

07:13 EDT Quanterix CFO Amol Chaubal to depart, Shawn Stetson named interim CFO - Quanterix (QTRX) announced that it has appointed Shawn Stetson as the company's interim CFO, effective May 11. Stetson will assume his new responsibilities upon the departure of the company's current CFO Amol Chaubal, who has accepted the CFO role at Waters (WAT). Quanterix has initiated a search for a permanent replacement.

07:11 EDT Quanterix CFO Amol Chaubal to depart, Shawn Stetson named interim CFO - Quanterix announced that it has appointed Shawn Stetson as the company's interim CFO, effective May 11. Stetson will assume his new responsibilities upon the departure of the company's current CFO Amol Chaubal, who has accepted the CFO role at Waters (WAT). Quanterix has initiated a search for a permanent replacement.

07:10 EDT TG Therapeutics announces launch of ULTRA-V phase 3 trial - TG Therapeutics announced the initiation of patient enrollment into the ULTRA-V Phase 3 randomized trial, evaluating the time-limited triple combination of UKONIQ, the company's once-daily, inhibitor of PI3K-delta and CK1-epsilon, ublituximab, the company's investigational glycoengineered anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, and venetoclax, compared to the continuous doublet combination of UKONIQ plus ublituximab, or U2, in patients with both frontline and relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL. The primary endpoint for the ULTRA-V Phase 3 trial is Progression-free Survival, and the trial is designed support the full approval of the triple combination of U2 plus venetoclax. The company also announced completion of enrollment into the ULTRA-V Phase 2 global, single arm trial evaluating the triple combination of U2 plus venetoclax. This primary endpoint for this trial is overall response rate and complete response rate, and the trial completed enrollment with approximately 165 patients enrolled.

07:08 EDT ML Management to acquire certain assets from Capitala Investment Advisors - Mount Logan Capital (PYCFF) announces that it and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mount Logan Management, have entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition by ML Management of certain assets from Capitala Investment Advisors and whereby ML Management will become the investment adviser of Capitala Finance Corp. (CPTA). Capitala is a U.S. publicly traded business development company with approximately $328M of total assets as of December 31, 2020. Capitala primarily invests in first lien loans and, to a lesser extent, second lien loans and equity securities issued by U.S. middle market companies. Transaction Highlights: Further expands Mount Logan's asset management activities to include an attractive closed-end BDC; Provides a stable and recurring asset management fee stream into earnings underpinned by a permanent capital vehicle; Assets of Capitala are highly complementary with Mount Logan's investment mandate and experience; The transaction is expected to close in the summer of 2021 and is subject to approval by the stockholders of Capitala and other customary closing conditions.

07:07 EDT Waters announces Amol Chaubal as CFO - Waters (WAT) announced Amol Chaubal will assume the role of senior VP and CFO, effective May 12. Chaubal joins Waters from Quanterix (QTRX), where he served as CFO since April 2019, helping to oversee a period of shareholder value creation and returns. Amol brings experience in pharma and diagnostics. Michael Silveira, who has served as interim CFO since January, will resume his previous responsibilities as corporate controller and assume the role of chief accounting officer, reporting to Chaubal, on May 12.

07:07 EDT Revolution Medicines announces dosing of first patient in Phase 1/1b of RMC-5552 - Revolution Medicines announced dosing of the first patient in a multicenter Phase 1/1b clinical trial evaluating RMC-5552, the company's investigational bi-steric mTORC1 inhibitor as a monotherapy. The trial is an open-label dose-escalation and dose-expansion study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, preliminary efficacy and pharmacokinetics of RMC-5552 in patients with advanced relapsed/refractory solid tumors. Results from this study will inform Revolution Medicines' identification of the maximum tolerated dose and selection of recommended Phase 2 dose and schedule for further evaluation of the compound. In additional news regarding the RMC-5552 program, Revolution Medicines today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 10,980,889. This patent provides composition of matter protection for RMC-5552, as well as related compounds in the company's proprietary series of selective mTORC1 inhibitors.

07:03 EDT Nasdaq raises quarterly dividend 10% to 54c per share - The Board of Directors of Nasdaq has declared a regular quarterly dividend of 54c per share on the company's outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on June 25, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 11, 2021. Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

07:02 EDT Nasdaq sees 2021 non-GAAP tax rate 25%-27% - The company is updating its 2021 non-GAAP operating expense guidance to a range of $1,570 to $1,620 million. Nasdaq expects its 2021 non-GAAP tax rate to be in the range of 25% to 27%.

06:56 EDT D.R. Horton board names Benjamin Carson, Sr. as new independent director - D.R. Horton announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Benjamin Carson, Sr. as an independent director effective April 20. Dr. Carson was also named as a member of the Nominating and Governance, Audit and Compensation Committees. The appointment of Dr. Carson expands the size of the company's Board from six to seven directors, six of whom are independent directors.

06:51 EDT Kum & Go, WEX announce multi-year agreement - WEX has signed a multi-year fuel card agreement with Kum & Go. The retailer ranked No. 18 on Convenience Store Products list of Top 202 Convenience Store Chains of 2020 and is continuing a trend of rapid growth. With more than 400 stores across 11 states and nearly 5,000 employees, Kum & Go is one of the largest privately held, company-operated convenience store chains in the United States.

06:48 EDT Halliburton reports Q1 cash flow from operating activities of $203M - Reports Q1 free cash flow of $157M.

06:34 EDT InfuSystem acquires OB Healthcare - InfuSystem has acquired the operating assets of OB Healthcare, a privately held, Texas-based, biomedical services company founded in 2007. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. OB Healthcare specializes in on-site repair, preventative maintenance, and physical device inventory management to hospitals and healthcare systems nationwide.

06:31 EDT Amazon One, a contactless payment system, to expand to seven Whole Foods stores - Amazon announced in a blog post that Amazon One will be added to seven additional Whole Foods Market stores in the Seattle area over the upcoming months. This follows the introduction of the service to several Amazon stores in the Seattle area last September, which "thousands of customers have signed up for the service, and feedback has been great." Reference Link

06:28 EDT FirstCash expects 50-60 new store openings in 2021 - Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, including significant construction, utility and permitting delays, the company has a solid pipeline of additional stores leased, under construction or completed and awaiting permits. While there continue to be COVID-19 related operating challenges in many expansion markets, the company expects 50-60 new store openings in 2021. In addition, the company continues to believe there are significant opportunities for accretive consolidations, expansions and/or relocations of acquired small format stores in Mexico.

06:14 EDT Anthem CEO expects positive Q1 momentum to 'persist' through the year - "Our results in the first quarter reflect strong execution and a continued focus on supporting our communities through the pandemic," said Gail Boudreaux, President and CEO. "We expect the positive momentum in the first quarter to persist through the balance of the year, driven by our commitment to delivering affordable healthcare and innovative solutions for those we serve. At Anthem, we are modernizing our business while transforming into a digitally-enabled platform for health. Our solid performance demonstrates the value we bring to the market and I am confident that we are well positioned to capitalize on future opportunities for growth."

06:08 EDT Anthem reports medical enrollment totaled 43.5M members at March 31 - Medical enrollment totaled approximately 43.5M members at March 31, 2021, an increase of 1.4M lives, or 3.3% from the prior year quarter. Government Business enrollment increased by 1.8M lives compared to the prior year quarter, attributable to Medicaid, reflecting organic growth, aided by the temporary suspension of eligibility recertification efforts in our markets, and growth in Medicare Advantage. Commercial & Specialty Business enrollment decreased by 411,000 lives compared to the prior year quarter primarily attributable to higher in-group change in the group fee-based business as a result of the economic environment, partially offset by growth in Individual. During the first quarter, medical enrollment increased sequentially by 596,000 lives, reflecting organic growth in the Medicaid and Medicare businesses, higher BlueCard activity, and sales in excess of lapses in our Commercial risk-based businesses, partially offset by higher in-group change in the group fee-based business.

06:05 EDT FirstCash raises quarterly dividend to 30c from 27c per share - To be paid on May 28 to stockholders of record as of May 14.

05:28 EDT Qiagen, DiaSorin announce launch of Liaison LymeDetect Assay - Qiagen and DiaSorin announced the launch of the Liaison LymeDetect Assay for markets accepting the CE Mark, as an aid to detect early Lyme Borreliosis infection on Liaison analyzer systems. Lyme is a tick-borne illness caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium species, with different types of manifestations in the early phase: early-localized rash and early-disseminated forms, where people may develop a different kind of rash, remain asymptomatic or have quite non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches.

05:18 EDT General Electric, Hitachi announce cross-licensing agreement for SF6 - General Electric Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions business (GE) and Hitachi ABB Power Grids (HTHIY) announced a non-exclusive, cross-licensing agreement related to the use of an alternative gas to sulfur hexafluoride, or SF6, used in high voltage equipment. This fluoronitrile-based gas mixture has a significantly reduced impact on the environment compared to SF6. Under this landmark agreement announced between the two companies, both companies will share complementary intellectual property related to their respective SF6-free solutions. This will help accelerate the use of fluoronitrile-based eco-efficient insulation and switching gas in high-voltage equipment as an alternative to SF6. A recent EU Commission report concluded that fluorinitrile-based gas mixtures may be the only insulating and switching gas alternative to SF6 when space is a constraint. The companies said, "Today's historic agreement paves the way for a standard SF6-free solution for high-voltage equipment in the coming years. This would enable utilities and industries to accelerate their reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, while facilitating their ability to plan, as well as operate and maintain their networks thanks to standardized services and the use of the same auxiliary equipment. For almost half a century, SF6 gas has been the norm in the electrical power transmission and distribution industry due to its unique physical properties. It is, however a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming if leaked. For this reason, GE and Hitachi ABB Power Grids have been investing in the development of better alternatives to SF6."