Stockwinners Market Radar for July 31, 2024 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

20:55 EDT Nvidia CEO sells $26.4M in common stock as part of option exercise - In a regulatory filing, Nvidia disclosed that its CEO Jen Hsun Huang sold 240K shares of common stock on July 29th as part of option exercise in a total transaction size of $26.4M.

20:33 EDT Cathie Wood's ARK Investment buys 328.5K shares of AMD today

19:37 EDT Delek US raises quarterly dividend to 25.5c per share from 25c - The dividend is payable on August 19, 2024, to shareholders of record on August 12, 2024.

19:13 EDT Hive Digital signs pact to develop 100 MW hydroelectric data center in Paraguay - Hive Digital announced that, further to its news release of July 22, 2024, it has entered into definitive agreements for the development of a 100 megawatt digital asset mining operation in Paraguay. The Agreements are composed of: a share purchase agreement among Paraguay Digital Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, and the owners of W3X SA; and a construction agreement among the newly acquired company, W3X SA, and an experienced local contractor. Aydin Kilic, President and CEO of HIVE, stated: "We are proud to announce the acquisition of a 100 MW PPA in Paraguay, utilizing green and clean energy sourced from the Itaipu hydroelectric dam. Our team is hard at work to design and commence building an additional 6.5 Exahash per second (EH/s) Bitcoin mining infrastructure, increasing our global EH/s to 12.1 EH/s. However, we have capped our investment at 100 MW after turning down an additional 150 MW due to unexpected fiscal policy changes. Like many other public miners, we will explore other countries that offer stable capital for key electrical infrastructure, data centers for the global digital economy, U.S. currency income, and transparent fiscal agreements."

18:47 EDT Novonix names Robert Long as new CFO - Novonix is pleased to announce that Robert Long will be appointed as the Company's Chief Financial Officer effective September 1, 2024. Mr. Long brings over 25 years of experience in finance and executive leadership with both public and private companies. The Company previously announced that CFO Nick Liveris will transition to the Company's Board of Directors upon the appointment of a new CFO. Mr. Liveris will be appointed to the Board of Directors effective September 1, 2024.

18:04 EDT BAE Systems awarded $274.43M Army contract modification - BAE Systems was awarded a $274.43M modification to a contract for production and delivery of M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzer and M992A3 Carrier, Ammunition, tracked vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2026. FY23 procurement of weapons and tracked combat vehicles, Army funds in the amount of $274.43M were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.

18:02 EDT Chevron, Hess say arbitration meeting scheduled for May 2025 - On October 22 , Chevron Corporation (CVX) entered into a definitive merger agreement with Hess Corporation (HES ), pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, subsidiary of Chevron will be merged with and into Hess, with Hess continuing as the surviving corporation of such merger and as a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Chevron . Hess Guyana Exploration Limited HGEL , a wholly owned subsidiary of Hess, is currently in arbitration with respect to the right of first refusal contained in an operating agreement among HGEL and affiliates of Exxon Mobil Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation CNOOC regarding the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. The arbitration merits hearing about the applicability of the Stabroek ROFR to the Merger has been scheduled for May 2025, with a decision expected in the following three months. Chevron and Hess had expected and requested that this hearing be held earlier, but the arbitrators' common schedules did not make this possible..The views of Chevron and Hess on the merits remain unchanged. Exxon and CNOOC continue to ignore the plain language of the operating agreement, and Chevron and Hess remain confident that the arbitration will confirm that the Stabroek ROFR does not apply to the Merger. Chevron and Hess remain committed to the Merger and look forward to combining the two companies. This information was contained in a regulatory filing. Reference Link

17:59 EDT ALX Oncology announces topline data from ASPEN-06 clinical trial - ALX Oncology announced topline data from its Phase 2 ASPEN-06 clinical trial. The trial demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in overall response rate and duration of response among patients with previously treated HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction cancer. In the full intent-to-treat population, the addition of evorpacept to TRP demonstrated an ORR of 40.3% compared to the TRP control ORR of 26.6%. In patients with fresh HER2-positive biopsies, evorpacept plus TRP demonstrated an ORR of 54.8% compared to 23.1% for the TRP control. Median duration of response in the evorpacept arm was 15.7 months compared to the TRP control of 7.6 months in the full intent-to-treat population. Secondary endpoints of PFS and OS were immature at the time of analysis. Evorpacept in combination with TRP was generally well tolerated and consistent with TRP control. The ASPEN-06 full data set will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical conference. The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to evorpacept for the second-line treatment of patients with HER2-positive gastric or GEJ carcinoma. Additionally, both the FDA and European Commission have granted Orphan Drug Designation for this indication.

17:54 EDT Hawkins increases quarterly dividend to 18c per share - Hawkins increased its quarterly cash dividend by 13% to 18c per share, payable August 30, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 16. Hawkins has consistently paid out a dividend since 1985.

17:52 EDT Psyence Biomedical enters $25M common stock purchase agreement with White Lion - Psyence Biomedical announced that it has entered into a $25M common stock purchase agreement with White Lion Capital. Psyence Biomed will have the option, but not the obligation, to sell to White Lion up to $25M in shares of common stock over a 24-month period subject to certain conditions, including a registration statement being filed and declared effective by the SEC. The price to be paid by White Lion for any shares that Psyence Biomed requires White Lion to purchase will depend on the type of purchase notice that the company delivers. For shares being issued pursuant to a Fixed Purchase Notice, the purchase price per share will be equal to 90% of the lowest VWAP of the common stock that occurs during the Fixed Purchase Valuation Period. For shares being issued pursuant to a Rapid Purchase Notice, the purchase price per share will be equal to the lowest traded price of the Common Stock on the Rapid Purchase Notice Date. There are no upper limits to the price White Lion may pay to purchase common stock from Psyence Biomed. White Lion has agreed not to engage in any manner of short selling Psyence Biomed's shares of common stock. No warrants, derivatives, or other share classes are associated with this agreement. In consideration for entering into the agreement, Psyence Biomed has issued shares of common stock to White Lion as a commitment fee. The Purchase Agreement may be terminated by Psyence Biomed at any time, at its sole discretion, without any additional cost or penalty.

17:49 EDT Immuneering receives fast track designation for IMM-1-104 from FDA - Immuneering announced that the FDA granted fast track designation for its clinical-stage program, IMM-1-104, as a first-line treatment for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, or PDAC. In February, the company announced Fast Track designation for IMM-1-104 as second-line treatment for patients with PDAC who have failed one previous line of therapy. IMM-1-104 is designed to provide universal-RAS activity through Deep Cyclic Inhibition of the MAPK pathway with once-daily oral dosing.

17:45 EDT Jianzhi Education receives noncompliance notification from Nasdaq - Jianzhi Education announced it has received a letter from Nasdaq, notifying the company is not in compliance with the minimum market value requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rules for continued listing on the Nasdaq. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(1)(C) requires companies to maintain a minimum market value of publicly held shares of at least $5M, and Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(D) provides that a failure to meet the market value requirement exists if the deficiency continues for a period of 30 consecutive business days. Based on the market value of the company for the 30 consecutive business days from June 12 to July 26, the company no longer meets the minimum market value requirement.

17:35 EDT QuidelOrtho says 'aggressively' pursuing additional cost savings - Expects to be at mid to high 20's adjusted EBITDA margin over next few years.

17:26 EDT Sleep Number down 5% at $11.20 after Q2 results and guidance

17:22 EDT Host Hotels acquires fee simple interest in Hotel Central Park for $265M in cash - Host Hotels & Resorts announced that it has acquired the fee simple interest in the 234-room 1 Hotel Central Park for approximately $265M in cash. The acquisition price represents an 11.1x EBITDA multiple or a cap rate of approximately 8.1% on the property's 2024 estimated results. The property is expected to be among Host's top-10 assets based on estimated full year 2024 results, with expected RevPAR of $545, total RevPAR of $735, and EBITDA per key of over $100,0002. Additionally, the company anticipates closing on the previously announced acquisition of the fee simple interest in the 450-room Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay, later today. The resort is located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, and includes a 49-acre land parcel entitled for development. The company acquired the Resort and Land Parcel for approximately $680M, net of key money. The acquisition price represents a 16.3x EBITDA multiple or a cap rate of approximately 5.3% on the Resort's 2024 estimated results3. Based on preliminary 2025 forecasts and the conversion to a Ritz-Carlton, the acquisition price represents an approximate 13.5x EBITDA multiple or a cap rate of approximately 6.7%.

17:20 EDT QuidelOrtho says underlying business stable, value proposition strong - Says challenges not structural to the business. Says Q2 is typically the lowest revenue quarter for the business. Sees high single digit growth in China for remainder of year. Sees continued margin improvement in 2H24. Expects to sell two properties in 2H24. Expects cash flow generation to improve in 2H24. Expects to "at or slightly below" previously stated FY24 guidance. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

17:13 EDT Sleep Number says now expects demand to be flat to down low single digits - The prior outlook was up low single digits. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

17:10 EDT Carvana up 13% at $151.08 after Q2 earnings beat and Q3 outlook

17:08 EDT Avondale says 1st patient dosed in Phase 3 REVITALYZ trial of LUMRYZ - Avadel Pharmaceuticals announced that the first patient has been dosed in REVITALYZ, a Phase 3 study evaluating LUMRYZ as a potential treatment for idiopathic hypersomnia IH. "IH is a debilitating sleep disorder characterized by profound sleep inertia, or difficulty waking up and persistent profound daytime sleepiness. Awareness and diagnosis of IH has increased markedly over the last several years. However, IH patients are severely limited in effective treatment options, representing a large unmet need," said Richard K. Bogan, MD, FCCP, FAASM, Principal of Bogan Sleep Consultants, LLC, and Associate Clinical Professor at University of South Carolina School of Medicine. "The potential of LUMRYZ to treat IH with only a single bedtime dose of extended-release sodium oxybate is promising, and the initiation of the Phase 3 REVITALYZ study marks a significant step toward improving care for those living with IH.""Dosing the first patient in REVITALYZ is an important milestone for the IH community, which has been vocal in the need for more treatment options, particularly an extended-release form of oxybate that would ideally provide full nocturnal drug exposure in a single, once-at-bedtime dose," stated Jennifer Gudeman, PharmD, Senior Vice President, Medical and Clinical Affairs of Avadel Pharmaceuticals. "We are committed to advancing this study and are emboldened by the excitement of experienced clinical trial sites' participation, which reflects the critical unmet need in the current therapeutic landscape."

16:57 EDT Antero Resources raises 2024 gas eq. production to 3.375-3.425 Bcfe/d -

16:52 EDT Corteva CFO Dave Anderson to retire, David Johnson to succeed - Corteva (CTVA) announced that it has appointed David Johnson as its new Executive Vice President and CFO, effective September 16. David, who will be based at Corteva headquarters in Indianapolis, joins Corteva from Atkore (ATKR), a publicly traded company and leader in electrical, safety, and infrastructure solutions, where he also served as CFO. He will succeed Dave Anderson, current Corteva EVP and CFO, who will serve as a Strategic Advisor to the CEO until his retirement in the first quarter of 2025, ensuring a seamless transition.

16:50 EDT Warrior Met Coal upgraded by S&P to BB- with stable outlook - Warrior Met Coal announced that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded its Corporate Family Rating to 'BB-' from 'B+' on Balance Sheet Strength with a Stable Outlook. In addition, S&P raised its issue-level rating on the Company's senior secured notes to 'BB+.' According to S&P, the upgrade reflects consecutive years of very low leverage, robust earnings, and ample cushion in credit metrics to withstand earnings volatility. Free cash flow is expected to remain positive despite elevated growth capex associated with Blue Creek. "We are pleased with S&P's recognition of the Company's strong balance sheet and financial performance over the last few years in which we delevered the Company and generated consistent incremental returns for stockholders, while at the same time investing for growth through our world class Blue Creek growth project," said Dale W. Boyles, Chief Financial Officer of Warrior.

16:47 EDT Contineum says PIPE-307 data published in PNAS - Contineum Therapeutics announced encouraging preclinical data on PIPE-307, a potentially first-in-class M1 receptor antagonist in development for patients with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis, were published online in the peer-reviewed journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. The published data provide early evidence that PIPE-307 is a potentially first-in-class, novel, small molecule, selective inhibitor of the muscarinic type 1 M1 receptor. The full manuscript is titled "Targeting the muscarinic M1 receptor with a selective, brain-penetrant antagonist to promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis." "We believe that PIPE-307 represents a differentiated and clinically validated approach for the treatment of RRMS, and we are pleased to have our innovative science validated by a high-quality journal like PNAS," said Carmine Stengone, President and CEO of Contineum Therapeutics.

16:43 EDT Exact Sciences enters license agreement with TwinStrand Biosciences - TwinStrand Biosciences "announced an agreement with Exact Sciences, a provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, to exclusively license its patent estate in the cell free nucleic acid sequencing space, including its patent portfolios licensed from the University of Washington and the University of Texas Southwestern. The license is related to TwinStrand Duplex Sequencing(R) error-correction technology, which increases the accuracy of next-generation sequencing by as much as 10,000 times, allowing the detection of ultra-low frequency mutations that would otherwise be hidden by technical noise inherent to the sequencing process. This agreement provides Exact Sciences the ability to use, commercialize, and sublicense the intellectual property acquired under the license. Exact Sciences' rights are broadly exclusive with respect to cell free nucleic acid sequencing, subject to certain non-exclusive relationships in the field."

16:42 EDT GFL Environmental says engaged in preparatory steps of selling assets - The company said, "We believe that a sale of certain of our high-quality assets, such as our Environmental Services business, could attract a mid-teen multiple and that the proceeds from such a transaction could be used to accelerate the deleveraging of our balance sheet and provide an opportunity to buy back a portion of our stock at an attractive valuation. We have received current preliminary expressions of interest in a transaction that supports our valuation perspective and are actively engaged in implementing preparatory steps required to potentially complete such a transaction. To ensure we are maximizing value for all our shareholders, we also believe that the undertaking of a full auction process will be required, although there can be no assurance that a transaction will be completed."

16:39 EDT Rush Enterprises announces a boost of 5.9% to dividend - "Our Board of Directors approved a 1c increase in our quarterly cash dividend, our eighth increase since we announced our intent to begin paying a quarterly cash dividend in July 2018 as part of our capital allocation strategy. This dividend increase represents a 5.9% increase over our prior quarterly dividend and is further evidence of our intent to increase the dividend on an annual basis, although future declarations of dividends are subject to approval by the Company's Board of Directors and may be adjusted as business needs or market conditions change. In addition, the dividend increase also reflects our continuing ability to return value to our shareholders while also investing in our Company's future," explained Rush.

16:38 EDT Mister Car Wash reports Q2 SSS up 2.4%

16:32 EDT Murphy USA cuts FY24 merchandise contribution results to $830M-$840M - The company said, "Concurrent with the earnings release, the Company is also updating our full-year merchandise contribution results to a range of $830 million to $840 million, down from the original guided range of $860 million to $880 million. While nicotine results have been stronger than planned in 2024, we have experienced weaker than expected consumer demand, particularly in the Northeast, that has impacted both core food and beverage traffic drivers and related discretionary center-of-store sales. We expect the lower demand to persist through the remainder of 2024 and mostly offset the benefits from some of our back-half weighted initiatives. In addition, we are revising our guidance for raze-and-rebuild sites to more than 40, up from the originally guided range of 35 to 40, due primarily to the successful efforts of our team to pull forward some future projects into the current year."

16:30 EDT ALX Oncology trading resumes

16:21 EDT Albemarle reduces Specialties adjusted EBITDA outlook on slower rebound - Albemarle said, "The company is reducing its Specialties adjusted EBITDA outlook due to a slower than expected market rebound and higher logistics costs related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Capital expenditures are now expected to be at the high-end of $1.7 to $1.8 billion related to timing of capital spending. Depreciation and amortization reflects a tighter range in light of year-to-date expense. Lower expected corporate costs reflect favorable interest income and on-going cost and productivity improvements. Lower interest and financing expenses reflect the repayment of short-term debt. Below are outlook considerations updated from our first quarter earnings release issued on May 1, 2024. All other corporate outlook considerations are unchanged." Albemarle sees Specialties adjusted EBITDA of $210M-$260M for fiscal 2024.

16:18 EDT Albemarle announces cost actions, sees $900M-$1.1B charge - Albemarle announced asset and cost actions "designed to enhance its long-term competitiveness as part of a comprehensive review of its cost and operating structure." the company added, "The review will help ensure that Albemarle maintains its competitive position throughout the cycle and is positioned for long-term value creation as it navigates end-market challenges, primarily in the lithium value chain. The asset and cost actions announced today include placing Kemerton Train 2 in care and maintenance, stopping construction on Kemerton Train 3, and focusing on optimizing and ramping Kemerton Train 1. As a result, Albemarle expects to recognize a charge in the range of $0.9-$1.1 billion as an exceptional item in the company's third-quarter 2024 results."

16:15 EDT Allegiant Travel sees 2024 system ASMs up 1.5% - Sees 2024 scheduled service ASMs up 1.5%.

16:12 EDT Standard BioTools CFO Jeffrey Black to resign - Standard BioTools announced that Jeffrey Black, CFO, will resign from the company, effective August 31, to accept an opportunity at another public company. Alex Kim, the company's COO and co-founder of Standard BioTools, will serve as Standard BioTools' interim CFO starting on September. The company has initiated a search process to identify a permanent successor. The company also announced that Sean Mackay, who recently joined as the company's chief business officer, will add product management, marketing and investor relations to his responsibilities.

16:09 EDT Energy Recovery names Mike Mancini as new CFO - Energy Recovery announced the appointment of Michael Mancini as Chief Financial Officer. He will join Energy Recovery on August 5, 2024. Mr. Mancini is an experienced CFO and business strategist with extensive operational and capital markets experience. Mr. Mancini joins Energy Recovery from Astranis Space Technologies Corp., a San Francisco-based next-gen satellite company, where he served as CFO for four years and was instrumental in bringing this revolutionary satellite technology to market.

16:08 EDT Meta Platforms reports family DAP of 3.27B on average for June, up 7% year-over - Meta Platforms reports family daily active people, or DAP, was 3.27B on average for June 2024, an increase of 7% year-over-year. Ad impressions delivered across our Family of Apps increased by 10% year-over-year. Average price per ad increased by 10% year-over-year.

16:08 EDT Paycom increases, extends stock repurchase plan - Paycom Software announced that its board of directors has increased and extended its ongoing stock repurchase plan, such that $1.5 billion is available for repurchases through Aug. 15, 2026. Prior to the increase, approximately $676 million was available for repurchases. "We have a leading product in an attractive industry, a resilient business model that generates robust cashflow and a strong balance sheet with no debt," said Chad Richison, Paycom founder, CEO and chairman. "We have repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares, or 4% of the company, since last July for approximately $413 million. We will continue to opportunistically buy our stock if and when we see attractive valuations relative to peers."

16:03 EDT HilleVax announces 40% workforce reduction to reduce operating expenses - HilleVax announced a workforce reduction to reduce its operating expenses. The reduction of approximately 41 employees, or approximately 40% of the company's workforce, is intended to preserve cash while maintaining core capabilities as the company explores the potential for continued development of its HIL-214 and HIL-216 norovirus vaccine candidates as well as business development-related activities for these vaccine candidates.

16:00 EDT Leonardo DRS awarded $417M U.S. Navy contract - Leonardo DRS "announced that it was awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy to provide critical electronic combat control and sonar systems equipment for installation across the service's fleet of submarines and allied fleets. The contract ceiling is more than $417 million. The Technology Insertion Hardware TI-26 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract will provide design, procurement, production, sparing, test, installation, and support of displays, workstations, processors, and network systems; the production of subsequent systems, kits and enclosures; and engineering and technical services. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Navy's Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport."

16:00 EDT Windtree Therapeutics Inc trading resumes

15:19 EDT North American rail traffic up 2% for the week ending July 27 - The Association of American Railroads or AAR, reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 27. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 508,496 carloads and intermodal units, up 5.3% compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending July 27 were 228,845 carloads, down 0.5% compared with the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 279,651 containers and trailers, up 10.5 % compared to 2023. Four of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included grain, up 5,676 carloads, to 20,665; farm products excl. grain, and food, up 1,461 carloads, to 16,811; and forest products, up 418 carloads, to 8,360. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 included coal, down 6,142 carloads, to 61,382; nonmetallic minerals, down 1,316 carloads, to 33,264; and metallic ores and metals, down 602 carloads, to 21,455. North American rail volume for the week ending July 27 on 10 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 329,218 carloads, down 2.4% compared with the same week last year, and 356,464 intermodal units, up 6.6% compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 685,682 carloads and intermodal units, up 2%. North American rail volume for the first 30 weeks of 2024 was 19,797,795 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.3% compared with 2023. Publicly traded companies in the space include CSX (CSX), Canadian National (CNI), Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP), Norfolk Southern (NSC,) Union Pacific (UNP),Greenbrier (GBX), Trinity Industries (TRN), Wabtec (WAB), FreightCar America (RAIL) and Rail Vision (RVSN). Reference Link

14:58 EDT U.S. Silica completes transaction with Apollo funds - U.S. Silica Holdings (SLCA) and Apollo (APO) announced that funds managed by affiliates of Apollo have completed the previously announced acquisition of the company. The company will continue to operate under the U.S. Silica name and brand and will continue to be led by Bryan Shinn and the existing executive team. Pursuant to the terms of the transaction, an affiliate of Apollo Funds acquired all of the outstanding shares of U.S. Silica stock. Shareholders are entitled to receive $15.50 per share in cash for each share of U.S. Silica common stock owned. As a result of the transaction completion, U.S. Silica's common stock no longer trades on the New York Stock Exchange.

14:11 EDT Molecular Partners AG (ADR) trading halted, volatility trading pause

12:33 EDT Johnson & Johnson says CHMP recommends Rybrevant combination - Janssen-Cilag International, a Johnson & Johnson company, announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency has recommended the approval of a type II extension of indication for Rybrevant in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations, after failure of prior therapy including an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Reference Link

12:03 EDT Fiverr rises 15.9% - Fiverr is up 15.9%, or $3.48 to $25.37.

12:01 EDT Paragon 28 falls -18.3% - Paragon 28 is down -18.3%, or -$1.65 to $7.38.

12:00 EDT Alto Neuroscience falls -20.8% - Alto Neuroscience is down -20.8%, or -$2.85 to $10.88.

11:06 EDT Advantage Solutions completes sale of Jun Group - Advantage Solutions has completed the sale of digital advertising platform Jun Group to Verve Group. Gross proceeds from the sale, which was announced in June, are approximately $185 million. Advantage received approximately $130 million in cash at close. As part of the purchase agreement, Verve Group is slated to pay two additional installments 12 months and 18 months post-close. Advantage plans to use the majority of initial proceeds to pay down debt and reinvest in the business. The company remains committed to reducing its net leverage ratio over the long-term to less than 3.5 times.

11:05 EDT MidFirst Bank receives approval to acquire Houston locations of Amerant - MidFirst Bank has received all required regulatory approvals to complete the previously announced acquisition of the Houston, Texas banking locations of Amerant Bank, the main subsidiary of Amerant Bancorp. MidFirst expects the acquisition to close on November 8, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Upon closing, MidFirst will add six Amerant Bank locations to the Company's footprint and will gain most of Amerant's Houston loan and deposit relationships. This transaction builds on MidFirst's recent growth in Texas and accelerates the Company's expansion strategy in the state. The additional Houston banking locations will better position MidFirst to deliver the Company's award-winning customer service in the Houston market and invest in the local community. Upon completion of the transaction, all Amerant Bank employees in Houston are expected to join MidFirst, and Amerant Bank locations will be operated as MidFirst Bank locations. MidFirst and Amerant will provide additional information to customers regarding next steps in the process over the coming months.

10:51 EDT Boeing expects Spirit AeroSystems acquisition to close in mid-2025 - Says obtained 777X type inspection authorization and began FAA certification flight testing in July. Sees 737 production of 38 per month by year-end. Says plan to return 787 production to 5 per month later this year. Says took $1B loss on certain fixed-price development programs in Defense, Space, Security. Says the core business remains solid and the demand for products continues to be strong. Says the Defense portfolio is well-positioned for the long term. Says Global Services continued to perform well in Q2. .

10:41 EDT Boeing CEO 'cautiously optimistic' about long-term prospects of Defense business - Says 'extremely confident' in selection of Kelly Ortberg as CEO. Says took multiple additional steps to improve stability of operations. Says committed to doing the work to be safe and predictable. Says making important progress on development programs. Says Boeing Defense, Space & Security results 'were disappointing'. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

10:33 EDT Kernel Group Holdings Inc trading halted, volatility trading pause

10:31 EDT Dentsply Sirona reports one-year notice of non-renewal delivered to Patterson - In a regulatory filing earlier, Dentsply Sirona (XRAY) stated: "In July 2024, the Company delivered a one-year notice of non-renewal in connection with its non-exclusive distribution agreements with Patterson Companies, Inc. for the distribution of dental equipment in the United States and Canada. It is anticipated that Patterson will continue to be one of the Company's two largest distributors as a percentage of the Company's global revenue during the one-year notice period. The Company intends to engage in discussions for new distribution agreements with Patterson. However, failure to successfully renegotiate the distribution agreements or secure potential new agreements with another distributor could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. The Company does not anticipate a charge against earnings related to non-renewal of the distribution agreements."

10:25 EDT New York City reaches agreements with Uber and Lyft to reduce lockouts - New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission Commissioner David Do announced that the city has secured agreements from Uber (UBER) and Lyft (LYFT) to "drastically reduce access restrictions," known as "lockouts." Under the agreement, Uber will immediately begin phasing out access restrictions for drivers using its platform, with the goal of ending them entirely by Labor Day if Lyft maintains an annual company utilization rate of at least 50%. As part of the agreement, both companies will also pause onboarding for new drivers. Lyft will minimize lockouts as the onboarding pause continues, New York City added. "This agreement will allow us to immediately reduce and aim to soon eliminate platform access restrictions for existing drivers," said Josh Gold, senior director of policy and communications, Uber. "Lyft supports an environment that allows New York City drivers to earn whenever and however they want while driving on the Lyft platform," said Megan Sirjane-Samples, director of public policy, Lyft. "We never want to enact supply controls, and we will continue to work with TLC in the best interest of drivers." Reference Link

10:05 EDT Primega Group Holdings Ltd trading halted, volatility trading pause

10:00 EDT Fiverr rises 9.6% - Fiverr is up 9.6%, or $2.11 to $24.00.

10:00 EDT Vistra rises 15.5% - Vistra is up 15.5%, or $10.69 to $79.69.

10:00 EDT Community Healthcare falls -18.9% - Community Healthcare is down -18.9%, or -$5.19 to $22.32.

09:59 EDT Concord Medical trading resumes

09:55 EDT Vaccinex trading resumes

09:50 EDT Vaccinex trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:48 EDT ZKH Group rises 11.9% - ZKH Group is up 11.9%, or 34c to $3.19.

09:47 EDT Lemonade falls -11.8% - Lemonade is down -11.8%, or -$2.68 to $19.95.

09:47 EDT Community Healthcare falls -14.8% - Community Healthcare is down -14.8%, or -$4.07 to $23.44.

09:42 EDT PepGen Inc trading resumes

09:38 EDT Sema4 Holdings Corp trading resumes

09:36 EDT Knightscope announces two expansion contracts - Knightscope announces two expansion contracts, one for a Texas school district and the other a California transportation commission, each adding a Full-Service Maintenance Plan to protect their investment in the Company's Emergency Communication Devices.

09:33 EDT Sema4 Holdings Corp trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:27 EDT Definitive Healthcare announces resignation of CRO Carrie Lazorchak - In a regulatory filing, Definitive Healthcare announced that on July 24, Carrie Lazorchak, the Chief Revenue Officer of the company, provided the company with notice of her resignation, effective August 2. As of such date, the company's sales organization will report to Kevin Coop, the company's CEO.

09:25 EDT MasterCard sees one-time restructuring expense of ~$190M in Q3

09:19 EDT Protagonist Therapeutics appoints Newman Yeilding as chief scientific advisor - Protagonist Therapeutics announced the appointment of Newman Yeilding, M.D. to the role of Chief Scientific Advisor, effective August 1, 2024. Dr. Yeilding is an accomplished physician-scientist with deep knowledge and expertise in inflammatory, rheumatology, autoimmune and immunologic diseases. As Chief Science Advisor, he will provide discovery, pre-clinical and translational research and development leadership to maximize the impact of the Protagonist platform in areas where peptides have the ability to be best-in-class therapeutics. Dr. Yeilding joins Protagonist following his 17-year career at Janssen, where he held a number of senior roles including Head of Immunology Development and R&D, Vice President of Immunology Dermatology, GI Development Senior Director, Vice President Immunology, and STELARA and Early Development Compound Development Team Leader.

09:17 EDT Mullen Automotive to be anchor company at 2024 SEUS-CP business forum - Mullen Automotive announces its participation as an Anchor Organization and panelist at the 2024 Southeastern United States - Canadian Provinces Business Forum, taking place August 4-6 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mullen is a confirmed Anchor Organization at this event alongside Airbus, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mississippi Polymer Institute at The University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi Power, Port of Pascagoula, Skydweller Aero, and The Coca-Cola Company. The SEUS-CP alliance was established in 2007 to formally advance a common interest in enhancing economic ties between the two regions and is a strategic trade and investment-focused partnership between six southeastern states and six provinces. The SEUS-CP alliance meets annually to present clear B2B opportunities for enhanced commercial exchanges, two-way trade and investment, and knowledge sharing between and among member states and provinces. This year's business forum focuses on Advanced Manufacturing and the Blue Economy. "Mullen has a deep commitment to the Southeast U.S. region with our commercial EV manufacturing located in Tunica, Mississippi, and our participation as an Anchor Organization in this year's SEUS-CP forum underscores our focus on Mississippi," said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive. "We look forward to showcasing our innovative lineup of commercial EVs and connecting with industry leaders, potential customers, and strategic partners."

09:14 EDT Lakeside Holding enters logistics agreement with e-commerce platform - Lakeside Holding announced that the Company has entered into a one-year agreement with automatic annual renewals with a leading Asia-based e-commerce platform to provide cross-border fulfillment services. This collaboration is set to enhance the cross-border shopping experience for sellers by providing a comprehensive suite of logistics services tailored to their unique needs, including entry service on air and ocean freight, customs declaration, freight recovery services at destination, parcel handling services, and assistance with parcel delivery.

09:14 EDT Rhythm Pharmaceuticals announces expansion of IMCIVREE marketing authorization - Rhythm Pharmaceuticals announced that the European Commission, EC, expanded the marketing authorization for IMCIVREE to include children between 2 and younger than 6 years old with obesity due to Bardet Biedl syndrome or pro-opiomelanocortin, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1, or leptin receptor deficiency.

09:12 EDT Vaccinex reports data for SIGNAL-AD Phase 1b/2 trial of pepinemab - Vaccinex announced positive results of its early stage SIGNAL-AD clinical trial of pepinemab antibody in AD. Topline results were presented by Eric Siemers, MD, Principal Investigator of the SIGNAL-AD trial, at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia. The clinical trial met its designated primary endpoint of safety by indicating that pepinemab is well-tolerated by patients with AD. No Serious Treatment Emergent Adverse Events Related to Treatment were reported by investigators at any of the 16 clinical sites that participated in this study. The only TEAE leading to discontinuation in the entire trial was in the placebo group. Vaccinex had previously reported that pepinemab was well-tolerated by patients with Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis. An important secondary endpoint of the study was to determine whether pepinemab prevents decline in brain metabolic activity consistent with blocking astrocyte reactivity as evidenced by an increase in FDG-PET imaging signal in a major brain region known to be affected by disease progression. This was determined over the course of 12-months treatment with pepinemab relative to placebo. We report that pepinemab treatment resulted in a statistically significant increase in FDG-PET signal in the medial temporal cortex of patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to AD.

09:12 EDT Vox Royalty notes commencement of gold mining at Myhree Project - Vox Royalty shared a recent production milestone from royalty operating partner Black Cat Syndicate. Black Cat has commenced ore mining at the Myhree Gold Deposit, which is covered by the uncapped Bulong 1.0% net smelter royalty that Vox acquired for $545,000 from an Australian automotive company in 2020. Riaan Esterhuizen, EVP Australia, stated: "We are excited to acknowledge Black Cat's significant progress in achieving first ore mining ahead of schedule at Myhree this week in conjunction with the potential for an increase in open pit reserves, which were historically estimated at A$2,500/ounce compared to spot gold prices above A$3,500/ounce. Processing of this ore is expected to commence at the nearby Paddington mill in September 2024 and we expect significant developments for this new producing royalty asset over the coming quarters." Key Updates: According to Black Cat's 29 July 2024 press release, mining is advancing rapidly at the Myhree gold deposit, which includes: Completion of site set-up and establishment and onboarding of personnel; 24-hour operations, which started on 25 July 2024; and Stage 1 of the 2 stage Myhree open pit has achieved first ore ahead of plan. First ore was mined on 26 July 2024 and stockpiled. The stockpile is on schedule to be hauled to the Paddington Gold Mill in September 2024, with the open pits to be mined and processed over ~18 months. Open pit Probable Ore Reserves at Myhree/Boundary were calculated at A$2,500/oz in June 2022. The Myhree/Boundary mine design is now being re-optimised by Black Cat to factor in current gold prices.

09:10 EDT Allegiant Travel announces strategic review of Sunseeker Resort - Allegiant Travel has retained global hospitality asset management firm Prospect Hotel Advisors to conduct a strategic review of its hotel, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor. The recently opened resort, located in Southwest Florida, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel and offers pools, restaurants, championship golf, a full-service spa and other amenities. Prospect Hotel Advisors will advise the company on strategies that maximize the value of Sunseeker Resort.

09:09 EDT Equity Commonwealth trading halted, news pending

09:08 EDT MasterCard says broad based momentum across all metrics of business - Seeing "healthy" consumer spending. Says macro economic environment "remains mixed." Remains "positive" on company's growth outlook. Sees one-time restructuring charge in Q3. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

09:08 EDT Digi International, Atsign team to xecure industry 4.0 with no ports on routers - Digi International and Atsign a company in embedded security technology, today announced the availability of NoPorts on Digi IX40 cellular routers. This integration empowers Industry 4.0 deployments with a robust and secure remote access solution, safeguarding critical edge infrastructure..."Digi is committed to providing secure and reliable connectivity solutions for Industry 4.0 applications," said Vitaly Kurduban, Senior Product Manager of industrial cellular solutions at Digi International. "Integrating NoPorts with Digi IX40 routers strengthens our offering by delivering unparalleled security for remote access, enabling our customers to confidently manage their distributed edge infrastructure."

09:05 EDT Siyata Mobile to implement 1-for-18 reverse stock split - Siyata Mobile will effect a 1-for-18 reverse stock split of its common share, no par value per share. The reverse Stock Split will become effective at 12:01 a.m. ET on August 2, and the company's common share will commence trading on Nasdaq on a post-split basis at the opening of the market on August 2. The company's common share will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the company's existing trading symbol, "SYTA," and a new CUSIP number 83013Q 806 has been assigned as a result of the reverse stock split. The reverse stock split is primarily intended to bring the company into compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for maintaining its listing on Nasdaq. The reverse stock split will not change the par value of the common share nor the authorized number of shares of common share, preferred stock or any series of preferred stock.

09:02 EDT LPL Financial: Englert Financial joins broker-dealer, RIA, custodial platforms - LPL Financial announced that financial advisors George Englert, Kevin Englert and Carrie Hughes have joined LPL Financial's broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms. They reported serving approximately $170 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets and join LPL from Avantax, now owned by Cetera. Based in Springfield, Va., Englert Financial is a family-oriented firm founded by George Englert, an industry veteran who has worked closely with various government agencies, including the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. His son, Kevin Englert, joined the team in 2011 after an initial career as an auditor in public accounting and the private industry. Carrie Hughes joined the firm in 2016, bringing a diverse background in wealth management, accounting, insurance, business analysis and project management.

08:59 EDT Marriott says seeing lower room bookings around the election in Q4 - Says travel demand remained robust. Says occupancy reached 73% in Q2. Sees FY24 adjusted EBITDA up 6%-8%. Says Q3 will be weakest point for China. Says China is roughly 10% of rooms. Says for Q4 seeing lower room bookings around the election. Says international markets continuing to normalize. Says Maui seeing slowest recovery. Says there has been fabulous progress in Maui. Comments taken from Q2 earnings conference call.

08:51 EDT Myriad Genetics appoints Jennifer Fox as CLO - Myriad Genetics announced the appointment of Jennifer Fox as Chief Legal Officer, effective September 3, 2024. As Chief Legal Officer, Fox's responsibilities will encompass a wide range of areas, including support and counsel for all legal affairs, intellectual property, patent protection, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, regulatory and quality assurance, compliance, privacy, and government affairs. Fox most recently served as the Executive Vice President of External Affairs for Emergent BioSolutions where she was responsible for overseeing legal functions, government and public affairs, communications, and ESG initiatives.

08:48 EDT Dentsply Sirona to reduce workforce by 2%-4% as part of restructuring - In a regulatory filing, Dentsply Sirona stated that on July 29, the board of directors of the company approved a plan to restructure the company's business to improve operational performance and drive shareholder value creation. The restructuring plan anticipates a net reduction in the company's global workforce of approximately 2% to 4%. "The proposed changes are subject to co-determination processes with employee representative groups in countries where required. The Company expects to incur between $40 million and $50 million in non-recurring restructuring charges under the plan, primarily related to employee transition, severance payments and employee benefits, which are expected to be expensed and paid in cash in 2024 and 2025. Actions taken under the restructuring plan will seek to further streamline the Company's operations and global footprint, as well as improve alignment of the Company's cost structure with its strategic growth objectives. The Company anticipates that the restructuring plan will be substantially completed by the end of 2025 and result in $80 to $100 million in annual cost savings," the filing stated. Reference Link

08:47 EDT DriveItAway partners with Chapman Automotive Group to supply new vehicles - DriveItAway Holdings continues to gain traction and visibility in its mission to enable all to drive, and then buy, affordable quality personal transportation, announces today that to facilitate the rapid expansion of its company-owned fleet and customer base in the Philadelphia region, it is partnering with the Chapman Auto Group to both supply it with vehicles and to enable prospects and customers of Chapman stores turned down for traditional vehicle purchase financing to use the DriveItAway micro-lease to ownership platform to drive away in a new vehicle.

08:46 EDT Ondas' American Robotics secures contract with U.S. Coast Guard - Ondas Holdings announced that its wholly owned subsidiary American Robotics was awarded a firm, fixed-price contract by the United States Coast Guard. This contract marks the first U.S. federal contract for American Robotics as a prime contractor, showcasing the breadth of its innovative autonomous, end-to-end data solutions portfolio.

08:45 EDT American Resources' ReElement achieves over 99.5% purity of separated REEs - American Resources Corporation's ReElement Technologies Corporation has demonstrated its technology in the separation and purification of rare earth ores to produced separated and purified rare earth elements at magnet grade. The demonstration process was conducted from an ore concentrate provided by a partner to showcase the Company's ability to extract, separate and purify the high-value elements in the ore body that can supply the rare earth magnet supply chain. In April of 2024 ReElement announced it has expanded its exclusive use of the patents for ligand assisted displacement chromatography and knowhow for all feedstocks to now include rare earth ores. These exclusive patents and technologies, developed at Purdue University, have been utilized by ReElement at its Noblesville, Indiana Commercial Qualification Facility to produce ultra-pure rare earth oxides and critical battery elements to the growing magnet and energy storage industries. ReElement has successfully developed its critical mineral platform technology providing a high performance and scalable solution for separating, purifying and refining rare earth and critical elements in an efficient, low cost and environmentally safe process outside of China. ReElement is currently evaluating or in conversations with providers of rare earth ores from four different continents with the goal of either partnering with such parties or acquiring their rare earth concentrates to be refined domestically. Rare earth elements include the 15 elements in the lanthanide series plus scandium and yttrium.

08:44 EDT Adial Pharmaceuticals files new patent application to protect core assets - Adial Pharmaceuticals announced the filing of a new patent application for AD04, the Company's lead investigational genetically targeted, serotonin-3 receptor antagonist, therapeutic agent for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder, AUD, in heavy drinking patients. The patent, assuming granted, is expected to protect Adial's core assets through at least 2044.

08:42 EDT Barfresh Food Group announces new co-manufacturing location - Barfresh Food Group announced a new co-manufacturing location. This new location will primarily be dedicated to manufacturing the Company's recently launched Pop & Go Freeze Pops, as well as some of its other offerings. In addition, this new capacity adds 50 million units annually with the ability for further expansion at this facility in the future. Overall, the Company now has the ability to produce over 120 million units annually of its full range of offerings in all channels.

08:40 EDT Celularity sees Q2 net sales of biomaterial product, biobanking $11M-$13M - For the second quarter 2024, Celularity expects combined net sales of its advanced biomaterial product and biobanking businesses of $11.0 to $13.0 million, consisting of expected advanced biomaterial product net sales of $10.0 to $11.5 million and expected biobanking net sales of $1.0 to $1.5 million. For the first half of 2024 combined, Celularity expects combined net sales of its advanced biomaterial product and biobanking businesses between $25.8 and $27.8 million.

08:40 EDT Celularity sees Q1 net sales of biomaterial product, biobanking $14.8M - For the first quarter 2024, Celularity expects combined net sales of its advanced biomaterial product and biobanking businesses of $14.8 million compared to the guidance range of $10.25 million to $11.5 million announced in February, consisting of expected net sales for its advanced biomaterial product business of $13.5 million and expected net sales for its biobanking business of $1.3 million.

08:39 EDT Grizzly Industrial selects Bridgeline's HawkSearch - Bridgeline Digital announced that Grizzly Industrial has selected Bridgeline's HawkSearch to power search on its eCommerce website. HawkSearch will enhance Grizzly Industrial's eCommerce product discovery by offering precise search tailored to the needs of the machinery industry. This includes advanced part number search for both full and partial numbers, unit of measurement conversion for dimensional products, and merchandising tools to run product-specific campaigns.

08:37 EDT Sellas to sell 15.8M shares at $1.325 in registered direct offering - SELLAS Life Sciences Group has entered into a securities purchase agreement with a single institutional investor for the purchase and sale of 15,849,056 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 15,849,056 shares of common stock, in a registered direct offering priced at a premium to market. The combined effective offering price for each share of common stock and accompanying warrant is $1.325. The warrants will have an exercise price of $1.20, will be immediately exercisable and will expire five years from issuance. The gross proceeds to the Company are expected to be approximately $21.0 million before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated offering expenses. The offering is expected to close on or about August 1, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Maxim Group LLC is acting as the sole placement agent for the offering.

08:33 EDT Darling Ingredients joint venture receives sustainable aviation fuel order - Darling Ingredients' (DAR) 50/50 joint venture Diamond Green Diesel - DGD - will provide the first regular supply of neat sustainable aviation fuel - SAF -, to be blended with conventional jet fuel to create blended SAF, for commercial air travel out of JFK International Airport to begin in the next few months. DGD's Port Arthur, Texas, facility will supply 1 million gallons of neat SAF, with the option to supply an additional 4 million gallons, in support of a 12-month blended SAF agreement between Valero Marketing and Supply, a subsidiary of Valero Energy (VLO), and World Fuel Services, a World Kinect (WKC) company, with ultimate delivery of such blended SAF by World Fuel to JetBlue (JBLU). With SAF expected to be on line during Q4, the DGD Port Arthur plant will have the capability to upgrade approximately 50% of its current 470 million gallon annual production capacity to SAF. With the completion of this project, DGD is expected to be one of the largest SAF manufacturers in the world.

08:31 EDT Sabre Hospitality renews long-term agreement with Wyndham Hotels - Sabre Hospitality, a division of Sabre (SABR) announced the renewal of its long-term agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WH). Under this renewed agreement, Wyndham will continue to utilize Sabre's cloud based SynXis Central Reservation System to manage its operations, reaffirming Sabre Hospitality as their exclusive global central reservation system provider for nearly two decades.

08:29 EDT MasterCard backs FY24 adjusted revenue growth high-end of low-double digits - FY24 revenue consensus $27.84B. Backs FY24 adjusted expenses growth low-end of low-double digits. Comments taken from investor presentation slides.

08:28 EDT 374Water releases white paper highlighting potential for AirSCWO tech - 374Water released a comprehensive white paper highlighting the Company's AirSCWO technology's ability to destroy greater than99.999% of a recalcitrant chemical additive used in Lithium-ion batteries. The common battery additive, HQ-115, belongs to a group of PFAS, frequently referred to as forever chemicals, and poses risk to LiB operations which release these chemicals into the environment. 374Water believes the success of its AirSCWO system in effectively treating LiB waste demonstrates the efficacy of the technology for use in the LiB production and recycling industries to improve their sustainability and mitigate risks. Highlights: While Lithium-ion batteries are used globally as a key component of clean and sustainable energy infrastructure, electrified transportation, medical devices, and consumer goods, their production and recycling processes produce toxic waste. Existing LiB manufacturing and recycling waste management approaches have been shown to release persistent organic toxic pollutants, such as HQ-115, a bis-FASI PFAS, into the environment. 374Water demonstrated a new approach to treat HQ-115 wastewater using their AirSCWO system, which resulted in greater than99.999% waste destruction. Once commercialized, the adoption of 374Water's AirSCWO system to destroy LiB waste could prevent the release of toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" from over 20,000 kilotons of electric vehicle waste produced per year.

08:25 EDT Envoy Medical announces support for new bipartisan Senate bill - Envoy Medical announces its support for a new bipartisan Senate bill, titled the Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act, which seeks to clarify that implanted active middle ear hearing devices should be viewed as prosthetics and not subject to the current Medicare hearing aid coverage exclusion. Both the House and Senate now have introduced legislation addressing implanted active middle hearing devices, which Envoy Medical believes will increase the chances of meaningful legislation moving forward and becoming law.

08:23 EDT Avalon's Laboratory Services MSO launches DNA testing kit - Avalon GloboCare announced that Laboratory Services MSO has launched a direct-to-consumer and non-invasive DNA test in the U.S. that tests for potential predisposition to opioid dependence.

08:22 EDT Provident Financial appoints Ramos as VP, CRA Cofficer - Provident Bank welcomes Leonardo Ramos as Vice President, Community Reinvestment Act Officer. Mr. Ramos is responsible for the execution of the bank's CRA program and commitments to the communities the bank serves, while overseeing the day-to-day operations of the bank's various assessment areas and carrying out executive leadership's directives to achieve specific CRA goals and objectives

08:21 EDT Fate Therapeutics appoints Neely Mozaffarian to board of directors - Fate Therapeutics announced the appointment of Neely Mozaffarian, MD, PhD, FACR, to its Board of Directors effective immediately. Mozaffarian currently serves as Chief Medical Officer of Atomwise Inc., where she leads the company's clinical development, operations, regulatory, and quality teams to progress AI-driven pipeline assets to first-in-human studies.

08:20 EDT ZimVie announces release of RealGUIDE 5.4 software update - ZimVie announced the release of its RealGUIDE 5.4 software. The update is now available in all markets where RealGUIDE is sold, enhancing ZimVie's current RealGUIDE software suite for treatment planning and implant restoration. RealGUIDE 5.4 now helps users manage procedural risk more effectively and plan complex cases in a fraction of the time. The most significant enhancement in this version is one-click nerve detection and automated bone and tooth segmentation. This empowers clinicians with greater case insights and treatment planning confidence, as well as significant time savings. Additionally, RealGUIDE 5.4 introduces new restorative design workflows meeting the evolving needs of the most demanding clinics and dental laboratories. New amplified CAD workflows empower labs to create the most attractive designs in implant dentistry. Now with an automated 'split-bar' toolset, this new feature makes the creation of complex multi-material prostheses for full-mouth rehabilitation intuitive and efficient. Additionally, new cloud-based design libraries offer improved accessibility for the restorative professional.

08:17 EDT Graphjet Technology regains compliance with Nasdaq - Graphjet Technology announced that it has received formal notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market stating that it is now in compliance with all applicable listing standards.

08:16 EDT Marriott sees Q3 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR up 3%-4% - Sees FY24 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR up 3%-4%. Sees year end 2024 net rooms growth 5.5%-6%.

08:14 EDT Capital Power raises annual dividend 6% to C$2.61 per share - On July 30, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase of 6% in the annual dividend for holders of its common shares, from $2.46 per common share to $2.61 per common share. This increased common share dividend will commence with the third quarter 2024 quarterly dividend payment on October 31, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2024.

08:14 EDT Spectral announces continuing progress for development of DeepView SnapShot M - Spectral AI announced continuing progress in the development of DeepView SnapShot M, a handheld diagnostic tool targeted for use in battlefield burn assessment that is based on the Company's AI-driven DeepView System platform. "Successful burn wound management is essential to patient survival, and this need is magnified in the battlefield setting," said Peter M. Carlson, Chief Executive Officer of Spectral AI. "Developing technology that can support our nation's armed forces is a matter of much personal and professional pride for all of us at Spectral AI, and we are honored to be a part of a select group of companies pursuing that objective. We are continuing to advance the evolution of this proprietary AI-driven burn wound assessment technology, and believe that its potential applications can extend beyond military use to serve our first responders and other healthcare providers."

08:11 EDT Grifols receive FDA clearance of IND application for Phase 1 trial of GIGA-2339 - GigaGen announced today that the United States Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has cleared its Investigational New Drug, IND, application to initiate a Phase 1 trial to evaluate the company's first recombinant polyclonal drug for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection, GIGA-2339. GIGA-2339 is the first recombinant polyclonal therapeutic in development to treat and functionally cure chronic hepatitis B virus infection; trial initiation expected in Q4 2024

08:10 EDT Cutera and L'Oreal team on distribution for SkinCeuticals products in Japan - Cutera and its Japanese subsidiary, Cutera KK, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership with L'Oreal Japan. to exclusively promote, market, sell and distribute select SkinCeuticals products to medical and physician-led clinics in Japan. "We are excited about this collaboration with L'Oreal Japan Co. to bring SkinCeuticals' renowned skincare innovations to aesthetic providers in Japan," said Brent Hauser, Cutera's International President. "This agreement underscores our commitment to supporting our existing customer base by expanding access to high-quality skincare solutions that meet the unique needs of medical clinics and their patients." Under the terms of the agreement, the partnership will initially span three years, with options for renewal. As part of the collaboration, L'Oreal Japan Co. will provide comprehensive marketing and advertising support to enhance the visibility and reach of SkinCeuticals products within the medical community. This agreement solidifies Cutera KK's position as a key player in the Japanese aesthetics market, leveraging its established network and expertise in medical aesthetics. ..Cutera plans to introduce the SkinCeuticals product line to customers in Japan during the fourth quarter of this year. The company expects the financial impact of the distribution agreement to be immaterial in 2024..

08:09 EDT Ardelyx announces publication of two plain language summaries from XPHOZAH - Ardelyx announced the publication of plain language summaries of results from two clinical trials on XPHOZAH, NORMALIZE and OPTIMIZE, in Current Medical Research and Opinion. The plain language summaries were developed by the authors to help adult patients with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis, and their family members and caregivers, better understand some of the safety and efficacy data related to XPHOZAH.

08:09 EDT Santander Chile sees 2024 NIM 3.3%-3.5% - Given the strong recovery of results in the quarter and current economic estimates, the company is upgrading NIM to 3.3%-3.5% and with this ROAE guidance from 15%-17% to 17%-18%.

08:09 EDT BorgWarner to deliver eFan system for global OEM's heavy-duty BEV trucks in N.A - BorgWarner has secured a contract to deliver its high-voltage eFan system for use on a major global OEM's series of heavy- and medium-duty battery electric vehicles in North America. The contract marks BorgWarner's largest eFan business win in North America, with start of production slated for Q4 2027.

08:07 EDT TC Biopharm announces plan to implement ADS ratio change - TC BioPharm announced that it will change its ratio of its American Depositary Shares to ordinary shares from one ADS representing twenty ordinary shares to one ADS representing two hundred ordinary shares. The ADS Ratio Change is expected to become effective on August 5th, 2024, U.S. Eastern Time. For the ADS holders, the ADS Ratio Change will have the same effect as a one-for-10 reverse ADS split. The ADS Ratio Change will have no impact on the company's underlying ordinary shares, and no ordinary shares will be issued or cancelled in connection with the ADS Ratio Change.

08:06 EDT Aspire Biopharma, PowerUp Acquisition enter LOI for business combination - Aspire Biopharma and PowerUp Acquisition announced that they have signed a non-binding letter of intent for a potential business combination. Under the terms of the LOI, following the consummation of the Business Combination, the combined public company would be listed on a national securities exchange. Aspire Biopharma, Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biopharmaceutical technology company founded in 2021. The Company is engaged in the business of developing and marketing a disruptive technology for novel delivery mechanisms for "do no harm" FDA approved drugs, nutraceuticals and supplements. Aspire has developed and acquired technologies that are a Novel Soluble Formulation which address emergencies and drug efficacy, dosage management, patient compliance and safety and rapid response and absorption time when required and desired. In March 2023, the Company filed application number 63/456,290 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office with the goal of securing patent protection for its new technology and aspirin formulation. This technology is expected to facilitate development of any number of products in a soluble, PH neutral, fast acting powder form using Aspire's patented formulation, and "trade secret" process. Aspire's drug delivery utilizes a new mechanism of action which allows for instant absorption in the mouth. The benefits of "instant absorption" are to provide nearly instant treatment impact and also allows high dose absorption. The Company has recently broadened its patent portfolio internationally and is in the process of filing additional patents covering a new set of drugs currently under development. Aspire's patented and patent pending delivery system includes components specifically formulated to allow rapid sublingual absorption of drugs directly into the blood stream, by passing the gastrointestinal tract and liver thus mitigating unwanted toxicity of this critical organ. Aspire had historically focused on the delivery of aspirin, which may be the most studied and accepted analgesic and anti-inflammatory. However, current aspirin applications have limitations due to side effects from acidity. Instaprin, which addresses cardiology emergencies and pain management, is a granular or powder formulation of a soluble, Ph neutral, fast acting aspirin. Benefits of "instant absorption" aspirin are to stop heart attack and stroke; allow high dose absorption for pain management including quick headache relief, post-surgery, cancer pain management, and general pain relief. Aspire currently plans to file a 505(b)(2) New Drug Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Instaprin. The 505(b)(2) pathway specifically benefits new drugs that are similar to already approved drugs but have slight variations in formulation or administration routes. Aspire intends to reference the safety and efficacy data of the original innovator drug which can accelerate the approval process and reduce associated costs. In addition to the Company's lead candidate Instaprin, Aspire has numerous pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications under development in the following areas, including but not limited to a proprietary Viagra/Cialis combination product which is faster acting and requires decreased dosages with the benefit of a longer half-life, various bi-hormonal drugs such as testosterone, estrogen and weight loss drugs, traumatic brain injury drugs, and thyroid drugs, among others. Aspire Biopharma and PowerUp intend to finalize their definitive business combination agreement in the coming weeks and will announce additional details at that time. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be entered into or that the proposed transaction will be consummated on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all. Any such transaction would be subject to various contingencies and conditions, including the Aspire Biopharma's requisite investor consents, third party consents and regulatory review, including from the Securities and Exchange Commission and a national securities exchange.

08:04 EDT Wingstop raises FY24 domestic same store sales growth view to about 20% - Based on year-to-date results, the company is providing updated guidance for 2024: Approximately 20% domestic same store sales growth, previously low double digits; 285 to 300 global net new units, previously 275 to 295; and SG&A expense of between $114M-$116M, previously $111M.

08:02 EDT CleanCore Solutions announcs launch of pilot program with logistics company - CleanCore Solutions announced the launch of a pilot program with one of the world's largest international logistics companies pursuant to an initial purchase order. The pilot program will include the utilization of CleanCore's Power Caddies and other cleaning solutions in a portion of the first of the client's million-plus square-foot facilities. Following the pilot, and assuming continued positive feedback, the client intends to deploy CleanCore products throughout its organization.

07:59 EDT Johnson Controls CEO George Oliver to retire - Johnson Controls announced that George Oliver has informed the board that it is time to initiate the CEO succession plan. Oliver has led the Johnson Controls' business and portfolio transformation since becoming Johnson Controls' chairman and CEO in 2017. Accordingly, the Johnson Controls board has begun a search for the company's next CEO with the assistance of an executive search firm to aide in the evaluation of internal and external candidates. Oliver will continue to serve as chairman and CEO until a successor is named and will remain chair of the board once the new CEO is named to allow for a smooth management transition.

07:51 EDT SunCoke Energy announces increased cash dividend 20% to 12c per share - SunCoke Energy announced that its Board of Directors approved an increased cash dividend of 12c per share of the company's common stock, representing a 20% increase over the regular quarterly cash dividend of 10c per share. The announced dividend is payable on September 3 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 15 .

07:50 EDT Clearmind Medicine announces participation in Psychedelic Medicine - Israel 2024 - Clearmind Medicine concluded its participation at the Psychedelic Medicine - Israel 2024 conference. The event took place in Tel Aviv, Israel, bringing together leading experts and researchers from around the world in the field of psychedelic medicine. Clearmind's CEO, Adi Zuloff-Shani, Ph.D., presented a talk titled "5-Methoxy-2-Aminoindane as a Binge Behavior Regulator." Dr. Zuloff-Shani provided insights into MEAI's potential to regulate binge behaviors, highlighting its innovative application in treating addiction-related disorders. Additionally, researchers Prof. Joseph Tam and Dr. Saja Baraghithy from the Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem presented their abstract titled "5-methoxy-2-aminoindane, a mild psychedelic agent, attenuates diet-induced obesity." Their presentation delved into the promising results of MEAI in attenuating obesity and its related metabolic complications, showcasing its potential as a therapeutic agent in obesity management. 5-Methoxy-2-Aminoindane as a Binge Behavior Regulator" Dr. Zuloff-Shani discussed the unique properties of MEAI, a psychoactive aminoindane derivative. MEAI has shown promise in reducing the desire to consume alcoholic beverages while inducing a euphoric, alcohol-like slightly tipsy, but controlled experience. This presentation explored MEAI's potential as a regulator of binge behaviors, potentially providing a novel approach to addiction treatment. 5-methoxy-2-Aminoindane, a Mild Psychedelic Agent, Attenuates Diet-induced Obesity: Dr. Baraghithy presented her research findings on the weight loss effects of MEAI. The study demonstrated that MEAI significantly reduces overweight and adiposity in a diet-induced obesity mouse model. The researchers shared compelling evidence that MEAI reduces fat mass, preserves lean mass, improves glucose metabolism, reduces hepatic steatosis and increases energy expenditure, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for obesity management.

07:48 EDT Lincoln Electric acquires Vanair Manufacturing, terms undisclosed - Lincoln Electric announced that it has acquired Vanair Manufacturing, a privately held, Michigan City, Indiana-based, manufacturer of mobile power solutions serving the U.S. service truck market. Vanair offers the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of mobile power solutions, including vehicle-mounted compressors, generators, welders, hydraulics, chargers/boosters, and electrified power equipment. Vanair's annual revenue is approximately $100M with a low double-digit percent EBIT margin, and their results will be reported in the Americas Welding Segment.

07:45 EDT Loop Industries announces update on Reed financing package, partnership - Loop Industries provided an update regarding the Company's joint venture partnership and financing agreement with Reed. This morning, Reed and Societe Generale announced that Societe Generale has agreed to acquire 75% of Reed and provide funding for Reed initially amounting to EUR 250 million, which can be further increased to EUR 350 million. This transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval, would secure Reed's funding for its planned investments, including its previously announced JV partnership for the European deployment of Loop's technology and a tiered financing package for Loop as disclosed in the agreement between Reed and Loop announced on May 30th, 2024. Under the terms of the agreement between Loop and Reed, Reed would provide capital as follows: EUR 10M investment in a Convertible Preferred Security to be issued by Loop, which contains a 13% PIK dividend rate and 5-year term, which may convert into Loop stock at $4.75 per share or redeemed in cash; EUR 25M loan to Loop in two equal tranches - first tranche to support global deployment opportunities paid at closing and second tranche to support European deployment opportunities paid in the following 12 months with both tranches having a 13% PIK interest rate and 3-year term/ The Reed announcement is a significant step towards implementing Loop's transaction with Reed. Loop expects to fulfill the remaining closing condition of the transaction within the timeframe for the closing of the transaction between Reed and Societe Generale. Loop is progressing well in discussions to obtain government and other financing.

07:42 EDT Perion Network: Maoz Sigron promoted to COO, Tzubery to CFO effective August 1 - "I'm pleased to announce that effective August 1 our current CFO, Maoz Sigron, will be promoted to COO. I am extremely excited about Maoz's promotion and expanded role at Perion. As a proven leader who has been pivotal to the company's turnaround in the past seven years, Maoz is well-positioned to manage all aspects of operations and lead the strategic unification of our various operations within Perion, ensuring the company is on the right path to achieving sustainable growth. "I am also pleased to share that our current SVP of Finance, Elad Tzubery, will be promoted to CFO effective August 1, 2024. Elad previously reported to Maoz and has enjoyed increasing responsibilities within our finance department over the last six years. His promotion reflects his deep understanding of our financial strategies and his vital role in their execution." concluded Mr. Jacobson.

07:40 EDT Alterity Therapeutics reports cash balance of A$12.6M as of June 30 - "We have made great strides over the last two months with the positive interim data readout from our ATH434-202 Phase 2 clinical trial and the important observations from our bioMUSE Natural History Study that continue to guide development of ATH434," said David Stamler, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Alterity. "I am very encouraged by the results from our 202 study in patients with advanced Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) where we saw favorable clinical and biomarker outcomes in some patients suggesting that ATH434 has the potential to modify the course of this devastating condition. We were also very pleased to see that the clinical responders had biomarker evidence of stable disease as this provides an objective indication of potential efficacy. Our bioMUSE study continues to provide valuable information to inform our patient selection criteria and choose endpoints for our Phase 2 clinical trials. This observational study has allowed us to monitor the progression of MSA in earlier stage patients and further characterize this devastating disease. Working with our colleagues at Vanderbilt University, we have employed novel MRI technology and machine learning to precisely analyze brain iron content and brain volumes in these patients over time. The results from the study have guided us to modify our endpoints in the ATH434-202 study. The data from our 202 and bioMUSE studies increases my overall confidence in the ATH434 development program," concluded Dr. Stamler.

07:40 EDT Clean Energy opens clean-fuel RNG station in Davenport, Florida - Clean Energy announced the opening of its latest renewable natural gas - RNG - fueling station in Davenport, Florida. The site is now providing RNG to heavy-duty trucking and other fleets operating busy routes around Highway 27, I4 and the Florida Turnpike area. Clean Energy currently has a network of over 600 fueling stations in North America. Clean Energy is also making substantial investments in the production of RNG at dairy farms.

07:38 EDT Bionomics reports 'positive' end-of-Phase 2 meeting with FDA on BNC210 - Bionomics announced the favorable outcomes of an EoP2 meeting with the FDA, supporting the advancement of its lead asset BNC210 for the treatment of PTSD into Phase 3 based on the positive results of the recently completed Phase 2b ATTUNE study. The company presented the clinical plans to registration, that alongside the positive Phase 2b ATTUNE trial include a single additional Phase 3 trial. The meeting on June 26 was centered around the design of the Phase 3 trial that if successful may enable review of the NDA submission. The company plans to submit the full Phase 3 protocol for FDA review prior to trial initiation and is finalizing the full study protocol and anticipates beginning the Phase 3 program in PTSD in Q4.

07:36 EDT Global Technologies' GOe3 unveils new AI system design - Global Technologies announces that its subsidiary, GOe3, has launched an Artificial Intelligence system designed from the ground up to protect user identities while simultaneously delivering an authentic user experience to the marketplace. "GOe3 is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and creating solutions that put users first,'" said Fredrick Cutcher, Chief Executive Officer of Global Technologies. "This new AI system is a testament to that commitment."

07:34 EDT Boeing names Kelly Ortberg as President and CEO, succeeding Dave Calhoun - Boeing (BA) announced that its Board of Directors has elected Robert "Kelly" Ortberg as the company's new president and CEO, effective August 8. Ortberg will also serve on Boeing's Board of Directors. He will succeed Dave Calhoun, who earlier this year announced his intention to retire from the company, having served as president and CEO since January 2020, and as a member of Boeing's Board of Directors since 2009. Ortberg brings over 35 years of aerospace leadership to this position. He began his career in 1983 as an engineer at Texas Instruments (TXN), and then joined Rockwell Collins in 1987 as a program manager and held increasingly important leadership positions at the company prior to becoming its president and CEO in 2013.

07:32 EDT Boeing names Kelly Ortberg as President and CEO

07:32 EDT Digital Brands announces launch of new DTC strategy - Digital Brands Group announces a successful launch of its new DTC strategy. The new strategy focuses on driving significant customer value through discounts offered to customers who bundle multiple units in one purchase, which is referred to as "Build Your Own Bundle" or BYOB. Since launching this new BYOB strategy in mid-June, DSTLD has experienced a 144% increase in its orders. Additionally, DSTLD orders are up 400%+ when there are dedicated email campaigns featuring this BYOB promotion.

07:31 EDT MiNK Therapeutics regains compliance with nasdaq MVLS requirement - MiNK Therapeutics announced that it has regained compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market's market value of listed securities, MVLS, requirement.

07:29 EDT Emerita Resources announces Junta of Andalusia granted IBW DSI status - Emerita Resources announce that the Junta of Andalusia, the Regional Government of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, has declared via a written resolution that the Company's wholly-owned Iberian Belt West, IBW, project is of strategic interest for Andalusia and granted the Project with the Declaration of Strategic Interest status. The Declaration of Strategic Interest, DSI, is designed to streamline the administrative procedures to support economic business initiatives, and thus promote investment and the generation and securing of jobs in the Andalusia region.

07:27 EDT Teleflex: FDA clears Ringer Perfusion Balloon Catheter - Teleflex announced U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance of the Ringer Perfusion Balloon Catheter, the only commercially available Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty perfusion balloon. The Ringer Perfusion Balloon Catheter will enter a limited market release phase in August of 2024.

07:25 EDT Immatics appoints Reicin to board of directors - Immatics (IMTX) announced the appointment of Alise Reicin, M.D., to its Board of Directors. Alise Reicin is an experienced and expert pharmaceutical industry executive and leader who has led the development of multiple important new therapies, including Keytruda. Dr. Reicin currently serves as the President and CEO of Tectonic Therapeutic (TECX).

07:23 EDT Sono-Tek announces new $2.95M order from clean energy customer - Sono-Tek announces that it has received a significant new order from an existing clean energy customer. The $2.95 million order is the third part of an anticipated multi-system program and is Sono-Tek's largest order in its history. This new order comprises four production-scale systems and builds upon the delivery of four previously announced production-scale machines. These machines were shipped to the customer in FY2024, which ended on February 29, 2024, and during the first half of FY2025, ending February 28, 2025. With this additional order, the total number of production-scale machines for this customer will increase to eight. The customer initially purchased an R&D system from Sono-Tek to develop their processes before advancing to production-scale systems. The new order is scheduled for shipment during the first half of fiscal 2026, starting March 1, 2025.

07:22 EDT Entero Therapeutics chairman issues letter to stockholders - Entero Therapeutics released a letter from James Sapirstein, the Company's Chairman and CEO, to provide stockholders with a business update. "We are making substantial progress in the development and on the regulatory pathways with our lead product candidate, latiglutenase, a late-stage clinical asset for the treatment of celiac disease. Our primary focus is on advancing latiglutenase into a pivotal Phase 3 trial in 2025. Our recent regulatory agency interactions and operational changes outlined below reflect our sharp focus on positioning Entero for success with this lead program that can potentially address the unmet treatment needs for the millions of people currently struggling with celiac disease. After reviewing previous results from the Phase 2b clinical trial of latiglutenase, we decided to submit two Type D meeting requests to the FDA to build a more precise and efficient Phase 3 clinical trial design and development plan for latiglutenase... Additionally, we are preparing a response to the most recent end of Phase 2 and Type C meeting correspondence with the FDA to propose an updated protocol and streamlined trial design with the single-dose regimen and a focus on the most severe and symptomatic patient population demonstrating intestinal damage... Despite the challenging market conditions affecting all clinical-stage biopharma companies, we completed a small financing that generated $1.9 million in gross proceeds to help support our movement toward initiation of the Phase 3 trial."

07:20 EDT Humacyte ATEV meets primary endpoints in V007 Phase 3 trial - Humacyte announced positive top-line results from the V007 Phase 3 Clinical Trial of the acellular tissue engineered vessel, ATEV, in arteriovenous access for patients with end-stage renal disease. In the Phase 3 trial, the ATEV demonstrated superior function and patency at six and 12 months compared to autogenous fistula, which is the current standard of care for hemodialysis patients. The V007 Phase 3 trial is a prospective, multi-center, randomized clinical study in 242 hemodialysis patients in the United States. Enrolled individuals were randomly assigned to receive either the ATEV or an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis access and are being followed for up to 24 months. Under the statistical analysis plan for the trial, the primary efficacy assessment compared functional patency at six months and secondary patency at 12 months, as co-primary endpoints. At six months, 81.3% of the patients implanted with the ATEV had functional patency compared to 66.4% of the patients receiving an AV fistula. At 12 months, 68.3% of the patients implanted with the ATEV had secondary patency, compared to 62.2% of the patients receiving an AV fistula. The joint test for superiority of the ATEV versus AV fistula at six and 12 months was statistically significant.

07:09 EDT Hutchmed reiterates 2024 guidance for Oncology/Immunology revenue $300M-$400M - The company said, "We reiterate full year 2024 guidance for Oncology/Immunology consolidated revenue is $300 million to $400 million, driven by 30% to 50% growth target in oncology marketed product revenue. HUTCHMED's work in 2024 and beyond will be supported by its strong balance sheet. The Company is thus well placed to deliver against its target to become a self-sustaining business and its goal to bring its innovative medicines to patients globally through its own sales network in China markets and through partners worldwide."

07:07 EDT CBIZ to acquire Marcum in cash-and-stock transaction is valued at $2.3B - CBIZ announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the non-attest business of Marcum, LLP, which will make CBIZ the seventh-largest accounting services provider in the U.S. with approximately $2.8B in annual revenue. Concurrent with the closing of this transaction, the attest business of Marcum will be acquired by Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C., a national independent CPA firm with which CBIZ has had an Administrative Service Agreement for over 25 years. The cash-and-stock transaction is valued at approximately $2.3B. It is expected that approximately half of the transaction consideration will be paid in cash and the remainder shares of CBIZ common stock. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024 subject to the approval of CBIZ stockholders, the approval of Marcum's partners and other customary closing conditions.

06:52 EDT Dayforce announces $500M share repurchase plan - Dayforce announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program with authorization to purchase up to $500M of its common stock.

06:17 EDT Wallbox announces $45M investment - Wallbox (WBX) announced that it had received a $45M investment, which includes $35M from lead investor, Generac Power Systems(GNRC). The strategic investment reinforces the partnership with Generac and highlights Wallbox's strong position in the market. This investment strengthens Wallbox's balance sheet and provides capital to accelerate the company's ability to manufacture and sell more of their award-winning chargers throughout the world, particularly in the fast-growing North American market. The partnership with Generac further enhances this strategy given their 8,000+ authorised installers and ability to integrate with other Generac energy management systems. This is the second minority investment Generac has made in Wallbox, and aligns with the companies' commercial relationship, announced December last year along with the recent addition of Paolo Campinoti, Executive Vice President at Generac International to the Wallbox board of directors. Aside from Generac, the investment includes additional funding from a number of long-standing shareholders.

06:11 EDT HSBC targets RoTE in mid-teens for 2024, 2025 - The company said, "We will now target a return on average tangible equity, excluding the impact of notable items, the mid-teens for both 2024 and 2025. Based upon our current forecasts, we expect banking NII of around $43bn in 2024. This guidance remains dependent on the path of interest rates globally. While loan growth was 1% in 1H24, revenue has continued to benefit from elevated interest rates. Over the medium to long term, we continue to expect mid-single digit year-on-year percentage growth in customer lending. We are reiterating our cost growth guidance of approximately 5% for 2024 compared with 2023, on a target basis, and now expect ECL charges as a percentage of average gross loans in 2024 to be within our medium-term planning range of 30bps to 40bps. Our guidance reflects our current outlook for the global macroeconomic environment, including customer and financial markets activity. This includes our modelling of a number of market dependent factors, such as market-implied interest rates, as well as customer behaviour and activity levels. We intend to manage our CET1 capital ratio within our medium-term target range of 14% to 14.5%, with a dividend payout ratio target basis of 50% for 2024, which excludes material notable items and related impacts"

06:11 EDT Ideaya Biosciences enters option, license agreement for B7H3/PTK7 BsADC program - Ideaya Biosciences announced that it has entered into an option and license agreement for a B7H3/PTK7 BsADC program with Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals. The agreement grants Ideaya an option for an exclusive worldwide license from Biocytogen for a potential first-in-class B7H3/PTK7 topo-I-payload BsADC program. B7H3/PTK7 has been found to be co-expressed in multiple solid tumor types, including double-digit percent prevalence in lung, colorectal, and head and neck cancers, among others. Under the terms of the agreement, Biocytogen will receive an upfront fee and upon an option exercise by Ideaya, be entitled to receive an option exercise fee, development and regulatory milestones and commercial milestone payments, as well as single-digit royalties on net sales. Total potential upfront, option exercise and milestone payments equal an aggregate of $406.5M, including development and regulatory milestones of $100M. Based on preclinical data, the potential first-in-class B7H3/PTK7 topoisomerase-I-inhibitor-payload BsADC program has the potential to be developed as a monotherapy agent and used in combination with multiple programs in IDEAYA's pipeline targeting DDR-based therapies, including PARG inhibitor IDE161. A development candidate nomination for the B7H3/PTK7 topoisomerase-I-inhibitor payload BsADC program is targeted for the second half of 2024.

05:33 EDT Faraday Future regains compliance with Nasdaq

05:23 EDT Fiverr acquires AutoDS, terms undisclosed - Fiverr announced its acquisition of AutoDS, which provides a subscription-based end-to-end solution for dropshippers, including product research and sourcing, inventory management, and automated fulfillment. AutoDS brings tens of thousands of dropshippers into the Fiverr ecosystem, adding to the existing dropshipping and e-commerce buyer base on Fiverr. AutoDS was founded in 2018 and is managed by Lior Pozin, Michael Royf, and Ofir Bokobza, with the goal of automating the dropshipping process. AutoDS provides a single dashboard where multiple stores can be monitored, and prices are automatically updated as they increase from suppliers. AutoDS will remain independently operated while working together to maximize synergies between both companies.