Stockwinners Market Radar for August 06, 2021 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:20 EDT DaVita CFO sells 37,760 common shares - In a regulatory filing, DaVita CFO Joel Ackerman disclosed the sale of 37,760 common shares of the company on August 5 at a price of $131.3598 per share.

17:31 EDT OMERS Infrastructure acquires 19.4% stake in Azure Power for $219M - Azure Power Global Limited announced that OMERS Infrastructure acquired approximately 19.4% in Azure Power Global Limited from International Finance Corporation and IFC GIF Investment Company I, for a total consideration of $219M. Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Ranjit Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power said, "IFC has been one of the early investors in Azure Power and has been instrumental in Azure Power's growth story. We are thankful to both IFC and IFC GIF for their long-term partnership. Indian renewable market continues to offer significant growth opportunities and the purchase of IFC/IFC GIF stake by OMERS infrastructure is a recognition of Azure Power as a leading renewable platform in India. This partnership will continue to strengthen our access to long term patient capital and further improve our capability to deliver accretive growth."

17:08 EDT Crowdstrike Chief Accounting Officer Abhishek Maheshwari to resign - On August 4, Abhishek Maheshwari, the Chief Accounting Officer and principal accounting officer of CrowdStrike Holdings, notified CrowdStrike of his decision to resign effective September 20.

16:18 EDT ManpowerGroup announces new stock repurchase program for up to 4M shares - ManpowerGroup announced that its board of directors has authorized a new share repurchase program under which the company may repurchase up to 4M shares of its common stock. The new repurchase program is in addition to the share repurchase program authorized in August 2019, of which approximately 1.9M shares remained available for repurchase as of June 30. Purchases under the new share repurchase program may be made from time to time through open market purchases, block transactions, privately negotiated transactions or other facilities.

16:13 EDT Havertys announces new $25M stock repurchase program - The board approved a new authorization under its stock repurchase program that permits the company to purchase up to $25M of its common stock and Class A common stock once the approximately $8.2M remaining authorization is utilized. The company has repurchased approximately 235,000 shares of common stock for $8.6M during the third quarter of 2021. Shares may be repurchased, at the company's discretion, from time-to-time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

14:40 EDT Health Canada updates Pfizer vaccine label to describe rare Bell's Palsy reports - Health Canada has updated the product information for the Pfizer (PFE)-BioNTech (BNTX) COVID-19 vaccine to describe very rare reports of Bell's Palsy following vaccination. Cases have been reported in a small number of people in Canada and internationally. The Moderna (MRNA) COVID-19 vaccine label already contains safety information about reported cases of Bell's Palsy following vaccination and the Department is continuing to assess this issue for all authorized COVID-19 vaccines in Canada. Health Canada said it reassures Canadians that COVID-19 vaccines continue to be safe and effective at protecting them against COVID-19. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccines continue to outweigh their potential risks, as scientific evidence shows that they reduce deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19.

13:16 EDT Qiagen receives FDA EUA for QIAreach SARS CoV-2 antigen test - QIAGEN announced it has received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its QIAreach SARS CoV-2 Antigen Test, which is designed for environments that require a high volume of fast and accurate test results. The QIAreach SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test is the second QIAGEN COVID-19 test to make use of the digital eHub and eStick system that was developed in partnership with Australian digital diagnostics company Ellume. In May 2021, QIAGEN received an EUA for its QIAreach Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total Test that uses the same technology and eHub. "Knowledge of past and present infections is key to understanding and inhibiting the spread of the disease", said Jenny Howard, Head of QIAGEN's Immune Monitoring Franchise. "The QIAreach SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test delivers rapid and highly accurate results and addresses the high-volume testing needs for SARS-CoV-2 antigens - and in combination with QIAreach Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total Test allows labs to run antigen tests and antibody tests at the same time."

13:12 EDT RMR Group: Most likely capital return form will be special dividend - Comments taken from Q3 earnings conference call.

13:00 EDT Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 3 to 491 rigs

12:13 EDT DraftKings teases 'something non-fungible is on the way' in tweet - The official Twitter account of DraftKings tweeted: "Something non-fungible is on the way" with a link back to a page that announced "DraftKings Marketplace is coming soon!" Reference Link

12:00 EDT AngloGold Ashanti falls -12.3% - AngloGold Ashanti is down -12.3%, or -$2.35 to $16.83.

12:00 EDT HCI Group rises 15.2% - HCI Group is up 15.2%, or $14.92 to $113.25.

12:00 EDT LiveRamp rises 20.6% - LiveRamp is up 20.6%, or $8.01 to $46.84.

11:49 EDT Vectura Group says increased Carlyle bid 'superior' to Philip Morris offer - In an announcement on Vectura Group's (VEGPF) Cash Offer by Caryle Group (CG) page, the company wrote: "Today the boards of Bidco and Vectura Group are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of an increased recommended cash offer under which Bidco will acquire all of the issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Vectura at a price of 155 pence per share. Under the terms of the Increased Offer, Vectura Shareholders will be entitled to receive: 155 pence in cash for each Vectura Share. The Increased Offer values the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Vectura at approximately GBP 958 million and represents a premium of: 60 per cent. to the volume weighted average Ex-Dividend Closing Price of 97 pence per Vectura Share for the 3 months ended 25 May 2021; and 5 pence per share to the price of 150 pence per Vectura Share announced by PMI Global Services (PM) on 9 July 2021. Bidco has received irrevocable undertakings in relation to voting in favour of the Scheme at the Court Meeting and the resolutions to be proposed at the Vectura General Meeting from AXA Investment Managers UK Limited, TIG Advisors, LLC and Berry Street Capital Management LLP in respect of a total of 67,133,559 Vectura Shares representing, in aggregate, approximately 11.2 per cent. of the issued ordinary share capital of Vectura as at close of business on 5 August 2021. All irrevocable undertakings given by Vectura Directors and one former Vectura director to vote in favour of the Scheme at the Court Meeting and the resolutions to be proposed at the Vectura General Meeting remain in force over a total of 587,662 Vectura Shares representing approximately 0.1 per cent. of the issued ordinary share capital of Vectura as at close of business on 5 August 2021. Bidco already has all the approvals it has been seeking from regulators and therefore the only approvals now actively required by Bidco prior to completion are Vectura shareholder approvals and sanction by the Court...The Increased Offer is superior to the PMI Offer on price and timing and Bidco believes that it is also well aligned with Vectura's wider stakeholder objectives...Accordingly, the Vectura Directors intend to recommend unanimously that Vectura Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme at the Court Meeting and the resolutions to be proposed at the Vectura General Meeting.The Vectura Directors have therefore withdrawn their recommendation of the PMI Offer and intend to adjourn the shareholder meetings relating to the PMI Offer." Reference Link

11:41 EDT FDA identifies Boston Scientific INGENIO recall as Class I - Boston Scientific is recalling INGENIO family of pacemakers and CRT-Ps due to the risk of incorrect transition to safety mode, the FDA stated in a post dated August 6. The devices recalled in the U.S. are about 48,000 and date the recall was initiated by the firm was June 3, 2021, the FDA notice stated. "Safety mode is intended to provide backup if the device is faulty. However, in safety mode, there is a risk of inappropriate loss of pacing due to sensing of muscle contractions. If the device incorrectly goes into safety mode, the device cannot be reprogrammed and must be replaced," the FDA said. "The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death," the agency's notice stated. Reference Link

11:34 EDT Third Point discloses new RH position started in Q4 last year - In its second quarter 2021 investor letter dated August 6, Third Point stated in part: "We started acquiring RH in Q4 of 2020 when the market started to fear what a 'Blue Wave' and peaking 'work from home' could mean for high-end furniture demand. Our focus was less on those issues and more on a high-quality underlying business at a fundamental inflection point. Our confidence was buoyed by CEO Gary Friedman, a once-in-a-generation leader who is both an innovator and effective capital allocator... When work from home produced a surge in furniture demand, skeptics wondered if RH could sustain its recent revenue growth. Yet, bears missed the fact that the intentional 'elevation' of the brand had actually restrained sales for the preceding few years. This strategy shift was only just manifesting into a growth phase when COVID hit. Coming out of COVID, we expect the years of hard work to pay off, driving years of above-consensus furniture growth domestically... We are confident in RH's potential for rapid earnings growth and multiple expansion as Friedman continues to execute on his vision, regardless of the political landscape or housing cycle."

11:24 EDT Correction: Fyber reports preliminary 1H revenue EUR 180M - This corrects an earlier headline that made it unclear that the revenue result was attributable to Fyber, not to Digital Turbine.

11:13 EDT Macronix, Foxconn sign asset transaction agreement for 6-inch wafer fab - Macronix International (MCIX) and Foxconn (HNHPF) announced the signing of an Asset Transaction Agreement for the sales of Macronix's 6-inch wafer fab and equipment in Hsinchu Science Park to Foxconn for NT$2.52B. The transaction is expected to be closed by the end of 2021. "The acquisition of the 6-inch wafer fab in Hsinchu Science Park officially signals Foxconn's entry into the manufacture and development of wide band gap semiconductors, especially SiC, paving the way for a long-term commitment to semiconductor development. The manufacturing of SiC is in line with Foxconn's 3+3 strategy. SiC MOSFET is an important device for EV, while EV occupies the No.1 position in Foxconn's 3+3 strategy. The 6-inch wafer fab will function as S Business Group's headquarters in Hsinchu, the world famous semiconductor cluster, enabling closer partnership with the semiconductor companies based in the Hsinchu Science Park", said Young Liu, Chairman and CEO of Foxconn.

10:23 EDT Bitfarms provides Bitcoin production update for 2021 - Bitfarms announced yesterday a Bitcoin production update. Mining Production Highlights as of August 1, 2021: Mined 391 new Bitcoin during July 2021, Bitfarms' largest monthly production rate achieved in 2021 and approximately 96% more than its mining production in January 2021. The company is currently mining between 12.5-13.5 Bitcoin each day. Mined 1,748 Bitcoin in the first seven months of 2021. Deposited 1,678 Bitcoin into custody through August 1, 2021, representing approximately 96% of the company's Bitcoin production this year and valued at approximately $69.8M based on the July 31st closing price of $41,626.

10:00 EDT AngloGold Ashanti falls -11.2% - AngloGold Ashanti is down -11.2%, or -$2.15 to $17.04.

10:00 EDT Yelp rises 14.9% - Yelp is up 14.9%, or $5.55 to $42.76.

10:00 EDT Switch rises 25.1% - Switch is up 25.1%, or $5.10 to $25.41.

09:47 EDT AngloGold Ashanti falls -10.4% - AngloGold Ashanti is down -10.4%, or -$2.00 to $17.18.

09:47 EDT LiveRamp rises 15.2% - LiveRamp is up 15.2%, or $5.92 to $44.75.

09:47 EDT Switch rises 23.1% - Switch is up 23.1%, or $4.69 to $25.00.

09:18 EDT Glass Lewis recommends shareholders of Exfo to vote against transaction - Viavi Solutions (VIAV) announced that proxy advisory firm Glass, Lewis & Co., a leading independent provider of proxy research and vote recommendations to the investment community, has recommended that shareholders of EXFO (EXFO) vote AGAINST Germain Lamonde's inadequate going-private transaction. Mr. Lamonde's inferior transaction is valued at US$6.00 per share, well below VIAVI's binding superior proposal to acquire EXFO for US$8.00 in cash per share. Glass Lewis made its recommendation to vote AGAINST Lamonde's going-private transaction after carefully reviewing the facts and arguments related to the transaction, relative to VIAVI's binding superior proposal.

09:01 EDT Romeo Power appoints Susan Brennan as CEO - Romeo Power (RMO) announced that its board appointed Susan Brennan as president and CEO, effective as of August 16. Brennan brings to the role more than 30 years of experience. She most recently held the role of COO at Bloom Energy (BE).

08:53 EDT Blackwells Capital issues presentation opposing Monmouth Real Estate sale - Blackwells Capital announced that it has issued an investor presentation opposing Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation's (MNR) proposed merger with Equity Commonwealth (EQC). Among other key details in the presentation, Blackwells highlights: Why Monmouth launched its flawed and conflicted strategic review and sought to ensure an all-stock transaction favorable to the Landy family while saving them from losing their board seats at an upcoming annual meeting; That JP Morgan's fairness opinion was, at the time it was issued, directly in conflict with JP Morgan's own equity research and now, in any event, is outdated and irrelevant; The significant delta between the actual fair value of Monmouth's assets and the transaction consideration being recommended by the Board; How combining EQC and Monmouth into one public company solves none of the problems plaguing either company; and how Starwood has paid, on average, approximately 30% higher valuations for smaller portfolios of industrial assets throughout 2020 and 2021 than it is offering for Monmouth's premium portfolio. Blackwells encourages all shareholders to review all available information and vote AGAINST the merger with EQC.

08:35 EDT Safe-T issues shareholder letter from CEO Daniel - Safe-T Group has issued a letter to shareholders from its Chief Executive Officer, Shachar Daniel. "We have continued to reach key milestones in our mission to become a world-class and leading company in the global cybersecurity and privacy industry. Following our third and most recent acquisition, CyberKick, we initiated the integration of CyberKick activities into the Safe-T family.... I am pleased to say that upon the integration of CyberKick, in addition to our organic growth, we finished the month of July 2021 with more than $1M monthly, representing a run rate, on an annual basis, which may lead to a significant annual growth compared to 2020 revenues. In conjunction with this shareholder letter, a new investor presentation will be released incorporating CyberKick acquisition as well as our current strategy and status.... We are very encouraged by our progress and reaching of key milestones. With the CyberKick acquisition completion, we are now one step closer to our vision of providing comprehensive cybersecurity and privacy solutions to both enterprises and consumers. CyberKick has a very strong and broad marketing capabilities that join our wide partners network, direct sale operations and our online channels of sales. Our goal is to continue the growth of our business through meaningful innovation and partnering with accomplished cybersecurity entrepreneurs," the letter said.

08:32 EDT Singing Machine announces pricing of $10M private placement - The Singing Machine Company announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with large institutional investors and a strategic investor for a private placement of common stock and warrants exercisable for common stock expected to result in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $10 million before deducting transaction-related expenses payable by the Company. In the private placement, the Company has agreed to sell 16,500,000 shares of its common stock together with warrants to purchase up to 16,500,000 shares of common stock, and 16,833,333 pre-funded warrants with each pre-funded warrant exercisable for one share of common stock, together with common warrants to purchase up to 16,833,333 shares of common stock. Each share of common stock and accompanying common warrant are being sold together at a combined offering price of $0.30, and each pre-funded warrant and accompanying common warrant are being sold together at a combined offering price of $0.29. The pre-funded warrants will be immediately exercisable, at a nominal exercise price of $0.01, and may be exercised at any time until all of the pre-funded warrants are exercised in full. The common warrants will have an exercise price of $0.35 per share, will be exercisable upon issuance and will expire five years from the date of an effective registration statement covering the shares underlying the warrants. The private placement is expected to close on or about August 10, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

08:11 EDT Lightbridge announces appointment of Jesse Funches to board of directors - Lightbridge announced the appointment of Jesse Funches to the Lightbridge Board of Directors, effective immediately. Funches will also serve as Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board. Funches is the former Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and he currently provides consulting services and expert testimony to the U.S. civilian nuclear industry on regulatory costs, including NRC fees and related issues.

08:10 EDT Ero Copper closes streaming agreement with RGLD Gold on NX Gold Mine - Ero Copper Corp. (ERO) is pleased to announce that it has closed the previously announced Precious Metals Purchase Agreement with RGLD Gold AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Gold (RGLD). The Company has received total upfront cash consideration of $100M from RG AG in exchange for 25% of gold produced from the NX Gold Mine until 93,000 ounces of gold have been delivered, decreasing to 10% of gold produced over the remaining life of mine. RG AG will make ongoing payments equal to 20% of the prevailing spot gold price for each ounce of gold delivered until 49,000 ounces of gold have been received, after which it will pay 40% of the prevailing spot gold price for each ounce of gold delivered.

08:10 EDT OFS Capital increases quarterly distribution 9% to 24c per share - On August 3, OFS Capital's board of directors declared a distribution of 24c per share for Q3, payable on September 30 to stockholders of record as of September 23.

08:08 EDT Taoping signs LOI to acquire majority ownership of Yunnan Taoping - Taoping announced that it has entered into a letter of intent with the majority shareholder of Yunnan Taoping IoT to acquire additional equity interests and increase its ownership of Yunnan Taoping to no less than 51%. Currently TAOP's variable interest entity, Taoping New Media Co., Ltd., owns about 40% of Yunnan Taoping. Established in July 2017, Yunnan Taoping has become a leading and influential new media platform in Yunnan province after four years of rapid development. As a TAOP Alliance member, it provides customized intelligent marketing and Taoping e-Store services for brand customers in various industries. After the closing of the acquisition, Yunnan Taoping is expected to become the Southwest Operation Center of the Company to expand digital businesses in cloud application services and new media in the region. Pursuant to the LOI, the purchase price, to be determined by the two parties after the completion of due diligence, will be paid in the form of ordinary shares of TAOP. The LOI will be terminated if no definitive agreements are entered into between the parties before March 31, 2022. There is no guarantee that the transaction contemplated under the LOI will be consummated as planned or at all.

08:07 EDT Amdocs enters multi-year agreement with Three UK - Amdocs announced that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Three UK, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, that expands the two companies' collaboration in the business-to-business domain to the consumer sector. Under a managed services engagement and leveraging the business processes and functionality of its digital transformation at Three Ireland and B2B project at Three UK with a new, cloud-based omnichannel digital business system, Amdocs will empower Three UK to drive business growth, increase time-to-market agility, launch eSIM-enabled devices, and introduce operational efficiencies for existing and emerging services, including 5G, for its individual subscribers.

08:02 EDT Koppers Holdings appoints Jimmi Smith as CFO - Koppers Holdings announced that CFO, Michael J. Zugay has informed the Board of Directors of his decision to retire effective December 31. The Board has appointed Jimmi Sue Smith, the company's current Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, to assume the role of CFO effective January 1, 2022. Smith will report to Leroy Ball, Koppers President and CEO. Since February 2020, Smith has served as Koppers Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, overseeing the global treasury management function. She plays an integral role in the company's capital markets financing, merger and acquisition activities, and debt agreements. In addition, she has responsibility for building and strengthening relationships with a syndication of commercial banks as well as credit rating agencies. Smith brings extensive financial leadership experience. She started her career at a Big Four accounting firm and subsequently served in various financial and accounting management roles that include companies in the manufacturing and natural gas sectors. Smith received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an Accounting concentration from West Virginia University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Duquesne University School of Law.

07:59 EDT Quanterix reports Simoa HD-X technology used in Eli Lilly TRAILBLAZER-ALZ study - Quanterix (QTRX) announced that Eli Lilly (LLY) presented new data from Lilly's Phase 2 TRAILBLAZER-ALZ study at AAIC 2021 utilizing Quanterix' highly sensitive Simoa technology. The study utilized Quanterix' Simoa HD-X technology and assays to measure P-tau217, using antibodies developed by Lilly. Lilly reported that the data demonstrates a significant reduction in blood levels of phosphorylated Tau protein after treatment with donanemab.

07:42 EDT Switch to evaluate REIT, add Elliott's Jason Genrich to board - Switch last night announced "shareholder value initiatives to support its industry-leading technology and visionary infrastructure strategy." These initiatives include the evaluation of a real estate investment trust election and review of the company's operational and financial targets. Elliott Investment Management, whose funds are collectively the largest class A investor with an 11% economic interest in such class, "has collaborated with Switch on these initiatives and will join the Board of Directors," the company said in a statement. Switch intends to add Jason Genrich of Elliott to the board, subject to Switch's "standard governance processes for Board appointments." It added that the mandate for the REIT committee is to "target a financial profile that accelerates Switch's long-term value creation and provides the necessary flexibility to invest in its strategy."

07:40 EDT DT Midstream sees 2021 adjusted EBITDA $710M-$750M - DT Midstream reaffirmed its 2021 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $710 million to $750 million and operating earnings guidance of $296 million to $312 million, with a bias to the higher end of both ranges. "Our second quarter results give us confidence in meeting our financial goals this year," said Jeff Jewell, DTM CFO. "The spinoff of DTE's midstream business into an independent company was completed as planned. We believe the transaction unlocks significant value for investors of both companies. DT Midstream has become an independent, pure-play C-corp midstream company."

07:39 EDT DT Midstream says 'confidently executing' on 2022 growth of 5%-7%

07:36 EDT Ideanomics unit awarded supplier contract from Sourcewell - WAVE, a subsidiary of Ideanomics, has been awarded a cooperative purchasing contract in the wireless inductive charging solutions category from Sourcewell.

07:35 EDT Intersect ENT trading resumes

07:33 EDT Parsons wins potential $68M multiple-award contract for C4ISR architectures - Parsons has won a $28M multiple-award contract to support the networks division at the Naval Warfare Center, Pacific in engineering and technical services spanning naval, joint, allied and coalition operations. The new contract has a three-year base period with four one-year options for an overall potential value of $68M and will provide continuing command, control, communications, computer and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance systems engineering support. The Parsons team will provide engineering support related to the core competencies of technology and architecture development, network analysis, modeling and simulation, network convergence, network timing, network security, certification and governance, network and information system applications, network management and monitoring, network and computer operations, and production and manufacturing processes. Company efforts will enable the transition of a capabilities-based portfolio into a network infrastructure that supports Navy and Joint net-centric operations.

07:30 EDT CM Life Sciences III Inc (Class A Stock) trading resumes

07:29 EDT Kaixin Auto announces entering into new energy vehicle business - Kaixin Auto announced that the company has decided to establish a new energy vehicle business unit, which will quickly build up EV R&D, production and marketing teams. The corporate strategic move has been made in the context of the Chinese government's steady support for accelerated development of EVs and the rapid growth of EV market in China. With Chinese consumers' ever increasing recognition of EV, new energy vehicles are expected to become the mainstream consumer model in the auto industry. The company has been engaged in negotiations of mergers and acquisitions with a number of EV manufacturers, and the company will announce the progress of major business transactions.

07:15 EDT Broadwind sees sufficient liquidity to support ongoing operations - The Company believes it has sufficient liquidity to support ongoing operations, together with potential growth investments. Total cash and availability under its credit facility was $23.7 million as of June 30, 2021, compared to $21.9 million as of June 30, 2020. As of June 30, 2021, the ratio of net debt to trailing twelve-month non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was 0.4x.

07:11 EDT Ruth's Hospitality sees FY21 capital expenditures $20M-$25M - Sees FY21 effective tax rate 17%-19%.

07:09 EDT Waste Connections receives approval from TSX to renew its NCIB - Waste Connections announced that it has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange, or TSX, for the annual renewal of its normal course issuer bid, or NCIB. The renewal will follow on the conclusion of the Company's current NCIB expiring August 9. Pursuant to the renewed NCIB, Waste Connections proposes to purchase through the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange and/or alternative Canadian trading systems, from time to time over the next 12 months, if considered advisable, up to 13,025,895 common shares, being 5% of its 260,517,909 issued and outstanding common shares as of August 3. In accordance with TSX rules, any daily repurchases would be limited to a maximum of 75,704 common shares, which represents 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 302,816 common shares for the period from February 1 to July 31.

07:06 EDT Norwegian Cruise Line reports Q2 monthly average cash burn $200M - The Company continues to take decisive measures on its financial action plan to enhance liquidity and control costs in the current environment. As of June 30, 2021, the Company's total debt position was $12.3 billion and the Company's cash and cash equivalents were $2.8 billion. The Company has taken the following additional actions to enhance its liquidity since March 31, 2021: In July 2021, the Company amended nine credit facilities for its newbuild agreements and increased the combined commitments under such credit facilities by approximately $770 million to cover owners supply and modification costs and financing premium fees. Secured a EUR28.8 million loan facility for newbuild related payments. Requested and received approval from its shareholders for an increase of 490 million authorized ordinary shares at the Company's annual general meeting. The Company's monthly average cash burn for the second quarter 2021 was approximately $200 million, higher than prior guidance of approximately $190 million and above the prior quarter, as it prepared for a return to service this summer. Looking ahead, the Company expects third quarter 2021 monthly average cash burn to increase to approximately $285 million driven by the continued phased relaunch of additional vessels. This cash burn rate does not include expected cash inflows from new and existing bookings. Cash burn rates include ongoing ship operating expenses, administrative operating expenses, interest expense, taxes, debt deferral fees and expected non-newbuild capital expenditures and exclude cash refunds of customer deposits as well as cash inflows from new and existing bookings, newbuild related capital expenditures and other working capital changes. Future cash burn rate estimates also exclude unforeseen expenses. The second quarter 2021 cash burn rate and third quarter burn rate and third quarter estimate also reflect the deferral of debt amortization and newbuild related payments.

07:04 EDT Aslan Pharmaceuticals anticipated upcoming milestones - Completion of MAD clinical study of ASLAN004 in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis patients with topline results expected at the end of the third quarter of 2021; initiation of Phase 2b study of ASLAN004 for AD expected in the last quarter of 2021; and initiation of Phase 2 study of ASLAN003 in inflammatory bowel disease in early 2022.

07:04 EDT Medtronic to acquire Intersect ENT for $28.25 per share in an all-cash deal - Medtronic (MDT) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Intersect ENT (XENT), a global ear, nose, and throat medical technology leader, in which Medtronic will acquire all outstanding shares of Intersect ENT for $28.25 per share in an all-cash transaction implying an enterprise value of approximately $1.1B. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction. Following close, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Medtronic's weighted average market growth rate, and to be neutral to Medtronic's adjusted earnings per share in the first twelve months and accretive thereafter. The acquisition is expected to close toward the end of Medtronic's current fiscal year, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory clearances and approval by Intersect ENT's stockholders.

07:00 EDT CM Life Sciences III Inc (Class A Stock) trading halted, news dissemination

06:55 EDT Intersect ENT trading halted, news pending

06:41 EDT Digital Turbine reports preliminary 1H revenue EUR 180M - The company said, "Digital Turbine completed the acquisition of Fyber on May 25, 2021, and will consolidate Fyber's financial results beginning on that date. Digital Turbine intends to provide full consolidated financial results, inclusive of the partial Fyber contribution, for the fiscal first quarter and provide additional business commentary on its previously scheduled conference call on Monday, August 9, 2021."

06:35 EDT Essent Group raises quarterly dividend to 18c per share - The dividend is payable on September 10 to shareholders of record on September 1.

06:29 EDT Groupon on track to realize $225M of run rate savings from restructuring actions - Reduced cost structure expected to drive greater flow-through to Adjusted EBITDA, Groupon said. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call presentation slides.

05:01 EDT Baidu announces launch of Apolong II autonomous minibuses - Baidu announced the launch of Apolong II, a new generation of multi-purpose autonomous minibuses that are being rolled out in Guangzhou Huangpu District. The Apolong II is equipped with advanced autonomous driving capabilities and the latest in-vehicle smart cabin technologies.