Stockwinners Market Radar for October 27, 2021 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

20:14 EDT Methanex, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines finalize agreements for shipping partnership - Following a prior announcement made in mid-July 2021, Methanex and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines announced they have concluded definitive agreements for Methanex and MOL to establish a strategic partnership involving Methanex's Waterfront Shipping subsidiary. The definitive agreements are consistent with the previously announced Key Commercial Terms, with MOL acquiring a 40% minority interest for $145M. The closing is subject to all customary conditions being met, including regulatory approval. The final price will be subject to customary closing adjustments.

20:11 EDT Brookfield to acquire Lottery business of Scientific Games - Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (BBU) together with institutional partners, or collectively "Brookfield," announced an agreement to acquire Scientific Games Corporation's (SGMS) global lottery services and technology business for approximately $5.8B. Brookfield's investment will be funded with approximately $2.6B of equity. Brookfield Business Partners intends to fund approximately 30% of the equity on closing from existing liquidity on-hand and capital which will be raised from internal initiatives currently underway. Brookfield Business Partners also recently increased the availability on its credit facilities by $500M to maintain a strong corporate liquidity position. The balance of the equity investment is expected to be funded by institutional partners. Prior to or following closing, a portion of Brookfield Business Partners' commitment may be syndicated to other institutional investors. Closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals. Closing is expected in the second quarter of 2022. "We are pleased to continue to grow our business with the acquisition of a market leader and essential service provider to governments around the world. We look forward to partnering with management and bringing our global scale and capabilities to support Scientific Games Lottery's future growth," said David Nowak, Managing Partner, Brookfield Business Partners.

19:11 EDT Starbucks to raise average wage to nearly $17/hour by Summer 2022 - Starbucks announced a wave of investments for its employees, or "partners." The company said it is "prioritizing another significant investment to recognize and reward tenured partners while also ensuring all partners earn at least $15/hour in Summer 2022." This next investment culminates in a total of approximately $1B in incremental investments in annual wages and benefits over the last two years. Effective in late January 2022, partners with two or more years of service could receive up to a 5% raise and partners with five or more years could receive up to a 10% raise. Additionally, in Summer 2022, average pay for all U.S. hourly partners will be nearly $17/hr. The company added recruiting specialists across all U.S. markets and is extending its $200 referral bonuses to help attract new talent. The company is also investing in store partner training, including a complete redesign of the company's "Barista Basics" guide for partners to include added training time for all roles as well as practice shifts and looking to expand beyond its 40 training stores around the country currently dedicated entirely to training partners in this area. The company has also invested in forecasting capabilities to improve store staffing; testing of a "shifts app" aiming to make it easier for partners to work available shifts that meets their personal needs; and improving behind the bar floor design and equipment, including testing a Cold Beverage Station in select stores around the country. A team of support partners and data analysts, as well as a Store Manager Council, are working side by side with our store partners to help shape this work. In addition, the company brought together a team of partners to design and test initiatives that will "ultimately improve the partner experience and reduce complexity in stores."

18:45 EDT Thermo Fisher CEO: Very excited about acquisition of PPD - In an interview on CNBC's Mad Money, Marc Casper said the Thermo Fisher team is doing a great job executing for customers. He expects the PPD acquisition to be "very complimentary." He is seeing "very robust demand" for PCR testing and expects "longevity of testing demand."

18:34 EDT Prologis CEO: Supply chain crisis will not end quickly - In an interview on CNBC's Mad Money, Hamid Moghadam said "it will be a while" before things are normalized. He noted that supply chains have become longer and more fragmented over the past 40 years which makes it much harder to fix them when things go wrong. He said labor is currently the biggest bottleneck.

18:13 EDT iRobot sees higher revenue growth rate in 2022 vs. 2021 - In prepared remarks for its Q3 conference call, iRobot said, "We are confident that continued execution will enable us to expand our business and create significant value over the long term. As we work to refine our planning for 2022, we currently expect that: Our actions to improve supply chain resiliency will help us move beyond our product supply constraints in the second half of next year. We expect a higher revenue growth rate in 2022 than 2021 as we anticipate that improved supply will translate into a much stronger top-line performance in the second half of next year. We are pleased with the trajectory of existing connected customer revenue this year and look forward to moving into production with a range of new CRM capabilities over the next quarter or two. We believe that these new tools will play an important role in our efforts to further accelerate the growth of our existing customer revenue. We are bullish about the potential of our iRobot Select service and other similar subscription offerings outside of the U.S. These offerings represent new ways for us to increase existing customer revenue while also appealing to price-sensitive customers who might otherwise opt for a less expensive robot from the competition. As we continue adding thousands of new subscribers each quarter, we expect to exit 2022 with a growing base of annualized recurring revenue. A major cost headwind next year will be higher transportation costs, which we expect will remain elevated through the first three quarters of next year. Tariffs remain a wildcard. While we believe an exclusion is likely, it remains to be seen how quickly it can be granted. If tariffs remain in place next year, we expect that our 2022 tariff costs will decline meaningfully from 2021 levels. Our initiative to achieve scale with our production in Malaysia by the end of this year remains on schedule although there is more work for us to do as we finalize our product roadmaps a nd production plans for next year. We believe that 2022 will represent a major turning point in our efforts to transform iRobot into a more defensible, profitable enterprise with a compelling value proposition that resonates across a growing, global base of loyal connected customers. As we execute on our plans to expand our business and grow the lifetime value of each iRobot customer, we plan to remain disciplined with our spending. As a result, our assumptions for next year include an expectation that our second half revenue, operating profit and EPS performance will be meaningfully better than the first half. We are excited about what's in store for our company and our shareholders. We look forward to offering a deeper dive into key areas of our business and reintroducing our long-term financial model when we hold our Investor Day on Thursday, December 9, 2021."

18:01 EDT Sun Country Airlines and Major League Soccer sign new five-year charter contract - Sun Country Airlines announced a new five-year agreement to provide charter service to all Major League Soccer teams. The agreement is set to begin in 2022 and builds on a relationship between Sun Country and the league that developed over the last year. Sun Country Airlines began providing charter service to MLS during the summer of 2020 when the league returned to play following its COVID-19 hiatus. This new agreement provides for charter services pursuant to the requirements in the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement.

17:42 EDT Greenrose Acquisition shareholders approve combination with True Harvest - Greenrose Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company targeting companies in the cannabis industry, announced that its shareholders voted to approve the proposed business combination with Connecticut-based Theraplant, LLC and the acquisition of certain assets of Arizona-based True Harvest, LLC. Upon closing the Business Combination, which is expected to be in early November, the combined company will be named The Greenrose Holding Company and will continue to be listed on the OTC under the symbols "GNRSU," "GNRS," and "GNRSW." Greenrose also intends to list on the NEO exchange as soon as practicable after the close of the Business Combination. "We are grateful for the support of our shareholders and would like to thank them for sharing in our vision of developing and expanding our cannabis platform," said Mickey Harley, CEO and Director of Greenrose. "Our team is ready to enter our next exciting growth phase, and we look forward to using the proceeds of this transaction to expand in our existing markets and target strategic assets in key states that present opportunities for further consolidation."

17:28 EDT Ford says wholesale vehicle deliveries could rise 10% in 2022

17:27 EDT Ford expects to invest $40B-$45B in strategic CapEx between 2020-2025 - Including one-half of the more than $30B it plans to devote exclusively to BEVs during that same period.

17:13 EDT Ford says 'moving aggressively' to expand electric vehicle production - Says continues to make strides in technology for autonomous vehicles. Comments taken from Q3 earnings conference call.

17:05 EDT Kilroy Realty raises quarterly dividend 4% to 52c per share - Kilroy Realty said it increased the regular quarterly cash dividend to common stockholders by 4% to $0.52 per share; an annualized rate of $2.08 per share.

17:00 EDT Selective Insurance raises FY21 net catastrophe losses view to 5 points from 4

16:58 EDT ICF International awarded $20M contract from DOJ - The U.S. Department of Justice recently awarded global consulting and digital services provider ICF a new $20M contract to deliver training and technical assistance support to the Bureau of Justice Assistance National Training and Technical Assistance Center. The contract has a term of five years, including a one-year base and four one-year options.

16:56 EDT 3D Systems to acquire Volumetric - Volumetric announced has entered into an agreement to be acquired by 3D Systems in a deal structured as $45M closing payment, with up to $355M additional opportunity linked to a series of milestone earnouts upon the attainment of significant steps in the demonstration of human applications. "We are so excited to join 3D Systems and its joint development program with United Therapeutics Corporation, working together to deliver on the promise of regenerative medicine," says Jordan Miller, PhD, Co-Founder and President of Volumetric. "We will build out our R&D pipeline right here in Houston, next to the dozens of other innovative life sciences companies we have been working with, and alongside, for the past three years."

16:55 EDT Monmouth Real Estate acquires industrial building in Alabama for $30.2M - Monmouth Real Estate announced the acquisition of a new 290,879 square foot industrial building located at 3200 Rodeo Ct., Bessemer, Alabama at a purchase price of $30.2M. The property is net-leased for 15 years. The building is situated on approximately 46 acres representing a land to building ratio of seven times providing for future expansion capacity. Monmouth currently has nine properties undergoing parking expansions with several more planned in order to accommodate the strong demand for last-mile delivery.

16:54 EDT Sound Financial Bancorp announces new $2M stock repurchase program - Sound Financial Bancorp announced that its board of directors has adopted a new stock repurchase program to be effective on October 29, immediately following the expiration of the company's current stock repurchase program on October 28. Under this new repurchase program, the company may repurchase its outstanding shares in the open market in an amount up to $2M, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions, over a period beginning on October 29, continuing until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase or the next six months, depending upon market conditions.

16:50 EDT ShiftPixy appoints Amanda Murphy COO - ShiftPixy announced the promotion of Amanda Murphy to the post of Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2022. Murphy has served as the company's director of operations since January 2016, and has been a member of the board since April 2020.

16:49 EDT QuantumScape releases third-party test results - QuantumScape announced the release of an independent third-party laboratory testing report on the performance of its solid-state lithium-metal battery cells. QuantumScape's single-layer cells were tested by Mobile Power Solutions, an independent battery lab, and met automotive-relevant conditions: over 800 cycles at 25 degrees C, 1C charge/discharge rates, 100% depth of discharge and under 3.4 atmospheres of pressure. "We are happy that these independent test results substantially replicate the cycling performance we reported at our December 2020 Battery Showcase," said Jagdeep Singh, CEO and co-founder of QuantumScape. "With the publication of this report, we will continue to focus on our product roadmap goals and delivering cells to our customers."

16:44 EDT Sunnova sees FY22 adjusted EBITDA $117M-$137M - Sees FY22 customer additions 83,000-87,000.

16:40 EDT Checkmate Pharmaceuticals appoints Alan Fuhrman interim CEO - Checkmate Pharmaceuticals announced that Alan Fuhrman has been appointed as interim President and CEO. Mr. Fuhrman succeeds Barry Labinger, who has transitioned from his roles as President and CEO and Director. "We believe that vidutolimod has significant potential as a novel investigational therapeutic for melanoma and other difficult to treat tumor types. Our strategic priority is to rapidly advance our vidutolimod clinical program toward meaningful clinical data, and I am excited to lead the Company at this important time," said Alan Fuhrman, interim President and CEO. "On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Barry for his contributions to Checkmate, and we wish him much success with his future endeavors," said Mike Powell, Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Board has initiated a candidate search to identify a permanent CEO.

16:36 EDT Cryo-Cell announces intent to advance clinical trials - Cryo-Cell announced further plans for its newly developed Institute for Cellular Therapies. As a result of the exclusive license agreement signed with Duke University on February 26, Cryo-Cell acquired exclusive commercial rights to a range of intellectual property assets and FDA regulatory data around several cord blood and cord tissue derived cell therapy products that had completed Phase 1/Phase 2 clinical trials. With this, Cryo-Cell is working to develop, as described further below, a pipeline of potential cord blood- and cord tissue-derived cellular products to be tested in Phase 2 and Phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials to further determine safety and efficacy of these products in babies with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, children with cerebral palsy, children with autism spectrum disorder and other conditions. Cryo-Cell's cellular therapies with strong signals in Phase 3 clinical trials are expected to be moved through formal FDA approval pathways to Biologics License Applications, or BLA, and commercialization. Based on the results of a Phase 1 trial at Duke, Cryo-Cell intends to conduct a Phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test the safety and efficacy of cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Based on results in Phase 1 and 2 studies of cord blood infusions in children with cerebral palsy at Duke, Cryo-Cell may fund a Phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trial to confirm the efficacy of a cord blood infusion in children with CP which, if confirmed, would lead to a submission for FDA licensure. Cryo-Cell will support a follow-on randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to validate results in secondary and exploratory endpoints in a subset of patients on the Duke-ACT Phase 2 clinical trial, which investigated the benefits of cord blood infusions in children with autism. The new study is planned to improve upon the design and eligibility criteria to confirm the positive results of Duke-ACT's secondary and exploratory outcomes.

16:33 EDT Fresh Del Monte announces price increases - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. announced to customers it is raising prices on bananas (including organics and plantains), pineapples and fresh-cut fruit effective November 1, 2021. The move comes in response to unprecedented market conditions and inflationary pressures being felt across all industries, affecting Fresh Del Monte particularly as it relates to production and supply chain. "Despite our efforts to mitigate these increasing costs within our supply chain, they are simply too great to absorb. The unparalleled costs have been persistent and show no signs of regulating," said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "After thoughtful consideration, it is necessary to implement inflation-justified price increases in an effort to maintain our continuous supply and service levels. We understand that these pressures are not unique to our business and therefore are working collaboratively to mitigate these pressures - within our supply chain and with our business partner relationships."

16:32 EDT Murphy USA raises quarterly dividend to 29c per share - The Board of Directors of Murphy USA Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend on the Common Stock of Murphy USA Inc. of $0.29 per share, or $1.16 per share on an annualized basis. The dividend is payable on December 1, 2021, to stockholders of record as of November 8, 2021. "With our advantaged business model delivering record financial performance, we will remain disciplined in allocating capital to our highest-return opportunities, which remain new store growth and targeted investments in business improvement initiatives," said President and CEO Andrew Clyde. "However, with rising free cash flow and a strong balance sheet, in conjunction with our active share repurchase program, we are excited to continue supporting our track record of shareholder returns through a higher dividend."

16:29 EDT Brookline Bancorp increases quarterly dividend 4.2% to 12.5c per share - The company's board of directors approved a dividend of 12.5c per share for the quarter ended September 30, representing an increase of 4.2% from the prior quarter. The dividend will be paid on November 26 to stockholders of record on November 12.

16:20 EDT Boot Barn names Jim Watkins Chief Financial Officer - Boot Barn announced the appointment of Jim Watkins as Chief Financial Officer, effective November 1. Watkins has worked at Boot Barn in a variety of roles since October 2014, most recently as the company's Senior Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations. Greg Hackman will continue as Boot Barn's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Hackman joined Boot Barn in 2015 as the Chief Financial Officer and has also held the role of Chief Operating Officer since August 2020.

16:19 EDT Boot Barn sees fiscal 2022 new unit growth of 10% - Sees fiscal 2022 capital expenditures between $36M-$39M.

16:17 EDT Netgear board authorizes repurchase of 10% of outstanding shares - Bryan Murray, CFO of NETGEAR, added, "During the third quarter of 2021, we repurchased approximately 953,000 shares of common stock for $32.5M. In addition, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to an incremental 3,000,000 shares of the company's common stock, or approximately 10% of outstanding shares. We are confident in our ability to generate meaningful levels of cash, and plan to continue to opportunistically repurchase shares in future quarters."

16:14 EDT Twilio announces George Hu to resign from position as COO - The company announced that on October 25, 2021, George Hu informed the company of his intention to resign from his position as COO. Hu agreed to serve as COO until October 27, 2021, following which he will remain at the company as a strategic advisor to help with the transition until January 3, 2022. Hu will transition his go-to-market responsibilities to Marc Boroditsky, Twilio's Chief Revenue Officer, effective October 27, 2021. The company also announced that effective October 27, 2021, Khozema Shipchandler, who has served as the company's CFO since November 1, 2018, has been appointed to the position of COO. Shipchandler will continue to serve as the principal financial officer of the company.

16:11 EDT eBay reports Q3 annual active buyers declined 5% - eBay reports annual active buyers declined by 5%, for a total of 154 million global active buyers. Annual active sellers were flat at 19 million global active sellers.

16:10 EDT Ford reports Q3 adjusted EBIT $3B - Ford's adjusted EBIT was $3.0 billion, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 8.4%. Third-quarter cash flow from operations was $7.0 billion and adjusted free cash flow was $7.7 billion, both up considerably from the second quarter largely because of the higher wholesales and profitability. The company ended Q3 with $31.5 billion of cash and $47.4 billion in total liquidity.

16:08 EDT Allegiant Travel sees Q4 revenue up 0.5%-4.0% y-o-y, consensus $479.89M - Sees Q4 system ASMs 10%-14% y-o-y.

16:05 EDT Alnylam says vutrisiran met all secondary endpoints in HELIOS-A Phase 3 study - Alnylam Pharmaceuticals announced that the HELIOS-A Phase 3 study of vutrisiran, an investigational RNAi therapeutic in development for the treatment of the polyneuropathy associated with hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis, met all secondary endpoints measured at 18 months, including statistically significant improvements in neuropathy as measured by the modified Neuropathy Impairment Score (mNIS+7), quality of life (QOL), gait speed, nutritional status and overall disability, relative to external placebo data from the APOLLO Phase 3 study of patisiran. The final secondary endpoint, reduction in serum TTR levels with vutrisiran, demonstrated non-inferiority relative to the within-study patisiran arm, as expected. In addition, patients treated with vutrisiran showed improvements in exploratory endpoints, including the biomarker NT-proBNP and certain echocardiographic parameters, relative to placebo, and an improvement in technetium uptake relative to baseline in a majority of patients in a planned cohort, providing potential evidence for reduced cardiac amyloid burden. Vutrisiran continued to demonstrate an encouraging safety and tolerability profile. Alnylam previously announced that HELIOS-A met its primary and secondary endpoints at nine months and study results were presented at the 2021 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Virtual Annual Meeting. "These results build on the positive vutrisiran data shared earlier this year and suggest that the reduction of neurologic impairment and improvement in quality of life in patients with hATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy observed as early as nine months are maintained at 18 months. We are also encouraged by the hypothesis-supporting, exploratory endpoints and cardiac amyloid imaging results," said Rena N. Denoncourt, Vice President, TTR Franchise Lead. "Vutrisiran is currently under review by multiple regulatory authorities around the world, bringing this low-dose, once-quarterly, subcutaneously administered investigational therapy with a highly-attractive profile one step closer to being a potentially available therapeutic option for patients living with this progressive, life-threatening, multi-system disease. We look forward to presenting full 18-month results of the HELIOS-A study at a medical conference in early 2022, and progressing our efforts to build an industry-leading franchise of medicines for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of hATTR amyloidosis and potentially additional indications for the future."

15:58 EDT CenterPoint Energy Indiana South gets approval for 400 MW of renewable energy - CenterPoint Energy announced its Indiana-based electric and natural gas business, CenterPoint Energy Indiana South, received approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to acquire a 300-megawatt solar array, as well as enter into a power purchase agreement for an additional 100 MWs of solar energy as part of the company's long-term electric generation transition plan. CenterPoint Energy entered into an agreement with Arevon Energy Management, the company that will build the utility-owned project in Posey County, Ind. The agreement required approval by the Commission. Arevon Energy Management and energy company Tenaska are co-developing the project. CenterPoint Energy will also purchase additional solar power from Clenera, which is developing a solar project in Warrick County, Ind., under a 25-year contract. Construction of the solar project with Arevon Energy Management is scheduled to be in service by 2023. The initial construction phase will require establishing a sub-station to interconnect with CenterPoint Energy's power grid. The solar array is anticipated to generate enough power to meet the needs of more than 50,000 households per year, while also helping large customers achieve their individual sustainability goals. Clenera projects its solar array will be in service by 2023. CenterPoint Energy's PPA entitles it to 100 MW of the array, which will generate enough power to meet the needs of more than 18,500 homes per year.

15:03 EDT Allegiant Travel: Maintenace technicians workers vote to ratify contract - Allegiant announces that maintenance technician and related employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement with the company. The contract is effective from the date of ratification, October 26, 2021, for a five-year term. Allegiant currently employs 415 maintenance technician and related employees - a group which includes line and heavy maintenance technicians, as well as stores employees and some administrative maintenance staff. The process of negotiating a first collective bargaining agreement for Allegiant maintenance technician and related employees began in January 2019. The parties had temporarily suspended negotiations due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and talks resumed in September 2020. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was most recently certified as the group's exclusive representative on March 7, 2018.

14:59 EDT Shell acknowledges Third Point letter, 'welcomes open dialogue' - Royal Dutch Shell notes the Third Quarter 2021 Investor letter published today by Third Point. The company stated: "Shell regularly reviews and evaluates the Company's strategy with a focus on generating shareholder value. As part of this ongoing process, Shell welcomes open dialogue with all shareholders, including Third Point. Shell's Investor Relations team has had preliminary conversations with Third Point and we will engage with them, as we do with all of our shareholders. Shell set out its Powering Progress strategy earlier this year and its Energy Transition strategy received 89% support of its shareholders at its Annual General Meeting in May."

14:48 EDT FDA strengthens safety requirements, updates study results for breast implants - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it took several new actions to strengthen breast implant risk communication and help those who are considering breast implants make informed decisions. First, the agency issued orders restricting the sale and distribution of breast implants to help ensure that patients considering breast implants are provided with adequate risk information so that they can make fully informed decisions. Additionally, the agency has approved new labeling for all legally marketed breast implants that includes a boxed warning, a patient decision checklist, updated silicone gel-filled breast implant rupture screening recommendations, a device description with a list of specific materials used in the device and a patient device card. Finally, the FDA released updated information on the status of breast implant manufacturer post-approval studies. These actions will help patients understand the risks and benefits of breast implants and make more informed decisions about their health. The new labeling approved today follows the labeling recommendations described in FDA's September 2020 guidance and was included as part of the supplemental approval applications submitted by manufacturers. The FDA orders for IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Saline Breast Implants, Mentor Saline-Filled and Spectrum Breast Implants, Inamed (now Allergan) Natrelle Saline Filled Breast Implants, Inamed (now Allergan) Natrelle Silicone Filled Breast Implants, Mentor MemoryShape Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants, Mentor MemoryGel Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants and Sientra OPUS Silicone Gel Breast Implants approve the updated labeling in addition to restricting the devices as described above. Manufacturers are asked to post the updated device labeling to their websites within the next 30 days, the FDA stated. Reference Link

14:20 EDT North American rail traffic dropped 3.4% in week ended October 23 - The Association of American Railroad, AAR, reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending October 23. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 510,762 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.3% compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending October 23 were 239,195 carloads, up 5.1% compared with the same week in 2020, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 271,567 containers and trailers, down 8% compared to 2020. North American rail volume for the week ending October 23, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 337,884 carloads, up 2.4% compared with the same week last year, and 358,101 intermodal units, down 8.3% compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 695,985 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.4%. North American rail volume for the first 42 weeks of 2021 was 29,080,721 carloads and intermodal units, up 6.9% compared with 2020. Publicly traded companies in the space include CSX (CSX), Canadian National (CNI), Canadian Pacific (CP), Kansas City Southern (KSU), Norfolk Southern (NSC), Union Pacific (UNP), FreightCar America (RAIL), Trinity Industries (TRN), Greenbrier (GBX), and Wabtec (WAB). Reference Link

14:02 EDT Plus Therapeutics announces presentation of ReSPECT-GBM trial dosimetery data - Plus Therapeutics presented data at the American Society for Radiation Oncology, or ASTRO, 2021 Annual Meeting indicating Rhenium-186 NanoLiposome delivered to patients with recurrent glioblastoma, or GBM, through convection enhanced delivery results in predictable distribution and stable retention to the targeted tissues, providing days of sustained, localized radiation treatment to the tumor. "We're very encouraged by this latest data supporting investigational 186RNL for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma, specifically underscoring its potential to effectively treat difficult to reach brain tumors, without harming surrounding tissue. Coupled with state-of-the-art imaging technology tools, treatment with 186RNL has shown to be highly precise, which may give reassurance to patients living with recurrent glioblastoma and advance understanding of convection therapy and targeted radiation for healthcare providers treating this unforgiving disease," said John Floyd, M.D., University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, study investigator, and presenter of the ePoster. Marc Hedrick, M.D., President and CEO of Plus Therapeutics, added: "This presentation documents the potential safety and utility of locoregional radiotherapeutic delivery to the brain or any organ or tissue in the body. We are committed to further investigating the potential of 186RNL in hopes of offering a novel treatment to patients in need of minimally invasive and convenient therapeutic options for recurrent GBM and other difficult to treat cancers. This new data builds on existing evidence and reinforces the clinical promise of providing precise, targeted radiotherapeutics for cancer."

13:35 EDT NRF sees 'record' holiday sales of $843.4B-$859B, despite supply chain issue - NRV said earlier in a statement: "Holiday spending has the potential to shatter previous records, as the National Retail Federation today forecast that holiday sales during November and December will grow between 8.5% and 10.5% over 2020 to between $843.4B and $859B. The numbers, which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, compare with a previous high of 8.2% in 2020 to $777.3B and an average increase of 4.4% over the past five years."There is considerable momentum heading into the holiday shopping season," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. "Consumers are in a very favorable position going into the last few months of the year as income is rising and household balance sheets have never been stronger. Retailers are making significant investments in their supply chains and spending heavily to ensure they have products on their shelves to meet this time of exceptional consumer demand." NRF expects that online and other non-store sales, which are included in the total, will increase between 11% and 15% t to a total of between $218.3B and $226.2B driven by online purchases. In comparison, that number is up from $196.7B in 2020." .Publicly traded companies in the space include JCPenney (JCP), Kohl's (KSS), Macy's (M), Nordstrom (JWN) and Sears (SHLD) Amazon.com (AMZN), Overstock.com (OSTK) and eBay (EBAY) and Signet Jewelers (SIG) and TJX (TJX). Reference Link

13:14 EDT Cboe Global Markets to launch Nanos option contract for 'everyday retail trader' - Cboe Global Markets announced plans to launch Nanos by Cboe, "a first of its kind options contract designed to simplify options trading. Nanos by Cboe help make options trading accessible for the everyday retail trader, allowing them to start small, learn as they go and grow their trading confidence." said Cboe plans to launch its first Nanos on the S&P 500 Index in first-quarter 2022. At a fraction of the size of a standard options contract, the one-multiplier, cash-settled Nanos S&P 500 contract answers the growing demand for a simpler, cost-effective way to gain broad exposure to the U.S. equity market. At 1/100th the size of an XSP1 option, the Mini-S&P 500 Index options contract, Nanos S&P 500 ticker symbol , NANOS, help simplify the process of trading options, letting traders focus on understanding the market and refining their trading strategies. The S&P 500 Index options market is one of the most highly traded and liquid options markets across the globe and has served primarily institutional investors well for years, however, the higher price of a standard option contract can be a barrier to entry for retail traders. The smaller size of Nanos may help beginners gain confidence as they learn and apply basic trading strategies, utilize simplified analytics when identifying and sizing trades, and continue on a learning path. "Our goal with Nanos is to use education to inspire and empower new market participants to pursue a sustainable financial future. We believe Nanos are more appropriately sized for retail traders and enable traders to better express their opinions on market movements at a comparatively lower premium price," said Ed Tilly, Chairman, President and CEO of Cboe Global Markets. "Through our Nanos S&P 500 product, we are broadening access to a greater universe of traders who can enjoy the potential benefits options provide, including hedging, asset allocation and income generation strategies."

12:10 EDT Vertex's Trikafta submission supplement accepted for priority review in Canada - Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced that its Supplement to a New Drug Submission for TRIKAFTA has been accepted for Priority Review by Health Canada for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in people ages 6-11 years. Vertex will also submit this indication in parallel to both the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health and the Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux in Quebec for Health Technology Assessments. "We are pleased that TRIKAFTA 6-11 has been accepted for Priority Review by Health Canada and we look forward to bringing this product to patients as soon as possible," said Duncan McKechnie, Senior Vice President, North America Commercial Operations, Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

12:05 EDT Intel unveils 12th generation Intel core, launches i9-12900K gaming processor - Intel is launching the first products in the 12th Gen Intel Core family, including Intel Core i9-12900K, its new gaming processor. The full 12th Gen Intel Core family will include 60 processors, set to power more than 500 designs from a broad set of partners, Intel said in a statement. "The performance hybrid architecture of 12th Gen Intel Core processors is an architectural shift made possible by close co-engineering of software and hardware that will deliver new levels of leadership performance for generations," said Gregory Bryant, executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group at Intel. "This begins with the arrival of our flagship Core i9-12900K - the world's best gaming processor - and you will see even more incredible experiences as we ship the rest of the 12th Gen family and beyond."

12:01 EDT Liberty Oilfield Services falls -11.5% - Liberty Oilfield Services is down -11.5%, or -$1.79 to $13.79.

12:00 EDT PlayAGS rises 9.9% - PlayAGS is up 9.9%, or 79c to $8.78.

12:00 EDT Huaneng Power rises 16.4% - Huaneng Power is up 16.4%, or $2.92 to $20.80.

11:39 EDT 1-800-Flowers.com announces acquisition of Vital Choice, terms not disclosed - 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has expanded its product offerings across the growing "better for you" food category with the acquisition of Vital Choice. With this acquisition, the Company adds more than 400 new "better for you" offerings to its product assortment, including frozen, canned, and smoked wild fish, shellfish, organic grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, organic soups, organic fruits, seasonings, oils and broths, fish-based pet treats, omega-3 and other supplements, plus seaweed and kelp-based items.

11:14 EDT Boeing CEO: 787 customers are 'going to take them when they take them'

11:03 EDT Pax Global sinks after report of FBI raid at U.S. warehouse - Shares of Pax Global Technology are sinking after Florida's WOKV reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security and several other agencies began an investigation Tuesday morning at the company's warehouse in Jacksonville. The website KrebsOnSecurity learned that the raid is tied to reports that Pax's systems may have been involved in cyberattacks on U.S. and European Union organizations. Headquartered in China, Pax has more than 60M point-of-sale terminals in use throughout 120 countries, the site notes. KrebsOnSecurity "heard from a trusted source" that the FBI began investigating Pax after a major U.S. payment processor started asking questions about unusual network packets originating from the company's payment terminals. Shares of Pax Global Technology trading in the U.S. are down 38% to 75c. Reference Link

11:01 EDT Boeing sees 737 MAX deliveries resuming in Q1

10:55 EDT EHang announces partnership with Aena - EHang announced via Twitter a partnership with Aena, an airport management operator, "to carry out projects including #AAV trial flights, AAV management and operation, vertiport,etc. and finally realize the seamless end-to-end flights." Reference Link

10:43 EDT Boeing evaluating timing of launching 777x freighter

10:42 EDT Boeing CEO sees clear line of sight to resumption of 787 deliveries

10:35 EDT Boeing CEO: Recovery gaining broader momentum - Comments taken from Q3 earnings conference call.

10:30 EDT New York denies NRG Energy application for Astoria gas plant - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said it denied applications for two proposed natural gas power plants- Astoria and Danskammer. "Both would be inconsistent with New York's nation-leading climate law, and are not justified or needed for grid reliability. We must shift to a renewable future," the agency said via Twitter. NRG Energy (NRG) submitted the application for the Astoria gas plant.

10:20 EDT Genius Brands to acquire WOW! Unlimited Media for $53M in cash, stock - Genius Brands International and WOW! Unlimited Media announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Genius Brands will acquire WOW! for approximately $53M in cash and stock.WOW! Unlimited Media, based in Toronto, Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles, has built s leading animation production companies producing broadcasters and IP holders including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony, Hulu, Dreamworks, Moonbug, Peacock and Mattel. Based on the last twelve months from July 2020-June 2021, the Company's revenue and EBITDA were $56.4M and $5.1M respectively, and its growing order book has over $62M dollars of contracted production in the next year alone. The company said, " The acquisition increases Genius pro-forma revenues for the last-twelve-months by over 1100%. On a stand-alone basis: WOW!'s LTM revenue was over $56M; WOW!'s LTM EBITDA was over $5M; WOW!'s 2020 EBITDA growth was over 45% year over year; WOW! has a robust animation business with consistent revenue and EBITDA growth, and strong visibility into future revenue with marquee clients and partners including Netflix, DreamWorks, Sony, Mattel, Spin Master, Moonbug, and Hulu. The combination is expected to drive synergies on multiple fronts, including: WOW! in- house brands, currently unexploited, to now be monetized through Genius Brands' Ad Sales, Global Distribution, and Consumer Product licensing units. Cost-savings from delisting of the Canadian publicly listed WOW! entity and related regulatory, legal and operational expenses. The combination creates an end-to-end animation ecosystem driving exceptional value for shareholders, including: Addition of two studios with strong track record of producing top end animation - Frederator Studios and Mainframe Studios. A captive animation production studio that can be leveraged for in-house production of Genius Brands' properties, thus driving cost synergies.Expanding audience demographics beyond kids into teens and young adult audiences and global social media platforms, with high-performing properties. The transaction will result in an expanded global leadership team: Michael Hirsh, CEO of WOW! will join the Board of Directors of Genius Brands and continue his responsibilities for Mainframe, Frederator Studios, Networks and Platforms.The transaction expands Genius Brands' business in multiple high-growth areas, including: Highly profitable, full-service animation sub-contract studio with continuing and reliable high-end clients; Expansion into teen and young adult focused animation Addition of a large YouTube business to drive growth of Genius Brands' overall advertising-video-on-demand business; Strong Commitment to Canada and Benefits of the Canadian Tax Credit System. Wow!'s Canadian content operations will continue as a distinct Canadian controlled business The transfer of animation production to Canada is expected to benefit Genius Brands through Canadian Content incentives as well as Production Service Tax Credits and to provide direct benefits for Canadians through opportunities for Canadian animators and other production personnel."

10:19 EDT General Motors sees FY CapEx $8B-$9B - Sees low vehicle inventory in U.S. continuing well into 2022.

10:12 EDT GM: Q3 results reflect NT challenges of global semiconductor supply chain issues

10:09 EDT General Motors CEO Bara: LG a 'very valued and respected' partner - Comments taken from Q3 earnings conference call.

10:01 EDT Trinseo names Paula Cooney as SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer - Trinseo announced that Paula Cooney will assume the role of Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer effective November 29. Cooney will be responsible for all human resource activities at Trinseo globally and will also become a member of Trinseo's Executive Management team. The role will be moved from Switzerland to North America and Cooney will replace Trinseo's current Switzerland-based SVP, CHRO, Alice Heezen, who will be leaving the company. Prior to joining Trinseo, Cooney was Senior Vice President, Human Resources, for FLIR Systems.

10:00 EDT Flagstar Bancorp falls -11.5% - Flagstar Bancorp is down -11.5%, or -$6.31 to $48.70.

10:00 EDT Daqo New Energy rises 10.3% - Daqo New Energy is up 10.3%, or $7.30 to $78.18.

10:00 EDT Huaneng Power rises 14.7% - Huaneng Power is up 14.7%, or $2.63 to $20.50.

09:58 EDT GM sees revenue from EVs growing to $90B by end of decade - By the end of the decade, GM sees connected vehicles and other new businesses will driving more than $80B in new, incremental revenue, Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said in a letter to shareholders on Wednesday. At the same time, Barra said revenue from EVs is expected to grow from about $10B in 2023 to $90B.

09:57 EDT LivePerson acquires VoiceBase, Tenfold, terms not disclosed - LivePerson announced two strategic acquisitions: VoiceBase, a company in real-time speech recognition and conversational analytics; and Tenfold, a customer engagement platform for integrating communication systems with leading CRM and support services. The company said, "Through these acquisitions, three powerful technologies combine to create a unified, AI-enabled system for customer experience: VoiceBase's superior speech recognition and analytics capabilities, Tenfold's advanced voice, messaging, and CRM integrations, and LivePerson's industry-leading Conversational AI and asynchronous messaging. Brands can now enable natural, conversational consumer experiences that carry context and continuity across all channels, powered through a single automated voice and messaging desktop experience. Acquiring VoiceBase and Tenfold accelerates LivePerson's vision to help brands gain complete ownership and visibility over engagements in the channels customers care about, inclusive of voice and messaging. These companies bring voice intelligence and AI technologies to support LivePerson's upcoming voice capabilities within its world-class conversational AI messaging platform."

09:47 EDT Six Flags falls -8.4% - Six Flags is down -8.4%, or -$3.86 to $42.34.

09:47 EDT Bakkt falls -11.4% - Bakkt is down -11.4%, or -$2.71 to $21.07.

09:47 EDT Taylor Morrison rises 10.6% - Taylor Morrison is up 10.6%, or $2.91 to $30.48.

09:47 EDT Huaneng Power rises 13.2% - Huaneng Power is up 13.2%, or $2.36 to $20.23.

09:41 EDT Amazon announces support for House version of Inform Act - Amazon (AMZN) said in a statement: "Unfortunately, some big-box retailers like Walmart (WMT) and Home Depot (HD), and their respective lobbying groups, the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the Buy Safe America Coalition, have pushed legislation at the federal and state levels with the purported goal of preventing the online sale of counterfeit items and stolen goods. The real purpose of these measures is to favor large brick-and-mortar retailers at the expense of small businesses that sell online. We opposed those bills because they hurt honest sellers and do nothing to actually prevent fraud and abuse. Amazon and a number of small businesses that sell in our store have spent this past year talking to policymakers about the facts and what Congress can do to truly help protect customers, while not punishing the honest small businesses that sell online. We appreciate that policymakers listened to these concerns and added important changes to H.R. 5502, the recently introduced House version of the INFORM Act. These modifications will protect innovation, giving Amazon and other online marketplaces flexibility in how we stop bad actors...With H.R. 5502, Congress will be doing what's best for small businesses and consumers. We look forward to working with lawmakers to further strengthen the bill and to get the INFORM Act passed into law."

09:34 EDT Cinedigm acquires over 1,500 new hours of film, TV programs - Cinedigm announced that the Company has acquired more than 1,500 new hours of premium films and TV programs over the past few months. Over 990 films, 31 new series and 8 specials are included in Cinedigm's most recent set of acquisitions from entertainment companies including GPC/Media Blasters, MonteCristo, MVD, Factory 25, Grindhouse Releasing, Dead Talk Live, Legacy Distribution and Bridgestone Media. As streaming remains the fastest-growing segment of the entertainment industry, Cinedigm continues to invest in films, TV programs and streaming channels to serve enthusiasts and underserved audiences. This influx of new entertainment programming will allow Cinedigm to further refresh and curate high-quality programs across its wide range of digital networks including indie favorite Fandor, horror services Screambox and Bloody Disgusting and faith & family content leader The Dove Channel.

09:32 EDT Hinge launches Voice Prompts audio feature - Hinge is launching a new audio experience, Voice Prompts, to bring users' profiles to life and build better connections with their matches. Voice Prompts allows users to answer a Prompt through a 30-second voice recording, giving others a glimpse of their personality and what a first date would be like. The new audio experience is now available to all users globally. The company is also introducing Voice Notes this fall - making it possible for users to have a conversation that captures their tone and personality while messaging each other.

09:31 EDT IBM to acquire McD Tech Labs from McDonald's - IBM (IBM) announced it has entered into an agreement with McDonald's (MCD) to "further accelerate the development and deployment of its Automated Order Taking - AOT - technology." Under the agreement, IBM will acquire McD Tech Labs, which was created to advance employee and customer facing innovations following McDonald's 2019 acquisition of Apprente, the companies jointly stated. "As part of McDonald's strategic growth plan, 'Accelerating the Arches,' the company is committed to innovation across Digital, Delivery and Drive Thru. This agreement will accelerate McDonald's efforts to provide an even more convenient and unique customer and crew experience," the companies said. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. It is expected to close in December 2021. Upon closing, the McD Tech Labs team will become part of the IBM Cloud & Cognitive Software division. Reference Link

09:23 EDT Boeing continues to expect first 777X delivery in late 2023

09:21 EDT Takeda to acquire GammaDelta, to hasten development of allogeneic T-cell therapy - Takeda Pharmaceutical announced the exercise of its option to acquire GammaDelta Therapeutics, "a company focused on exploiting the unique properties of gamma delta T cells for immunotherapy," noted the company. The acquisition follows a multi-year collaboration between Takeda and GammaDelta Therapeutics formed in 2017 to develop GammaDelta's novel gammadelta T cell therapy platforms, in which Takeda received an equity stake and an exclusive right to purchase GammaDelta. The deal is expected to be finalized in Q1 of Takeda's fiscal year 2022. Closing of the transaction is contingent on completion of review under antitrust laws, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 in the U.S. Through the acquisition, Takeda will obtain GammaDelta's allogeneic variable delta 1 gamma-delta T cell therapy platforms, which includes both blood-derived and tissue-derived platforms, "in addition to early-stage cell therapy programs. "We're committed to developing cell therapies that will have an impact on large segments of patients by focusing on off-the-shelf, allogeneic cell therapies that are highly accessible and have the potential to address solid tumors. Collaborating with scientific innovators with unique technology platforms and deep domain expertise, such as the GammaDelta team, allows Takeda to identify and accelerate the most promising approaches that can be developed into products to impact the lives of cancer patients," said Christopher Arendt, Ph.D., Head of Oncology Cell Therapy and Therapeutic Area Unit of Takeda. "Gamma-delta T cell-based therapies represent a differentiated approach to target both solid tumors and hematological malignancies, and we are eager to integrate GammaDelta's cell therapy platforms into our immuno-oncology R&D efforts." Takeda exercised its option to acquire GammaDelta for a pre-negotiated upfront payment as well as potential development and regulatory milestones. The acquisition follows a multi-year collaboration between Takeda and GammaDelta Therapeutics formed in 2017 to develop GammaDelta's novel gammadelta T cell therapy platforms, in which Takeda received an equity stake and an exclusive right to purchase GammaDelta. The deal is expected to be finalized in Q1 of Takeda's fiscal year 2022. Closing of the transaction is contingent on completion of review under antitrust laws, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 in the U.S.

09:16 EDT GenTech announces share buyback initiative, reduces authorized share capital - GenTech Holdings is pleased to announce that the Authorized Share Capital of the Company has been reduced by 18% effective as of today's date as well as work commencing on share buyback initiative. GenTech has an effective Reg A with a capital raise limit set at 40bn shares, but management states that they can hit their capital raise targets with a significant reduction in the Authorized Share Capital and have reduced the amount of shares available for further dilution of shareholders. Effective today, the Authorized Share Capital is now listed as 33bn shares, signaling an end to significant further dilution as management lays out a plan to further reduce the Authorized Share Capital in December 2021 and begins work on a share buyback initiative. The Company will also begin a Share Buy Back Initiative with the Board initially authorizing the re-purchase of a maximum of 1bn shares of the Company's common stock to be reviewed at the end of December 2021, based on results. The stock repurchase program, which starts on December 1st and ends Dec 31st, 2021, allows the company to repurchase its shares from time to time in the open market as well as in negotiated transactions.

09:15 EDT General Dynamics: Gulfstream jet backlog in Q3 was highest in 6 years

09:12 EDT Stingray Group announces launch with eight streaming partners globally - Stingray (STGYF) announced the launch of ad-supported TV channels and premium SVOD and AVOD services with eight major TV and OTT providers: Altice USA's (ATUS) Optimum Stream and Suddenlink Stream, Amazon (AMZN) Prime Video Channels, Claro, Local Now, Plex TV, Pluto TV, Struum and Totalplay. These distribution agreements grow Stingray's audience over new platforms in new territories and add millions of potential viewers. With this announcement, Stingray confirms new partnerships with Local Now, Plex TV and Struum, and solidifies existing relationships with Altice USA, Amazon Prime Video Channels, Claro, Pluto TV and Totalplay. Stingray's reach and influence continues to grow at an accelerated rate.

09:11 EDT Reservoir Media's catalog made available on Feed Media's Adaptr platform - Reservoir Media and Feed Media Group, a business-to-business music platform, announced a new deal that will make Reservoir's publishing catalog of over 130,000 songs available to customers on Feed Media Group's Adaptr platform. Adaptr provides an end-to-end solution for startups and emerging app developers looking to integrate music into digital experiences including fitness apps, games, and social media. The plug-and-play platform is equipped with a pre-cleared catalog of music and tools including streaming infrastructure, reporting, and royalty payments. Feed Media Group launched Adaptr.com in 2021 to support startups that need popular music within their apps, with all rights cleared. Adaptr is currently available to companies that have raised less than $7.5M in funding and earn less than $4.5M in revenue.

09:09 EDT Aecom awarded up to $800M multiple-award contract from USAID - Aecom announced it has been awarded its third consecutive indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, or IDIQ, contract to provide global architecture and engineering services to the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID. The multiple-award contract, with a shared program ceiling of $800M, renews Aecom's partnership with USAID for another five years. Under the new contract, Aecom will provide engineering design, construction management, and related support to strengthen USAID's efficiency in responding to critical infrastructure development and humanitarian needs. This includes short- and long-term services related to water resources and supply, environmental concerns, transportation, energy, telecommunications, and healthcare and education facilities.

09:08 EDT DocuSign and Salesforce partner for contract collaboration through Slack - Salesforce (CRM) and DocuSign (DOCU) are expanding their global strategic partnership to build new joint solutions for customers to accelerate how agreements are facilitated around the world. New innovations will aim to automate the contract process with AI-based, smart solutions that improve the customer experience of preparing, signing, and managing agreements, drive faster ROI, and increase collaboration amongst organizations with Slack functionality. New applications will be jointly designed and developed natively in Salesforce Customer 360. DocuSign eSignature for Slack is available now; DocuSign CLM for Slack will be available in 2022.

09:06 EDT Sirius XM: New Range Rover will include SiriusXM with 360L - Jaguar Land Rover North America and SiriusXM announced that the New Range Rover will include SiriusXM with 360L, SiriusXM's newest and most advanced audio entertainment platform, as a standard feature. The New Range Rover, which was introduced yesterday in a global reveal by Land Rover, will become the first Jaguar and Land Rover vehicle to offer SiriusXM with 360L, with additional Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles set to follow. The New Range Rover featuring SiriusXM with 360L will be available at Land Rover dealers across the United States with deliveries beginning in Spring 2022. By model year 2023 SiriusXM with 360L will be standard in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles equipped with the PIVI Pro infotainment system.

09:04 EDT NextEra Energy awarded Wolf Creek-Blackberry transmission line project by SPP - NextEra Energy subsidiary NextEra Energy Transmission has been awarded the Wolf Creek-Blackberry transmission line project by the Southwest Power Pool. The SPP Board of Directors approved an industry expert panel recommendation for NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest to build the Wolf Creek-Blackberry project. The project requires regulatory approval in both Kansas and Missouri and is expected to be online in January 2025.

09:04 EDT Verizon expands global managed services with Fortinet Secure SD WAN - Verizon Business (VZ) announced the expansion of its global SD WAN offering with the addition of Verizon Software Defined Secure Branch with Fortinet (FTNT) Secure SD WAN. The solution is designed to provide businesses, including enterprise and business market customers, with a converged networking and security solution "in-a-box" to secure and connect hybrid and remote workforces. "The quick transition to hybrid and/or remote working models opened new avenues for cyber threat actors," said Sampath Sowmyanarayan, Chief Revenue Officer for Verizon Business. "Solutions like Verizon's Software Defined Secure Branch with Fortinet add those layers of security that help safeguard your employees, your business and ultimately your customers against cyberattacks." Deployed leveraging Fortinet Secure SD WAN, which integrates SD WAN, firewall, and advanced routing, this security-driven networking solution enables consistent network and security policies. The solution also works with many types of network transports including MPLS, Internet, Broadband, and Wireless to enable hybrid WAN and LAN transformation.

09:03 EDT Arthur J. Gallagher acquires The VanDyke Group - Arthur J. Gallagher acquired Homer Glen, IL-based The VanDyke Group. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1984, The VanDyke Group offers employee benefits consulting and HR solutions, as well as commercial and personal property/casualty coverages, to clients across Northern Illinois, Northern Indiana and Southern Wisconsin. Matthew VanDyke and his team will remain in their current location under the direction of Tom Lannen, head of Gallagher's Great Lakes region employee benefits consulting and brokerage operations, and Ryan Isaacs, head of Gallagher's Midwest region retail property/casualty brokerage operations.

08:59 EDT Coca-Cola sees minimal commodity hedge inflation impact in Q4

08:50 EDT Coca-Cola to increase consumer-facing marketing spend in Q4

08:49 EDT McDonald's expects FX to have 'minimal impact' on Q4 EPS

08:49 EDT Coca-Cola was off to 'promising' start in July, says CEO - Says Delta variant impacted several markets resulting in a softer August.

08:47 EDT AgriFORCE Growing Systems enters binding LOI to acquire AgTech consultancy - AgriFORCE Growing Systems has entered into a binding letter of intent to acquire an AgTech European consultancy focused on driving agricultural optimization, innovation, solutions and operational expertise in the agriculture and horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture sectors. With global operations and over 200 employees, this AgTech consultancy achieved 2020 annual consulting audited revenues of over $26M and EBITDA of $3M, and it expects to end the year 2021 with revenues of $28M. The binding LOI is subject to completion of standard due diligence and entry into a definitive purchase agreement within 45 days, which shall include commercially standard terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, representations and warranties, covenants, events of default and conditions to closing. The purchase price by AgriFORCE is estimated to be in the range of $29M with a mix of cash and stock, with all stock issued in private placement transactions exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. The AgriFORCE acquisition of this European AgTech consultancy is expected to provide the following strategic benefits: AgriFORCE plans to leverage the consultancy's decades of experience, established customer base and deep industry relationships to accelerate deployment of its proprietary AgriFORCE Grow House and related IP, including facility and lighting design, automation and artificial intelligence, fertigation and nutrients, as well as micropropagation and genetics. The consultancy has generated strong historical financial performance and consistent growth across Europe and internationally. AgriFORCE plans to build on this growth through expansion of these consulting operations and the establishment of a research and development center in North America, higher penetration of its Asian markets, as well as expanding AgriFORCE's operations in Europe,This acquisition is intended to place the combined operations at the forefront of knowledge and IP development and research, which AgriFORCE plans to augment with increased revenue from technical solution platforms in the key CEA verticals.

08:46 EDT Coca-Cola emerging stronger from pandemic, CEO says

08:39 EDT Bridgeline Digital's software selected by children's hospital in New York - Bridgeline Digital announced that their software has been selected by one of the largest children's hospitals in New York City. The children's hospital will leverage Bridgeline's technology to support their website content. The CEO of Bridgeline Digital, Ari Kahn says, "We are proud to support the needs of such a crucial institute in the New York Community. I look forward to enhancing the user experience for the many patients, researchers, and medical professionals of the city through our newly expanded partnership with this hospital."

08:38 EDT Coca-Cola CEO: At-home channel 'healthy' in North America

08:38 EDT Ideal Power announces Global 500 leader to test, evaluate B-TRAN - Ideal Power announced that a Forbes 2021 Global 500 leader in diverse power management markets will be testing and evaluating B-TRAN for use in bidirectional direct current solid-state circuit breaker applications for solar and wind systems. B-TRAN will be evaluated against insulated-gate bipolar transistors and silicon carbide power devices. This represents Ideal Power's first test and evaluation announcement in the industrial and utility SSCB space. This global power management leader will evaluate B-TRAN initially for multiple SSCB applications, with other power conversion and distribution applications expected to follow.

08:37 EDT ABVC BioPharma announces Central IRB approval for ABV-1505 Phase II Part II - ABVC BioPharma announced it received Taiwan Central Institutional Review Board approval to begin a Phase II Part 2 study of its ABV-1505 Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder drug at five prestigious medical centers in Taiwan. The Part 2 study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving a total of approximately 100 patients in Taiwan. ABVC is also waiting for approval to conduct part of the study in the United States at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center; Part 1 of the Phase II ABV-1505 study was conducted at UCSF from January 2020 through July 2020 and was accepted by the US Food & Drug Administration in October of 2020. The Part 2 study is targeted to begin in the first quarter of 2022 and expected to be completed at the end of 2022. The Part 1 study found that the active ingredient of ABV-1505, PDC-1421, was safe, well-tolerated and effective during the treatment and follow-up period with six adult patients. For the primary endpoints, the percentages of improvement in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-Investigator Rated-IV score from baseline through eight weeks of treatment were 83.3% in the Intention-To-Treat population and 80.0% in the Per-Protocol population. Both low- and high- doses of PDC-1421 achieved the primary endpoints, passing the required 40% population in ADHD-RS-IV test scores. Overall, results from the Part 1 study demonstrated the therapeutic value of PDC-1421 and support further clinical development of ABV-1505 for the treatment of ADHD.

08:34 EDT Naked Brand Group granted extension to compaly with Nasdaq minimum bid rule - Naked Brand Group announced that the Company has been granted a 180-day extension, or until April 25 , to regain compliance with Nasdaq's $1.00 minimum bid price requirement as set forth in Listing Rule 5550 a2 On April 26 Nasdaq had notified the Company that its ordinary shares had failed to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 over the previous 30 consecutive business days as required by the Rule. The notification letter stated that the Company would be afforded an initial 180 calendar days to regain compliance with the Rule.

08:33 EDT Novavax files for authorization of COVID-19 vaccine in the U.K. - Novavax completed its rolling regulatory submission to the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MHRA - for authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The company's application for Conditional Marketing Authorization marks the first submission for authorization of a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine in the U.K. Novavax has now completed the submission of all modules required by MHRA for the regulatory review of NVX-CoV2373, the company's recombinant nanoparticle protein-based COVID-19 vaccine with Matrix-M adjuvant. Clinical data from a pivotal Phase 3 trial of 15,000 volunteers in the U.K. was submitted to MHRA earlier this year in which NVX-CoV2373 demonstrated efficacy of 96.4% against the original virus strain, 86.3% against the Alpha variant and 89.7% efficacy overall, as well as a favorable safety and tolerability profile. The submission also includes data from a 30,000-person trial in the U.S. and Mexico, which demonstrated 100% protection against moderate and severe disease and 90.4% efficacy overall. NVX-CoV2373 was generally well-tolerated and elicited a robust antibody response. Novavax expects to complete additional regulatory filings in key markets, including Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the WHO and other markets around the world shortly following the U.K. submission. In the U.S., Novavax expects to submit the complete package to the FDA by the end of the year.

08:27 EDT Exagen expands coverage with Inland Empire Health Plan - Exagen announced that AVISE CTD and AVISE Lupus are a contracted covered service with Inland Empire Health Plan, providing enhanced care to over 1.4 million members. The agreement also makes AVISE diagnostic testing available as an in-network benefit.

08:26 EDT Capital Power announces suspension of dividend re-investment plan - Subsequent to the close of the third quarter of 2021, Capital Power announced that effective with the December 31, 2021 dividend, its DRIP for its common shares will be suspended. Shareholders participating in the DRIP will begin receiving cash dividends on the January 31, 2022 payment date.

08:25 EDT Genius Brands trading halted, news pending

08:22 EDT Baker Hughes will transfer stock listing from NYSE to Nasdaq on December 7 - Baker Hughes announced it will transfer the listing of its Class A common stock and listed bonds from the New York Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq Global Select Market Baker Hughes expects to commence trading as a Nasdaq-listed company upon market open on December 7. Baker Hughes' Class A common stock will continue trading under the ticker symbol "BKR" after the transfer.

08:20 EDT G Mining Ventures completes acquisition of Tocantinzinho gold project - G Mining Ventures announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of the Tocantinzinho Gold Project for $115 million from Eldorado Gold Corporation. GMIN acquired all of Eldorado's property, assets, and rights related to the Project through the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding shares of Brazauro Recursos Minerais. The aggregate consideration of $115 million is comprised of 46,926,372 common shares of GMIN and $20 million in cash paid at Closing, as well as a deferred $60 million cash payment payable, at GMIN's option, anytime from Closing until the first anniversary of the Project achieving commercial production. GMIN, at its option, may defer 50% of the Deferred Consideration for 12 months subject to a $5 million premium payable on the second anniversary of the Project achieving commercial production. Following the completion of the Acquisition, Eldorado owns a 19.9% direct equity interest in GMIN. At the time of this news release, the Corporation has a total of 235,810,914 common shares issued and outstanding, and a cash balance of approximately $66 million. For further details on the Transaction, please refer to the Corporation's press release dated August 9, 2021. Over the next 12 months, GMIN will be focused on the following activities: Completion of project optimization studies and detailed engineering; Completion of two drilling campaigns totaling 10,000 meters; Grade control drilling program to de-risk early years of production by optimizing grade selectivity and mine schedule; Exploration drilling program to test for potential extensions of the known mineralization at depth below the current pit; Completion of an updated 43-101 feasibility study; Commencement of onsite early works activities to support infrastructure and allow for rapid start of construction activities; Finalization of a comprehensive project finance facility to fund construction; and Positive construction decision. GMIN is also pleased to announce that it has , subject to regulatory approval, retained PI Financial to provide Market Making services in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange policies. PI will trade securities of the Corporation on the TSXV for the purpose of maintaining an orderly market of GMIN's securities. In consideration of the services provided, GMIN will pay PI a monthly cash fee of C$3,500. PI will not receive shares or options as compensation. However, PI and its clients may have or may acquire a direct interest in the securities of GMIN.

08:18 EDT Popular appoints Javier Ferrer as COO, Jose Coleman Tio as chief legal officer - Popular announced the appointment of Javier Ferrer as the corporation's COO and head of business strategy. In this capacity, he will have overarching responsibility for all of Popular's business units, overseeing their day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. Ferrer will report to president and CEO Ignacio Alvarez. Ferrer's appointment takes effect on January 1, 2022. Ferrer has served as Popular's executive VP, chief legal officer, general counsel and corporate secretary since 2014 and as a director of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico since 2015. He has also overseen the company's strategic planning function since 2019. In addition, Jose Coleman Tio was appointed executive VP, chief legal officer and general counsel of Popular, succeeding Ferrer, effective January 1, 2022. Coleman Tio has served as Popular's senior VP, deputy general counsel and assistant secretary since 2017.

08:16 EDT Kezar Life Sciences announces 1st patient dosed in KZR-261 trial for tumors - Kezar Life Sciences announced that the first patient has been dosed in KZR-261-101, a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating KZR-261, a novel, broad-spectrum, anti-tumor agent that acts through direct interaction and inhibition of the Sec61 translocon. "Dosing the first patient with KZR-261, the first clinical candidate from our novel protein secretion platform, is an exciting milestone for Kezar as we continue to advance our oncology program and mature into a multi-asset therapeutics company," said John Fowler, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kezar Life Sciences. "We believe KZR-261 has a differentiated therapeutic profile which could translate into broad potential across the oncology landscape." KZR-261-101 is a first-in-human, open-label, multicenter, Phase 1 study of KZR-261 in patients with solid tumor malignancies. The study is being conducted in two parts, dose escalation and dose expansion, and is designed to evaluate safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as to explore the preliminary anti-tumor activity of KZR-261 in subjects with locally advanced or metastatic disease for whom no therapeutics are currently available. Following safety review of all dose escalation cohorts and determination of the maximum tolerated dose or maximum administered dose, KZR-261 will be evaluated for safety and preliminary efficacy in four tumor-specific cohorts and one all-tumor cohort to determine doses recommended for Phase 2 studies.

08:16 EDT Osisko receives final permits for Bonanza Ledge II Mine, Quesnel River Mill - The Province of British Columbia, Lhtako Dene First Nation and Osisko Development Corp. are pleased to announce the approval of amendments to Mines Act Permits M-238 and M-198 allowing for the expansion of the existing Bonanza Ledge II underground mine with an increase in production from 150,000 t/yr to 215,000 t/yr. These amendments support the ongoing employment of 127 workers at the mine. The ore will be trucked from Bonanza Ledge II to the Quesnel River Mill for processing and tailings storage. The anticipated mine life of Bonanza Ledge II is approximately 18 months. The expansion of the Bonanza Ledge II project allows for continuity of mining while the Cariboo Gold project Environmental Assessment proceeds. If approved, the Cariboo Gold project will extend mining by an additional 16 years and employ 459 people The Bonanza Ledge II deposit is located within the broader Cariboo Gold mining camp which is 100% owned by Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Osisko Development. Cariboo Gold is currently undergoing an Environmental Assessment under British Columbia's Environmental Assessment Act and is moving along according to timelines set under this new act. If the project is granted environmental assessment approval, it will provide employment, training and opportunities for meaningful economic partnerships for First Nations local communities and the Province of British Columbia. The project will be powered by hydro-electricity providing it with a sustainable source of low-carbon power.

08:13 EDT Post, BellRing Brands sign formal agreement for previously proposed spinoff - Post (POST) and BellRing Brands (BRBR) announced the signing of a transaction agreement related to Post's previously announced plan to distribute a significant portion of its interest in BellRing to Post's shareholders. Under the agreement, Post will contribute its membership units of BellRing Brands into a newly-formed subsidiary, BellRing Distribution in exchange for New BellRing stock and New BellRing debt securities. Post will distribute at least 80% of its New BellRing stock to Post shareholders in a pro-rata distribution, an exchange offer or a combination of both, depending on market conditions. Upon completion of the distribution, BellRing will merge with a subsidiary of New BellRing and each outstanding share of BellRing Class A common stock will be converted into a share of New BellRing common stock plus a to-be-determined amount of cash per share. Following the merger, New BellRing will be renamed "BellRing Brands, Inc." and its common stock will continue to be traded under the ticker symbol "BRBR". Following the distribution and merger, it is expected that Post will own no more than 14.2% of the New BellRing stock and the Post shareholders will own at least 57.0% of the New BellRing stock. Existing holders of BellRing Class A common stock will maintain their current 28.8% effective ownership interest in the BellRing business. New BellRing will incur debt pursuant to the transaction, the proceeds of which will be used in part to fund the cash portion of the consideration being paid in the merger. The parties expect the distribution to be completed in the first calendar quarter of 2022. Upon completion of the transactions, Robert Vitale, President and CEO of Post, would become Executive Chairman of New BellRing and Darcy Davenport would become President and CEO of New BellRing, consistent with the roles they currently serve at BellRing. In addition, under the transaction terms Post will continue to provide certain services to New BellRing for up to three years to facilitate a smooth transition following the completion of the separation transactions. The agreements related to Post's distribution plan have been unanimously approved by the board of directors of both Post and BellRing.

08:12 EDT Telus selects Kaloom for disaggregated networking solution use cases - Kaloom announced that as a part of its continued partnership with TELUS, plans to roll out its BGP Looking Glass solution. Kaloom's BGP Looking Glass Router implementation uses disaggregated hardware supporting Open Compute Project's Open Network Installed Environment, enabling a bare metal switch ecosystem, avoiding vendor lock-in and lowering the total cost of ownership. The partnership supports TELUS' ultimate vision of transforming the network to Cloud-Native, containerized functions to deliver higher performance while reducing TCO.

08:12 EDT Teva says seeing volumes pick up in Q4 - Says growing operating margin "in-line" with expectations. Says still committed to 28% operating margin, net debt/EBITDA less than 3x by 2023. Says no plans to raise equity. Comments taken from Q3 earnings conference call.

08:10 EDT Galectin Therapeutics to present six scientific abstracts at The Liver Meeting - Galectin Therapeutics announced that it will present six scientific abstracts at The Liver Meeting 2021, hosted by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, to be held virtually from November 12 to 15, 2021. "Much of the focus on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH, has been on preventing the progression to liver cirrhosis, but there has been little focus on treating those affected with actual NASH cirrhosis. We are dedicated to change this situation, and our objective is to bring new solutions to cirrhotic patients, as they are in greatest need of therapeutic options," said Pol Boudes, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Galectin Therapeutics. "Our work in developing belapectin, our galectin-3 inhibitor, focuses on the prevention of esophageal varices in NASH cirrhosis patients. We have generated a wealth of new data on NASH cirrhosis and portal hypertension and we are pleased to share this research at The Liver Meeting. Also, NAVIGATE, our phase 2b/3 global study, represents a new way to undertake clinical research in cirrhotic patients, and we hope this will trigger the interest of the hepatic community and drug developers around the world in addressing this devastating disease."

08:09 EDT OncoCyte announces issuance of US patent covering digital PCR technology - Oncocyte announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 11,155,872 for digital polymerase chain reaction, PCR, technique for molecular detection of solid organ allograft rejection. Therasure Transplant Monitor is a blood-based solid organ transplantation monitoring test that is designed to be used in lieu of a tissue biopsy in kidney, liver and heart transplant patients, minimizing the need for these invasive and costly procedures. "Our newest patent will play an important role in strengthening our IP portfolio as we establish a robust pipeline of blood-based monitoring tests to democratize monitoring tests in both the transplant and oncology markets, helping to ensure that patients and their doctors get the right insights at the right time to make the best decisions," said Ron Andrews, President and CEO of Oncocyte. "The issuance of our second U.S. patent, building upon our prior U.S. and EU patents, gives us a protected path to launch an LDT in the U.S. to complement our current efforts in Germany and the EU. Our U.S. LDT is now expected to be validated and ready for CMS submission by the end of the first quarter in 2022 and with the broad LCD coverage for molecular testing of organ rejection from CMS in place, which cited our technology, we believe we will have a solid path to reimbursement." Andrews continued, "Our future development beyond the LDT will include partnering with a technology platform and channel partner to initiate a clinical trial effort for a kitted product with an FDA submission planned in the first half of 2023. We believe our strategy to launch as a LDT and move to a kit business in the U.S. and Europe, will allow us a rapid path to market and revenues in 2022, with the ultimate goal of democratizing this new technology. Importantly, this differentiated approach that is more specific, quantitative for longitudinal follow up, cost effective and provides same-day turnaround time of important information for patient management has the potential to improve patient care and accelerate patient access to this essential insight in an estimated $2B U.S. market." The patent granted delivers Oncocyte the right to exclude others from using the claimed methods in the United States and the European Union. Oncocyte is currently validating the Therasure Transplant Monitor in its Nashville CLIA lab and is on track for a lab developed test launch in the first half of 2022. The Company is also planning a clinical trial program to support an In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in early 2023.

08:07 EDT Future FinTech to build cryptocurrency mining farm in Paraguay - Future FinTech plans to build a cryptocurrency mining farm in Paraguay. The company has received official invitations from Paraguay's Minister of Social Development and the Mayor of the City of Coronel Oviedo and has had discussions with them as to its business development plan with a proposed site of Coronel Oviedo.

08:07 EDT CommAgility debuts 5G Small Cell standalone reference platform - Wireless Telecom Group announced that its CommAgility brand has introduced a new indoor 5G Small Cell standalone gNodeB reference platform. The SC-RF2-5Gn78 combines the Company's industry-leading SmallCellPHY-5G and SmallCellSTACK-5G software along with its baseband and RF hardware based on NXP's Layerscape and Layerscape Access SoCs. This solution is pre-integrated and tested to reduce risk and effort. CommAgility software is currently deployed in a variety of 5G technology development projects including 5G mmWave repeaters, 5G base stations and small cells, U.S. Department of Defense 5G research projects, and private network deployment. The new platform provides a 5G gNodeB basestation, which can be used as a complete small cell solution.

08:05 EDT Taoping establish new subsidiary in Kazakhstan - Taoping announced that its subsidiary, Taoping Capital, established a wholly-owned Kazakh subsidiary, Kazakh Taoping Data Center, to invest in the construction of cryptocurrency mining data center in Kazakhstan. Kazakh Taoping's main business is expected to be managing the construction of a cryptocurrency mining data center in Kazakhstan. According to the project plan, Kazakh Taoping intends to complete the first phase of the construction of the cryptocurrency mining data center with a total capacity of 40MW within six months. With a covered area of about 269,000 square feet, the data center is expected to be able to deploy about 10,000 S19 Antminers. The board of directors of the Company has approved a $3.2M investment in Kazakh Taoping for the construction of the cryptocurrency mining data center project.

08:04 EDT Inspired Entertainment to launch iLottery Games with Loto-Quebec - Inspired Entertainment has enhanced its partnership with Loto-Quebec to be the first customer to launch Inspired's iLottery games. This new addition allows for the inclusion of Inspired's digital lottery games to lotoquebec.com and its Loto-Quebec app. Inspired is expected to launch its first new iLottery games in 2022.

08:03 EDT Ryder authorizes new discretionary, anti-dilutive programs to repurchase shares - Ryder System announced that its Board of Directors has authorized two new share repurchase programs. Under the new discretionary repurchase program, Ryder management is authorized to repurchase up to 2.0 million shares of common stock, at its discretion, from October 14 through October 14, 2023. This program is designed to provide management with capital structure flexibility while concurrently managing objectives related to balance sheet leverage, acquisition opportunities, and shareholder returns. Under the new anti-dilutive repurchase program, Ryder management is authorized to repurchase up to 2.5M shares of common stock from October 14 through October 14, 2023, issued to employees under the company's employee stock plans since September 1. This program is designed to mitigate the dilutive impact of shares issued under the company's employee stock plans. The new program replaced the company's 2019 anti-dilutive program, which was scheduled to expire in December 2021.

08:03 EDT Norfolk Southern reports Q3 operating ratio 60.2% - Railway operating ratio was 60.2%, a third-quarter record, and an improvement of 630 basis points over third-quarter 2020. Excluding the effect of the impairment charge in third-quarter 2020, the operating ratio improved 230 basis points over the adjusted results for third-quarter 2020.

07:56 EDT Science 37, 3H Medi Solution collaborate for decentralized clinical trials - Science 37 and 3H Medi Solution announced a collaboration to further decentralized clinical trials and accelerate the development of therapies. In this partnership, 3H Medi Solution will use Science 37's clinical trial Operating System with its end-to-end technology platform for eConsent, electronic data capture, patient management, telemedicine and mobile nurse operations. With a traditional site-based drug development model, biopharmaceutical sponsors are limited by geography and physical location, making it difficult for patients to participate. Decentralized trials, enabled by digital technology, can alleviate these burdens-helping to drive efficiency, reduce costs and bring trials which offer potentially life-saving treatments, closer to patients. Through this partnership, 3H Medi Solution becomes part of the Science 37 CRO Certified network, designed to empower CROs with access, training, and commercial support to successfully deliver decentralized clinical studies at scale.

07:53 EDT Brink's anticipates FY22 revenue to "exceed" the pre-Covid adjusted level - "Our preliminary 2022 adjusted EBITDA target of $785 million to $825 million also remains unchanged. We anticipate revenue in 2022 will exceed the pre-Covid adjusted level of $4.55 billion. As a reference point, at 100% of adjusted pre-Covid revenue, we would expect 2022 adjusted EBITDA to be approximately $755 million with continued earnings leverage as revenue continues to grow," Doug Pertz, president and chief executive officer, said.

07:50 EDT NFI Group receives order from New York's RTS for 10 zero-emission buses - NFI announced a new order from Regional Transit Service, RTS, in Rochester, New York for 10 forty-foot Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric heavy-duty transit buses from NFI subsidiary New Flyer of America. The purchase, made from a five-year contract established in 2019 with RTS, follows RTS' 2020 order of 10 zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE transit buses and is supported by the Federal Transit Administration.

07:48 EDT Vitalhub announces licensing deal with Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust - VitalHub is pleased to announce a licensing transaction of subsidiary Intouch with Health's digital health platform to Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. The transaction is principally focused on Royal Berkshire Hospital and allows the PAS integrated solution to be used at all 6 Trust sites. Intouch's Room & Resource Manager product enables health system staff to easily search the system for available rooms and suitable facilities and resources, comprising an essential component of the digital health infrastructure pertaining to scheduling, which supports the drive to reduce lengthy waiting lists. This deal comes as a result of the Trust having identified a need for a platform which would enable a longer term plan to digitally transform outpatients. Room booking throughout the Trust is currently performed with an in-house developed solution which does not integrate with the hospital's PAS. "The Trust reviewed offerings from multiple suppliers. The Intouch solution was selected because it met the Trust's key requirement which is to engage in a partnership with a company that can provide a broad solution, set to help with their digital ambitions, as opposed to engaging multiple "point" suppliers," commented, Mike Sanders, CEO VitalHub UK Corp. The Intouch Room & Resource Manager solution provides hospital staff with instant access to real-time data including room availability, the status of a meeting room and resource needs, enabling resources to be allocated and booked in an efficient manner. It also captures resource needs and allows relevant resources to be allocated and booked in a timely manner, maximizing the use of assets. These tools provide access to critical operational visibility information pertaining to scheduling and resource availability, necessary for health systems to optimize the efficiency of patient flow and the patient journey.

07:46 EDT Werewolf Therapeutics to present data on its INDUKINE candidates - Werewolf Therapeutics announced that it will present preclinical data at the 36th Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer being held November 10-14, 2021, in Washington, D.C., and virtually. "We are excited to share additional preclinical data demonstrating the potential of our INDUKIN molecules to drive targeted anti-tumor immune responses with IL-2 and IL-12 cytokines, as well as interferon alpha," said Cynthia Seidel-Dugan, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Werewolf Therapeutics. "We plan to include results from two of the presented studies in our investigational new drug applications for WTX-124 and WTX-330, respectively, which we expect to file during the first half of 2022." Poster Presentations. "WTX-124 is a novel IL-2 pro-drug that is conditionally activated in tumors and drives anti-tumor immunity in murine syngeneic cancer models." "WTX-330, a conditionally activated IL-12 INDUKINE therapy, releases IL-12 selectively in the tumor microenvironment to activate anti-tumor immune responses and induce regressions in mouse tumor models." "WTX-613, a conditionally activated IFNalpha INDUKINE(TM) molecule, induces anti-tumor immune responses resulting in strong tumor growth control in syngeneic mouse tumor models."

07:44 EDT Context Therapeutics, WON announce first patient dosed Phase 2 trial of ONA-XR - Context Therapeutics and Wisconsin Oncology Network, WON, announced the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2 Trial of OnapriStone in CoMbInation with FuLvestrant for Patients with ER-positive, and HER2-negative Metastatic Breast Cancer after Progression on Endocrine therapy and CDK 4/6 Inhibitors, The SMILE Study. The single-arm trial conducted by the WON will evaluate the effect of progesterone receptor antagonist onapristone extended release in combination with Faslodex for women and men with ER+, PR+, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer after treatment failure of CDK4/6 inhibitor and/or PIK3alpha inhibitors. The trial will enroll up to 39 patients. The primary endpoint will be the overall response rate, which is the proportion of patients with a complete or partial tumor response. Secondary endpoints will include duration of tumor response, progression-free survival, disease control rate, time to response and incidence of adverse events.

07:44 EDT Southwest Gas confirms unsolicited tender offer from Icahn Enterprises - Southwest Gas Holdings (SWX) confirmed that Icahn Enterprises LP (IEP) has commenced an unsolicited tender offer to acquire any and all outstanding shares of Southwest Gas Holdings for $75.00 per share in cash. Consistent with its fiduciary duties and in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, the Southwest Gas Holdings Board of Directors will carefully review and evaluate the unsolicited tender offer to determine the course of action that the Board believes is in the best interest of Southwest Gas Holdings stockholders. Southwest Gas Holdings intends to make the Board's position with respect to the tender offer available to stockholders within 10 business days through a Solicitation / Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9, which will be filed with the U.S. SEC and published on Southwest Gas Holdings' website at www.swgas.com. Southwest Gas Holdings stockholders are advised to take no action at this time pending the Board's review and evaluation of the unsolicited tender offer.

07:39 EDT Huazhu says RevPAR recovery momentum resume quickly for Legacy-Huazhu business - Huazhu Group announced preliminary results for hotel operations in the third quarter ended September 30, 2021. The company said, "For our Legacy-Huazhu business, our RevPAR recovery momentum resumed quickly in early July. Since late July, however, the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 from Nanjing to several provinces and cities resulted in the relevant governmental authorities imposing a new round of strict travelling restrictions, and the blended RevPAR of Legacy-Huazhu in August dropped significantly to only 54% of the 2019 level. After the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Nanjing became largely contained in early September, the monthly blended RevPAR of Legacy-Huazhu continued to recover, reaching approximately 92% of the 2019 level. However, with the relatively small-scale outbreak occurred in Fujian province in mid-September, the relevant governmental authorities again imposed strict travelling restrictions, especially for students, during the "Golden Week" in celebration of the National Day Holidays. As a result, the blended RevPAR of Legacy-Huazhu during the Golden Week recovered to only approximately 82% of the 2019 level. Nevertheless, RevPAR recovery in the second week of October resumed to close to 90% of the 2019 level, mainly driven by the rebound of business travelling. In addition, despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, we made significant progress in upscale hotel penetration and signed up over 20 upscale hotels in early October through our joint venture with Sunac. Steigenberger Hotels AG and its subsidiaries observed continued recovery since the first lockdown in November 2020, along with the rollout of vaccination campaign in Germany. As of October 25th, 2021, approximately 69% of the German population have received at least one dose of vaccine and approximately 66% of the population are fully vaccinated. During the summer holiday season, the recovery of hotel demand was encouraging due to the strong leisure demand. After the summer holiday, the recovery of DH hotels' RevPAR remained resilient, mainly driven by the business demand. For the third quarter of 2021, the occupancy rate of DH hotels' reached approximately 49% and blended RevPAR reached approximately 65% of the 2019 level. Meanwhile, DH continued to implement further cost reduction and cash flow management measures, especially regarding personnel and lease costs."

07:35 EDT Boeing 'continuing to make progress' on 737 MAX return - Boeing is continuing to make progress on the global safe return to service of the 737 MAX. Since the FAA's approval to return the 737 MAX to operations in November 2020, Boeing has delivered more than 195 737 MAX aircraft and airlines have returned more than 200 previously grounded airplanes to service. 31 airlines are now operating the 737 MAX, safely flying over 206,000 revenue flights totaling more than 500,000 flight hours (as of October 24, 2021). The 737 program is currently producing at a rate of 19 per month and continues to progress towards a production rate of 31 per month in early 2022, and the company is evaluating the timing of further rate increases. The company continues to focus 787 production resources on conducting inspections and rework and continues to engage in detailed discussions with the FAA regarding required actions for resuming delivery. The current 787 production rate is approximately two airplanes per month. The company expects to continue at this rate until deliveries resume and then return to five per month over time. The low production rates and rework are expected to result in approximately $1 billion of abnormal costs, of which $183 million was recorded in the quarter. Commercial Airplanes secured orders for 70 737 MAX, 24 freighter, and 12 787 airplanes. Commercial Airplanes delivered 85 airplanes during the quarter and backlog included over 4,100 airplanes valued at $290 billion.

07:34 EDT Monro to acquire 17 new stores across Southern California, Iowa - The Company announced that it has signed definitive agreements to acquire 11 stores in Iowa and six stores in Southern California, further expanding the Company's reach in the Midwest and West Coast regions. These locations are expected to add approximately $25 million in annualized sales. These acquisitions are expected to close in the third quarter of fiscal 2022 and be slightly dilutive to diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2022.

07:34 EDT Biohaven Pharmaceutical enrolls Phase 1a/1b clinical trial in multiple myeloma - Biohaven Pharmaceutical announced the enrollment of the first patient in a Phase 1a/1b trial in Multiple Myeloma using the ARM, BHV-1100, in combination with autologous cytokine induced memory-like natural killer cells and immunoglobulin to target and kill multiple myeloma cells expressing the cell surface protein CD38. BHV-1100 is the lead clinical asset from Biohaven's ARM Platform, developed from a strategic alliance with PeptiDream. This clinical trial will assess the safety and tolerability, as well as exploratory efficacy endpoints, in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who have tested positive for minimal residual disease in first remission prior to autologous stem cell transplant. Biohaven has initiated enrollment in the clinical trial and plans to enroll 25 patients for this study. The study will enroll newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who have minimal residual disease in first remission prior to an autologous stem cell transplant.

07:33 EDT Boeing CEO says 'we are driving stability across our operations' - "We are driving stability across our operations, investing in our future and positioning our teams to deliver for our customers as the market recovers," said Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun. "Commercial market demand continues to gain traction with broad-based vaccine distribution and border protocols beginning to open. Going forward, supply chain capacity and global trade will be key drivers of our industry and the broader economy's recovery. Our portfolio across commercial, defense, space and services is well positioned, and we're focused on improving performance, while advancing technologies and digital manufacturing capabilities to drive our next generation of products and a sustainable future."

07:31 EDT Boeing reports Q3 operating cash flow ($0.3B) - Reports cash and marketable securities of $20B.

07:28 EDT MAG Silver reports precommissioning at Juancipio, Q3 underground mine production - MAG Silver is pleased to report 2021 third quarter production of underground development material from the Juanicipio Project. As reported to MAG by the project operator Fresnillo, 57,127 tonnes of development material were processed during the three months ended September 30, 2021. Total Juanicipio production for the quarter based on provisional estimates before offtake agreement adjustments, totaled 667,532 silver ounces and 1,107 gold ounces. The associated lead and zinc production will be reported with MAG's third quarter filings. Construction of the Juanicipio processing plant continues to make good progress, with the focus now on transitioning from construction to commissioning activities. Pre-commissioning testing has already begun for key process plant systems as the plant approaches mechanical completion. The plant is expected to be commissioned by year end according to operator Fresnillo, subject to timely connection to the National Electricity Transmission Grid of Mexico. Fresnillo expects to obtain the authorization to connect to the power grid on schedule, which would allow no-load testing of the facility to be started, progressing to water testing during November and full load commissioning by year end. Until the Juanicipio processing plant is commissioned, mineralized development material from Juanicipio is being processed at a targeted rate of 16,000 tonnes per month through the nearby Fresnillo beneficiation plant, with the lead and zinc concentrates treated at market terms under off-take agreements with Met-Mex Penoles, S.A. de C.V. in Torreon, Mexico. The revenue from this production, net of processing and treatment charges, is being used by the Juanicipio shareholders to offset initial project capital cash requirements.

07:27 EDT Microbix Biosystems receives C$2.7M from exercise of warrants - Microbix Biosystems announces that it has received C$ 2.7 million from the partial exercise of two series of expiring share purchase warrants. The first series of such warrants were issued in connection with a private placement undertaken in October, 2015, and had an exercise price of C$ 0.55 and a five-year term. The original term of these warrants was extended by one year, as announced by Microbix on September 17, 2020. A total of 1,200,000 of these warrants have been exercised, representing 80% of the total outstanding warrants and providing C$ 660,000 of further equity capital to Microbix. The second series of such warrants were issued in connection with a private placement undertaken in October, 2017, and had an exercise price of C$ 0.36 and a three-year term. The original term of these warrants was extended by one year, as announced by Microbix on September 17, 2020. A total of 5,658,819 of these warrants have been exercised, representing 97% of the total outstanding warrants and providing C$ 2,037,175 of further equity capital to Microbix. The total C$ 2,697,175 received from the exercise of these warrants more than offsets the funds used for the early repayment of the C $1.3 million 9% debenture made on October 1, 2021. As of today, Microbix has over C$ 11 million in cash on its balance sheet, along with an undrawn line of credit for up to C$2.0 million. Some of the available funds are being used to drive increasing production capacity for QAPs and DxTM, and for increasing the capacity and efficiency of all operations - to improve margins and earnings. A total of 375,002 of the 2017 warrants were exercised by Insiders, for whom the term extension was approved by shareholders at Microbix's Annual General Meeting on March 30, 2021. After addition of all new shares resulting from warrant exercises, Microbix has 129,967,086 common shares outstanding.

07:24 EDT Bitfarms building two new farms in City of Sherbrooke with 78 MW capacity - Bitfarms is constructing two new high power production facilities leased in Sherbrooke, Quebec, which are scheduled to be completed in phases during the first and second quarters of 2022. The farms' combined capacity of 78 megawatts, MW, is expected to accommodate approximately 21,000 new Bitcoin miners and generate approximately 2.1 Exahash/second, EH/s. Bitfarms currently has five fully operational farms, and this project expands new farms in construction from two to four. Bitfarms has energy contracts under the same pricing terms within the Sherbrooke city limits for 96 MW. Bitfarms plans to eventually retire the existing 26 MW de la Pointe facility in phases and open three new farms that will include enhanced sound-reduction design features as well as monitoring devices outside the facility to report sound emissions data in real-time. Leger: 30 MW Facility expected to deliver 800 petahash/second, PH/s. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022; 8,000 latest generation miners are expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2022; and the facility is expected to yield approximately 800 PH/s. The Bunker: 48 MW Facility expected to deliver 1,300 PH/s. Construction, expected to be completed in mid-2022, will be in three phases; 13,000 miners are expected to be housed in The Bunker and generate about 1.3 EH/s; The first two phases are expected to hold over 9,750 miners and yield nearly 975 PH/s; and the third phase is expected to hold another 3,250 miners and produce approximately 325 PH/s.

07:22 EDT McDonald's reports Q3 U.S. SSS up 9.6%, up 14.6% on two-year basis - International Operated Markets segment increased 13.9% (8.9% on a 2-year basis). International Developmental Licensed Markets segment increased 16.7% (4.9% on a 2-year basis).

07:21 EDT Colliers to acquire controlling interest in Colliers International Italia - Colliers announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Colliers International Italia S.p.A., Colliers Real Estate Services Italia S.R.L. and Colliers Real Estate Management Services Italia S.R.L., which was previously an affiliate operation. The current shareholders of Colliers Italy, Ofer Arbib and Giulia Longo, will retain an equity interest in the business under Colliers' unique partnership model. As a company-owned operation, Colliers Italy will continue to build on its market leadership position by increasing service capabilities and leveraging the vast resources of Colliers' strong and highly innovative platform across Europe. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. Originally founded in 1996, Colliers Italy has grown to over 80 professionals providing landlord agency, tenant representation, investment sales brokerage, property management, valuation and project management services to investors, developers and occupiers of commercial real estate. Colliers Italy is expected to generate approximately EUR 16 million of revenues for the year ending December 31, 2021.

07:20 EDT Kymera Therapeutics presents data on KT-474 Phase 1 trial - Kymera Therapeutics presented new safety, pharmacokinetic, PK, and pharmacodynamic, PD, data, including cytokines, from the Single Ascending Dose, SAD, portion of the KT-474 Phase 1 randomized, placebo-controlled healthy volunteer trial, at the 4th Annual Targeted Protein Degradation Summit. The presentation included data from the seven KT-474 single dose cohorts, comprising 57 healthy volunteer subjects randomized 6:2 to either a single oral dose of KT-474 or placebo. The data demonstrated robust, dose-dependent IRAK4 reduction, maintained for up to 6 days, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells measured by mass spectrometry, resulting in mean IRAK4 reduction from baseline of 93-96% achieved at 48 hours post-dose at the top three dose levels, achieving strong proof-of-mechanism. Flow cytometry demonstrated that the effect of KT-474 on IRAK4 levels was similar in lymphocytes and monocytes. For the first time, proof-of-biology was also established, with inhibition of ex vivo R848- or LPS-mediated induction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines in whole blood at doses and exposures associated with mean IRAK4 reduction in PBMC of greater than or equal to85% at 24-48 hours post-dose. In Cohort 7, where mean IRAK4 reduction at 24 and 48 hours was 89% and 95%, respectively, mean maximum cytokine inhibition as great as 97% was observed. KT-474 demonstrated oral bioavailability, a half-life supportive of daily dosing, and dose-dependent plasma exposures that plateaued after 1000 mg. KT-474 was observed to be well-tolerated; mild to moderate, self-limited headache and nausea were the most common possible or probable treatment-related adverse events, and there were no serious adverse events. "We are pleased to have completed dose escalation in the SAD portion of our Phase 1 trial and are encouraged by our ability to achieve plasma exposures following single doses of KT-474 that maximize IRAK4 degradation and are well-tolerated, with up to 96% mean reduction of IRAK4 in PBMC," said Jared Gollob, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Kymera Therapeutics. "Importantly, we have now shown that IRAK4 knockdown of greater than or equal to 85% in vivo in circulating PBMC leads to profound TLR/IL-1R pathway inhibition, as demonstrated by up to 97% suppression of ex vivo response of whole blood to TLR agonists. Daily dosing with KT-474 is currently being evaluated in the multiple ascending dose (MAD) portion of the trial; based on the PK properties of KT-474 and the observed PK-PD relationship, we anticipate achieving similar levels of IRAK4 degradation and cytokine inhibition with substantially lower daily doses."

07:19 EDT In8bio announces publication of preclinical results on INB-200 with temozolomide - IN8bio announced the peer-reviewed publication of preclinical results that provides foundational support for the use of DRI in newly diagnosed GBM. This work, published in the Nature portfolio journal Scientific Reports, focused on the use of gamma-delta T cells genetically engineered to be chemotherapy resistant through the addition of an O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase transgene, a process termed Drug Resistant Immunotherapy. Concurrent dosing of DRI cells with TMZ resulted in a significant improvement in survival outcomes in mice over either monotherapy alone in both classical and mesenchymal primary high-grade gliomas. These studies were performed by IN8bio's scientific co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Lawrence Lamb while at UAB, in collaboration with researchers at Emory University, and the technology has been exclusively licensed world-wide by IN8bio. This unique technology forms the basis for the company's DeltEx DRI platform, which utilizes ex-vivo expanded, activated gamma-delta T cells that can be engineered to be chemotherapy resistant for both solid and liquid tumors. This preclinical work provides support for the concurrent dosing of DRI cells with TMZ to debulk the tumor, reduce accumulation of immunosuppressive cells and upregulate innate effector cell activation through an increase in NKG2D-ligands. This approach is currently undergoing evaluation in a Phase 1 trial in patients with newly diagnosed GBM at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

07:17 EDT Else Nutrition announces performance results on Amazon - ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS (BABYF) is pleased to announce performance results on the Amazon (AMZN) platform. According to recent Amazon data, Else Nutrition sales have grown by an average of approximately 10% month-over-month over the last 6 months; outpacing growth by brands in the same category to Else, each month. Further indicators of the Company's performance on the world's largest E-commerce marketplace: 62% repurchase rate, compared to 40-45% repurchase rate for brands in same category. 16% of purchasers have procured the product at least 10 times or more.Subscriptions on the platform have grown rapidly and continue to grow. "We're very encouraged by these results," said Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO & Co-Founder of Else Nutrition. "This robust growth and high repurchase rate are showing that there's a strong and loyal base of customers for our clean whole foods-based products.

07:16 EDT Nurix Therapeutics announces initial data from Phase 1a trial of NX-2127 - Nurix Therapeutics announced initial data demonstrating clinically meaningful degradation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, BTK, in patients with relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies, including in a chronic lymphocytic leukemia, CLL, patient with significant mutations in the BTK gene associated with resistance to standard of care BTK inhibitors. These results will be presented at the 4th Annual Targeted Protein Degradation Summit October 27, 2021. "The initial data from our study are the first proof-of-mechanism of targeted protein degradation in patients with hematologic malignancies," said Arthur Sands, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Nurix. "The concept of degrading BTK as a new therapeutic strategy in hematologic cancer has taken an important step forward, and the NX-2127 program has hit an exciting milestone in its clinical development." Initial PK and PD data from the first two completed cohorts of 100 mg and 200 mg, which included a total of six patients, showed BTK levels in peripheral blood significantly decreased in all patients in the trial starting on day 1 and remained suppressed throughout the dosing period. BTK degradation exceeded 80% at steady state in the first dose cohort and exceeded 90% in the second dose cohort. The clinical data presented includes a notable case study with early evidence of clinical activity in the first patient enrolled. Patient 1 is a 78-year-old male diagnosed with CLL who had received 2 prior lines of therapy including most recently ibrutinib. Genetic analysis of CLL cells from this patient prior to initiation of NX-2127 revealed a BTK mutation in 68% of leukemic cells with multiple mutations at site C481 which has been associated with resistance to ibrutinib. The Phase 1a dose escalation portion of the Phase 1a/1b trial is ongoing with enrollment of patients with a variety of relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies. The trial is evaluating once daily oral NX-2127 starting at a dose of 100 mg.

07:12 EDT GasLog Partners announces LNG market update, outlook - The company said, "Global LNG demand was 92 million tonnes in the third quarter of 2021, according to Poten & Partners Group, compared to 85 mt in the third quarter of 2020, an increase of approximately 8%, primarily led by increased demand in Asia and South America. Asian demand in the third quarter was primarily in response to seasonal cooling demand, inventory re-stocking and a continued economic recovery, while South American demand was in response to lower hydroelectric output in the region and a colder than average winter. This growth was offset by declines in Europe as it was outcompeted for gas from buyers in Asia and South America, which was reflected in the strong regional gas price differentials between these regions. Global LNG supply was approximately 92 mt in the third quarter of 2021, growing by 8 mt year-over-year, according to Poten. Supply growth in the third quarter was dominated by output from the United States , which increased by 11 mt, or 157% year-over-year, primarily due to increased utilization of existing liquefaction terminals, but also due to the startup of new trains in the second half of 2020. Growth in U.S. production offset declines from many other supply sources in the Atlantic basin, including Trinidad, Norway, Angola, Nigeria and Algeria, either due to feedstock issues or unplanned downtime. Looking ahead, approximately 125 mt of new LNG capacity is currently under construction and scheduled to come online between 2021 and 2026. Headline spot rates for TFDE LNG carriers, as reported by Clarkson Research Services Limited, averaged $58,000 per day in the third quarter of 2021, a 38% increase over the $42,000 per day average in the third quarter of 2020. Headline spot rates for steam turbine propulsion vessels averaged $41,000 per day in the third quarter of 2021, 46% higher than the average of $28,000 per day in the third quarter of 2020. Headline spot rates in the third quarter benefited from LNG demand growth from Asia combined with LNG supply growth in the U.S. as detailed above as well as longer than average wait times at the Panama Canal. As of October 22, 2021, Clarksons assessed headline spot rates for TFDE and Steam LNG carriers at $160,000 per day and $112,500 per day, respectively. Forward assessments for LNG carrier spot rates indicate rising spot rates through the remainder of the year and expectations for rates to remain above mid-cycle through the first quarter of 2022. As of October 26, 2021, Poten estimates that the orderbook totals 130 dedicated LNG carriers, representing 20% of the on-the-water fleet. Of these, 112 vessels have multi-year charters. There have been 53 orders placed for newbuild LNG carriers in 2021 compared with 34 in 2020."

07:10 EDT Garmin raises FY21 EPS view to $5.60 from $5.50, consensus $5.62 - Raises FY21 revenue view to $4.95B from $4.90B, consensus 4.98B.

07:08 EDT Hertz, Uber announce exclusive partnership to make up to 50,000 Teslas available - Hertz (HTZZ) and Uber (UBER) are announcing a new exclusive partnership to make up to 50,000 Teslas (TSLA) available by 2023 for drivers to rent when using the Uber network. "This partnership is the largest expansion of electric vehicles on a mobility platform in North America and one of the largest globally, marking another step toward Uber's zero-emissions goal. Starting Nov. 1, drivers can rent Teslas from Hertz through this program in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Washington, D.C. - with a nationwide expansion planned in the coming weeks," the companies stated. "Today's partnership with Uber is another major step forward in Hertz becoming an essential component of the modern mobility ecosystem and executing on our commitment to being an environmentally forward company. We are creating the new Hertz and charting a dynamic, new course for the future of travel, mobility and the auto industry," added Mark Fields, Hertz interim CEO.

07:06 EDT Hertz to partner with Carvana to boost online sales - Hertz (HTZZ) and Carvana (CVNA) announced the two are partnering nationally - following a pilot in September - to enable Hertz to utilize Carvana's online transaction technology and logistics network to expand vehicle disposition channels. "Our new partnership with Carvana will help Hertz provide a tech-enabled and scalable channel through the lifecycle of our fleet. This is another step toward the new Hertz - combining our brand strength and global fleet expertise with new technology and innovations to chart a dynamic, new course for the future of travel, mobility and the auto industry," said Mark Fields, Hertz interim CEO. Ernie Garcia, Carvana Founder and CEO, added, "Our nationwide first-party logistics network allows Hertz to expand its retail reach beyond its physical stores and into over 300 markets across the country."

07:03 EDT DTE Energy raises quarterly dividend 7% to 88.5c per share - The DTE Energy Board of Directors declared a $0.885 per share dividend on its common stock, payable Jan. 15, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business Dec. 20, 2021. This is a 7% increase from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.825 per share. The new annualized dividend per share is $3.54, up from $3.30. This continues DTE Energy's consistent dividend history, having issued a cash dividend for more than 100 years.

06:58 EDT Coca-Cola reports Q3 global unit case volume up 6%

06:56 EDT Central Pacific increases quarterly cash dividend 4.2% to 25c per share - The company's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 25c per share on its outstanding common shares. This represents a 4.2% increase from the dividend paid of 24c per share in Q3 and will be payable on December 15 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 30.

06:52 EDT Immunic enrolls first psoriasis patient in Part C of IMU-935 trial - Immunic announced enrollment of the first psoriasis patient in Part C of its ongoing phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-935, a highly potent and selective inverse agonist of the transcription factor RORt. Part C is structured as a 28-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to enroll approximately 52 patients, randomized 3:1 versus placebo with two treatment cohorts. The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of IMU-935 in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients. The trial also assesses pharmacodynamic marker changes, including serum cytokines, ex vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression profiles and histological biomarker analysis in skin biopsies. More than 10 sites in Australia and New Zealand are expected to participate in Part C.

06:48 EDT Merck says islatravir/doravirine combo maintained viral suppression at week 144 - Merck announced Week 144 data from the Phase 2b dose-ranging study evaluating the antiretroviral activity, tolerability, and safety of islatravir in combination with doravirine compared to doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in antiretroviral treatment-naive adults with HIV-1. Phase 2b data through 144 weeks demonstrated that islatravir combined with doravirine continued to maintain viral suppression, as measured by the number of study participants achieving HIV-1 RNA levels less than50 copies/mL, similar to DOR/3TC/TDF. The data further characterized the tolerability and safety profile of islatravir in combination with doravirine. The Week 144 results are a follow-up to the Week 96 results and safety data presented at the virtual 2020 International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, or HIV Glasgow 2020, and the virtual International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science, or IAS 2021, respectively. The Week 144 data were consistent with the Week 96 results in the 0.75 mg dose group, the selected Phase 3 dose, and were shared as an oral presentation during the 18th European AIDS Conference, or EACS 2021, the company noted. Islatravir is currently being evaluated across a variety of dosing regimens, for both the treatment of HIV-1 in combination with other antiretroviral agents and for the prevention of HIV-1 as a monotherapy. "We are encouraged by the Week 144 findings presented at EACS, which further support the potential of a two-drug doravirine/islatravir regimen for the treatment of HIV-1. As we advance the ILLUMINATE clinical development program, we look forward to continuing to study this investigational treatment across diverse patient populations," said Dr. Joan Butterton, vice president, global clinical development, infectious diseases, Merck Research Laboratories.

06:42 EDT Ralph Schlosstein to step down as Co-Chairman, Co-CEO of Evercore in Feb. 2022 - Evercore announced that Ralph Schlosstein will step down as Co-Chairman and Co-CEO, effective February 25, 2022, a role that he has shared with John Weinberg since July 2020. Weinberg will become the sole Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO at that time. Prior to becoming Co-Chairman and Co-CEO, Schlosstein served as President and CEO since May 2009 when he joined the Firm. Schlosstein will also resign from the Board of Directors, effective February 25, 2022, but will remain with Evercore as Chairman Emeritus, working with Evercore's advisory and institutional investor clients and advising senior management.

06:31 EDT Deutsche Bank reaffirms 2022 financial, regulatory targets - The company said, "Our key financial and regulatory targets for 2022 are: Post-tax Return on Average Tangible Equity of 8 % for the Group; Post-tax Return on Average Tangible Equity of more than 9 % for the Core Bank; Cost/income ratio of 70 %; Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of above 12.5 %; Leverage ratio of ~4.5 %. While the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy have receded, post-pandemic headwinds have emerged with ongoing supply chain disruptions, increasing energy prices and higher inflation. The ultimate impacts of the headwinds remain difficult to predict and could affect our ability to achieve our financial and regulatory targets."

06:21 EDT Deutsche Bank CEO 'confident of achieving' 2022 targets - Christian Sewing, CEO, said: "In the third quarter, we again demonstrated the operating strength of our business: our revenues have proven to be resilient, we have increased our pre-tax profit despite additional transformation charges, and we have already exceeded our full year 2021 sustainability target. We are focused on driving efficiencies while maintaining strong controls, and we are confident of achieving Deutsche Bank's 2022 targets."

06:19 EDT Taylor Morrison sees Q4 average active community count in line with Q3 - Sees Q4 home closings 4,600. Sees Q4 effective tax rate 23%.

06:14 EDT Steelcase acquires Viccarbe Habitat for EUR 30M in cash - Steelcase announced it has acquired Viccarbe Habitat, S.L., a Spanish designer of contemporary furniture for high-performance collaborative and social spaces. The acquisition builds on more than 10 years of successful partnership between Viccarbe and Steelcase. The transaction involves the acquisition of all the outstanding capital stock of Viccarbe in an all-cash transaction for EUR 30M less an adjustment for working capital, with an additional consideration of up to EUR 19M payable to the sellers over five years based on the achievement of certain performance targets, milestones and continued employment. Steelcase funded the acquisition using cash on hand. Viccarbe reported revenue of approximately EUR 14.5M over the trailing twelve months through September 2021.

06:09 EDT Boeing sees demand for 1,540 new airplanes in Russia, Ukraine, and CIS states - Boeing said that "airlines in Russia, Ukraine and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will require 1,540 new airplanes valued at $200 billion over the next 20 years, driven mainly by growth in the single-aisle market. The region also will need aftermarket aviation services such as passenger-to-freighter conversions, maintenance and repair, and digital services worth $320 billion, according to the 2021 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), Boeing's long-term forecast of demand for commercial airplanes and services. Global and regional air travel markets are recovering largely as Boeing projected last year. Following a strong economic rebound and large pent-up demand, Russia has led all regions in domestic air traffic recovery, with growth expected to continue, according to Boeing." Reference Link

06:03 EDT Merck, MPP enter license agreement for molnupiravir - The Medicines Patent Pool and Merck announced the signing of a voluntary licensing agreement to facilitate affordable global access for molnupiravir, an investigational oral COVID-19 antiviral medicine for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. This agreement will help create broad access for molnupiravir use in 105 low- and middle-income countries following appropriate regulatory approvals. Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics are jointly developing molnupiravir. Under the terms of the agreement, MPP, through the license granted by Merck, will be permitted to further license non-exclusive sublicenses to manufacturers and diversify the manufacturing base for the supply of quality-assured or WHO-prequalified molnupiravir to countries covered by the MPP License, subject to local regulatory authorization. Merck, Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Emory University will not receive royalties for sales of molnupiravir under this agreement for as long as COVID-19 remains classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization.

05:11 EDT Equinix to build new GBP 61M data center in Manchester - Equinix announced plans to build a new International Business Exchange, or IBX, data center in the Agecroft Commerce Park in Salford, Manchester, UK. As the UK's second-largest city, Manchester occupies a strategic location at the intersection of the UK's "figure-of-eight" fibre-optic network. The new IBX-called MA5-will be Equinix's fifth data center in the Greater Manchester area and is scheduled to open in Q2 2022. Equinix's new site in Manchester will offer colocation and interconnection services for customers. The Phase 1 build will provide 3,600 m2 colocation space. Upon completion of all planned phases, the full site is expected to provide 6,480 m2 of colocation space, with 2,000 cabinets.