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

19:29 EDT J2 Global board approves separation into two companies - J2 Global announced that its board approved its previously announced separation into two independent publicly traded companies - J2 Global, Inc., which will be known as Ziff Davis, Inc. after the separation. The J2 Global Board of Directors declared a special dividend distribution of one share of Consensus common stock for every three shares of J2 Global common stock outstanding as of the close of business on October 1, 2021, the record date for the distribution. The separation is expected to be completed on October 7, 2021. In connection with the separation, J2 Global intends to launch a tender offer to purchase a portion of its outstanding 4.625% senior notes due 2030 at a tender price no greater than 108.00%, with a maximum aggregate purchase price of $330M. J2 Global intends to fund the purchase price in part from a cash distribution by Consensus to J2 Global of $260Mpursuant to the terms of the separation. J2 Global's current CEO, Vivek Shah, will be CEO of Ziff Davis, while Scott Turicchi, J2 Global's current President & CFO, will become CEO of Consensus.

18:26 EDT Four Corners Property Trust acquires Caliber Collision portfolio for $7.2M - Four Corners Property Trust announced the acquisition of three Caliber Collision properties for $7.2M. The properties are located in highly trafficked corridors in New York and are corporate-operated under net leases with a weighted average of seven years of term remaining and annual rent increases of 2%. The transaction was priced at a 6.8% cap rate on rent today, exclusive of transaction costs.

18:17 EDT Rhythm granted authorization to market IMCIVREE in Great Britain - Rhythm Pharmaceuticals announced that Great Britain's Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, or MHRA, has granted marketing authorisation to IMCIVREE, or setmelanotide, for the treatment of obesity and the control of hunger associated with genetically confirmed loss-of-function biallelic pro-opiomelanocortin, or POMC, including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1, or PCSK1, deficiency or biallelic leptin receptor, or LEPR, deficiency in adults and children 6 years of age and above. IMCIVREE was selected for evaluation as a "Highly Specialised Technology" by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, or NICE. NICE is scheduled to review the dossier for IMCIVREE in December 2021. Guidance for coverage of IMCIVREE under the U.K's National Health Service, or NHS, is anticipated in the second quarter of 2022.

18:11 EDT Bristol-Myers' Celgene receives FDA orphan designation for luspatercept - According to a post on the FDA's website, Celgene's treatment of Alpha-thalassemia, luspatercept, received orphan designation. Reference Link

18:05 EDT FedEx says anticipate similar level of headwinds in Q2 as experienced in Q1 - Says impact to operations from labor shortages to persist through the rest of 2021. Says Q2 headwinds also driven by expansion of ground business, higher health care expenses, COVID-related air network inefficiencies, and reduced aviation excise taxes.

18:02 EDT Allison Transmission and Jing-Jin Electric sign global partnership agreement - Allison Transmission and Jing-Jin Electric, a Chinese electrified propulsion leader in components, assemblies and systems for global automotive and commercial vehicle customers, have signed a broad, global strategic collaboration partnership agreement to accelerate the development of industry-leading electrified powertrain solutions for global commercial vehicles. The companies will leverage JJE's leadership in electric motor and inverter development and its strong presence in the Chinese commercial vehicle electrified powertrain market, while harnessing Allison's deep experience and investments in fully electric and electric hybrid commercial duty propulsion systems, commercial vehicle duty cycle expertise, global OEM relationships, and a worldwide distributors and dealers channel. The combined capabilities will enable the strategic collaboration partnership to offer innovative and reliable electrified propulsion solutions, to commercial vehicle manufacturers around the world.

17:55 EDT FedEx says labor markets are biggest issue, driver of lower than expected result - COO Rajesh Subramaniam says in FedEx Groupd, over 600K packages per day are being rerouted. Says in the early stages of unlocking value from digital innovation, confident this will play significant part of FedEx success. Comments taken from Q1 earnings conference call.

17:25 EDT Incyte trading resumes

17:24 EDT BioDelivery Sciences warns of payer issues around BELBUCA coverage - BioDelivery Sciences said in a regulatory filing that, on September 21, 2021, it filed under seal a Motion for Order to Show Cause why Defendants Should not be Held in Contempt for Violating the Court Order of June 28, 2021. On June 28, 2021, citing the statute authorizing the Court to extend the 30-month stay under the Hatch-Waxman Act, the Court ordered Alvogen not to "launch" its generic product until it could reach a final decision on the merits in the case. In the Motion, the Company contends that Alvogen PB Research & Development LLC, Alvogen Malta Operations Ltd., Alvogen Pine Brook LLC, Alvogen, Inc. and Alvogen Group, Inc. violated the order of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware commencing in or about August 2021 by, among other things, offering the generic product for sale through five compendia / price reporting services, including First Databank, Medi-Span, Red Book, Gold Standard and ScriptPro. As alleged in the Motion, after Alvogen's product launch, certain payers began declining insurance coverage for the company's brand BELBUCA and directing use of Alvogen's generic substitute and/or made it more difficult for patients to obtain insurance coverage for BELBUCA, and thereby damaged the company. In addition to filing the Motion, the company demanded that Alvogen withdraw its compendia listings. Alvogen claims to have withdrawn its compendia product listings on or about September 9, 2021.

17:07 EDT Optex Systems gets $3M order bringing total backlog to more than $27M - Optex Systems announced it has been awarded a $3.0M order to be delivered over the next 12 months as part of a multi-year strategic supplier agreement with a domestic commercial manufacturer of premium optical devices. The products will be manufactured at the Applied Optics Center AOC Division of Optex Systems, Bill Bates, General Manager of AOC, commented, "With this award, total bookings associated with this agreement now exceed $23.3 million dollars since its inception in early 2015. AOC is extremely pleased to continue with our support of quality products that benefit both commercial and military customers well into the future". With this order, Optex's current backlog is in excess of $27M.

17:05 EDT U.K. government reaches deal with CF Fertilisers over CO2 supplies - U.K. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng announced an agreement with CF Fertilisers to ensure the continued supply of CO2 to U.K. businesses. The short term arrangement with CF Fertilisers will allow the company to immediately restart operations and produce CO2 at its Billingham plant. The Government will provide limited financial support for CF Fertilisers' operating costs for three weeks whilst the CO2 market adapts to global gas prices. CF Fertilisers produces around 60% of U.K.'s CO2, used primarily by the food sector.

17:01 EDT Entergy says power restored to 98% of customers affected by Hurricane Ida - The company states: "Following Hurricane Ida making landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana on Aug. 29, Entergy Corporation announced its utilities have restored power to approximately 932,000 customers, which is 98% of customers affected by the storm. Entergy is still making significant progress in the remaining hardest hit areas of southeast Louisiana. Crews have restored power to all affected Entergy customers in Mississippi."

16:57 EDT UnitedHealth director Burke sells over $1M in company shares - UnitedHealth director Richard Burke disclosed in a filing that he had sold 2,500 shares of company stock at $419.00 per share on September 17, for a total transaction value of $1,047,500.

16:40 EDT Marin Software enters into revenue share agreement with Google - In a regulatory 8-K filing, Marin Software (MRIN) stated: "On September 17, 2021, Marin Software Incorporated entered into a Revenue Share Agreemen with Google LLC (GOOGL) for the Company to develop its enterprise tech platform and software products. The Agreement is effective as of October 1, 2021. The Agreement will take effect after the scheduled termination on September 30, 2021 of the existing Revenue Share Agreement that the Company and Google signed in December 2018. The Company will receive revenue payments from Google based on (a) revenue generated on the Company's tech platform in connection with the Company's clients' spend on Search Ads appearing on Google Search only, during a relevant calendar quarter, and (b) revenue generated on Company's tech platform in connection with its clients' spend on Search Ads appearing on the Eligible Search Engines, excluding Google Search, during the relevant Contract Year . In the case of Eligible Google Search Revenue, following Alphabet Inc.'s public confirmation of its earnings for each calendar quarter, Google will provide the Company with the Eligible Google Search Revenue for the applicable calendar quarter and at the end of the calendar year and make a revenue payment to the Company. In the case of Eligible Non-Google Search Revenue, at the end of each annual anniversary of the Effective Date, the Company will submit a report containing its Eligible Non-Google Search Revenue to an independent third-party auditor appointed by (the "Auditor"), whereby such Auditor will report its findings to Google on the accuracy of the reported revenue. If the Auditor determines that the Company accurately reported its Eligible Non-Google Search Revenue, Google will make a revenue share payment to the Company. If the Auditor determines that the Company inaccurately reported its Eligible Non-Google Search Revenue, then Google will have no obligation to make any revenue payment until the Auditor determines such amount to be accurately reported."

16:34 EDT Veritex Community Bank acquires North Avenue Capital - Veritex Holdings, the parent holding company of Veritex Community Bank, announced the entry into a definitive agreement pursuant to which a newly formed subsidiary of Veritex Community Bank will acquire North Avenue Capital to be a subsidiary of Veritex Community Bank. The transaction will make Veritex Community Bank a leading player in the USDA Business and Industry lending program. Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the completion of the merger, Veritex will pay $57.5M in cash to existing shareholders of NAC, subject to adjustment. Three years after the completion of the transaction, NAC has the right, subject to adjustment, to receive an additional $5M in cash subject to certain performance measures. After closing, NAC will continue to operate under its current name and brand and in its current office space, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Veritex Community Bank. The transaction is expected to close in the Q4. Veritex was advised in this transaction by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, and Covington & Burling LLP served as legal counsel. NAC was advised by Harbor View Advisors and Allen C. Ewing, and Womble Bond Dickinson served as legal counsel.

16:33 EDT Beyond Air provides update on LungFit PH system regulatory approval process - Beyond Air provided an update on the global regulatory approval process for the LungFit PH system. Beyond Air has successfully completed the Stage 1 Assessment Audit of its quality system conducted by the Notified Body for the LungFit PH system, a necessary step for achieving CE Mark. This is the first part of a two-stage inspection and quality review audit. LungFit PH is expected to receive CE Mark in Europe in the first half of calendar year 2022. The FDA facility inspections that are required for the approval of the LungFit PH premarket application, or PMA, are ongoing. Beyond Air management reiterates its guidance for the U.S. commercial launch of LungFit PH for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in the fourth calendar quarter of 2021.

16:27 EDT JetBlue CEO maintains commitment to Northeast Alliance with American Airlines - JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes writes: "Dear Crewmembers, COVID-19 has thrown unimaginable challenges at us, and we've worked together to manage them every step of the way. We played defense to reduce spending and maintain our 21-year no furlough commitment, but we also went on the offense by investing in new routes and BlueCities that bring more of JetBlue's competitive effect and low fares to the market. Our Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines is an example of how we played offense to not only get our fleet and Crewmembers flying again, but also set up JetBlue for long-term growth and bring more competition to the Northeast. Given our focus on the NEA, I wanted to talk about action the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking in federal court to unwind the NEA. Regardless of what the DOJ claims about us in court and in the media, it's important you know that JetBlue's commitment to competition and low fares remains as strong as ever. This is not at all like a merger with American - we have two different business models and are not working together on pricing. It's also important that you have the full picture on benefits the NEA is already delivering, and I want to reassure you that the DOJ's action will not affect our plans to continue implementing the NEA... While we have built a successful business in both New York and Boston, our runway for growth in the Northeast to challenge global legacy carriers Delta and United is limited. And I'm sad to say that our biggest obstacle to bringing more low fares and great service to the Northeast right now is the DOJ - the very government agency that should be making every effort to foster robust competition among airlines. In New York's airports, there has been quite literally no room for us to add flights. There are no slots available at LGA and JFK, and it remains extremely difficult to grow in Newark given gate and space constraints. Delta and United - with large international networks, ample financial resources, and significant airport gate and slot holdings - have a lock on the market and make it impossible for an airline like JetBlue to grow and introduce sorely needed low-fare competition. In Boston, Customers really love flying JetBlue, but our sales pitch is hampered by a relative lack of network breadth and depth compared to the deep-pocketed legacy airline that plans to grow even further there." Reference Link

16:24 EDT Barings BDC, Sierra Income to merge in cash and stock deal - Barings BDC, Inc. and Sierra Income Corporation announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Sierra will merge with and into Barings BDC. The combined company, which will remain externally managed by Barings LLC, is expected to have approximately $2.2B of investments on a pro forma basis. The boards of directors of both companies, the Sierra Special Committee, which is comprised of all of the independent directors of Sierra, and the independent directors of Barings BDC have unanimously approved the Transaction, which is currently expected to close in the first quarter of 2022. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Sierra stockholders will receive aggregate consideration in the form of cash and stock consideration valued at approximately $623.7M based on Barings BDC's June 30, 2021 net asset value of $11.39 per share and representing total book value consideration of $6.10 per fully diluted Sierra share. On a market value basis, based on the closing price of Barings BDC common stock on September 20, 2021, the Transaction represents total consideration for Sierra stockholders of approximately $588.6M or approximately $5.76 per Sierra share, representing a premium of 6.1% to Sierra's NAV as of June 30, 2021. Sierra's stockholders will receive 0.44973 shares of Barings BDC common stock for each share of Sierra common stock, resulting in approximately 46M newly issued Barings BDC shares, having a total value of approximately $523.7M, or $5.12 per fully diluted Sierra share, based on Barings BDC's June 30, 2021 NAV of $11.39 per share. In addition, Barings LLC will pay $100M in cash, or approximately $0.98 per share, directly to Sierra stockholders at closing. Following the Transaction, Barings BDC's pro forma equity base is expected to be approximately $1.3B and Barings BDC stockholders and Sierra stockholders are expected to own approximately 58.7% and 41.3%, respectively, of the combined company.

16:22 EDT Stitch Fix jumps 13% to $40.02 after Q4 results beat estimates

16:21 EDT Adobe falls about 4% to $621.70 per share after Q3 results and Q4 guidance

16:20 EDT Southwestern Energy, Kinder Morgan subsidiary to partner on reducing emissions - Tennessee Gas Pipeline, a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan, (KMI), and Southwestern Energy Company (SWN) "announced the initiation of a responsibly sourced natural gas strategic agreement. The goal of the agreement is to further reduce methane emissions across the natural gas value chain by receiving and transporting RSG to market and, in this case, specifically to a market in the Northeast. RSG is natural gas that has been produced from a natural gas well and transported by companies whose operations have been independently verified as meeting certain environmental, social and governance standards, particularly related to methane emission reductions. As part of the agreement, SWN will produce and TGP will transport the RSG on its existing pipeline infrastructure to benefit a large market in the Northeast where the distribution of the RSG is expected to power the equivalent of approximately 100,000 homes annually while reducing GHG emissions equal to the removal of approximately 5,000 internal combustion engine vehicles from the road. The market will begin experiencing the benefits of RSG November 1, 2021. TGP and SWN are both founding members of the ONE Future Coalition, working together to reduce methane emissions and to ensure the future of natural gas as a long-term sustainable fuel. "

16:18 EDT MasterCard executive chairman Banga to retire December 31 - Mastercard announced that Ajay Banga, Executive Chairman, will retire on December 31, 2021. The Board unanimously elected Merit Janow, currently Lead Independent Director, to serve as non-executive Independent Chair of the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2022. "With Merit as Chair and the strong foundation Michael Miebach has established as CEO, Mastercard is in incredible hands for the next phase of growth and innovation," said Banga. "I am grateful for the role I have been able to play in Mastercard's evolution and I look forward to where Merit and Michael will lead it next." This milestone completes an executive transition announced in February 2020.

16:17 EDT Dave & Buster's CEO Jenkins to retire, Sheehan named interim CEO - Dave & Buster's announced that, following its recently announced record quarterly revenue and profit performance, Brian A. Jenkins will be retiring from his service as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a member of its Board of Directors. By mutual agreement with the Company's Board, Mr. Jenkins will continue to serve as CEO and a Board director through September 30, 2021. To ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities, he will become a Senior Advisor to the CEO until November 30, 2021. Concurrent with this announcement, effective October 1, 2021, the Board has appointed Kevin M. Sheehan, Chair of Dave & Buster's Board, as interim CEO until a permanent successor is named. Jenkins said, "It has been my honor and privilege to be a part of this industry-leading brand for the past fifteen years and I am proud of what our extraordinary team has accomplished together. I am excited to watch D&B's continued success in the future, and I'm also looking forward to spending time with my wife and family who have supported me throughout my career."

16:17 EDT Summit Therapeutics drops 15% to $5.52 after disclosing FDA disagreement

16:16 EDT Core & Main to be added to Russell 1000 Index - Core & Main announced it has been added to both the Russell 1000 and broad-market Russell 3000 Indexes as part of their quarterly initial public offering additions. "For Core & Main, joining the Russell 1000 Index is a meaningful achievement. As part of the Russell Indexes, we look forward to telling our story to a broader audience of investors and stakeholders," said Steve LeClair, chief executive officer. Russell U.S. Indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors as the basis for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. Over $10 trillion in assets are benchmarked against Russell U.S. Indexes. Russell U.S. Indexes are part of FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider.

16:15 EDT Hancock Jaffe Laboratories announces rebranding, name change to enVVeno Medical - Hancock Jaffe Laboratories announced a corporate update which includes a planned corporate rebranding and strategic prioritization of the company's development pipeline. Effective October 1, the company will be renamed enVVeno Medical. The company's common stock and warrants will continue trading on the Nasdaq exchange under the new ticker symbols (NVNO). For current shareholders of Hancock Jaffe with shares in electric form, the name change will require no action. The company said, "The Company is ready to begin enrollment for the U.S. pivotal trial for the VenoValve, a potential treatment for deep venous Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). CVI occurs when valves inside of the veins of the leg fail, resulting in insufficient blood being returned to the heart. The SAVVE (Surgical Anti-reflux Venous Valve Endoprosthesis) U.S. pivotal trial will consist of 75 patients at up to 20 centers throughout the U.S. The primary endpoints for the U.S. pivotal trial will be the same as for the Company's successful first-in-human trial and include: the occurrence of Material Adverse Events (MAEs) in less than 26 percent of patients at 30 days post-VenoValve implantation, for the primary safety endpoint; and improvement of reflux equal to at least 30 percent at six months following VenoValve surgery, as the primary effectiveness endpoint. MAEs are defined as the composite of all-cause mortality, deep wound infection, major bleeding, ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism. Improvement of VCSS and VAS scores are also included in the SAVVE study as secondary endpoints. Interested patients can learn more about the SAVVE trial by visiting www.venovalve.com. In light of the early clinical success the VenoValve, and the potential size of the venous disease market, the Company has begun development of a second device for the treatment of venous disease which the Company is calling enVVe. The Company expects to unveil enVVe in mid-2022. At this time, Hancock Jaffe has elected to not pursue further development of the CoreoGraft device as a treatment for patients undergoing cardiac bypass surgery, as it falls outside of the Company's new strategic focus."

16:15 EDT Incyte gets FDA approval of Opzelura cream in Atopic Dermatitis treatment - The company states: "Incyte announced that the FDA has approved Opzelura, or ruxolitinib, cream for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, or AD, in non-immunocompromised patients 12 years of age and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies, or when those therapies are not advisable. Opzelura is the first and only topical formulation of a JAK inhibitor approved in the United States. Research shows dysregulation of the JAK-STAT pathway contributes to key features of AD such as itch, inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction. The FDA approval was based on data from the TRuE-AD clinical trial program, consisting of two randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled Phase 3 studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of Opzelura in more than 1,200 adolescents and adults with mild to moderate AD. Results from the studies showed patients experienced significantly clearer skin and itch reduction when treated with Opzelura cream 1.5% twice daily , compared to vehicle. In clinical trials, the most common treatment-emergent adverse reactions in patients treated with Opzelura were nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, bronchitis, ear infection, eosinophil count increased, urticaria, folliculitis, tonsillitis and rhinorrhea."

16:11 EDT Adobe reports Q3 Remaining Performance Obligations up 22% at $12.63B

16:10 EDT Adobe CFO says reported record profitability - CFO John Murphy says: "We drove record revenues and strong profitability in the quarter, demonstrating our ability to succeed in a dynamic environmen. Our operational rigor and data-driven insights enable us to execute while we continue to invest across massive market opportunities."

16:09 EDT FDA extends prior fast track for lanifibranor for NASH to compensated cirrhosis - Inventiva announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has decided that the Fast Track designation previously granted to lanifibranor in NASH encompasses the treatment of NASH patients with compensated cirrhosis. This decision follows a Fast Track designation request for lanifibranor in NASH with compensated cirrhosis filed by Inventiva with the FDA in August 2021. Previously, the FDA had granted both Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations to lanifibranor for the treatment of NASH in September 2019 and October 2020, respectively. The FDA's dedicated Fast Track program is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review and potential approval of drug candidates demonstrating the capacity to treat serious conditions and fill significant unmet medical needs.

16:06 EDT Laureate Education announces special cash distribution of $7.01 - Laureate Education announced that, in connection with the Company's recently announced special cash distribution of $7.01 per share Nasdaq has determined that the Company's Class A common stock will trade with "due bills" representing an assignment of the right to receive the Distribution during the period from October 5 through and including October 29. As previously announced, the special cash distribution equal to $7.01 per share of the Company's Class A common stock and Class B common stock is scheduled to be paid on October 29, 2021 to each stockholder of record on October 6, 2021.

15:42 EDT Stagwell names Merrill Raman as CTO - Stagwell announced it has named Merrill Raman as global CTO reporting to COO Ryan Greene, effective immediately. In the role, he will lead and execute the vision and strategy of technology operations across Stagwell's global network. Raman is the second executive to join Stagwell as the company rounds out its senior leadership slate following the launch of the company in August. Last month, MDC Partners Inc. and Stagwell Marketing Group combined to form Stagwell, the challenger holding company. Raman brings over 20 years of experience. Most recently, Raman served as chief information officer of The Harris Poll and as managing director of data for The Stagwell Group.

15:03 EDT Disney says Disney+ expands into new Asia-Pacific markets on November 12 - On Friday, November 12, The Walt Disney Company said it will host the inaugural "Disney+ Day," which it calls "a global celebration that will come to life across all dimensions of the company." In addition to special events planned for the day, Disney+ will expand into new Asia-Pacific markets on November 12, the company noted.

14:49 EDT Disney CEO says dividend, share buybacks 'sort of in the distant future' - Disney CEO Bob Chapek, asked at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia conference about plans to reinstate dividends and share buybacks, responded: "Well, once we get back to a more normalized operating environment where we're back to single A and our cash flow is such that we're not -- we don't have the concerns that we've had over the last couple of years. I think what we're going to do is, number one, our clear priority, and the Board agrees with management that the clear priority is funding our new growth businesses that we've got. But once we get to a point where, again, our cash flow is funding that, handling some of the debt that we've got, then it would be a great thing to reinstate that dividend and do share buybacks. But that's sort of in the distant future, and we're not going to entertain doing that until we can reach that single A level and we have clear sailing from here and this pandemic is in the rearview mirror."

14:35 EDT Roblox rolling out an age verification feature - Chris Aston Chen, Senior Product Manager, Authentication for Roblox, said in an earlier blog posting: "As our community continues to expand, both globally and by age (nearly 50% of the users on our platform are over the age of 13 as of Q2 2021), we want to make sure that everyone can express themselves in a safe and respectful way. Being confident in a user's age and identity is a critical foundation for metaverse safety and civility. We are developing new and innovative ways to do so while always respecting users' privacy. One of the ways we are doing this on the Roblox platform is through a new opt-in Age Verification service for our users. This new service enables us to provide: Age-appropriate communication. Later this fall, Spatial Voice, which is currently in a limited Developer Beta, will be available for early access to all users who verify that they are at least 13 years of age. To ensure you are eligible for early access to Spatial Voice when it becomes available for Public Beta, verify your age here. Note that Age Verification is gradually rolling out to all users, so it may take some time before you see the option appear in your account. New workflows and features for developers and creators. In addition to delivering age-appropriate experiences, developers and creators can rely on Identity Verification as a signal of trust when looking for collaborators on the Roblox platform. A verified status lets the community know that a developer or creator is who they say they are Verification comes in two stages. First, an ID document check, and then a selfie match. On the Roblox app, users start by scanning their ID card, driver's license, or passport. Roblox uses advanced image processing technology to validate the document's legitimacy." Reference Link

14:33 EDT GeneDx announces sequencing of more than 300,000 clinical patient exomes - GeneDx a company in genomic analysis, a wholly owned subsidiary of BioReference Laboratories an OPKO Health company announced it has completed clinical genetic exome sequencing for more than 300,000 patients, making the company's dataset the largest of its kind in the world. Supported by matching phenotypes, the company's market-leading genomic analysis and interpretation capabilities have created a diagnosis and discovery engine advancing genetic medicine worldwide. The transition to widespread use of exome and ultimately whole genome sequencing rather than multi-gene panels promises to radically simplify the use of genomic information in healthcare. The rapid acceleration in demand for our exome testing, including nearly 100,000 exomes completed in the last year alone, shows this transition is well underway," said Katherine Stueland, president and CEO of GeneDx. "Often our patients are infants in the neonatal intensive care unit whose parents are facing a daunting process to figure out what's wrong with their child. Going immediately to sequencing the genomes of baby and parents dramatically curtails that quest, enabling the care team to have the right answer on what's wrong so they can intervene quickly." With the volume of clinical exome sequencing accelerating more than 40 percent annually, GeneDx has played a pivotal role in supporting rare disease diagnosis for hundreds of thousands of patients while also expanding understanding of gene-disease relationships that improve diagnosis and treatment for patients worldwide. The company's extensive experience with exome sequencing results in a definitive diagnosis in 20% more cases with 27% fewer variants of unknown significance compared to public datasets. The variant interpretation framework that supports the company's exome service also underlies its rapid whole genome sequencing service, which provides a complete genetic picture of a patient in seven days or less.

14:18 EDT Facebook debuts new portals for video calling amid 'remote-work' continuation - In an earlier, statement the company said in part: "Today, we're welcoming two new additions to the Portal family of video calling devices: the 10-inch portable Portal Go, priced at $199 USD, and our next-gen Portal+ with a 14-inch HD tilting display priced at $349 USD. Portal Go and Portal+ will begin shipping October 19; pre-orders are open now at portal.facebook.com. We're also introducing new features for small businesses with Portal for Business. Portal Go brings the best of Portal Smart Camera video calling to a new, portable version. It's designed to let conversations move from room to room, with an integrated handle and long-lasting battery to make portability easier. Portal Go includes a 12MP camera with an ultrawide field of view for immersive video calls. And it doubles as a portable speaker with room-filling sound to listen to your favorite music throughout your home.With remote work becoming a long-term strategy, distributed teams can benefit from feeling like they're together in the same room. So we're reimagining how Portal is used work - at home and in the office - by unlocking opportunities for collaboration in the spaces where business gets done." Reference Link

13:58 EDT AbCellera notes Lilly to supply EU, EEA with up to 220,000 antibody combo doses - AbCellera (ABCL) announced the European Commission and Eli Lilly (LLY) have entered into a Joint Procurement Agreement to supply up to 220,000 doses of bamlanivimab together with etesevimab to treat confirmed COVID-19 in patients aged 12 years and older that do not require supplemental oxygen for COVID-19 and who are at increased risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. The agreement helps to provide access to treatments by enabling participating countries in the European Union and European Economic Area to purchase the products directly from Lilly following national approval for emergency use or marketing authorization at the EU level. "AbCellera's ongoing efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic have identified thousands of unique anti-SARS-CoV-2 human antibodies. These include bamlanivimab, bebtelovimab, and other antibodies that are in various stages of testing by AbCellera and its partners," the company stated.

13:51 EDT Disney's Marsh stepping down to launch own production company - Disney announced that Gary Marsh will be stepping down as President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney Branded Television at the end of 2021 to launch his own production company. "Backed by Disney General Entertainment, Marsh's multiyear production deal will develop world-class, brand-defining content for Disney's streaming and linear platforms including Disney+, Hulu, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, ABC, National Geographic, Freeform and FX," the company stated. "Marsh's move to the production ranks is the culmination of conversations that began with the company nearly two and half years ago. Marsh agreed to stay on as president through Disney's acquisition of the Fox assets and the company's subsequent reorganization to focus its content groups on expanding development and production pipelines to fuel the growth of Disney's streaming platforms. Marsh and Rice are now preparing for a smooth transition to a new Disney Branded Television leader before the end of the year. In the meantime, Marsh is also finalizing the first projects that will be developed under his new production banner including two new 'Descendants' movies, the prequel to 'Beauty and the Beast' and projects 'Tink,' 'School for Sensitive Souls' and 'Witch Mountain'," Disney added.

13:39 EDT Eli Lilly announces procurement pact with EC for bamlanivimab-etesevimab combo - Eli Lilly announced a Joint Procurement Agreement with the European Commission to supply up to 220,000 doses of bamlanivimab and etesevimab for the treatment of confirmed COVID-19 in patients aged 12 years and older who do not require supplemental oxygen for COVID-19 and who are at increased risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. "This agreement helps to provide access to treatments by enabling participating countries in the European Union and European Economic Area to purchase the products directly from Lilly, following national approval for emergency use, or marketing authorization at the EU level. Quantities purchased may vary based on local needs as determined by participating countries," the company stated. "Bamlanivimab administered with etesevimab is available under emergency pathways in 15 countries around the world for the treatment of COVID-19. While a number of European countries have previously ordered bamlanivimab and etesevimab from Lilly in the first half of the year, and have inventory on hand, this agreement provides access to additional doses for participating countries, should they be needed. Lilly does not anticipate an impact to 2021 guidance as a result of this agreement," Eli Lilly added.

13:13 EDT HSBC launches HSBC Ventures for venture growth financing - HSBC Group announced the launch of HSBC Ventures, a new US-based business that will provide flexible capital to growth-oriented businesses around the world, furthering their innovation and expansion objectives. As part of this initiative, $100M will be reserved for partners and clients who are developing climatetech solutions and supporting a net-zero global economy. HSBC Ventures customers will be able to leverage the full resources of the bank, which includes an international footprint, a comprehensive set of commercial and investment banking products and experience supporting early stage, growth stage, pre-IPO and public companies.

12:09 EDT Entergy proposes four potential pathways forward for Entergy New Orleans - Entergy Corporation announced that it is preparing to respond to the New Orleans City Council with four preliminary options for the future operation and ownership of its subsidiary, Entergy New Orleans, LLC. "These preliminary options are in response to the Sept. 14 announcement by Helena Moreno, president of the Council of the City of New Orleans and chairperson of its Utility Committee, that she intends to propose a resolution to study the future ownership of the electric and gas operations in the City of New Orleans, including municipalization, or a city-owned and managed utility," the company stated. Rod West, utility group president of Entergy Corporation, added: "We are positioned to support the City Council as they evaluate various options and prepared to move forward with whatever path the council chooses... While we believe that the actions of Entergy New Orleans have always been in the best interest of our New Orleans customers, some members of the council have publicly expressed a different opinion. Certain proposed actions would prohibit ENO from recovering critical storm restoration costs and freeze funding mechanisms previously approved by the council, thus inflicting further financial decline on ENO and adversely impacting ENO's ability to provide quality service to its customers." The City Council's Utility Committee is expected to pass its resolution initiating an ownership study on Wednesday, Sept. 22, the company added.

12:05 EDT NanoViricides trading resumes

12:00 EDT Studio City falls -7.1% - Studio City is down -7.1%, or -65c to $8.44.

12:00 EDT Alpha Metallurgical falls -7.4% - Alpha Metallurgical is down -7.4%, or -$3.38 to $42.58.

12:00 EDT Rockley Photonics rises 18.3% - Rockley Photonics is up 18.3%, or $1.68 to $10.86.

11:36 EDT NanoViricides says certain articles published inadvertently by third party - In a regulatory filing, NanoViricides disclosed that on September 21 the company was advised that certain articles were published, prior to the opening of trading, by a third party based on certain information that the company has not yet publicly released. "The third party had received the information confidentially under embargo from our Public Relations provider. The [company] had advised and confirmed with the third party to extend the embargo in order to provide the [company's] management additional time to review and redraft the document into a final press release. Unfortunately, due to a human error in moving the embargo date, the third party inadvertently published their articles based on the draft information. This information has not yet been released by the company as of this date. The [company] believes that the statements contained in the [company's] information document attached are reasonably accurate, although they have not been fully vetted in their final form and do not contain typical safe harbor disclosures regarding forward-looking statements. The [company] expects to fully vet the contents and publish the information on or before Tuesday, September 28, before 7:00 am EST, which may be substantially different than the attached draft," the filing stated. In the draft document attached, NanoViricides reported "on the significant advantages gained by remdesivir encapsulation within its lead COVID-19 candidate NV-CoV-2 thereby producing a potential pan-coronavirus cure, NV-CoV-2-R to finally overcome the current global pandemic." The company additionally stated in the draft: "These data demonstrate that the pan-coronavirus nanopviricide drug candidate NV-CoV-2-R minimizes the loss of remdesivir to bodily metabolism. The Company anticipates that this stabilizing effect should lead to a highly effective pan-coronavirus drug that could potentially cure most cases of COVID-19 infection. Both remdesivir and NV-CoV-2 have demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against coronaviruses. Thus NV-CoV-2-R is expected to continue to be active in spite of evolution of novel variants of SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, antibody drugs and vaccines which induce antibodies lose effectiveness against variants. The more the variant drifts from the original strain, the less protection is offered by vaccines, and effectiveness of antibodies also diminishes significantly. This is now known to be occurring for current vaccines and antibodies during the global COVID-19 pandemic... Remdesivir, while effective in cell cultures, has not demonstrated a level of clinical effectiveness that such strong antiviral effect could muster. This has been related to the fact that remdesivir is rapidly metabolized in the bloodstream and its effective concentration at the site of action may therefore not reach the levels necessary. The standard Veklury formulation of remdesivir in betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium helps with suspending remdesivir in solution, but does not appear to significantly improve upon the metabolic effects. NanoViricides, Inc. has developed NV-CoV-2-R, a drug candidate that encapsulates remdesivir in the company's pan-coronavirus drug candidate NV-CoV-2 to solve this problem."

11:21 EDT Nucor board approves plan for new $100M melt shop at existing mill - Nucor announced that its board of directors has approved the construction of a new melt shop at one of the company's existing bar mills in the Western United States. The new $100M melt shop will have the capacity to produce 600,000 tons annually and create approximately 140 new full-time jobs, with start-up expected in 2024. "Nucor has 15 bar mills strategically located across the United States that manufacture a broad range of steel products, including concrete reinforcing bars, hot-rolled bars, rounds, light shapes, structural angles, channels, wire rod and highway products in carbon and alloy steels... Nucor's bar steel production capacity is estimated at approximately 9.5 million tons per year," the company noted. "The new melt shop will help us maintain our market leading position in steel bar production and help us meet anticipated growth for bar products from our customers in the Western United States," said Dan Needham, Executive Vice President of Bar and Rebar Fabrication Products for Nucor Corporation.

11:19 EDT Activision Blizzard chief legal officer Hart to leave company - Activision Blizzard chief legal officer Claire Hart announced that she is leaving the company after more than three years. "The past three years have been full of unexpected twists and turns, but I feel honored to have worked with and met so many great people at Blizzard and across the Activision Blizzard businesses," Hart said in a LinkedIn post. The move comes as the game maker is mired in legal challenges amid complaints of workplace harassment and discrimination. Reference Link

11:08 EDT Lennar sees double digit growth in sales, starts, closings, comm. count in FY22

11:07 EDT Lennar: Supply chain 'significantly stressed,' sees continuation into Q4

11:06 EDT Lennar 'simply not used to missing' home delivery guidance, says Chairman Miller - Comments taken from Q3 earnings conference call.

11:03 EDT Nutanix, Citrix announce hybrid multicloud strategic partnership - Nutanix (NTNX) and Citrix Systems (CTXS) are announcing a strategic partnership through which they "will provide secure, on-demand, and elastic access to apps, desktops, and data from any device, in any location, at any scale through Nutanix hyperconverged infrastructure and hybrid multicloud deployments of Citrix DaaS and Virtual Apps and Desktops services." Under the planned partnership, Nutanix will become a Citrix preferred choice for HCI hybrid and multicloud deployments and Citrix will become the preferred enterprise end user computing solution on the Nutanix Cloud Platform. "Through tighter collaboration, Nutanix and Citrix can provide fully comprehensive desktop-as-a-service - DaaS - options for customers that enable them to procure, deploy, and manage their Citrix environments running on the Nutanix Cloud Platform, delivered with original equipment manufacturer, global system integrator, service provider and public cloud providers in an efficient, cost-effective way and accelerate their adoption of hybrid multicloud solutions. The companies will also work together on go-to-market programs and enablement, product roadmaps and customer support," the companies stated.

10:50 EDT AT&T CEO says HBO Max on track for 120M-150M subscribers by 2025 - AT&T (T) CEO John Stankey said while speaking at the that Goldman Sachs Communacopia conference that putting Discovery (DISCA) and WarnerMedia together "makes it a much stronger asset" with "just an incredible library of intellectual property." He added in his discussion that WarnerMedia is "on a path right now with stand-alone HBO Max to be in the 120 million to 150 million subscriber range by 2025, 73 million subscribers this year. Our launch in Latin America has gone really, really well, been very pleased with it. But we need that global momentum." In terms of the communications business, Stankey stated "we've demonstrated that we can get the momentum in the market, and this team knows how to operate when it's focused. I'm really pleased about that. We're not ceding share anymore. We're pulling share back from our two largest competitors. I feel good about how we're doing that."

10:32 EDT Entain confirms receipt of takeover proposal from DraftKings - In a statement issued to the London Stock Exchange, the board of Entain plc (GMVHF) notes the recent media speculation. "The Board of Entain confirms that it has received a proposal from DraftKings (DKNG) to acquire Entain, the consideration for which would include a combination of DraftKings stock and cash. There can be no certainty that any offer will be made for the Company, nor as to the terms on which any such offer may be made. A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate. Shareholders are urged to take no action at this time. Any offer for Entain is governed by the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers. Under Rule 2.6(a) of the Code, DraftKings must by not later than 5.00 p.m. on 19 October 2021 either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Entain in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies. This deadline will only be extended with the consent of the Panel in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Code. This announcement has been made without the consent of DraftKings," the company stated.

10:25 EDT Amazon introduces Kindle Paperwhite Kids - Amazon introduced the all-new Kindle Paperwhite Kids, built from the ground up for kids ages 7 and up. The company said, "Purpose-built for reading books with zero distractions-no games, ads, or video-the first-ever waterproof Kindle for kids comes with an adjustable warm light, a compact design, a glare-free display, and up to a 10-week battery life." It also includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ with access to thousands of books, a kid-friendly cover, and a 2-year worry-free guarantee-all for only $159.99. Customers can learn more at amazon.com/kindlepaperwhitekids. Amazon also announced the all-new Kindle Paperwhite and the first-ever Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

10:15 EDT Blink Charging reports award of cooperative purchasing contract from Sourcewell - Blink Charging announced that it has been awarded a cooperative purchasing contract, in the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment category, from Sourcewell. "Sourcewell's cooperative purchasing program includes more than 400 competitively solicited contracts to government, education, and nonprofit entities. Utilizing Sourcewell contracts, participating agencies can save time and money by capturing the collective buying power of more than 50,000 organizations. For product providers such as Blink, sourcewell provides new prospective clients for their products... The Sourcewell agreement is among several that Blink Charging has announced recently further expanding its distribution channels for its product line-up of commercial and residential EV charging stations," the company stated.

10:08 EDT Hoth submits to HREC for approval to proceed to patient dosing in eczema trial - Hoth Therapeutics announced that a Safety Review Committee has reviewed the safety data from the first cohort of healthy subjects and recommended that the study proceed to dosing patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. "There were no serious adverse events and no drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events observed during the administration of BioLexa in healthy subjects," the company said. Based on the recommendations of the SRC, Hoth has submitted to the Human Research Ethics Committee, or HREC, overseeing the trial to obtain official approval to proceed dosing the patient cohort. The official submission to HREC occurred on September 10. Robb Knie, CEO of Hoth Therapeutics, said, "We look forward to receiving swift HREC approval to advance our trial in patients living with mild to moderate eczema."

10:00 EDT Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3x Shares falls -4.5% - Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3x Shares is down -4.5%, or -91c to $19.34.

10:00 EDT Bill.com falls -5.1% - Bill.com is down -5.1%, or -$14.61 to $269.14.

10:00 EDT QuantumScape rises 10.7% - QuantumScape is up 10.7%, or $2.22 to $23.01.

09:56 EDT Fox Factory targets FY25 revenue $2B - Targets FY25 EBITDA $500M. Targets projected revenue growth at 17.6% CAGR. Targets FY25 adjusted EBITDA 24%-25%. Expects FY25 capital expenditures no higher than 4%-5% of revenue. Targets FY25 gross margin 36%-37%. Guidance taken from investor presentation slides.

09:49 EDT FSD Pharma announces closing of Lucid Psycheceuticals acquisition - FSD Pharma announces the completion of the previously announced acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Lucid Psycheceuticals, a Canadian-based specialty psychedelic pharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapies to treat critical neurodegenerative diseases, for approximately C$11.3M, or $8.9M, in FSD Pharma stock. "The acquisition of Lucid represents a positive and exciting step in pursuit of our strategic objectives at FSD Pharma, as we advance a diversified pipeline of novel, patent-protected drug candidates. These are leading edge molecules to target therapies for mental health disorders and neurodegenerative diseases in a totally unique way, through the regulatory process. We are excited that Dr. Kotra, an award-winning researcher and accomplished executive with experience in drug discovery and clinical development, will now be leading this effort," said Anthony Durkacz, Interim CEO of FSD Pharma.

09:48 EDT Charlotte's Web launches new hemp CBD gummies - Charlotte's Web announced the addition of three new Charlotte's Web Gummies. New Daily Wellness, THC-Free and Immunity gummies now are available online and begin shipping to many of the company's 14,000 retail partners across the United States next month, the company said in a statement. "As America's number one hemp CBD gummy brand, gummies provide a convenient and flexible CBD delivery format for consumers and represent one of the fastest growing hemp wellness product categories in the industry," said Charlotte's Web CEO, Deanie Elsner. "After launching in 2019, Charlotte's Web Gummies continue to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from consumers. Our varieties are uniquely formulated, and some contain functional herbs, vitamins and botanical supplements that work together to support targeted wellness goals."

09:47 EDT Studio City falls -2.9% - Studio City is down -2.9%, or -26c to $8.83.

09:47 EDT Bill.com falls -4.8% - Bill.com is down -4.8%, or -$13.64 to $270.11.

09:47 EDT Spire Global rises 11.0% - Spire Global is up 11.0%, or $1.42 to $14.37.

09:38 EDT Origin Agritech, China Agricultural University announce collaboration agreement - Origin Agritech announced that it has entered into collaboration agreement with China Agricultural University for the research of molecular design in corn. One of the key focuses of the collaboration is the use of CRISPR gene editing for creating innovative new corn crops, Origin said in a statement. Commenting on the collaboration, Gengchen Han, Chairman and CEO, said, "This collaboration with China Agricultural University will enable Origin to accelerate its technological leadership in molecular design of corn and allow us to play a key role in China's drive to strengthen its agricultural industry through technological advancements."

09:31 EDT Co-Diagnostics' Logix Smart ABC Test authorized for use in Mexico - Co-Diagnostics announced that its Logix Smart Influenza A/Influenza B/COVID-19 "ABC" Test has been approved for sale in Mexico by the Mexican Department of Epidemiology after InDRE successfully concluded an independent evaluation of the test's sensitivity and specificity for use as an RT-PCR multiplex test in that market. InDRE, which is analogous to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is required to evaluate any test used to detect COVID-19 before the test may gain clearance to be sold into the Mexican healthcare market.

09:27 EDT Helbiz soars after deal with Amazon to stream Serie B Championship - Shares of Helbiz (HLBZ) are soaring after the company announced an agreement between Helbiz Media, its media arm and distributor of the Serie B media rights, and Amazon Italy, to broadcast Helbiz Live contents and the entire Italian Serie B Championship on all devices and TVs equipped with Amazon Prime Video Channels throughout Italy. Helbiz Live will be available for subscribers to stream on Amazon Prime Video Channels in the coming weeks, the company said in a statement. Shares of Helbiz are up 150%, or $21.48, to $35.84 in premarket trading.

09:24 EDT Meggitt shareholders appove terms of recommended cash acquisition - Parker Hannifin Corporation (PH) confirms that Meggitt (MEGGF) Shareholders have approved the terms of the recommended cash acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Meggitt PLC as announced on August 2, 2021. The transaction will proceed and is expected to close in the third quarter of calendar year 2022. Meggitt PLC has issued a report announcing the voting results. The acquisition remains subject to satisfaction of the conditions set out in the scheme document, including regulatory clearances. Under the UK Companies Act, the Scheme of Arrangement further requires the sanction of the Court, currently expected during the third quarter of calendar year 2022.

09:22 EDT Farmers & Merchants receives regulatory approval for Perpetual acquisition - Farmers & Merchants Bancorp announced that it has received regulatory approvals for the acquisition of Perpetual Federal Savings Bank of Urbana. In addition, F&M announced that David Vernon, a current Director of PFSB, will join F&M's Board of Directors upon the completion of the transaction.

09:21 EDT Envestnet and Envestnet Yodlee announce agreement - TD Bank Group and Envestnet Yodlee announced a data access agreement to address the needs of an increasingly digital customer base. This North American agreement signifies the alignment between TD and Envestnet Yodlee about protocols to provide for the safe and secure access of TD customer financial data to support the customer's requests to share with the financial wellness apps and experiences of their choice. TD Bank becomes the 13th bank in North America to sign such a data access agreement with Envestnet Yodlee.

09:12 EDT PharmaTher added to North American Psychedelics Index, Psychedelic ETF - PharmaTher Holdings is pleased to announce that the Company has been included to the North American Psychedelics Index, which is the underlying index of the Horizons Psychedelic Stock Index Exchange Traded Fund.

09:10 EDT Paycor enhances HCM solution with Immunization Tracker - Paycor HCM announced an enhancement to their HCM solution-an Immunization Tracker that helps business leaders manage and track the immunization status of their employees. Workers can upload proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID test directly to the system and HR leaders can run a report to see immunization status across the organization. This new feature will help ensure businesses are compliant with impending employment policies and positions Paycor as one of the first HCM providers to offer an immunization tracker that is fully integrated into their platform.

09:10 EDT Curtiss-Wright gets $100M contract to support critical U.S. Navy platforms - Curtiss-Wright announced that it has been awarded contracts valued at approximately $100M to provide pumps for the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarine, Columbia-class submarine and Ford-class aircraft carrier programs. The awards were received from Bechtel Plant Machinery, BPMI, to support ship construction. "Curtiss-Wright is proud to have been awarded these significant naval defense contracts, which build upon our rich heritage and long-standing relationship with the U.S. Nuclear Navy," said Lynn M. Bamford, President and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. "Since the inception of nuclear-powered ships, Curtiss-Wright's commitment to providing the safest, most advanced and reliable technologies has ensured our ongoing participation in these important defense programs, which continue to receive strong Congressional support." Curtiss-Wright is performing this work at its Cheswick, Pennsylvania facility within the Company's Naval & Power Segment. The receipt of these new awards builds upon previously awarded contracts to provide propulsion valves, pumps and advanced instrumentation and control systems, valued in excess of $130 million, received in the second quarter of 2021.

09:08 EDT Scopus BioPharma granted new patent in China covering DUET-02 - Scopus BioPharma announced that the China National Intellectual Property Administration has granted a new patent covering DUET-02, one of three key CpG-STAT3 inhibitors comprising the Duet Platform. The new patent covers the compound and composition, including phosphorothioated oligodeoxynucleotide, and methods of use for CpG-STAT3ASO, Duet's CpG-STAT3 Antisense inhibitor. Alan Horsager, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Duet and President - Immuno-Oncology for Scopus, stated, "This is an important milestone for Duet Therapeutics as we continue to build our patent portfolio. The Chinese biotech market is an important and integral part of the global biotech industry. As referenced in a September 2021 Reuters article, the combined market value of Chinese biotech firms listed in Hong Kong, on Shanghai's STAR board, and on Nasdaq had a combined value of approximately $180B as of May 2021, compared to just $1B in 2016. This rapid growth has been driven by an increasing number of Chinese biotechs raising significant amounts of capital in IPOs over the last several years." The new patent strengthens the patent portfolio for DUET-02. DUET-02 is also covered by a granted patent in the United States. Additionally, patent applications for DUET-02 are in process for the European Union, Canada, and Japan. The patent granted in China, entitled "Compounds and Compositions Including Phosphorothioated Oligodeoxynucleotide, and Methods of Use Thereof," relates to the isolated compound, including a phosphorothioated oligodeoxynucleotide sequence conjugated to an antisense oligonucleotide sequence, compositions of such a compound, and method of treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, method of immune stimulation, and method of reducing activity of STAT transcription factor, by one of the disclosed compounds or compositions.

09:08 EDT PharmaCyte Biotech announces second CypCaps test results - PharmaCyte Biotech announced the results of a second FDA-required test of biocompatibility of its CypCaps product for pancreatic cancer, which showed that the empty capsule material is "non-hemolytic." The study, which was performed by a third-party contract research organization was designed to determine if the device component of CypCaps can cause the in vitro hemolysis of red blood cells. Two different methods were used for the evaluation: a direct contact method where the capsule material was mixed with rabbit blood; and an indirect method where the capsule material was extracted with saline and mixed with rabbit blood. The hemolytic index of both the empty capsules and the extraction material was such that the contract research organization concluded that the test item in both the direct contact method and indirect contact method is considered as "non-hemolytic."

09:07 EDT Progress Software announces latest release of Progress WhatsUp Gold - Progress announced the latest release of Progress WhatsUp Gold, network monitoring software. With today's release, WhatsUp Gold includes major enhancements in usability and security with support for log management archiving along with extended support for OpenID Connect, Microsoft Edge and Cisco Meraki wireless devices.

09:06 EDT RealReal names Robert Julian as Chief Financial Officer - The RealReal (REAL) announced Robert Julian is joining the company as Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, on October 1. Julian most recently served as CFO of Sportsman's Warehouse (SPWH).

09:06 EDT U.S. Bancorp paid 'appropriate price' in MUFG Union Bank deal - On its conference call discussing plans to buy MUFG Union Bank's core regional banking franchise from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), U.S. Bancorp (USB) said it believes it paid an "appropriate price." The company expects its share repurchase program will be deferred until the second half of 2022, CEO Andy Cecere said. CFO Terrance Dolan said U.S. Bancorp is "very confident" that it will achieve its cost savings. U.S. Bancorp isn't planning to retain MUFG data centers, and the bank is unlikely to retain MUFG's tech systems, it said.

09:05 EDT Sirius XM launches new free channel with Marvel on Apple podcasts - SiriusXM (SIRI), with Marvel Entertainment, launched Marvel Podcasts Unlimited, a premium audio entertainment subscription for Marvel fans worldwide, available exclusively via the new Marvel channel on Apple (AAPL) Podcasts. Marvel Podcasts Unlimited provides subscribers with early and exclusive access to a growing assortment of original new scripted and unscripted podcast series from one of the world's largest and most beloved entertainment brands, featuring fan-favorite characters such as Wolverine, Star-Lord, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Doctor Doom.

09:03 EDT Euronet's Ria Money Transfer announce partnership with Nobel Financial - Ria Money Transfer, subsidiary of Euronet Worldwide and a global leader in the cross-border money transfer industry, and Nobel Financial, part of Nobel Ltd, announced a partnership that will see the transition of all 117 Nobel agents in the United States to the Ria brand, platform, and network. Nobel customers will now have the option to send money from thousands of locations including stores across the United States or from their homes through the Ria Money Transfer app. For those who want to send and receive money internationally, customers will now have access to Ria's 490,000 payout locations in more than 165 countries. Additionally, Nobel customers in the US will now have access to Ria's Bill Pay service and network of more than 8,000 billers. "Ria's partnership with Nobel represents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our presence in Liberia allowing us to build on 20+ years of Nobel Financial's expertise in the Liberian market with Ria's best in class service and global reach," said Rosario Escarpita, Managing Director Americas at Ria Money Transfer. "At Ria, we make every effort to promote accessibility and ensure customers can send and receive money wherever they are, conveniently and affordably, while also making the connection easier between family and friends."

09:04 EDT Nektar announces oncology collaboration with Merck KGaA and Pfizer - Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR) announced it has entered into a new oncology clinical collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Pfizer (PFE), to evaluate the maintenance regimen of NKTR-255, Nektar's interleukin-15 receptor agonist, in combination with avelumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, or UC, in the Phase II JAVELIN Bladder Medley study. NKTR-255 is wholly owned by Nektar and is currently being evaluated in two separate clinical studies in both liquid and solid tumors. The novel IL-15 agonist is designed to activate the IL-15 pathway to expand both natural killer (NK) cells and memory CD8+ T cell populations. Under the new collaboration, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Pfizer will include the combination of NKTR-255 plus avelumab in the new JAVELIN Bladder Medley study.

09:00 EDT Technology and services firm GetSwift Technologies in pact with Uber - GetSwift Technologies Limited is announces that it has signed a partnership agreement with Uber Technologies to integrate and offer a suite of best-in-class products and services. With this partnership, when fully deployed and integrated, both existing and new clients across the United States, and expected later in Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Australia, will have access to Uber's vast pool of drivers and vehicles. GetSwift and Uber over the next few months will integrate their product offerings so that clients will be able to use the GetSwift product suite knowing that their data, customer interaction and payments are secured by GetSwift, in effect protecting their brand equity while benefiting from everything that is amazing about Uber. Providing delivery as a service to merchants around the world is an Uber priority, and we are happy to be partnering with GetSwift to bring the best of Uber's logistics network to its new and existing customers," said Pooja Daftary, head of Uber Direct at Uber. "Beginning in the US we will collaborate to provide a best-in-class customer experience that marries Uber's logistics expertise and global network with GetSwift's unique product suite." GetSwift is a technology and services company that offers a suite of software products and services focused on business and logistics automation, data management and analysis, communications, information security, and infrastructure optimization and also includes ecommerce and marketplace ordering, workforce management, data analytics and augmentation, business intelligence, route optimization, cash management, task management shift management, asset tracking, real-time alerts, cloud communications, and communications infrastructure.

08:59 EDT Baidu and China Gas Holdings sign strategic cooperation agreement - Baidu and China Gas Holdings have inked a strategic cooperation agreement to drive digital and intelligent transformation in the energy and power sector with innovative solutions based on Baidu AI Cloud. The companies will also explore business opportunities that contribute to achieving a peak in carbon emissions and ultimately carbon-neutrality. With a global focus on smart energy and environmental protection, cloud and AI technologies are emerging as invaluable technologies for enhancing efficiencies, unlocking value, and reducing carbon footprints. Under the first stage of their partnership, worth RMB 936 million yuan, Baidu will expedite China Gas' move to the cloud and harness its AI capabilities to build customized applications including smart monitoring, smart scheduling, gas usage prediction, and smart customer services.

08:57 EDT Verizon to deliver 5G at seven Air Force Reserve Command installations - The U.S. Department of Defense as selected Verizon Public Sector to deliver its 5G Ultra Wideband mobility service to seven Air Force Reserve Command installations. The bases are located in California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. The deployment will include c-band radios installed outdoors at each AFRC facility, bringing higher speeds, increased bandwidth and lower latency for the base personnel and the surrounding community. The award expands Verizon's 5G portfolio with the federal government, and the U.S. Air Force specifically. Titled Offer to Lease 2b, the win builds on Verizon's OTL 1a and b win in 2019 to provide wireless improvements to ten Air Force bases, which includes its work underway with Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband deployment at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. Through its involvement in the OTL program, Verizon is delivering 5G and other enhanced wireless network services across 17 Air Force bases throughout the United States.

08:43 EDT Helbiz Media announces Amazon Italy pact for live content - Helbiz (HLBZ), a global leader in micro-mobility and the first in its industry to be publicly listed on Nasdaq, announced an agreement between Helbiz Media, the Company's media arm and exclusive distributor of the Serie B media rights worldwide, and Amazon (AMZN) Italy, to broadcast Helbiz Live contents and the entire Italian Serie B Championship on all devices and TVs equipped with Amazon Prime Video Channels throughout Italy. Helbiz Live is an OTT service that leverages cutting-edge technologies and consolidated infrastructures to guarantee the highest quality standards when streaming live across smartphones, tablets, computers and televisions. With a monthly subscription to Helbiz Live, Serie B fans in Italy can stream all regular season matches and playoff games on devices with Amazon Prime Video. The agreement also includes the broadcast rights of the next 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 Serie B Championship seasons. Partnering with Amazon Italy expands the Helbiz Live service in Italy and provides wider viewership access for Serie B Championship fans. Helbiz Live will be available for subscribers to stream on Amazon Prime Video Channels in the coming weeks.

08:40 EDT Biogen to provide overview of pipeline, capabilities at R&D Day - Biogen will hold a virtual Investor R&D Day, providing a comprehensive overview of the company's diversified pipeline in neuroscience. Biogen plans to advance innovative therapies for patients through the work of its world-class researchers and the strength of its global network of collaborators. As part of R&D Day, Biogen's scientific leaders will discuss ongoing research and highlight key advancements among Biogen's 33 clinical programs, including 12 programs in Phase 3 or filed. Biogen will present an overview of its Alzheimer's disease pipeline with the recent FDA-approved ADUHELM serving as the foundation of a multi-target, multi-modality Alzheimer's disease franchise. In addition to ADUHELM, the company will present progress on lecanemab, a new amyloid beta-directed antibody therapy in Phase 3 being developed by Eisai in collaboration with Biogen, and BIIB080, a tau-directed antisense oligonucleotide. Lecanemab received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA in June 2021. In clinical studies, lecanemab has shown potential to slow clinical decline in Alzheimer's disease and is now being studied in patients with early Alzheimer's disease as well as the preclinical setting, when individuals are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains. A Phase 1b study of BIIB080 met the primary objective of safety and tolerability, and demonstrated a durable time and dose dependent reduction of tau protein in cerebrospinal fluid. Growing evidence suggests tau may be a key driver of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. In neuropsychiatry, Biogen and Sage Therapeutics are co-developing zuranolone, and will present an overview of the two-week, once-daily drug being studied in major depressive disorder and postpartum depression. Zuranolone has demonstrated positive Phase 3 results. In clinical trials, zuranolone, which represents a potential new class of drug, demonstrated rapid-acting efficacy and was generally well-tolerated. Beyond MDD and PPD, zuranolone may have potential for development in other psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Major depressive disorder is a common comorbidity of multiple neurological disorders in Biogen's core therapeutic areas. Biogen will also present an overview of BIIB104, currently under investigation in a Phase 2 study for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. Biogen has multiple ALS assets in development, which target both genetic subtypes of ALS and the broader population. Tofersen, developed in collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, is currently in Phase 3 studies. The program targets SOD1, a gene believed to be a genetic driver of disease in two percent of all ALS cases. In the recently announced ATLAS study, Biogen will be exploring the use of tofersen prior to symptoms in SOD1 carriers with the intent to delay or slow the decline in function associated with ALS. Based on learnings from the company's prior and ongoing trials, Biogen is also advancing BIIB078, an ASO targeting C9orf72, another potential genetic driver of ALS, and BIIB105, an ASO targeting ATXN2, a potential treatment for ALS in the broader population supported by human genetics. Biogen is progressing its research in the treatment of stroke. The potential to expand the stroke treatment window has been shown in positive proof of concept studies for BIIB131, a next generation thrombolytic agent, and BIIB093, a treatment for brain swelling in large hemispheric infarctions. BIIB131, a treatment for acute ischemic stroke, was recently acquired based on positive Phase 2 data. BIIB093 is in a Phase 3 study for large hemispheric infarction, and a Phase 2 trial for lesion expansion in brain contusion. Decades of study by Biogen at the intersection of neurological and immunological pathways provide the company with expertise in immunology. Biogen is advancing two lupus therapies in Phase 3 trials. Dapirolizumab pegol is being developed in collaboration with UCB for systemic lupus erythematosus . The second, BIIB059, was fully developed in-house at Biogen and is now in Phase 3 for SLE, with plans for further study in cutaneous lupus erythematosus. In April 2021, the company formed Biogen Digital Health, a global unit that aspires to transform patients' lives and Biogen by making personalized and digital medicine in neuroscience a reality. In an on-demand presentation, Biogen Digital Health will share key areas of focus and highlights, including progress on digital biomarkers and efforts to develop deep-learning software.

08:38 EDT Colliers International partners with engineering, design services firm Bergmann - Colliers announced its Colliers Engineering & Design, or CED, operating unit has entered into an agreement to partner with Bergmann. This new partnership adds scale to CED's existing service offerings and expands its geographic footprint. The Bergmann senior leadership will continue to oversee operations and will become significant shareholders in the combined business under Colliers' unique partnership model. The transaction is expected to close by the fourth quarter of this year, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "We became an important player in the engineering, design and consulting sector with the establishment of CED last year. This new partnership with Bergmann is the next step in our strategy to build further scale, increase capabilities, and expand our geographic footprint in the U.S. and beyond," said Jay Hennick, Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Colliers.

08:37 EDT Herborium Group announces distribution agreements for AcnEase, cosmecueticals - Herborium Group announced that it is aggressively increasing its footprint in 2nd largest cosmetic market in the world - France. The first step in this strategy was to hire experienced, native French Market Marketing Manager in August. France is the second largest cosmetic market in the world surpassed only by the US market. Skincare is the main beauty sector in France growing 33% per year and has been rapidly expanding especially with respect to natural based products as a result of Covid pandemic . Herborium focuses its partnership negotiations on three distribution partners: Wilbiz -all in one international distributor with headquarter in Paris, focused on skincare products, pharmacy and FMCG sectors. Tresors D'Argan Sarl, founded in 2004 and a leader specializing in B2B market and organic or natural cosmetics Amazon France. Amazon France is the largest on-line retailer in France with 2020 revenues reaching $6.5 billion. On-line sales of skincare products in France skyrocket 123% in 2020, while on-line sales of body care products grew an astounding 225%. Over 25% of France population of 65 million people suffers from acne. AcnEase has been proven to be effective for both face and body acne symptoms. Herborium expects that with the present foundation in the French market coupled with it's new distribution partners the Company will be able to increase AcnEase sales in France and its territories in 4th Quarter of 2021, following with projected growth by as much as 50% in 2022.

08:35 EDT Utah district court rules in favor of Overstock.com in class action lawsuit - On September 20, 2021, the United States District Court for the District of Utah ruled in favor of Overstock.com. In a 32 page memorandum decision and order, the District Court dismissed with prejudice the securities class action lawsuit filed by Mangrove Partners Fund, LTD, against Overstock and the named individual defendants. On September 28, 2020, the District Court granted Overstock's Motion to Dismiss the plaintiffs' first complaint. The District Court subsequently allowed the plaintiffs to file a second complaint. Overstock argued that the second complaint should be dismissed in its entirety. The District Court agreed.

08:33 EDT Google to purchase St. John's Terminal in Manhattan for $2.1B - Google is buying a New York City office building for $2.1B, the company said in a blog post on Tuesday. "Google has been fortunate to call New York City home for more than 20 years, during which time we have grown to 12,000 employees. New York's vitality, creativity and world-class talent are what keep us rooted here. It is why we're announcing today that we are deepening our commitment to New York and intend to purchase the St. John's Terminal in Manhattan for $2.1B, which will serve as the anchor of our new Hudson Square campus. As Google moves toward a more flexible hybrid approach to work, coming together in person to collaborate and build community will remain an important part of our future. It is why we continue investing in our offices around the world. Our decision to exercise our option to purchase St. John's Terminal further builds upon our existing plans to invest more than $250M this year in our New York campus presence. It is also an important part of meeting our previously announced racial equity commitments, which include continuing to grow our workforce in diverse communities like New York." It added that "The St. John's Terminal site at 550 Washington Street, which we currently lease and expect to open by mid-2023, will be one part of the already sizable investment we've made in New York - Google's largest office outside California. We've made substantial progress in building out our 1.7 million-square-foot Hudson Square campus that will serve as the New York headquarters for our Global Business Organization, which includes our sales and partnership teams. The St. John's Terminal transaction will close in the first quarter of 2022." Reference Link

08:32 EDT Sanmina formalizes Advanced Micro Systems Technologies division - Sanmina announced that it is strengthening its focus on its extensive optical, radio frequency, or RF, and microelectronics, or microE, design and manufacturing capabilities to capitalize on growing demand for highly-integrated technology products. The division has been formalized under a new brand called Advanced Micro Systems Technologies, or AMST, and leverages more than 15 years of experience providing mixed technology design and assembly services and best-in-class manufacturing solutions. AMST offers end-to-end solutions to high growth, high value markets, including the communications, 5G, computing, datacenter, medical, automotive and industrial sectors, as demand for highly-integrated technology products continues to grow.

08:27 EDT Microchip joins DARPA Toolbox initiative - Microchip Technology announced it has joined the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Toolbox initiative that gives the organization's researchers simplified open licensing opportunities with commercial technology vendors. Microchip's participation will speed innovation across a variety of defense and aerospace development programs by giving qualified DARPA researchers zero-cost access to the company's Libero design software suite and associated intellectual property for developing systems based on its low-power FPGA product families.

08:24 EDT Enphase announces participation in Hawaiian Electric's Battery Bonus Progam - Enphase Energy (ENPH) announced its participation in Hawaiian Electric's (HE) Battery Bonus grid services program. The program offers a new incentive for homeowners on the island of Oahu who install a new home battery, the company said in a statement. The first customers accepted by Hawaiian Electric into the Battery Bonus program will be eligible to receive $850 per kW that they commit to make available to Hawaiian Electric during a fixed two-hour period each day, it said. Existing Hawaiian Electric net energy metering customers enrolling in the Battery Bonus program are also eligible to add up to 5 kW of new solar capacity to their roofs without losing their existing NEM rate agreement, the company added.

08:23 EDT Wynn Resorts issues its Environmental, Social and Governance Report - Wynn Resorts issued its Environmental, Social and Governance, or ESG, Report, which includes the Company's collective pledges and defined goals to decrease emissions and confront the mounting risk of climate change. The report also outlines how Wynn Resorts ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic ran parallel to achieving a gamut of progressive ESG and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI, goals, with significant strides made in community outreach and crisis relief efforts, responsible business practices, and protecting human rights. The Wynn Resorts sustainability program, known as Goldleaf, houses scientific solutions to the wide range of environment and climate challenges that are unique to each resort that Wynn Resorts operates. The company has committed to reduce or offset all carbon dioxide produced by our operations no later than 2050; stop and reverse year-over-year growth of operational carbon dioxide emissions by 2030; and increase Wynn Resorts supply of renewable energy produced or procured to at least 50% of total consumption by 2030.

08:22 EDT Biocept to present data at RAS-Targeted Drug Development Summit - Biocept will present data on its Target Selector assay formats for the ultra-sensitive detection of KRAS mutations using Switch-Blocker technology, which provides advantages for the assessment of therapeutic tumor response and is cost effective for serial monitoring. Biocept's presentation is on Sept. 23 at 2:00 p.m. EDT at the Third Annual RAS-Targeted Drug Development Summit, where the company will also host a virtual booth from Sept. 21-23. The Summit brings together academic and biopharmaceutical leaders to share insights and data to advance the successful development of targeted monotherapies and combination strategies for RAS-driven cancers. RAS proteins are frequently mutated in cancers. In particular, KRAS mutations are present in approximately 25% of tumors, making them one of the most common gene mutations linked to cancer. They are drivers of some of the deadliest cancers, including lung, colorectal and pancreatic. As a result, there is significant interest among the biopharmaceutical and medical communities to develop and study new, highly targeted therapies to treat such cancers. To support these efforts, Biocept offers flexible molecular testing solutions based on advanced technology, including its proprietary Switch-Blocker technology. The company's Target Selector assays and kits, combined with its Switch-Blocker technology, enables the development of superior assays to detect and characterize genetic alterations in patients with cancer. Switch-Blockers enrich for oncogenic mutations while suppressing wild-type DNA, resulting in ultra-high sensitivity and specificity.

08:20 EDT Galectin Therapeutics announces $20M convertible debt financing - Galectin Therapeutics announced that it has entered into a $20 million convertible debt financing agreement with Richard E. Uihlein, the Company's Chairman and largest individual stockholder. This $20 million convertible debt is in addition to a $10 million convertible debt financing from Mr. Uihlein completed in April 2021. The loan agreement comprises two separate $10 million convertible notes, the first of which closed and funded on September 17, 2021 and the second which will close on or before December 17, 2021. The convertible notes are unsecured and bear interest at a rate of 2% compounded annually. Additional interest of 2.5% per quarter will accrue but will only be paid if the debt and interest are converted into shares of the Company's common stock, at Mr. Uihlein's option, on or prior to maturity, which is four years from the date of each loan closing. The conversion price of the debt and interest is fixed at 228% above the price per share of common stock on the day prior to each closing or $5.00 per share, whichever is greater.

08:19 EDT Cenovus Energy to redeem 3.950% notes due April 15, 2022 - Cenovus Energy announced that on October 20, 2021 it will redeem the entire outstanding principal amount of its 3.950% notes due April 15, 2022 and 3.000% notes due August 15, 2022. Cenovus has issued notices to the trustees of the Notes to redeem the Notes on the Redemption Date. On the Redemption Date, Cenovus will pay to the registered holders of the Notes a redemption price calculated in accordance with the indentures governing the Notes.

08:18 EDT Inari Medical appoints Victor Tapson as VP of Medical Affairs - Inari Medical announced that the company has appointed Victor Tapson, M.D. as Vice President, or VP, of Medical Affairs. "Tapson has devoted his medical career to patient care, research, and teaching in pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism," the company said. He has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts and was involved in the development of the American Thoracic Society's clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism. Prior to his time at Cedars, Dr. Tapson spent over two decades at Duke University Medical Center where he was a professor of medicine.

08:17 EDT Salesforce achieves net zero across value chain, 100% renewable energy - Salesforce announced that it is a Net Zero company across its full value chain and has achieved 100% renewable energy for its operations. Salesforce developed emissions reductions strategies across Scope 1, 2, and 3 in four key categories-work from anywhere, infrastructure, business travel, and supply chain.

08:15 EDT Ecoark Holdings, Zest Labs file complaint against Deloitte - Zest Labs announced that it and Ecoark Holdings have filed a complaint against Deloitte Consulting, in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, Nevada. The complaint is for violation of the Nevada Uniform Trade Secret Act and will also be seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction, attorney's fees, and punitive damages. The damages at issue are in the hundreds of millions of dollars. "Intellectual property is key to America's modern economy. We are continuously monitoring to ensure that the sanctity of our intellectual property remains intact. We have a fiduciary obligation to our shareholders, customers, and employees to ensure that we address any and all infractions," stated Randy May, Chief Executive Officer of Ecoark. Zest Labs developed Zest Fresh, which is proven to significantly reduce field to shelf food waste while improving delivered freshness to consumers. The data and insights provided by Zest Fresh are designed to also help growers, food distributors and retailers reduce the $85 billion problem of fresh food waste, which is estimated at nearly 33% of all fresh food. In 2016, a retail customer committed to a pilot program and deployment of Zest Fresh. During this time, Zest Labs began work with Deloitte, at a confidential, but material expense to Zest Labs. Over the course of several months throughout 2016, Zest Labs engaged in signicant discussions, presentations, demonstrations, and information downloads with Deloitte. Zest Labs worked extensively with Deloitte demonstrating how the Zest Fresh solution would improve the consistency of delivered shelf life and help reduce Fresh Food Shrink. During this time, Zest Labs' proprietary information was shared with Deloitte. Deloitte specifically acknowledged the information was proprietary and confidential.

08:14 EDT Brink's expands board of directors with appointment of Timothy Tynan - The Brink's announced the appointment of Timothy Tynan to its board of directors. Tynan's appointment is effective September 20, 2021 and expands the company's board from eight to nine members. Tynan is the former CEO of Banc of America Merchant Services. Tynan was CEO from May 2014 until February 2021 and led the integration of the business into the parent organizations.

08:13 EDT Enphase announces participation in Hawaiian Electric's Battery Bonus ProgamHawaiian Electric - Enphase Energy announced its participation in Hawaiian Electric's Battery Bonus grid services program. The program offers a new incentive for homeowners on the island of Oahu who install a new home battery. The first customers accepted by Hawaiian Electric into the Battery Bonus program will be eligible to receive $850 per kW that they commit to make available to Hawaiian Electric during a fixed two-hour period each day - for example, qualified new Encharge 10 battery owners may be eligible to earn up to $3,264. Existing Hawaiian Electric net energy metering customers enrolling in the Battery Bonus program are also eligible to add up to 5 kW of new solar capacity to their roofs without losing their existing NEM rate agreement, resulting in even more savings.

08:12 EDT Eiger BioPharmaceuticals appoints Erik Atkisson as Chief Compliance Officer - Eiger BioPharmaceuticals announced the appointment of Erik Atkisson as the Company's General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. Atkisson brings over twenty years of experience to Eiger, and was most recently Chief Compliance Officer, Legal Counsel, and Privacy Officer at Cytokinetics, Incorporated, where he was responsible for legal matters related to corporate securities, licensing, partnerships and collaborations, and compliance. Previously, Atkisson was Deputy General Counsel and Compliance Counsel at Nevro, Senior Director, Commercial, Healthcare and Employment Law at Impax Laboratories, and Senior Counsel at BioMarin Pharmaceutical. Atkisson began his legal career as an associate at international law firms with a practice focused on life sciences.

08:11 EDT AEye has now filed over 100 patents - AEye announced it has now filed more than 100 patents spanning four continents and more than 10 countries. AEye's latest patents and its claims cover several concepts that expand new intelligent data collection, data quality, and extend AEye sensors to deliver optical communication networking. Recently granted patents also include an optical data networking patent which enables AEye to use the sensor laser as a secure data carrier, opening up new business opportunities leveraging integrated agile, reliable laser-based sensing, and communications.

08:11 EDT Johnson Controls partners with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority - Johnson Controls announced it is partnering with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, or DSOA, the regulatory body of Dubai Silicon Oasis, or DSO, the integrated free zone technology park, and the Rochester Institute of Technology - Dubai to deliver the region's first-of-its-kind smart, healthy, and sustainable new campus. Together, we can work to address the decarbonization of buildings, which represent about 40% of global emissions"Across the world, Johnson Controls helps businesses, governments and global institutions meet ambitious sustainability goals. Digitization is a key enabler for companies and organizations to meet net zero carbon and renewable energy goals.

08:09 EDT Booz Allen wins BITSDIS position a $350M NIH IT contract - Booz Allen Hamilton announced it won a position on Biomedical Information Technology, Software Development, and Informatics Support, BITSDIS, a five-year Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity IDIQ contract worth up to $350M to support the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, CBIIT. As a part of this IDIQ, Booz Allen was awarded a $29.9MM task order to support the evolving needs of the cancer research community. Through this award, the Institute has selected a strategic partner that brings a cross-functional, integrated team that will bridge rapid advances between life science research, data science, and technology to drive scientific breakthroughs, support the clinical research enterprise, and strengthen its mission-critical operations. Under the Clinical Trials Reporting Program task order, Booz Allen will provide the complete range of software development, system engineering, and operational support toward the following ends: Enhance CTRP as the definitive source for information on all NCI-supported cancer-related clinical trials Facilitate the capture of information across the cancer research ecosystem to improve clinical trial search, prioritization, and patient/trial matching Support scientific research aimed to rapidly develop and deploy safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines through the collection, analysis, and reporting of serology test results . As an IDIQ awardee, Booz Allen will provide a broad range of biomedical information technology , informatics, analytical, and consultative services to empower NCI's clinicians and scientists with leading-edge capabilities and platforms to accelerate their research and support the Institute's strategic programs and initiatives. "As a long-standing partner of the National Institutes of Health, we are excited to bring our firm's full suite of life science, cloud computing, advanced analytics, and technology modernization capabilities to accelerate cancer research and care," said Roman Salasznyk, senior vice president and leader of Booz Allen's life science practice. "We look forward to working with the National Cancer Institute to transform the cancer research enterprise by leveraging our deep scientific and technical talent base to meet the Institute's informatics, data, and IT needs."

08:09 EDT ECMOHO announces receipt of minimum bid price notice from Nasdaq - ECMOHO announced that it received a notification letter dated September 16, 2021 from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market Inc., indicating that the Company is no longer in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Rule 5450(a)(1) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules as the Company's closing bid price per American depositary share, each representing four Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.00001 per share, of the Company, has been below US$1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive business days. The Nasdaq notification letter does not result in the immediate delisting of the Company's securities. Pursuant to Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company has a compliance period of 180 calendar days, or until March 15, 2022, to regain compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement. If at any time during the Compliance Period, the closing bid price per ADS is at least US$1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide the Company a written confirmation of compliance and the matter will be closed. In the event that the Company does not regain compliance by March 15, 2022, subject to the determination by the staff of Nasdaq, it may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar days compliance period if it meets the continued listing requirements for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards, with the exception of bid price requirement, of the Nasdaq Capital Market, and provides written notice to Nasdaq of its intention to cure the deficiency.

08:08 EDT Nisun announces collaboration agreement with Shanxi Guoxin - Nisun International Enterprise Development Group announced that Fanlunke Supply Chain Management, a subsidiary of Fintech Digital Technology and a controlled affiliate of the Company, has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Shanxi Guoxin Energy Corporation Shengda Coal. Under this agreement, the two parties will enter a joint cooperation to develop supply chain services targeting the coal industry. Under this cooperation, the two parties will collaborate to improve and upgrade the logistics and operating efficiency of Shengda Coal, leveraging each party's advantages, including Nisun's expertise in supply chain management capabilities and Shengda Coal's resources in the energy industry to optimize supply chain services. Through this cooperation, Nisun and Shengda Coal share resources to maximize financial gains.

08:07 EDT Alignment Healthcare adds Dignity Health to provider network - Alignment Healthcare announced the addition of Dignity Health, a not-for-profit community health provider, to its Medicare Advantage provider network for Maricopa County, Arizona members starting Jan. 1, 2022. Pending regulatory approval, this agreement provides the more than 733,000 Medicare-eligible seniors residing in Maricopa County access to Dignity Health's nine hospitals, four urgent care centers and 14 free-standing emergency rooms.

08:05 EDT DT Midstream creates $2M charitable fund - DT Midstream announced creation of a $2 million charitable fund as part of a wider effort to expand corporate giving activities in places where it does business and to further encourage employee volunteerism. DT Midstream will make contributions to charitable programs and initiatives that, among other things, nurture and empower people. DTM encourages its employees to suggest worthy community organizations for funding and has granted over $2.2 million in charitable contributions since 2017. The company also has an Employee Matching Program that matches employee gifts to any qualified organization dollar for dollar. And, when pandemic safety concerns subside, DTM plans to reactivate its employee volunteer program which provides employees with paid time to volunteer for community organizations of their choice.

08:05 EDT Cracker Barrel sees FY22 commodity, wage inflation in mid-to-high single digits - As a result of the ongoing business impact and significant uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the nationwide increase in infections and responsive public health restrictions brought about by the rise of the "Delta variant" of the virus, the company is not providing its customary annual earnings guidance for fiscal 2022 at this time. For the full fiscal year 2022, the company expects: Commodity and wage inflation in the mid-to-high single digits; Capital expenditures of approximately $120M; An effective tax rate of approximately 18%; and the opening of three new Cracker Barrel locations and 15 new Maple Street Biscuit company locations.

08:04 EDT AutoNation appoints Mike Manley as CEO - AutoNation (AN) announced that it has appointed Mike Manley as CEO and as a member of its Board of Directors, effective November 1. Mike Jackson will retire from AutoNation on November 1 as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors. Manley currently serves as Head of Americas for Stellantis (STLA) and sits on the Groups Executive Council. Stellantis is among the largest automotive OEMs in the world, formed in January 2021 by the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group. Most recently, Manley served as CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. from July 2018 to January 2021. Manley joined DaimlerChrysler in 2000 as Director - Network Development for the United Kingdom. In 2008, he became responsible for product planning and all sales activities outside of North America. He later served as Executive Vice President - International Sales and Global Product Planning Operations. In that role, he was responsible for implementing the co-operation agreements to distribute Chrysler Group products through Fiat's international distribution network. He also served as CEO of Jeep, CEO of Ram, Chief Operating Officer for the APAC region, and a FCA Group Executive Council member.

08:01 EDT Arthur J. Gallagher acquires Bastrop for undisclosed amount - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of Bastrop, La.-based Files Agribusiness. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2010, Files Agribusiness is a retail insurance agency that specializes in offering Federal Crop Insurance, agribusiness property/casualty and agricultural aviation coverages to clients primarily in the states of Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. John Files and his associates will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of Bumpy Triche, head of Gallagher's Mid-South region retail property/casualty brokerage operations.

07:48 EDT Avangrid and CIO announce transaction to advance offshore wind development - Avangrid Renewables, a subsidiary of Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, CIP, announced a restructuring of their Vineyard Wind joint venture which will enable both companies to leverage their strengths and expertise to continue to grow the U.S. offshore wind industry. Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners restructures joint venture with Vineyard Wind 1 remaining a 50/50 joint venture between the parties, Lease Area OCS-A 534 containing Park City Wind and Commonwealth Wind to be owned by Avangrid Renewables and Lease Area OCS-A 522 to be owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. The Vineyard Wind joint venture, which pioneered offshore wind in the United States, has successfully built a portfolio that includes Vineyard Wind 1, the first commercial scale offshore wind project in U.S. waters. Vineyard Wind 1, an 800-megawatt (MW) project that will deliver clean energy to Massachusetts beginning in 2023, reached financial close last week and is beginning construction this month. Vineyard Wind 1 will continue to be developed as a 50/50 joint venture between the partners and Avangrid Renewables will have an option to gain operational control once the project reaches commercial operation. Avangrid Renewables will take full ownership of lease area OCS-A 0534 which includes Park City Wind, an 804 MW project which will deliver clean energy to Connecticut, and Commonwealth Wind, which last week submitted a bid for up to 1,200 MW to the third Massachusetts offshore wind competitive solicitation.

07:48 EDT Gol Linhas and Grupo Comporte sign non-binding letter of intent with Avolon - GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes in conjunction with Grupo Comporte, an entity of its controlling shareholder, announce that they have signed a non-binding letter of intent with Avolon for the acquisition and/or lease of 250 electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft. Following aircraft certification and successful delivery of the aircraft, the Company expects to start operating a flight network in Brazil using eVTOL planes by mid-2025. Grupo Comporte is providing the investment capital required for the project, and will engage GOL's aviation expertise to develop the flight network using VA-X4 eVTOL aircraft. Created by the British enterprise Vertical Aerospace, the VA-X4 eVTOL model is considered one of the most technologically advanced and reliable air taxis in development.

07:42 EDT Luckin Coffee files annual report for Fiscal 2020 - Luckin Coffee announced that it has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Net revenues of RMB4,033.4M, representing an increase of 33.3% compared to 2019, which was achieved despite the impact of COVID-19 in 2020 and primarily driven by the increased average selling price for Luckin Coffee's products. Operating expenses of RMB6,620.7M, which was in line with the Company's business expansion plan and includes RMB475.3M in losses and expenses related to the previously announced investigations and restructuring. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased from 206.2% in 2019 to 164.1% in 2020, mainly driven by increased economies of scale. As of December 31, 2020, the cumulative number of transacting customers was over 64.9 million, compared to 40.6 million as of December 31, 2019. Average monthly total items sold in self-operated stores and unmanned coffee machines were approximately 26.2 million in 2020, compared to 24.2 million in 2019. Average monthly total items sold in self-operated stores and unmanned coffee machines reached approximately 31.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. As of December 31, 2020, Luckin Coffee had operated 3,929 self-operated stores in 56 cities in China and operated 874 partnership stores. "Luckin Coffee continues to make progress on returning the Company to normalized financial reporting," said Jinyi Guo, Chairman and CEO of Luckin Coffee. "In 2020, we delivered strong revenue growth and improvements in profitability. We have continued to expand and enhance our results of operation in 2021, and our team remains dedicated to delivering high quality products and services for our customers and executing on our strategic plan for the benefit of all stakeholders."

07:36 EDT Luckin Coffee announces launch of scheme of arrangement in compliance with RSA - Luckin Coffee announced that it has filed a petition and summons for directions in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands regarding a scheme of arrangement related to the restructuring of its $460 million 0.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 proposed by Luckin Coffee and its Joint Provisional Liquidators.1 Pursuant to the summons for directions, the Company seeks an order for the convening of a single meeting of the class of creditors affected by the Scheme to consider and, if thought fit, approve, with or without modification, the Scheme. The Cayman Court will confirm the date for the hearing at which it will consider whether the Convening Order should be made in due course. Assuming the Scheme is approved by the requisite voting majorities at the Scheme Meeting, a further hearing to determine whether the Court will sanction the Scheme will take place. The Scheme, if sanctioned, will implement the restructuring envisaged by the Restructuring Support Agreement dated as of March 16, 2021, as amended on September 1, 2021. Based on the latest holdings reported to the Company, the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes held by the noteholders party to the RSA is well above the voting threshold of 75% in amount that is required to approve a scheme of arrangement under Cayman law. The filing of the application for the Convening Order was made in compliance with the requirements under the RSA. Luckin Coffee will publish a further announcement notifying the Scheme Creditors of the time and date of the Convening Hearing once confirmed by the Cayman Court. Following the Convening Hearing, and subject to the Cayman Court granting the Convening Order, copies of the proposed Scheme together with an explanatory statement, appendices thereto and related documents containing detailed information regarding the Scheme and the Restructuring will be made available to creditors in the manner prescribed by the Convening Order, including via the Scheme Website. Luckin Coffee stores remain open for business and the Company continues to meet its ordinary course of business obligations to its stakeholders.

07:34 EDT Luckin Coffee enters binding term sheet to settle U.S. Securities Class Action - Luckin Coffee announced that it has entered into a binding term sheet with the Lead Plaintiffs in the provisionally certified class action In re Luckin Coffee Inc. Securities Litigation, Case No.1:20-cv-01293-JPC-JLC to fully resolve all claims that have been or could be filed on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Company's ADS between May 17, 2019 through July 15, 2020, inclusive, that has been certified for settlement purposes. Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the settlement is subject to entering into definitive documentation and obtaining approvals from the Cayman Court in the first instance, and the U.S. Court overseeing the Class Action. The Term Sheet provides that the U.S. Class Action settlement amount will be calculated based on a Global Settlement Amount of $187.5M, which will be reduced on a pro-rata basis based on the valid opt-out notices received pursuant to the U.S. Court's prior order approving dissemination of a notice of pendency. The final report of valid opt-out notices received will be provided to the U.S. Court on or before October 8, 2021.

07:33 EDT Arbutus Biopharma appoints Lisa Caperelli as VP, investor relations - Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) announced the Company has appointed Lisa Caperelli to the newly created position of Vice President of Investor Relations, leading investor relations strategy and communications activities, reporting to David Hastings, Arbutus' CFO. Most recently Caperelli held the position of Associate Vice President at Harmony Biosciences (HRMY).

07:26 EDT AIM ImmunoTech says FDA meeting request 'deemed sufficient' for transfer - AIM ImmunoTech announced progress with the company's meeting request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concerning a Phase 2 clinical study of Ampligen as an infusion therapy for Post-COVID-19 Cognitive Dysfunction. The meeting request has been deemed sufficient for transfer to the FDA's Division of Neurology by the FDA's Covid Scientific Technical Triage Team. The planned Phase 2, two-arm, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ampligen in patients experiencing PCCD. Eighty subjects will be randomized 1:1 to receive twice weekly infusions of Ampligen or placebo for a period of 12 weeks. Amarex Clinical Research, an NSF International company, will manage the clinical trial.

07:21 EDT Figure Pay partners with Marqeta on digital banking and, 'buy now, pay later' - Marqeta announced it is partnering with Figure, a leader in transforming financial services through the power of blockchain technology, to power the launch of the Figure Pay product, an all-in-one digital money app. Figure Pay is currently available in 26 states, and is expanding nationwide. It is built on the Provenance Blockchain payments infrastructure, which allows for faster payments and cuts down on merchant costs. Figure Pay offers its users a fee-free deposit account, seamless money transfer to friends and family, an extensive rewards program and free access to a network of 55,000 ATMs. Most notably, it has native Buy Now, Pay Later functionality built in, allowing a consumer to decide at the point of sale whether they want to finance any purchase. Figure Pay also has a commitment to financial inclusion and allowing underbanked users to access financing and build credit history.

07:18 EDT EVgo announces 300,000 customer account milestone - EVgo announced its nationwide customer accounts have crossed the 300,000 mark. The milestone arrives as EVgo continues to expand its fast-charging network footprint with convenient and reliable fast charging stations where drivers shop, work, and play. "With EV sales increasing rapidly across the US, drivers are looking for charging locations that fit neatly into their lifestyles. EVgo is that brand - and the 300,000 customer account milestone demonstrates it," said Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo. "EVgo's continued commitment to great locations, best-in-class fast chargers, and a 24/7 support center to lend a hand or provide advice when it's needed, continues to offer EV drivers of all types an exemplary customer experience."

07:17 EDT Cathie Wood's ARK Investment bought 96K shares of Coinbase on Monday

07:16 EDT Vectivbio announces closing of Comet Therapeutics acquisition - VectivBio Holding announced the closing of its previously announced acquisition of Comet Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held company that has been developing drugs to address previously untreatable Inherited Metabolic Diseases. The CoMET small molecule platform aims to treat a large group of life-threatening IMDs, which are severe genetic disorders caused by congenital defects of metabolism fundamental to energy generation and the survival of cells. While each IMD is individually rare, collectively, they occur in 1 in 800 births, affect over 75,000 people in the United States and Europe, and are one of the leading causes of death from non-acquired causes in children. The genetic defects causing IMDs disrupt energy production, promote the accumulation of toxic metabolites, and result in the dysregulation of Co-enzyme A, a core component of many metabolic pathways. The CoMET platform is designed to target these critical cellular dysfunctions by utilizing a stabilized CoA precursor backbone to supply functional CoA and carry tailored intermediary metabolite cargos to address specific underlying conditions. This modular technology can potentially treat multiple previously untreatable IMDs by systemically and intracellularly delivering medicines that restore cellular function. The acquisition of the CoMET platform significantly enhances and expands VectivBio's pipeline with the immediate addition of 4 programs targeting organic acidemias, urea cycle disorders, fatty acid oxidation disorders, and amino acidopathies. The first candidate from the CoMET platform, VB-1197, is initially being evaluated in methylmalonic acidemia and propionic acidemia, two organic acidemias that have a mortality rate of up to 40% in patients by 18 years old and result in severe neurological disability in adult survivors. The Phase 1 trial is expected to commence within the next 18 months.

07:12 EDT Main Street announces exits investments in two market portfolio companies - Main Street Capital announced that it recently fully exited its investments in two of its lower middle market portfolio companies. Main Street fully exited its debt and equity investments in NRI Clinical Research, upon the sale of NRI to a sponsor-backed strategic acquirer. Main Street realized a gain of $8.8M on the exit of its equity investment in NRI. This realized gain, together with a distribution received from NRI during the current quarter, represents total realized value in excess of Main Street's fair market value for this investment as of June 30. Main Street, in support of other equity co-investors, made its initial investment in NRI in 2011, with Main Street's investment consisting of a $6.3M first lien, senior secured debt investment and a direct equity investment of $500,000. Main Street also announced that it recently fully exited its remaining investment in Safety Holdings doing business as SambaSafetty. SambaSafety's innovative Software as a Service solutions provide driver risk technology and information to employers, insurance, background screeners and fleet management companies. Main Street realized a gain of $4.5M on the exit o its remaining equity investment in SambaSafety, with this realized value representing an increase of $3.5M above Main Street's fair market value for this investment as of June 30. Main Street made its initial investment in SambaSafety in 2011, consisting of a $3.0M debt investment and a $1.0M equity investment.

07:11 EDT Clearside Biomedical completes dosing in Cohort 2 of Phase 1/2a of CLS-AX - Clearside Biomedical announced completion of dosing in Cohort 2 of OASIS, its ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial of CLS-AX in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. OASIS is a U.S.-based, multi-center, open-label, dose-escalation trial in wet AMD patients to assess the safety and tolerability of a single dose of CLS-AX administered by suprachoroidal injection. The primary endpoint for the trial will assess the safety and tolerability of CLS-AX for three months following the administration of CLS-AX. "We are pleased to have completed our enrollment and dosing of Cohort 2 patients after the promising safety and tolerability results from Cohort 1," said Thomas Ciulla, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Development Officer. "All patients in Cohort 2 have now received both their aflibercept and CLS-AX doses and will be monitored monthly by their physicians for the next three months. We believe that by combining the pan-VEGF attributes of axitinib with our proprietary CLS-AX formulation and delivery via our SCS Microinjector, we may facilitate an effective treatment option for patients suffering from wet AMD. We expect to report initial safety data from Cohort 2 by the end of this year."

07:10 EDT Mosaic Minerals completes mining claims sale to IAMGold - Mosaic Minerals Corporation is pleased to announce that it has completed a transaction to sell mining claims to IAMGOLD Corporation. The transaction consists of IAMGOLD acquiring 100% interest in 4 mining claims formerly part of the Opawica Property for a total aggregate purchase price of $150,000 payable to Mosaic according to the following schedule: $50,000 within 10 business days of the closing, $50,000 on or before the date that is one year following the closing date and $50,000 on or before the date that is 18 months following the closing date. Mosaic will also retain a 0.5% net smelter royalty on the 4 mining claims.

07:09 EDT Orthofix announces launch of Opus Mg Set osteoconductive scaffold - Orthofix announced the full market launch of the Opus Mg Set osteoconductive scaffold, a synthetic magnesium-based bone void filler for orthopedic procedures.

07:08 EDT Bristow Group and Vertical Aerospace Group announce MOU - Bristow Group and Vertical Aerospace Group, a British engineering and aeronautical business pioneering zero-emissions aviation, announced a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, under which the two firms will cooperate on the certification, operational planning and potential purchase of up to 50 eVTOL aircraft. Bristow's pre-order of 25 aircraft, along with the option for an additional 25, builds on Vertical's world-leading pre-order book of up to 1,000 aircraft. Along with conditional pre-orders from American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Avolon, this announcement illustrates the sector-wide confidence in Vertical as a leading designer and manufacturer of eVTOL aircraft: the VA-X4. Vertical's four-passenger, one pilot VA-X4 is expected to have speeds of up to 200 mph, a range of more than 100 miles near silent when in flight with zero emissions and low cost per passenger mile. Under the MOU, the two companies have agreed to develop a joint working group to collaborate on the following areas: regulatory and airspace; demand, fleet size, spare parts and infrastructure; potential customers; and public acceptance and environmental requirements.

07:07 EDT Lyra Therapeutics announces publication of LANTERN results - Lyra Therapeutics announced that the positive results of the company's Phase 2 LANTERN study of LYR-210 were published online in the peer-review journal, International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. The manuscript is titled, "Long-acting implantable corticosteroid matrix for chronic rhinosinusitis: Results of LANTERN Phase 2 randomized controlled study." The LANTERN study evaluated the safety and efficacy of LYR-210 in surgically naive CRS patients who had failed previous medical management. LYR-210 was shown to be safe and well-tolerated over the 24-week treatment period and demonstrated statistically significant, rapid, durable, dose-dependent global symptom improvement based on composite Cardinal Symptoms, or CS, scores and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test. "LYR-210 is built upon Lyra's proprietary XTreo platform, which delivers the right drug to the right place for the right amount of time. By delivering a consistent daily dose of the anti-inflammatory medication mometasone furoate directly to the sinonasal tissues continuously for six months, LYR-210 has shown robust CRS symptom improvement. Our upcoming Phase 3 ENLIGHTEN program will be designed to further demonstrate LYR-210's potential to provide a meaningful improvement in the lives of the millions of CRS patients, especially those without polyps who currently have no approved treatment options," said Maria Palasis, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lyra Therapeutics. The Phase 2, multicenter, blinded, randomized, controlled, dose-ranging study evaluated the safety and efficacy of LYR-210, 2500 ug, and LYR-210, 7500 ug. Both LYR-210 doses were safe and well-tolerated over the 24-week treatment period. LYR-210 7500 ug demonstrated rapid, durable, dose-dependent, global symptom improvement, achieving statistical significance as early as 8 weeks and out to 24 weeks compared with control. Key results include: Rapid, durable and clinically meaningful symptom improvement by SNOT-22; Greater than 2-fold the MCID of 8.9 points relative to control at 24 weeks; 70% of patients in the 7500 microgram group improved MCID at week 4; 100% by week 24; Statistically significant improvement of composite of 3 Cardinal Symptoms at 24 weeks; 24-week benefit from single administration; Showed benefit in both polyp and non-polyp patients; and Reduced rescue treatment use and radiographic ethmoid opacification at week 24.

07:06 EDT Trimble appoints new Chief Platform and new Chief Technology officers - Trimble (TRMB) announced that Jennifer Lin has been appointed Chief Platform Officer and Poppy Crum Chief Technology Officer. Lin previously worked at Google (GOOG, GOOGL) where she served as vice president of product and user experience focused on their cloud services platform roadmap and go-to-market strategy. Prior to Google, Lin was on the founding team and led product at Contrail Systems, a cloud automation startup acquired by Juniper Networks. At Cisco (CSCO), Lin managed various product teams focused on wireless sensor networks, Internet of Things, mobility services, and security. Previously, she has led teams in technical, operational and strategic roles at Intel, Merck and Silicon Valley startups. Lin received a BSE from Princeton University and an MSE from Stanford University. As chief technology officer, Crum will lead Trimble's technical vision and advance a culture of innovation. Crum joins Trimble from Dolby Laboratories where she served as chief scientist, leading data-driven innovation in technology development and strategy. She is also an adjunct professor at Stanford University focusing on technologies such as augmented and virtual reality in human computer interaction and learning. Prior to joining Dolby Laboratories, Crum was research faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

07:06 EDT Altair Engineering signs new channel partner agreement with TrueInsight - Altair signed a new channel partner agreement with TrueInsight, based in Sandy, UT. TrueInsight will exclusively offer Altair's simulation, data analytics, and AI software solutions. With deep roots in structural, manufacturing, and electromagnetics analysis, TrueInsight will manage middle market customer relationships end-to-end - from strategic sales to robust technical support.

07:04 EDT Indosuez Wealth selects Intercontinental Exchange for portfolio optimization - Intercontinental Exchange announced that Indosuez Wealth Management, the global wealth management brand of Credit Agricole group, has chosen ICE's pre-trade analytics and data to enhance its portfolio and margin optimization. Many wealth managers use over-the-counter derivatives as part of their portfolios, and margin optimization remains a key priority for managing and extending their investment strategies. ICE's derivatives valuation and analytics services, which include access to pricing and analytics solutions for structured products and OTC positions, give Indosuez's capital markets sales team the ability to more concisely measure risk for their customers. Indosuez's capital markets sales team will also have access to ICE's derivatives portfolio analytics application, which allows them to analyze holdings at both a single security and portfolio level, with data and analytics covering multiple asset classes. ICE's platform will be integrated into Indosuez's S2i system, provided by Azqore, and will assist in pre-trade price discovery, decision support tools, risk management and analytics across a wide range of asset classes and instruments. "Firms are always looking for new ways to serve the evolving risk management needs of their customers," said Mark Heckert, Chief Product Officer, Fixed Income and Data Services at ICE. "With our suite of derivative services, we're able to provide firms like Indosuez Wealth Management with the intelligence they need for idea generation and portfolio construction around OTC derivative instruments."

07:02 EDT Mesa Air appoints Torque Zubeck as its Chief Financial Officer - Mesa Airlines named Torque Zubeck as its new Chief Financial Officer. Zubeck has been working with Mesa since February as Senior Vice President of Finance. He will be taking over the position of CFO from President Michael Lotz and reporting directly to Chairman and CEO Jonathan Ornstein. Lotz will continue his role as President of Mesa and will be involved in the strategic financial direction, corporate strategies, plans and policies of the company. He will be working closely with Zubeck through the transitional period.

07:02 EDT Boston Scientific to acqiure Devoro Medical for upfront payment of $269M - Boston Scientific announced an agreement to acquire Devoro Medical, developer of the WOLF Thrombectomy Platform. The innovative non-console and lytic-free WOLF technology targets and rapidly captures blood clots using finger-like prongs that retrieve and remove thrombi in the arterial and venous systems. Boston Scientific has been a strategic investor in Devoro Medical since 2019 and currently holds an equity stake of approximately 16%. As a result, the transaction consists of an upfront payment of approximately $269M for the 84% stake not yet owned and up to $67M upon achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones.+ On an adjusted basis, the transaction is expected to be slightly dilutive to earnings per share in 2021, which Boston Scientific expects to offset via internal cost efficiencies and trade-offs. On a GAAP basis, the transaction will be less dilutive due to a one-time gain to be recognized at closing associated with our previously held equity interest in Devoro Medical. In 2022, the transaction is not expected to impact adjusted EPS and will be slightly dilutive on a GAAP basis due to amortization expense and acquisition-related charges. The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.

06:59 EDT AutoZone opened 76 new stores in the U.S in Q4 - During the quarter ended August 28, AutoZone opened 76 new stores in the U.S., 29 stores in Mexico and five stores in Brazil. At the fiscal year end, the company had 6,051 stores in the U.S., 664 in Mexico and 52 in Brazil for a total store count of 6,767.

06:57 EDT Geo Group announces contract extension with the U.S. Marshals Service - The GEO Group announced that effective October 1 it has entered into a six-month contract extension with the U.S. Marshals Service for the 770-bed Western Region Detention Facility in San Diego, California, allowing the Facility and its approximately 300 employees and union members to continue to provide high quality services on behalf of the USMS. GEO's Western Region Detention Facility contract with the USMS was operating under a two-year option period which was scheduled to end on September 30. Given the need to comply with the January 2021 Presidential Executive Order to not renew U.S. Department of Justice contracts with privately-operated criminal detention facilities GEO has proposed various alternative contracting structures to the USMS that would allow the Western Region Detention Facility to remain in operation in compliance with the Executive Order, beyond the six-month contract extension.

06:51 EDT Becton Dickinson partners with Washington for back-to-school COVID testing - Becton Dickinson announced it has been selected by the state of Washington as a digitally read, rapid antigen test option for COVID-19 testing and screening in K-12 schools across the state.

06:45 EDT J&J says booster shot at two months provided 94% COVID-19 protection in U.S.

06:42 EDT Denbury subsidiary and Mitsubishi execute term sheet for ammonia project - Denbury announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Denbury Carbon Solutions, and Mitsubishi Corporation have executed a term sheet for the transport and storage of CO2 captured from Mitsubishi's proposed ammonia project on the Gulf Coast of the United States. The agreement between Denbury and Mitsubishi underscores the parties' shared interest in pursuing energy opportunities and contributing towards a low-carbon society, with Mitsubishi focused on the production of fuel ammonia and Denbury pursuing its mission of providing world-leading carbon transportation and storage solutions. Mitsubishi aims to introduce its fuel ammonia to the Japanese market, with production commencing from its Gulf Coast facility in the latter half of the decade.

06:39 EDT Sage Therapeutics appoints Chris Benecchi as Chief Commercial Officer - Sage Therapeutics announced the appointment of Chris Benecchi as Chief Commercial Officer. In his new role, Benecchi will lead Sage's global commercial efforts across all Sage programs, new product planning, strategy, and competitive intelligence. As a leader, Benecchi will work in collaboration with internal partners to create a shared, mission-driven, launch vision that reflects the input we receive from external stakeholders. Among his responsibilities will be to ensure smooth working relationships with Sage's partners and an integrated commercialization plan for zuranolone - a once-daily, two-week therapy in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of major depressive disorder, or MDD, and postpartum depression, or PPD. Benecchi will also lead commercialization strategies across the company's leading portfolio of treatments for brain health disorders. Chris Benecchi joins Sage from Alexion, where he served as Vice President, Global Head of Commercial Excellence. Previously, he spent eight years at UCB in commercial roles of increasing responsibility including Global Launch Head, Commercial and Medical Affairs, Immunology and Global Commercial Strategy Lead, Immunology.

06:36 EDT FDA clears Oric Pharma's IND for ORIC-533 - ORIC Pharmaceuticals announced an update on its CD73 inhibitor program. ORIC recently announced the FDA has cleared the company's Investigational New Drug Application, or IND, for ORIC-533 to proceed into a first-in-human clinical trial in which ORIC-533 will be tested as a single agent in an undisclosed tumor type not currently known to be under clinical evaluation with any other CD73 inhibitor. ORIC-533 was discovered internally at ORIC, is wholly owned, and is a highly potent, orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, a key node in the adenosine pathway believed to play a central role in resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy-based treatment regimens. In preclinical studies, ORIC-533 has demonstrated higher potency in a high AMP environment compared to all CD73 and adenosine receptor inhibitors against which it was compared, including both small molecules and antibodies, such as oleclumab. Preclinical data suggest ORIC-533 binds CD73 with high affinity and effectively blocks adenosine-driven immunosuppression. In preclinical studies, nanomolar concentrations of ORIC-533 efficiently rescued cytotoxic T-cell function in the presence of high AMP concentrations, reflective of AMP levels observed in tumors.

06:33 EDT Activision Blizzard says working with regulators to address workplace complaints - Activision Blizzard (ATVI) said that it continues to work with regulators on addressing and resolving workplace complaints it has received. The company also provided an update on recent initiatives to achieve its goal of ensuring a workplace that is inspiring, equitable, and respectful to all. Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, said, "We are deeply committed to making Activision Blizzard one of the best, most inclusive places to work anywhere. There is absolutely no place anywhere in our company for discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment of any kind. While we continue to work in good faith with regulators to address and resolve past workplace issues, we also continue to move ahead with our own initiatives to ensure that we are the very best place to work. We remain committed to addressing all workplace issues in a forthright and prompt manner." Kotick also said that the company continues to productively engage with regulators, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing with the goal of improving its workplace policies and procedures and ensuring compliance. The company is actively engaged in continued discussions with the EEOC and has cooperated with the EEOC's investigation concerning certain employment practices. It also confirmed that it is complying with a recent U.S. SEC subpoena issued to the company and several current and former employees and executives regarding disclosures on employment matters and related issues. The company is confident in its prior disclosures and is cooperating with the SEC's investigation. Activision Blizzard has made a number of important improvements including significant changes to personnel, exiting a number of employees, and expanding compliance resources. In addition, the company has refreshed its HR organization and, this week, will welcome a new Chief People Officer, Julie Hodges, who joins the company from The Walt Disney Company (DIS). The company has also expanded training, performance management, and anti-harassment resources.

06:18 EDT Infosys announces collaboration with ServiceNow - Infosys (INFY) announced its collaboration with ServiceNow (NOW) to provide enterprise-level service management for customers in manufacturing industries. Through this collaboration, Infosys will leverage its industry cloud blueprints, part of Infosys Cobalt, and deploy ServiceNow Operations Technology Management to support manufacturing industries as they digitize their factories, floors, and plant operations.

06:09 EDT AstraZeneca to invest $360M in manufacturing facility in Ireland - AstraZeneca is planning on establishing a next-generation active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing facility for small molecules near Dublin, Ireland to ensure the company's global supply network is fit for future growth, the company said in a statement. The new plant will allow for late-stage development and early commercial supply, adopting state of the art process technology and digital innovation that is designed to meet the needs of the company's new medicines pipeline with speed and agility, it said. The $360M planned investment at the Alexion Campus in College Park, Dublin, is expected to create about 100 direct jobs, including scientists and engineers, and further indirect jobs. The project was developed with the support and collaboration of Ireland's investment agency, IDA Ireland.

06:06 EDT Amazon.com, Lendistry announce joint pilot program, Amazon Community Lending - Amazon and Lendistry announced a joint pilot program, Amazon Community Lending, aimed at driving growth opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses selling in Amazon's store. The program is a new business financing option through Amazon Lending. Amazon Community Lending will provide U.S.-based Amazon sellers-nearly all of which are SMBs-access to short-term loans of up to $100,000 at competitive and affordable rates to sustain and grow their businesses. Lendistry is an established minority-led Community Development Financial Institution, that serves urban and rural small businesses in socially and economically distressed communities. The majority of the funds Lendistry has historically disbursed have gone to traditionally low-to-moderate income and other historically disadvantaged business owners and the communities they serve, including African American and Hispanic-Latino populations, and individuals from CDFI-designated investment areas

06:02 EDT Mannatech announces share repurchase program - Mannatech announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program to acquire up to $1.0M of its outstanding common stock. This repurchase program begins on September 21 and ends on the earlier of September 21, 2022 and the purchase of common stock having an aggregate purchase price of $1.0M and may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. Mannatech intends to finance the repurchases with available cash.

05:26 EDT IBM, Airspan Networks to team up on 5G-enabled Open RAN testbed launch in Europe - IBM (IBM) and Airspan Networks (MIMO) announced plans to collaborate on the launch of a 5G-enabled Open RAN testbed across the IBM Watson IoT Center in Munich, Germany and IBM's Global Industry Solution Center, or GISC, in Nice, France, to showcase long-distance control over 5G-enabled edge computing. The goal of developing this testbed is to help clients across Europe innovate and develop multi-vendor solutions designed to address different customer use case requirements, based on open, interoperable standards, while optimizing performance. IBM Global Business Services and Airspan plan to work together to accelerate the adoption of Open RAN technology and its ecosystem incorporating IBM's leading global hybrid cloud and AI orchestration services. IBM Global Business Services, a systems integrator in the telco industry, is focused on processes, methodologies, and edge experience to deliver value and transformational projects with emerging technologies. The Open RAN testbed is intended to advance the development of Open RAN software and hardware solutions, and end-to-end interoperability testing with private 5G stand-alone core networks. The two companies plan to provide partners and customers with the opportunity to collaborate, integrate and test features for next generation campus networks. As part of the intended collaboration, Airspan Networks is providing its Open RAN AirVelocity 2700 indoor radio unit and virtualized Open RAN Centralized Unit, or vCU, and Distributed Unit, or vDU, OpenRANGE software to help customers test and validate 5G private network solutions using Open RAN. IBM is expected to provide its Global Business Services technology integration services, as well as IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation and IBM Cloud Pak for Watson AIOps, to allow customers to manage and orchestrate edge cloud implementation and applications. In addition, the IBM Global Business Services team is planning to implement a visual inspection application for customers to further extend Industry 4.0 5G edge computing use cases on Open RAN.

05:18 EDT Teck Resources provides update on 2021 production guidance - In conjunction with Investor and Analyst Day, Teck provided an update on guidance. The company said, "Wildfires in British Columbia negatively affected our operations in the third quarter. As previously announced, the oxygen plant at Trail Operations resumed on August 13, 2021 following a temporary shutdown of approximately 10 days related to poor ambient air quality resulting from wildfires. The closure negatively impacted zinc production. As a result, we have reduced our 2021 annual refined zinc production guidance to 285,000 - 290,000 tonnes from 290,000 - 300,000 tonnes previously. We expect refined zinc production to be in the range of 72,000 - 75,000 tonnes in Q3 2021. At Highland Valley Copper (HVC), operations were fully suspended on August 14, 2021 for a period of four days due to an evacuation order issued by the District of Logan Lake in response to wildfire activity in the area. The impact on production was not material and our annual contained copper production guidance for HVC is unchanged at 128,000 - 133,000 tonnes. However, concentrate shipment timing from HVC has been impacted due to wildfires and logistics disruptions, and we do not expect to catch up on the differential between higher production than sales from H1 2021. For our copper business unit, we expect sales in Q3 to be similar to production in Q3. The impacts of wildfires on Teck's steelmaking coal business have been previously incorporated into our coal guidance dated July 26, 2021. At Red Dog, the latest start to the shipping season since 2010 due to weather and ice conditions, combined with record weather-related shipping delays in July and August, have reduced third quarter sales of zinc concentrate. We now expect Q3 2021 sales to be 145,000 - 155,000 tonnes of contained zinc, down from 180,000 - 200,000 tonnes previously. Despite the third quarter shortfall in shipping, assuming normal weather conditions, we continue to expect to be able to ship all zinc concentrates from Red Dog during the current shipping season as originally planned. At our steelmaking coal operations in the Elk Valley, annual production is expected to be at the lower end of the current guidance range due to the previously noted wildfire impacts, compounded by increased absenteeism associated with COVID-19 exposure isolation protocols. Current inflationary cost pressures, notably diesel price, supplies and higher labour premiums, and lower production, have been partially offset with savings attributable to our RACE21(TM) program. At current unprecedented steelmaking coal prices, we have made decisions to maintain available production for sale by operating higher cost equipment and relying on overtime to offset the increased absenteeism, which has also contributed to higher unit costs. Further, although we typically balance maintenance outages between the second and third quarters, we made the decision in the second quarter to defer the maintenance outage at our Fording River Operations to the third quarter to meet demand for our products. Due to this deferral along with the above noted production decisions and cost pressures, our third quarter adjusted cost of sales is expected to come in at $66 to $68 per tonne and exceed the higher end of the annual guidance range. We note that this is an increase in Q3 costs of only $3 per tonne, based on the mid-point of quarterly guidance, versus an increase of USD$192 per tonne in the steelmaking coal price on an FOB basis since June 30, 2021. With our planned major processing shutdowns behind us combined with higher production in the fourth quarter versus the first three quarters of this year, we expect reduced fourth quarter unit costs and, as a result, we anticipate to come in at or slightly above the upper end of the annual guidance range of $59 to $64 per tonne."

05:12 EDT Velodyne Lidar enters multi-year supply agreement with Topodrone - Velodyne Lidar announced a multi-year agreement to provide its lidar sensors to Topodrone, which is based in Switzerland and develops solutions for aerial surveys. Using Velodyne lidar sensors has enabled Topodrone to bring mapping and 3D modeling to environments including farms, forests, infrastructure and more.

05:08 EDT Jacobs secures 13 positions on TfL framework - Jacobs has secured 13 positions on Transport for London's, or TfL, Engineering Consultancy Framework, maintaining Jacobs' position as a provider of professional services to London's Integrated Transport Authority. Jacobs' awards include Framework Lots of Multi-Disciplinary Engineering and Rail Services, Transport and non-Transport Architecture and Cyber Security Engineering. TfL estimates the framework will operate for a maximum four-year period and enables the entire TfL organization and London's Borough Authorities to access a broad range of multi-disciplinary design and consultancy services.