Stockwinners Market Radar for July 28, 2023 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

20:17 EDT BlackRock CEO sells $15M in common stock - In a regulatory filing, BlackRock disclosed that its CEO Laurence Fink sold 20.2K shares of common stock on July 26th in a total transaction size of $15.0M.

20:15 EDT Abbott director sells $5.69M in common stock - In a regulatory filing, Abbott disclosed that its director Daniel Starks sold 50K shares of common stock on July 27th in a total transaction size of $5.69M.

17:37 EDT Barnes & Noble Education enters pact with stakeholders, continues review - Barnes & Noble Education, or BNED, has entered into an agreement with its financial stakeholders and strategic partners on the terms of a refinancing that the company said would "immediately strengthen" the its liquidity and overall financial positions by extending the maturity of its debt facilities, amending certain credit facility covenants and modifying certain other agreements. With this agreement, the company will continue supporting academic institutions and customers nationwide through the upcoming fall rush. As part of the agreement, BNED is establishing a committee of the board of directors to continue the ongoing review of a broad range of strategic alternatives available to thecCompany, including but not limited to potential capital raises, asset divestitures or a sale of the business as well as pursuing its standalone growth plans. Additional details of the terms of the agreement will be filed with the company's Form 10-K for the period ended April 29 in the coming days.

16:14 EDT China Natural Resources to sell PSTT to Feishang Group for $13.2M - China Natural Resources announced that it has agreed to sell all outstanding shares of Precise Space-Time Technology, or PSTT, to Feishang Group Limited, together with PSTT's outstanding payable owed to the company, for consideration of approximately $13.2M. The base purchase price is subject to upward post-closing adjustment based on the difference between net assets of PSTT as included in its unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30 and the base net assets. PSTT, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a 51% equity interest in Shanghai Onway. Shanghai Onway is principally engaged in the provision of equipment for rural wastewater treatment and the provision of engineering, procurement and construction services in relation to wastewater treatment in China. The valuation of PSTT as of December 31, 2022 as determined by an independent valuation firm on July 28 is RMB 34,197,300. The company acquired all outstanding shares of PSTT from LI Feilie for an aggregate consideration of approximately RMB 104.1M in July 2021.

16:03 EDT Conifer Holdings sees Q2 pre-tax catastrophe losses about $5.4M - Conifer Holdings announced preliminary unaudited pre-tax net catastrophe loss estimates for the second quarter ended June 30. The company expects pre-tax catastrophe losses of approximately $5.4M during the second quarter ending June 30. These losses stemmed predominantly from the multiple convection storms that largely impacted Oklahoma and Texas in the second quarter. As a result, the company expects to post a net loss of approximately $4.7M in the period. These amounts represent management's best estimates as of the date of this press release and are subject to change. Excluding the impact of these storm-related losses, in the second quarter of 2023, the company estimates it would have posted net income of approximately $700,000. While the company currently expects its results for the six months ended June 30, to be near the approximate amounts set forth above, the review of the company's financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2023 has not been completed. During the course of the company's preparation of its financial statements and related notes and the completion of the review for the six months ended June 30, additional adjustments to the preliminary estimated financial information presented below may be identified. Any such adjustments may be material. The company's independent registered public accounting firm, Plante & Moran, PLLC, has not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to this preliminary financial data, and, accordingly, Plante & Moran, PLLC does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto.

15:58 EDT Xtant is winning bidder for Surgalign's hardware and biologics business - Xtant Medical announced that it was the successful bidder for certain assets and liabilities related to the domestic and international biologics and spinal fixation offerings of Surgalign Holdings. Xtant's initial bid, as set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 18, 2023, between Xtant and Surgalign, was the winning bid. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, and pending the issuance of a Sale Order by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, closing of the transaction is expected to occur after the Bankruptcy Court sale hearing, scheduled for August 8, but in no event later than September 1.

15:24 EDT Janssen submits supplemental application to FDA for Edurant - Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Pharmaceutical announced the submission of a supplemental new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration seeking to expand the indication of Edurant to include the treatment of HIV-1 infection in children weighing 10 kg or more. A parallel marketing authorization application has also been submitted to the European Medicines Agency in support of a type II variation and line extension for expanded pediatric use in Europe.

14:38 EDT Kellogg raises regular dividend 2% to 60c per share - Kellogg Company announced that its board of directors declared a dividend of 60c per share on the common stock of the company, payable on September 15 to shareowners of record at the close of business on September 1. "As the company previously announced in April, this reflects an increase to the quarterly dividend of approximately 2%. The ex-dividend date is August 31," the company stated.

13:48 EDT SEC declares F-4 for Black Spade Acquisition, VinFast Auto deal effective - VinFast Auto Pte. Ltd. and Black Spade Acquisition Co announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has declared effective the registration statement on Form F-4 of VinFast in connection with its proposed business combination with Black Spade. Black Spade has scheduled the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders to approve the proposed business combination with VinFast to be held on August 10. The business combination values VinFast at an enterprise value of $27B and an equity value of $23B. The transaction is expected to close followed by the listing of VinFast in August, subject to shareholder approvals and other customary closing conditions. Madame Thuy Le, Global CEO of VinFast Auto Pte. Ltd., said: "Today represents a remarkable milestone in advancing VinFast's presence in the U.S. as we move towards our proposed U.S. listing. Along with this exciting step, today we also celebrate the start of construction of our electric vehicle factory in North Carolina. These achievements will help accelerate our commitment to the global green mobility revolution and our mission to help consumers make the switch to an EV easier and more accessible, while also opening a strategic capital-raising avenue for our global ambitions." The companies added: "VinFast is committed to its mission of creating a sustainable future for everyone. The company became a fully EV manufacturer in 2022, and has since delivered four EV models: VF e34, VF 8, VF 9 and VF 5 to customers in Vietnam to date. VinFast crossed an important milestone on the journey to becoming a recognized global EV brand with its first VF 8 EVs exported to North America earlier this year. Black Spade, listed on the NYSE American, was founded by Black Spade Capital, which runs a global portfolio consisting of a wide spectrum of cross-border investments, and consistently seeks to add new investment projects and opportunities to its portfolio."

13:02 EDT Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count down 5 to 664 rigs - Baker Hughes reports the U.S. rig count is down 5 from last week to 664 rigs, with oil rigs down 1 to 529, gas rigs down 3 to 128 and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 7. The U.S. rig count is down 103 rigs from last year's count of 767, with oil rigs down 76, gas rigs down 29 and miscellaneous up 2. The U.S. offshore rig count is up 1 to 19, up 2 year-over-year.

12:00 EDT Avantor falls -9.2% - Avantor is down -9.2%, or -$2.10 to $20.73.

12:00 EDT Boston Beer rises 18.4% - Boston Beer is up 18.4%, or $57.57 to $371.09.

12:00 EDT QuantumScape rises 24.3% - QuantumScape is up 24.3%, or $2.60 to $13.31.

11:46 EDT Stellantis completes 33.3% purchase in Symbio - Stellantis (STLA) confirms it has completed its 33.3% purchase in Symbio, a leader in zero-emission hydrogen mobility. FORVIA (FURCF) and Michelin (MGDDY) are equal shareholders. The company said, "The announcement is a significant step in the decarbonization of the mobility industry and illustrates Symbio's technological excellence in hydrogen fuel cell innovations. The addition of Stellantis as a shareholder will boost Symbio's development across Europe and in the U.S. Acquiring an equal stake in Symbio bolsters Stellantis' leadership position in hydrogen-powered vehicles by supporting the fuel cell van production in France, and it also serves as a perfect complement to the Company's growing battery electric vehicle portfolio."

11:07 EDT Warner Bros. Discovery says 'Barbie' passes $500M in global box office - Warner Bros. Pictures' "Barbie" has surpassed the half-billion dollar mark at the global box office, "taking in a staggering worldwide total" of $528.6M, with $237.2M coming in from domestic theaters and $291.4M internationally, Jeff Goldstein, President of Domestic Distribution, and Andrew Cripps, President of International Distribution, for Warner Bros. Pictures announced.

11:01 EDT Stratasys comments on press release issued by 3D Systems - Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) issued a statement in response to a press release issued by 3D Systems Corporation (DDD) yesterday evening. "Contrary to 3D Systems' statements in its press release as to the exchange of due diligence materials and multiple meetings between the parties, Stratasys has moved expeditiously to provide data requested by 3D Systems for review, as well as having already conducted management meetings. On the other hand, we have repeatedly requested that 3D Systems reciprocate with the same information for their company, as well as their assessment of potential negative revenue synergies. While 3D Systems has provided some cost synergy analysis, it's only high level and lacks critical details that would substantiate their cost synergy claims. Despite the implication in 3D Systems' press release that they have engaged cooperatively, we are still waiting for all this information from 3D Systems.Stratasys also notes that 3D Systems has added for the first time that their public proposal of July 13, 2023 is also their 'best and final proposal' as to the form and amount of merger consideration. 3D Systems does not state whether that was the case on July 13, 2023, whether, when or why their thinking as to negotiation has changed. Regardless of 3D Systems' changing pronouncement and tactics, the Stratasys Board will evaluate any and all proposals holistically, taking into account the necessary due diligence and analysis, including regulatory analysis Once 3D Systems provides the requested due diligence information, the Stratasys Board expects to be in a position to make a determination as to whether the July 13, 2023 proposal, or any further revised and improved proposal, made by 3D Systems, represents a Superior Proposal, as defined in the merger agreement with Desktop Metal (DM). In that regard, Stratasys and its Board of Directors expect that 3D Systems will engage constructively with Stratasys as part of the Stratasys Board's efforts to maximize value for all Stratasys shareholders."

10:29 EDT Aurora Acquisition Corp trading resumes

10:21 EDT Unique Fabricating trading halted, news pending

10:06 EDT View Inc trading resumes

10:01 EDT View Inc trading halted, volatility trading pause

10:00 EDT Avantor falls -9.8% - Avantor is down -9.8%, or -$2.23 to $20.59.

10:00 EDT TAL Education rises 14.8% - TAL Education is up 14.8%, or 95c to $7.38.

10:00 EDT Boston Beer rises 18.5% - Boston Beer is up 18.5%, or $58.13 to $371.65.

09:51 EDT Clear Secure says Bloomberg article 'inaccurately characterizes' product - Clear Secure said in a statement: "Today, Bloomberg published a story that inaccurately characterizes CLEAR's robust security and our work with the TSA in keeping airports safe. Despite engaging with the reporters for nearly two weeks and providing them on-the-record responses and factual information that directly contradicts their reporting, they chose to largely ignore key facts and specific details regarding how our system works. Those facts are: There was a July 2022 incident that was the result of a single human error - having nothing to do with our technology. We took immediate action to end the practice that led to the human error and took corrective action to fully re-enroll the miniscule percentage of our customers enrolled under this process; The results speak for themselves - in the last six months alone, the TSA has reverified 4.7 million IDs without citing a single issue.; The images included in the article lack important details. Specifically the images in question were not relied upon during the secure, multi-layered enrollment process and CLEAR does not currently use face as a biometric to verify a member on the day of travel - we rely on fingerprints or iris...We are disappointed that some continue to spin a false narrative about our company and the important role we play in aviation security as a Registered Traveler provider. We look forward to continuing to partner with our aviation stakeholders, including airports, TSA and the Department of Homeland Security. CLEAR has consistently delivered on state-of-the-art technology that strengthens airport security and enhances travel for millions of passengers - and that is exactly what we will continue to do."

09:47 EDT Avantor falls -8.0% - Avantor is down -8.0%, or -$1.83 to $21.00.

09:47 EDT Byline Bancorp rises 12.2% - Byline Bancorp is up 12.2%, or $2.47 to $22.76.

09:47 EDT Coursera rises 14.1% - Coursera is up 14.1%, or $1.83 to $14.84.

09:35 EDT Huron trading resumes

09:30 EDT Bluejay Diagnostics Inc trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:28 EDT Paragon files complaint to inspect books, records of Ocean Power - Paragon Technologies, which owns approximately 4.0% of the outstanding shares of Ocean Power Technologies, has filed a complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery to enforce its rights, pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, to inspect the books and records of OPTT. The company said, "On July 17, 2023, Paragon sent a demand letter to OPTT requesting to inspect the Company's books and records for the purpose of investigating apparent wrongdoing and/or mismanagement by OPTT's Board of Directors and/or members of management, inquiring into the independence of the members of the OPTT Board, assessing possible breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company's directors and officers, and communicating with other OPTT stockholders regarding matters relating to their interests as stockholders. Paragon believes that its Inspection Demand states a proper purpose and complies with the requirements of Delaware law. Nevertheless, OPTT has adamantly refused to produce any of the books and records requested by Paragon. OPTT's actions lead us to believe that it must be hiding something that it does not want its stockholders to see. The Inspection Complaint alleges multiple bases to infer that mismanagement and/or wrongdoing has occurred, justifying the Inspection Demand. Specifically, the Inspection Complaint alleges, among other things: In its filings, OPTT admits that, "[s]ince [its] inception, the cash flow from customer revenues have not been sufficient to fund [its] operations and provide the capital resources for [its] business." OPTT further admits that it "ha[s] incurred net losses since [it] began operations in 1994." OPTT has never been able to successfully commercialize any of its products or services, despite repeatedly issuing Form 10-Ks touting the enormous market size and opportunity for OPTT's solutions. In 2021, the Company acquired Marine Advanced Robotics, Inc., but, as OPTT admits in its filings, it has "not achieved profitability of this product line" and does not know whether it will ever be able to do so. Under the current Board and management, OPTT's financial decline has only accelerated, and the Board and management appear to have no viable strategy to successfully commercialize OPTT's products, generate revenues, and put OPTT on a path to profitability. According to OPTT's July 12, 2023 earnings report, the net cash used in operating activities for fiscal year 2023 was approximately $21.7 million, which was similar to the $21.3 million spent in fiscal year 2022. On the earnings call on July 13, 2023, OPTT CFO Robert Powers stated that OPTT "expect[s] [its] OpEx to be materially in line with [its] level of OpEx for fiscal 2023." OPTT reported that, as of April 30, 2023, it had combined cash, unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $34.7 million. At OPTT's current burn rate, we believe it will run out of cash in a little over one year or require additional capital that will likely be secured on terms that are very punitive for existing shareholders. Notwithstanding what we believe to be a disastrous financial record, the Board has been approving, and the directors and named executive officers have been receiving, compensation that significantly exceeds the total revenue of the Company, and that Paragon believes is wasteful and unfair to OPTT and its stockholders. Considering the above facts, Paragon, as a large shareholder of OPTT, believes its demand to inspect the books and records of OPTT is justified and substantiated. Unfortunately, OPTT has denied our request and instead decided that the Company's assets are better served fighting to hide the requested documents."

09:17 EDT Smart for Life's Ceautamed expands distribution with Vitacost.com - Smart for Life (SMFL) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Ceautamed Worldwide has expanded their distribution with Vitacost.com (KR). Vitacost.com is distributing the Company's proprietary Greens First products on its online platform.

09:12 EDT Lexaria Bioscience incorporates Lexaria Nutraceutical subsidiary - Lexaria Bioscience has incorporated a new wholly-owned subsidiary under the name Lexaria Nutraceutical. The establishment of LEXX Nutra is in keeping with Lexaria's overall strategy of maximizing the potential for its patented DehydraTECH Technology in various markets. Lexaria has issued an exclusive perpetual license to LEXX Nutra entitling it to utilize DehydraTECH, or sublicense the use of DehydraTECH, for the purposes of creating consumer packaged goods and/or intermediate ingredients composed of any molecule except those associated with nicotine or cannabis. LEXX Nutra is prohibited from using its license for the manufacture of any pharmaceutical product. In this regard, the license agreement between the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lexaria Pharmaceutical, has been amended so that LEXX Pharma's exclusive licensing rights are now focused solely on the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, or sublicensing for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, composed of any molecule except nicotine-associated molecules. In addition, Lexaria announced on May 8, 2023 that its human oral nicotine study NIC-H22-1 had completed dosing. Data amalgamation and analysis has since been ongoing, and the Company currently expects to be able to release results within the next two weeks.

09:05 EDT Archer Aviation awarded $110M Air Force contract - Archer Aviation was awarded an $110M firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Midnight Based Advanced Vertical Lift. This contract is a Small Business Innovative Research, or SBIR, Phase III to iteratively conduct government operational experimentation on military installation for government-owned, government-operated flight operations to execute and experiment with key missions or mission elements to substantiate government use cases, concept of operations/mission design, and cost/benefit analyses of the Midnight aircraft that extend, derive, and complete previously awarded SBIR Phase I and II efforts. Work will be performed in San Jose, California, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2028. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. FY23 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $1.29M are being obligated at time of award. AFWERX Enterprise Contracting is the contracting activity.

09:02 EDT Natera completes enrollment in ALTAIR trial - Natera announced the completion of enrollment to the randomized, double-blind phase III ALTAIR clinical trial. ALTAIR is the circulating tumor DNA, or ctDNA-guided treatment escalation arm of the CIRCULATE-Japan adaptive trial platform evaluating the utility of the Signatera molecular residual disease, or MRD, test in patients with stage II-IV resectable colorectal cancer, or CRC. CIRCULATE-Japan also includes the observational GALAXY study and the randomized phase III VEGA trial for ctDNA-guided treatment de-escalation. The company expects to share primary results from ALTAIR in mid-2024.

08:54 EDT Cenntro Electric regains compliance with Nasdaq - Cenntro Electric announced that it received a written notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq indicating the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250 by filing its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 on June 30 and quarterly report for the fiscal quarter ended March 31 on July 25 with the SEC.

08:20 EDT Georgia Power says Vogtle Unit 4 received 103(g) finding from NRC - Georgia Power announced the receipt of the 103(g) finding from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for Vogtle Unit 4. This finding was confirmed in an official letter received by Southern Nuclear and signifies that the new unit has been constructed and will be operated in conformance with the Combined License and NRC regulations. No further NRC findings are necessary in order for Southern Nuclear to load fuel or begin the startup sequence for the new unit. Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company.

08:12 EDT Planet 13 Holdings announces results of annual general, special meeting - Planet 13 Holdings announced results for each item of business considered at Planet 13's Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on Thursday, July 27, 2023. 98.10% of shares voted were voted in favor of re-appointing Davidson & Company LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the board of directors of the Company to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditors. The Company is pleased to announce that the special resolution to approve the proposed plan of arrangement under Section 288 of the Business Corporations Act involving, among other things, the continuance of the Company out of British Columbia and the concurrent domestication of the Company to the State of Nevada, was resoundingly passed with 99.50% the votes cast, voting in favor of the Arrangement Resolution. The Arrangement Resolution required the approval of not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast by the shareholders present in person or by proxy at the Annual General and Special Meeting. The Company anticipates completing the Nevada Domestication on or about September 1, 2023, subject to, among other things, receipt of a final order of the British Columbia Supreme Court, which is expected to be obtained at a final order hearing on August 3, 2023, the Company's determination that it will not incur a material amount of Canadian income tax at the effective time of the Nevada Domestication, as well as a number of other conditions. 98.48% of the votes cast were voted in favor of passing an ordinary resolution to approve and adopt the Planet 13 Holdings Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2023 Equity Incentive Plan is expected to become effective upon the completion of the Nevada Domestication.

08:09 EDT Antony Blinken, Caroline Kennedy visit Tritium Brisbane facility - Tritium DCFC welcomed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy to the company's headquarters and R&D facility in Brisbane, Australia. The officials joined Tritium executives for a tour of the facility and discussion on the importance of bilateral economic partnerships between the United States and Australia. Secretary Blinken traveled to Brisbane to attend the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations, also known as AUSMIN, an annual meeting of US and Australian defense and foreign ministers.

08:08 EDT IO Biotech announces first patient dosed in trial to evaluate IO102-IO103 - IO Biotech announced that the University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center has dosed the first patient in its investigator-initiated trial which aims to evaluate IO102-IO103, the company's investigational immune-modulating cancer vaccine, in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with BCG-unresponsive or intolerant, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. "We are pleased to be supporting this trial with the University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center," said Mai-Britt Zocca, PhD, President and CEO of IO Biotech. "We look forward to seeing the safety and efficacy results of this trial to further support the development of IO102-IO103 as the potential backbone of combination therapies for treating multiple types of cancer.

08:07 EDT INNOVATE Corp. announces date change for Q2 earnings call - INNOVATE announced a change to its second quarter 2023 earnings results and conference call date. The Company will now report its second quarter 2023 financial results after market close on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. The Company will host an earnings conference call reviewing these results, its operations and strategy on the same day, beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.

08:05 EDT Chinook announces first patient enrolled in Phase 3 BEYOND study of BION-1301 - Chinook Therapeutics announced that the first patient with IgA nephropathy has been enrolled in the BEYOND study, a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of zigakibart, BION-1301, a potentially disease-modifying anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody. "Initiation of the phase 3 BEYOND study is an important step towards our goal of providing an innovative treatment option for patients with IgAN, a disease with high unmet need and limited treatment options," said Eric Dobmeier, president and chief executive officer of Chinook Therapeutics. "The data from our ongoing phase 1/2 trial of zigakibart supports our belief that binding and neutralizing APRIL in patients with IgAN plays a key role in depleting pathogenic galactose deficient-IgA1, reducing proteinuria and preserving kidney function for IgAN patients."

07:56 EDT Momentus deploys all customer payloads from Vigoride-6 - Momentus has deployed all customer payloads from its Vigoride-6 Orbital Service Vehicle launched in April aboard the SpaceX Transporter-7 mission. To date, Momentus has deployed a total of 15 customer satellites over three missions conducted over the past year and has also placed three Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicles into orbit. While these initial three missions were demonstration missions focused on testing the performance of the Vigoride OSV, Momentus is proud to have orbited a number of customer satellites in the missions summarized below:

07:40 EDT Incannex reports A$33.4M in cash as of June 30 - At June 30, 2023, Incannex recorded A$33.4M in cash at bank. A$3.6M was recorded as cash outflows associated with R&D activities. Incannex is eligible to receive an annual cash rebate equivalent to approximately 43.5% of all monies spent on research and development in Australia. Eligible R&D expenditures typically include costs associated with pre-clinical and clinical trial activities in Australia and internal and external research consultancy personnel. The Company's expansive pipeline of clinical development programs remains fully funded into 2025.

07:37 EDT Monarch Mining announces closing of sale of Croinor property to Probe Metals - Monarch Mining (GBARF) announces the closing of the sale of its 100% interest in the Croinor gold property to Probe Gold (PROBF), as disclosed in its press release dated July 13, 2023.

07:36 EDT Nano Dimension to discontinue Stratasys special tender offer - Nano Dimension (NNDM) announced the cessation of its efforts to deliver value creation for Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) shareholders through its $25 per share all-cash special tender offer and efforts to replace Stratasys' entrenched board of directors. Yoav Stern, Chairman and CEO of Nano Dimension, commented: "We began our efforts to structure a friendly transaction with Stratasys with a clear focus on generating value for both companies' shareholders. While we continue to believe that a combination of our companies has both strategic and financial merit - particularly given our offer provides far more certainty and guaranteed immediate $25 per share all-cash value, better than any other alternative currently available to Stratasys shareholders - this idea was rejected by an entrenched Stratasys board intent on manipulating the facts and preventing its shareholders from making their own decisions regarding our offer. We believe that our efforts to convince a sufficient number of Stratasys' shareholders that their entrenched board will continue its track record of leading the company toward new disasters has fallen short. Most of the investors of Stratasys have clearly indicated to us that the potential overhang of the shareholder rights plan makes tendering their shares too risky, in spite of our superior $25 all-cash per share offer. The Stratasys board's stance makes it clear that the poison pill is there to stay and will continue to block shareholders from having an opportunity to tender their shares. Furthermore, a timely declaratory judgment regarding the poison pill by the Israeli Court - thanks to Stratasys' request of the Judge - will not occur until late in this fall, long after the expiration of Nano's special tender offer. Finally, replacing a majority of Stratasys' entrenched board will not be achievable. Taking all this into account, we intend to "stand down" on Stratasys. We shall continue with our alternative active M&A plans. We intend to review our investment in Stratasys, including a possible sale of all our existing 14.1% holdings in the open market. We see significant alternatives ahead in a highly fragmented industrial markets' landscapes, and we expect to leverage the strength of our financial position and growth product & technologies in AME, AM, Materials, Ink Services and Additive Electronics as we pursue our backlog of M&A opportunities and expect to maintain the organic growth and drive shareholder value." As indicated at the outset of Nano Dimension's special tender offer, one of the conditions required to close the special tender offer is the redemption or termination of the poison pill. Unfortunately, the Stratasys Board has continued its track record of entrenchment and refuses to remove or terminate the poison pill or otherwise render it inapplicable to the special tender offer, thereby denying Stratasys shareholders the ability to decide the best path forward for their investment based on the merits of Nano's compelling offer. Nano does not expect the conditions of the special tender offer will be met and Nano does not expect to waive such conditions to accepting tendered shares. Nano does not intend to further extend the special tender offer period.

07:35 EDT Avicanna announces initial network of brands on MyMedi.ca platform - Avicanna announces its initial portfolio offering and network in anticipation of the MyMedi.ca platform's launch in early August. "We are pleased by the level of commitment towards patients that we have seen and the concrete support of this distinct group of Canadian licensed producers that have worked towards the timely launch of the new cannabis care platform, MyMedi.ca. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively towards the goals of establishing MyMedi.ca as a leading cannabis care platform and towards taking steps to enhance the patient journey," stated Aras Azadian, CEO of Avicanna.

07:33 EDT CNH Industrial sees 2023 Industrial Activities net sales up 8%-11% - The Company is reaffirming the following 2023 outlook for its Industrial Activities: Net sales up between 8% and 11% year on year including currency translation effects; SG&A up no more than 5% vs 2022; Free Cash Flow of Industrial Activities between $1.3B and $1.5B; R&D expenses and capital expenditures at around $1.6B.

07:32 EDT Procter & Gamble reports Q4 gross margin up 380 bps vs. a year ago - Gross margin for the quarter increased 380 basis points versus year ago, 450 basis points on a currency-neutral basis. The increase was driven by 340 basis points of pricing benefit and 290 basis points of productivity savings. These were partially offset by 110 basis points of contract material price increases net of a modest reduction in commodities, 20 basis points of product and package reinvestments and 50 basis points of negative product mix and other impacts. Operating margin for the quarter increased 190 basis points versus the prior year, 310 basis points on a currency-neutral basis.

07:17 EDT Charter: Q2 total residential, SMB Internet customers up 77,000 - Second quarter total residential and small and medium business Internet customers increased by 77,000. As of June 30, 2023, Charter served a total of 30.6M residential and SMB Internet customers. Second quarter total residential and SMB mobile lines increased by 648,000. As of June 30, 2023, Charter served a total of 6.6m mobile lines. As of June 30, 2023, Charter had a total of 32.2M residential and SMB customer relationships, which excludes mobile-only relationships.

07:10 EDT Blue World Acquisition extends deadline for initial business combination - Blue World Acquisition announced that the Company intends to extend the period of time the Company has to consummate a business combination by one month from August 2, 2023 to September 2, 2023. As provided in the current governing document of the Company, the management has the option, but no obligation, to extend the period to consummation its initial business combination beyond July 2, 2023 by depositing $60,000 into the Trust Account for each one-month extension, in connection with such additional extensions, up to nine times until April 2, 2024.

07:08 EDT Biogen to acquire Reata Pharmaceuticals for $172.50 per share in cash - Biogen Inc. (BIIB) and Reata Pharmaceuticals (RETA) announced the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Biogen has agreed to acquire Reata for $172.50 per share in cash, reflecting an enterprise value of approximately $7.3B. Reata has made significant advancements developing therapeutics that regulate cellular metabolism and inflammation in serious neurologic diseases. Reata's FDA-approved SKYCLARYS is the first and only approved treatment for Friedreich's ataxia in the United States, with a commercial launch underway, and European regulatory review ongoing. In addition, Reata is developing a portfolio of innovative products for a range of neurological diseases. The transaction, which was approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is currently anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2023. Biogen expects this acquisition to be accounted for as a business combination. The acquisition of Reata is expected to be slightly dilutive to Biogen's Non-GAAP diluted Earnings Per Share in 2023, roughly neutral in 2024, and significantly accretive beginning in 2025, inclusive of associated transaction costs. Biogen plans to update its Full Year 2023 Financial Guidance in conjunction with its third quarter 2023 earnings release. Biogen expects to finance the acquisition with cash on hand, supplemented by the issuance of term debt. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Reata stockholders and the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. Biogen has entered into voting and support agreements with certain stockholders of Reata representing approximately 36% of the voting power of Reata's common stock.

07:07 EDT Steakholder Foods granted patent for bioprinting technology - Steakholder Foods announces the allowance of a groundbreaking patent for advanced print heads designed for 3D bioprinting. This cutting-edge technology represents a significant step forward in the fabrication of edible biostructures. Bioprinting has emerged as a transformative process for creating intricate biological structures, including edible biostructures that mimic the properties and functionalities of native tissues. Steakholder Foods recognizes the immense potential of bioprinting and has been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of this technology. The newly allowed patent underscores a significant milestone in their relentless pursuit of commercial-scale 3D printing technologies.

07:06 EDT Ecarx appoints Zhou as Chief Financial Officer - ECARX has appointed Phil Jing Zhou as its chief financial officer, effective on July 28, 2023. Zhou will succeed Ramesh Narasimhan, who will take on the position of advisor to the chief executive officer with effect from the same date. Zhou has more than 20 years of experience in finance and business operations. He joined ECARX in 2021 as chief of staff to the chief executive officer, China chief financial officer and vice president of business operations and has served as executive vice president, China operations since May 2023.

07:04 EDT Colgate-Palmolive reports Q2 gross profit margin 57.8% - GAAP Gross profit margin and Base Business Gross profit margin both increased 80 basis points to 57.8%, including a negative 70 basis point impact from private label sales resulting from the previously disclosed acquisitions of pet food businesses.

07:03 EDT Medicenna Therapeutics expects cash to fund operations through 3Q24 - As of June 30, 2023, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $29.6 million, compared to $33.6 million on March 31, 2023.

06:59 EDT Procter & Gamble CEO says 'very strong finish' to FY23 - "The April-June quarter provided a very strong finish to fiscal year 2023 - top-line growth, bottom-line growth, and cash generation," said Jon Moeller, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The team met or exceeded our going-in plans for sales, earnings, and cash in a difficult operating environment and despite significant cost headwinds. As we look forward to fiscal 2024, we expect to deliver strong organic sales growth, EPS growth and free cash flow productivity - each in-line with our long-term growth algorithm, despite continued macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges. We remain committed to our strategy - a focus on daily use categories where performance drives brand choice, superiority (of product, package, communication, go-to-market execution and value), productivity, constructive disruption, and an agile and accountable organization structure and culture - all in pursuit of sustainable, balanced growth and value creation."

06:48 EDT Booz Allen cuts FY24 net cash from operating activities view to $160M-$260M - Prior view was $500M-$600M.

06:37 EDT Chart Industries narrows FY23 adjusted EPS view to $5.70-$6.70 from $5.50-$6.70 - Reaffirms FY23 revenue view $3.66B-$3.80B, consensus $3.66B. Consensus is for FY23 EPS $5.93. The company said "We have more than typical of our second half sales outlook already booked in backlog and given the synergy achievement to date, the continued demand in our commercial pipeline of the combined business, the timing of project revenues including Big LNG in backlog and our Q2 record backlog, we are reiterating our outlook for 2023 sales to be in the anticipated range of $3.66B-$3.80B, with associated adjusted EBITDA of $780M-$810M. Our 2023 outlook for adjusted diluted EPS is in the expected range of $5.70-$6.70 on approximately 47M shares outstanding. Our 2023 outlook for adjusted free cash flow is in the anticipated range of $300M$350M, unchanged from prior outlook, and our cash available for debt paydown is expected to be in the range of $655M-$705M, inclusive of announced divestiture proceeds of $380M. While our guidance does not include any new big LNG orders beyond what is in backlog, we expect to book an additional Big LNG order in the second half 2023, in addition to the Q1 Sempra Port Arthur award and the Q2 Big LNG equipment award, and continue to expect ongoing Big LNG demand in the years ahead. Additionally, we reiterate our 2024 adjusted EBITDA outlook of approximately $1.3B."

06:32 EDT Exxon Mobil reports Q2 cash flow from operations $9.4B; free cash flow $5B - The company's debt-to-capital ratio remained at 17% and net-debt-to-capital ratio was 5%, reflecting a period-end cash balance of $29.6B.

06:21 EDT NatWest Group sees 2023 Bank NIM less than 3.20% - The company said, "We retain the guidance provided in the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts with the exception of full year 2023 Bank NIM which is now expected to be less than 3.20%, with a current view of around 3.15%. This remains subject to market conditions including the assumption of a Bank of England base rate of 5.50% from Q3 2023 through to the end of the year."

06:19 EDT NatWest Group intends to commence GBP 500M on-market buyback program in 2H23 - The company said, "We are pleased to announce an interim dividend of 5.5 pence per share and intend to commence an on-market buyback programme of up to GBP 500 million in the second half of 2023 in addition to the GBP 1.3 billion directed buyback completed in Q2 2023 bringing total distributions deducted from capital to GBP 2.5 billion for H1 2023."

06:17 EDT NatWest Group appoints Paul Thwaite as CEO - On 25 July 2023, Alison Rose stepped down as CEO and as a Director of NatWest Group plc. Paul Thwaite was appointed as CEO and as a Director of NatWest Group plc for an initial period of 12 months, subject to regulatory approval.

05:31 EDT VNET Group appoints Tim Chen as chief strategy officer - VNET Group announced that Tim Chen has been appointed as the company's chief strategy officer. Qiyu Wang, former VP of finance, was promoted to succeed Chen as the company's chief financial officer, effective immediately. In his new role, Qiyu will oversee the company's finance, legal, mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations. Qiyu Wang joined the company in April and has served as the VP of finance since then. Prior to joining the company, Qiyu had over 20 years' experience in the Chinese telecommunications industry, in charge of business operations, financial management and capital operations.

05:14 EDT ING Groep appoints Gorkem Koseolu as chief technology officer - ING appoints Gorkem Koseolu as chief technology officer and member of the management board banking. ING announced the appointment of Gorkem Koseolu as chief technology officer and member of the management board banking. Gorkem will take up his position on 1 September, succeeding Ron van Kemenade, who stepped down effective April 30. Gorkem is currently the chief operations officer of ING Netherlands, where he leads all the client services activities, the global transformation office, delivery tribes including data management, KYC services, collections, and fraud management. Gorkem joined ING in 2012 as chief operations officer and chief information officer of ING Turkey where he led the transformation agenda, optimizing customer journeys, processes and legacy platforms. In 2018, Gorkem became ING Group's chief analytics officer, setting up the Global Analytics unit, defining the strategies for change and analytics platforms and building a global analytics community. Prior to ING, Gorkem spent over 10 years in the financial institutions practice and business technology practice at global consultancy firm McKinsey & Company.