Stockwinners Market Radar for September 15, 2023 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

18:30 EDT Ionis treatment of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease granted FDA orphan designation - According to a post on the FDA's website, Ionis Pharmaceuticals' treatment of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease was granted orphan designation. Reference Link

17:17 EDT Lockheed Martin awarded $104.7M Army contract modification - Lockheed Martin was awarded a $104.7M modification to a contract for Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon ground support equipment. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of February 28, 2028. FY23 missile procurement, Army funds; and FY23 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $104.7M, were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command is the contracting authority.

17:13 EDT Benson Hill receives NYSE notice of non-compliance - Benson Hill announced that on Sept. 13, 2023, it received a notice from the New York Stock Exchange notifying the company that it is not in compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards because as of Sept. 12, 2023, the average closing price of the company's common stock, was less than $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. The Notice does not result in the immediate delisting of the company's common stock from the NYSE.

17:10 EDT General Dynamics awarded $517.25M Navy delivery order - General Dynamics was awarded a not-to-exceed $517.25M firm-fixed-price, undefinitized delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement, to provide unique parts and specialized material, including initial spares, for Virginia-class submarines. Work is expected to be completed by September 2028. FY23 working capital funds in the amount of $496.32M; and FY23 other procurement funds in the amount of $20.92M, will be obligated at time of award, of which $496.33M will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.

16:31 EDT Rubicon Technologies announces 1-for-8 reverse stock split - Rubicon Technologies announced that the company's board of directors approved a reverse stock split of Rubicon's Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, at a ratio of 1-for-8. The Reverse Stock Split is expected to become effective immediately after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on September 26, 2023, and Rubicon's Common Stock is expected to begin trading on the NYSE on a split-adjusted basis at the opening of trading on September 27, 2023, under the existing ticker symbol "RBT", new CUSIP number 78112J208, and new ISIN number US78112J2087. Rubicon's publicly traded warrants will continue to be traded on the NYSE under the existing ticker symbol "RBT.WS" and existing CUSIP and ISIN numbers. The Reverse Stock Split was approved by Rubicon's stockholders at the company's 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held on June 8, 2023, with the final ratio to be determined by the Board. The company will file an amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation to implement the Reverse Stock Split as of the Effective Time. The primary goal of the Reverse Stock Split is to increase the per share market price of the Common Stock to regain compliance with the minimum $1.00 average closing price requirement for continued listing on the NYSE.

16:07 EDT GSK says FDA approves Ojjaara for treatment of myelofibrosis - GSK announced that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved Ojjaara for the treatment of intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis or secondary myelofibrosis, in adults with anaemia. Ojjaara is a once-a-day, oral JAK1/JAK2 and activin A receptor type 1 inhibitor. To date, it is the only approved medicine for both newly diagnosed and previously treated myelofibrosis patients with anaemia that addresses the key manifestations of the disease, namely anaemia, constitutional symptoms, and splenomegaly. Nina Mojas, Senior Vice President, Oncology Global Product Strategy, GSK, said: "The vast majority of myelofibrosis patients eventually develop anaemia, causing them to discontinue treatments and require transfusions. Given this high unmet need, we are proud to add Ojjaara to our oncology portfolio and address a significant medical need in the community. We look forward to helping improve outcomes in this difficult-to-treat blood cancer."

16:06 EDT Polished announces NYSE American notification of continued listing deficiency - Polished.com announced that it had received a deficiency letter from the NYSE American LLC stating that the company is not in compliance with the continued listing standards as set forth in Section 1003(f)(v) of the NYSE American Company Guide. The Letter stated that because the company's common stock had been trading for a low price per share for a substantial period of time, the company was not in compliance with Section 1003(f)(v) of the Company Guide. The NYSE American staff determined that the company's continued listing is predicated on it effecting a reverse stock split of its common stock or otherwise demonstrating sustained price improvement within a reasonable period of time, which the staff determined to be until March 13, 2024. The company intends to regain compliance with the NYSE American's continued listing standards by undertaking a measure or measures that are in the best interests of the company and its stockholders.

15:40 EDT Hawthorn Bank names John Bowers as new Chief Strategy Officer - Hawthorn Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Hawthorn Bancshares, has named John Bowers as its new Chief Strategy Officer. "Bowers will be responsible for formalizing and leading the development of the organization's strategic planning processes and translating the strategy across functions and business units," the bank stated.

13:03 EDT Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 9 to 641 rigs - Baker Hughes reports that the U.S. rig count is up 9 from last week to 641 with oil rigs up 2 to 515, gas rigs up 8 to 121 and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 5. The U.S. Rig Count is down 122 rigs from last year's count of 763 with oil rigs down 84, gas rigs down 41 and miscellaneous up 3. The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is unchanged at 19, up 4 year-over-year. The Canada Rig Count is up 8 from last week to 190, with oil rigs up 6 to 119 gas rigs up 2 to 71. Canada Rig Count is down 21 from last year's count of 211, with oil rigs down 27, and gas rigs up 6.

12:38 EDT Ayro announces 1-for-8 reverse stock split - Ayro announced that it intends to effect a reverse stock split of its common stock at a ratio of one post-split share for every every pre-split shares. The reverse stock split will become effective at 4:00 p.m. New York time on Friday, September 15. Ayro's common stock will continue to be traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol AYRO and will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis when the market opens on Monday, September 18.

12:22 EDT Biden says record automaker profits haven't been shared fairly with workers - President Joe Biden made the comment when speaking about the UAW strike at Ford (F), General Motors (GM) and Stellantis (STLA) plants in a press conference.

12:00 EDT Kemper falls -9.9% - Kemper is down -9.9%, or -$5.06 to $45.97.

12:00 EDT Blue Owl Capital rises 6.0% - Blue Owl Capital is up 6.0%, or 72c to $12.74.

12:00 EDT Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 3X Shares rises 7.0% - Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 3X Shares is up 7.0%, or 70c to $10.80.

11:31 EDT Lennar: Demand for affordable homes is strong

11:20 EDT Lennar: Land, supply shortages to constrain homebuilding

11:09 EDT Lennar: Consumers have adjusted to 'higher for longer' interest rates

10:47 EDT EA's 'Madden NFL 24' best-selling game in U.S. in August, says Circana - Circana analyst Mat Piscatella said that Electronic Arts' (EA) "Madden NFL 24" was the best-selling game of August in the U.S., instantly becoming the 6th best-selling game of 2023 YTD. This is the 24th consecutive year in which a "Madden NFL" franchise release was the best-selling title of its launch month. Launch month dollar sales of "Madden NFL 24" software, excluding digital add-on spending, grew by a double-digit percentage when compared to "Madden NFL 23" a year ago. Bandai Namco's (NCBDY) "Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon" was the 2nd best-selling game of August and ranked as the 20th best-selling game of 2023 year-to-date after one month in market. Other top selling premium games for the month of August in the U.S. were Embracer's (THQQF) "Remnant II," Activision Blizzard's (ATVI) "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" and "Diablo IV," Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) "Hogwarts Legacy," Nintendo's (NTDOY) "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," Sony's (SONY) "MLB The Show 23," and Microsoft's (MSFT) "Minecraft." Reference Link

10:04 EDT AstraZeneca says Enhertu recommended for approval in EU by CHMP - AstraZeneca (AZN) and Daiichi Sankyo's (DSNKY) Enhertu has been recommended for approval in the European Union as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, whose tumors have an activating HER2 mutation and who require systemic therapy following platinum-based chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy, the companies announced.

10:01 EDT Izea secures low-seven-figure content production contract - IZEA Worldwide announced that it has secured a low-seven-figure content production contract with a leading EdTech company, a recurring customer. IZEA's network of creators will produce custom content to increase brand exposure and website traffic for the client. The program will run through end of year.

10:00 EDT Lindsay falls -6.3% - Lindsay is down -6.3%, or -$8.03 to $119.80.

10:00 EDT ProShares Ultra Silver rises 5.9% - ProShares Ultra Silver is up 5.9%, or $1.51 to $27.27.

10:00 EDT Blue Owl Capital rises 6.2% - Blue Owl Capital is up 6.2%, or 74c to $12.76.

09:47 EDT WeWork falls -4.9% - WeWork is down -4.9%, or -22c to $4.32.

09:47 EDT Planet Fitness falls -8.2% - Planet Fitness is down -8.2%, or -$4.92 to $54.88.

09:47 EDT PagSeguro Digital rises 5.3% - PagSeguro Digital is up 5.3%, or 48c to $9.62.

09:40 EDT Western Union fund distributes $40M to victims in U.S. and abroad, DOJ reports - The Justice Department announced that the Western Union Remission Fund began a distribution of approximately $40M in funds forfeited to the United States from the Western Union Company to approximately 25,000 victims located in the United States and abroad. These victims stand to recover the full amount of their losses. "This is the first distribution in the second phase of the Western Union Remission distributions. The first phase of distributions paid more than $365M to over 148,000 victims, all of whom received full compensation for their losses. The Justice Department anticipates authorizing more distributions for victims in the coming months," the DOJ stated. Reference Link

09:32 EDT Antelope Enterprise Holdings announces one-for-ten reverse stock split - Antelope Enterprise Holdings announced that its Board of Directors has set the date of September 18, 2023 to be the effective date for the company's one-for-ten reverse stock split of its issued and outstanding ordinary shares. The company's Class A ordinary shares will begin trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market on a split-adjusted basis when the market opens on September 18, 2023. The CUSIP number for the company's Class A ordinary shares will be changed to G041JN122.

09:30 EDT UTime announces strategic partnership with subsidiary of Jiuzi Holdings - United Time Technology, an entity controlled via contractual agreement by UTime, signed a strategic partnership agreement on September 12, 2023 to design, assemble and supply up to 10,000 new smart EV chargers to Shenzhen Jiuzi XinNeng Holding Group Co, an indirect subsidiary of Jiuzi Holdings (NASDAQ: JZXN) from 2024 to 2027. The parties aim to deploy the chargers to provide more convenient and efficient charging solutions for electric vehicle users in third and fourth-tier cities in China. This cooperation is expected to leverage the advantages of both parties in technology, service and marketing to inject new impetus into the sustainable development of the electric vehicle industry chain and create greater value for investors, partners and customers. This cooperation marks an important step for WTO in the field of smart EV charger production. CEO Hengcong Qiu commented, "WTO has been committed to create a more intelligent and convenient charging ecosystem for users. This strategic cooperation agreement does not only showcase the company's core technology capabilities, but is also extremely important for WTO's business development and future growth."

09:22 EDT MultiMetaVerse to acquire Taomee for RMB 543M plus variable consideration - MultiMetaVerse Holdings announced that it has, through its subsidiary in China, entered into an agreement to acquire 100% equity in Shanghai Shengran Information Technology Co., Ltd. and associated interests pertaining to all of its consolidated VIEs. MMV expects to complete this transaction by the end of this year. The acquisition will be a major milestone for MMV in expanding its portfolio and will significantly enhance its financial performance including its revenue and cash flow. Founded in 2007, Taomee is one of China's leading entertainment and media companies for the younger generations, with established and popular original brands including "Mole's World", "Seer" and "Flower Angel". The total purchase price is comprised of a fixed consideration of RMB 543M, plus a variable consideration based on certain adjustments but in no event lower than RMB 17M, all to be paid in cash. The purchase price will be financed through a combination of share issues and bank loans. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Taomee recorded a total unaudited revenue of $33.6M and adjusted unaudited EBITDA of $13.1M. During the last twelve months ended June 30, 2023, Taomee recorded a total unaudited revenue of $42.6M and adjusted unaudited EBITDA of $17.1M.

09:17 EDT Merck announces CHMP opinion recommending approval of Keytruda - Merck announced that the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, adopted an opinion recommending approval of Keytruda, Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, for the adjuvant treatment of adults with non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, who are at high risk of recurrence following complete resection and platinum-based chemotherapy.

09:03 EDT Smart for Life appoints Crockett to advisory board - Smart for Life announced that it has appointed Alicia Crockett to the Company's advisory board.

08:54 EDT Vertex announces CHMP recommendation for Kaftrio label extension - Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced that the European Medicines Agency's, or EMA, Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, adopted am opinion for the label extension of Kaftrio in a combination regimen with ivacaftor, for the treatment of children with cystic fibrosis, or CF, ages two through five years old who have at least one F508del mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, or CFTR, gene.

08:47 EDT Planet Fitness names Craig Benson as interim CEO, effective immediately - Planet Fitness announced that Craig Benson, a member of the company's Board of Directors, has been appointed Interim CEO, effective immediately. Benson's appointment follows the decision by the Board to transition to new leadership, resulting in Chris Rondeau's departure as the company's CEO. Rondeau will continue to serve as a member of the company's Board of Directors and will be nominated for re-election at the company's 2024 Annual Meeting. Rondeau will continue to serve the company in an advisory role as contemplated under his existing agreements with the company to help ensure a smooth transition. In connection with this transition, the Board is engaging a leading executive search firm to assist in a comprehensive search process to identify a permanent CEO, with both internal and external candidates being considered. The management change is not the result of any material or unexpected financial events. Benson has served on the Planet Fitness Board of Directors since July 2017. He currently serves as the CEO at Soft Draw Investments, LLC.

08:31 EDT YS Biopharma granted new patent covering PIKA YS-HBV-002 - YS Biopharma announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued it a patent covering the company's PIKA YS-HBV-002, an immunotherapeutic vaccine designed to treat patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B virus infection. YS Biopharma expects to submit an Investigational New Drug application and commence the clinical development of PIKA YS-HBV-002 as a novel immunotherapy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection in 2024.

08:07 EDT Rogers Communications to offer new iPhone 15 lineup - Rogers will offer iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the advanced new Apple Watch Series 9, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. "Rogers is excited to offer our customers the new iPhone 15 lineup on Canada's largest and most reliable 5G network, so our customers can take full advantage of the lightweight titanium design, powerful camera, and A17 Pro chip," said Phil Hartling, President, Wireless.

08:03 EDT Ascendis Pharma launches SKYTROFA in Germany - Ascendis Pharma announced the launch in Germany of SKYTROFA, its growth hormone approved in the European Union for the once-weekly treatment of children and adolescents ages 3 to 18 years with growth failure due to insufficient endogenous growth hormone secretion. "SKYTROFA is designed to deliver unmodified somatropin, the same growth hormone used in daily pediatric GHD treatments for more than 30 years, and we are pleased now to make it available in Germany," said Camilla Harder Hartvig, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Commercial Officer at Ascendis Pharma. "This first European Union launch of SKYTROFA begins acceleration of its commercialization beyond the U.S. as we work to expand our leadership to new geographies."

08:02 EDT Pliant Therapeutics appoints Kuo as Chief Development Officer - Pliant Therapeutics (PLRX) announced the appointment of Minnie Kuo as Chief Development Officer. Kuo will oversee all aspects of the Company's nonclinical and clinical development activities. Prior to joining Pliant, Kuo held roles of increasing responsibilities at Vir Biotechnology (VIR), most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Translational and Clinical Development Operations.

08:01 EDT Enservco names Lade as SVP, Chief of Staff - Enservco announced the appointment of executive Mike Lade as senior vice president, SVP, and chief of staff. Lade is the former president and CFO of Rapid Hot, an oilfield services company recently acquired by Enservco.

07:46 EDT Entourage Health announces amendment to key supply agreement - Entourage Health (ETRGF) announced it has entered into an amended supply agreement with HEXO Corp. The amendments, amongst other things, extend the initial term of the agreement, securing Entourage's ongoing access to high-quality bulk cannabis biomass for its product portfolio. The prices of all products supplied under the Supply Agreement are fixed but subject to limited and periodical adjustments depending on prevailing production costs. The amended terms follow HEXO's acquisition by Tilray Brands (TLRY). "We take pride in the exceptional quality of our cannabis products," remarked George Scorsis, CEO and Chair. "Our partnership with HEXO has consistently delivered impressive results. Moving ahead with Tilray, a highly respected company, we share a common goal - to develop a partnership deeply rooted in our promise to ensure our products continue to meet and exceed the highest standard of quality and satisfaction for our patients and consumers. We are excited to work together towards this shared objective with Tilray."

07:31 EDT Silvercorp Metals announces 8.49M share repurchase program - Silvercorp Metals announced a normal course issuer bid to acquire up to 8,487,191 common shares of the company, representing approximately 4.8% of the 176,816,488 common shares issued and outstanding as of September 5, 2023. The repurchase program will run from September 19, 2023 to September 18, 2024. The company is taking this action to provide it with enhanced flexibility should market conditions result in Silvercorp's shares being undervalued relative to the value of its mining operations and corporate assets comprised of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $200.6M, in addition to investments in associates and other companies having a total market value of $71.7M, both as at June 30, 2023.

07:12 EDT NRx Pharmaceuticals signs data sharing agreement for ketamine treatment - NRx Pharmaceuticals announced that it has signed a data sharing agreement with the study leadership of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 156 patients hospitalized for Acute Suicidality and Depression in 7 French Government Hospitals. This trial, conducted under International Good Clinical Practices and Helsinki standards demonstrated a statistically-significant reduction in suicidal ideation and depression among patients randomized to intravenous racemic ketamine, compared to those randomized to placebo. The trial reached its primary endpoint for all patients and demonstrated the largest effect among the subgroup with bipolar depression. The top line data from this trial were published in the British Medical Journal and additional data reports are planned. The efficacy demonstrated confirms earlier, smaller trials conducted in the United States and elsewhere. As disclosed previously, NRx met with the FDA in January 2023 at which time the FDA requested randomized, placebo-controlled data in support of intravenous ketamine for acute suicidality in the inpatient setting. Such trials are extraordinarily complex to organize and generally require Government support. In this case, NRx approached the Fondation FundaMental, led by Marion Leboyer, who served on the NRx Scientific Advisory Board and facilitated establishing the current Data Sharing Agreement. Under this agreement, NRx has translated the clinical study report, which will be submitted to FDA and is converting the electronic, patient level data files to a form suitable for FDA review. NRx plans to meet with FDA in the coming months to discuss a regulatory path for the use of ketamine to treat patients with Bipolar Depression and Acute Suicidal Ideation and Behavior.

06:56 EDT Kemper names Bradley Camden as interim CFO - Kemper announced the appointment of Bradley Camden, its Senior Vice President and Treasurer, as Interim CFO, effective immediately. Camden will report to Joseph Lacher, Jr., Kemper's President, CEO and Chairman, and replaces James McKinney, who will serve as a senior advisor to the company to support a smooth transition. Kemper is initiating a formal search process as part of the selection of a permanent CFO.

06:31 EDT UAW starts strike at Ford, GM, and Stellantis plants - The United Auto Workers union announced overnight that thousands of its members at Ford (F), General Motors (GM) and Stellantis (STLA) walked out, "marking the beginning of the Stand Up Strike." UAW members at GM Wentzville Assembly, Local 2250 in Region 4, at Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex, Local 12 in Region 2B, and at Ford Michigan Assembly Plant - Final Assembly and Paint, Local 900 in Region 1A are on strike. "This fight is our generation's defining moment. Not just at the Big Three, but across the entire working class," the UAW said in a statement. Shares of Ford and General Motors are down around 2% in pre-market trading while Stellantis is up slightly. Reference Link

06:12 EDT Novartis shareholders approve proposed 100% spinoff of Sandoz - At an Extraordinary General Meeting, Novartis shareholders approved the proposed 100% spin-off of Sandoz, the Generics and Biosimilars business of Novartis. Shareholders also approved an ordinary capital decrease of the share capital of Novartis AG in the amount of the share capital of Sandoz. This is to achieve tax neutrality of the spin-off for Swiss withholding tax purposes and for income tax purposes for Swiss domiciled shareholders holding the shares as private assets. This decision follows the announcement in August 2022 that Novartis intended to separate the Sandoz business to create an independent company by way of a 100% Spin-off. Novartis is confident that the Spin-off is in the best interests of shareholders, creating a European champion and a global leader in Generics and Biosimilars, and a more focused Novartis. The spin-off is planned to occur on or around October 4, 2023. The spin-off will be implemented through the distribution of a dividend-in-kind of Sandoz shares to Novartis shareholders, and of Sandoz American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, to Novartis ADR holders. Novartis shareholders and Novartis ADR holders will receive: 1 Sandoz Share for every 5 Novartis Shares; 1 Sandoz ADR for every 5 Novartis ADRs. The spin-off is expected to be tax neutral for Swiss tax and US federal income tax purposes. The proposed 100% Spin-off of Sandoz is planned to occur on or around October 4, 2023. The Novartis Shareholder Information Brochure includes an indicative timeline of the next steps for the proposed Sandoz Spin-off. Sandoz is planned to be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, with an American Depositary Receipt, or ADR, program in the U.S. The ADRs will not be listed on a US national securities exchange. In addition to Novartis shareholder approval, completion of the proposed Sandoz Spin-off is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including receipt of the necessary approvals for the listing of the Sandoz shares, no event outside of the control of Novartis preventing the spin-off and no material adverse change. There can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing of the proposed transaction or that the transaction will be completed, the company stated.

05:31 EDT Miniso reports new $200M share repurchase program - Miniso announced that, following the expiration of the share repurchase program the company adopted in September 2022, the board of directors of the company authorized and approved a new share repurchase program on September 15, under which the company may repurchase up to $200M in value of its outstanding ordinary shares and/or American depositary shares representing its ordinary shares over a period of 12 months starting from the date on which the program was approved. The company expects to fund repurchases under the program from surplus cash on its balance sheet.

05:06 EDT Argenx announces CHMP recommendation for EC approval of SC efgartigimod - Argenx announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, of the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, has recommended EC approval of the SC injectable formulation of efgartigimod as an add on to standard therapy for the treatment of adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis, or gMG, who are anti acetylcholine receptor, or AChR, antibody positive. SC efgartigimod is formulated with Halozyme's Enhanze drug delivery technology to facilitate subcutaneous delivery of biologics.