Stockwinners Market Radar for March 25, 2020 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

20:51 EDT Quidel's Lyra assay gets FDA authorization for expanded use in COVID-19 testing - Quidel announced that its Lyra(R) SARS-CoV-2 Assay has received expanded Emergency Use Authorization, or EUA, claims from the FDA to allow testing with three additional thermocyclers: Applied Biosystems 7500 Standard, Roche LightCycler 480, and Qiagen Rotor-Gene Q. Under the initial EUA, the Lyra SARS-CoV-2 Assay real-time RT-PCR test was intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab specimens from patients suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider. The list of acceptable specimens has been expanded by the CDC to include nasal and nasal turbinate swabs. Separately, the Lyra SARS-CoV-2 Assay received CE-Mark on March 25, 2020. The CE Mark allows Quidel to market and sell the Lyra SARS-CoV-2 Assay in Europe, as well as other countries that accept the CE Mark. Also, on March 25, 2020, Quidel received authorization from Health Canada to market and sell the assay in Canada. The assay is currently available for sale in the United States under EUA.

19:40 EDT Rogers Communications cannot predict 'material' impact of COVID-19 - The company states: "Rogers Communications has been closely monitoring developments related to coronavirus disease 2019. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact the well-being of individuals and the Canadian and global economies, Rogers has implemented a response plan to continue providing service and support to our customers and communities while safeguarding the health and safety of the public and our employees. Rogers has implemented alternative working arrangements for employees and temporarily closed retail locations nationally, with the exception of a limited number of street front stores that remain open to urgent customer support. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the magnitude, duration and potential outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable at this time to predict its impact on our operations, liquidity, financial condition and results, but the impact may be material."

19:07 EDT Granite Point Mortgage to suspend dividend - Granite Point Mortgage provided an update on its overall business operations and its first quarter 2020 common stock dividend in connection with the impact of the intensifying global pandemic of the COVID-19 virus. As of March 25, 2020, the composition of the company's commercial real estate investment portfolio was approximately 98.8% senior loans, approximately 0.6% subordinated loans and approximately 0.6% securities. Due to the unprecedented market conditions and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the board and management team believe it is prudent and in the best interest of the company to conserve available liquidity at this time. As a result, the board has decided to suspend the company's first quarter 2020 common stock dividend.

18:58 EDT SPDR Gold Shares holdings rise to 949.15MT from 935.98MT - This is the third consecutive increase and the highest level of holdings since March 11th.

18:27 EDT Western Digital CEO: Demand has been consistent and resilient - In an interview on CNBC's Mad Money, Western Digital CEO David Goeckeler said demand has been steady and "business continues to flow." He noted that all factories are running and teams are adapting to fluidity. According Goeckeler, the company has been deemed an "essential business" by governments and its liquidity position is "strong." He added that everyone who can work from home is working from home.

18:07 EDT MFA Financial to defer dividend payments - MFA Financial announced that due to the turmoil in the financial markets resulting from the global COVID-19 virus pandemic and in order to preserve liquidity until it can more accurately assess the impact that current market conditions will have on the company's business, the company will revoke its previously announced first quarter 2020 quarterly cash dividends on each of the company's common stock and 7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The quarterly cash dividend of 20c per share on the company's common stock had been declared on March 11, 2020 and was to be paid on April 30, 2020 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business March 31, 2020.

17:45 EDT PolyMet says Minnesota SC granted review of ruling on NorthMet permits - The Minnesota Supreme Court today granted review of a Minnesota Court of Appeals' ruling on the NorthMet Permit to Mine and dam safety permits, according to Poly Met Mining, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PolyMet Mining Corp. PolyMet and the Department of Natural Resources had petitioned the Supreme Court in February to overturn the lower court's January 13 ruling, which remanded the three permits to the DNR for a contested case hearing. "We are pleased the court agreed to review this case, which naturally is of great importance to PolyMet, but also has potentially far-reaching effects on any business seeking permits from the state," said Jon Cherry, president and CEO. "The court of appeals' interpretation of the statute creates tremendous uncertainty for companies who want to invest in Minnesota and must seek permits from the DNR and Pollution Control Agency. We are looking forward to presenting our case to the Minnesota Supreme Court."

17:41 EDT Murphy Oil announces temporary leave of absence of CEO Roger Jenkins - Murphy Oil announced that Roger Jenkins, President and CEO has, pending test results, a presumptive diagnosis of COVID-19, and has taken a temporary medical leave. He is expected to completely recover, however, in the interim, David Looney, the company's EVP and CFO, will temporarily assume Roger's responsibilities.

17:34 EDT Lockheed Martin awarded $112.75M Navy contract - Lockheed Martin was awarded an $112.75M cost-plus-award-fee, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for mobile user objective system, or MUOS, space segment sustainment. MUOS is a narrowband military satellite communications system that supports a worldwide, multiservice population of users, providing modern net-centric communications capabilities while supporting legacy terminals. Work is expected to be complete by March 2030. FY20-FY29 operations and maintenance funding will be applied to task orders after contract award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This sole-source contract was not competitively procured pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304 and the Federal Acquisition Regulation subpart 6.302-1 was the only responsible source. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:30 EDT Precision Drilling discloses continued listing requirement notice from NYSE - Precision Drilling announces that on March 24 it received formal notice of non-compliance with the NYSE share price continued listing standards, which require a listed common stock to maintain a minimum average closing price of US$1.00 per share for 30 consecutive trading days. Precision intends to respond to the NYSE with its objective to satisfy all specified requirements to cure the deficiency.

17:26 EDT Tesla CEO says NY Gigafactory to reopen 'as soon as humanly possible' - Tesla CEO Elon Musk said via Twitter that the company's New York Gigafactory will reopen for ventilator production "as soon as humanly possible." "We will do anything in our power to help the citizens of New York," Musk added. Reference Link

17:23 EDT Terex withdraws FY20 guidance provided on February 13 - Terex is providing an update regarding the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic on the company. "At Terex, our highest priority remains the safety, health and well-being of our team members, their families and our communities. Although the pace at which the situation related to COVID-19 is changing has been accelerating, we remain committed to serving the needs of our customers, including shipping our products, delivering our parts and servicing our equipment, while taking precautions to protect the health and safety of our team members, our customers, our suppliers and the communities in which we all live and work. We have developed contingency plans for our operations and are taking appropriate steps to reduce operating expenses. The company's actions include temporarily shutting down certain manufacturing facilities, adjusting production schedules at other facilities, reducing supplier component purchases in line with reduced production and aggressively managing all controllable costs. We have also suspended all share repurchases. As a result of the evolving impact of COVID-19 on the economy, we are withdrawing our 2020 full-year guidance provided in the Form 8-K filed on February 13 and discussed on our 2019 fourth quarter earnings call held on February 14. The uncertainty around the impact on our financial and operating results of the COVID-19 situation cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

17:16 EDT Nordstrom to extend temporary store closures by at least one week - Nordstrom announced it will extend its temporary store closure for at least one week, through April 5. Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, the company will continue to assess the situation market by market and will provide further updates as appropriate. This closure impacts all U.S. and Canada stores, including Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Trunk Club, Jeffrey, Nordstrom Local and Last Chance. The Nordstrom Executive Leadership Group will forgo a part of their salary, and both Pete and Erik Nordstrom will decline their salary from April through September. Similarly, all members of the company's board will forgo cash compensation for a six-month period.

17:07 EDT Newmont says 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held virtual only - Newmont provided notice of an update to the location for the company's 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders via the filing of additional proxy materials with the SEC. The company stated, "Due to the emerging public health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Newmont's 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held in a virtual only meeting format on Tuesday, April 21, at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time. Online access to the meeting will begin at 7:30 a.m. Mountain Time. You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. In addition to this adjustment, the company has implemented additional controls at its operations and offices around the globe to further protect the health and safety of its workforce, their families and neighboring communities. We expect this modification in meeting format to be effective for this year only and to revert back to an in-person annual meeting in future years after public health conditions have improved."

17:05 EDT Dominion says annual meeting to be held virtually - As previously disclosed, Dominion Energy will hold its annual meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. ET. In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and taking into account the guidance and protocols issued by public health authorities and federal, state and local governments, this year's annual meeting will be held virtually at the same date and time, via the Internet, with no physical, in-person meeting.

17:03 EDT Baytex Energy receives noncompliance notice from NYSE - Baytex Energy announced that it received notification from the NYSE that Baytex is no longer in compliance with one of the NYSE's continued listing standards because the average closing price of Baytex's common shares was less than $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30 trading period. The issuance of the notification is not discretionary and is sent automatically when a listed company's share price falls below the NYSE's minimum price listing standard. Under the NYSE's rules, Baytex can avoid delisting if, within six months from the date of the NYSE notification, its common shares have a closing price on the last trading day of any calendar month and a concurrent 30 trading day average closing price of at least US$1.00 per share. If at the expiration of the applicable six month cure period Baytex has not regained compliance, the NYSE will commence suspension and delisting procedures. The NYSE can also commence accelerated delisting action in the event Baytex's common shares trade at levels viewed by the NYSE to be abnormally low, which the NYSE has advised is typically below 16c per share. At this time, Baytex does not expect to propose a share consolidation as a means of curing the deficiency. Non-compliance with the NYSE's price listing standard does not affect Baytex's business operations or its reporting requirements to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor does it affect the continued listing and trading of Baytex's common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

17:02 EDT Pyxus announces review of strategic alternatives - Pyxus International announced that its board has initiated a process to evaluate a range of strategic alternatives available to the company to maximize value. As part of the process, the Board established a special committee of independent directors, which will be chaired by Martin Wade III. The Special Committee will consider and assess a range of strategic, operational and financial alternatives, which may include a sale, recapitalization or other transaction, and will make related recommendations thereon to the full Board. Pyxus has retained Lazard and RPA Advisors as its financial advisors to assist with the strategic review process.

17:01 EDT Cyberoptics gets additional orders for MX600 memory module inspection systems - CyberOptics announced that it has received additional orders valued at approximately $1.6M for its 2D MX600 system for post-singulation inspection of memory modules. CyberOptics presently anticipates that these orders will become revenue in the second half of 2020.

17:00 EDT Merck to donate 30,000 masks to NJ amid COVID-19 emergency response - Merck announced that it is donating 300,000 masks to New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. As of Wednesday, March 25, 2020, New Jersey had confirmed more than 3,500 novel coronavirus cases, the second-highest in the U.S. after New York state. On Sunday, Merck announced a donation of 500,000 masks for use in New York City. "At Merck, we recognize that our global mission to save and improve lives starts in New Jersey, home of our global headquarters and thousands of our employees," said Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck. "We extend our deepest appreciation to the many healthcare providers and volunteers here and around the world who are doing so much to help affected patients and communities, and to our own employees who are focused on delivering our critically important medicines and vaccines to the patients who need them."

16:47 EDT Designer Brands implements temporary leave of absence for 80% of workforce - Designer Brands announced certain measures to mitigate the operating and financial impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic, including: As previously disclosed in Form 8-K filed March 17, 2020, the company temporarily closed its North American retail locations; at this time, these stores remain closed. The company is implementing temporary leaves of absence for over 80% of its workforce, effective March 29, 2020. The employees on temporary leaves of absence will not receive direct compensation from the company but will continue to receive employee benefits, including medical, prescription, and dental benefits. For nearly all employees not placed on temporary leave, the company is implementing pay reductions. Base salaries for the company's executive officers, including each of its named executive officers, will be reduced by 20%, effective March 29, 2020.

16:43 EDT BBVA USA rolls out additional client, employee offers amid COVID-19 pandemic - BBVA USA said it is providing additional assistance across its footprint to those who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, including new offers for consumers and small businesses, and specialized benefits for employees. The bank has rolled out the additional client offers as the COVID-19 pandemic - and its corresponding impact - continues to develop in the U.S. The offers have been tailored to clients' specific areas of need during the ongoing crisis, and will be available as BBVA continues to monitor the current health situation. BBVA USA initially announced its package of offers on March 13. Today, the bank is announcing additional assistance, including: Fixed rate small business loans of up to $50,000 with first payment not due until 90 days after opening; Consumers and small businesses may request refunds of overdraft fees; Small businesses may request waivers of service charge fees on deposit accounts; and special assistance and rates for advances on existing home equity lines of credit. BBVA is currently making these offers available and will monitor the ongoing situation surrounding COVID-19 in order to enact an end date. Fees will be refunded at BBVA's discretion. All loans are subject to approval, including credit approval. In addition to the specialized client offers, the bank is also taking measures to assist with the safety and well-being of its employees, including through employee benefits. In response to the pandemic, the bank announced to its employees that the company's health insurance plans would fully cover all in-network COVID-19-related tests and treatment. Employees and their covered dependents who are on BBVA USA health plans will not be required to satisfy their deductible before the plan begins paying 100 percent of the expense, and will not be required to pay co-insurance.

16:40 EDT Meritor suspends stock repurchases, withdraws guidance due to COVID-19 pandemic - Meritor provided an update on its global operations in response to the continued spread and impact of COVID-19. "The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented uncertainty in the global commercial vehicle industry and economies around the world," said Jay Craig, CEO and president of Meritor. "In light of rapidly evolving market conditions, and in accordance with the guidance of global health professionals, we made the difficult but necessary decision, along with many of our customers, to suspend production at most of our global commercial truck manufacturing facilities. We are also taking proactive and decisive actions to reduce costs and increase our financial flexibility.A reduction to the retainer fees paid to non-employee directors by 60 percent; A reduction of 50 percent to 60 percent to the base salary of each of its named executive officers; A reduction to the base salary for all other salaried employees in the United States and Canada by 40 percent to 50 percent, and; The temporary suspension of share repurchases under the company's share repurchase plan. As a result of the highly uncertain operating environment, the company has determined to withdraw its guidance given on January 30, 2020 regarding its fiscal year 2020 financial results. The company will provide an update on its full fiscal year outlook when it announces its second fiscal quarter results.

16:36 EDT Rush Enterprises to remain open for essential functions amid COVID-19 pandemic - Rush Enterprises announced that its Rush Truck Centers, Rush Truck Leasing and other facilities remain operational across the United States supporting the economy's essential businesses and critical infrastructure. The company's Chairman and CEO, Rusty Rush, stated that "we are proud and committed to serve our customers in the important work they are doing, from ensuring the supply of essential medical supplies and life-sustaining goods to the provision of critical public services such as waste removal."Rush also noted that "our foremost priority is always the health and safety of our customers, employees, business partners and communities."

16:35 EDT Norbord lowers NA mill capacity by 25%, cuts 2020 capex to $75M - Norbord announced that effective March 30, it will commence reducing production across its portfolio of North American oriented strand board mills in response to the demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company will adjust its operating configuration by reducing shifts and running a number of its North American mills on alternating schedules to match production with an anticipated reduction in OSB demand and to comply with government-imposed restrictions. This approach will allow the company to continue to serve its customers, retain operating flexibility and preserve jobs for as many employees as is practicable, while at the same time being prepared to quickly resume normal operations when economic conditions improve. This adjusted operating configuration will initially result in a 25% reduction to Norbord's currently operating North American mill capacity. In addition, the company is deferring non-critical capital projects and further reducing its 2020 capital expenditures budget by 25%, from $100M to $75M, to preserve cash and balance sheet flexibility.

16:34 EDT Jerash says much of March quarter production done prior to Jordan shutdown order - Jerash Holdings provided an update on its business operations. The country of Jordan has announced a shutdown of non-essential activities as part of its proactive national efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Jerash believes that much of its production work for the March quarter had been completed prior to the shutdown order, with its factories producing primarily for April shipments at the time the shutdown was implemented. The timing of revenue recognition may be affected for a limited number of pieces that were being prepared for transit in late March, and Jerash is evaluating possible options to address this issue. Jerash has maintained close contact with government officials during this period and taken a nationally recognized leadership role in implementing workplace safety actions to continue to protect its workforce. The company continues to discuss closely with the government with regard to when its production can be re-opened. "The Jordanian national government is drawing on best practices seen in other countries to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including an early and aggressive shelter in place action that has been helpful in slowing the progression of cases in several countries," said Samuel Choi, Chairman and CEO of Jerash Holdings. "We fully support these actions in the interest of safety for all Jordanians, our workforce, and their families. Jerash is doing its part to fully support and comply with these mandates, as well as take additional measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees during this challenge. Jerash has also been recognized by the Jordanian government as a model in workplace actions to protect against the spread of COVID-19, and we look forward to re-opening full production once the government provides clearance to do so."

16:33 EDT SunLink Health Systems suspends share repurchase program - SunLink Health Systems announced that it is suspending its Share Repurchase Program in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. SunLink's management believes the suspension, while conservative, is prudent given uncertainty regarding the length and severity of the pandemic and potential uncertainty regarding the impact of the pandemic on the timeliness of reimbursement claims and payments under various Federal and state programs and from private payors. SunLink has the ability to reinstate repurchases as circumstances warrant subject to compliance with applicable SEC rules. The company is unable to predict the impact of the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company's financial condition, results of operations, business, or prospects. Prior to its suspension, the Program was scheduled to expire at 4:00 PM, New York City Time, on June 1, unless further extended or earlier terminated. As of 4:00 P.M. on March 24, 87,534 Shares have been purchased under the Program for an aggregate purchase price of $100,706. As of March 19, the company had 293 shareholders of record. If the number of holders of record remains under 300, the company would be entitled to Deregister. However, the company does not know whether the number of holders of record will further change during the suspension of the Program. Currently, the company does not expect to take any action to Deregister absent a material reduction below 300 in the number of holders of record or the extended stability of the number of holders of record below 300.

16:32 EDT Micron says able to resume manufacturing in Malaysia - "As COVID-19 spreads, we are complying with all government orders at our global sites," the company said. "These orders may result in a temporary or prolonged shutdown of our sites, which could impact our shipments this quarter. For example, on March 16, the Malaysian government issued a Restriction of Movement Order, resulting in the closure of borders and most businesses in Malaysia. Subsequently, the Malaysian government added semiconductors to the list of essential services, and we were able to resume operations. Our assembly and test facilities in Muar and Penang, primarily used for packaging high-value NAND, were briefly shut down and have since been able to return to production on a very limited basis, in compliance with local regulations. We are using our global supply chain network and increased flexibility to try and mitigate this production impact, and we are working to keep our commitments to customers."

16:32 EDT New York American Water delays previously announced rate increase - In response to COVID-19 and after consultation with the New York State Department of Public Service, the New York State Public Service Commission approved New York American Water's request to postpone the company's previously approved rate increase, originally scheduled to go into effect April 1. Per the Order, the rate increase will be postponed for five months until September 1, 2020, at which time the previously approved rate increase will go into effect. In addition to the Rate Year 4 increase postponement, the System Improvement Charge, normally scheduled to go into effect August 1, 2020, will also be postponed until September 1, 2020. The rate increase postponement is applicable to all customers, including residential and commercial customers and fire service and irrigation accounts.

16:29 EDT Micron sees Q3 gross margin 31%, plus or minus 150 basis points - Says moving supply from smartphone to service the strength in data center markets. Says evaluationg production levels and capex plans for 2020 and will adjust to most recent demand requirements. Says expects industry to resume long-term growth trajectory once company emerges from low-visibility environment impacted by COVID-19. Sees multiyear supply growth CAGR for DRAM and NAND to be in line with industry's demand growth CAGR. Says guidance ranges wider than usual given unusual uncertainties. Says guidance ranges include expenses for COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

16:24 EDT Travelzoo Chairman Ralph Bartel sells over $251K in company shares - Travelzoo Chairman Ralph Bartel disclosed in a regulatory filing that he had sold 80,359 shares of company stock at an average price of $3.13 per share on March 23. The total transaction value of the sale was $251,524.

16:20 EDT Camden Property CEO says 'too early' to quantify impact from COVID-19 pandemic - "We believe it is still too early to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to our financial performance," said Richard J. Campo, Camden's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Currently our portfolio's occupancy remains strong at over 96%. We are seeing high levels of resident retention but also reduced foot traffic and new lease applications from prospective residents given the current environment. We plan to provide additional financial updates in conjunction with our first quarter 2020 earnings release in late April/early May."

16:19 EDT HP says it should not focus on talks with Xerox amid COVID-19 pandemic - HP Inc. (HPQ) issued a letter to shareholders, saying it is focused on managing the COVID-19 pandemic "with urgency and a deep sense of care." "Our primary responsibility in this difficult period is to focus on HP's business and address the needs of our ecosystem of stakeholders around the world, including our shareholders, our millions of customers, our 250,000 partners, and our team of approximately 55,000 employees," the company said. "We are actively managing many challenges, including assuring the health and safety of our people, addressing supply chain disruptions, monitoring and addressing our customers' liquidity needs and, more broadly, ensuring HP is well-positioned to support people working remotely. At the same time, we are committed to protecting your investment in HP. Since Xerox (XRX) launched its unsolicited exchange offer and nominated directors, the global social, economic and financial environments have changed radically. Despite this, Xerox continues to advance its tender offer and its proposed slate of directors in an effort to force a combination. It is important for shareholders to understand that, under these circumstances and consistent with our fiduciary duties, we believe that we should not divert valuable time, attention and resources to a dialogue with Xerox about its proposed transaction. Any complex, large-scale, highly leveraged transaction in the current economic environment could be disastrous for HP, its shareholders and our entire ecosystem. While we remain open-minded about M&A as a tool to add value for HP shareholders at the right time and on the right terms - it's abundantly clear that now is not that time. Our focus must now be on ensuring that we remain strong and resilient throughout this crisis while continuing to position the business for the opportunities ahead. This includes continuing to advance our leadership in our core businesses and disrupting new industries with breakthrough innovation, while significantly reducing our costs to become a more agile company." HP aded in the letter that it has "consistently" expressed "deep concerns" about the capital structure that is reflect in Xerox's proposal and that it is "important" for shareholders to understand that there would 6-12 months of "significant uncertainty" before knowing whether the conditions are satisfied. "We believe the Xerox proposal fundamentally undervalues HP, threatens the future of both companies, and creates an unacceptable level of risk to both HP and Xerox shareholders," HP said. Our duty now is to protect our organization - and your investment. And that's exactly what we are going to do."

16:16 EDT CBL & Associates draws $280M in line of credit, pulls FY20 guidance - CBL Properties issued the following statement regarding COVID-19 events and impacts. Stephen Lebovitz, CEO, says: "Given the difficulty of accurately predicting the financial and economic ramifications of the pandemic, we have taken immediate steps to preserve our liquidity position by drawing $280M under our line of credit. This action serves to maximize our financial flexibility during this period of uncertainty. As a reminder, we are also preserving liquidity through the suspension of our preferred and common stock dividends and have no unsecured debt maturities until 2023. Finally, we have made the decision to withdraw our previously issued earnings guidance for 2020."

16:14 EDT MasterCraft Boat suspending operations at manufacturing facilities - In an effort to further protect the health of its manufacturing employees and to balance wholesale production with retail demand, the company is suspending operations at its manufacturing facilities for all of its brands -- MasterCraft, NauticStar, Crest and Aviara -- effective close of business on March 26. For its corporate employees, the company is instituting a work-from-home policy for each of its brands' respective headquarters. The company will evaluate and consider the health and safety of its employees, federal and local government mandates, market demand and input from dealers and its supply chain, among other factors, to determine the duration of the suspension or any further actions regarding its operations.

16:11 EDT Groupon names Aaron Cooper as interim CEO - Groupon announced that Rich Williams is no longer serving as CEO and that Aaron Cooper, Groupon's President of North America, has been appointed interim CEO by the board of directors. COO Steve Krenzer is also no longer serving in his role. Williams and Krenzer will continue as employees of the company.

16:10 EDT H.B. Fuller says 'factories are open and operational' - As the shutdown in China began, H.B. Fuller quickly implemented business continuity plans for employees, supply chains and production to enable customer deliveries. Around the world, H.B. Fuller is following all government requirements as they are issued. To date, H.B. Fuller's factories are open and operational, delivering adhesives considered vital to support many customers who are providing essential goods during the pandemic. "We have built plans that anticipate the short-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as recessionary impacts that are expected following the pandemic," said CEO Owens. "Our success in managing through the outbreak in China is a solid baseline informing our business continuity plans and enabling us to establish expectations and plans for potential impacts in the United States, Europe and the rest of the world. Our sustained leadership in the adhesives industry, the diversity of our business portfolio, the strength of our cash flow, and the plans we are implementing to improve the efficiency and ability of our company are enabling us to successfully manage through the crisis. Importantly, the fundamentals of our business plan and the execution of our strategy remain solidly intact which will also drive long term value for our shareholders." "Adhesives are essential during this crisis. H.B. Fuller plays an important role in the supply chain for hygiene, health and consumer products, as well as advanced adhesive applications that support digital connectivity. We continue to utilize our vast global resources and make extensive efforts to meet demand for these vital products. I credit our entire team around the world for working to meet our customers' needs while preserving our health and safety, with extraordinary collaboration and unwavering focus," continued Owens.

16:09 EDT Hingham Institution increases quarterly dividend 2% - Hingham Institution announced that its board has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 42c per share. This represents an increase of 2% over the previous regular quarterly dividend of 41c per share. The dividend will be paid on April 15 to stockholders of record as of April 6.

16:08 EDT Landec appoints Brian McLaughlin permanent CFO - Landec Corporation named Brian McLaughlin as its permanent CFO, effective March 20, following his post as interim CFO since January.

16:06 EDT Agios Pharmaceuticals announces Celgene declines opt-in right for AG-270 - Agios Pharmaceuticals (AGIO) provided an update on its 2016 collaboration agreement with Celgene, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol-Myers (BMY). Celgene has formally declined to exercise its opt-in right for AG-270, a first-in-class methionine adenosyltransferase 2a, or MAT2A, inhibitor development candidate currently in a Phase 1 study in combination with taxane-based therapy as a potential treatment for methylthioadenosine phosphorylase, or MTAP-deleted, non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. In addition, the research term of the companies' metabolic immuno-oncology collaboration, focused on altering the metabolic state of immune cells to enhance the body's immune response to cancer, will conclude at the end of the initial four-year period in May. There is one undisclosed, ongoing metabolic immuno-oncology research program that Celgene may designate for continued development within sixty days following the end of the research term; if it does so, Celgene would have an opt-in right for this program through the end of Phase 1 dose escalation.

16:04 EDT Xencor, Vir Biotechnologo enter license agreement for use of Xtend in Covid-19 - Xencor (XNCR) announced it has entered into a technology license agreement with Vir Biotechnology (VIR) in which Vir will have non-exclusive access to Xencor's Xtend Fc technology to extend the half-life of novel antibodies that Vir is investigating as potential treatments for patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Under the terms of the agreement, Vir will be solely responsible for the activities and costs related to research, development, regulatory and commercial activities. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Xencor continues to evaluate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ongoing and planned clinical studies. The company is currently maintaining preestablished guidance on 2020 corporate milestones and will provide additional updates as needed.

15:59 EDT Sanders threatens to hold up COVID-19 bill unless GOP senators drop objections - In a tweet, Senator Bernie Sanders said that, "Unless Republican Senators drop their objections to the coronavirus legislation, I am prepared to put a hold on this bill until stronger conditions are imposed on the $500 billion corporate welfare fund." Reference Link

15:24 EDT Citron sees Credit Acceptance being 'put out of business' by virus 'black swan' - Andrew Left's Citron Research believes the economic effect of the COVID-19 virus has become "the black swan" to unemployment in the U.S. and there is nothing Credit Acceptance (CACC) can do as thousands of people default on their deep subprime car loans. "The business is in a death spiral," Citron says in a report published on its website. BUSINESS IN 'DEATH SPIRAL': In a report on Credit Acceptance, Citron Research "predicts either bankruptcy or down 80% as subprime auto is forever changed." "The economic effect of the COVID-19 virus has become the black swan to unemployment in the United States at a pace that defies any stress test or model ever conducted by lenders. As you read this thousands of people are defaulting on their deep subprime car loans and there is nothing Credit Acceptance can do about it. The business is in a death spiral," the report reads. Further, Citron added that, "While critics of CACC long thought the company would go through a slow unwind process because of economic headwinds and long, drawn-out regulatory action - everything just happened in two weeks." PRICE ACTION: In afternoon trading, shares of Credit Acceptance have gained over 7% to $279.64. Reference Link

14:43 EDT United Air says international schedule will be reduced by about 90% in April

14:34 EDT Tencent establishes $100M Global Anti-Pandemic Fund to combat COVID-19 - Yesterday, Tencent announced a $100M Global Anti-Pandemic Fund to support international efforts against COVID-19. The Fund will initially focus on the sourcing and donation of medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment and other essential products, for hospitals and front-line healthcare workers. "COVID-19 is drastically impacting people around the world. We are facing this challenge together and Tencent is committed to supporting the international emergency response. Based on the experience in China and feedback collected from hospitals around the world, we recognize there is an urgent need for PPEs and other medical supplies, particularly at the onset of the pandemic, when traditional supply channels cannot meet the sudden surge in need. By donating these supplies, we hope to help protect front-line medical professionals and workers who are fighting tirelessly and selflessly for all of us," said Martin Lau, President of Tencent. "This is a critical moment that calls for global collaboration."

14:09 EDT Bellus Health closes transaction, now owns 100% of BLU-5937 - Bellus Health reported that it has closed the transaction announced on March 23 in accordance with the asset purchase and sale agreement entered into with adMare BioInnovations' NEOMED Institute. As part of the transaction, the company acquired from adMare all of the remaining BLU-5937 and related P2X3 antagonists intellectual property assets. The parties have terminated the 2017 license agreement pursuant to which the company had exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the BLU-5937 assets and henceforth the company no longer has any obligations to adMare, or any third party, in respect thereof. Consideration for the asset purchase consisted of 4,770,000 common shares of the company, representing 7.3% of the company's fully diluted equity, Bellus stated.

13:31 EDT Mylan to waive marketing exclusivity in U.S. for lopinavir/ritonavir - Mylan announced that, in its ongoing effort to support patients and public health needs in the current unprecedented circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Mylan has voluntarily waived its exclusive rights in the U.S. to distribute its generic version of Kaletra antiretroviral 100mg/25mg and 200mg/50mg tablets to help increase the available supply of the product should it prove effective in the treatment of coronavirus. By doing so, Mylan will enable other generic applicants to be eligible for FDA approval of their medicines for patients in the U.S., expanding access in the event that additional clinical studies or other evaluations conclude that the product may be effective in treating COVID-19. Mylan was the first company to file a substantially complete abbreviated new drug application with the Food and Drug Administration to bring a generic version of this product to market, entitling the company to a 180-day marketing exclusivity period upon final FDA approval, which is pending.

13:24 EDT UnitedHealth says self-collected COVID-19 test found to be effective - A study led by UnitedHealth Group Research & Development and OptumCare clinicians has demonstrated that a simple, self-collected test is as effective in identifying COVID-19 infections as the current clinician-collected test, the company announced. Widespread adoption of this less invasive test will reduce exposure for health care workers and improve overall testing efficiency across the country, the company stated. The study found tests using self-administered swab tests accurately detected COVID-19 in more than 90% of positive patients, which is consistent with the clinician-administered test. Study-lead Dr. Yuan-Po Tu, an infectious disease expert at The Everett Clinic, part of OptumCare, said, "Making simple, patient-administered testing widely available will substantially improve testing efficiency, while protecting health care workers and preserving urgently needed personal protective equipment, such as face masks, gowns and gloves."

13:15 EDT Coty begins producing hydro-alcoholic hand sanitizer to combat COVID-19 - Coty announced it has started producing hydro-alcoholic gel, which is used as hand sanitizer, to help combat the COVID-19 virus. Production and donations are expected to reach tens of thousands of units per week. The products are free of charge and are being distributed to medical and emergency services staff who are facing shortages due to the fast-spreading COVID-19 virus. Products will also be provided to Coty employees working in the plants and distribution centers producing sanitizers, as well as pharmacy staff at some retail customers. The Company has produced its first batches of hand sanitizer at factories in the United States and Monaco. Additional factories will start production within the week. Production depends on the resources and materials available as well as local government regulations.

12:20 EDT Pennsylvania's Shapiro says AGs asking Amazon, online retailers to fight gouging - Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro tweeted: "Online resellers *have* to do more to stop price gouging by online sellers. I'm leading AGs in asking @Amazon, @Facebook, @eBay, @Walmart, and Criagslist to do right by their consumers during the #COVID19 crisis. Put a stop to price gouging once and for all." Reference Link

12:17 EDT Lincare easing hospital capacity by providing in-home services to patients - Lincare, a subsidiary of Linde (LIN), is playing a critical role in caring for patients at home, including some who have tested positive for COVID-19. The company is helping to ease the burden on hospitals across the country by partnering with them to transition patients who are eligible for in-home care, which results in additional hospital capacity for patients requiring critical care. Lincare patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 have received respiratory services including oxygen and nebulized respiratory medications, as well as ventilation services.

12:00 EDT SEACOR Marine Holdings falls -10.6% - SEACOR Marine Holdings is down -10.6%, or -49c to $4.13.

12:00 EDT Consol Energy falls -11.1% - Consol Energy is down -11.1%, or -54c to $4.28.

12:00 EDT Two Harbors rises 46.6% - Two Harbors is up 46.6%, or $1.22 to $3.83.

11:48 EDT NYS Governor Cuomo: New York total cases now at 30,811 cases, 5,146 new cases - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said Westchester has dramatically slowed what was a dramatic increase. Cuomo said, 30,811 tested positive, 12% are currently hospitalizes, 3% of positives are ICU patients. New York remains the most impacted state. New Jersey has the next highest current cases, at 3,675 cases.

11:42 EDT NYS Governor Cuomo: Senate $2T Bill would be 'terrible for NY'

11:40 EDT Gap says to use factories to make masks, gowns for healthcare workers - Gap provided an update on its COVID-19 response via Twitter: "Our teams are connecting some of the largest hospital networks in Calif. w/ our vendors to deliver PPE supplies while we pivot resources so factory partners can make masks, gowns & scrubs for healthcare workers on the front lines." Reference Link

11:33 EDT NYS Governor Cuomo: NY needs 30K ventilators, 'we have 4K' - New York has purchased 7,000 and still shopping. FEMA is sending 4,000 ventilators. Cuomo said "we are experimenting using 1 ventilator for 2 ICU beds."

11:27 EDT NYS Governor Cuomo: evidence suggests density control plan working

11:14 EDT Ackman's Pershing buys stocks after hedges turn $27M into $2.6B - Bill Ackman's Pershing Square turned $27M into $2.6B via 'large notional hedges." The hedge fund acquired the hedges due to concern about the negative effect of the coronavirus on the U.S. and global economies, and on equity and credit markets, Ackman stated Wednesday in a letter to investors. On March 23, Pershing completed the exit of the hedges generating proceeds of $2.6B for the Pershing Square funds, compared with premiums paid and commissions totaling $27M. The hedges were in the form of purchases of credit protection on various global investment grade and high yield credit indices. Pershing redeployed substantially all of the net proceeds from the hedges by adding to investments in Agilent (A), Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A; BRK.B), Hilton (H), Lowe's (LOW) and Restaurant Brands (QSR). The fund also purchased "several new investments," including reestablishing a position in Starbucks (SBUX). "The proceeds of the hedges have enabled us to become a substantially larger shareholder of a number of our portfolio companies, and to add some new investments, all at deeply discounted prices. Even after these additional investments, we maintain a cash position of about 17% of the portfolio," Ackman told investors.

10:39 EDT Medtronic CEO says already doubled capacity to make ventilators - Medtronic (MDT) CEO Omar Ishrak said his company has already doubled its capacity to make ventilators and has held talks with partners, such as Tesla (TSLA), about helping to make more ventilators to meet the needs of health care professionals treating patients with COVID-19. Ishrak is being interviewed on CNBC.

10:33 EDT LIZHI Inc (ADS) trading resumes

10:26 EDT Ultralife to maintain normal operations across all locations during COVID-19 - Ultralife Corporation issued a letter to its employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders regarding its business operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The company said, " As we continue to monitor the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken the necessary steps to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees in accordance with protocols established by public health organizations and state and local public health departments while ensuring an uninterrupted flow of our mission critical products serving medical device, first responder, public safety, energy and national security customers. We have received letters from several large customers serving these essential markets thanking us for our efforts and confirming their dependence on our continued supply of products during this critical time. Based on the recent State and Federal government mandates, Ultralife Corporation will maintain normal operations across all locations during the COVID-19 emergency response. In accordance with the Executive Order from the Governor of the State of New York, Ultralife falls under the criteria of an "Essential Supplier" due to our production and supply of battery and energy products that support ventilators, respirators, and other vital medical, surgical and life-saving equipment, and is a Federal government contractor/subcontractor to the U.S. Military, other Federal agencies as well as first responders, for a variety of products that support tactical communications, emergency equipment, cybersecurity solutions, and other strategic requirements. Ultralife also falls under the criteria of a "Critical Infrastructure Industry" as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, and has a special responsibility to maintain our normal work schedule in supporting the essential products and services required to meet national security commitments to the Federal Government and U.S. Military. We are collectively rising to meet the challenges presented by this unprecedented pandemic and remain dedicated to working closely with our customers and suppliers to support our country's public health and national security needs."

10:17 EDT Ulta CEO says e-commerce 'great,' but 80%-85% of retail still happens in stores - Ulta Beauty CEO Mary Dillon, who is also the Chairperson of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, or RILA, is being interviewed on CNBC.

10:13 EDT Ulta Beauty CEO says 'still a lot to unpack' regarding stimulus bill - Ulta Beauty CEO Mary Dillon is speaking on CNBC.

10:07 EDT CVS Health's PBM says working to protect supply of medicines useful for COVID-19 - CVS Caremark, the pharmacy benefit management business of CVS Health, announced that it is working with clients to implement new measures to balance the burgeoning interest in off-label use of certain medicines to treat COVID-19 pneumonia with the ongoing needs of members who use these drugs for chronic conditions. These medicines include hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, one protease inhibitor and albuterol inhalers, which are approved for treatment of lupus, bacterial infections, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. With client consent, CVS Caremark is setting appropriate limits on the quantity of each of these medicines for potential use in treating COVID-19. Members who already take these medicines for approved uses will be able to bypass the new quantity limits. Understanding that it may be harder for members to see their health care providers during the COVID-19 outbreak, CVS Caremark is extending previously-approved prior authorizations for most medications set to expire before June 30. For example, if a current prior authorization is set to expire on May 15, the expiration date will be extended to August 15. This step will enable members to refill most medications without renewing an existing prior authorization. "We continue to proactively study the latest clinical literature and consider what additional measures may be needed to help facilitate access to any other newly identified treatments as they emerge during this extraordinary public health situation," said CVS Caremark Chief Medical Officer Sree Chaguturu. Reference Link

10:02 EDT Sorrento Therapeutics launches novel I-Cell COVID-19 cellular vaccine program - Sorrento Therapeutics announced it has been working on a novel decoy cellular vaccine for COVID-19 and is in active discussions with the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research under IND#019724 regarding the required IND-enabling studies, CMC, clinical protocol and end-points for potential accelerated approval. Upon receiving guidance from the FDA, Sorrento intends to submit a full package for an IND filing that would enable human clinical trials to start as soon as possible. The decoy cell strategy has been conceptualized and developed by Sorrento scientists utilizing expertise acquired in the fight against cancer. Sorrento expects to utilize a well-known replicating cell line to incorporate SARS-CoV-2's spike protein or its S1 domain onto the cellular membrane so that the viral antigen is presented on a decoy cell surface to elicit both T cell and B cell immunities. The selected cell line has been used safely in cancer vaccination programs and is well characterized. Upon expression of the viral protein as a surface marker, the decoy cell "looks like" the virus to a healthy person's immune system. After irradiation to prevent the replication of the cells, the cells can be administered by intramuscular injection as a vaccine. In the presence of this "look alike" training cell, the recipient may develop a protective immune response and produce corresponding neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If the vaccinated subject is later exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, his or her T cell immunity and neutralizing antibodies are expected to block the spike protein from attaching to the ACE2 on the normal human cell surface, thus potentially attenuating or preventing the SARS-CoV-2 infection which causes COVID-19 disease. A short communication explaining this vaccination approach was accepted for publication by Medicine in Drug Discovery. Per the publication, "the overall strategy to utilize a viral antigen-expressing, non-replicating cellular system as both a carrier, and as an immunogenic antigen-presenting platform is novel. The view is that this platform will be recognized by the immune system, and a neutralizing antibody response will ensue. The most important aspect of the platform is that it should allow for dendritic cells to recruit T lymphocytes and induce Th1 cell polarization that if feasible will also induce a cytotoxic T cell response and thus clearance of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The strategy should be safe as they are using K562 cell line that is HLA negative. The platform appears to be readily scalable and would appear to provide uniform cell product. One key aspect is that will the vaccine prevent engraftment and proliferation after host implantation; the answer here appears to be yes as the cells will be irradiated post-expansion in order to abolish their replication ability and thus no in vivo cell growth. In sum an intriguing platform is put forth and if viable as it appears to be it could make an impact on the treatment of COVID-19." Sorrento is currently working to demonstrate I-Cells' ability to generate protective T cell and B cell immunities in an animal model. Sorrento has identified a leading infectious disease contract research organization to support the phase 1 clinical trial and accelerated timelines. Sorrento has begun process development, validation and scaled up manufacturing testing in its state-of-the-art cGMP cell therapy facilities in San Diego in anticipation of registrational clinical trials and commercialization. Sorrento anticipates all IND requirements will be fulfilled in the next few months. Depending on government support and the FDA's response, Sorrento believes it may be in a position to initiate human vaccination trials as early as mid-year 2020.

10:02 EDT Canada Goose dedicates manufacturing facilities in fight against COVID-19 - Canada Goose announced the company will leverage its manufacturing facilities to begin production of necessary medical gear for frontline healthcare workers and patients across Canada in the fight against COVID-19. The company will begin making scrubs and patient gowns, which are in short supply across the country, and will begin distributing them to hospitals next week. To help address the urgent need facing healthcare workers and patients across the country, Canada Goose has committed to producing medical gear at two of its manufacturing facilities, starting in Toronto and Winnipeg, with the opportunity to extend production across additional facilities as needed. With production set to begin early next week, approximately 50 employees per facility will work to manufacture the gear and have an initial goal of producing 10,000 units.

10:00 EDT L Brands trading resumes

10:00 EDT WWE falls -9.3% - WWE is down -9.3%, or -$3.62 to $35.42.

10:00 EDT Redwood Trust rises 44.4% - Redwood Trust is up 44.4%, or $1.15 to $3.74.

10:00 EDT Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. rises 47.1% - Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. is up 47.1%, or $4.80 to $15.00.

09:55 EDT L Brands trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:54 EDT Harborside says 'well-positioned' to be California's preeminent cannabis company - The company said, "Harborside is committed to pursuing its California-focused growth strategy and will continue to execute and manage operations in a disciplined manner that supports that effort. With deep industry expertise and prominent brands in Northern California's growing market, and a portfolio of operating assets from cultivation to retail, the Company believes that it is well-positioned to be the State's preeminent cannabis company. The Company is focused on expanding its market leadership throughout the State, retail excellence, branded products, and production capacity to capture shelf space and superior margins through increased scaled operations. Harborside's executive team is actively managing costs as they relate to ongoing operations and revenue streams. Costs and expenses are being monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure the Company maximizes profitability. The pressures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic further reinforce Harborside's ongoing mandate to monitor all financial decision-making with the strictest vigor, which includes: Continuing to align labor costs with customer demand; Reviewing expenses to ensure all non-essential operational expenses are cut; Placing a near-term hold on non accretive operational and capital projects; Suspending all non-essential supplier contracts. This financial management is with a goal of maintaining the strength of the ongoing operations and the long-term viability of Harborside."

09:52 EDT SkyWest trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:50 EDT BeiGene trading resumes

09:47 EDT First Commonwealth falls -8.7% - First Commonwealth is down -8.7%, or -78c to $8.14.

09:47 EDT Shinhan Financial falls -17.5% - Shinhan Financial is down -17.5%, or -$3.63 to $17.09.

09:47 EDT Two Harbors rises 21.3% - Two Harbors is up 21.3%, or 56c to $3.17.

09:46 EDT Allegheny Technologies extends labor agreement with United Steelworkers to 2021 - Allegheny Technologies announced that it has extended for one year its labor agreement with the United Steelworkers covering over 1,300 employees at the company's specialty and standard rolled products businesses and other locations. Under this contract extension, the language that governs employees' pay, benefits and work rules remain unchanged through February 28, 2021. As a show of good faith to resume negotiations toward a new contract next year, the company will pay each covered employee a one-time $500 extension bonus, the company said.

09:44 EDT Service Properties Trust trading resumes

09:43 EDT Owens-Illinois trading resumes

09:42 EDT Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. trading resumes

09:42 EDT Norwegian Cruise Line trading resumes

09:41 EDT PennyMac Mortgage trading resumes

09:41 EDT Caesars trading resumes

09:38 EDT Sinclair Broadcast trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:37 EDT Evercore Partners trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:37 EDT Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:36 EDT Pluralsight trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:36 EDT Caesars trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:35 EDT Alaska Air trading resumes

09:30 EDT Alaska Air trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:26 EDT Exantas Capital trading resumes

09:21 EDT Fortis CEO thanks employees for maintaining grids, networks in communities - Fortis President and CEO Barry Perry acknowledged and thanked employees for the important work they are doing across its operations in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Fortis employees are maintaining and operating the electricity grids and natural gas networks that are delivering the energy required to run essential services in their local communities through this COVID-19 crisis. "As we continue to respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic, I want to thank our 9,000 Fortis employees for their work and dedication to ensure the electricity grid and natural gas network remains strong," said Barry Perry, President and CEO, Fortis. "Like other frontline workers in healthcare, emergency services, food supply, telecommunications and crucial government services, work performed by our employees is essential. This allows our medical personnel to focus on what matters most - the health of those affected by this virus. It also allows our customers to be comfortable and secure at home during this time." In the energy utility sector, critical work is carried out by control centre operators; generation, transmission and distribution technicians; system planners; customer service representatives; field construction workers; and more. Throughout its North American enterprise, Fortis employees are focused only on necessary work. In addition, those who are able to work from home are doing so. The Corporation recently announced its annual and special meeting in May 2020 will take place online to respect the health and safety of all concerned. The Corporation intends to return to an in-person meeting in future years.

09:18 EDT Gainline Capital acquires SourceHOV Tax from Exela Technologies - Gainline Capital Partners announced that it has acquired SourceHOV Tax from Exela Technologies in a carve out transaction. Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, SourceHOV Tax is a leading provider of tax incentive solutions to accounting firms and middle-market companies throughout the U.S. The company is one of few outsourced incentives providers with the technical ability and scale to serve any customer, having serviced more than 2,000 clients in 2019 across its three main offerings, R&D tax credits, LIFO accounting and cost segregation solutions.

09:15 EDT Blink Charging appoints Kenneth Marks to board of directors - Blink Charging announced the appointment of Kenneth R. Marks to its Board of Directors. The Company's existing five-member Board approved the strategic appointment to bring a top energy-sector investment banker to the Board. Marks is currently the President of KRM Energy Advisors LLC, which focuses on providing strategic and financing advice in the energy sector. Blink's Board is now comprised of six directors, four of whom are independent.

09:14 EDT GrowLife continues to operate, provide essential business services amid COVID-19 - GrowLife announced that it continues to operate and provide essential business services on a state-by-state basis, as determined by state laws amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The cannabis and hemp industries that service the medicinal demand are seeing great support from the states. Additionally, this is planting season for many hemp farmers across the country, it is imperative for GrowLife to support these farmers by keeping EZ CLONE and all GrowLife products available to them. GrowLife recently updated its shareholders on its move into proprietary CBD-rich hemp clones sales, with the announcement that its exclusive line of hemp clones is now on sale under the brand EZ-CLONEZ.

09:13 EDT BeiGene expects disruption in ABRAXANE supply in China - BeiGene (BGNE) announced that, on March 25, 2020, the China National Medical Products Administration suspended the importation, sales and use of ABRAXANE in China supplied to BeiGene by Celgene Corporation, a Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) company. This suspension is based on inspection findings at BMS's contract manufacturing facility in the United States. As a result, BeiGene expects a disruption in ABRAXANE supply in China and is working closely with BMS to restore supply as soon as possible, including through BMS's remediation efforts at the current manufacturing site and application to qualify an alternative manufacturing site for China supply. BeiGene and Celgene, now a BMS company, entered into an exclusive license and supply agreement for ABRAXANE and two other cancer medicines in China in 2017 as part of a broader strategic collaboration. Under the terms of the agreement, BeiGene is responsible for promoting and distributing ABRAXANE in China and BMS is responsible for manufacturing the drug in compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining the drug registration and import license, and supplying packaged drug product for the China market. In addition to the ongoing remediation efforts at the current manufacturing site with the contract manufacturer, BMS has applied for NMPA approval to source its supply for the China market from an alternative BMS manufacturing facility for ABRAXANE, which is currently under review. The NMPA's findings concerning BMS's contract manufacturing site do not impact any other products marketed by BeiGene. No other BeiGene products are manufactured at this site.

09:10 EDT MTS Systems awarded $70M seismic simulation project - MTS Systems has been awarded the largest single order in its 54-year history, valued at over $70M, to design, manufacture and install two of the world's largest seismic simulation systems at Tianjin University, one of the oldest in China. The project will be part of the new National Facility for Earthquake Engineering Simulation on the Tianjin University campus in Tianjin, China. The entire project will be performed over the course of four years with scheduled completion in 2023.

09:06 EDT Yum! Brands provides update on next phase of COVID-19 pandemic response - Yum! Brands provided an update on the next phase of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Working together, we can limit the spread of COVID-19 while offering convenient, affordable food in a low contact environment," said David Gibbs, CEO Yum! Brands. "But our employees - like millions of others - are worried and our franchisees are under stress. We need to support them so they can be there for our customers. As the situation changes rapidly, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill will keep finding ways to help." As employees worry about the pandemic's impact on their lives, Yum! Brands is enhancing the benefits available to them during this time. Yum! Brands is launching a global medical relief fund to provide financial support for restaurant employees at company and franchise-owned stores who are diagnosed with or who are caring for someone diagnosed with COVID-19. In U.S. company-owned KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill restaurants, the company will pay employees who are required to stay at home, or who work at a restaurant that is closed, for their scheduled or regularly scheduled hours during their time away from work. Yum! is actively working with its franchise partners to encourage a similar approach. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill are focused on making food safely available in a low-contact, convenient way that protects both customers and employees, following local government and public health guidance. The company has further strengthened its hygiene, cleaning and sanitation procedures and has shifted to low-contact options for customers around the world. Yum! Brands' owner-operators are managing through a period of unprecedented disruption. To this end, the company established a Global Franchise Health and COVID-19 Support Team to help KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill franchisees navigate business continuity. In the U.S and internationally, the company is working with franchisees who need access to more capital and are in good standing to provide assistance, including grace periods for certain near-term payments where necessary. In the U.S., the company is also allowing franchisees to defer all 2020 capital obligations for remodels and new unit development through the end of the year.

09:05 EDT Boyd Gaming to hold annual stockholder meeting online - Boyd Gaming will change the format of its annual meeting of stockholders, scheduled for April 9 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time, from an in-person meeting to an online only meeting, due to public meeting restrictions and continued public health concerns related to the spread of COVID-19. The company has designed the format of the Annual Meeting to ensure that stockholders are afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting, using online tools to ensure stockholder access and participation. Online access to the audio webcast will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the Annual Meeting to allow time for stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 28, the record date for the Annual Meeting, to log-in and test their equipment. Prior to the meeting, stockholders may submit any questions in advance by emailing the company's Vice President of Corporate Communications, David Strow. After the business portion of the annual meeting concludes and the meeting is adjourned, the Company will hold a question and answer session, during which the company intends to answer appropriate questions submitted prior to or during the meeting.

09:04 EDT LCI Industries suspends production at select manufacturing facilities in U.S, EU - LCI Industries, which, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lippert Components, supplies, domestically and internationally, a broad array of highly engineered components for the leading original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, in the recreation and transportation product markets, and the related aftermarkets of those industries, today provided a business update regarding COVID-19. In an effort to protect the health and safety of its team members, align production with current demand levels, and adhere to federal and state mandates, LCI Industries will temporarily suspend production at select manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Europe, effective various days through the end of the week. The temporary suspension of production is on a plant by plant basis, consistent with government mandates or due to customer closures. Production at facilities, which are considered essential, will continue, utilizing reduced staff in conjunction with heightened cleaning and sanitization processes.

09:03 EDT Children's Hospital of Georgia uses Philips' automated early detection solution - Royal Philips announced that Children's Hospital of Georgia has adopted Philips' automated early detection and warning solution for pediatrics. This scalable solution, which could be comprised of a combination of patient monitoring, telehealth, predictive analytics software and services, enables quick identification of signals of clinical patient deterioration and triggers a warning notification to the hospital staff allowing faster response times. With the implementation of the Philips system, Children's saw a 75% decrease in pediatric early warning scoring inaccuracies on its pediatric medicine floor and was able to eliminate inaccuracies on its pediatric surgery floor. In addition, the Pediatric Medicine floor saw an 80% increase in pediatric emergency response team escalations, allowing clinical teams to provide timely, critical interventions for patients in need. Children's is part of Augusta University Health, a forward-thinking health system that was the first in North America to sign a 15-year, long-term strategic partnership with Philips.

09:02 EDT Starboard says 'pleased' Green Dot appointed Daniel Henry as CEO - Starboard Value issued a statement regarding its investment in Green Dot. "We are pleased that Green Dot has announced the appointment of Daniel R. Henry as Chief Executive Officer of the company. We are highly supportive of this decision and believe that the Board of Directors has selected the best candidate after an expeditious, but thorough search process. We believe that Mr. Henry has the requisite skill set and industry experience to lead the transformation at Green Dot and focus on reinvigorating growth and improving profitability. Mr. Henry joins the company following a successful career at Netspend and Euronet, where he has a long track record of creating shareholder value. We believe that Green Dot is deeply undervalued and that there are a wide variety of opportunities that exist to unlock value. We look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue with the company regarding operations, strategy, finance, and governance."

09:01 EDT Occidental Petroleum enters into definitive agreement with Carl Icahn

08:40 EDT Valley National announces change to virtual 2020 annual shareholders meeting - Valley National announces a change of location for the Company's 2020 Annual Shareholders Meeting via the filing of additional proxy materials with the SEC and this press release. Due to concerns over the health and well-being of all stakeholders given the public impact of the coronavirus outbreak and the Executive Order issued by the Governor of New Jersey prohibiting all gatherings, the Company will hold its 2020 Annual Shareholders Meeting in a virtual meeting format only, via live webcast on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 9:00 am Eastern Time. Shareholders may not attend the meeting in person.

08:38 EDT Palogic Value 'extremely encouraged' by B. Riley Financial's offer for Spok - On behalf of Palogic Value Fund, LP, a stockholder of approximately 800,000 shares, or 4.3% of the shares outstanding of SPOK Holdings (SPOK), Palogic Value Management, LP announced that it sent the following letter to the Board of Directors of SPOK prior to the market close on March 24. "To the Board of Directors: We are extremely encouraged by the unsolicited offer presented to the company from B. Riley Financial (RILY) dated March 16, 2020. In light of this proposal and our longstanding view that the company will never realize its full strategic value in the public markets, we request the board immediately announce the formation of a special committee to oversee a thorough and transparent sale process. We believe that the largest shareholder representative on the board should chair the newly formed strategic committee. The only conclusion to this process that we will support is a transaction to sell the company at the highest price received. We believe the B. Riley Financial proposal should serve as a floor, and we expect significant strategic interest to emerge once a full and transparent sale process commences. As an equity shareholder for over six years, we are convinced that fair value for shareholders will only be realized through the sale of the company to a strategic partner who provides the scale and scope needed to capitalize on the large investment the company has made into its software unit. Unfortunately, we have lost faith in the company's ability to maximize our investment on their own given declining corporate profitability and extremely limited visibility following years of significant software unit spend. We look forward to a timely and successful conclusion to the sale process."

08:37 EDT Green Dot appoints Dan Henry as CEO - Green Dot announced that Dan Henry has been appointed CEO and President, effective March 25. Henry will also join the board. He succeeds William Jacobs, who has served as interim CEO since January. Jacobs will remain board Chair, a position he's held since 2016. J. Christopher Brewster who has served as interim president since January 2020 will transition to his role as board member and chair of the Audit Committee. This leadership transition is the result of a comprehensive search process. Dan Henry previously served as CEO of Netspend.

08:35 EDT Drive Shack furloughs 'nearly all' venue level associates due to COVID-19 - As part of Drive Shack ongoing efforts to protect guests and employees in light of the COVID-19 health crisis, the company has temporarily closed all Drive Shack venues and the majority of its American Golf courses. "Over the past several weeks, we have been navigating the rapidly evolving situation related to the COVID-19 outbreak, keeping the health and safety of our associates, managers and guests top-of-mind. Like other venue operators across the country, we have been forced to take immediate action in the most difficult of ways," said Hana Khouri, Chief Executive Officer and President of Drive Shack. Alongside the venue and course closures, Drive Shack made the difficult decision to furlough nearly all venue level hourly associates and managers, along with a significant number of the corporate team, with the expectation that each will be able to return to their existing positions when operations resume. Similar actions were taken by American Golf. The majority of the company's traditional golf courses are located across California and New York, where state and local health authorities have issued "shelter at home" orders and similar mandates requiring the closure of food and beverage operations. The company employs more than 4,500 people in the United States, the vast majority of which earn an hourly wage. "While we cannot predict today how long this will last, we believe that the impacts to our business are temporary. We cannot wait to bring all our people, guests and employees, back together again at our Drive Shack stores and the American Golf courses," Khouri continued. "In the meantime, the remaining team is committed to working tirelessly every day to ensure our company is positioned for nothing but success when we reopen our doors. We are confident that we have the expertise and the resources to weather this unprecedented time." To help offset lower revenues associated with the closures, Drive Shack has also taken steps to substantially reduce and defer costs related to marketing, game development and new site selection. Additionally, the company has reviewed its capital expenditure and development program and plans to defer spending until there is more visibility into when the venues and golf courses will reopen.

08:33 EDT Redwood Trust provides update on financial situation - Redwood Trust announced a company update related to the continued market volatility due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. At close of business on March 24, Redwood had approximately $300M in unrestricted cash; the company had met all margin calls due; since its last update on March 17, the company has reduced its short-term security repurchase facilities borrowings, in aggregate, by approximately 50%, inclusive of securities trades scheduled to settle on or prior to March 27.

08:31 EDT Envision Solar to prioritize manufacturing of solar-powered emergency products - Envision Solar International announced they will prioritize manufacturing of their solar-powered EV ARC 2020 for any critical emergency needs caused by the COVID-19 virus. The decision was made after it was recently reported that emergency health infrastructure resources must plan to expand by 4 times to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Used by agencies such as the U.S. Navy, State of California, the City of New York and in over 100 municipalities to power electric fleets and provide emergency power, the units are a remote energy source that is quickly mobilized and deploys in minutes. Following the "shelter at home" order delivered by California's Governor Newsom last week, Envision has continued operations through an exemption to the order covering providers of vital energy and transportation infrastructure. The Company is following CDC recommendations to provide for the health and safety of its employees and customers.

08:29 EDT Xebec Adsorption deemed essential business by Government of Quebec - Xebec Adsorption announced that it has been deemed an "essential business" and will continue its regular course of operations and manufacturing in Blainville, Quebec. On March 23rd, 2020, Quebec Premier Francois Legault announced the closure of all non-essential businesses in the province as of yesterday. Under the provisions of the mandate, Xebec qualifies as an essential business as a supplier of critical equipment and services to key sectors such as energy, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Xebec has supplied more than 10,000 pieces of equipment used by organizations at the forefront of the worldwide outbreak. The company's industrial service and support business is a key supplier of various types of equipment that are crucial to the operations of essential organizations. For example, Xebec is a leading supplier of medical air systems with over 100 installations in Quebec hospitals and installations in British Columbia, Alberta, and other Canadian Provinces. In addition, other Xebec products can be found in use by food & beverage, pharmaceutical manufacturing, oil refineries, pulp and paper production, electrical power generation, and natural gas transmission and distribution industries across Canada and North America, all listed as "essential businesses & services" by the Quebec Government and critical to society in these unparalleled times. It is key for Xebec to sustain its manufacturing and maintenance operations to support these businesses. As a result, our manufacturing facilities in Quebec are at near full capacity.

08:27 EDT Astrotech developing screening tool for COVID-19, other lung diseases - Astrotech announced that the BreathTest-1000 is under development to screen for volatile organic compound, or VOC, metabolites found in a person's breath that could indicate they may have an infection, including COVID-19 or the resulting disease, pneumonia. The company believes that its unique mass spectrometry technology that was initially developed in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, the U.S. Army and the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, is ideal for lung disease testing applications, which are now under development. The Astrotech mass spectrometry technology was designed to be inexpensive, small, rugged, fast, and easy to use for air quality monitoring and trace detection of chemical warfare agents, explosives, and narcotics. It has also been certified by the European Civil Aviation Conference and is now deployed in air cargo facilities throughout the European Union. The company believes that the company's technology can be designed as a field-deployed instrument used at drive-up testing facilities to quickly and easily test for the VOCs found in the breath of COVID-19 and pneumonia infected patients. Most reliable testing performed requires the collection of off-site samples in the field that are then sent to centrally located laboratories for testing. This process requires many days to ship, process, and receive the results, exacerbating the problem while people spread the disease. With the BreathTest-1000, testing is performed at the point-of-care and the screening results are near-instant. The BreathTest-1000 is not expected to be as accurate as laboratory DNA testing but could be a quick screening device for field applications. The development of the BreathTest-1000 follows the company's announcement on June 15, 2017, where positive results were reported in pre-clinical trials for the BreathDetect-1000, a rapid bedside breathalyzer that detects bacterial infections in the respiratory tract, including pneumonia. Subject to any necessary regulatory approvals, the company plans to combine the detection of COVID-19 with the detection of pneumonia into the BreathTest-1000 instrument to provide a near-immediate screening test for symptoms that indicate a person might have COVID-19 or pneumonia. In addition, the company will be launching a new subsidiary company, BreathTech, that will hold the exclusive license to use the 1st Detect Technology for breath analysis.

08:24 EDT AGF Management says vast majority of employees capable of working remotely - "To minimize business disruption, the vast majority of our employees have the capabilities to work remotely," said Chris Jackson, Chief Operating Officer, AGF. "Maintaining business continuity for our employees, clients and partners is critical and we are confident in the measures we are taking across the firm through strategic deployment of key functions to primary and secondary locations and improved technology platforms to support the remainder of employees being asked to work from home."

08:20 EDT PrairieSky Royalty announces change to virtual annual general meeting - PrairieSky Royalty announces that its annual general meeting of holders of common shares scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. at the Calgary Petroleum Club will be changed to a virtual meeting to be held at the same time and on the same date. As the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta have declared a state of public health emergency, and to support efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, PrairieSky has made the decision to change its in person annual general meeting to a virtual format. We believe hosting a virtual meeting in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic is in the best interests of all stakeholders and the broader community. Shareholders will not be able to attend the annual general meeting in person. The virtual meeting will be conducted via live audio webcast at https://web.lumiagm.com/285970493 commencing at 9:30 a.m. April 21, 2020. Shareholders will have an opportunity to participate at the annual general meeting online regardless of their geographic location.

08:17 EDT Aytu BioScience regains compliance with NASDAQ - Aytu BioScience announced that it received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market on March 24 indicating that the company has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Accordingly, the company has regained compliance with the Bid Price Rule and the matter is now closed.

08:15 EDT Maximus suspends FY20 guidance due to COVID-19 - Maximus suspended its FY20 revenue and earnings guidance due to the uncertainty of the impact on global operations following the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The company will provide an update on its next earnings call in May. The full extent of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company's operational and financial performance, including its ability to execute business operations, strategies, and initiatives over the expected time frame, is uncertain and will depend on future developments. The duration and broader implications of the pandemic and related developments cannot be reasonably predicted at this time, but MAXIMUS expects negative impacts to the income statement and cash flows for fiscal 2020. The company's strong balance sheet will enable it to meet its contractual and financial obligations as these come due, including its income protection plan for its employees. Going forward, MAXIMUS will continue to exercise a disciplined approach to cash outflows in an effort to maintain liquidity and flexibility. The company will continue its ongoing evaluation of its cash position and use of cash on a holistic basis which includes its approach to buybacks, dividends, and M&A. The MAXIMUS share purchase program will conclude on March 25, under a share purchase plan previously implemented by the company and will be re-evaluated once there is clarity around the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. MAXIMUS believes it has adequate cash reserves, including access to a $400 million revolving credit facility to navigate this pandemic. Underscoring the critical nature of the Company's work, many government clients have deemed certain program operations as "essential services" to ensure vulnerable citizens continue to receive assistance at a time when the need for healthcare and safety-net programs will be high. MAXIMUS is working in close coordination with government clients to execute operational contingencies and modifications, increase work from home capabilities, and implement protocols to address these unprecedented circumstances. Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of MAXIMUS employees is paramount as the company works with government customers to ensure citizens continue to have access to the most essential programs. The company has implemented Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, criteria for social distancing and increased sanitizing schedules. In consultation with its Chief Medical Officer, MAXIMUS implemented a standard protocol if an employee tests positive for COVID-19. This includes suspending operations and implementing the approved sanitation measures for disinfection and cleaning in accordance with the CDC. As outlined by the CDC, the company would perform a tracing and notify other staff members that were in contact with the individual and advise them to self-quarantine for 14 days. MAXIMUS is systematically moving employees to work from home, in partnership with its government clients for whom this is a new model. The Company is implementing this effort amidst constraints and shortages in the IT equipment supply chain that many companies are facing due to unprecedented demand. Equipment such as laptops and headsets are necessary tools for customer service representatives to conduct business at home. Further, the company has implemented income protection policies for employees who incur COVID-19 related absences. The company's new MAXIMUS COVID-19 Temporary Response Policy, effective March 16, 2020, provides additional safeguarding measures, income-continuity, and relief for U.S-based employees amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

08:14 EDT Apollo Commercial says 'well-prepared' to function remotely amid COVID-19 - Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance issued an open letter to stockholders. The company said, "As we navigate the unprecedented environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a health crisis and significant disruption to the capital markets, we wanted to provide an update on ARI. Our priority continues to be the health and well-being of all our stockholders and the employees of ARI's external manager, ACREFI Management, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Apollo Global Management,. As an organization, Apollo is well-prepared to function remotely and those most responsible for ARI are fully focused on the tasks at hand and communicate regularly. We continue to engage in an ongoing active dialogue with our borrowers to understand in real time what is taking place at the commercial real estate collateralizing ARI's investments. We also continue to engage in an ongoing active dialogue with our lenders in order to make sure we maintain liquidity for ARI given the current uncertainty in the capital markets. As a reminder, ARI has secured borrowing facilities with six counterparties with remaining terms ranging from six months to over three years, assuming the exercise of our extension options. These facilities are collateralized by commercial mortgage loans in the Company's portfolio and are not collateralized by commercial real estate securities. As of today, ARI holds only two positions in commercial real estate securities totaling $68M, neither of which are financed. One important fact we would like to reiterate is that, as previously announced on February 13, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a first quarter dividend of 40c per share of common stock, which is payable in cash on April 15, 2020 to stockholders of record on March 31, 2020. We appreciate your ongoing support and are steadfast in our commitment to our stockholders to be stewards of your capital. We will remain in contact with you for updates on our business through our regulatory filings, earnings and other press releases and quarterly conference calls. Over nearly 30 years in business, Apollo has navigated many market cycles, disruptions and bouts of volatility, and we believe Apollo's deep experience will help us make prudent decisions for our people, our assets and our stockholders. We wish you all good health and safety."

08:11 EDT CHF Solutions announces COVID-19 patients treated with Aquadex Therapy - CHF Solutions announced the use of its Aquadex therapy in the treatment of patients infected with the coronavirus COVID-19. In the last week, critically ill patients in New York City and the state of Georgia, who have been infected with COVID-19, have been treated for volume overload using the Aquadex system. CHF Solutions expects increased demand for this ultrafiltration therapy as the rate of affected patients that are infected with COVID-19 is likely to increase.

08:08 EDT Ceridian appoints Susan Tohyama as CHRO - Ceridian announced that Susan Tohyama joined Ceridian as executive VP and CHRO, effective March 23. Tohyama comes to Ceridian from Vice Media, where she has served as CHRO since 2017. Prior to that, she was with the National Basketball Association in New York and in Hong Kong. She will be based in Toronto.

08:07 EDT Mateon Therapeutics reports results for multiple COVID-19 drug candidates - Mateon Therapeutics provided an update on its rapid antiviral response program targeting coronaviruses, initially targeting COVID-19. OT-101 continued to show significant activity against coronaviruses and in the new testing results, two additional therapeutic oligonucleotides designed to target COVID-19 also demonstrated potent anti-viral activity. The candidates were all designed to work synergistically to avoid resistant mutations frequently seen with viral infections. OT-101 and the other candidates work by inhibiting virus binding to its target, thereby stopping the virus from replicating itself and stopping viral induced pneumonia, which often leads to patient complications. The results of the new studies came through joint efforts between Mateon and its partner, Golden Mountain Partners, which have teamed up to build an international world class program for rapid response against COVID-19 and future epidemics. The Company has begun preparations to submit an Investigational New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration for OT-101 against COVID-19 to expedite testing in COVID-19 patients. The collaborative effort was able to manufacture and test multiple new therapeutic drug candidates within weeks from time of viral sequencing. The effort was built on the companies experience with the specific antisense backbone and its well described safety profile. OT-101 is ready to move into clinical testing in COVID-19 patients and the new candidates can be ready shortly thereafter. The anti-sense program that Mateon has developed has the potential to go from concept to clinic in months, rather than years, which is highly suitable as a rapid response to pandemics.

08:06 EDT Immunomedics says on target to obtain FDA approval for sacituzumab govitecan - Immunomedics provided a business update in lieu of the changes brought upon by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Company is closely tracking and adhering to federal and local guidelines on COVID-19, while maintaining business continuity across the value chain. The Company is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all of its colleagues by providing the requisite flexibility and support services through this unprecedented global health crisis; The Company recently completed an FDA pre-approval inspection at its Morris Plains, New Jersey facility and continues to work collaboratively with the FDA on the ongoing BLA review with a PDUFA target date of June 2, 2020; The Company confirms that it has launch material secured for a successful U.S. commercial launch upon a potential FDA approval; The Company continues to accrue progression-free survival events for ASCENT, with a topline readout expected in the mid-2020 timeframe; The Company reiterates its plan for a topline update on the full 100-patient cohort of TROPHY U-01 at a medical conference in the second half of 2020; and The Company is proactively monitoring enrollment across all trials and is pausing the enrollment of new patients and the activation of new sites where necessary. The Company will continue to work closely with investigators and the FDA to ensure the safety of patients, while preserving the conduct of the studies.

08:04 EDT Opko Health reports interim results from ongoing RAYALDEE studies - OPKO Health reported interim results from an ongoing Phase 4 clinical trial comparing RAYALDEE with three common treatment regimens for secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease and vitamin D insufficiency, as well as interim results from an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial exploring the safety and efficacy of a high-strength formulation of RAYALDEE as a new treatment for SHPT in adult patients with stage 5 CKD requiring hemodialysis and vitamin D insufficiency. In this Phase 4 study, approximately 80 patients from multiple U.S. clinics will be treated for 2 months in a randomized, open-label fashion with RAYALDEE, high-dose cholecalciferol, immediate-release calcifediol, or a combination of paricalcitol and low-dose cholecalciferol. To date, 67 subjects have been enrolled and 62 have completed treatment. Enrollment is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of this year. The interim results from all subjects undergoing or completing treatment indicate that a daily dose of 60 mcg of RAYALDEE is the only one of the four treatment regimens tested that reliably raises serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D to the range of 50 to 100 ng/mL, a level required to effectively suppress elevated plasma intact parathyroid hormone in CKD patients. The mean iPTH reduction observed so far with RAYALDEE has exceeded 25% from pre-treatment baseline. Cholecalciferol, at a dose of 300,000 international units per month, and immediate-release calcifediol, at a dose of 265 mcg/month as approved in Europe, have raised mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to just over 30 ng/mL and reduced mean plasma iPTH by less than 10%. The inability of cholecalciferol to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to the desired target range appears to be due to the higher body weights seen in CKD patients. The combination of paricalcitol and cholecalciferol has had no effect on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, but has lowered plasma iPTH to approximately the same extent as RAYALDEE. Vitamin D receptor activators, such as paricalcitol, can effectively suppress iPTH without increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, but are no longer suggested for routine use in patients with stage 3 or 4 CKD according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder. Final results from the ongoing Phase 4 trial are expected in the second half of 2020. This Phase 2 trial is being conducted in two successive cohorts, the first of which will involve up to approximately 44 patients from multiple U.S. dialysis centers treated in a randomized, open-label fashion with either RAYALDEE or placebo for 26 weeks. The second cohort will involve approximately 300 patients in multiple countries treated in a randomized, double-blind fashion with one of three different doses of RAYALDEE or placebo for 26 weeks, followed by another 26 weeks in an open label extension. The goals of the first cohort are as follows: to evaluate whether patients can tolerate the highest dose of RAYALDEE to be used in the second cohort; to verify that calcifediol, the active ingredient in RAYALDEE, can be activated in the absence of functional kidneys; and to determine whether RAYALDEE is capable of treating SHPT in patients with end-stage renal disease. Interim results from 20 subjects who have completed at least 3 months of treatment indicate that all three goals are being met. Specifically, RAYALDEE is well tolerated, activated and capable of treating SHPT. Full enrollment is expected in the second quarter of 2020, and final topline data are expected in the third quarter of 2020.

08:03 EDT DermTech announces response to COVID-19 - DermTech released the following letter from its CEO John Dobak, M.D.: "We at DermTech are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic daily. In these uncertain times, the health and safety of our employees and other stakeholders is a top priority. In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, we are managing our staffing and travel as guided by the CDC, OSHA, and state and local governments. We have implemented a work from home policy for those employees who can do so to minimize our in-office staff. Our patient-focused teams continue to operate normally, following appropriate safety procedures including, but not limited to: social distancing, emphasizing proper respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene, staggered shifts, requiring sick employees to stay home, and frequent environmental cleaning. Our field-based sales force has suspended face-to-face interactions with healthcare clinicians and we have implemented tele-sales calls. Because providing test results for early melanoma detection is imperative, our lab is currently fully operational, and we are receiving and analyzing samples. Across healthcare, non-essential medical visits are being postponed, which is impacting in-office clinical appointments. However, we believe that assessing an atypical mole for melanoma should be considered essential, and as such we are evaluating all opportunities to make our test available to patients and ensure timely results. While we have minimized disruption to our laboratory operations, we do expect to delay spending in areas not critical to patient care. This will ensure we have the financial flexibility to meet future patient and corporate needs. We will continue to keep our stakeholders updated on our efforts as the COVID-19 pandemic situation evolves."

08:01 EDT Avadel Pharmaceuticals completes REST-ON Phase 3 trial for FT218 - Avadel Pharmaceuticals announced that it has completed the REST-ON Phase 3 clinical trial for FT218. The REST-ON study enrolled a total of 212 patients, and the last patient last visit occurred earlier this week. The Company currently expects to announce topline data from the study in the second quarter of 2020. The REST-ON study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial to assess the efficacy and safety of FT218, a once-nightly formulation of sodium oxybate using Avadel's proprietary Micropump technology for extended-release oral suspension, for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in patients suffering from narcolepsy. The REST-ON study is under a Special Protocol Assessment agreement with FDA. Based on the Company's industry research, it believes FT218, if approved by the FDA, has the potential to provide a valuable advancement in the treatment of both excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy for patients with narcolepsy. Currently, the twice-nightly sodium oxybate market is valued at an estimated annualized rate of $1.7B.

07:55 EDT BioSig's NeuroClear acquires license to anti-viral agent that may treat COVID-19 - BioSig Technologies announced that its majority-owned subsidiary NeuroClear Technologies, Inc. acquired the rights to develop a novel pharmaceutical to treat Coronavirus Disease 2019. In a preliminary internal review, the orally administered, broad-spectrum anti-viral agent Vicromax demonstrated strong activity against COVID-19 in cell cultures in laboratory testing. In this analysis, Vicromax was added to a tissue culture assay for SARS-CO-2 coronavirus and an anti-viral effect was observed, which led to a reduction of over 90% of infectious viruses. The Company intends to pursue development of this agent for the treatment of COVID-19 through FDA-approved clinical trials. The product candidate already completed Phase I and three Phase II trials in other indications, and underwent extensive animal testing and human clinical experience. The Company expects that Vicromax could be used alone or in a combination with other anti-viral agents or immune modulators. The Company intends to develop Vicromax and take it through clinical trials under a new NeuroClear subsidiary, ViralClear Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The Company appointed Mr. Nick Spring as CEO of ViralClear and Mr. Steve King as COO. Most recently, Spring was Founder and CEO of Humanitas, a biotechnology and life sciences consulting firm that advises blue-chip global companies. Most recently, King served as President at 21159 Pharma, a strategic consulting and business development company.

07:49 EDT Vishay planning for possibility annual meeting may be held remotely - Vishay Intertechnology announced that its Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 9:30 AM ET at Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., World Headquarters, 63 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355. A live audio webcast will be accessible directly from the Investor Relations section of the Vishay website at http://ir.vishay.com. As part of Vishay's precautions regarding the coronavirus or COVID-19, the Company is planning for the possibility that the annual meeting may be held solely by means of remote communication. If the Company takes this step, there will be an announcement of the decision to do so in advance, and details on how to participate will be available at Vishay.com.

07:39 EDT Infinity Pharmaceuticals gets fast track designation for IPI-549 with nivolumab - Infinity Pharmaceuticals (INFI) announced that the FDA has granted fast track designation for IPI-549 in combination with nivolumab for the treatment of advanced urothelial cancer. Infinity is currently enrolling patients in MARIO-275, the company's ongoing global, randomized, controlled Phase 2 study in collaboration with Bristol-Myers (BMY), to evaluate IPI-549 in combination with Opdivo in platinum-refractory, I/O naive patients with advanced urothelial cancer.

07:32 EDT Omnicom says 'unable at this time to predict the impact of COVID-19' - Omnicom Group announced an update related to COVID-19. John Wren, Chairman and CEO of Omnicom, commented, "We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our people, clients and operations. Our primary focus is ensuring the safety and well-being of our people. We have implemented a global work from home policy and the majority of our people around the world are currently working remotely. We also continue to support our clients and the communities impacted. Our teams have pivoted quickly to develop insights and creative ideas that can assist our clients and their customers in this new environment. While it is too early to predict the full impact of the pandemic on our business, we are confident that Omnicom has the expertise and resources necessary to weather this difficult period. As we focus on the safety of our people and do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19, we continue to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on our clients and operations, as well as the impact of related government actions such as travel restrictions, limitations on public gatherings, shelter in place orders and mandatory closures. These actions pose a risk that clients may reduce their demand for our services and could result in a reduction in our revenue, which would adversely affect our operations. We have a diversified portfolio of businesses, geographies and clients, some of which will be impacted more significantly than others. In the current environment, a major priority for us is preserving liquidity. Omnicom's primary liquidity sources are operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. As of December 31, 2019, our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $4.3 billion. Omnicom has six tranches of notes approximating $5.1 billion which mature between 2022 and 2031. No more than $1.4 billion of such notes matures in any given year and none of such notes mature prior to May 1, 2022. Although we expect to experience a decrease in our cash flow from operations as a result of the impact of COVID-19, we have a $2.5 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility expiring February 2025 and access to the capital markets that provide us with additional liquidity. In recent weeks, we have strengthened existing measures to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 on our business, including with respect to our discretionary costs, cash position and liquidity. However, we are unable at this time to predict the impact of COVID-19 on our operations and liquidity, and depending on the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, such impact may be material. We will provide an update on our first quarter earnings release and earnings call."

07:28 EDT CytoSorbents' CytoSorb added to Coronavirus treatment in Italy, Panama - CytoSorbents CEO Phillip Chan provided an update. "As the COVID-19 pandemic worsens, the use of CytoSorb in patients infected with COVID-19 has now begun. CytoSorb has now been used in more than 70 COVID-19 patients to help treat cytokine storm and life-threatening complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock in Italy, China, Germany, and France. (...) CytoSorb use has generally been associated with a marked reduction in cytokine storm and inflammation, improved lung function, weaning from mechanical ventilation, and a reversal of shock. (...) CytoSorb is now specifically recommended in the Italy Brescia Renal COVID Task Force Guidelines to treat patients with severe COVID-19 infection and Stage 3 renal failure on continuous renal replacement therapy (...) This follows the recommendation to treat cytokine storm with blood purification in COVID-19 infection by the National Health Commission in China (...) In addition, (...) the soon to be posted National Treatment Guidelines from Panama for Adult COVID-19 patients now recommends the use of CytoSorb if patients have either refractory shock, or have severe or refractory respiratory failure requiring either high ventilator support or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. (...) The initial positive results seen with the use of CytoSorb are very encouraging, particularly reversal of shock, improved lung function, and weaning from mechanical ventilation. (...) Investigational medical devices in the U.S. that have not yet been FDA-approved, can be made available for emergency use under an already established Expanded Access Program by the FDA. (...) within the past week, we have received many unsolicited requests for emergency use from hospitals all over the country and are in discussions with the FDA on how to streamline this process, enable access of the CytoSorb technology to as many U.S. hospitals in the least burdensome way possible, treat patients earlier in the disease progression to have the best chance of success, and to collect patient-level data that can be used to optimize treatment for future patients and potentially support fast-track regulatory status. (...) We seek support to scale our manufacturing, to subsidize our efforts to provide CytoSorb to hospitals for emergency use, and to help fund a clinical study in COVID-19 patients. (...) our manufacturing facility is currently running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As an essential business that manufactures a life-saving therapy, we are not affected by the current New Jersey lock-down restrictions." CytoSorb is approved in the European Union and distributed in 58 countries around the world, and is not yet approved in the U.S.

07:21 EDT RedHill Biopharma expects initiation of Phase 3 study of RHB-204 in Q3

07:16 EDT iQIYI launches service experience testing stations - iQIYI launched the operation plan for its service experience testing stations in multiple international markets. The first Testing Station started its trial in Singapore at the end of 2019 and has been in testing and providing feedback to the company on service experience. Similar Testing Stations in other markets including Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia have been under preparation and will be launched in due course. At present, terminals that are compatible with the Testing Stations include TVs, computers, and smart phones, while functions being tested by the Testing Stations include app opening speed, as well as the performance of video streaming, playback and search features.

07:13 EDT Cara Therapeutics expects interim analysis from Phase 2 trial in AD in Q2 - Cara is also currently evaluating Oral KORSUVA in two ongoing Phase 2 trials for atopic dermatitis patients with moderate-to-severe pruritus and patients with pruritus and hepatic impairment due to primary biliary cholangitis, respectively. As previously announced, the Company expects to complete an interim statistical analysis for the ongoing Phase 2 trial in AD patients in the second quarter of this year. In addition, data from the previously reported positive Phase 2 dose-ranging trial of Oral KORSUVA for the treatment of pruritus in patients with moderate-to-severe CKD will be presented as a late-breaker oral virtual presentation at the National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meeting on March 26, 2020.

07:11 EDT Abiomed announces response to COVID-19 pandemic - Abiomed is taking a number of steps to aid the global medical community and contribute to improved patient care during the COVID-19 outbreak. Impella heart pumps are FDA approved to provide circulatory support to allow the heart to rest and recover for patients suffering from cardiogenic shock, including AMI, right heart failure, cardiomyopathy and myocarditis, or for patients with advanced heart failure undergoing PCI. During these challenging times, Abiomed has focused our Patients First mission on three guiding priorities: Clinically supporting patients and physicians on-site, on-call and online; Manufacturing and supplying Impella heart pumps to hospitals; Keeping our employees and their families healthy and safe. As a medical device manufacturer that provides on-site support to hospitals, Abiomed is taking the following steps: Continuing to manufacture and support patients. Our manufacturing, shipping and patient support teams are taking additional precautions as they continue to manufacture and ship Impella heart pumps and provide clinical support to patients in need of the Impella platform. We are also minimizing the spread of COVID-19 by instituting a work-from-home policy for all employees worldwide who are not involved in manufacturing, shipping or patient support. Maintaining appropriate levels of inventory to supply hospitals needing Impella heart pumps during the COVID-19 crisis. Abiomed has several months of inventory available to ship to hospitals. Production continues with strict controls at Abiomed's redundant manufacturing facilities in the United States and Germany. Proactively moving inventory to depot sites in our major markets of the United States, Germany and Japan. This will help hospitals maintain access to Impella heart pump inventory, even if coronavirus-related shipping issues arise. Using online virtual meeting platforms to communicate as needed to employees and customers. Abiomed implemented Skype more than a year ago and has transitioned all operational reviews to this virtual format. Supporting clinical cases 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with Abiomed's field-based, in-hospital clinical support team, augmented by the existing on-call phone support team from the Clinical Support Center. These field and on-phone support resources in the United States, Europe and Japan provide expertise in utilizing Impella to treat many of the sickest patients in the hospital. This on-site and on-phone support is a service provided by Abiomed for free as part of our commitment to improving patient outcomes. Accelerating the Impella Connect rollout to provide online remote patient monitoring. Impella Connect allows Abiomed personnel to remotely monitor the Impella console and interact with medical providers appropriately on hemodynamic management, alarms and weaning. During the COVID-19 crisis, this online, HIPAA compliant monitoring service is being provided at no cost to help medical providers manage patients 24x7. In FY21, Abiomed will transition the majority of our patients and hospitals to the Impella Connect platform. Pausing the FDA STEMI-DTU Randomized Controlled Trial in light of the tremendous challenge to medical providers to treat patients with the COVID-19 pandemic. Abiomed plans to restart the study in approximately eight weeks when physicians and hospitals have the ability to enroll patients and record clinical metrics. Facilitating a COVID-19 physician advisory board through our global physician network. The advisory board is evaluating lessons learned in the use of all types of treatment, including the use of mechanical circulatory support, or MCS, in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, Abiomed is tracking patient outcomes of COVID-19 patients who receive Impella, using the Impella Quality, or IQ, Database. Expanding existing online, interactive training opportunities to enable greater remote learning opportunities for medical providers. Hundreds of hours of education and online training are already available through Abiomed's online physician community at ProtectedPCI.com, Abiomed Academy and the Impella app. The online training may be especially useful for physicians and nurses who are newly transitioned to patient care areas requiring competence with Impella use. In the April quarter, Abiomed will launch Coronary Artery and Myocardial Protected, or CAMP, PCI, the largest online and interactive education and training endeavor in the company's history, led by a faculty of experts in the field of circulatory support. Maintaining product development and regulatory submissions. Abiomed is financially sound with $600 million in cash and no debt and will continue to invest in innovation and selectively hire for critical business objectives.

07:08 EDT Silence Therapeutics decides to pause patient recruitment for SLN124 - For SLN124, in view of the COVID-19 outbreak and to ensure the integrity of safety monitoring procedures for patients, we have decided to pause patient recruitment under the current protocol. The Company will recommence patient recruitment under a new and broader protocol when appropriate. As a result, the Company now aims to report interim data for SLN124 in the first half of 2021. The Company is pleased to confirm that it has been notified by the FDA that SLN124 has been granted Rare Pediatric Disease designation for the treatment of beta Thalassemia. The company said, "We remain cognisant of the potential impact of coronavirus on our operations and have taken the steps necessary to maintain the integrity of the Company's assets and the health and wellbeing of our employees."

07:05 EDT Nokia completes acquisition of Elenion Technologies - Nokia announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Elenion Technologies, a U.S.-based company focusing on silicon photonics technology. The planned acquisition was originally announced February 19, 2020.

07:01 EDT CalAmp CEO Michael Burdiek retires, Jeff Gardner named interim CEO - CalAmp announced the retirement of Michael Burdiek from his roles as President, CEO, and a member of the Board of Directors of CalAmp, effective March 25. Current member of the Board, Jeff Gardner, will become CalAmp's interim President and CEO effective immediately. In order to effect a seamless transition, Burdiek will remain a Senior Advisor to the CEO through May 31, 2021. Jeff Gardner has served as a member of CalAmp's Board since 2015. He most recently served as the President and CEO of Brinks Home Security from 2015 until February 2020.

06:52 EDT NovaBay announces availability of KN95 disposable masks on Avenova.com - NovaBay announces the availability of KN95 disposable air filter masks on the company's website Avenova.com. The masks are being sold at a price of $59.99 for a package containing 10 masks or $149.99 for a package containing 30 masks. KN95-rated masks are effective at filtering out at least 95% of airborne particles, including microorganisms, dust, pollen and air pollution. "In light of the shortage of protective masks, we have tapped into our global health supplier network to procure and make available a high-quality, KN95-rated product at the most reasonable price possible," said Justin Hall, NovaBay CEO. "We received our first shipment of KN95 masks last week, which sold out online very quickly, and expect a second large inventory of masks to be available for shipment today. To meet the immediate need, we had the masks flown in on a rush basis. We have direct access to a large supplier of KN95 masks and encourage organizations ordering quantities of 50,000 or more to contact us directly at 1-800-890-0329 for special pricing. We plan to continue providing KN95 masks on Avenova.com for as long as the demand remains. In these most unusual of circumstances, it's gratifying for the NovaBay team to carry out our commitment to marshal all of our talents and resources to benefit the health and wellbeing of people everywhere. We will continue to be here to help accomplish this objective during and after this crisis is over."

06:48 EDT Rayonier Advanced Materials curtails production at seven Canadian locations - In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on certain business markets, Rayonier Advanced Materials announced curtailed production at seven Canadian locations. Starting this week, the company will cease or reduce operations at all softwood sawmills located in Ontario and Quebec as well as halt production at the company's newsprint plant in Kapuskasing, Ontario. These curtailments will last at least two weeks and may be extended longer depending on market conditions. Existing sales orders will continue to be fulfilled from current inventory and reduced production at the Kapuskasing sawmill. All other facilities, including the four High Purity Cellulose facilities in the U.S., Canada and France and the Pulp and Paperboard facilities in Temiscaming, Quebec, are expected to operate at normal levels. These facilities, each deemed an "essential business" in its given country, produce a variety of products including many that are critical raw materials for pharmaceutical, food and cleaning products. Additionally, the company is taking precautions to protect employees and their communities against the spread of COVID-19, including office personnel working remotely, travel restrictions, robust cleaning and disinfecting of high touch areas, and appropriate social and physical distancing at all sites.

06:37 EDT Target suspends share repurchase activity due to COVID-19

06:33 EDT Gartner cancels or postpones conferences through August - Gartner has cancelled or postponed all conferences scheduled for April through August, in consideration of guidelines and travel restrictions implemented by governments around the world due to the coronavirus. Gartner estimates the financial impact from not operating these conferences through August would be approximately $158M of revenue and $97M of Adjusted EBITDA in Q2 and $22M of revenue and $12M of Adjusted EBITDA in Q3. Additionally, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on Gartner's business remains difficult to project. Conferences scheduled beyond August 2020 currently are expected to proceed as planned. The company will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and will be making determinations for future conferences on a case-by-case basis. Gartner is implementing several cost-reduction programs which, if kept in place through the end of 2020, are expected to yield expense savings versus the original 2020 operating plan of at least $200M. The programs being implemented include reductions to travel, new hiring, and capital expenditures. Gartner is continuing to evaluate other potential cost saving measures. The company will provide further information and expects to update its outlook for 2020 on its Q1 earnings call in early May.

06:30 EDT Moody's downgrades SoftBank to Ba3, ratings on review for further downgrade - Moody's Japan K.K. has downgraded SoftBank Group's corporate family rating and senior unsecured rating to Ba3 from Ba1, and its subordinate rating to B2 from Ba3. At the same time, Moody's has placed the ratings under review for further downgrade. The rating action follows SBG's announcement on 23 March 2020 that it will monetize up to JPY4.5 trillion of its investment portfolio and use the proceeds to repurchase up to JPY2 trillion of its own shares. It will use the remaining JPY2.5 trillion to pay back its debt at the holding company. The company plans to execute these transactions over the next four quarters. The two-notch downgrade to Ba3 reflects SBG's aggressive financial policy, as reflected by the unexpected size and apparent urgency of the rapid series of share repurchases, just as the drop in the stock market has put the value and liquidity of its portfolio value under stress. "Asset sales will be challenging in the current financial market downturn, with valuations falling and a flight to quality," says Motoki Yanase, a Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer.

06:06 EDT Barnwell Industries board nominees receive Glass Lewis recommendation - Barnwell Industries announced that leading proxy advisor Glass Lewis has recommended that Barnwell stockholders vote for all of the company's slate of director nominees at the company's upcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 3. Stockholders of record as of February 24 are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. In making its recommendation FOR the Company's Board nominees, Glass Lewis concluded that: "The Management Nominees have a reasonably strong mix of relevant experience and expertise." "Three of the seven individuals on the board's slate are new external nominees, suggesting that the company has already committed to a significant board refreshment this year." With respect to the dissidents' comments about the company's performance, Glass Lewis observed: "The Total Shareholder Return of the company was better than the returns of the industry index and the median returns of the peer index over the corresponding periods." Finally, Glass Lewis expressed significant concerns about the dissidents' plan: "[The Dissidents'] plan, as currently presented, lacks key details. (...) It's also unclear to us what type of business the Dissidents would seek to have the company invest in beyond the lone criteria of one that generates free cash flows (...) We have serious doubts as to whether a fire-sale would represent an optimal alternative for the company to undertake at this time, particularly considering the substantial volatility and uncertainty in the broader market due to the current COVID-19 global pandemic."

06:02 EDT Alnylam an Gen sign distribution agreement for Onpattro in Turkey - Alnylam Pharmaceuticals announced an exclusive Distribution Agreement for Onpattro, a first-in-class RNAi therapeutic for the treatment of hATTR amyloidosis in adults with Stage 1 or Stage 2 polyneuropathy. Patients in Turkey were among those who participated in the global Phase 3 APOLLO study in hATTR amyloidosis patients with polyneuropathy, which led to the approval of Onpattro in the U.S. and EU in 2018.

05:45 EDT Cnooc proposes dividend of HK$0.45 per share - The board of Cnooc has proposed a final dividend of HK$0.45 per share (tax inclusive).

05:18 EDT Exelixis says Takeda Pharmaceutical receives approval in Japan for CABOMETYX - Exelixis (EXEL) announced that Takeda Pharmaceutical (TAK), its partner responsible for the clinical development and commercialization of CABOMETYX in Japan, received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to manufacture and market CABOMETYX as a treatment for patients with curatively unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, or RCC. The approval is based on the results of three clinical trials: METEOR, the Exelixis-sponsored phase 3 pivotal trial of cabozantinib versus everolimus in patients with advanced RCC that experienced disease progression following treatment with at least one prior VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or VEGFR-TKI; CABOSUN, the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology-sponsored phase 2 trial comparing cabozantinib with sunitinib in patients with previously untreated advanced RCC with intermediate- or poor-risk disease; and Cabozantinib-2001, a Takeda-sponsored phase 2 trial in 35 Japanese patients with advanced RCC who had progressed after prior VEGFR-TKI therapy. Per the terms of Exelixis and Takeda's collaboration and license agreement, Exelixis is eligible to receive a $31 million milestone payment from Takeda upon the first commercial sale of CABOMETYX for unresectable or metastatic RCC. In January 2020, Takeda applied for approval to manufacture and sell cabozantinib as a treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC, that had progressed after prior systemic therapy in Japan, which triggered a $10 million milestone payment. Exelixis will also be eligible to receive further development, regulatory and first-sale milestone payments of up to $45 million from Takeda related both to previously treated and untreated RCC and previously treated HCC. Exelixis continues to be eligible to receive additional development, regulatory and first-sale milestones for potential future cabozantinib indications and is also eligible for sales revenue milestones and royalties on net sales of cabozantinib in Japan. Takeda fully funds cabozantinib development activities that are exclusively for the benefit of Japan and is responsible for 20% of the costs associated with global cabozantinib clinical trials, providing the company opts into those trials.