Stockwinners Market Radar for October 01, 2023 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:00 EDT SmileDirectClub trading resumes

18:38 EDT SmileDirectClub to execute comprehensive recapitalization, files Chapter 11 - SmileDirectClub announced a process to implement a comprehensive recapitalization transaction. The additional capital and stronger financial position from this recapitalization is intended to bolster the company's balance sheet and fuel growth initiatives to allow SmileDirectClub to thrive as an international oral care leader for many years to come. SmileDirectClub will seek to recapitalize through a transaction where the company's founders have committed to invest at least $20M to bolster the company's balance sheet and to protect its near- and long-term financial health. Up to $60M of additional capital is available upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including the favorable conclusion of a marketing process. The founders' investment in the company reflects their commitment to SmileDirectClub's mission of democratizing access to premium oral care, as well their conviction in the success of the recently launched SmileMaker Platform and CarePlus growth initiatives. To effectuate the transaction, SmileDirectClub has voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. During this restructuring process, SmileDirectClub intends to continue to provide affordable and accessible oral care to its customers without disruption. The additional liquidity the company received from its founders, coupled with its normal operating cash flows, is intended to ensure SmileDirectClub is able to continue meeting commitments to stakeholders without disruption throughout this process.

18:08 EDT Evergy reaches unanimous settlement with parties to Kansas rate case - Evergy announced that a unanimous agreement has been reached with parties to its Kansas rate case. The agreement was filed Friday with the Kansas Corporation Commission and must be approved by the state's Commissioners, who are scheduled to issue an order in December. "This settlement is a very strong result for our customers," said David Campbell, Evergy president and chief executive. "As a result of this settlement, average retail rates in Kansas will have increased just one percent, cumulatively, since 2017. And Evergy will recover investments made to improve the electric grid and build a cleaner, more reliable energy future for our Kansas customers, all while improving our record of regional rate competitiveness." If the agreement is approved, Evergy Kansas Central will implement a net increase of $74.0 million and Evergy Kansas Metro will have a net decrease of $32.9 million. Costs for residential customers in Evergy Kansas Central, which includes Topeka, Pittsburg, Wichita, Hutchinson and other communities in the eastern third of the state, will increase about 4.05%, which translates to an increase of approximately $4.64 per month for the average residential customer. For Evergy Kansas Metro, which includes Lenexa, Overland Park and other communities near the Kansas City metro area, rates for residential customers will decrease about 4.75%, and the average residential customer will pay about $6.07 less per month.

17:23 EDT Electronic Arts CEO Wilson sells 5,000 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Electronic Arts CEO and board chair Andrew Wilson disclosed the sale of 5,000 common shares of the company on September 28 at a price of $120 per share.

17:18 EDT Bowman corrects previously issued statement on Canadian National assignment - Bowman Consulting Group (BWMN) said it is correcting a previously issued announcement to clarify that Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) has only selected the company for a stand-alone construction management services project in the Chicago area. The prior release erroneously characterized the award as a multi-year agreement for on-call engineering services at various CN locations throughout the United States.

17:14 EDT Lockheed Martin awarded $746.27M Navy contract - Lockheed Martin was awarded a $746.27M firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide program management, non-recurring unique requirements, and training in support of integration efforts for the government of Switzerland into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program as a Foreign Military Sales, or FMS, customer. Work is expected to be completed in December 2030. FMS customer funds in the amount of $746.27M will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:02 EDT Cano Health CFO Brian Koppy steps down, Eladio Gil appointed interim CFO - Cano Health announced that Eladio Gil has been appointed interim CFO, effective September 29. Gil, who previously served as Cano Health's VP of Medicare Advantage finance, succeeds Brian Koppy, who has stepped down to accept an opportunity outside the organization.

17:01 EDT Borqs Technologies announces 1-for-12 reverse stock split - Borqs Technologies announced that its board of directors has approved a 1-for-12 reverse split for the company's common stock. The reverse stock split is anticipated to take effect on October 10, 2023. Accordingly, at the effective date, every twelve issued and outstanding shares of the company's common stock will be converted into one share of the company's common stock. The company's common stock is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on a post-split basis beginning on October 10, 2023, under a new CUSIP number: G1466B145.

16:11 EDT Rivian Automotive to build EV manufacturing plant in Georgia - On September 26, 2023, Rivian Horizon, LLC, a subsidiary of Rivian Automotive, the State of Georgia acting by and through the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Joint Development Authority of Jasper County, Morgan County, Newton County and Walton County entered into the First Amendment to the Economic Development Agreement, which amends the Economic Development Agreement, dated May 2, 2022, among the Company and the Public Parties. Pursuant to the Agreement, the company agreed to build an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Georgia and (i) create 7,500 new jobs for full-time employees at the Project and (ii) make a minimum capital investment of $5B in the Project. As consideration for and as a condition to the company Commitments, the Public Parties agreed to provide the company with various state and local incentives having an aggregate value of approximately $1.5B, including tax credits and exemptions, grants to offset eligible costs of the Project, site development and preparation and recruitment and job training programs for the Project. The Amendment modifies the period during which the company is required to maintain the company Commitments on an annual basis. As modified, the Performance Period commences on December 31, 2030 and expires on December 31, 2047. To the extent the company fails to achieve an average of 80% of the company Commitments in any year during the Performance Period, the company is required to make a repayment to the Public Parties of a pro rata portion of the total value of the Incentive Payments received by the company in such year. In addition, under the Agreement, the company agreed to make payments in lieu of taxes to the JDA annually during the term of the Rental Agreement between the JDA and company. The Rental Agreement will be executed by the JDA and the company at Closing. The minimum annual PILOT Payments start at $1.5M and gradually increase to $20.4M by 2047, and the PILOT Payments are subject to further increases as set forth in the Agreement if the Company exceeds its initial $5B Investment Commitment. The company has agreed to pay a minimum of approximately $300M in PILOT Payments over the course of the PILOT period. The Amendment further allows the company to seek a loan to provide an additional source of financing for the development and construction of the Project from a lender reasonably acceptable to the State and the JDA. In connection with the Loan, the company will be required to comply with certain conditions set forth in the Amendment, including but not limited to posting collateral reasonably acceptable to the JDA and the State as consideration for the State and the JDA subordinating their respective interests in the Project assets in favor of the Lender. For purposes of the Amendment, certain types of lenders are deemed acceptable to the State and the JDA. In addition, the Agreement included certain termination rights prior to the Closing. The Amendment provides for additional termination rights after the Closing, with the company able to terminate the Agreement (i) no later than April 1, 2024, if the State fails to provide the company with reasonable assurances by February 15, 2024, that the company's use of the Project Site is exempt from local zoning and ordinances as a result of ownership of the Project Site by the State or (ii) no later than December 31, 2024, if the Loan is denied by the Lender for any reason, provided the company satisfies its obligations specifically associated with this particular termination right in the Amendment, including but not limited to payment of a termination fee and performance of certain removal/restoration requirements. The Closing is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, as specified in the Agreement. Pursuant to the Amendment, the company and the Public Parties have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy all conditions precedent to the Closing so that the Closing can occur on or before November 1, 2023.

16:00 EDT Oragenics enters into pact with Lantern Bioworks for replacement-therapy assets - Oragenics and Lantern Bioworks announce a groundbreaking partnership, marked by the formalization of a materials transfer agreement. This milestone follows rigorous testing and validation of Oragenics' biological samples, which are poised to potentially revolutionize dental caries prevention by replacing harmful bacterial strains with non-pathogenic counterparts. Under this agreement, Oragenics has received a cash payment of $50,000 alongside an enticing opportunity to acquire one million shares of Lantern Bioworks' equity. Additionally, Lantern Bioworks has committed to pay Oragenics a ten percent (10%) royalty on the net income generated from any products stemming from the transferred assets. The royalty payments span a ten (10)-year term. Kim Murphy, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Oragenics, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are elated to witness these assets continue their journey, contributing to the scientific legacy that Oragenics has cultivated over many years. Dental caries remains a pervasive global oral health challenge, and replacement-therapy approach holds immense promise in offering enduring protection against this disease." Of importance to note, these samples remain distinct from Oragenics' current or ongoing research endeavors, specifically in the realms of Lantibiotics or SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates. Instead, they originated from a prior research and development project that Oragenics had temporarily suspended, awaiting an opportune application.

15:58 EDT = Pharming Group NV ADS trading halted, volatility trading pause

15:05 EDT Vistra reports NRC approval to own, operate three Energy Harbor nuclear plants - Vistra and Energy Harbor received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or NRC, to transfer the operating licenses of Energy Harbor's three nuclear plants - Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse, and Perry - to Vistra. "The NRC's thorough and timely review of the license transfer application brings this transaction closer to completion. To finalize the acquisition, Vistra awaits a decision from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - FERC - on its request for approval of the transaction. Vistra continues to target closing the transaction before the end of the year," the company stated.

13:51 EDT Intel's new Ireland fab begins high-volume production of Intel 4 technology - Intel said it is celebrating the arrival of its Intel 4 technology, which uses extreme ultraviolet technology, and the first use of EUV in high-volume manufacturing in Europe. The arrival of this important moment ushers in the future for products like Intel's upcoming Intel Core Ultra processors (code-named Meteor Lake), which will pave the way for AI PCs, as well as future-generation Intel Xeon processors coming in 2024 and produced on the Intel 3 process node. EUV technology employed in the production of Intel 4 is broadly adopted in leading-edge semiconductor technology nodes that power the most demanding computing applications, such as artificial intelligence, advanced mobile networks, autonomous driving, and new data center and cloud applications. EUV plays a critical role in driving Intel toward its goals of delivering five nodes in four years and regaining leadership in process technology by 2025. "I am proud of the Intel team as well as our customers, suppliers and partners who worked with us to bring this moment to life and keep us on the path back to process leadership," said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO. "The Silicon Isle has always been core to our long-term strategy, and today's opening of Fab 34 contributes to the EU's goal of creating a more resilient and sustainable semiconductor supply chain." Additionally, the opening of Fab 34 in Leixlip, Ireland, combined with Intel's planned wafer fabrication facility in Magdeburg, Germany, and planned assembly and test facility in Wrocaw, Poland, will help create a first-of-its-kind end-to-end leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing value chain in Europe. As the home for industries at the vanguard of technology - AI, telecommunications, data center, automotive and others - Europe needs a resilient leading-edge semiconductor supply chain. "Intel's Ireland operations are a cornerstone of our global manufacturing footprint, and an important part of building an end-to-end semiconductor manufacturing value chain in Europe," said Keyvan Esfarjani, executive vice president and chief global operations officer at Intel. "As we continue to advance our 17-billion-euro investment, this marks a significant milestone and a win for our Ireland operations as it brings Intel's latest and greatest Intel 4 technology utilizing EUV to Fab 34, Ireland and Europe."

13:05 EDT Ford says UAW holding up deal over battery plants not online - Ford Motor said in a statement: "Ford today shared an update on its negotiations with the UAW. The bottom line, from the company's perspective: Ford has offered a contract that would change the lives of its 57,000 workers; The UAW is holding up the deal primarily over battery plants that will not come online for another two to three years; There is still time to reach an agreement and avert disaster - but not much time given the fragile supply base. 'If the UAW's goal is a record contract, they have already achieved this," said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. 'It is grossly irresponsible to escalate these strikes and hurt thousands of families.' Before the strike - on Sept. 12 - Ford made an offer that would mean substantial wins for its workers, including wage increases of more than 20%, traditional Cost of Living Allowances, health care coverage that is in the top 1% for all Americans, eliminating wage tiers, boosting strong retirement contributions, granting more time off and more. The company has continued to negotiate and improve its offer since Sept. 12. The billions in costs the UAW leadership is demanding - beyond the billions Ford has offered - would have devastating implications for Ford's business and the company's ability to protect good-paying union jobs going forward. Ford has invested more in UAW-represented employees than any other automaker, standing alone in adding UAW jobs since the Great Recession and exceeding its investment and job commitments for three consecutive UAW contracts."

13:04 EDT Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count down 7 to 623 rigs - Baker Hughes report the U.S. rig count is down 7 from last week to 623 rigs, with oil rigs down 5 to 502, gas rigs down 2 to 116 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 5. The U.S. rig count is down 142 rigs from last year's count of 765, with oil rigs down 102, gas rigs down 43 and miscellaneous up 3. The U.S. offshore rig count is up 1 to 20, up 4 year-over-year.

12:55 EDT ShiftPixy trading halted, news pending

12:17 EDT U.S. Bancorp unit receives $55M New Markets Tax Credit allocation - U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, and its community development entity - USBCDE - received $55M of New Markets Tax Credit allocation from the U.S. Department of Treasury. The bank said USBCDE has now been awarded more than $1B in total allocations,

12:01 EDT Nine Energy Service falls -10.6% - Nine Energy Service is down -10.6%, or -48c to $4.05.

12:00 EDT SOS Limited rises 7.2% - SOS Limited is up 7.2%, or 31c to $4.61.

12:00 EDT Fathom Digital rises 1743.3% - Fathom Digital is up 1743.3%, or $5.23 to $5.53.

11:22 EDT AMC Networks launches ad-supported version of AMC+ streaming service - AMC Networks announced yesterday that it has begun the rollout of an ad-supported version of its flagship AMC+ streaming service, with initial availability on its direct-to-consumer platform and apps, expanding to third-party platforms and channels providers in the coming weeks. Priced at $4.99 per month, the ad-supported version includes a light ad load of less than five minutes per hour and all of the same series and film titles that are offered on the ad-free version. Ad-free plans will remain available at the current pricing of $8.99 per month. Ad-free viewers also have the option to save more than 20 percent over standard monthly rates by purchasing an annual subscription for $83.88. "This ad-supported version of AMC+ gives consumers more flexibility while bringing ads to the only piece of our distribution ecosystem that wasn't already ad-supported," said Kim Kelleher, chief commercial officer of AMC Networks. "Now, with our linear networks, strong and growing presence on CTV and FAST platforms and ad-supported AMC+, our advertising partners can fully leverage the reach and appeal of our high-quality shows and connect with viewers wherever and however they choose to watch. We are also able to offer marketers new and innovative ways to reach consumers, like interactive and shoppable ads, more flexibility in product integrations, whole genre takeovers and other tech-enabled enhancements that weren't possible before."

10:57 EDT Sandy Spring Bancorp CFO Philip Mantua to retire March 31, 2024 - On September 26, Philip Mantua, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sandy Spring Bancorp, informed the company that he intends to retire effective March 31, 2024, and will step down as CFO upon the earlier of the company securing his replacement or March 31, 2024. Sandy Spring said it has has commenced a search for candidates for the CFO position.

10:42 EDT UAW expanding strikes at General Motors and Ford, sparing Stellantis - The UAW is calling on additional 7,000 employees at Ford (F) and General Motors (GM) to go on strike, the union's president, Shawn Fain, announced in a webcast. Stellantis (STLA) has made "significant progress" in talks with the UAW and no added strikes are being called now at Stellantis, Fain added.

10:40 EDT TradeUP Acquisition Corp trading resumes

10:39 EDT UAW's Fain says not calling on any additional Stellantis members to go on strike

10:37 EDT TradeUp Acquisition, Estrella Biopharma complete business combination - Estrella Immunopharma, formerly known as TradeUP Acquisition Corp. (UPTD), announced the successful closing of its business combination with Estrella Biopharma, a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing T-cell therapies with the capacity to address treatment challenges for patients with blood cancers and solid tumors. The resulting combined company will operate under the name Estrella Immunopharma, Inc. and will be led by Estrella Founder and CEO Dr. Cheng Liu. The combined company's common stock and warrants will trade on NASDAQ under the symbols "ESLA," and "ESLAW," respectively, effective October 2. On or about October 2, all remaining UPTD units will separate into their underlying components, which consist of one share of combined company's common stock and one-half of one warrant. Dr. Liu, President and CEO of Estrella, said, "Our anti-CD19 ARTEMIS T-cell therapy has the potential to improve patient outcomes while reducing the risk of Cytokine Release Syndrome. This marks a critical advancement in the management of blood cancer treatments."

10:36 EDT Honeywell board increases annual cash dividend to $4.32 per share - Honeywell announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in the company's regular annual cash dividend from $4.12 to $4.32 per share. The increase will be effective starting with the fourth-quarter dividend of $1.08 per share, which was declared today, and is payable on December 1, 2023, out of surplus to holders of record at the close of business on November 10, 2023.

10:32 EDT Graf Acquisition Corp 4 trading halted, volatility trading pause

10:11 EDT UAW expanding strike against Ford, GM and Stellantis - The UAW is expanding its strike against Ford (F), General Motors (GM) and Stellantis (STLA) after contract talks failed to reach a deal. Ford is being included in the latest strike expansion after having been spared last week. The strike will include three more Stellantis, GM and Ford assembly plants.

10:05 EDT Novartis completes divestment of 'front of eye' ophthalmology assets - Novartis (NVS) announced that it has completed its divestment of "front of eye" ophthalmology assets to Bausch + Lomb (BLCO) in a transaction valued up to $2.5B, consisting of $1.75B in upfront cash, plus potential additional milestone payments. The deal includes Xiidra, the first approved prescription treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, and investigational medicine SAF312, or libvatrep, in development as a first-in-class therapy for chronic ocular surface pain, as well as the AcuStream delivery device in dry eye indications and OJL332, a second generation TRPV1 antagonist in pre-clinical development. Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will receive $1.75B in an upfront cash payment and potential milestone payments of up to $750M linked to the achievement of specified sales milestones for Xiidra, and the achievement of specified commercialization and sales milestones for certain pipeline products in the transaction. Novartis, on behalf of Bausch + Lomb, will continue to supply Xiidra to patients via transitional agreements for a limited period post-close, to ensure consistent supply for patients. "The closing of this transaction is a further step forward as we advance our focused portfolio, investing in prioritized therapeutic areas that address high disease burden and hold the greatest potential for Novartis. On behalf of Novartis, I'd like to extend our gratitude to the talented 'front of eye' therapy team, who remain committed to bringing Xiidra and these potential treatments to patients into the future as part of Bausch + Lomb," said Ronny Gal, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer of Novartis.

10:01 EDT Badger Meter falls -7.2% - Badger Meter is down -7.2%, or -$11.16 to $144.33.

10:00 EDT Nine Energy Service falls -10.7% - Nine Energy Service is down -10.7%, or -48c to $4.04.

10:00 EDT Nike rises 9.5% - Nike is up 9.5%, or $8.48 to $98.11.

09:48 EDT CF Acquisition Corp VIII trading resumes

09:47 EDT Nine Energy Service falls -8.3% - Nine Energy Service is down -8.3%, or -38c to $4.15.

09:47 EDT Brinker rises 8.4% - Brinker is up 8.4%, or $2.59 to $33.65.

09:47 EDT Fathom Digital rises 1866.7% - Fathom Digital is up 1866.7%, or $5.60 to $5.90.

09:37 EDT Nevada reports August statewide gaming win up 0.07% to $1.21B - Nevada reports August Las Vegas Strip gaming win up 1.07% versus last year to $666.78M. Publicly traded companies in the gambling space include Boyd Gaming (BYD), Caesars (CZR), Churchill Downs (CHDN), DraftKings (DKNG), Flutter Entertainment (PDYPY), Gan Limited (GAN), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), MGM Resorts (MGM), Penn Entertainment (PENN), William Hill (WIMHY) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN).

09:26 EDT Sunrise New Energy announces new customer win - Sunrise New Energy announced a new customer win of Xiamen HiTHIUM Energy Storage Technology. In a highly competitive bidding process, which included the participation of all of China's top five anode material manufacturers, Sunrise emerged as one of the three successful bidders. This order represents an initial small-scale validation order aimed at establishing a solid business relationship. Both Sunrise and HiTHIUM have high expectations for significant future expansion in their collaboration.

09:24 EDT Interactive Brokers, Fifth Third among firms charged for recordkeeping failures - The Securities and Exchange Commission announced charges against five broker-dealers, three dually registered broker-dealers and investment advisers, and two affiliated investment advisers for widespread and longstanding failures to maintain and preserve electronic communications. The firms admitted the facts set forth in their respective SEC orders and acknowledged that their conduct violated recordkeeping provisions of the federal securities laws. The firms agreed to pay combined penalties of $79M and have begun implementing improvements to their compliance policies and procedures to address these violations, the SEC stated. The 10 firms named include Interactive Brokers Corp. and affiliate Interactive Brokers LLC, which agreed to pay a $35M penalty; Robert W. Baird & Co., which agreed to pay a $15M penalty; William Blair & Company and affiliate William Blair Investment Management, which agreed to pay a $10M penalty; Nuveen Securities, which agreed to pay an $8.5M penalty; Fifth Third Securities, which agreed to pay an $8M penalty; and Perella Weinberg Partners, together with Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. Securities and Perella Weinberg Partners Capital Management, which self-reported and agreed to pay a $2.5M penalty. Reference Link

09:23 EDT Shapeways launches Shapeways Manufacturing Week - Shapeways Holdings announced their schedule for the company's first annual Shapeways Manufacturing Week. Set for October 2-6, the highly anticipated virtual event follows notable 26% year-over-year enterprise growth for Shapeways during the first half of 2023. The event will address core topics around AI, designing for quality production, and the complementary intersection of additive and traditional manufacturing. SWM Week provides the opportunity for Shapeways enterprise customers, engineers, designers, and manufacturing professionals to gather from around the globe for a comprehensive exploration into the future and trends of additive and traditional manufacturing. SWM Week attendees can register immediately for a variety of webinars and roundtable discussions with some of the most influential experts the industry has to offer. Each day new thought leadership content, promotional offers, and design contests will be unveiled.

09:23 EDT Volcon anounces first shipment of Grunt EVO motorcycle - Volcon has started shipping production units of its new, innovative Grunt EVO motorcycle. Volcon is pleased to start sending its highly anticipated, upgraded, fat-tired motorcycle to dealers and customers in North and Latin American locations. Dealers, distributors, and current reservation holders can expect delivery within two to three weeks.

09:19 EDT Netflix confirms final shipments made in DVD business - Netflix stated in a post on its corporate site: "In 1998, we delivered our first DVD. This morning, we shipped our last. For 25 years, we redefined how people watched films and series at home, and shared the excitement as they opened their mailboxes to our iconic red envelopes. It's the end of an era, but the DVD business built our foundation for the years to come - giving members unprecedented choice and control, a wide variety of titles to choose from and the freedom to watch as much as they want." Reference Link

09:13 EDT LQR House appoints Alexander Kachmar as Special Advisor - The company announced the appointment of Alexander Kachmar as a Special Advisor to LQR House. In his new capacity as Special Advisor, Alexander will lead the company's investor relations strategy, reinforcing shareholder confidence and propelling LQR House towards an even more exciting future for all stakeholders.This strategic appointment follows the resignations of Guy Dollinger and Darren Collins from the board of directors to pursue other opportunities. With their departure, LQR House will transition to a smaller board of six directors, optimizing company resources.

09:11 EDT GigCapital5 stockholders approve extension to trust agreement - GigCapital5 announced that its stockholders approved an extension of the date by which it has to consummate a business combination, allowing the company to extend such date one time from September 28 until December 31.

09:05 EDT Chijet Motor announces new sales order of 435 vehicles - Chijet Motor announced that its majority owned subsidiary, FAW Jilin Automobile Co., has signed a sales order for 435 units of Senya R7 SUVs, a classic model of Chijet. This development reflects Chijet's commitment to addressing market demands and fortifying its standing within the automotive sector, timed with the peak season for automobile consumption in China. The Senia R7 SUVs are expected to be delivered to the customer in installments from October 2023 to November 2023 pursuant to the Order. Fengshuo Zhang, the general manager of the customer, is highly satisfied with the model and said, "Senia R7 products offer exceptional value, spaciousness, and outstanding cost performance. These qualities are a testament to FAW Jilin's profound expertise in automotive research and development, as well as their commitment to lean manufacturing principles. We have confidence in the product's quality."

09:03 EDT Axis Capital partners with Stone Point Credit Adviser to launch Monarch Point Re - Axis Capital together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries and branches announced that it has partnered with Stone Point Credit Adviser to launch Monarch Point Re, a newly created collateralized reinsurer. The launch was accompanied by a capital raise of over $400M of equity, including a $75M equity investment from a subsidiary of AXIS Capital and a $75M equity investment from Stone Point Credit. Monarch Point Re, which will operate in Bermuda, will underwrite a diversified portfolio of casualty reinsurance business retroceded by subsidiaries of Axis Capital. Stone Point Credit will serve as Monarch Point Re's exclusive investment manager and expects to invest in a diversified portfolio of corporate credit. The multi-year reinsurance agreement is effective January 1. Subsidiaries of Axis Capital anticipate retroceding approximately $400M of reinsurance written premium for the first year of the reinsurance agreement. The launch of Monarch Point Re reflects the company's continued commitment to better serve its customers and distribution partners by expanding its capacity through third-party capital.

09:03 EDT Zynerba stockholders reminded to tender shares - The company said, "We urge you to promptly tender your shares in response to the pending tender offer by Harmony and its wholly owned subsidiary, Xylophone Acquisition Corp. As previously disclosed, the Offer is to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Harmony is offering an up-front purchase price of $1.1059 per share plus one non-tradable contingent value right per share, with each CVR representing the right to receive contingent payments in cash, without interest and less any applicable tax withholding, upon the achievement of certain clinical and commercial milestones related to Zygel, as described in more detail below under "Additional Information". If all milestones are achieved, the maximum additional payment to shareholders is up to an additional approximately $2.5444 per share in cash, which would result in total consideration of $3.6503 per share in cash when combined with the up-front consideration. The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Zynerba common stock being validly tendered and not properly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the Offer. The Offer was initially scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on September 26, 2023. As of that time, approximately 32.1% of Zynerba's outstanding shares of common stock was tendered, which was not sufficient to satisfy the minimum tender condition. On September 27, 2023, Harmony announced an extension of the Offer until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, to allow for additional shares to be tendered by stockholders. I am reaching out to remind you to tender your shares prior to the expiration of the Offer on October 10, 2023. If less than a majority of the outstanding shares of Zynerba common stock are tendered, the Offer will not be completed and Zynerba will not be acquired by Harmony. In order to ensure that the minimum tender condition is met and for you to receive payment in connection with the Offer, it is important that you tender your shares regardless of the number of shares you own. The Zynerba Board unanimously recommends that Zynerba stockholders tender their shares pursuant to the Offer."

09:01 EDT LanzaTech collaborates with Dow to introduce bio-degrading cleanable solution - LanzaTech Global (LNZA), the carbon recycling company transforming waste carbon into sustainable raw materials, has collaborated with Dow (DOW) to introduce a new biodegradable surfactant to the home care market. Dow's surfactant, EcoSense 2470, is made using LanzaTech's CarbonSmart technology and ensures immediate market entry, while maintaining high-performance standards and advancing sustainability with recycled carbon materials. Surfactants are a critical ingredient for creating the foam and cleaning action of many household cleaning and laundry products. "There is enough carbon above ground to make all the things we need," said Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. "We have been active in the ethoxylates space for several years, converting ethanol to surfactant ingredients, and with now Dow, our collaboration will enable us to greatly expand our reach in this market, which was valued at $19 billion in 2022. In this way, we can pave the way for recycled carbon home care products that deliver both sustainability and product quality. There is no need for compromise when doing good for the planet!"

08:54 EDT Topgolf Callaway sees mitigating 'most, if not all' of impact of supplier fire - In a regulatory filing, Topgolf Callaway stated: "Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.manufactures golf balls in its owned golf ball manufacturing plant located in Chicopee, Massachusetts and also uses contract manufacturers in China and Taiwan. In 2022, approximately 75% of the Company's golf balls (on a unit basis) were manufactured outside of the United States... Last Friday, there was a fire at the Launch Technologies golf ball manufacturing plant in Pintung County, Taiwan. We are working directly with Launch Technologies and local authorities to gather more information about the fire. A portion of the Company's value oriented golf balls were manufactured in the facility that was directly impacted by the fire, including the Topgolf range balls. The majority of the golf balls supplied to Callaway Golf by Launch Technologies were manufactured in a separate dedicated facility that was not directly impacted by the fire. However, this separate facility is not currently operational due to both the ongoing investigation and certain shared resources. It is not clear when this separate facility will resume operations. Our world class supply chain team is diligently working to assess the situation and mitigate the impact of these events on future supply. The Company believes it will be able to mitigate most, if not all, of the impact to Callaway Golf's golf ball business by shifting supply to its Chicopee plant and other suppliers. While Topgolf range balls were being manufactured at the Launch Technologies plant where the fire occurred, the Company is confident that the fire will not meaningfully impact Topgolf range ball supply or venue openings given current inventory levels and alternate supply sources. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the first responders, employees, and families of those who have been affected." Reference Link

08:51 EDT Thumzup welcomes Mexican Burrito and Beyond to cash rewards platform - Thumzup Media welcomes Mexican Burrito and Beyond, located at 5660 Selmaraine Dr. Culver City, California, and available via on-demand food delivery and catering services, to its cash rewards digital social media branding platform.

08:42 EDT Sigma Lithium says Phase 2 & 3 expansion plans 'are proceeding as planned' - Sigma Lithium categorically states that its Phase 2 & 3 expansion plans are proceeding as planned. Sigma Lithium vehemently denies inaccurate recent media reports that incorrectly denominated as an "injunction" certain conditions established upon the approval by the Brazilian Courts of the transfer of two Exploration Sub-Plots by RIX to Sigma Brazil. Sigma Lithium states as categorically incorrect recent media reports speculating that the status or conditions attached to the transfer are impediments to the Company's future operations and its ability to conduct its Phase 2 & 3 expansion. The Brazilian Courts ruling just reinforced the Brazilian Mining Code, whereby both Sigma Brazil and RIX have access ensured by rule of law to the Exploration Sub-Plots through a standard "waste sharing agreement". The two companies celebrated an irrevocably binding waste sharing agreement on August 9, 2023. The Brazilian Courts authorized the transfer of the Exploration Sub-Plots by RIX without cost to Sigma Brazil. Furthermore, the Brazilian Courts ruled that any undue loss to RIX can be resolved through financial compensation amongst RIX shareholders. This compensation is an internal matter related to RIX and does not impact Sigma Brazil nor Sigma Lithium.

08:35 EDT Tomi Environmental Solutions rolls out two new disinfection products - TOMI Environmental Solutions is rolling out two new products, the SteraMist Hybrid and SteraMist Transport, to support its ongoing commitment to providing superior disinfection decontamination solutions for its growing customer base.

08:34 EDT Vicinity Motor signs VMC 1200 distribution agreement with Complexe EV - Vicinity Motor signed a new VMC 1200 distribution agreement with the Quebec-based Complexe EV - a new EV-specific dealership by the owners of the Lussier Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltee- entering Vicinity into the Quebec market with an initial commitment for 25 vehicles. Per the terms of the agreement, Complexe EV will distribute Vicinity VMC 1200 trucks throughout Southern Montreal, inclusive of an initial commitment for 25 vehicles. This agreement represents Vicinity's first VMC 1200 dealer in Quebec, further supplementing the Lussier brothers' portfolio of existing internal combustion and electric vehicles. Complexe EV maintains a sales target of 100 VMC 1200 trucks in the first year of distribution.

08:33 EDT Stifel Financial adds SBA 7(a) trading team - Stifel Financial announced the growth of its Small Business Administration (SBA) trading capabilities by welcoming industry veterans Craig Cline and Christopher Dean, formerly of FHN Financial, to lead its SBA 7(a) and Government Guaranteed Loan trading business. They will co-head the group and be based in the firm's Houston, Texas, office. The 7(a) is the SBA's primary business loan program for providing financial assistance to small businesses, and there is a robust secondary market for lenders that wish to sell the guaranteed portion of the loan to investors.

08:20 EDT Calliditas Therapeutics presents data from the NefIgArd Phase 3 trial - Calliditas Therapeutics announced the presentations of new biomarker and subgroup analyses from the Phase 3 NefIgArd study with Nefecon in adults with Primary IgA nephropathy. The data was presented in both posters and oral presentations at the 17th International Symposium on IgA Nephropathy, held in Tokyo, Japan, on September 25-27, 2023. "We are proud to have showcased new data at this year's International Symposium on IgAN in Tokyo," said Richard Phillipson, Chief Medical Officer at Calliditas. "Taken together, the positive findings from our biomarker and patient subgroup analyses from our Phase 3 NefIgArd study indicate that Nefecon treatment results in a coordinated immunological response with the potential to modulate the intestinal immune network responsible for IgA production. These additional findings further reinforce the potential of TARPEYO in enabling physicians to proactively manage and potentially mitigate the impact of the disease by targeting the source and slowing kidney function decline."

08:06 EDT Outlook Therapeutics requests Type A Meeting with FDA - Outlook Therapeutics announced that a Type A Meeting request has been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to discuss the Complete Response Letter dated August 29, 2023 regarding the Biologics License Application for ONS-5010, an investigational ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab under development to treat wet AMD. In the FDA's recently issued CRL, although the Agency acknowledged the NORSE TWO pivotal trial met its safety and efficacy endpoints, it concluded it could not approve the BLA during this review cycle due to several CMC issues, open observations from pre-approval manufacturing inspections, and a lack of substantial evidence. "Our belief remains unwavering that the retina community needs an FDA-approved ophthalmic bevacizumab to deliver an alternative on-label bevacizumab option for patients with wet AMD. We look forward to a productive meeting with FDA to discuss the CRL with the goal of obtaining a clear understanding of the items that need to be addressed to resubmit our BLA for ONS-5010 at the earliest opportunity," said Russell Trenary, President and CEO of Outlook Therapeutics.

08:04 EDT New Fortress places second government sponsored power plant in Puerto Rico - New Fortress Energy announced that it has placed into service its second U.S. government sponsored power plant in Puerto Rico on Wednesday, September 27. This facility in San Juan has a capacity of 200+ MW of power generation and operates under a two-year contract, similar to the 150 MW facility in Palo Seco that entered service in June under the same program. Both power installations operate under multi-year contracts with the U.S. government, which pays for fuel, logistics, and all power infrastructure. The company said, "In addition to placing our Puerto Rico power plants in service, NFE has reached another significant milestone in its infrastructure development portfolio. On Tuesday, September 26th, the third and final rig of FLNG 1, Pioneer II, sailed away from the Kiewit shipyard in Ingleside, Texas. This rig will soon join the other two FLNG 1 rigs in Altamira for final installation and commissioning, with target COD in late October or early November."

08:04 EDT Akari Therapeutics expects cash to fund operations into 1Q24 - As of June 30, 2023, the company had cash of approximately $7.2 million. Following the end of the first half 2023, Akari received a United Kingdom research and development tax credit in the amount of $2.5 million and entered into definitive purchase agreements for the sale in a private placement of 551,816 ADSs and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 48,387 ADSs, which upon closing is expected to result in gross proceeds of approximately $2.0 million. Closing is expected to occur during the first week of October. Existing cash, which assumes closing of the proceeds from the private placement, is expected to be sufficient to fund operations into the first quarter of 2024.

08:02 EDT Mobiv Acquisition stockholders approve business combination with SRIVARU - Mobiv Acquisition announced that Mobiv stockholders voted to approve the previously proposed business combination with SRIVARU a commercial-stage provider of premium electric motorcycles, at Mobiv's special meeting of stockholders held yesterday, September 28, 2023. The business combination is being implemented pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 13, 2023, by and among Mobiv, SRIVARU, and Pegasus Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of SRIVARU, as amended by the First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 4, 2023. More than 96% of the votes cast at the Special Meeting voted to approve the business combination with SRIVARU. Holders of approximately 87% of Mobiv's issued and outstanding shares cast votes at the Special Meeting. The business combination is expected to close upon satisfaction of all closing conditions required by the Merger Agreement, at which time Mobiv will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Mobiv being the surviving company and a subsidiary of SRIVARU. Peter Bilitsch, CEO of Mobiv, stated, "We are delighted to receive overwhelming support from our stockholders for this business combination. This approval is a testament to the confidence our stockholders have in SRIVARU's vision and strategy. As a result of this transaction, we expect SRIVARU to become the first India-based, U.S.-listed electric motorcycle company, with India being one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets for two-wheel vehicles."

08:00 EDT Rio Tinto, Fortune Minerals team to expand North American minerals production - Fortune Minerals and Rio Tinto are collaborating to develop technology that will improve recovery of the critical minerals cobalt and bismuth. Under a memorandum of understanding signed between the companies, testing will be done at Rio Tinto Kennecott's integrated copper mining and smelting operations in Utah and at Fortune's planned Alberta Refinery. The partnership aims to maximize the value of critical mineral supply chain investments and increase Fortune's planned cobalt and bismuth refining operations to process co-product streams of the minerals recovered from the Kennecott smelter. In 2020, the Canadian and U.S. governments signed a Joint Action Plan on Critical Mineral Collaboration to enable more North American production of the Critical Minerals needed in new technologies. Cobalt and bismuth are both included in this list and are used for sustainable energy resources.

07:35 EDT Capricor Therapeutics announces Type-B meeting with FDA for CAP-1002 - Capricor Therapeutics announced an update on the Company's positive Type-B clinical meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the design and execution of HOPE-3, Capricor's pivotal Phase 3 trial with lead asset CAP-1002 in treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Feedback from the FDA on trial design and timeline confirms CAP-1002's path towards a future Biologics License Application submission. "We are pleased to have reached an important regulatory milestone that further defines the path towards registration of CAP-1002 for DMD and brings us potentially one step closer to addressing the great unmet medical need for these patients," said Linda Marban, Ph.D., Capricor's CEO. "During recent meetings with the FDA, we aligned on key features of HOPE-3, which as currently designed, and if successful, is expected to provide sufficient evidence of effectiveness to support our BLA submission and significantly expedites our path towards potential approval of CAP-1002. In addition, although product from our San Diego site would not be required to support registration of CAP-1002, we do plan to enroll a separate cohort with product manufactured from our San Diego site, with a view toward meeting potential increased commercial demand following initial registration. Looking ahead, we remain on track to complete HOPE-3 enrollment and expect to report the outcome of an interim analysis in the fourth quarter of 2023. We look forward to continuing to deliver important clinical and regulatory milestones, including the submission of a BLA for CAP-1002 for the treatment of DMD." The FDA has affirmed alignment on the Phase 3 clinical trial's design and timeline. Key details for HOPE-3 are as follows: Primary endpoints remain unchanged. HOPE-3 will aim to enroll approximately 58 patients and enrollment is estimated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2023. As of today, Capricor has treated 52 patients. Topline data for HOPE-3 is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. Capricor plans to submit a BLA for CAP-1002 in 2025, which will be supported by results using product manufactured at the Los Angeles site. Capricor and the FDA discussed the potential for alternative approval pathways and Capricor plans to further discuss these options with the FDA following the completion of enrollment.

07:31 EDT GigaCloud responds to short-seller report - GigaCloud Technology issued the following statement in response to claims made in a report by Culper Research, a short seller. The report lacks merit and contains numerous defamatory, selective, inaccurate, incomplete and misleading statements and speculations. The report demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of the Company's business and financial condition. The Company is reviewing the claims and considering appropriate courses of action to protect the interests of all of its shareholders. As part of its commitment to transparency and compliance, the Company will make additional disclosures in due course consistent with the requirements of applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq and ensure that relevant information is communicated to shareholders and the public in a timely and accurate manner. Investors are cautioned that the claims come from a short seller.

07:11 EDT Tilray's CANACA launches 'Let 'Er Rip' campaign - Tilray Brands nnounced the launch of its expanded product lineup by its quintessentially Canadian cannabis lifestyle brand, CANACA. Introducing its new 'Let 'Er Rip' Campaign, a curated collection of products crafted to elevate intensity while offering flavourful and aromatic consumption experiences. As part of the new campaign, CANACA highlights two product lines, unveiling exciting new offerings just in time for fall, including additional whole flower and Crumble Cones pre-rolls.

07:06 EDT OTC Markets Group welcomes Bird Global to OTCQX - OTC Markets Group announced Bird Global has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Bird Global, Inc. previously traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

07:05 EDT Verano launches third annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month donation effort - Verano Holdings announced the launch of the Company's third annual campaign on October 1st supporting the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the entire month of October, Verano will host a fundraising campaign across the Company's Zen Leaf and MundefinedV dispensaries in eleven states, including: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada and West Virginia.

07:04 EDT Halifax to acquire Worldwide Home Care division of Sodexo, terms not disclosed - The Halifax Group, a middle market private equity firm, announced that it has agreed to acquire the Worldwide Home Care division of Sodexo, including their home care subsidiaries in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Brazil. The company provides in-home care services across eight countries. Headquartered in Irvine, California, the Company operates as a franchisor in the U.S. in the non-medical personal care sector with 535 franchised territories and 105 company-owned territories. Internationally, the company offers personal care in Ireland, the U.K., Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and France. In addition, it offers complex care in the U.K. and Brazil. The Worldwide Home Care Division CEO Natalie Black will remain at the company along with the senior management team. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023 and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Lazard served as the financial advisor to Sodexo.

07:03 EDT Kaixin Auto announces receipt of Nasdaq letter, regained compliance - Kaixin Auto announced the receipt of a notification letter dated September 28, 2023 from the Listing Qualifications department of the Nasdaq Stock Market, notifying Kaixin that, the Nasdaq Staff has determined that for the last 10 consecutive business days, from September 15 through September 28, 2023, the closing bid price of the Company's ordinary shares has been at $1.00 per share or greater. Accordingly, the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

07:01 EDT Ginkgo Bioworks, Texas A&M awarded research grant from USDA APHIS - Ginkgo Bioworks and Texas A&M University announced they have been jointly awarded a research grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service via the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative to study SARS-CoV-2 in white-tailed deer populations in Texas.This research is one of the first at-scale studies that will conduct widespread DNA sequencing of white-tailed deer in Texas. White-tailed deer are a farmed animal species that have historically had high positivity rates of SARS-CoV-2 in wild populations throughout the United States. As part of the study, Ginkgo's biosecurity and public health unit, Concentric by Ginkgo, and researchers from Texas A&M's School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences aim to identify if, when, and how both farmed and wild white-tailed deer become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and how this spread of disease can impact other animal species, including humans. Texas A&M will screen both historic and newly collected samples for the presence of the virus, which will then be sequenced and analyzed by Concentric. Results of the research can give the agriculture and livestock industries the data points needed to develop infrastructure in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in deer and future zoonotic disease outbreaks impacting livestock.

06:03 EDT NaaS enters partnership with Shenzhen ZSY Financial Services - NaaS announced the strategic partnership with Shenzhen ZSY Financial Services. The parties will embark on cooperation in new energy industry financial innovation, new energy assets securitization and other aspects, further promoting the deep integration of new energy business and financial services, and boosting a low-carbon energy industry. The strategic partnership will bring about an integrated service platform equipped with the ability of asset management and technology services, thus realizing mutual empowerment of capital and industry.

05:35 EDT Hutchmed announces Takeda submits fruquintinib NDA to Japan MHLW - Hutchmed (HCM) announced that Takeda (TAK) has submitted a new drug application, or NDA, to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, or MHLW, in Japan for the approval of fruquintinib for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer, or CRC. Fruquintinib is a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors -1, -2 and -3, which play a pivotal role in blocking tumor angiogenesis. CRC has the highest incidence and second highest mortality rate among both men and women in Japan.

05:28 EDT Spruce Power settles civil enforcement action filed by SEC, to pay $11M - Spruce Power announced that it has settled a civil enforcement action filed by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, related to the 2020 merger of Spruce's predecessor company, XL Fleet Corp. In the settlement, Spruce will pay an $11M civil penalty, which amount may be made available for eligible legacy shareholders to receive funds, net of costs, subject to discretion of the SEC. This settlement will be funded from corporate cash, which was approximately $192M at June 30. This conclusion allows Spruce to turn the page on a legacy XL Fleet issue and focus on growing its distributed energy business.