Stockwinners Market Radar for January 20, 2023 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

17:28 EST U.S. Silica COO Michael Winkler to retire from the company - According to a regulatory filing, on January 20, 2023, Michael Winkler, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of U.S. Silica Holdings, notified the company of his plan to retire from the company. Winkler is expected to remain in his position until mid to late 2023 to assist with the transition of his responsibilities.

17:17 EST Occidental Petroleum elects Claire O'Neill to board of directors - Occidental announced that Claire O'Neill, former Member of Parliament and Minister for Energy and Clean Growth in the UK Government, and a former Managing Director, Climate and Energy of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, has been elected to its Board of Directors, effective as of January 17. O'Neill's appointment increases the size of the Board from eight to nine directors. She will serve on the Board's Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Sustainability and Shareholder Engagement Committee.

17:03 EST Republic First Bancorp names Michael LaPlante as Chief Accounting Officer - Republic First Bancorp has announced the appointment of Michael LaPlante as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, effective January 17. LaPlante will be an integral leader on the finance team overseeing the company's accounting functions, and will report directly to CFO, Michael Harrington. Prior to joining the company, LaPlante served as SVP, Chief Accounting Officer & Corporate Controller at Bryn Mawr Trust, where he led the $20B+ merger efforts during the transition to WSFS Bank for Accounting, Reporting, FP&A and Treasury functions.

16:35 EST AnPac Bio receives Staff delisting determination letter from Nasdaq - AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co. announced that, on January 13, it received a Staff determination letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market notifying the company of the Staff's determination to delist the company's securities from The Nasdaq Capital Market due to the company's failure to comply with the minimum $2.5M stockholders' equity requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market unless the company timely requests a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel. Accordingly, the company intends to timely request a hearing. The hearing request will automatically stay any delisting or suspension action relating to the company's American Depositary Shares through the hearing and the expiration of any additional extension period granted by the Panel following the hearing. At the hearing, the company intends to present a plan to achieve and sustain compliance with the Equity Rule and all applicable requirements for continued listing and to request an extension of time within which to complete its compliance plan. However, there can be no assurance that the Panel will grant the company's request for a further extension or that the company will ultimately regain compliance with all applicable requirements for continued listing.

16:30 EST iSun settles pending litigation initiated by Sass Peress - iSun announced the settlement of the pending litigation initiated by Sass Peress. "When we acquired iSun Energy, LLC in January of 2021, we embraced the innovative change pioneered by Sass Peress throughout his career in solar and e-mobility," said Jeffrey Peck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of iSun. "We were able to leverage Sass's existing industry connections to drive our growth strategy forward. We also knew that the innovation acquired would allow iSun the opportunity to build new relationships in new geographic regions. As a Company, we appreciate the opportunity to have worked collaboratively with Sass and his team throughout 2021 and wish him all the success in his path forward. We are happy to settle all disagreements in an amicable manner as our goals of accelerating the transition to clean energy and fighting climate change were aligned from the beginning."

16:16 EST Benefitfocus shareholders approve Voya Financial merger - Benefitfocus (BNFT) announced that at a special meeting, Benefitfocus's stockholders approved the previously announced merger agreement related to the proposed acquisition of Benefitfocus by Voya Financial (VOYA). Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, at the effective time of the merger, each share of Benefitfocus common stock will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive $10.50 in cash. The transaction remains subject to certain closing conditions and is expected to close on January 24, 2023.

16:06 EST Proterra announces 25% workforce reduction, facility closure - In a regulatory filing, the company said, "On January 13, 2023, the Board of Directors of Proterra approved a plan designed to improve operational efficiency that includes reducing the workforce across the company and closing the company's City of Industry facility. The City of Industry facility currently manufactures electric transit buses and the company's current generation battery systems. The company will move manufacturing from the City of Industry facility to its existing facilities in South Carolina. Transit bus production in the City of Industry is expected to end in the first quarter of 2023, and battery production at the end of the third quarter of 2023. The company plans to vacate the facility by the end of 2023. The Workforce Restructuring plan is expected to reduce the company's current workforce by approximately 25%, and impact approximately 300 employees, including from the Facility Closure. The company believes these plans will improve overall efficiency by increasing the utilization of the company's largest manufacturing sites in Greenville and Greer, South Carolina, streamlining supply chain and distribution logistics, reducing organizational complexity, and reducing facilities costs. Affected employees are expected to be offered separation benefits. The company is beginning the Facility Closure and Workforce Restructuring efforts effective immediately. The final costs relating to the Facility Closure and Workforce Restructuring will not be known until all related activities have been completed. The company currently expects to incur restructuring charges, of between $6 million and $10 million attributable to net cash payments primarily for severance benefits to employees, and $4 million to $5 million in facility closure costs primarily consisting of lease expense, material and equipment relocation and removal of tenant improvements in connection with the Facility Closure. Such restructuring charges are expected to be incurred beginning in the first quarter of 2023 and continuing through year end of 2023. In addition, in connection with the company's Workforce Restructuring and Facility Closure, the Company is performing an impairment analysis over certain property, plant and equipment and could incur non-cash impairment charges. The company currently expects to use equipment from the City of Industry facility in other locations and is unable to estimate any potential impairment charges relating to the Facility Closure and Workforce Restructuring at the time of this Report."

16:02 EST Journey Medical names Joseph Benesch interim CFO - Journey Medical Corporation announced that Ernest De Paolantonio has notified the Company that, effective January 27, 2023, he will step down as Chief Financial Officer of Journey Medical to pursue another opportunity. The Company also today announced the appointment of Joseph M. Benesch as Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective January 27, 2023. Claude Maraoui, Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Journey Medical, said, "Joe has been an instrumental member of our finance and accounting team overseeing all functions as Corporate Controller for over a year now. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Joe is well-prepared to take the helm of the finance and accounting team during this exciting time for the Company. We anticipate many upcoming milestones, including the announcement of topline data from our DFD-29 Phase 3 clinical trials in the first half of this year with a subsequent NDA filing later this year." The company is conducting an internal and external search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer.

15:17 EST Lanvin Group Holdings Ltd trading halted, volatility trading pause

14:48 EST Vericity Inc trading halted, volatility trading pause

14:08 EST Heartland Financial raises quarterly dividend 7% to 30c per share - Heartland Financial USA announced its Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of 30c per share of the company's common stock, an increase of 2c or 7% from the previous quarter. The dividend is payable on February 28, 2023, to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 10, 2023. As of December 31, 2022, there were 42,467,394 common shares outstanding listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol HTLF.

13:32 EST AMD identified as respondent in ITC investigation of certain integrated circuits - The U.S. International Trade Commission, or USITC, announced that it voted to institute an investigation of certain integrated circuits, components thereof, and products containing the same based on a complaint filed by Realtek Semiconductor Corporation of Hsinchu, Taiwan on December 12, 2022, amended on December 23, 2022, and supplemented on January 17, 2023. "The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain integrated circuits, components thereof, and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. The USITC has identified Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA as the respondent in this investigation," the ITC notice stated. Reference Link

13:01 EST Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count down 4 to 771 rigs

12:18 EST State Street sees 'some amount of frontloading' on buybacks - Comments taken from Q4 earnings conference call.

12:00 EST Kinsale Capital Group falls -8.3% - Kinsale Capital Group is down -8.3%, or -$22.98 to $253.43.

12:00 EST Rayonier Advanced Materials falls -10.8% - Rayonier Advanced Materials is down -10.8%, or -73c to $6.04.

12:00 EST Ally Financial rises 18.2% - Ally Financial is up 18.2%, or $4.76 to $30.95.

11:53 EST Magnet Forensics agrees to be acquired by Thoma Bravo - Magnet Forensics announced that it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement with Morpheus Purchaser, a newly created corporation controlled by software investment firm Thoma Bravo, whereby the purchaser will acquire the company, subject to obtaining shareholder and other customary approvals. Under the terms of the arrangement agreement, holders of the outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares, or "SV Shares," of the company other than Messrs. Jad Saliba and Adam Belsher and associates and affiliates thereof, will receive C$44.25 cash per SV Share and the Rolling Shareholders will receive C$39.00 for each outstanding SV Share and Multiple Voting Share, or "MV Share," of the company they sell for cash to the purchaser, representing an aggregate total equity value of approximately C$1.8B on a fully-diluted, in-the-money, treasury method basis and inclusive of rollover shares. Upon completion of the transaction, Magnet will become a privately held company. The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 15% to the closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange of the SV Shares on January 19, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the transaction, and a premium of approximately 41% to the 90-trading day volume weighted average trading price per SV Share as at that date, the company noted.

11:31 EST Hyatt announces pipeline of 117,000 rooms worldwide as of year-end - The company said, "Hyatt Hotels Corporation shared that Hyatt is positioned for continued transformative growth in 2023 and beyond with a record pipeline of approximately 117,000 rooms worldwide as of year-end 2022. Notably, nearly one in four pipeline properties is classified as a lifestyle hotel, representing 10 percent of the existing base of hotels, further strengthening Hyatt's leadership position in the luxury, lifestyle and leisure segments. The significant growth of these high-value properties in Hyatt's portfolio expands the compelling guest experiences that can further drive World of Hyatt loyalty penetration across the Hyatt portfolio."

11:14 EST Amazon Web Services plans to invest $35B in Virginia by 2024 - Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Amazon Web Services, an Amazon.com (AMZN) company, plans to invest $35B by 2040 to establish multiple data center campuses across Virginia. Numerous localities in the Commonwealth are under consideration and will be decided at a later date. These new campuses will combine expandable capacity to position AWS for long-term growth in the Commonwealth. Amazon is among the largest private-sector employers in the Commonwealth of Virginia, establishing its first AWS data centers and operations facilities in 2006 and later announcing its second headquarters in Arlington in 2018. This announcement of planned investment will create at least 1,000 total new jobs across Virginia, Youngkin said. "AWS has a significant presence in Virginia, and we are excited that AWS has chosen to continue their growth and expand their footprint across the Commonwealth," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "Virginia will continue to encourage the development of this new generation of data center campuses across multiple regions of the Commonwealth. These areas offer robust utility infrastructure, lower costs, great livability, and highly educated workforces and will benefit from the associated economic development and increased tax base, assisting the schools and providing services to the community." Stocks moving higher following the news include Nvidia (NVDA) and Arista Networks (ANET). Reference Link

10:59 EST Apple appeals UK competition watchdog investigation - Apple has appealed a probe by Britian's Competition and Markets Authority on the dominance of its mobile browsers in the cloud gaming space. In a notice filed with the Competition Appeal Tribunal, Apple's lawyers said the CMA's investigation should be reviewed, stating, "Apple seeks 1) an Order that the MIR Decision is quashed. 2) a declaration that the MIR Decision and market investigation purportedly launched by reference to it are invalid and of no legal effect." Reference Link

10:13 EST Peoples Bancorp board declares special cash dividend of 15c per share - The Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina announced the declaration of a special cash dividend in the amount of 15c per share. The special cash dividend will be paid on February 15, 2023 to shareholders of record on February 3, 2023.

10:08 EST Live Nation, KIDZ BOP announce 2023 KIDZ BOP Never Stop Tour - KIDZ BOP announced its brand-new tour, KIDZ BOP Never Stop, in partnership with Live Nation. The ultimate pop concert for kids will travel to 37 cities across the U.S. and Canada this summer, kicking off in Stamford, CT on June 24, and returning by popular demand to cities like Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and more. Presales begin Tuesday, January 24, and tickets go on sale beginning Friday, January 27.

10:06 EST CHS Inc. to build grain shuttle facility in South Dakota - CHS Inc. will begin construction this spring on a new grain shuttle facility in southeast South Dakota, a strategic location in its Pacific Northwest corridor. CHS Inc. will begin construction this spring on a new grain shuttle facility in southeast South Dakota. The new facility will include industry-leading technology and the latest safety features in the new 1.1-million-bushel grain facility. The new facility will include industry-leading technology and the latest safety features in the new 1.1-million-bushel grain facility. It will be built near the intersection of Interstate 29 and State Highway 44 in southeast South Dakota and tie into an existing rail loop currently used for CHS agronomy operations. The facility will feature fast and efficient receiving and loadout capabilities to bring area farmers even more market access in the Pacific Northwest grain corridor and other important markets

10:00 EST LCI Industries falls -8.2% - LCI Industries is down -8.2%, or -$8.81 to $98.46.

10:00 EST Rayonier Advanced Materials falls -12.7% - Rayonier Advanced Materials is down -12.7%, or -86c to $5.92.

10:00 EST Wayfair rises 8.6% - Wayfair is up 8.6%, or $3.34 to $42.25.

09:47 EST Bit Brother Limited forming task force to address suspected illegal shorting - Bit Brother Limited announced that its board of directors has approved the formation of a special task force to address suspected illegal shorting of its stock. "The Special Task Force plans to engage competent counsel and/or investigation professionals and to take all possible actions to identify and prosecute those involved in the market manipulation of BTB's stock, especially the institutions or individuals involved in illegal naked short selling... The company plans to utilize all reasonable resources to conduct the investigation. Management believes that the formation of the Special Task Force would help expose those who may have participated in market manipulation of the company's stock. The board believes that this action will deter any future manipulation of the market by exposing and persecuting naked short sales of the company's stock and other violations," the company stated.

09:47 EST Rayonier Advanced Materials falls -9.1% - Rayonier Advanced Materials is down -9.1%, or -62c to $6.16.

09:47 EST PagerDuty rises 6.1% - PagerDuty is up 6.1%, or $1.62 to $28.00.

09:47 EST Ally Financial rises 14.1% - Ally Financial is up 14.1%, or $3.70 to $29.89.

09:30 EST Moolec Science SA trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:18 EST Helbiz evaluates investigation into illegal trading of stock - Helbiz (HLBZ) announced that its Board of Directors has begun examining measures to address the alleged illegal short selling of its stock, HLBZ. The Company believes that certain individuals and/or companies may have engaged in illegal short selling practices that have artificially depressed the stock price. As a result, Helbiz is evaluating its options and following the example of companies like the Genius Group (GNS) in creating a comprehensive action plan to address this issue. "The integrity of our stock is of the utmost importance to us and our shareholders. The recent underperformance of our shares compared to the market is a clear indication of the illegal short selling activities that have taken place." - Salvatore Palella, CEO of Helbiz. "These activities have not only affected the value of our stock but have also forced us to make difficult decisions such as layoffs. We will not tolerate these illegal activities that artificially depress the value of our stock and we are committed to protecting the interests of our shareholders and ensuring that the value of their investment is not artificially depressed. Our Board of Directors is actively evaluating all options to address this issue and protect the interests of our shareholders, including seeking out partnerships with companies undergoing similar market situations and taking legal action to combat illegal short selling and restore fair market conditions."

09:10 EST Whitestone REIT receives investment grade credit rating - Whitestone REIT announced that it received an investment grade issuer credit rating from Kroll Bond Rating Agency of BBB- with Stable Outlook.

09:03 EST AgriFORCE provides update on UN(THINK) Awakened Flour nutritional info - AgriFORCE Growing Systems provided an update on the nutritional information and new production partners for its UN(THINK) Awakened Flour. Tests provided by Eurofins, a leading international group of laboratories providing a range of testing and support services to the pharmaceutical, food, environmental and consumer products industries, determined UN(THINK) Awakened Flour to have over 5x the fiber, up to 2x the protein and 23% less net carbs compared to regular all-purpose baking flour1, making it a nutritious alternative for today's consumers, while delivering great taste and better digestion. As previously announced, UN(THINK) Awakened Flour uses a 100% natural patented process that captures the goodness of the grain, providing all the nutritional and dietary benefits of sprouted wheat, while enhancing the flavor, texture, richness and natural sweetness that are ideal for breads and pastries. UN(THINK) Awakened Flour uses 100% of the whole wheat kernel with no added ingredients. UN(THINK) Awakened Flour is now available for B2B customers in Canada and the U.S. and AgriFORCE plans to expand sales into the direct-to-consumer market within the next couple of months. AgriFORCE has also entered agreements for its UN(THINK) brand with two local partners, a non-GMO sprouted grains supplier as well as a specialty milling partner, who bring their expertise and care to the products. Based in Saskatchewan, Canada, one of the world's best and largest grain producing regions, UN(THINK) partners Maker's Malt and Marquis Milling and Grain are committed to sustainability, farmer relationships and transparency, ensuring consumers know where their food comes from. Maker's Malt grows over 90% of the grain processed in its facility, while also sourcing and sprouting the grains from local, Saskatoon-based farmers. They then convert the raw grains to sprouted grains using UN(THINK)'s patented process at the company's dedicated and state-of-the-art malting facility. Following the proprietary sprouting process, Marquis Milling then mills, blends and packages UN(THINK) Awakened Flour at their facility known for its high quality and service standards.

09:02 EST Seanergy Marine to hold special meeting of shareholders on reverse stock split - Seanergy Maritime Holdings announced an aggregate of $8.8M of buybacks of its securities consisting of: $8M of its outstanding convertible note with 5.5% coupon and a conversion price of $1.20 per share, pursuant to the terms of the Note, and $0.8M in 4,038,114 warrants at $0.2 per warrant, pursuant to the recently completed tender offer. The repurchased securities represent approximately 47% of the outstanding Class E Warrants to purchase an equal number of shares at an exercise price of $0.524 per share. Moreover, Seanergy's Chairman & CEO, Stamatis Tsantanis, has since August 2022 purchased 300,000 of the Company's common shares in the open market. The Company has also announced that a Special General Shareholders Meeting will be held on February 7, 2023,to vote on a reverse stock split of its common shares at a ratio of not less than 1:8 and not more than 1:12.

09:01 EST Vince Holding announces CFO transition plan - Vince Holding announced that David Stefko, Chief Financial Officer, CFO, has decided to retire, and will step down as Chief Financial Officer effective February 10, 2023. Amy Levy, Vince's Senior Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis and Investor Relations will succeed Stefko as Chief Financial Officer who will remain with the Company in an advisor role to provide guidance and ensure a smooth transition through May 2023.

08:39 EST Air Products' joint venture in Saudi Arabia completes second asset transfer - Air Products announced financial close and transfer of the second group of assets for the $12B gasification and power joint venture with Aramco, ACWA Power and Air Products Qudra in the Jazan Economic City, Saudi Arabia. The JV's purchase of this second group of assets at Jazan follows the successful asset acquisition and project financing transactions for the first group of assets completed in late October 2021. Approximately 40% of the JV's capital structure consists of member contributions, and the remaining 60% consists of non-recourse project financing. The JV has purchased ASU, gasification, syngas cleanup, utilities and power assets from Aramco. The JV owns and operates the facility under a 25-year contract for a fixed monthly fee, with Aramco supplying feedstock to the JV, and the JV producing power, steam, hydrogen and other utilities for Aramco. Air Products' total ownership position is 50.6% through 46 percent direct ownership and 4.6% through Air Products Qudra. The JV serves Aramco's Jazan Refinery, a megaproject to process 400,000 barrels per day.

08:35 EST Schrodinger reports inducement grants under Nasdaq Listing Rule - Schrodinger reported that on January 16, 2023, the company granted non-statutory stock options to purchase an aggregate of 14,300 shares of the company's common stock to six newly hired employees, including three newly hired employees based outside of the United States and restricted stock units with respect to 4,350 shares of the company's common stock to one newly hired employee. These grants were made pursuant to the company's 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan, were approved by the compensation committee of the board of directors pursuant to a delegation by the company's board of directors, and were made as a material inducement to such employees' acceptance of employment with the company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) as a component of his or her employment compensation.

08:33 EST Quad-C Management to acquire QED Technologies from Entegris - Quad-C Management announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement for Quad-C to acquire QED Technologies International, QED, from Entegris. QED offers MRF polishing and SSI metrology manufacturing solutions that are designed to meet the needs of advanced optics manufacturers by increasing production speed and yield while decreasing costs. Entegris' QED business is part of the company's Specialty Chemicals and Engineered Materials, SCEM, division. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023, subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. "QED is a leader in precision optics finishing equipment, products and services, providing the most precise technologies to manufacturers in semiconductor, aerospace & defense markets," said Tom Hickey, a Quad-C Partner, "Quad-C and our industrial tech practice are thrilled to partner with QED and its strong management team in order to execute on our shared growth strategy." Matt Trotta, Principal at Quad-C, also added, "QED has built a reputation for excellence in precision optics over nearly three decades. We are excited to partner with the Company as it begins its next chapter as a standalone entity once again."

08:19 EST Liquidity Services completes sale of hydrocraker reactor on AllSurplus.com - Liquidity Services completed the sale of one of two unused, high-pressure hydrocracker reactors fabricated in 2010 by Kobe Steel Japan. The reactor, which has been stored under nitrogen purge at the Port of Gwangyang in South Korea, was sold through AllSurplus.com, Liquidity Services' online marketplace for surplus business assets. The sale to a major renewable diesel manufacturer based in the United States was concluded in December 2022.

08:13 EST Summit Therapeutics closes deal with Akeso to in-license ivonescimab - Summit Therapeutics announced that it has completed the closing of its previously announced definitive agreement with Akeso to in-license its breakthrough bispecific antibody, ivonescimab. Ivonescimab, known as AK112 in China and Australia, and as SMT112 in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan, is a novel, potential first-in-class bispecific antibody combining the effects of immunotherapy via a blockade of PD-1 with the anti-angiogenesis effects associated with blocking VEGF into a single molecule. Summit is initiating development activities for SMT112 and will do so first in non-small cell lung cancer indications. The definitive partnership calls for Summit to receive the rights to develop and commercialize ivonescimab in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Akeso will retain development and commercialization rights for the rest of the world, including China. In exchange for these rights, Summit committed to an upfront payment of $500M to be paid in two installments. The first installment worth $300M has been paid in conjunction with the closing of the transaction. Of the $300M paid to Akeso by Summit, Akeso opted, in accordance with the definitive agreement, to convert approximately $25.1M of the payment into 10M shares of Summit common stock; the remaining $274.9M was paid by Summit to Akeso in cash. The second installment of $200M will become due on March 5, 2023 and will be paid by Summit in cash. Going forward, Akeso will be eligible to receive regulatory and commercial milestones of up to an additional $4.5B. In addition, Akeso will receive low double-digit royalties on net sales in the Summit territories. In conjunction with the closing of the deal, Dr. Michelle Xia, Co-Founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of Akeso, has been appointed to the board of directors of Summit.

08:10 EST Savara announces new employment inducement grant - Savara announced the grant of inducement awards to two new employees. On January 17, 2023, the Compensation Committee of Savara's Board of Directors granted the inducement awards to two new employees who recently joined the Company. The inducement awards consist of options to purchase an aggregate of 195,000 shares of the Company's common stock and restricted stock units covering an aggregate of 60,000 shares of the Company's common stock. These equity awards were granted under the Savara Inc. 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan pursuant to Rule 5635(c)(4) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules as an inducement material to the employee's acceptance of employment with the Company. The options have an exercise price of $1.89 per share, the closing trading price of the Company's common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market on the grant date.

08:07 EST RYAM decides not to pursue private offering of $325M of senior secured notes - Rayonier Advanced Materials, RYAM, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Rayonier A.M. Products Inc., has decided not to pursue at this time its opportunistic private offering of $325M aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2028 as current terms and conditions were not sufficiently attractive for the Company. As a result, the Company does not intend to redeem its senior unsecured notes due 2024 at this time. RYAM will continue to monitor capital markets and is prepared to opportunistically refinance its 5.5% unsecured senior notes, which mature in June 2024. The Company remains confident that it will obtain an acceptable refinancing at the appropriate time, as it continues to improve its debt to EBITDA ratio.

08:06 EST RumbleON promotes Blake Lawson to Chief Financial Officer - RumbleOn announced the promotion of Blake Lawson as RumbleOn's Chief Financial Officer. Lawson will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and report directly to RumbleOn's Chief Executive Officer, Marshall Chesrown, beginning January 19, 2023. Lawson previously served as Chief Financial Officer for the RideNow group of powersports retailers, and the Coulter Automotive Group, since 2020. Upon conclusion of Narinder Sahai's service as RumbleOn's Chief Financial Officer on January 17, 2023, Sahai will serve as a special advisor to the Company for a 90-day term.

08:02 EST Aptorum Group announces 1-for-10 reverse stock split - Aptorum Group announced a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of the Company's Class A Ordinary Shares, effective on January 23, 2023. The Company's Class A Ordinary Shares is expected to commence trading on a split-adjusted basis when the markets open on January 23, 2023. The Company's Class B Ordinary Shares shall also be split on a 1-for-10 reverse basis. The Company's Board of Directors implemented the reverse stock split with the objective of regaining compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement of The Nasdaq Global Market. The Company has until May 16, 2023 to comply with this requirement. To comply with this requirement, the closing bid price of the Company's Class A Ordinary Shares must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days prior to May 16, 2023. There is no guarantee the Company will meet the minimum bid price requirement.

08:01 EST Bionano Genomics announces speaker lineup for Symposium 2023 - Bionano Genomics announced its Symposium 2023 lineup of 30 oral presentations delivered from 27 different customers worldwide featuring the utility of optical genome mapping across a wide range of applications for genetic disease and cancer research and for cell bioprocessing. The symposium will take place virtually from January 23 to 26, 2023. During these four days, customers will showcase their latest research findings using OGM. Each day will feature oral customer presentations, a live panel with Q&A and a wide range of scientific posters within the virtual exhibition hall.

07:35 EST ARway signs multiple pilot projects for AR wayfinding services - ARway is pleased to announce the Company has signed multiple pilot projects for augmented reality indoor wayfinding and is now experiencing a surge in demand for its AR wayfinding services. Once converted to long-term contracts, these pilot programs have significant revenue implications for the Company. ARway's pilot projects span several countries across the globe and include multiple industries including retail, university campuses, museums, and airports, showcasing the wide range of applications of ARway.

07:34 EST PulteGroup complete investigation into code of ethical conduct violations - The Board of Directors of PulteGroup announced the results of an investigation into alleged violations of the Company's Code of Ethical Business Conduct relating to the improper use of social media by a former employee. As previously announced, the Company promptly terminated the former employee upon verifying the Code violations. The investigation determined the following: The former employee had established multiple separate Twitter accounts, which he used to make critical comments relating to certain members of the Pulte family. The former employee acted alone. There was no evidence of involvement in or knowledge of his conduct by any other Company employees. There was no evidence that the former employee used artificial intelligence or any other automated technology, such as a bot network, to post on Twitter. "The Board of Directors and leadership team of PulteGroup sincerely regret that inappropriate comments were posted on social media, and that there was a violation of the standards we hold for all employees," said Thomas Folliard, PulteGroup Board Chairman. "We have the highest respect for our founder and his family, with which the Company maintains a positive relationship. After this comprehensive review, we consider this investigation complete and closed."

07:32 EST Learn CW Investment receives noncompliance notification from NYSE - Learn CW Investment Corporation announced it had received a notification dated January 13, 2023 from the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE, informing the Company that, because the number of public stockholders is less than 300, the Company is not in compliance with Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. The Listing Rule requires the Company to maintain a minimum of 300 public stockholders on a continuous basis. The NYSE notification letter specifies that the Company has 45 days to submit a plan that demonstrates how the Company expects to return to compliance with the Listing Rule within 18 months of receipt of the notice. The plan will be reviewed by the Listings Operations Committee of the NYSE. The Committee will either accept the plan, at which time the Company will be subject to quarterly monitoring for compliance with this plan, or the Committee will not accept the plan and the Company will be subject to suspension and delisting procedures. The Company intends to submit a plan by the Compliance Plan Due Date.

07:21 EST Huntington Bancshares provides medium-term financial targets - Targets: PPNR growth of 6%-9%; ROTCE 20%+, ROTCE ex-AOCI 17%-19%; Positive operating leverage. Operating assumptions: CETI ratio of 9%-10%; Net charge-offs 25-45 bps through the cycle; Tax rate of 19%-21%.

07:13 EST Freight Technologies streamlines carrier onboarding process for Fr8APP - Freight Technologies announces their new, automated and effortless carrier onboarding process, making it easier than ever for qualified carriers to sign up and move loads with Fr8App. Starting today, qualified carriers who join the Fr8App platform can sign up, get approved and unlock all the opportunities Fr8App offers within minutes.

07:10 EST Vox Royalty announces updated disclosure documents - Vox Royalty announced that in connection with the review of the preliminary base shelf prospectus dated October 25, 2022 and further to the Ontario Securities Commission's review of the Company's continuous disclosure in connection with the Prospectus, the Company will be refiling its technical report on its Wonmunna project dated August 10, 2022, its annual management discussion and analysis for 2021, dated April 26, 2022 and its interim management discussion and analysis for the nine month period ended September 30, 2022, dated November 15, 2022, to address the comments raised by the OSC in the manner noted below. The Company's Technical Report: clarifies that the Company is treating the mineral resources and mineral reserves at Wonmunna as a historical estimate, in each case, in reliance on publicly available information disclosed by the owner of the Wonmunna project, updates the authors' responsibility sections to includes sections 13 and 14, clarifies that with respect to the disclosure in sections 9 through 12, sections 18, 19 and 25 of the Technical Report, the Company is relying on the exemption in s. 9.2(b) National Instrument 43-101F1 - Technical Report, and provides additional disclosure in section 20 of the Technical Report with respect to Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Social or Community Impact that was contained in a different part of the Technical Report. The Company's Annual MD&A has been amended to remove the following disclosure which was not in compliance with section 2.2(d) of NI 43-101: disclosure of mineral resources by Gold Standard Ventures in November 2021, expressed as contained ounces without referencing the applicable grade, and disclosure of a mineral resource estimate at the Ulysses-Leonora project by Genesis Minerals in March 2022, with the total mineral resource expressed as contained ounces without referencing the applicable grade. The Company's Annual MD&A was also amended to include a reference to the applicable grade to ensure compliance with section 2.2 of NI 43-101 with respect to the following disclosure: disclosure of the results of a feasibility study by GSV in February 2022, with mineral reserves expressed as contained ounces, disclosure of a mineral resource at the Bulgera project by Norwest Minerals Limited in March 2022, with mineral resources expressed as contained ounces, disclosure of a mineral resource estimate at the Ulysses-Leonora project by Genesis in March 2022, with the total mineral resource expressed as contained ounces, and disclosure of a mineral reserve at the Segilola project by Thor Explorations Ltd. in March 2021, with the mineral reserve expressed as contained ounces. Finally, the Company's Annual MD&A was amended to remove the disclosure of a mineral resource estimate at the Pedra Branca project by ValOre Metals Corp. in March 2022, with mineral resource grade expressed as total precious metals contrary to 2.3 of NI 43-101 and the Company has updated the disclosure by inserting further details on the mineral resources estimate in a NI 43-101 compliant form. The Company's Q3 MD&A has been amended to include a reference to the applicable grade with respect to the Company's disclosure of a scoping study on Jangada Mines April 2022 Pitombeiras project, with mineral resources expressed as total tonnes in compliance with s. 2.2(d) of NI 43-101, to remove the word "mineable" from the Company's description of the Jangada mine as feasibility cannot be demonstrated by a scoping study, and to add the cautionary language required by s. 2.3(3) of NI 43-101 to its disclosure of the results of scoping studies by Jangada and Tartisan Nickel.

07:05 EST Mindset Pharma receives allowance for U.S. patent covering MSP-1014 - Mindset Pharma announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted allowance for Mindset's patent application number 17/833,341, titled "Psilocin Derivatives As Serotonergic Psychedelic Agents for the Treatment of CNS Disorders." Included within this application is MSP-1014, its backup MSP-1009, as well as additional prodrug candidates that the Company classifies as belonging to Family 1. MSP-1014 and MSP-1009 are novel analogues of psilocybin that demonstrated improved efficacy and safety profiles, with reduced potential side effects and evidence of increased target engagement, in pre-clinical studies. Also included in this patent application are multiple other tryptamine prodrug candidates and other psilocybin analogs. This application is one of a family of applications having a priority date of February 4, 2020.

07:03 EST DMC Global appoints Eric Walter as CFO - DMC Global (BOOM) announced the appointment of Eric Walter as CFO. Walter's appointment will be effective the day after DMC files its 2022 Form 10-K, which is expected on or around February 24, 2023. Walter will succeed CFO Michael Kuta, who has been appointed as DMC's interim co-CEO with DMC board member David Aldous. From 2020 to 2023, Walter was CFO of the People & Places Solutions business, Jacob's (J) largest division with annual revenue of $9B.

07:02 EST Huntington Bancshares reports Q4 net interest margin 3.52% - Net interest income increased $58M, or 4%, from the prior quarter, reflecting net interest margin expansion of 10 basis points to 3.52% and higher average total loans and leases. Ending total deposits increased $1.6B and average total deposits decreased $336M from the prior quarter. Net charge-offs of 0.17% of average total loans and leases for the quarter. Allowance for credit losses of $2.3B, or 1.90%, of total loans and leases at quarter end. Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio increased to 9.44%, within our 9% to 10% operating guideline.

07:01 EST LSB Industries sees Q4 adjusted EBITDA $100M-$105M - LSB management now expects fourth quarter 2022 Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of approximately $100 million to $105 million, which includes the previously announced $5 million to $7 million impact to operating profit of the Cherokee outage coupled with the effects of declines in selling prices of ammonia and other nitrogen products that occurred during December.

07:01 EST OTC Markets Group welcomes American Battery Technology - OTC Markets Group announced that American Battery Technology Company has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market.

06:54 EST SLB CEO sees 'very strong growth and margin expansion' in 2023 - CEO Le Peuch said, "The fourth quarter affirmed a distinctive new phase in the upcycle. In the Middle East, revenue increased by double digits sequentially, with growth in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates in the solid teens, affirming the much-anticipated acceleration of activity in the region. Offshore activity continued to strengthen, partially offset by seasonality in the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, US land rig count remains at robust levels, although the pace of growth is moderating. Additionally, pricing continues to trend favorably, extending beyond North America and into the international regions, supported by new technology and very tight equipment and service capacity in certain markets. These activity dynamics, improved pricing, and our commercial success-particularly in the Middle East, offshore, and North American markets-combine to set a very strong foundation for outperformance in 2023. Looking ahead, we believe the macro backdrop and market fundamentals that underpin a strong multi-year upcycle for energy remain very compelling in oil and gas and in low-carbon energy resources. First, oil and gas demand is forecast by the International Energy Agency to grow by 1.9 million barrels per day in 2023 despite concerns for a potential economic slowdown in certain regions. In parallel, markets remain very tightly supplied. Second, energy security is prompting a sense of urgency to make further investments to ensure capacity expansion and diversity of supply. And third, the secular trends of digital and decarbonization are set to accelerate with significant digital technology advancements, favorable government policy support, and increased spending on low-carbon initiatives and resources. Based on these factors, global upstream spending projections continue to trend positively. Activity growth is expected to be broad-based, marked by an acceleration in international basins. These positive activity dynamics will be amplified by higher service pricing and tighter service sector capacity. The impact of loosening COVID-19 restrictions and an earlier than expected reopening of China could support further upside potential over 2023. Overall, the combination of these effects will result in a very favorable mix for SLB with significant growth opportunities in our Core, Digital, and New Energy. We expect another year of very strong growth and margin expansion. We have a clear strategy, an advantaged portfolio, and the right team in place to drive our business forward. I look forward to another successful year for our customers and our shareholders."

06:54 EST Venator Materials implements $50M cost reduction program - The Company has taken a number of recent actions, including: implementing a $50M cost reduction program, closing a sale-leaseback transaction for a Color Pigments manufacturing site for $51M, and entering into a definitive agreement to divest the iron oxide business from within the Color Pigments business to Cathay Industries for an enterprise value of $140M and which is expected to close at the end of Q1 2023.

06:51 EST Venator Materials sees Q4 adjusted EBITDA ($57M)-($62M) - Venator continued to experience challenging macro-economic conditions in the fourth quarter of 2022, including low consumer confidence, weak demand, record high energy prices and other inflationary costs. Venator expects to report fourth quarter TiO2 sales volumes to be approximately 28% lower than the third quarter of 2022 and approximately 44% lower than the same period in 2021. As a result, performance for the year is expected to be significantly below current market expectations, with estimated Adjusted EBITDA for fourth quarter of 2022 in the range of negative $57-62M.

06:50 EST Venator Materials appoints Stefan Selig, Jame Donath to board - Venator announces the appointment of new independent directors, Stefan Selig and Jame Donath, who bring extensive experience to the role including in finance, investment and regulatory affairs, following the resignation of Miguel Kohlmann from the Board. In addition to serving as Venator's Chairman, Mr. Selig also will be a member of the Board's Audit Committee. Mr. Donath will join the Board's Compensation Committee. Simon Turner, President and CEO said, "I am delighted to welcome Stefan M. Selig and Jame Donath to the Board as new independent directors. With their appointments, the Board has a mix of skills and expertise well suited to guide the Company through the strategic review process. Stefan's significant experience will also be extremely valuable in his role as Chairman of our Board. I would like to thank Barry Siadat for his exceptional leadership and Miguel Kohlmann for his valuable contribution to our Board."

06:46 EST Evercore appoints Tim LaLonde as CEO - Evercore has named Tim LaLonde as its CFO, effective March 6. Tim LaLonde joined the firm in 2001 and currently serves as Co-Head of the U.S. Advisory business and holds several other global senior leadership roles around the firm. In his new role, LaLonde will also continue to serve as a member of Evercore's Management Committee. LaLonde will succeed Celeste Mellet, who is leaving Evercore in early February to pursue a different area of finance. Evercore appointed Paul Pensa, its controller, as interim CFO, effective upon Mellet's departure, and he will continue in that role until LaLonde transitions out of his current role and his appointment becomes effective.

06:19 EST Regions Financial sees FY23 adjusted non-interest expense up 4.5%-5.5% - Sees FY23: Adjusted operating leverage ~4%; Ending loans up ~4%; Ending deposits down $3B-$5B in 1H23; stable/modest growth in 2H23; Net charge offs/average loans 25-35 bps; Effective tax rate 22%-23%.

06:04 EST Digihost expects to close power plant acquisition within 30 days - Digihost provided an update on its acquisition of a 60 MW power plant in North Tonawanda, NY. The company has received all state and federal regulatory approvals required to complete the acquisition, including approval of the Acquisition from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the New York Public Service Commission. The company is finalizing closing documentation with the vendors and management anticipates that the acquisition will close within the next 30 days. Once the acquisition is closed, the power plant will provide the company with computing capacity of approximately 1.3 EH based upon an initial power generation run rate for the plant of approximately 50 MW, which the company will be immediately able to utilize for its digital asset infrastructure. The company believes that year round, the plant will continue to provide electrical power to the grid on demand in order to meet customers needs during extreme weather conditions and will also continue to run the plant as a peaker plant. The acquisition of the NT power plant is expected to bring the company's total computing power to approximately 2.0 EH. The company has been made aware that a legal proceeding has been filed by the Sierra Club and the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York against the PSC, challenging the PSC's decision to approve the sale of the NT power plant. The company believes that the PSC acted within its legislative authority and took all appropriate steps and measures in granting the approval.

05:34 EST Alphabet to cut 12,000 jobs in largest-ever round of layoffs, WSJ reports - Google parent Alphabet said it plans to eliminate about 12,000 jobs, or 6% of its staff, marking the company's largest-ever round of layoffs, reported The Wall Street Journal's Sam Schechner. Reference Link