Stockwinners Market Radar for May 02, 2022 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

20:06 EDT Cathie Wood's ARK Investment bought 271K shares of Robinhood today

19:16 EDT HSBC to relocate U.S. headquarters to The Spiral - HSBC Bank USA and Tishman Speyer announced that HSBC will relocate its US headquarters to The Spiral, Tishman Speyer's 65-story office tower that is rapidly nearing completion at 66 Hudson Boulevard in Manhattan. "As we embark on the next chapter of HSBC in the US, we believe it is the right time to relocate our hybrid workforce to a headquarters designed for the future," said Michael Roberts, HSBC CEO, US and Americas. "This new space demonstrates our commitment to the US and is an investment in strengthening our employee and customer experience while also bringing us closer to our net zero objectives." As part of the 20-year lease, HSBC will open a street-level Wealth Center with a direct connection to a dedicated entrance and lobby located at the corner of West 35th Street and 10th Avenue. HSBC expects to relocate from its current Midtown offices in January 2024. The Spiral, which is targeting a LEED Gold certification, will further HSBC's sustainability efforts through an expected 60% reduction of the bank's total energy consumption, a sustainable design experience, recycling and composting, adhering to NYC's CO2 emissions guidelines, and offering SMART features throughout operations and management systems.

17:14 EDT Expedia says summer recovery should be very robust - Says war in Ukraine has had some impact on EMEA impact, but recovery has been too strong to hold down. Says travel demand has proves resilient. Says feeling very good about a summer recovery that should be very robust. Says pent up travel demand seems to be outweighing anything the market can throw at it. Says total bookings were down 17% vs. Q1 of 2019. Says Hotels business is rebounding. Says VRBO has become more well known. Says big cities remain below historical levels, but moving in the right direction. Says international is good for the company. Comments taken from Q1 earnings conference call.

17:06 EDT Carnival says it is first major U.S. cruise line to get entire fleet back to ops - With the departure of Carnival Splendor from the Port of Seattle today, Carnival Cruise Line said it is celebrating the restart of its entire fleet of ships as the company becomes the first major cruise line in the U.S. to achieve that milestone. "With Carnival Splendor beginning operations today from Seattle, Carnival Cruise Line is thrilled to have our entire fleet of 23 ships back in service, providing more opportunities for our guests to enjoy our signature fun while traveling to beautiful vacation destinations," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "We are especially excited to expand our Alaska program this season with three ships bringing more than 100,000 guests - including more than 6,000 this week - from Seattle and San Francisco to awe-inspiring Alaska ports."

17:02 EDT Ryman Hospitality sees Q2 adjusted EBITDAre $135M-$145M

17:01 EDT Rayonier Advanced Materials announces sale of GreenFirst Forest Products shares - Rayonier Advanced Materials announced that it has sold 28.7M common shares of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Interfor Corporation for approximately $43.3M. The agreement contains a Purchase Price Protection clause whereby the Company is entitled to participate in further stock price appreciation under certain circumstances and for a specified period.

17:00 EDT Avis Budget jumps 9% to $305.00 after Q1 results beat estimates

16:57 EDT Devon Energy sees Q2 total oil equivalent 585-604 mboepd - Sees Q2 capital expenditures $570M-$640M. Sees Q2 tax income rate 22%

16:43 EDT Weis Markets reports Q1 SSS up 9.4%

16:39 EDT Mosaic sees 'persistent tight markets for both phosphates and potash' - The company said, "Global agriculture markets are reflecting the impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Together, these countries supply more than 25% of the world's wheat and barley, 16% of corn, 24% of sunflowers, and more than 75% of global sunflower oil. The supply uncertainty created by the conflict continues to drive grain and oilseed prices higher, which were already elevated prior to the war as a result of the 20-year low in global stocks-to-use ratios. The conflict is also impacting fertilizer supply. Russia accounts for 20% of the world's nitrogen, phosphate, and potash exports. When combined with Belarus, 40% of the global potash supply is at risk. Russian exports of all three nutrients have declined since the beginning of the conflict and sanctions against Belarus remain in place. In North America, Brazil and China, domestic crop prices continue to justify nutrient application to drive higher yields, despite the rise of input costs. In India, significant wheat export revenue and another favorable monsoon season are underpinning farmer demand for the coming season. Last week, India's government increased importer subsidies for potash and phosphate fertilizers, a move that should help to provide India's growers with access to key nutrients at time when demand is strong and domestic inventories are at historically low levels. For both potash and phosphates, supply chain constraints and impacts related to COVID are only just beginning to abate. Disappointing rail service in North America experienced during the first quarter has improved but is not expected to reach normal performance levels until the second half of 2022. In Brazil, road and port congestion is also slowing deliveries, though Mosaic continues to benefit from access to its own private ports, sufficient inventory volumes and in-country market positioning. These issues, combined with the current global supply and demand situation, point to persistent tight markets for both phosphates and potash."

16:38 EDT Mosaic sees FY22 total CapEx $1.3B

16:35 EDT FMC Corporation has discontinued operations and business in Russia - FMC said: "FMC has discontinued its operations and business in Russia. Early in the war, FMC took substantial measures to reduce its operations and business in Russia. The company suspended new capital investments, marketing, and advertising; discontinued R&D activities; stopped imports of all products; and suspended development of new products and business. However, increasing reports of potential war crimes, human rights abuses and other atrocities cannot be ignored. Our values as a company and the realities of unprecedented sanctions no longer allow FMC to operate and grow our business in Russia."

16:33 EDT N.T. Butterfield promotes Michael Schrum to Group Chief Risk Officer - The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited announced the promotion of Michael Schrum to President and Group Chief Risk Officer. Craig Bridgewater has been promoted to Group Chief Financial Officer and joins the executive committee. Schrum, who has served as Group Chief Financial Officer since 2015 and an Executive Director since 2020, takes over from Sabeth Siddique, Group Chief Risk Officer, who is to leave Butterfield at the end of May and will continue to be available in an advisory capacity. Bridgewater, who has served as Group Head of Finance since 2019, assumes the role of Group Chief Financial Officer.

16:31 EDT MSA Safety increases quarterly dividend 4% - The board of MSA Safety Incorporated declared a second quarter dividend of 46c per share on common stock, payable June 10 to shareholders of record on May 16. This represents a 4% increase from the previous quarterly dividend of 44c.

16:26 EDT Great Lakes Dredge awarded subsea rock installation work for Empire Wind I, II - Great Lakes Dredge (GLDD) announced that Empire Offshore Wind, a joint venture between Equinor (EQNR) and BP (BP), have chosen Great Lakes in consortium with Van Oord to perform the subsea rock installation work for the Empire Wind I and II wind farms in the East Coast of the United States. Empire Wind I and II are expected to provide over 2 Gigawatts, or GW, of renewable energy to the State of New York. Great Lakes will use the first Jones Act compliant subsea rock installation vessel, currently under construction at the Philly Shipyard in the U.S., to install rocks to protect and stabilize monopile foundations, electrical substructures, and export cables, starting with Empire Wind I in the mid-2020s and continuing with Empire Wind II. Van Oord will mobilize the flexible fallpipe vessel, Stornes, to install rock prior to the installation of the monopile foundations.

16:24 EDT MGM Resorts reports Q1 consolidated adjusted EBITDAR of $670M - Reports Q1 consolidated adjusted EBITDAR margin of 23.5%.

16:23 EDT MGM Resorts CEO says 'our midweek business is improving' - "We delivered a strong first quarter in our domestic operations driven by weekend demand and a better mix of business. Our midweek business is improving with each quarter and our group base is growing after a tough January. The results demonstrate the robust demand for our gaming entertainment offerings with the backdrop of increased sports and entertainment programming in the Las Vegas market," said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International. "We reached another milestone in the completion of our asset light strategy with the closing of the VICI transaction, allowing us to simplify our corporate structure and bolster our liquidity while deploying capital into growth projects with the highest shareholder return. We announced this morning the tender offer for 100% of the shares of LeoVegas which will allow us to expand into international online gaming with a world class management team, strong IT platform and growth prospects. We remain focused on achieving our vision to be the world's premier gaming entertainment company." "Our strong liquidity position, coupled with our confidence in the long-term recovery of our core business, has allowed us to continue to focus on maximizing long-term shareholder value. To that end, we continued to repurchase our stock in the first quarter, reaching over $1.0 billion during the first quarter of 2022 and we repaid $1.0 billion of notes in March," said Jonathan Halkyard, CFO and Treasurer of MGM Resorts International. "We are disciplined in our approach to capital deployment and are focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet with adequate liquidity, while at the same time pursuing growth opportunities with the greatest return to shareholders."

16:21 EDT Acadia Pharmaceuticals announces FDA AdCom meeting to review NDA for NUPLAZID - Acadia Pharmaceuticals "announced that a virtual meeting of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee to review the resubmitted supplemental New Drug Application for pimavanserin for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Alzheimer's disease psychosis has been scheduled for June 17, 2022. The target action date for the application is August 4, 2022."

16:19 EDT Tactile Systems reaffirms FY22 outlook

16:13 EDT Clorox sees FY22 gross margin down 800 bps - Gross margin is now expected to decrease up to 800 basis points, primarily due to higher than previously anticipated commodity and manufacturing and logistics costs.

16:11 EDT Rambus sees Q2 licensing billings $61M-$67M - The company also expects royalty revenue to be between $42M-$48M, product revenue to be between $49M-$55M and contract and other revenue to be between $18M-$24M.

16:06 EDT Computer Programs CEO Boyd Douglas to retire, Chris Folwer named CEO - CPSI announced that Boyd Douglas will retire from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of CPSI, effective June 30, 2022. The Company's Board of Directors has named Chris Fowler, the Company's Chief Operating Officer, as his successor. In connection with his retirement, Douglas will also resign from the Company's Board effective June 30, 2022, at which time Fowler will become a Director of CPSI. Douglas will continue to serve as a senior advisor to the Company until December 31, 2022, and he will work closely with Fowler during this leadership transition. Commenting on the announcement, Douglas said, "CPSI is in the midst of a transformation with significant opportunities on the horizon, making this the right time - for the Company and for me - to retire from CPSI and pursue other interests. For the last 34 years it has been a privilege to work side by side with the talented and dedicated employees of CPSI and to serve the extraordinary people that make up the frontlines of healthcare delivery. I have also worked closely with Chris over the years and have seen him excel as a leader. Based on this experience, his passion for our business, and the positive impact he has had on CPSI, I have complete confidence in his ability to take the Company's performance to the next level."

16:03 EDT Sanmina announces additional $200M share repurchase plan - Sanmina's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $200M of Sanmina's common stock. The stock repurchase program has no expiration date. As of April 2, approximately $111M remained available under the current repurchase program. The expansion of this program is consistent with Sanmina's capital allocation priorities.

15:50 EDT Switch up 3% after Bloomberg says Brookfield weighing bid - Switch is mulling strategic options, including a sale, Bloomberg's Gillian Tan previously reported on March 21.

15:36 EDT Renewable Energy acquires Dawson Oil Company, terms not disclosed - Renewable Energy Group announced the acquisition of Dawson Oil Company, a bulk fuel distributor and cardlock owner, located in Northern California. Dawson Oil is a full solution provider, offering diesel, gasoline, DEF and lubricants. Dawson Oil Company brings approximately 24M gallons of fuel sales per year to the REG portfolio. The company operates six cardlocks in Northern and Central California, serving nearly 4,500 customers in the Greater Sacramento Valley. Dawson Oil will continue to serve existing customers and expand fuel offering to include REG EnDura Fuels to various end users such as commercial, agriculture, industrial, government and recreation vehicles and fleets.

15:22 EDT Chesapeake Utilities enters final pre-construction stage for $6.3M expansion - Chesapeake Utilities announced that it is in the final pre-construction stage associated with a $6.3M capital project that would expand infrastructure to serve new customers from Sussex County, Delaware, to northern Ocean City, Maryland, while also increasing the reliability of the existing distribution system in those areas. As part of the planned project, Chesapeake Utilities will construct a new pipeline to extend existing infrastructure through Fenwick Island, Delaware, to northern Ocean City to serve residences and businesses. In 2017, Sandpiper Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, completed conversion of the Ocean City gas system from propane to natural gas. Since that conversion, there continues to be increased demand for natural gas. Pending receipt of the remaining permits, construction will begin in the second quarter, with estimated completion in the fourth quarter.

14:16 EDT Culper says short Veru, run by 'team of alleged frauds and failures' - Culper Research stated in a series of tweets: "We are short Veru, Inc $VERU, a female condom maker run by a team of alleged frauds and failures who now tout a COVID-19 drug. We find glaring anomolies in the Company's Phase III trial, and think an EUA is a non-starter. {...} In April, $VERU announced Phase III results (without full data) of sabizabulin (VERU-111) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. At just 150 patients, the trial is a fraction of the size of other trials which have underpinned successful COVID-19 drug EUAs. {...} Moreover, $VERU's Phase III reported a placebo group mortality rate of a staggering 45% vs. 20% in the treatment group. Our review of numerous additional clinical trial and real-world data suggests $VERU's patient population ought to see baseline mortality rates of 20-25%. {...} We think the artificially inflated mortality rate seen in $VERU's Phase III was not due to underlying disease severity, but trial flaws: the study didn't require standard of care treatments (remdesivir, dexamethasone, or IL-6 inhibitors) or stratify by site nation. {...} $VERU's top ranks harbor a history of alleged sham science, failure, and misrepresentation: $VERU EVP of Clinical Affairs Robert Getzenberg was sued after cancer tests he claimed to develop with nearly 100% accuracy were found to be a "no more accurate than a coin flip." Reference Link

13:23 EDT SpartanNash says has not received any offers to buy the company

12:41 EDT Energy Transfer LP signs LNG sale and purchase agreement with Gunvor - Energy Transfer LP and Gunvor Group Ltd announced that Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd has entered into an LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement with Energy Transfer LNG Export, LLC, a subsidiary of Energy Transfer LP, related to its Lake Charles LNG project. Under the SPA, Energy Transfer LNG will supply 2 million tonnes of LNG per annum to Gunvor on a free-on-board basis. The purchase price is indexed to the Henry Hub benchmark plus a fixed liquefaction charge. The SPA is for a term of 20 years, and first deliveries are expected to commence as early as 2026. The SPAs will become fully effective upon the satisfaction of the conditions precedent, including Energy Transfer LNG taking final investment decision. "We are pleased to partner with Energy Transfer, which is a significant step in executing Gunvor's overall strategy of uncovering and securing low-cost resources and implementing competitive and reliable deliveries to our LNG buyers. We look forward to a successful, long-term relationship with the Energy Transfer team as their project continues to progress," said Kalpesh Patel, Co-Head of LNG Trading of Gunvor.

12:06 EDT SOS Limited trading resumes

12:01 EDT Jeld-Wen falls -11.4% - Jeld-Wen is down -11.4%, or -$2.36 to $18.43.

12:00 EDT OppFi rises 23.6% - OppFi is up 23.6%, or 70c to $3.67.

12:00 EDT Blue Apron rises 32.5% - Blue Apron is up 32.5%, or 98c to $4.00.

11:37 EDT SOS Limited trading halted, news pending

11:33 EDT Sonoco implementing price increase for uncoated recycled paperboard - Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning May 30, 2022. Sonoco said the price change reflects continued tight market conditions and inflationary pressures on manufacturing costs, including energy, freight, chemicals, packaging materials and labor. "Unfortunately, the conditions that challenged us in 2021 have not dissipated in 2022. We continue to be challenged by strong demand, increasing backlogs and inflating costs," said Tim Davis, Division Vice President and General Manager, Paper - U.S. and Canada.

11:18 EDT Blue Ridge Bank establishes middle market banking division - Blue Ridge Bank announced the establishment of its middle market banking division. This effort entails the buildout of commercial banking teams in attractive MSA's in the Mid Atlantic and Southeast. The division is led by C. Douglass Riddle, Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Corporate and Middle Market Banking, who is a member of the Bank's leadership team and based in the Triangle market. He recently joined the Bank and brings 34 years of experience in commercial banking.

11:16 EDT CreeLED files patent infringement suit against Star Headlight & Lantern - CreeLED announced that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York against Star Headlight & Lantern. The lawsuit asserts that Star has infringed Cree LED's rights in four United States patents by selling a DLITE product that incorporates six infringing LED packages.

10:53 EDT Republic Services completes acquisition of US Ecology - Republic Services (RSG) announced that it completed its acquisition of all outstanding shares of US Ecology (ECOL) on May 2, 2022. The previously announced purchase price of $48 per share in cash represents a total value of $2.2B including debt net of cash acquired. US Ecology stock will be delisted from the NASDAQ Global Select Market. This transaction expands Republic's environmental solutions footprint across the U.S. and Canada and provides vertically integrated capabilities for its environmental solutions business. It also provides a platform for accelerated growth, including cross-selling revenue opportunity and additional tuck-in acquisitions. Republic funded the transaction using a combination of its credit facilities and a new three-year term loan. The Company expects to maintain a strong balance sheet and solid investment-grade credit profile, and plans net debt-to-EBITDA, as defined in its credit agreement, to return to below 3x within 18 months.

10:49 EDT Align Technology announces $200M accelerated stock repurchase plan - Align Technology announced that it has entered into a new accelerated stock repurchase agreement with Citibank, N.A., to repurchase $200M of Align's common stock under Align's $1B stock repurchase program announced on May 13, 2021. Under the terms of the ASR, Align will receive an initial delivery of approximately 552,000 shares. The final number of shares to be repurchased will be based on Align's volume-weighted average stock price during the term of the ASR, less an agreed upon discount. The ASR transaction is expected to be completed approximately July 26, 2022 and will be funded with Align's cash on hand. As of December 31, 2021, Align had approximately 78.7 million shares outstanding and $1.1B in cash and cash equivalents. John Morici, Align Technology CFO said, "We're pleased to announce a $200 million accelerated stock repurchase program, which reflects the strength of our balance sheet and cash flow generation, as well as management's and the Board's continued confidence in our ability to capitalize on the large market opportunities. Returning capital to our shareholders through stock repurchase programs while simultaneously investing in our strategic growth drivers, is consistent with our capital allocation strategy and commitment to increasing shareholder value." In addition to the ASR, Align announced that Joe Hogan, president and CEO, intends to personally purchase $2M of Align's common stock.

10:34 EDT Air Products San Fu brings two air separation units onstream - Air Products announced that Air Products San Fu recently brought two new air separation units onstream, as part of the long-term agreements to provide ultra-high purity industrial gases to a semiconductor manufacturers in Asia. Air Products San Fu will invest approximately $400M to build, own and operate a number of large air separation units to supply ultra-high purity nitrogen, oxygen, argon and hydrogen to the customer's new wafer fab expansion and existing fab capacity expansion in Tainan Science Park, Southern Taiwan.

10:13 EDT Alfa Laval acquires patented technology to reform hydrogen from ammonia - The company said, "Alfa Laval has acquired patented technology from the Danish company RenCat to reform hydrogen from ammonia. This technology, in combination with Alfa Laval's heat transfer expertise, will increase the business opportunities within the growing market for hydrogen processing, facilitating the use of renewable fuels in the future. The signing and closing date was 29 April, 2022. There is growing demand for cleaner fuel alternatives to meet carbon reduction targets. Ammonia is projected to be one of the clean energy bearers both in the shipping industry, as well as for land-based applications. RenCat's patented technology generates hydrogen from ammonia, for use in fuel cells or combustion engines. Ammonia is one of the carbon-neutral synthesized fuels, often referred to as Power-to-X where "x" can stand for ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, methane, etc. The acquired technology combined with Alfa Laval's heat transfer expertise will enable a completely new product range targeting the growing hydrogen market. The first products based on the technology are expected to be launched by the end of 2023."

10:12 EDT Blackboxstocks Inc trading resumes

10:11 EDT Global Clean Energy sees 'enormous potential' in upstream asset portfolio - Global Clean Energy Holdings issued a Letter to Shareholders providing an update on the company's vertically integrated farm-to-fuel businesses, including recent acquisitions, partnerships, and strategic vision for future growth. The letter read in part, "Global Clean Energy has effectively advanced our transformational goals in a period marked by an ongoing multidimensional global pandemic, anthropogenic climate change, and geopolitical instability. Our average share price from 2019 to 2021 has increased nearly 750% all ahead of revenue generation that will come from the operation of our Bakersfield Renewable Fuels Refinery, which will begin producing in the coming months. GCEH has been successful during these challenging times because we know that to truly have an impact on climate change, we need to do so responsibly without impacting food security. In order to succeed, energy transition businesses need to be environmentally sustainable, socially sustainable, and also economically sustainable. GCEH is one of the few energy transition businesses that legitimately accomplishes all three. Starting with our nonfood camelina feedstocks, we have built the pathway for continued growth as we invest in our Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream businesses. Our operating model - Simple Strategy, Strategic Implementation, and driving Impactful Solutions - helps to ensure we will be a global leader in the production of ultra-low carbon sustainable fuels needed to reduce dependence on petroleum, and reduce the impacts of climate change and food security...There is no doubt that renewable fuels have environmental, social, and economic benefits. They help reduce transportation-related carbon emissions by burning cleanly and acting as a drop-in replacement for traditional petroleum-based fuels. Their expanded use reduces our reliance on foreign oil imports and will contribute to improving air quality. By converting our sustainably produced camelina oil to drop-in renewable fuels, we are reducing pressure on food land and competition for scarce water resources, positively impacting global food security. The only thing holding further market expansion back is the unmet demand for sustainable, nonfood-based feedstocks. GCEH recognizes this and is poised to be a major disruptor in this market for years to come. As we look to the future, it is with an eye on leveraging our platform for rapid, responsible, and scalable growth. We see enormous potential in our upstream asset portfolio due to the limited capital necessary to scale the business in target regions and the growing demand for ultra-low carbon intensity, nonfood feedstocks. Given changing environmental policies and global unrest, immense potential exists for exponential growth in this sector. Global Clean Energy' proprietary camelina feedstocks - the only varieties in the world currently qualifying for California's strict Low Carbon Fuel Standard - will lead the way in this burgeoning market thanks to our continued focus on upstream investments."

10:07 EDT Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp. IV announces deal to bring CH-AUTO public - CH-AUTO, a company formed under the laws of the Peoples Republic of China and an electric vehicle manufacturing and design service company based in China, and Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp. IV (MCAF), a Delaware corporation that was formed as a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company, announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will operate under a holding entity named CH AUTO Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company, and plans to trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The transaction reflects an initial equity value of approximately $1.25B. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022 and Qun Lu, CH-AUTO's founder and CEO, will continue to lead the holding company as its CEO after closing of the transaction. Dr. Suying Liu, Chairman, CEO and CFO of Mountain Crest, commented, "CH-AUTO is a unique and compelling investment opportunity, being one of the first EV automakers in China with proven technology breakthroughs as well as manufacturing innovations, along with its enormous future growth potential through its existing and pipeline vehicle models. I am thrilled to be partnering with Mr. Lu and his exceptional team to bring their vision to fruition."

10:05 EDT BAE Systems opens Manchester, NH facility - BAE Systems has opened its new engineering and production facility in Manchester, N.H. as the latest step in a series of strategic facility investments across the country - including in Austin, Texas; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Huntsville, Ala. The 200,000-square-foot Manchester facility includes engineering design space, modern laboratories, and office space, providing the company with additional capacity to support the design and development of electronic warfare (EW) systems for the United States and its allies. BAE Systems' advanced EW systems combine threat warning and self-protection capabilities to help pilots conduct their missions and return home safely. The growth of the company's EW programs provides career growth opportunities for employees in Manchester. The company is hiring hundreds of skilled local candidates for critical roles to accommodate growth, including positions in engineering, finance, and project management.

10:02 EDT Arm China investors announce corporate governance issue has been resolved - Arm Ltd, HOPU Investment, and SoftBank Group, acting in their capacity as direct and indirect shareholders holding majority equity interest in Arm China, are announcing the company's longstanding corporate governance issue has been resolved following a unanimous vote by the Arm China Board of Directors. In full compliance with Chinese law, the Arm China Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Renchen Liu and Dr. Eric Chen as the company's co-CEOs. Dr. Liu has also been duly registered and accepted by local Shenzhen government authorities as the company's legal representative and general manager. These appointments are effective immediately. Arm remains committed to the Chinese market, Arm China as an independent operating company majority owned by Chinese investors, and to the success of Arm's Chinese ecosystem partners.

10:00 EDT Global Payments falls -8.8% - Global Payments is down -8.8%, or -$12.07 to $124.91.

10:00 EDT Jeld-Wen falls -9.3% - Jeld-Wen is down -9.3%, or -$1.93 to $18.86.

10:00 EDT Hilltop Holdings rises 18.0% - Hilltop Holdings is up 18.0%, or $4.59 to $30.08.

09:48 EDT Pfizer under pressure as COVID pill fails in preventive therapy trial - Shares of Pfizer (PFE) are under pressure in Monday morning trading after its pill for treating COVID-19, Paxlovid, failed to show a statistically significant benefit as a preventive therapy in a trial. Late Friday, the company shared top-line results from its Phase 2/3 EPIC-PEP study evaluating Paxlovid for post-exposure prophylactic use. In this trial, compared to placebo, Pfizer observed risk reductions of 32% and 37% in adults who received Paxlovid for five and ten days, respectively, to prevent infection. These results, however, were not statistically significant and, as such, the primary endpoint of reducing the risk of confirmed and symptomatic COVID-19 infection in adults who had been exposed to the virus through a household contact was not met. "While we are disappointed in the outcome of this particular study, these results do not impact the strong efficacy and safety data we've observed in our earlier trial for the treatment of COVID-19 patients at high risk of developing severe illness, and we are pleased to see the growing global use of Paxlovid in that population," Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer said. PRICE ACTION: In Monday morning trading, shares of Pfizer have dropped about 2% to $48.09. Reference Link

09:47 EDT Spirit Airlines falls -8.5% - Spirit Airlines is down -8.5%, or -$2.00 to $21.61.

09:47 EDT Studio City rises 9.4% - Studio City is up 9.4%, or 36c to $4.17.

09:47 EDT Blue Apron rises 23.5% - Blue Apron is up 23.5%, or 71c to $3.73.

09:43 EDT Tesla misses proxy filing deadline, sees statement filed this year - Tesla said on Monday in a regulatory filing that it wouldn't be able to file a proxy statement until sometime later this year, without providing a specific timeline. Tesla faced an April 30 deadline for filing its shareholder proxy after the end of its fiscal year on December 31. "We currently expect that our definitive proxy statement for the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders will be filed later than the 120th day after the end of the last fiscal year," it said.

09:35 EDT SoundHound AI Inc trading resumes

09:30 EDT SoundHound AI Inc trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:19 EDT Jamf Holding appoints Michelle Bucaria as CPO - Jamf announced the appointment of Michelle Bucaria as the company's Chief People Officer. Bucaria will lead Jamf's people operations and engagement strategy to recruit, retain and develop Jamf's global and diverse employee base. Bucaria joins Jamf from PointClickCare, where she served as Chief People Officer.

09:17 EDT Gatling: ISS, Glass Lewis recommend voting for MAG Silver plan of arrangement - GATLING EXPLORATION announced that both independent advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis & Co. have recommended that Gatling shareholders and optionholders vote FOR the resolution to approve the proposed plan of arrangement with MAG Silver Corp., pursuant to which MAG has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Gatling on the basis of 0.0170627 of a MAG common share per Gatling Share under the terms of the Arrangement. The Consideration is equal to approximately C$0.40 per Gatling Share, representing a premium of approximately 49.1% based on the closing price of MAG Shares and Gatling Shares on March 10, 2022, and approximately 47.4% based on the 5-day volume-weighted average share price of the MAG and Gatling Shares ending on March 10, 2022. Gatling's Board of Directors UNANIMOUSLY recommend that securityholders VOTE FOR the Arrangement Resolution. Gatling's special meeting of securityholders, called for shareholders and optionholders to vote on the Arrangement Resolution will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday May 13, 2022, at Gatling's offices located at 200 Burrard Street, Suite 1680, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6. In reaching its conclusion, ISS noted: "The transaction makes strategic sense as shareholders will gain an interest in a more diversified entity, with upside potential represented by a combination of both cash flow generating and exploration assets. The combination will further provide a better opportunity for shareholders to realize the value of their investment through ownership in an entity that is significantly larger, more liquid, and has a broader shareholder base.... in light of the significant premium, the favourable market reaction, the reasonable strategic rationale, and the support of a large shareholder in both the company and the acquirer, shareholder approval of this resolution is warranted." In reaching its conclusion, Glass Lewis noted: "Strategically, combining Gatling and MAG is anticipated to result in the creation of a larger, significantly more diversified company, with a strong balance sheet and access to capital. In addition to a 100% interest in the Larder Gold Project of Gatling, the enlarged entity will hold a 44% interest in the Juanicipio project which is scheduled to reach 85 - 90% design capacity by 2022, as well as a robust project pipeline located in the United States and Mexico. The combined entity will also retain optionality to further growth at the Larder project."

09:14 EDT Bakkt ,Global Payments collaborate on 'use cases' for cryptocurrency redemption - Bakkt Holdings (BKKT) and Global Payments (GPN), a payments technology company delivering i software and services to customers globally, announced a strategic alliance. As part of the agreement, Global Payments and Bakkt will collaborate on use cases starting with enabling cryptocurrency redemption in customer loyalty programs offered by bankcard clients, expanding its banking-as-a-service offerings to include consumer access to cryptocurrency, and ultimately leveraging issuing technologies for linking virtual, debit, credit and prepaid solutions. In addition, Bakkt will broadly partner with Global Payments on multinational merchant payments acceptance.

09:12 EDT Eagle Bancorp completes acquisition of First Community Bancorp - Eagle Bancorp Montana, the holding company of Opportunity Bank of Montana, announced that it completed, effective April 30, 2022, its previously announced acquisition of First Community Bancorp, and its subsidiary, First Community Bank in a transaction valued at approximately $38.6M based on Eagle's closing price of $20.30 as of April 29, 2022. In the transaction, Eagle acquired nine branches and two mortgage LPOs, and approximately $338M in assets, $320M in deposits and $194M in gross loans, based on First Community's December 31, 2021 financial statements. As a result of the acquisition, Opportunity Bank of Montana has 32 retail branches in key commercial and ag markets across Montana. In connection with the merger, the Eagle Board of Directors appointed Samuel D. Waters, the former Chairman and President of First Community Bancorp, Inc., to serve as a director on the Eagle Board. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each outstanding share of First Community stock was converted into the right to receive 37.7492 shares of Eagle common stock and $276.32 in cash for each share of First Community common stock. As a result of the merger, Eagle will issue approximately 1,396,596 shares of Eagle common stock and will pay approximately $10.2 million to the former holders of First Community common stock. "We are pleased to announce the completion of the merger and we welcome First Community's shareholders, customers and employees to the Eagle team," said Peter Johnson, CEO. "First Community is an experienced agriculture and commercial lender with a 130-year operating history in Montana and deep roots in the communities it serves. This merger expands Eagle's presence in Montana, and complements Eagle's franchise, both strategically and culturally."

09:11 EDT Safran Aircraft Engines to implement Ansys' FEA tools - Safran Aircraft Engines will implement Ansys' finite element analysis, or FEA, tools as an end-to-end structural and thermal simulation solution in new programs for developing next-generation aircraft engines. The integration will support aviation sustainability efforts while advancing Safran Aircraft Engine's productivity and cost-efficiency. Safran Aircraft Engines will deploy Ansys Mechanical FEA software for design and validation in the CFM RISE1 technology Program, which is driven by the worldwide aviation industry commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As such, the RISE program will leverage Ansys' robust simulation tools to support three main technology pillars, including an advanced open fan architecture, new materials, and hybrid electrification capabilities to enable the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 20% compared to today's most efficient engines.

09:09 EDT Petrus Resources announces closing of oversubscribed rights offering - Petrus Resources is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced rights offering which expired on April 26, 2022. The Rights Offering received overwhelming support from the Company's shareholders with 97% of the rights available under the basic subscription privilege being exercised. Combined, the basic and additional subscriptions totaled 184% of the common shares of the Company available through the Rights Offering. At closing, Petrus issued approximately 14.8 million Common Shares at a price of $1.35 per Common Share for gross proceeds of approximately $20 million. As previously announced on March 24, 2022, in connection with the Rights Offering, the Company entered into a standby purchase agreement with each of Don Gray, Stuart Gray and Glen Gray. As a result of the exercise of the basic subscription privilege and additional subscription privilege by the holders of rights, the Stand-By Guarantors did not acquire any Common Shares in connection with the Rights Offering pursuant to their stand-by commitments. A total of approximately 14.4 million Common Shares were issued pursuant to the basic subscription privilege granted under the Rights Offering, of which, to the knowledge of the Companyapproximately 10.9 million Common Shares were issued to insiders of the Company and approximately 3.5 million Common Shares were issued to non-insiders of the Company. A total of approximately 0.4 million Common Shares were issued pursuant to the additional subscription privilege granted under the Rights Offering, of which, to the knowledge of the Company approximately 0.3 million Common Shares were issued to insiders of the Company and approximately 0.1 million Common Shares were issued to non-insiders of the Company. Following the closing of the Rights Offering, Petrus has approximately 121.7 million Common Shares issued and outstanding.

09:08 EDT Sorrento announces full enrollment of Phase I study of IN STI-9199 - Sorrento Therapeutics announced that its Phase I study of intranasal, IN, STI-9199 has been fully enrolled in healthy volunteers. The study is currently still blinded and ongoing. The safety profile of STI-9199 to date is similar to Sorrento's Phase II compound STI-2099 with only transient adverse events, mild in severity and requiring no treatment. This was expected given that in nearly 300 patients treated with COVIDROPSTM, a benign safety profile was also observed. The Phase II/III studies are expected to be conducted in several countries. Sorrento plans to discuss with the FDA and other regulatory authorities the most appropriate end-points for the pivotal study that could result in an EUA, assuming the trials meet the efficacy end-points of the pivotal study. "We are encouraged by the speed with which this study enrolled, as the IND was just cleared two months ago," said Dr. Mike Royal, Chief Medical Officer of Sorrento. "We anticipate the Phase II/III studies will enroll very quickly given the significant increase in BA.2 cases worldwide and the non-invasive treatment approach. These studies have the potential to support EUA submission in the near future".

09:07 EDT Atlantic Union Bankshares names Miller as Chief Human Resources Officer - Atlantic Union Bank has named Clare Miller as incoming Chief Human Resources Officer. Miller will be responsible for leading key priorities such as talent acquisition, total rewards, talent development, Teammate engagement with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as HR systems, operations and reporting. Miller will begin her new role with Atlantic Union Bank in late May 2022. Most recently, Miller served as Chief Talent Officer at Huntington National Bank.

09:06 EDT Keysight InfiniiVision 3000G oscilloscope now distributed by TestEquity - TestEquity announced the Keysight InfiniiVision 3000G Oscilloscope as the newest addition to its catalog of testing equipment. "Keysight is excited to partner with TestEquity to offer the InfiniiVision 3000G oscilloscope to its customers," said Brad Doerr, Keysight Vice President of the Digital Photonics Center of Excellence. "The inclusion of the 3000G in the TestEquity portfolio will allow them to better serve customers with test and measurement challenges across a variety of industries by providing them with a powerful tool to diagnose elusive signal anomalies quickly and easily."

09:06 EDT Alliance Resource Partners invests in Francis Energy - Francis Energy announced today an equity investment in the company by Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. The investment brings together two Tulsa-based American success stories to help change the way Americans drive for generations to come. Under the agreement, the Francis Energy executive team will continue its day-to-day management of the company and, as a significant minority shareholder, ARLP will hold a seat on the Francis Energy board of directors.

09:05 EDT Phunware engages Moneta Advisory Partners - Phunware announced it has engaged Moneta Advisory Partners, LLC, co-founded by Jon Najarian, to launch a multi-channel thought leadership program to expand awareness of the Company and its role as a pioneer in Data-Driven Consumer Engagement solutions.

09:04 EDT Codiak appoints Mauro as Chief Medical Officer - Codiak BioSciences (CDAK) announced the appointment of David Mauro as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Mauro will provide leadership and expertise for Codiak's pipeline of clinical development programs through early-stage trials to global regulatory submissions and joins the company's Executive Leadership Team reporting to Douglas Williams, Ph.D., President and CEO. Dr. Mauro brings more than 20 years of oncology drug development experience to Codiak. Most recently, he served as chief medical officer of Prelude Therapeutics (PRLD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted small molecule therapeutics for cancer.

09:03 EDT SuperCom launches project with Ministry of Justice and Administration of Croatia - SuperCom announced that it has launched a new project with the Ministry of Justice and Administration of Croatia. This project is the first full-scale electronic monitoring of offenders contract in the country and will deploy SuperCom's PureSecurity Electronic Monitoring, or EM, Suite. The project was formally awarded earlier this year in a formal bid process, and the project launch follows the successful completion of the government approval process and contract execution.

09:03 EDT Sumo Logic names Redkar as CPO, Kitson as CHRO - Sumo Logic announced the appointment of Tej Redkar to the newly formed position of Chief Product Officer, CPO, and Sophie Kitson as Chief Human Resources Officer, CHRO, effective immediately. Tej and Sophie will report directly to Sumo Logic CEO Ramin Sayar as members of the company's senior executive team. Redkar has led various engineering, product management, UX and data science teams. He most recently was the Chief Product Officer at LogicMonitor. Kitson is a strategic HR executive with diverse experience ranging from small start-up to large global technology and services companies.

09:01 EDT Equinor reiterates Energy transition plan - The company said, "The Annual General Meeting of Equinor will be held on 11 May 2022 at 16:00 CEST. Notifications of proposals and responses from the Board of Directors was published on 19 April 2022. Equinor has put forward its Energy Transition Plan for an advisory vote at the AGM. We have received questions by some shareholders following the recommendation from two proxy advisors against this Plan. We are therefore pleased to reiterate the Energy transition plan and the company's response on www.equinor.com/about-us/annual-general-meeting-2022 under "downloads and links". We welcome any questions or clarifications which investors may have to help assess support for the Energy Transition Plan."

08:58 EDT Rekor Intelligent Infrastructure Solutions selected for AWS Partner Network - Rekor Systems announced availability of its cloud-based Transportation Management Platform within the Amazon Web Services Partner Network. The Platform has been certified as "Well-Architected" to function in a cloud-based environment. APN is a global community of partners who leverage AWS to build solutions and services for customers. Additionally, Rekor has joined the AWS Public Sector Partner Program, which helps companies grow their business through alignment with AWS public sector sales, marketing, funding, capture, and proposal teams.

08:48 EDT Churchill acquires more ground from Altius at Taylor Brook - Churchill Resources is pleased to announce that Altius Resources has agreed to assign five mineral licenses totalling 262.25km2 to the Company, which tie on to the Company's existing Taylor Brook South block, and cover a large portion of the regional gravity feature that has been shown to host the nickel-bearing Layden Magmatic Intrusive and the adjacent Taylor Brook Gabbro Complex. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will reimburse to Altius their staking deposits and grant to Altius a 1.6% Gross Sales Royalty on the five assigned licenses. The five new licenses will be designated as the Cormack Property and were originally staked by Altius for their gold potential as they also lie along the major Doucer's Valley Fault Zone which has been shown to be associated with a number of gold prospects and deposits to the northeast of Taylor Brook. The Cormack Licenses have received very little exploration to date, and cover the contact between the Precambrian Grenville rocks that host the Layden and Taylor Brook gabbroic intrusives, and the younger sedimentary rocks within the Deer Lake Sub-Basin, all immediately adjacent to the Doucer's Valley Fault Zone as per the figure below. The Company intends to complete a first pass program in Q2 2022 of stream sediment sampling as the terrain is ideal for this method with a large number of drainage basins feeding into the valley. Initial sampling will be done by helicopter from nearby Deer Lake airport, with road and trail-accessible areas to follow as the area dries out after the spring melt. Anomalous areas for nickel, gold or other commodities of interest will receive follow-up sampling, prospecting and airborne geophysical surveys as warranted.

08:47 EDT Conduent announces 10-year contract renewal from Montgomery County, Maryland - Conduent Transportation announced a 10-year contract renewal from Montgomery County, Maryland, to provide automated speed and red-light camera systems designed to enforce traffic laws and make communities safer. The program currently includes 77 speed camera systems and 50 red-light camera systems, and the county says it aims to double those numbers over the coming years. Conduent supplies and operates the equipment and associated technology for each system, including its Automated License Plate Recognition solution. The company also provides the software, hardware and video analytics needed to securely store data, process violations and assess the effectiveness of the locations, which are determined by county officials. "Montgomery County has been a trailblazer in demonstrating the importance of using smart mobility innovations to enhance public safety," said Mark Brewer, President, Transportation Solutions at Conduent. "We're honored they have chosen to extend our valued, 15-year partnership. As an industry leader, our team is committed to giving communities like Montgomery County the technology and the tools they need to keep children and other citizens safe." The 10-year contract includes a 5-year base term plus five 1-year options. The total value is approximately $116M.

08:45 EDT O2-1-0 announces successful launch of its token, CO2 - O2-1-0, a subsidiary of PHI Group, announces that the company has successfully launched its token, CO2, on April 22nd, 2022, the same day as the Earth Day to support a better sustainable environment by participating in combating global climate change initiatives. Choky Simanjuntak, CEO and Founder of CARBON, stated "We are thrilled and enthusiastic to see the market respond towards our tokens. Despite the low and very volatile price, as a new startup in crypto, a daily trading volume of US$ 3 - 4 million or more than US$ 25 million in a week is a very good market response, an excellent start. We believe Green Investors' and Carbonians' participation will continue to grow in the near future". Simanjuntak added: "Our current price has not represented the true carbon credit value yet, which according to the latest review and analysis should be in the range of US$ 250/ ton CO2equivalent. We will improve market awareness of our CO2 token values. It is in our plan already. It is also giving an excellent opportunity to all eligible green investors and Carbonians to buy our token CO2 on its lowest price/ dip now".

08:43 EDT Hammond Power Solutions increases quarterly dividend to C$0.10 per share - The Board of Directors of Hammond Power Solutions declared a quarterly cash dividend of ten cents per Class A Subordinate Voting Share of HPS and a quarterly cash dividend of ten cents per Class B Common Share of HPS payable on June 28th, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 21, 2022. The ex-dividend date is June 20, 2022.

08:42 EDT SciSparc files annual report, provides corporate update - SciSparc announced that it has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Recent Corporate Highlights: Issued U.S. patent surrounding the Company's core technology that treats central nervous systems disorders; Recruited first patient in the Phase IIa clinical trial of SCI-110 in Alzheimer's disease; Advanced the Phase IIb clinical trial of SCI-110 in patients with Tourette syndrome; Entered into a collaboration agreement with ClearMind Medicine Inc. for the development of innovative psychedelic-based pharmaceuticals; Entered into a JV agreement with MitoCare X targeting the discovery of potential drugs for cancers and infectious diseases. Oz Adler, SciSparc's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "2021 was a turnaround year for SciSparc. We successfully up-listed to the Nasdaq stock exchange and raised approximately $8 million from high quality investors. Operationally, we expanded our IP protection in key territories and advanced our programs in Tourette syndrome, Alzheimer's disease and Agitation, Status Epilepticus and pain. In 2022, we plan on continuing our advancement in our clinical and pre- clinical programs and move closer towards developing and presenting innovative therapies."

08:42 EDT Palisade provides business outlook, highlights near-term pipeline advancements - Palisade Bio provided a business outlook and outlined its expected near-term pipeline advancements. Clinical Program Update: LB1148: oral formulation of a broad-spectrum serine protease inhibitor designed to neutralize the activity of potent digestive proteases released from the gut during surgery. LB1148 is a novel oral liquid formulation of the well-characterized digestive enzyme inhibitor, tranexamic acid, with potential to both reduce abdominal adhesions and help restore bowel function following surgery. By inhibiting the activity of these digestive proteases, LB1148 has the potential to prevent damage to GI tissues, accelerate the time to the return of normal GI function, and shorten the duration of costly post-surgery hospital stays. Postoperative Return of Bowel Function: GI Surgery: In March 2022, the Company received a "Study May Proceed" letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to initiate its Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating LB1148 to accelerate the return of bowel function in adult patients undergoing bowel/abdominal surgery. All patients enrolled in the trial will undergo a scheduled bowel resection surgery that will include either laparotomy or laparoscopic surgical approaches.The expected timelines are management's current forecasts and will be updated as enrollment progresses. Expected Upcoming Milestones: Q2 2022: Phase 3 study initiation and 2H 2022: Phase 3 study first patient enrolled. Prevention of Post-Surgical Abdominal Adhesions: GI Surgery: In the Company's recent data presentation at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons 2022 Annual Meeting, a pooled-study analysis of 17 patients demonstrated LB1148 reduced incidence of adhesions by 72% and reduced the extent and severity of adhesions by 93% in patients undergoing bowel resection. The Company is conducting an ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial of LB1148 in up to 200 patients undergoing elective bowel resection surgery in the United States. Expected Upcoming Milestones: Q4 2022: Phase 2 enrollment completion, 1H 2023: Phase 2 study completion, and 2H 2023: Report Phase 2 topline results. Postoperative Return of Bowel Function: Cardiovascular Surgery: The Company previously announced positive topline data from its Phase 2 study demonstrating LB1148 achieved its primary endpoint with statistically significant improvement in bowel function following cardiovascular surgery. The Company plans to initiate additional CV surgery studies with LB1148 after the completion of the studies to accelerate the return of bowel function in patients undergoing bowel/abdominal surgery.

08:40 EDT Vertex Pharmaceuticals provides update on VX-880 trial - Vertex Pharmaceuticals provided updates on its Phase 1/2 clinical trial of VX-880, an investigational stem cell-derived, fully differentiated pancreatic islet cell replacement therapy for people with type 1 diabetes, or T1D, with impaired hypoglycemic awareness and severe hypoglycemia. Two patients in Part A received VX-880 at half the target dose. The first patient dosed in Part A of the study achieved insulin independence at Day 270, with a HbA1c of 5.2%. The second patient dosed in Part A has shown robust increases in fasting and stimulated C-peptide, and reductions in exogenous insulin requirements through Day 150. Taken together, the data from the first two patients in Part A established proof-of-concept for VX-880. Per the study protocol, the Independent Data Monitoring Committee reviewed the totality of the safety and efficacy data from the first two patients dosed in Part A of the study and recommended advancement to Part B, where patients receive the full target dose of VX-880. The first patient to receive the full target dose has achieved the Day 29 follow-up milestone. Across the program, VX-880 has been generally well tolerated to date. There have been no serious adverse events, or SAEs, considered related to VX-880. The majority of adverse events, or AEs, were mild or moderate in all patients treated to date. The safety profile was generally consistent with the immunosuppressive regimen used in the study and the perioperative period. The company also announced the VX-880 Phase 1/2 study has been placed on clinical hold in the U.S. by the FDA due to a determination that there is insufficient information to support dose escalation with the product. To date, three patients have been dosed in the Phase 1/2 study with VX-880. Two patients received half the target dose of cells in Part A of the study. A third patient has received the full target dose in Part B of the study. For Patient 1, results from Day 90 and Day 150 were previously reported. The patient achieved insulin independence at Day 270 with a HbA1c level of 5.2%. The study protocol defines insulin independence as no exogenous insulin use for at least one week. Through Day 270, there were no SAEs considered related to VX-880. There were two SAEs, one of rash and one of dehydration, neither of which were considered related to VX-880. The majority of the AEs were considered mild to moderate. The most common AEs were severe hypoglycemic events, which were not related to VX-880, and occurred in the perioperative period. For Patient 2, islet cell function was evaluated at baseline and at Day 90 after VX-880 infusion using a Mixed Meal Tolerance Test with quantification of C-peptide levels, a direct marker for endogenous insulin production. At baseline prior to VX-880 infusion, fasting and stimulated C-peptide levels were undetectable, indicating no endogenous insulin production. At Day 90, stimulated C-peptide increased to a peak of 202 pmol/L, indicating that VX-880 restored glucose-responsive insulin production. At Day 150, HbA1c decreased to 7.1% compared to a baseline of 7.5%, and exogenous insulin use decreased by 30%. Through Day 150, there were no SAEs, and all AEs were considered mild to moderate. The most common AEs were headache and hypomagnesemia, which were not considered related to VX-880. In Patient 3, the third patient received the full target dose of VX-880 and has reached the Day 29 follow-up visit. Early data show increasing fasting C-peptide and improving glycemic control through Day 29. Evaluation of islet cell function will be evaluated based on the MMTT during the Day 90 visit. Through Day 29, there were no SAEs considered related to VX-880. The patient had one SAE of neutropenia, which was not considered related to VX-880. The majority of the AEs were considered mild to moderate. The most common AE was nausea, which was not considered related to VX-880.

08:39 EDT Emcore closes acquisition of L3Harris Space, Navigation business for $5M - EMCORE Corporation (EMKR) announced that it has completed the acquisition of the L3Harris (LHX) Space and Navigation business for approximately $5 million in an all-cash transaction, subject to any net working capital adjustments. The acquisition provides an immediate contribution of additional scale in this market and expands EMCORE's inertial navigation product portfolio and addressable market with the addition of navigation and strategic grade gyro and inertial measurement unit products. EMCORE acquired all outstanding assets and liabilities of the L3Harris Space and Navigation business, including all L3Harris intellectual property rights primarily used in the Space and Navigation business, a 110,000 square foot leased production facility in Budd Lake, NJ, and associated production equipment. In addition, the transaction creates partnership opportunities to expand EMCORE's business with L3Harris, adding EMCORE as a preferred supplier to L3Harris divisions for future business opportunities and resulting in entry into a Master Supply Agreement for the BoRG and TAIMU launch vehicle programs.

08:38 EDT Alaunos Therapeutics doses first patient in TCR-T Library Phase 1/2 trial - Alaunos Therapeutics announced that the first patient has been dosed in its TCR-T Library Phase 1/2 trial targeting KRAS, TP53, and EGFR mutations across six solid tumor indications using the Company's Sleeping Beauty transposon/transposase technology. The Phase 1/2 study is being conducted at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and is an open label, dose escalation study, with patients being treated in one of three dose cohorts: 5x109, 4x1010, 1x1011 TCR-T cells. The trial is enrolling patients with non-small cell lung, colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic, ovarian, and bile duct cancers that have a matching human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and hotspot mutation pairing in Alaunos' TCR-T library. The main study objectives are to define the maximum tolerated dose, recommended phase 2 dose and safety profile.

08:37 EDT Friedman Industries acquires two facilities from Plateplus for $63.8M - Friedman Industries announced today that it has acquired two high-quality, strategically located facilities from Plateplus, positioning Friedman as a leading North American steel service center with an expanded geographic presence, scale and processing capabilities. In addition to the facilities acquired, Friedman also purchased the steel inventory and customer relationships at two additional Plateplus locations. The parties executed an agreement related to the transaction on April 26, 2022 and closed the transaction effective at the end of business on April 30, 2022. Friedman acquired the real estate, buildings, equipment, inventory, and other assets of Plateplus' East Chicago, IN and Granite City, IL facilities. In addition, Friedman has acquired the steel inventory and customer relationships at Plateplus' Loudon, TN and Houston, TX facilities. Business that was historically handled at Plateplus' Loudon and Houston locations will be transitioned to Friedman's facilities in Decatur, AL and Sinton, TX, respectively, providing immediate and meaningful operating efficiencies and cost synergies. Under the terms of the agreement, Friedman acquired the assets for $63.8 million in cash and 516,041 shares of Friedman's common stock. Fixed assets account for approximately $18 million of the purchase price with the remainder attributable to steel inventory. The final purchase price is subject to adjustment based on final inventory and assumed liabilities. Friedman financed the transaction through the expansion of its asset-based lending facility provided by JPMorgan Chase from $75 million to $150 million. After funding the transaction, Friedman's borrowed balance under the facility was $72.5 million. The acquired facilities provide temper passed cut-to-length sheet and plate with capabilities ranging from 16 gauge to 5/8" thick and width from 36" to 72". The facilities will operate as part of Friedman's coil product segment. The transformative acquisition is expected to more than double the annual volume of the coil product segment. Friedman's coil segment sales volume for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 was 152,000 tons. The sales volume for the acquired facilities was 163,000 tons for the same twelve-month period. Friedman strongly believes volume at the acquired facilities can be expanded further. Sales volume for the Loudon and Houston locations was 113,000 tons for the same twelve-month period. Friedman strongly believes it will be able to transfer substantially all of this volume to its Decatur and Sinton facilities. Friedman expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to operating results. The acquired facilities offer highly efficient freight access, enabling Friedman to reach customers more efficiently with shortened lead times, which is expected to enhance customer satisfaction and Friedman's competitiveness. Importantly, all Friedman locations are located on or near water, and five of six locations have rail receiving capabilities. These logistics help with supply optionality which Friedman believes is critical to success. With the Plateplus assets, Friedman will have a presence in the top steel consuming markets in North America, with facilities in East Chicago, IN; Granite City, IL; Hickman, AR; Decatur, AL; Lone Star, TX; and Sinton, TX. The transaction also combines the two companies' expansive customer and supplier networks, resulting in new opportunities to drive sales growth across a larger customer base and yielding additional supply chain efficiencies. By combining the Granite City and East Chicago facilities with Friedman's existing operations and transferring volume from Plateplus' Loudon and Houston facilities to Friedman facilities, Friedman expects to operate the new structure with cost and operating efficiencies, which should have an immediate impact on profitability. Friedman also anticipates further opportunities to enhance efficiencies through the additional throughput that is expected. Friedman's management team has deep familiarity with the acquired Plateplus assets, customers and key metal suppliers. Taylor previously served as President of Cargill's metals service center business when the acquired facilities were part of the Cargill metals service center portfolio.

08:34 EDT Converge Technology completes acquisition of Interdynamix Systems - Converge Technology Solutions is pleased to announce the closing of its previously signed acquisition of IDX Systems Corp. Converge announced the signing of the acquisition of Interdynamix on March 28, 2022. Interdynamix was founded in 1995 with the goal of filling a substantial gap in the technology industry for elite engineering resources. The organization is known in the IT industry as a world leader in solving business problems with innovative solutions and services, ranging from cloud computing and infrastructure to open-source consulting. Home to IDX Labs, Interdynamix also offers functional, technical, and performance testing to validate architecture systems and ensure seamless migrations.

08:33 EDT Nikola announces $200M Convertible Senior Notes investment - Nikola announced that an institutional investor has agreed to make a $200M investment in Nikola through the purchase of Convertible Senior Notes. Funds advised by Antara Capital LP have agreed to purchase $200M aggregate amount of 8.00% / 11.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026. The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 8.00% if paid in cash, or at a rate of 11.00% through the issuance of additional Notes, at the company's election. The Notes will be convertible at an initial conversion price to be determined prior to closing. The initial conversion price will represent a 30% premium to the lower of Nikola's volume-weighted average price over a pre-determined time period between this announcement and closing of the Notes and the closing price of Nikola's common stock on the last trading day prior to the date of this announcement, but will not be lower than 110% of such closing price. Upon conversion, Nikola will have the right to settle the Notes in cash, shares, or any combination thereof at its election. The Notes will mature on May 31, 2026, unless redeemed, repurchased, or converted prior to such date.

08:30 EDT Canadian Apartment Properties purchases 172-site MHC in Alberta - Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust announced that it had completed the purchase of a 172-site Manufactured Housing Community located in Red Deer, Alberta. The community, developed in 2000, was acquired for $16.5 million, funded with existing liquidity. Occupancy was 100% at closing. CAPREIT also announced that it has sold an 82-suite apartment property located at 88 Isabella Street in downtown Toronto, which was built in 1968. The buyer is acquiring the building as part of a land assembly transaction. CAPREIT will be paid $56.0 million for the property, well above the current IFRS fair value for the property. CAPREIT had exercised an early buy-out of the property's operating lease in 2020, which allowed the disposition to be effected.

08:27 EDT HP Inc. announces HP ScanJet Pro, Enterprise devices - HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today announced its new HP ScanJet Pro and Enterprise devices with HP's most advanced and sophisticated workflow scanner software. The HP ScanJet series includes four new modern and secure devices that make scanning a simple and integrated part of the digital workplace experience. As workers come back into re-imagined workspaces designed for collaboration, the HP ScanJet series allows companies to bring a perfectly compact, intelligent device into the office space where work happens.The new HP ScanJet devices include: HP ScanJet Pro 2600 f1 and ScanJet Pro 3600 f1: Designed for high daily volumes and hassle-free operation to support up to 1500 and 3000 pages daily, perfect for small businesses with scanning needs for broad variety of jobs. HP ScanJet Pro N4600 fnw1: Crafted to support large businesses with scanning needs for multiple users, up to 6000 pages daily. This scanner has flexible digital sending to email, network, or PC via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, complete with a color touchscreen. HP ScanJet Enterprise Flow N6600 fnw1: Created to support advanced high-volume professional scanning for enterprise customers with frequent scanning needs up to 8000 pages daily. With high-speed scanning and HP Scan Premium software, customers can get excellent image results with ease and easily integrate and improve document management. In addition, the ScanJet Enterprise Flow includes intelligent document capture and classification to help extract and organize scanned information and new capabilities to highlight, erase, or mark-up scanned documents.

08:25 EDT AgileThought names Singh as Chief Financial Officer - AgileThought (AGIL) announces that Amit Singh has been appointed as the Company's chief financial officer, CFO, effective May 2, 2022. Singh most recently as Head of Finance, US & Global Head of Investor Relations at Globant S.A (GLOB). Additionally, Ana Hernandez will transition from interim CFO to Chief Operations Finance Officer, reporting to Amit.

08:23 EDT The Oncology Institute adds Fresno practice to network - The Oncology Institute of Hope and Innovation recently acquired Women's Cancer Care, the practice of Christopher R. Perkins, M.D. and Lisa Ge, M.D. The Fresno facility will provide patients with the same advanced medical services and resources available to patients at all TOI locations and adds a staff of more than 30. "The addition of Women's Cancer Care offers a unique opportunity for TOI to not only expand our footprint into the Central Valley, but also provide care to a focused patient population that will benefit from our leading clinical research programs, care management resources, and more," said Daniel Virnich, M.D., President at TOI. "We are excited to bring Women's Cancer Care into TOI's practice to build on the exceptional care services Dr. Perkins and his team of providers and clinicians have delivered for more than 30 years."

08:22 EDT Zscaler appoints Castle as Chief People Officer - Zscaler (ZS) announced that Brendan Castle has been appointed Chief People Officer. Castle will lead the company's global People and Culture organization, including talent acquisition, learning and development, internal business partners, diversity, equity and inclusion, and our workplace experience. Castle most recently led Google's (GOOG;GOOGL) global recruiting organization.

08:20 EDT VirTra appoints Givens as co-chief executive officer - VirTra has appointed John Givens as co-chief executive officer, CEO, effective today. Givens has been a member of the board of directors for VirTra since November 2020. With Givens's appointment, VirTra's independent board of director members will decrease to two and the Company plans to add an independent director in the near future.

08:19 EDT Pennant Group acquires assets of First Choice Home Health - The Pennant Group announced that it has acquired the assets of First Choice Home Health, which provides home health and personal care services in Bozeman, Montana. The acquisition was effective May 1, 2022. "We are excited to expand and strengthen our presence in Montana," said Brent Guerisoli, President of Pennant. "This acquisition complements our existing hospice operations in the state, expanding the continuum of care services we can provide our patients and their families, and opens the door to greater expansion within the region. Our acquisition pipeline is robust, and we look forward to further activity this year in existing and new markets as we continue our dialogue with providers looking for the right strategic partner," Guerisoli added. In a separate transaction, Pennant announced that it acquired the real estate underlying Heritage Assisted Living of Twin Falls, an 82-unit assisted living and memory care community located in Twin Falls, Idaho, and currently operated by a Pennant affiliate. This acquisition was effective April 29, 2022, and was financed by a draw on the Company's revolving line of credit.

08:18 EDT Mitesco signs lease for The Good Clinic in Minnesota - Mitesco announced it has signed a lease and acquired final building permits for its newest The Good Clinic located in Wayzata, Minnesota. The Wayzata facility, the company's seventh clinic in the Twin Cities, is scheduled to open this summer at The Promenade. This development located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka is a mixed-use concept that combines upscale condominiums, retail stores, restaurants, a hotel, and an assisted living community.

08:18 EDT Ceragon to provide 5G wireless transport solutions to Dish Wireless - Ceragon Networks (CRNT) announced an agreement with DISH Wireless (DISH) to provide ultra-high capacity IP-50C microwave and IP-50E millimeter wave transport solutions. Doran Arazi, Ceragon Networks CEO commented, "Ceragon is thrilled to have been selected by DISH to provide 5G wireless transport solutions. As the industry disruptor, DISH is strategically adopting cutting-edge network architectures and technologies, and Ceragon's groundbreaking wireless transport offering is fully aligned with DISH's requirements. With solutions that power some of the most advanced 5G networks worldwide and address the unique transport challenges 5G networks present, Ceragon is well-positioned and committed to helping DISH deliver on its vision."

08:17 EDT Teva reaches settlement with Lupin resolving Austedo patent dispute - Teva and Auspex Pharmaceuticals, U.S. affiliates of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries have reached an agreement with Lupin to resolve the dispute over Lupin's Abbreviated New Drug Application for a generic deutetrabenazine product. Teva and Lupin have been involved in a patent infringement litigation in which Teva asserted a number of patents against Lupin that cover Teva's AUSTEDO, deutetrabenazine, product. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the litigation between the parties in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey will be ended, and Lupin will have a license to sell its generic product beginning April 2033, or earlier under certain circumstances. AUSTEDO is the first and only FDA-approved product to treat both tardive dyskinesia in adults and chorea associated with Huntingdon's disease. Teva believes that today's settlement with Lupin is a further reflection of the strength of its intellectual property covering its AUSTEDO product. On March 9 the U.S. Patent Office Patent Trial and Appeal Board declined to institute an Inter Partes Review of Teva's compound patent for deutetrabenazine in response to a petition submitted by Apotex. Teva will continue to litigate the ongoing patent infringement suit it brought against Aurobindo regarding Aurobindo's ANDA for a generic deutetrabenazine product.

08:15 EDT Treace Medical secures up to $150M in debt financing - Treace Medical Concepts announced that it has entered into a new five-year $150 million loan arrangement with MidCap Financial, comprising up to $120 million in term loans and a $30 million revolving credit facility. Proceeds from the new term loan refinanced the Company's existing $30 million term loan from CR Group LP. In addition, the new revolving credit facility will expand the Company's revolving credit capacity and replace the undrawn existing $10 million revolving credit facility from Silicon Valley Bank. The Company's new loan agreement includes a maturity date of five years for both the term loan and revolving credit facility. The Company drew $54 million at the closing and used a portion of the proceeds to refinance its existing $30 million debt facility. The annual interest rate is equal to Adjusted Term SOFR1 subject to a floor of 1% and a cap of 3%, plus 6% under the term loan and 4% under the revolving loan. The term loan provides for at least 48-months of interest-only at close, which can be extended to 60-months. With the completion of this refinancing, the Company now has cash and access to liquidity of approximately $220 million.

08:14 EDT iBio presents on superior glycosylation for antibodies produced in Plants - iBio announced today that it will present a poster at the 18th Annual Protein & Antibody Engineering Summit Boston Conference & Expo, May 2-5. Rachel Jordan, PhD, a senior product manager at iBio, will present the poster, titled "Plant-Made Antibodies Show Superior Glycosylation Homogeneity While Retaining Pharmacokinetic Properties," which highlights: The production of a single uniform G0 glycosylation pattern, lacking fucose and xylose, of NISTmAb and rituximab when compared to Chinese Hamster Ovary cell culture produced antibodies, which contain more heterogeneous glycosylation patterns. Comparability of in vivo rodent pharmacokinetic profiles for NISTmAb and rituximab produced using mammalian cell culture and the FastPharming System. How rapid, scalable transient expression in plants of high-quality mAbs for in vivo studies can significantly shorten the time to achieve in vivo proof-of-concept.

08:12 EDT Singing Machine launches new e-commerce website - The Singing Machine Company announced it has launched a new e-commerce site with the focus on omni-channel marketing approach to growing its direct-to-consumer business. Coming off the heels of Singing Machine's viral TikTok success with its Carpool Karaoke Microphone, Singing Machine has launched a new e-commerce site, http://www.singingmachine.com, to reflect the Company's new strategic initiative to market and sell its products directly to consumers. The Carpool Karaoke Microphone enjoyed wide product adoption, including hundreds of social media posts that went viral, generating more than 250 million views. Due to this extreme increase in organic influencer promotion, the Carpool Karaoke Microphone realized significant direct-to-consumer sales. Since then, the Company has been preparing an overhaul of its B2C capabilities, including its e-commerce platform, and all related fulfillment capabilities to directly support a more robust omnichannel approach. This new omnichannel approach directly compliments the Company's long-standing traditional retail marketing strategy. As the market leader in home karaoke, Singing Machine has established long-standing partnerships with most major retailers in North America such as Amazon, Costco, Sam's Club, Target, and Walmart and is represented in over 25,000 brick and mortar locations around the U.S., generating over $50 million a year in gross sales in 2021.

08:11 EDT Medicenna Therapeutics announces clinical data from Phase 1/2 ABILITY study - Medicenna Therapeutics announced new clinical data from the Phase 1/2 ABILITY study of MDNA11, the Company's long-acting IL-2 super-agonist. In the ABILITY study, dose escalation cohorts are evaluating MDNA11 monotherapy administered intravenously once every two weeks to patients with advanced solid tumors. The trial's first two cohorts evaluated MDNA11 doses less than or equal to 10 microgram/kg. The trial's third cohort utilized a dose of 30 microgram/kg. Key findings from these initial dose escalation cohorts include: Levels of Ki67+ expression by CD8+ T and NK cells increased 17-fold and 10-fold over baseline, respectively, following treatment with MDNA11 in the trial's third dose escalation cohort; MDNA11 treatment led to the dose-dependent and significant expansion of CD8+ T and NK cells at the 30 microgram/kg when compared to MDNA11 doses of less than or equal to 10 microgram/kg; Levels of each cell type increased greater than3-fold and greater than6-fold over baseline, respectively, in the trial's third dose escalation cohort; MDNA11 preferentially increased anti-cancer CD8+ T cells over pro-tumor Treg cells, as the mean peak CD8+ T cell / Treg ratio increased by 2.6 fold over baseline in cohort 3; MDNA11 preferentially increased anti-cancer NK cells over Treg cells, as the mean peak NK cell / Treg ratio increased 4.4-fold over baseline in the trial's third dose-escalation cohort; MDNA11 continues to exhibit an acceptable safety profile.

08:10 EDT TFF Pharmaceuticals announces presentations highlighting thin film freezing tech - TFF Pharmaceuticals announced substantial new data to be presented on its technology platform at the Respiratory Drug Delivery Meeting, which is taking place between May 1-5, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Robert Williams III, Ph.D., co-inventor of Thin Film Freezing technology and special advisor to TFF Pharmaceuticals, will deliver a platform presentation with data on stabilizing and delivering antivirals, antibodies and vaccines using Thin Film Freezing technology in the fight against COVID-19 and other serious viral infections. Additionally, Dr. Williams and his colleagues will present five posters highlighting the broad applicability of Thin Film Freezing to improve drug development of biologics and small molecules for respiratory diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis and COVID-19. The findings from Dr. Williams' lab also highlight how Thin Film Freezing can be used to facilitate delivery of other treatment modalities, such as gene therapy. One of the five posters, which explores the use of machine learning algorithms to analyze how Thin Film Freezing impacts aerosol delivery of dry powder therapies, will be recognized at the "Poster on the Podium" session to be held on Monday May 2, 3:30-4:55 p.m. ET. Additionally, TFF Pharmaceuticals announced the online publication of a scientific paper from researchers at the College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, including Dr. Williams, which demonstrates the significant advantages of Thin Film Freezing technology over conventional freeze-drying techniques. The paper is titled "Accelerated mass transfer from frozen thin films during thin-film freeze-drying" and has been published on the preprint server bioRxiv, as well as submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for future publication. Using E. coli as a model, whose viability in dry powders is highly sensitive to the water content, the research shows that the drying rate of Thin Film Freezing is significantly higher than that of conventional shelf freeze-drying. The research also notes that Thin Film Freezing can be applied to produce dry powders of E. coli and L. acidophilus with minimum bacterial viability loss, and that L. acidophilus dry powder is suitable for intranasal delivery.

08:08 EDT Surrozen presents data on SZN-413 for treatment of diabetic retinopathy - Surrozen announced that a poster supporting the potential of SZN-413 for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy was presented on May 1 at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, ARVO, Annual Meeting in Denver. Norrin/Fzd4 mediated Wnt signaling is known to play a critical role in retinal vascular development and vessel function in humans and rodent models. Surrozen developed a novel FZD4-specific agonist, SZN-413, and examined whether this novel Norrin mimetic could promote the regeneration of functional blood vessels in diabetic retinopathy animal models. In a poster entitled, "SZN-413, a Fzd4 Agonist as a Potential Novel Therapeutic for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy," data from preclinical mice and rabbit models with damaged retinal vessels showed that in the OIR mouse model, nanogram quantities of SZN-413 significantly reduced pathologic neovascular tuft formation to a level comparable to the group treated with 60 ug aflibercept. SZN-413 also showed a dramatic reduction in avascular area size compared to vehicle and compared to aflibercept. This shows that SZN-413 is able to induce normal retinal vessel regrowth while suppressing pathological vessel growth. In the VEGF-induced retinal vascular leakage rabbit model, SZN-413 significantly reduced retinal vascular leakage by ~80%, compared to the vehicle-treated group. No observable abnormalities were detected in ocular exams in these studies.

08:07 EDT Daxor announces new data on BVA-100 blood tests - Daxor Corporation announces new data validating the benefits of the Company's BVA-100 blood tests in improving survival for advanced heart failure patients with left ventricular assist device. These data were presented at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplant Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions - which brought together the world's leading experts in heart and lung transplant, held from April 27-30th, in Boston, MA. Implantable left ventricular assist devices have dramatically changed the face of advanced heart failure treatment and constitute a $350M annual market in the U.S. Patients suffering from persistent blood volume derangements have lower survival and decreased LVAD functionality but absent a BVA test go largely undiagnosed. Lead study author Dmitry M. Yaranov, M.D., Baptist Heart Institute, Memphis, TN stated, "Significant derangement of blood volume persists in ambulatory patients with LVAD", noting that 91% of patients studied had an abnormal blood volume. He concluded, "BVA and its individualized, unique metrics is a valuable test when used in patients with LVAD. Measurement and treatment of derangements of intravascular volumes likely will improve performance and survival of patients and devices." The study titled, "Intravascular Volume Derangement and Value of Blood Volume Analysis In Stable Ambulatory Patients with Advanced Heart Failure Supported with Left Ventricular Assist Device," described variations in blood volume status (total blood and red blood cell volume) in 45 stable ambulatory patients with LVAD. Blood volume parameters were measured with Daxor's BVA-100 diagnostic blood test, which is a safe, 98% accurate, and objective test to directly quantify blood volume and composition. The study concluded that plasma volume abnormality was found in 75% of patients. The data revealed that only 9% of these patients had normal blood volume results; 54% had significant red blood cell deficit and 12% had red blood cell excess. It was assumed from a clinical perspective and from LVAD device monitoring that there was no awareness or suspicion of significant alterations in intravascular volumes.

08:06 EDT Enphase Energy expands solar energy deployments in Netherlands - Enphase Energy announced that installers of Enphase products in the Netherlands have seen an increase in deployments of residential solar energy systems powered by IQ7, IQ7+, and IQ7A Microinverters. IQ7 series microinverters leverage Enphase's software-defined architecture and semiconductor integration for reliability and economies of scale. The company's microinverters are backed by a 25-year warranty in the Netherlands. The Enphase microinverter systems are outfitted with the IQ Gateway, which connects an Enphase-based solar system to the Enphase App monitoring platform and helps make per-panel energy monitoring and insights for operations and maintenance easy.

08:05 EDT 180 Life Sciences, University of Oxford publish Phase 2b study results - 180 Life Sciences in collaboration with the University of Oxford announced final results from its Phase 2b study in patients with Dupuytren's disease. The positive data results were published today in The Lancet Rheumatology Fibrosis of the hand, known as Dupuytren's disease, is a common chronic, progressive condition that causes the fingers to curl irreversibly into the palm and can be very disabling. Approximately 20-35% of patients with a palmar nodule progress to finger contractures. Roughly 12 million patients in the U.S., 2.5 million in the U.K. and 22 million in the EU have Dupuytren's disease. Currently, there is no approved treatment for early-stage disease and patients must wait until the disease progresses with loss of hand function before undergoing surgery or treatment with collagenase. Unfortunately, the disease tends to recur after these treatments. The Phase 2b trial was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of local injection of anti-TNF treatment, adalimumab, in participants with early-stage Dupuytren's disease and was led by Professor Jagdeep Nanchahal, clinician-scientist at the University of Oxford and Chairman of the Clinical Advisory Board at 180 Life Sciences who said: "This trial represents the clinical translation of our laboratory findings where we identified of TNF as a therapeutic target, and the Phase 2a dose ranging clinical trial to identify the optimal dose and formulation4 effective in downregulating myofibroblasts,". The trial recruited 140 patients from two sites in the U.K. Patients were randomized 1:1 to the treatment arm or placebo. Patients in the treatment arm received four injections of 40mg adalimumab in 0.4ml at baseline, which was determined to be most efficacious in the earlier Phase 2a study, at three, six and nine months. Patients were followed up at 12 and 18 months. Eligibility criteria included adults with early-stage Dupuytren's disease and a clinically distinct nodule with a clear history of progression in the preceding six months. The trial was funded by the Health Innovation Challenge Fund and 180 Life Sciences, and sponsored by the University of Oxford. The primary endpoint from the Phase 2b trial was nodule hardness at 12 months measured with a durometer. Nodule size, a key secondary endpoint, was measured using an ultrasound scan at 12 and 18 months. Key findings of the study were: Nodule hardness was lower in the anti-TNF treatment arm compared to placebo at 12 months and decreased further at 18 months, 9 months after the last injection. Nodule size, measured using ultrasound scan, was also lower in the anti-TNF treatment arm compared to placebo at 12 months, and decreased further at 18 months. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events in the trial. Patient compliance was high, with 84% returning for all 4 injections. Fewer patients in the treatment group underwent or were awaiting surgery compared to placebo at 18 months. However, the overall numbers were small and longer-term follow up would be required to confirm this. In conclusion, the data showed that in patients receiving anti-TNF treatment, nodules continued to soften and regress at the 18-month follow up, which was nine months after the final dose. These results suggest that treatment of early-stage Dupuytren's disease with adalimumab can have a profound local biological effect and potentially provide a much-needed early therapeutic option for patients with a chronic, debilitating disease.

08:03 EDT TricorBraun appoints Scott Beamer as CFO - TricorBraun has named Scott Beamer CFO, effective immediately. He succeeds Declan McCarthy, who has been appointed President, TricorBraun Europe. Both report to President and CEO Court Carruthers. Beamer joins TricorBraun with extensive financial leadership experience, including nearly a decade in CFO Officer roles. Most recently he served as Vice President and CFO at CMC Materials. Previously, he served as CFO at Stepan Company and spent 16 years in global finance roles at PPG Industries. Beamer will serve on the company's Executive Leadership Team. McCarthy Appointed to Newly-Created Role of President, TricorBraun Europe

08:02 EDT Magna begins production of mild hybrid transverse transmission for BMW - Magna continues its accelerated transformation toward electric mobility with the start of production of its mild hybrid transmission for BMW Group. Magna's new 7-speed, mild hybrid dual-clutch transmission is the latest to be featured exclusively on BMW Group's compact class, which underpins all its front-transverse vehicles. The contract between Magna and BMW Group also includes production of mild hybrid transmissions for additional models extending CO2 emissions reductions across multiple platforms, starting with the new BMW 2 Active Tourer.

08:01 EDT Armstrong Flooring trading halted, news pending

07:58 EDT Endo subsidiary acquires six product candidates from Nevakar for $35M - Endo International announced that its subsidiary Endo Ventures, or EVL, acquired six development-stage, ready-to-use injectable product candidates from Nevakar Injectables, a subsidiary of Nevakar. The product candidates are in various stages of development, with the first launch expected in 2025. With the acquisition, Endo controls all remaining development, approval, launch and commercialization activities for these product candidates. Endo's Par Sterile Products business will commercialize the products in the U.S. Under the terms of the agreement, EVL purchased the six product candidates from Nevakar Injectables for a one-time payment of $35M. The one-time payment is expected to be expensed immediately in the second quarter as acquired in-process research and development costs. This acquisition is separate from Endo's previously announced exclusive licensing agreement with Nevakar.

07:49 EDT Spark Power enters waiver, amendment agreement with lender - Spark Power Group is pleased to announce that effective April 29, 2022 the Company has entered into a waiver and amendment agreement with its senior lender. As initially reported on February 25, 2022, effective December 31, 2021, the Company was in breach of its financial covenants under its existing secured credit facility with the Lender. Based on preliminary financial information currently available to the Company, it is further expected that, as of March 31, 2022, the Company will continue to be in breach of its Financial Covenants. The Company has continued to operate under the terms of the Facility while working constructively with the Lender to obtain a waiver of these covenant breaches and to implement temporary amendments to the Financial Covenants. Key terms of the Agreement include: The Company having continued access to the full amount available under the operating portion of the Facility, being the lesser of the maximum facility limit of $35 million and its borrowing base, subject to the terms of the Facility. The Lender providing a waiver of the requirement for the Company to comply with the Financial Covenants for the period of four fiscal quarters ending December 31, 2021, and March 31, 2022. The temporary addition of certain enhanced reporting requirements and earnings, liquidity and cash flow covenants and testing. A one percent increase in the cost of borrowing. The Company has also announced that Lorie Waisberg has resigned as a director of the Company and will not stand for election at the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on May 25, 2022. Any proxies received voting by the Company or its agents in respect of the election of Mr. Waisberg will be disregarded by the Company.

07:46 EDT Tenon Medical lists on Nasdaq Capital Markets - Exchange Listing, LLC has finalized the Nasdaq Capital Markets listing for its client, Tenon Medical, Inc. on 28 April 2022. The common stock of the medical device company began trading on the Nasdaq exchange under the symbol TNON. Concurrent with the Nasdaq listing, Tenon Medical announced the pricing of its underwriter's initial public offering of 3,200,000 common stock, at a price of $5.00 per share which reflects a 2 for 1 reverse stock split that was effective on April 6, 2022. The gross proceeds to Tenon Medical from the offering, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, are expected to be $16 million.

07:45 EDT Spirit Airlines board says JetBlue proposal not superior - Spirit Airlines (SAVE) announced that its Board of Directors, in consultation with outside financial and legal advisors, has unanimously determined that the unsolicited proposal received from JetBlue Airways (JBLU) does not constitute a 'Superior Proposal' as defined in Spirit's merger agreement with Frontier Group Holdings (ULCC), parent company of Frontier Airlines, because it has determined that the proposed transaction is not reasonably capable of being consummated. The Board continues to believe that the pending transaction with Frontier represents the best opportunity to maximize value and recommends that Spirit shareholders adopt the merger agreement with Frontier. Spirit's Board of Directors also issued the following letter to JetBlue. "Spirit continues to believe in the strategic rationale of the proposed merger with Frontier and is confident that it represents the best opportunity to maximize long-term shareholder value," said Mac Gardner, Chairman of Board of Directors for Spirit Airlines. "After a thorough review and extensive dialogue with JetBlue, the Board determined that the JetBlue proposal involves an unacceptable level of closing risk that would be assumed by Spirit stockholders. We believe that our pending merger with Frontier will start an exciting new chapter for Spirit and will deliver many benefits to Spirit shareholders, Team Members and Guests."

07:43 EDT Intellia presents preclinical data on CRISPR-engineered allogeneic platform - Intellia Therapeutics announced the presentation of new preclinical data from its differentiated allogeneic cell engineering platform at Keystone Symposia's Precision Genome Engineering Conference. The data presented support the development of NTLA-6001, Intellia's allogeneic CAR-T development candidate targeting CD30 for the treatment of CD30-expressing hematologic cancers. "We are pleased to present promising preclinical data that led to the nomination of Intellia's wholly owned allogeneic development candidate, NTLA-6001, for CD30-expressing hematologic lymphomas. NTLA-6001 is the first candidate using our differentiated allogeneic platform, which leverages a novel combination of sequential, LNP-delivered gene edits to yield T cells shielded from immune rejection," said Intellia Chief Scientific Officer Laura Sepp-Lorenzino, Ph.D. "Our approach to engineering T cells aims to solve key immunological challenges to allogeneicity, while retaining cell attributes necessary for potent and durable tumor killing. We look forward to advancing NTLA-6001 toward IND-enabling activities." The data shared at Keystone demonstrated that Intellia's proprietary allogeneic solution created T cells that not only avoided immune recognition by host CD4 and CD8 T cells, but also were protected from NK cell-mediated killing in in vitro and in vivo mouse models. Furthermore, allogeneic T cells engineered sequentially with LNPs retained high viability, cell expansion, memory phenotype, cytotoxic and cytokine secretion characteristics. Intellia's allogeneic platform can be deployed for TCR-T and CAR-T cell therapy.

07:42 EDT Flowr completes sale of Holigen, private placement for $1M - The Flowr Corporation announces that, further to its press release dated April 20, 2022, Flowr has closed the sale of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Holigen together with certain intercompany receivables pursuant to a share purchase agreement dated April 20, 2022 with Akanda Corp. and Holigen Holdings Limited, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser acquired from HHL all of issued and outstanding shares of Holigen, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, together with certain intercompany receivables for aggregate consideration for approximately $3,750,000 in cash; 1,900,000 common shares in the capital of Akanda; he indirect assumption by Akanda of RPK's indebtedness of approximately $5,100,000; and at least $834,000 of interim funding to Holigen. HHL indirectly owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of RPK Biopharma Unipessoa, which owns and operates the E.U. GMP facility located in Sintra, Portugal, and the outdoor medical facility located in Aljustrel, Portugal. Flowr also completed a concurrent private placement offering of 14,285,714 common shares to the Purchaser at a price of $0.07 per share for total proceeds of approximately $1,000,000. Flowr will use the gross proceeds from the private placement to fund expenses incurred by Holigen from the date of signing the Purchase Agreement until the closing date of the Sale Transaction.

07:39 EDT Bellicum Pharmaceuticals reports inducement grants under Nasdaq listing rule - Bellicum Pharmaceuticals announced equity inducement grants to 3 new employees consisting of an aggregate of 33,000 stock options. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the grants with an effective date of April 30, 2022. The stock options were granted as inducements material to the employees entering into employment with the Company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock options have an exercise price of $1.56 per share and vest over four years, with 25% of the shares vesting on the one-year anniversary of the applicable vesting commencement date and 1/48 of the shares vesting monthly thereafter, subject to the new employee's continued service relationship with the Company. The stock options are subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan and a stock option agreement covering the grant.

07:38 EDT Lawson Products says TestEquity completes its acquisition of Interworld Highway - Lawson Products announced that TestEquity completed its acquisition of Interworld Highway , which includes category leader TEquipment offering electrical testing equipment and products with over 20 years of test and measurement expertise, product selections and solutions. In addition to TEquipment, the Interworld businesses include Touchboards for interactive touch technology and other high value brands that offer related equipment, technology, and services. "I am thrilled to partner with TEquipment and the other Interworld brands to build on our robust foundation and expertise in test and measurement solutions," said Russ Frazee, Chief Executive Officer of TestEquity. "This strategic acquisition is expected to be immediately earnings accretive to TestEquity and to our parent company, Lawson. We also expect this to deliver synergies to our solutions that strengthen product and service capabilities, as well as add to the value proposition for our customers."

07:38 EDT Green Plains Partners raises quarterly cash dividend to 44.5c per unit - On April 21, 2022, the board of directors of the partnership's general partner increased the quarterly cash distribution to $0.445 per unit, or approximately $10.5 million, for the first quarter of 2022. The distribution is payable on May 13, 2022, to unitholders of record at the close of business on May 6, 2022.

07:35 EDT NextDecade executes 15-year SPA with Engie - NextDecade announced the execution of a 15-year sale and purchase agreement, or SPA, with Engie S.A. for the supply of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, from NextDecade's Rio Grande LNG export project in Brownsville, Texas. Under the SPA, Engie will purchase 1.75M metric tons per annum of LNG on a free-on-board basis. The LNG supply will be from the first two trains of Rio Grande LNG, with the first train expected to start commercial operations as early as 2026.

07:31 EDT Stealth Biotherapeutics announces data from Phase 2 ReCLAIM-2 trial - Stealth BioTherapeutics announced top-line data from its Phase 2 ReCLAIM-2 trial evaluating elamipretide in patients with geographic atrophy, or GA, secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration. Although the trial did not meet its primary endpoints assessing mean changes in LLVA and GA, a key secondary endpoint showed however that elamipretide categorically improved visual function for patients with GA. Additionally, elamipretide demonstrated proof of mechanism by reducing progressive ellipsoid zone loss, a key biomarker of retinal mitochondrial health which has been shown to be predictive of long-term GA growth and development. Based on these data, the Company currently plans to progress development initiatives intended to better position this indication for potential partnering consistent with previous guidance. ReCLAIM-2 was a randomized, double-masked, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of elamipretide over 48 weeks in 176 patients with GA. Elamipretide improved LLVA relative to placebo, although the mean change was not statistically significant. Administration of elamipretide resulted in a 2 or more line gain in LLVA for greater than 15% of patients completing the 48-week trial. Although this improvement in visual function was not associated with reduced GA progression, a significant reduction in ellipsoid zone loss was observed.

07:31 EDT Azure Power fully commissions 90 MW solar power project in Assam - Azure Power announced that it has successfully commissioned its 90 MW solar power project in Assam, the largest in the state. The 90 MW capacity is spread across four districts in the state - Udalguri, Kamrup, Nagaon, and Cachar. The project was commissioned in phases, with the final 25 MW commissioned in Cachar. The power generated by the plant is being supplied to Assam Power Distribution Company Limited under a long term 25-year PPA at a tariff of INR 3.34, or about 4.4c per KWh. Following this commissioning, Azure Power now has an operational capacity of over 2,900 MW of high-performing renewable energy assets in India.

07:28 EDT Black Diamond Group acquires operating assets of Cambrian Trailer Rentals - Black Diamond Group announced that it has acquired all of the operating assets of Cambrian Trailer Rentals consisting of a fleet of 150 rental units and associated rental agreements. Fleet utilization at time of closing was greater than 90%. Cambrian has serviced the Southern Alberta market for over 40 years and has a long-standing history of exceptional service. The acquisition broadens Black Diamond's range of sizes and types of units offered in the Southern Alberta market including smaller mobile units and containers. The asset purchase is representative of Black Diamond's continued strategy to further grow its Modular Space Solutions business; and solidifies the Company's scale in Southern Alberta, while bringing the total MSS rental fleet to approximately 9,000 units across North America.

07:27 EDT Alerislife names Jeff Leer interim CEO, engages consulting group for review - AlerisLife announced that it has named Jeff Leer as interim president and CEO, effective May 1. Leer has served as executive VP, CFO and treasurer of ALR since 2019 and will continue these responsibilities. Leer succeeds Katie Potter, who resigned as president and CEO, effective April 30. ALR also announced that its board of directors has engaged the healthcare consulting group of Alvarez & Marsal, or A&M, to conduct a comprehensive operational review. A&M expects to complete its review and make recommendations to the board of directors for consideration by the end of the second quarter. The board does not intend to commence a search for a permanent CEO until A&M's operational review is completed.

07:26 EDT El Pollo Loco teams up with Tapatio for Cinco de Mayo - El Pollo Loco is teaming up with Tapatio once again to ring in Cinco de Mayo with one-of-a-kind branded offers from the two cult-favorite brands. The LA Mex restaurant chain is celebrating the holiday with limited edition El Pollo Loco x Tapatio bottles with every in-app or website purchase, a rapid-fire El Pollo Loco Instagram giveaway every five minutes, and two premium tacos for $5 on May 5. "Cinco de Mayo is a beloved annual tradition at El Pollo Loco and year after year we work with our partners at Tapatio to make each celebration better than the last," says Chief Marketing Officer Andy Rebhun. "To celebrate our third year of partnership with Tapatio, we created a special limited-edition hot sauce bottle to gift to our familia of fans and Tapatio's impressive cult following of hot sauce lovers."

07:24 EDT Bitfarms mines 405 bitcoin in April - Bitfarms (BITF) provided a Bitcoin (BTC) production and mining operations update for April 2022. "In early April, we surpassed our 3 exahash per second goal with the start of production at our Leger farm, our ninth operating facility. This momentum continued throughout the month, with new miner installations driving our hashrate to over 3.3 EH/s at month-end, up 22% from 2.7 EH/s at the end of March said Emiliano Grodzki, CEO of Bitfarms. "This incremental capacity helped drive our average daily production in April to 13.5 BTC/day, up 15% from 11.7 BTC/day in March, and I'm proud to say we exited April running at over 14 BTC/day. We continue to be on track to complete the build out of Leger in May, as well as the second phase of construction at The Bunker in June. These activities are intended to bring on incremental capacity of 32 MW and, in conjunction with ongoing miner installations, are expected to add approximately 640 petahash per second to our online hashrate," added Grodzki. Mining Production: 3.3 EH/s online, up from 2.7 EH/s as of March 31, 2022; 405 new BTC mined during April 2022, up 75% from April 2021; 13.5 BTC mined daily on average in April; 403 BTC from mining operations deposited into custody in April; 5,646 BTC in custody on April 30, 2022.

07:23 EDT Wendy's launches breakfast menu in Canada - Wendy's breakfast menu launched nationwide in Canada, served from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

07:22 EDT Orchard Therapeutics reaches agreement with GKV-SV - Orchard Therapeutics announced it has reached an agreement with Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung Spitzenverband, GKV-SV, which will result in reimbursed access to Libmeldy for all metachromatic leukodystrophy, MLD, patients in Germany who fall within the scope of the European marketing authorization. The agreement follows the completion of a comprehensive assessment during which Libmeldy received the highest possible therapeutic benefit rating for presymptomatic, early-onset patients with MLD by the Federal Joint Committee, also known as Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss, G-BA. To date, only four other medicines have ever received this rating. "Our agreement with GKV-SV for Libmeldy marks a significant milestone for children with MLD, their caregivers and the entire community," said Braden Parker, chief commercial officer. "Following similar agreements in the UK and Italy, Germany is the third major European market to recognize the value of Libmeldy commensurate with its clinical impact. We are encouraged by the continued progress we are making across the region to help eligible patients gain access to this therapy."

07:20 EDT ObsEva appoints Brandi Howard as Chief Clinical Officer - ObsEva (OBSV) announced the appointment of Dr. Brandi Howard as Chief Clinical Officer and member of the company's Executive Committee, effective May 9, 2022. Dr. Howard will be responsible for the Company's clinical development and medical affairs strategy. She succeeds Dr. Elizabeth Garner, who will be departing the Company on May 6, 2022 to pursue a new opportunity. To help ensure a smooth transition, Dr. Garner has agreed to provide advisory consulting services to ObsEva on an as needed basis. Howard was previously Head of Medical and Clinical Affairs at Evofem Biosciences (EVFM) since 2016.

07:19 EDT Medallion Financial enters cooperation agreement with KORR Value - In connection with these changes, the Company has entered into a Cooperation Agreement with shareholder KORR Value, L.P. and certain of its affiliates. Under the terms of the agreement, KORR has agreed to withdraw its director nominees for the Company's 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. KORR also has agreed to abide by certain customary voting and standstill provisions until the termination of the Cooperation Agreement, subject to certain conditions outlined in the agreement. The Company will file the Cooperation Agreement on a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

07:17 EDT Medallion Financial to add two independent directors to board - The Board has also announced that it will add two new independent directors to its Board of Directors and has created a Lead Independent Director position on the Board. Brent Hatch has been appointed to the Company's Board and assumed the newly established role of Lead Independent Director, effective immediately. Mr. Hatch has also joined the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Investment Oversight Committee of the Board. With the appointment of Mr. Hatch, the Board has expanded to nine members. Mr. Hatch is the founder of the law firm Hatch Law Group, PC and previously served in the White House as Associate Counsel to President George H.W. Bush. The Company has commenced a search process for an additional independent director to be added to the Board later this year and will engage a third-party executive search firm to assist the Board in identifying suitable candidates. Current independent director Frederick Menowitz will retire from the Board no later than the appointment of the new independent director. Mr. Hatch and the new independent director, when appointed, will participate in the Board's ongoing oversight of the Company, including the Company's response to all regulatory matters, consistent with their fiduciary duties.

07:16 EDT Medallion Financial board authorizes $35M stock repurchase program - Medallion Financial Corp. announced the Board has authorized a new stock repurchase program of $35 million. In conjunction with this authorization, Medallion Financial terminated its existing stock repurchase program.

07:15 EDT Versus Systems partners with ENT Marketing for new client activations - Versus Systems announced that the company has entered into a Master Service Agreement with branded entertainment agency ENT Marketing to support new client activations that employ the Versus XEO platform for fan engagement and rewards. This engagement represents the first use of Versus' XEO platform in a quick-service restaurant activation, opening a new vertical for the Company's leading-edge audience engagement technology. This activation of the XEO product demonstrates the traction of XEO in a new sports-adjacent vertical with tremendous potential for future growth. "We are thrilled to partner with ENT Marketing for new client activations based upon our XEO platform's engagement and prizing capabilities," said Matthew Pierce, Founder and CEO of Versus Systems. "We are extremely pleased with the results of this initial collaboration with ENT Marketing - this marketing promotion was a fun and engaging way for customers to win prizes from their favorite fast-casual chicken restaurant. We look forward to working with ENT in the future to bring the power of XEO to their clients' marketing campaigns, and to additional QSRs as well."

07:14 EDT Kingsoft Cloud releases 2021 ESG report - Kingsoft Cloud announced that it has published its 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance, ESG, Report. This is the second ESG Report the Company has published. The Company has made significant progress in its ESG practices, including but not limited to; Starting from this year, the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board will be primarily responsible for overseeing ESG initiatives at the Board level; The Company has appointed its first independent female board director and has adopted a board diversity policy; The Company has attained the TRUSTe Enterprise Privacy & Data Governance Certification; The company has recorded Power Usage Effectiveness at 1.37 and Water Usage Effectiveness at 2.04.

07:12 EDT Roivant Sciences announces collaborations in targeted protein degradation - Roivan announced that two of its subsidiary companies, Proteovant Therapeutics and VantAI, have entered into several recently announced research collaboration agreements focused on the discovery and development of novel protein degraders and next-generation E3 ligase platforms: Proteovant and Blueprint Medicines have formed a strategic collaboration that brings together Proteovant's targeted protein degrader discovery and development platform, inclusive of biology, chemistry and proteomics capabilities, and VantAI's leading artificial intelligence technologies for degrader generation and optimization with Blueprint Medicine's precision medicine expertise to discover novel targeted protein degraders. The companies will jointly research important targets and advance up to two novel protein degrader therapies into development. VantAI and Janssen Pharmaceutica recently announced a multi-year collaboration in which the two firms will leverage VantAI's geometric deep learning platform to generate protein degrader drug candidates for two significant disease targets and collaborate on the discovery and implementation E3 ligase platforms relating to those targets. VantAI and Boehringer Ingelheim recently announced a research collaboration focused on degrading traditionally "undruggable" targets. The collaboration is initially focused on one degrader program combined with proprietary E3 ligase platforms for those specific targets. The two organizations and their scientists will leverage VantAI's geometric deep learning platform to computationally streamline the design of these new molecules optimized for E3 ligase platforms.

07:11 EDT Roivant Sciences appoints Srini Ramanathan as CDO - Roivant Sciences announced that Srini Ramanathan, Ph.D. will be joining the company as Chief Development Officer. He joins Roivant from Horizon Therapeutics where he served as Senior Vice President of Research and Development Sciences and Site Head of the South San Francisco office.

07:10 EDT Green Thumb announces internet availability of proxy materials for 2022 meeting - Green Thumb Industries announced the internet availability of proxy materials for its 2022 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Notice and Access rules and applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company also announced the resignation of Swati Mylavarapu from its board of directors effective April 28, 2022. Pursuant to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Notice and Access rules and applicable Canadian securities laws, companies may satisfy their obligation to deliver proxy materials by delivering a "Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials" to shareholders, providing Internet access to the proxy materials, and providing a printed set of proxy materials by mail to any shareholder who requests them. Green Thumb has elected to take full advantage of these rules in order to minimize impact on the environment and to maximize cost savings relating to the printing of the proxy materials. Green Thumb's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and proxy statement for its 2022 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canada's System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval, and may be viewed on Green Thumb's Investor Relations website at https://investors.gtigrows.com/investors/financial-information/annual-reports. Green Thumb's shareholders may obtain hard copies of these proxy materials at no charge by following the instructions provided in the proxy materials.

07:08 EDT Sandstorm Gold to sell 1.66% Antamina NPI to Horizon, willr etain silver stream - Concurrent with the BaseCore Transaction, Sandstorm has signed an amended and restated letter of intent with Horizon Copper whereby Sandstorm will sell the acquired 1.66% Antamina NPI to Horizon and Sandstorm will retain a long-life silver stream on the Antamina mine. Horizon Copper's business intent is to actively grow its existing portfolio of assets, with a focus on copper projects. The subsequent spin-out of the Antamina NPI will position Horizon Copper as a competitive copper company with a portfolio of high-quality cash-flowing and development stage copper assets. This transformative transaction provides Horizon Copper with the size and scale required to further grow and diversify the company, further strengthening the strategic partnership opportunities with Sandstorm.The full consideration that Horizon will issue to Sandstorm under the Horizon Antamina Agreement includes: 1.66% Antamina Silver Stream: Sandstorm will receive 1.66% of silver based on production from the Antamina mine with ongoing payments equal to 2.5% of the silver spot price. Sandstorm will receive approximately one-third of the Antamina NPI, paid net of the Antamina Silver Stream servicing commitments. Under the Horizon Antamina Agreement, Horizon will raise $50M by way of equity financing, which will then be payable to Sandstorm on closing of the Horizon Antamina agreement. Sandstorm will be issued a $105M debenture. The debenture is expected to bear an interest rate of 3% over a 10-year term. Principal repayments are subject to a 100% cash sweep of the excess cash flow Horizon receives from the 1.66% Antamina NPI after the Antamina Silver Stream and Antamina Residual Royalty obligations are paid. Prepayment of the Debenture can occur at any time prior to maturity without penalty. Horizon will issue Sandstorm approximately $26M worth of Horizon Copper shares to maintain Sandstorm's 34% equity interest. The Antamina Silver Stream and the debenture will be senior obligations of Horizon, secured by the 1.66% Antamina NPI. The Horizon Antamina agreement is subject to several conditions, including but not limited to, execution of definitive agreements, TSX-V acceptance, disinterested RNP shareholder approval and Horizon Copper raising $50M.

07:07 EDT iKena Oncology, Vall d'Hebron Institure of Oncology enter collaboration - Ikena Oncology and the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology announced an alliance to enable generation and exploration of tumor and biomarker-specific data derived from specific patient populations. The resulting research from this partnership will inform the further development of novel cancer therapies, including the ongoing programs in the Hippo and RAS pathways being developed by Ikena. VHIO, located in Barcelona, Spain, is a leading comprehensive cancer research center of excellence with an extensive biobank of patient tumor samples, along with deep expertise in preclinical, translational, and clinical research. This partnership will enable Ikena to further deepen its understanding of the Hippo and RAS pathways in cancer patients and inform its clinical development strategies, while also advancing VHIO's mission to further research into personalized and targeted cancer therapies.

07:06 EDT Zynerba presents long-term safety, efficacy data of Zygel - Zynerba Pharmaceuticals presented a poster at the 2022 Society of Biological Psychiatry Annual Meeting, held April 28-30, 2022, in New Orleans, La., and virtually. The poster titled, "Long-Term Safety and Sustained Efficacy of ZYN002 Cannabidiol Transdermal Gel in Children and Adolescents with Fragile X Syndrome," shows that in the ongoing long-term safety and efficacy study of Zygel in children and adolescents with FXS, Zygel was well-tolerated with long-term administration with up to 38 months of exposure. The efficacy data were evaluated through 15 months of treatment demonstrating meaningful improvement in social avoidance; with the greatest improvement being seen in patients with complete methylation of their FMR1 gene.

07:05 EDT Sandstorm Gold to acquire Nomad Royalty for $590M, royalty package for $525M - Sandstorm and Nomad Royalty have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Sandstorm will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Nomad pursuant to a plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The implied equity value of the Nomad Acquisition is approximately $590M. Additionally, Sandstorm has agreed to acquire nine royalties and one stream from BaseCore Metal for total consideration of $525M, payable as to $425M in cash and $100M in common shares of the company. Concurrent with the BaseCore Transaction, Sandstorm has partnered with Royalty North Partners to sell a portion of a copper royalty acquired in the BaseCore Transaction and retain a silver stream on the asset. Sandstorm expects its production to grow more than 85% between 2022 and 2025. Sandstorm expects Nomad's production to grow to approximately 40,000 GEO by 2025, which is below current analyst expectations. The Nomad Acquisition will be completed by way of a court approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Pursuant to the terms of the Nomad acquisition, Nomad shareholders will receive upfront consideration of 1.21 Sandstorm Shares for each Nomad Share held, which implies consideration of C$11.57 per Nomad Share based on the closing price of Sandstorm Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on April 29. The Nomad acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2022, subject to receipt of all applicable court, regulatory and securityholder approvals and satisfaction of other conditions precedent customary for transactions of this nature, as further described below. BaseCore is an entity equally owned by affiliates of Glencore and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board that holds a portfolio that includes 10 royalty and stream assets, of which three are on currently producing assets. The royalty package includes a 1.66% net profits interest on the Antamina copper mine, a 1.0% stream on production from CEZinc, a 2.0% net smelter return royalty on the Horne 5 gold project, and a 0.5% NPI on the Highland Valley Copper mine. See Appendix for a complete list of BaseCore's portfolio of assets. Sandstorm has agreed to acquire the Royalty Package for total consideration of $525M, payable as to $425 million cash and $100 million in Sandstorm Shares, upon closing. In accordance with Canadian securities laws, the Sandstorm Shares will be subject to a four-month hold period. Royalty revenues from the royalty package accrue to Sandstorm as of April 1. The BaseCore Transaction is expected to close in 4-6 weeks and is subject to regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX for the listing of the Sandstorm shares issuable thereunder, the Canadian Competition Bureau, waiver of rights of first offer or refusal on certain exploration stage royalties, and other customary conditions for a transaction of this nature. As part of the transactions, Sandstorm will issue approximately 78.6M Sandstorm shares to Nomad shareholders and approximately 13.5M Sandstorm Shares to BaseCore. Upon closing of the transactions, existing Sandstorm shareholders will comprise 67% of the company's ownership, while Nomad shareholders and BaseCore limited partners will own approximately 28% and 5% of Sandstorm, respectively.

07:04 EDT Axsome Therapeutics receives FDA CRL regarding NDA for AXS-07 - Axsome Therapeutics announced that the company has received a Complete Response Letter from the U.S. FDA regarding its New Drug Application for AXS-07 for the acute treatment of migraine. The CRL did not identify or raise any concerns about the clinical efficacy or safety data in the NDA, and the FDA did not request any new clinical trials to support the approval of AXS-07. The principal reasons given in the CRL relate to chemistry, manufacturing, and controls considerations. The CRL identified the need for additional CMC data pertaining to the drug product and manufacturing process. Axsome believes that the issues raised in the CRL are addressable and intends to provide potential timing for a resubmission following consultation with the FDA.

07:03 EDT Coherus, Junshi say CRL for toripalimab BLA requests quality process change - Shanghai Junshi Biosciences and Coherus BioSciences announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a complete response letter for the Biologics License Application for toripalimab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma and for toripalimab monotherapy in the second-line or later treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC after platinum-containing chemotherapy. The CRL requests a quality process change that Coherus and Junshi Biosciences believe is readily addressable. Coherus and Junshi Biosciences plan to meet with the FDA directly and expect to resubmit the BLA by mid-summer 2022. The Agency also communicated in the CRL that the review timeline for the BLA resubmission would be six months, as required onsite inspections have been hindered by travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in China. "We will continue to work closely with our partner, Junshi Biosciences, to facilitate the completion of the FDA's review of the toripalimab BLA. In late April, we responded quickly to an FDA request for a quality process change and implemented required actions," said Denny Lanfear, CEO of Coherus. "We plan to first meet with the FDA and directly thereafter to resubmit the BLA. The FDA has indicated that the existing toripalimab clinical data are supportive of the BLA submission, and we eagerly await scheduling and completion of the required inspections in China that have been impeded to date by COVID-related travel restrictions. We believe toripalimab addresses an important unmet need for patients with NPC for whom there are currently no approved immunotherapies in the United States, and the FDA has stated that this indication warrants regulatory flexibility with respect to the sufficiency of single country clinical data."

06:59 EDT Global Payments exits Russian business - CEO Sloan said, "Second, in regards to the exit of our Russian business, this has been a difficult time for our team members, customers and partners across the region and especially in Ukraine. We have provided financial and humanitarian support to those impacted."

06:55 EDT Golden Minerals appoints John Galassini as COO - Golden Minerals announced that mining operations executive John Galassini has joined the Company as its COO, effective May 9. The company said, "We are very pleased to welcome John Galassini to the Golden Minerals executive team. John brings to the role more than 30 years of mining operations experience, during which he has successfully managed some of the world's largest open pit mines and numerous underground operations. As COO, John will be responsible for leading the Company's Mexican mining operations, including the operating Rodeo gold-silver mine and the Velardena Properties, our underground gold-silver mines that are nearing a production restart decision." Galassini began his career with Phelps Dodge, serving as General Manager at the Morenci copper mine in Arizona, President of Minera Candelaria in Chile, and ultimately rising to the role of Senior Vice President of North America Operations where he was responsible for seven large mining operations and two smelters. He later served as Regional Vice President, North America, for Kinross Gold, where he controlled capital and operating budgets totaling around $500M.

06:50 EDT GFL Environmental acquires Sprint Waste Services - GFL Environmental announced the acquisition of Sprint Waste Services, a vertically integrated network of solid waste assets across 14 sites in Texas and two sites in Louisiana, including two C&D landfills in the Greater Houston Area. The Sprint Waste assets are supported by a fleet of over 400 vehicles and more than 500 employees. GFL financed the acquisitions completed year-to-date through its credit facility, the divestitures described above, cash on hand and the issuance of 3,976,434 subordinate voting shares as partial consideration for the acquisition of Sprint Waste, allowing the Company to maintain its current credit rating profile and leverage within previously stated ranges. GFL financed the acquisitions completed year-to-date through its credit facility, the divestitures described above, cash on hand and the issuance of 3,976,434 subordinate voting shares as partial consideration for the acquisition of Sprint Waste, allowing the company to maintain its current credit rating profile and leverage within previously stated ranges.

06:48 EDT McCormick appoints Brendan Foley as COO - McCormick (MKC) announced the appointment of Brendan Foley to the role of COO and president, effective June 1. Brendan will continue to report to Lawrence Kurzius, chairman and CEO. In this newly created role, Foley will have responsibility for all of McCormick's business units and its supply chain worldwide. Foley has been a key leader for McCormick since 2014 when he joined the company as president of the U.S. Consumer Products Division. Prior to joining McCormick, Foley was with HJ Heinz, now Kraft Heinz (KHC), for nearly 15 years.

06:46 EDT Eaton to acquire 50% stake in Jiangsu Huineng Electric's circuit breaker unit - Eaton announced it has signed an agreement to acquire a 50% stake in the circuit breaker business of Jiangsu Huineng Electric Co., Ltd., which manufactures and markets low-voltage circuit breakers in China and had revenues of $35M in 2021. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the third quarter.

06:42 EDT Healthcare Realty Trust and Healthcare Trust update on strategic combination - Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated (HR) and Healthcare Trust of America (HTA) provided an update on their previously announced $18B strategic combination, creating the preeminent medical office building REIT. Healthcare Realty and HTA have received letters of intent from, and are in advanced negotiations with, three institutional investors for a combination of joint ventures and asset sales totaling $1.7B at a weighted average cap rate of approximately 4.8%. Net proceeds from these transactions would be approximately $1.6B. The transactions may occur in separate tranches, with the initial transactions targeted to close prior to the vote on the merger by HR and HTA stockholders and the remainder to be completed on or around the closing date of the merger. In addition, Healthcare Realty and HTA have secured initial commitments for amended and restated credit facilities, including the following components: a $1.5B revolving credit facility; $1.5B of term loans, including $650M of new capacity; and a $1.1B asset sale term loan to replace the transaction bridge loan commitment and to backstop the $1.1B special cash dividend to HTA stockholders, if needed, depending on the timing of asset sales and joint ventures. Other than the asset sale term loan, the amended and restated credit facilities are conditioned upon the closing of the merger. Definitive documents are expected to be executed by mid-May. Immediately following the merger closing, Healthcare Realty expects to combine the surviving Healthcare Realty subsidiary with HTA's existing operating partnership to maintain an UPREIT structure going forward. The UPREIT structure will align the combined company's unsecured debt obligations in the operating partnership and provide tax efficient strategies for future acquisitions.

06:38 EDT CalAmp receives director nominations from 272 Capital Master Fund - CalAmp disclosed that it has received notice from 272 Capital Master Fund Ltd., in collaboration with Michael Burdiek and Garo Sarkissian, that it has nominated six director candidates to stand for election to the CalAmp Board of Directors at the company's 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Burdiek served as CEO of CalAmp until 2020, and Sarkissian served as the company's Senior Vice President of Corporate Development until 2019. The company stated, in part, "The CalAmp Board welcomes constructive engagement with stockholders and is open to feedback to help further the Company's transformation. In fact, members of our Board and management regularly engage with stockholders to solicit their viewpoints; this dialogue is deeply valued and has informed our strategic thinking. It is therefore astonishing that neither 272 Capital Master Fund Ltd. nor Messrs. Burdiek or Sarkissian heretofore have attempted to engage with, meet with, share viewpoints with, or otherwise reach out to discuss the business prior to nominating a controlling slate of directors. CalAmp's Governance and Nominating Committee will carefully review and consider the nominated director candidates to assess their qualifications and ability to serve on the CalAmp Board of Directors. The Board will present its formal recommendation regarding director nominees in the Company's proxy statement and other materials to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and mailed to all stockholders eligible to vote at the 2022 Annual Meeting."

06:34 EDT Sage Therapeutics, Biogen submit NDA to FDA for zuranolone - Sage Therapeutics (SAGE) and Biogen (BIIB) initiated a rolling submission of a New Drug Application to the U.S. FDA for zuranolone in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Zuranolone is an investigational two-week, once-daily oral drug being developed for MDD and postpartum depression. The companies have submitted the nonclinical module of the NDA to the FDA and plan to submit the remaining components for the MDD filing in the second half of 2022.

06:28 EDT Macau reports April casino revenue down 68.1% to 2.68B patacas - Macau's gaming bureau reported April gross revenue from games of fortune in the region was down 68.1% year-over-year to 2.677B patacas. Publicly traded companies in the Macau gaming space include Las Vegas Sands (LVS), MGM Resorts (MGM), Wynn Resorts (WYNN) and Melco Resorts (MLCO).

06:08 EDT Standard Lithium begins PFS at South West Arkansas Lithium Project - Standard Lithium announced the commencement of a Preliminary Feasibility Study at its South West Arkansas Lithium Project, which is located approximately 35 miles west of the company's Lanxess project. Standard Lithium recently completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment at the Project, and on the basis of positive project economics and favorable project fundamentals, the company has commissioned a team of technical experts to complete a NI43-101 compliant PFS for the Project. The PFS will consider an integrated project including; brine supply and injection wells, pipelines and brine treatment infrastructure, a Direct Lithium Extraction plant using the company's proprietary LiSTR technology, and a lithium chloride to lithium hydroxide conversion plant.

06:06 EDT W&T Offshore signs MOU with Korea National Oil Corporation - W&T Offshore announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Korea National Oil Corporation to jointly consider and pursue various opportunities in upstream oil and gas as well as other potential joint venture opportunities along the energy value chain in North America. This non-binding MOU allows both parties to collectively explore potential collaboration as it relates to technical and operational aspects of upstream oil & gas and as well as jointly evaluate and consider potential acquisitions and other new business opportunities that both parties agree to be of interest, such as opportunities related to energy transition and the reduction of global carbon emissions. The agreement allows the companies to leverage their respective strengths and expertise in the evaluation and the future pursuit and development of energy and other projects in North America.

05:25 EDT Accenture acquires akzente, terms undisclosed - Accenture has acquired akzente, a sustainability consultancy. Akzente helps companies across a broad range of industries including automotive, financial services, energy and consumer goods build sustainability into the core of their businesses. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, with an additional office in Berlin, akzente's team of more than 60 professionals brings extensive knowledge in sustainability strategy, reporting, communication, and stakeholder management to Accenture Sustainability Services.

05:19 EDT Horizon Therapeutics announces EC approval of Uplinza - Horizon Therapeutics announced the European Commission, or EC approval of Uplinza as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, or NMOSD, who are anti-aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G seropositive, following the opinion adopted by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency on November, 11, 2021.

05:09 EDT FSD Pharma contracts TCC for C$12,500 per month plus shares - FSD Pharma announced that on April 15, the company entered into a contract with Tekkfund Capital Corp, or TCC, for services to structure and assist with certain business development strategies, pursuant to which the company will pay TCC a monthly fee of C$12,500 plus HST and issue, on a monthly basis, 7,000 Class B subordinate voting shares of the company to TCC for the duration of the TCC agreement, in accordance with the terms of the TCC agreement. The TCC agreement has an initial term of 24 months and may be extended by mutual consent of the parties. The TCC consideration shares will be subject to a four month hold period commencing on the date of distribution in accordance with Canadian Securities Exchange, or CSE, requirements. In addition, on March 9, the company issued 30,000 Class B subordinate voting shares at the closing market price of the company's Class B subordinate voting shares on the CSE on the date of issuance to Crystal Research Associates in consideration for the preparation of the research report conducted by Crystal as previously disclosed in the company's press release dated March 15. The Crystal consideration shares are subject to a four month hold period commencing on the date of distribution in accordance with CSE requirements.