Stockwinners Market Radar for June 23, 2020 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:58 EDT T Mobile trading halted, news pending

19:01 EDT MediciNova receives Notice of Intention for new patent covering MN-001, MN-002 - MediciNova announced that it has received a Notice of Intention to Grant from the European Patent Office for a pending patent application which covers MN-001 and MN-002 for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipoproteinemia. Once issued, the patent maturing from this allowed patent application is expected to expire no earlier than July 2034. The allowed claims cover a method of reducing a triglyceride blood level, a method of reducing a total cholesterol blood level, and a method of reducing a low-density lipoprotein blood level using MN-001 or MN-002. The allowed claims cover oral administration including liquid and solid dosage forms.

18:40 EDT Land's End CEO: Kohl's customer has same attributes as Land's End customer - In an interview on CNBC's Mad Money, Jerome Griffith said Land's End (LE) has been an e-commerce player from the start. Less than 5% of the company's sales come from brick and mortar stores, he noted. Land's End is putting money in technology to improve the usability of its website. "50% of the customers on Amazon (AMZN) have never heard of us before," Griffith said.

18:14 EDT Affiliated Managers to be minority equity partner to Inclusive Capital Partners - Affiliated Managers Group announced that it will be a minority equity partner to newly founded independent investment firm Inclusive Capital Partners, L.P.. The successful completion of generational management transition at longtime Affiliate ValueAct Capital Management, L.P. has facilitated the launch of In-Cap. ValueAct founder Jeffrey W. Ubben will retire from ValueAct and will continue to manage the ValueAct Spring Fund after he transitions to In-Cap. The Spring Fund investment team is moving to In-Cap to continue its work of over two years together on the Spring Fund portfolio. "Long-term sustainability has been at the very heart of AMG's business strategy since inception, in working closely with Affiliates to design and implement management succession over time and support Affiliate growth initiatives," said Jay C. Horgen, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMG. "We are very pleased with the excellent execution of ValueAct's succession plan over the past decade, which has resulted in the successful transition from the founding generation to a truly outstanding next generation of partners, led by CEO Mason Morfit, and we are highly confident in ValueAct's forward prospects. I've known Mason since AMG's initial investment in the firm, and he is a unique investor who has demonstrated exemplary leadership over the years."

17:50 EDT Maxar Technologies to acquire Vricon for $140M - Maxar Technologies announced its intent to exercise its call option to take full ownership of 3D data and analytics firm Vricon, Inc., for approximately $140M, or approximately $115M net of estimated cash at closing. To fund the transaction, Maxar intends to issue $150M in aggregate principal amount of new senior secured notes. Maxar has also agreed to repurchase $150M in aggregate principal amount of existing notes using the proceeds of the recent sale of its MDA business.

17:17 EDT Fox Corp. CEO buys 49.5K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Fox Corp disclosed that its CEO Lachlan Murdoch bought 49.5K shares of common stock on June 20th in a total transaction size of $1.4M.

17:13 EDT Slack Technologies CAO Zell sells 37,733 class A common shares - In a regulatory filing, Slack Technologies chief accounting officer Brandon Zell disclosed the sale of 37,733 class A common shares of the company on June 19 at a price of $33.17 per share.

16:52 EDT MediGene receives CCMO approval for first MDG1021 clinical trial - Medigene has received approval from the Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects, or CCMO, in the Netherlands to begin a first clinical trial of MDG1021. MDG1021, which targets the antigen HA-1, thus becomes Medigene's second proprietary T cell receptor-modified T cell, or TCR-T, immunotherapy candidate to enter clinical development. The Phase I study of MDG1021 will be initiated at the Leiden University Medical Center, or LUMC, the Netherlands and will enroll patients suffering from relapsed or persistent blood cancers after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, or allo-HSCT, an area with high unmet medical need. MDG1021 is a TCR-T immunotherapy targeting a specific, immunogenic form of the antigen HA-1. HA-1 is exclusively expressed on cells of the hematopoietic system. If the patient's blood-cells, and thus lymphoma or leukemic cells, carry the immunogenic version of the HA-1 antigen on their surface and the donor stem cells do not, MDG1021 TCR-T cells could eradicate the patient's cancer cells and allow the donor stem cells to repopulate the patient's blood forming system.

16:43 EDT Northern Oil and Gas plans reverse stock split - Northern Oil and Gas announced that it plans to undertake a reverse stock split of Northern's common stock at a ratio ranging from any whole number between 1-for-6 to 1-for-10, as determined by Northern's Board of Directors, and a reduction in the number of authorized shares of Northern's common stock as set forth in the chart below based on the reverse stock split ratio that is selected.

16:34 EDT Dell Technologies surges 20% after reportedly mulling options on VMware stake

16:27 EDT Chairman of Fiserv Jeffery Yabuki sold over $254K in shares - Chairman of Fiserv Jeffery Yabuki disclosed in a filing that he had sold 2,500 shares of company stock at an average price of $101.61 per share for a total transaction value of $254,025.

16:16 EDT Extraction Oil & Gas CEO Matthew Owens sells over $205 K in company shares - Extraction Oil & Gas CEO Matthew Owens disclosed in a filing that he had sold 624,334 shares of company stock at 33c per share on June 22 for a total transaction value of $205,406.

16:14 EDT VMware up over 8% after WSJ speculation on Dell considering options for stake - Shares of Dell Technologies are also up over 13% at $55.60.

16:07 EDT Hailiang Education Group appoints Junwei Chen as CEO - Hailiang Education Group announced Ming Wang's retirement from the Chairman and CEO of HLG. At the Company's annual general meeting held on June 23 shareholders have elected Junwei Chen as a director of the Board of Directors and subsequently, the Board has appointed Junwei Chen as the new Chairman, effective immediately. The Board has also appointed Junwei Chen as the Company's new CEO, to assume such office upon the departure of Ming Wang. Before Ming Wang's official retirement, he has helped to ensure a smooth transition to the new leadership. Junwei Chen will be fully responsible for the Board and business associated with the Company. Chen joined Hailiang Group in September 2018. He has served as vice president of Hailiang Group Co., Ltd. since January 2019 and the president of Hailiang Education Management Group since March 2019.

16:06 EDT Mattel names Anthony DiSilvestro as next CFO - Mattel (MAT) announced that Anthony DiSilvestro will join the company as Executive Advisor on June 29, 2020, and will assume the role of CFO on the date following the filing of the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter 2020, which is anticipated to be filed July 30, 2020. DiSilvestro will succeed Joseph Euteneuer, who will leave the company as part of the company's previously announced transition plan. DiSilvestro joins Mattel with nearly four decades of financial and leadership experience, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and CFO of Campbell Soup Company (CPB).

16:04 EDT Palomar forms PESIC insurance subsidiary - Palomar announced the formation of Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company, or PESIC, a newly established surplus lines insurance company subsidiary. PESIC has received all necessary regulatory approvals to operate as an excess and surplus lines insurer. PESIC is domiciled in the state of Arizona and licensed to transact across all of the company's existing lines of specialty property business as well as other classes of insurance including but not limited to casualty and surety lines. PESIC is currently in the process of becoming an eligible surplus lines insurer in all U.S. jurisdictions and intends to commence writing E&S business, on a national basis beginning in the second half of 2020. Mac Armstrong, Palomar's chairman and CEO commented, "The creation of Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company represents a natural and exciting progression in our Company's evolution. We believe that the data-driven underwriting acumen and market expertise we have established and demonstrated across Palomar's existing lines of specialty property business can also be logically applied to the E&S market. Candidly, several of our commercial products are perhaps better suited for the E&S market. As we continue to grow Palomar and expand the Company's product offerings, PESIC will enable us to write and insure certain risks that our admitted products and geographic footprint cannot currently satisfy. PESIC allows Palomar to extend both the breadth and reach of our specialty product offerings and continue to meet the demand for specialty property insurance protection. We are very excited to launch this new vehicle and bring a new solution to the market in the second half of 2020."

14:54 EDT Twitter places warning on another Trump tweet for violating rules - Earlier, President Donald Trump tweeted: "There will never be an 'Autonomous Zone' in Washington, D.C., as long as I'm your President. If they try they will be met with serious force!" Subsequently, Twitter has placed the following warning on the tweet: "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about abusive behavior. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public's interest for the Tweet to remain accessible." Reference Link

14:04 EDT Expedia shares move higher after retiring HomeAway to focus on Vrbo - Shares of Expedia are up over 3% or $2.52. to $85.64 per share in aftwenoon trading. Expedia Group announced that it is implementing the next phase of its strategy to simplify its vacation rental brand portfolio and focus on Vrbo. Next month, users of the HomeAway website in the U.S. will be redirected to Vrbo.com and HomeAway mobile app users will receive a notification to download the Vrbo app. Travelers will not experience any changes to their vacation rental bookings or login details as Vrbo serves every use case that HomeAway previously did. Since making Vrbo its primary alternative accommodations division in May 2019, Expedia Group launched the Vrbo brand in countries where the company did not yet have a vacation rental presence and rebranded existing country-specific sites to Vrbo. Vrbo is now live in 15 countries across the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions."Since it was founded 25 years ago, Vrbo has become a leader in the vacation rental industry and a household name in family travel," said Peter Kern, Vice Chairman and CEO, Expedia Group. "Through the years, the Vrbo brand has consistently outperformed HomeAway with family travelers," noted the company.

13:52 EDT Wipro wins infrastructure modernization, digital transformation pact from E.ON - Wipro Limited announced that it has been awarded a strategic, multi-year infrastructure modernization and digital transformation services engagement by Germany-based energy company E.ON. Wipro will transform E.ON's legacy data centre operations to hybrid cloud model by leveraging its BoundaryLess Enterprise (BLE) framework and Wipro HOLMES(TM), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation platform. The company will collaborate with E.ON to reduce their datacentre footprint, streamline its infrastructure and achieve operational agility by providing an integrated view of their data centre operations. Wipro's consumption-based hybrid cloud hosting strategy powered by AI will help E.ON optimize its workflows and deliver superior customer experience with increased efficiency.

13:34 EDT Nvidia, Mercedes-Benz to create in-vehicle computing system - Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia plan to enter into a cooperation to create an in-vehicle computing system and AI computing infrastructure. "Starting in 2024, this will be rolled out across the fleet of next-generation Mercedes-Benz vehicles, enabling them with upgradable automated driving functions. Working together, the companies plan to develop the most sophisticated and advanced computing architecture ever deployed in an automobile," the company said in a statement. The new software-defined architecture will be built on the Nvidia Drive platform and will be standard in Mercedes-Benz's next-generation fleet. A primary feature will be the ability to automate driving of regular routes from address to address.

13:18 EDT Beneficial Owner of Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Growth Equity buys $7.5M in shares - Beneficial Owner of Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Growth Equity Opportunities Fund purchased 1,428,571 shares of company stock at an average price of $5.25 per share on June 19 for a total transaction of $7,499,998.

13:08 EDT Workhorse spikes after completing vehicle safety testing for electric vans - Shares of battery-electric vehicle maker Workhorse Group (WKHS) are up 21% of almost $1.25 per share to $7.15 per share in afternoon trading on Tuesday after saying earlier that it has successfully completed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, FMVSS, testing for its C650 and C1000 all-electric delivery vans. FMVSS testing for both the C650 and C1000 vans had been delayed by complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. With facilities and supporting manpower restored, the testing was officially completed this week, said the company earlier. "The overall FMVSS testing process consists of a multitude of high-level, significant reviews and required approvals for vehicle safety, including seat belt efficacy and additional seating safety and braking system standards, among other areas. "The successful completion of our FMVSS testing confirms that the design, construction, performance, and durability of our all-electric 650 and 1000 cubic foot C-Series delivery vans meet federal requirements, making Workhorse the only American all-electric OEM designing and manufacturing last mile delivery vehicles to complete this testing," said Company CEO Duane Hughes. "With this late-stage milestone certification now behind us, we remain well-positioned to execute on our production timeline for the remainder of the year. Other companies in the EV space include Tesla (TSLA), Nikola (NKLA), and NIO Inc.(NIO).

13:02 EDT Tyson Foods appoints Johanna Soderstrom as CHRO - Tyson Foods named Johanna Soderstrom as EVP & chief human resources officer, effective July 6, 2020. Soderstrom will report to CEO Noel White and will lead all aspects of the company's global people strategy to enable its overall growth, innovation and transformation agenda. Soderstrom also will focus on continuing to build the company's culture, talent and capabilities for the future. She succeeds Mary Oleksiuk, who is retiring after a 35-year career. Soderstrom most recently served as SVP, CHRO at The Dow Chemical Company.

12:41 EDT Limelight jumps as analyst sees 'best-in-class' video content delivery network - Shares of digital content distribution company Limelight Networks (LLNW) are pushing higher in afternoon trading after the company announced it will be participating in a conference call hosted by Lake Street management on June 24. WHAT'S NEW: Limelight shares caught the eye of investors yesterday morning when Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi noted that after spending time investing in its business, the company now has a "best-in-class" over-over-the-top, or OTT, video content delivery network. FORTUITOUS WAVE OF CONTENT: The Lake Street analyst sees the company's product offerings as coinciding " fortuitously" with a wave of new and planned content offerings from the likes of Disney (DIS), HBO (T), and NBCUniversal (CMCSA). Martinuzzi initiated coverage of Limelight Networks with a Buy rating and $8 price target on Monday. The analyst believes Limelight is "on the cusp" of years of double-digit growth and margin expansion. Martinuzzi forecast "a bright future" of new account sign-ups and higher installed base retention as the company turns its competitive advantage into market share gains, the analyst said in his research note. PRICE ACTION: In afternoon trading, shares of Limelight Networks jumped nearly 16% to $6.45. OTHERS TO WATCH: Other companies to watch include Akamai Technologies (AKAM), which is up 1.5% to $103.08.

12:18 EDT Accenture Federal Services to open Advanced Technology Center in St. Louis - Accenture Federal Services, a subsidiary of Accenture, announced plans to open an Advanced Technology Center in St. Louis later this year to provide U.S. federal government agencies with digital, cloud, automation, artificial intelligence and cyber solutions. The AFS Advanced Technology Center, to be located at 520 Maryville Centre Drive in St. Louis County, is expected to bring up to 1,400 new technology jobs to the St. Louis area over five years. In making its site selection decision, AFS used strategic regional insight, market analysis and the business and civic relationships facilitated by AllianceSTL, an economic development organization that recruits new businesses to the St. Louis region. The AFS Advanced Technology Center will collaborate closely with the AFS Cyber and Advanced Technology Centers in San Antonio, Texas; the Accenture Federal Digital Studio in Washington, D.C.; and specialized centers in Niagara Falls, New York, and Chesapeake, Virginia.

12:00 EDT CorEnergy falls -9.5% - CorEnergy is down -9.5%, or -$1.08 to $10.31.

12:00 EDT Spirit AeroSystems falls -14.4% - Spirit AeroSystems is down -14.4%, or -$3.92 to $23.30.

12:00 EDT Dynagas LNG rises 19.0% - Dynagas LNG is up 19.0%, or 59c to $3.69.

12:00 EDT China Rapid Finance rises 61.1% - China Rapid Finance is up 61.1%, or $1.51 to $3.98.

11:52 EDT Discovery Communications trading halted, volatility trading pause

11:38 EDT Aurora Cannabis up 7.3% after announcing consolidation of production, staff cuts

11:19 EDT MoneyGram announces partnership with South Korea's Global Money Express - MoneyGram International announced a partnership with Global Money Express Co., which it calls "one of the largest money transfer and payment fintech companies in South Korea." The partnership enables GME customers to connect to the MoneyGram platform and distribution network in over 200 countries and territories and "will especially benefit consumers who send money from South Korea to China and South Asia," MoneyGram stated. Kamila Chytil, MoneyGram Chief Operating Officer and leader of the company's digital business, added: "We recently reported 100% year-over-year digital transaction growth May. Our new partnership with GME, one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in a key market, will further support this strong digital growth."

11:14 EDT Aurora Cannabis announces 30% reduction in staff, consolidation of production - Aurora Cannabis said in a release, "The Company has executed a material reduction in both corporate and production level employees and third-party consulting and professional spending across the organization. These changes include an approximate 25% reduction in Aurora's SG&A staff, most with immediate effect, and an approximate 30% reduction in production staff over the next two quarters. The corporate headcount rationalization was undertaken at all levels of the Company, including a restructuring of the executive leadership team and the recently announced retirement of President Steve Dobler. The Q1 2021 SG&A run-rate of approximately $42 million represents a cost structure that the Company anticipates will be capable of supporting significantly higher levels of revenue in the future without a corresponding level of growth in SG&A. Aurora has initiated a plan to close operations at five facilities over the next two quarters in order to focus production and manufacturing at the Company's larger scale and highly efficient sites. The affected facilities are the smaller scale facilities, Aurora Prairie, Aurora Mountain, Aurora Ridge, Aurora Vie and Aurora Eau. Aurora expects that part of the Aurora Vie facility in Quebec will remain operational to allow for the manufacturing of certain higher margin products. By the end of fiscal Q2 2021, the Company intends to consolidate Canadian production and manufacturing at Aurora Sky, Aurora River (EU-GMP certified), Whistler Pemberton, and Polaris. As previously stated, the Aurora Sun production facility has been scaled back to six grow bays, and will allow for efficient scale production on an as-needed basis as market demand grows. As part of the transition, the Company also intends to immediately ramp up cannabis production at its Nordic facility in Europe from which it believes can adequately service the European market with EU-GMP certified product. This production and manufacturing consolidation plan represents a new, incremental cost reduction opportunity not previously considered in the original SG&A target. In connection with the stated facility rationalization, Aurora expects to record production asset impairment charges of up to $60 million during Q4 2020. The Company also expects to record a charge of up to $140 million in the carrying value of certain inventory, predominantly trim, in order to align inventory on hand with near term expectations for demand. Approximately 40% of the expected inventory provision relates to the non-cash IFRS fair value adjustment within inventory. In addition to the Company's continued focus on production efficiencies and yield improvements, Aurora expects that the production facility closures will be accretive to gross margin as the move to large scale operations is expected to result in a material reduction in per unit cost of goods by Q3 2021. The reduction in inventory carrying value is also expected to be modestly accretive to future gross margins as older, higher cost inventory is replaced with newer, lower cost inventory and consequently reflected in gross margins. Aurora expects to report its Q4 2020 full financial results in early September."

11:13 EDT Aurora Cannabis announces update on Business Transformation Plan - Aurora Cannabis provided a progress update on its Business Transformation Plan that was previously communicated February 6. "Across our organization we continue to take decisive action and execute on our previously announced Business Transformation Plan," stated Michael Singer, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO of Aurora. "With today's announcement we have achieved our stated SG&A run-rate target and expect to operate at approximately $42 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The further cost savings and margin improvement to be realized from our facility rationalization plan is another example of our commitment to deliver greater efficiency throughout the business." Singer further elaborated, "This has not simply been a cost cutting exercise. We have undertaken a strategic realignment of our operations to protect Aurora's position as a leader in key global cannabinoid markets, most notably Canada. Both the Canadian facility rationalization and inventory revaluation are expected to improve gross margins and accelerate our ability to generate positive cash flow. We believe that we now have the right balance for the long-term success of Aurora - market leadership, financial discipline, operational excellence, and strong execution. We remain focused on making Aurora a profitable and robust global cannabinoid company."

11:03 EDT Juniper appoints Sharon Mandell as SVP, CIO - Juniper Networks announced that Sharon Mandell will be named SVP and chief information officer, reporting to CEO Rami Rahim. Mandell will execute on Juniper's IT strategy and support the IT needs of its employees and customers, while making sure Juniper is well positioned as a leading global IT organization to meet the demands of our changing world. Mandell began her employment at Juniper on June 22, 2020. Most recently, she served as the CIO for TIBCO Software.

11:02 EDT Benchmark Electronics enters partnership with CoreKinect - Benchmark Electronics and CoreKinect announced an agreement, enabling customers across the Internet of Things, or IoT, landscape to design, engineer, and manufacture products in the USA. The companies said in a release, "CoreKinect selected Benchmark's state-of-the-art electronics engineering and manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona to leverage the benefits of the emerging 'Silicon Desert'. Arizona has become a magnet for technology companies, which are drawn to the region by a lower cost of doing business and a more affordable quality of life for employees. Furthermore, the large and educated population of Arizona provides a growing talent pool of highly-skilled workers that can support growing technology industries. Together with Benchmark, CoreKinect can now provide fully customized hardware solutions for Internet of Things ecosystems, allowing customers to achieve scale without compromising on quality or flexibility. Leveraging its engineering and manufacturing expertise, Benchmark will work with CoreKinect to produce IoT solutions that solve complex challenges in a wide range of industries such as aerospace and defense, industrial, medical, survelliance, and smart city."

11:01 EDT Richardson Electronics, DAPU Telecom sign global distribution agreement - Richardson Electronics announced a new distribution agreement with DAPU Telecom. Richardson said in a release, "The agreement aligns with both companies' commitment to providing the highest reliability and quality products into various applications including RF and microwave communications, industrial, wired and wireless transmission, radar and test equipment."

11:01 EDT Aurora Cannabis trading halted, news pending

10:45 EDT Empery Asset Management reports 7.37% passive stake in Globus Maritime

10:33 EDT Royal Caribbean files for reorganization of Pullmantur Cruceros joint venture - Cruises Investment Holding and Royal Caribbean Group said they have filed for the reorganization of their Pullmantur Cruceros joint venture under the terms of Spanish insolvency laws. Cruises Investment Holding owns 51% of the Spanish cruise line, while RCL owns the remaining 49%. Pullmantur's board of directors determined that the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic made the action necessary. Pullmantur management notified employees of the decision after filings were made with Spanish authorities. "Despite the great progress the company made to achieve a turnaround in 2019 and its huge engagement and best efforts of its dedicated employees, the headwinds caused by the pandemic are too strong for Pullmantur to overcome without a reorganization," the board stated.

10:00 EDT Consol Coal falls -7.0% - Consol Coal is down -7.0%, or -32c to $4.25.

10:00 EDT Spirit AeroSystems falls -10.7% - Spirit AeroSystems is down -10.7%, or -$2.91 to $24.30.

10:00 EDT Youdao rises 11.4% - Youdao is up 11.4%, or $3.94 to $38.45.

09:52 EDT MasterCard's Miebach says e-commerce rise 'clearly' accelerated by pandemic - Even in stores, MasterCard is seeing a rise in electronic payments versus cash, Miebach added. MasterCard's incoming CEO Michael Miebach is speaking on CNBC.

09:49 EDT MasterCard's Miebach says Finicity the ideal partner - MasterCard's incoming CEO Michael Miebach is speaking on CNBC about the company's agreement to acquire Finicity.

09:47 EDT ProShares Trust Ultra VIX Short Term Futures ETF falls -6.6% - ProShares Trust Ultra VIX Short Term Futures ETF is down -6.6%, or -$2.29 to $32.43.

09:47 EDT Performance Food Group rises 10.1% - Performance Food Group is up 10.1%, or $2.60 to $28.45.

09:47 EDT Leaf Group rises 10.3% - Leaf Group is up 10.3%, or 29c to $3.10.

09:36 EDT Urban One trading resumes

09:31 EDT Urban One trading halted, volatility trading pause

09:21 EDT Genius Brands to retire all senior secured convertible debt - Genius Brands International announced that it has come to an agreement with all of its existing senior secured convertible noteholders to have the noteholders pre-pay their Notes for an aggregate of $4M, three months early and then have the noteholders convert all of their $13.75M of debt to equity. The Company has agreed to register for resale the shares issued upon conversion of the Notes. The Notes, which were set to amortize over 12 equal monthly payments beginning in September 2020, per terms of the previous agreement negotiated in March, will all be converted into equity shortly after the close. The result will leave the company debt free and with $55M of cash on the balance sheet.

09:18 EDT Lithium Americas announces NDRC approval for Ganfeng Lithium transaction - Lithium Americas announced that it has been advised by Ganfeng Lithium, that Ganfeng Lithium has received regulatory approval from the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China in respect to the transaction announced on February 7, 2020. The remaining PRC regulatory approvals, including approval from the Ministry of Commerce and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, are pending. As previously disclosed, Ganfeng Lithium has agreed to subscribe for new shares of Minera Exar for cash consideration of $16M, increasing its interest from 50% to 51%, with Lithium Americas owning the remaining 49%. Minera Exar owns 100% of the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project currently under construction in Jujuy, Argentina. In addition, Lithium Americas will receive $40M in cash from the proceeds of non-interest-bearing loans from Ganfeng Lithium. For further information on the Transaction, please see the news release dated February 7, 2020. Following the restart of construction activities at Cauchari-Olaroz in April 2020, the Company is continuing to assess the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and safety procedures on the construction schedule and anticipates construction to be complete by mid-2021. The Company expects to provide a further update with Q2 2020 results and reaffirms that an increase in capital costs as a result of COVID-19's impact on the construction schedule is expected to be minimal and within the existing contingency.

09:15 EDT Capital Power proceeding with Phase 3 of Whitla Wind facility - Capital Power announced that it is moving forward with the third phase of the Whitla Wind facility that will add 54 megawatts in late 2021. The Whitla Wind facility is located in the County of Forty Mile in south eastern Alberta. Capital Power has initiated the permitting process for Whitla Wind 3 with the Alberta Electric System Operator and anticipates filing its Alberta Utilities Commission application this summer. Subject to regulatory approvals, construction of Whitla Wind 3, with an estimated capital cost of $92 million, is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2021 and will be constructed concurrently with the Whitla Wind 2 project to capture synergies. Construction of both projects is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. Whitla Wind 3 will consist of 15 Vestas V-136 3.6 MW wind turbines, the same technology in operation at Whitla Wind 1 and to be installed for Whitla Wind 2. Whitla Wind 3 will generate carbon credits that can be used to hedge against Capital Power's carbon compliance costs from its Alberta thermal generation facilities. Capital Power is in active discussions with commercial and industrial customers for renewable offtake contracts for Whitla Wind 2 and will now include Whitla Wind 3. Phase one of Whitla Wind began commercial operations in December 2019 and was one of four successful wind projects that was awarded a 20-year contract by AESO in the first round of the Renewable Electricity Program.

09:11 EDT Synopsys plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2024 - Synopsys announced its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2024, compared with its 2018 baseline. In addition, Synopsys has achieved CarbonNeutral certification across its global operations for the second consecutive year, offsetting approximately 90,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020. The reduction of emissions and neutralization of the company's carbon footprint reflect Synopsys' Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, commitment to an environmentally sustainable future.

09:10 EDT Ameresco initiates $18.6M streetlight conversion pilot program for ODOT - Ameresco announced that it has initiated a streetlight conversion pilot program on behalf of the Oregon Department of Transportation, or ODOT, which will involve replacing more than 8,000 high-pressure sodium lighting fixtures with LEDs. The $18.6M project is funded by an energy savings performance contract that will result in an estimated equivalent of 3,500 metric tons of carbon emissions saved annually. ODOT selected Ameresco as its project partner given the company's experience in large-scale lighting projects across the country. The 8,000 streetlights to be replaced during this pilot are along highways in Region 1 of the ODOT system, which includes the Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah and eastern Washington counties. Ameresco officially began work on this project in May. It expects to complete this project by summer 2021.

09:09 EDT Lincoln Educational to re-open all six campuses - Lincoln Educational Services announced that it will re-open its campuses in Iselin, Mahwah, Moorestown, Paramus, South Plainfield and Union. On-site instruction will resume on a limited basis effective Wednesday, July 1st. "On March 17th, in accordance with local and federal guidelines, we transitioned our campus' classroom instruction to remote, distance learning due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," commented Scott Shaw, Lincoln Tech's President and CEO. "We have worked closely with our regulators and local authorities to develop a re-opening plan with our primary objective being the health and safety of our students and staff. Initially we will be bringing back students in select programs and those nearing graduation who need the hands-on skills training to complete their education. We will gradually transition to full scale operations as is practical and allowed." Lincoln currently has 3,195 students enrolled at its six New Jersey campuses. Nearly 99% of those students are training for careers that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security deems essential.

09:05 EDT Creative Realities announces distribution agrement with Synnex - Creative Realities (CREX) announced an agreement with SYNNEX (SNX) to distribute the CRI Thermal Mirror in the U.S. The market for thermal screening is quickly becoming crowded, furthering the need to differentiate solutions to help customers make smart purchasing decisions. The CRI Thermal Mirror's reporting capabilities are highly customizable to suit specific needs of each business customer. The centralized, AI-enabled software platform supports virtually all workflows and requirements, and scales easily for enterprise deployment.

09:04 EDT Philips receives FDA premarket approval for HearStart FR3, FRx defibrillators - Royal Philips announced that the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted premarket approval for the company's HeartStart FR3 and HeartStart FRx automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and their supporting accessories, including batteries and pads. The HeartStart FR3 is a professional grade AED with advanced features to help medical personnel and first-responders treat cardiac arrest. The HeartStart FRx is a public-access AED that features intuitive, step-by-step voice instructions, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidance, for emergency use in workplaces, schools and other public spaces, as well as for medical professional use.

09:03 EDT Arthur J. Gallagher acquires Barrett, Liner & Buss for undisclosed amount - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of Ocala, Florida-based Barrett, Liner & Buss. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Barrett, Liner & Buss offers employee benefit solutions to employers throughout the state of Florida representing a variety of industries, encompassing healthcare, manufacturing and education. Thomas Buss and his associates will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of John Tournet, head of Gallagher's Southeast region employee benefit consulting and brokerage operations.

08:53 EDT Kansas City Southern: Carloads have improved by 31% since bottoming in early May - While carloads have improved by 31% since bottoming in early May, the company said they remain 8% below pre-COVID levels.

08:52 EDT Kansas City Southern: QTD volume down 23%, revenue down 24% - Kansas City Southern's President and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, Executive Vice President and CFO Michael W. Upchurch, and Executive Vice President Precision Scheduled Railroading Sameh Fahmy presented at a Cowen conference. While Q2 was "challenging," the company said volumes are improving. QTD volume is down 23% and revenue is down 24%.

08:47 EDT Conduent, Envisio announce alliance for strategy management technology - Conduent and Envisio Solutions announced a new alliance to bring Envisio's strategy execution and performance management technology to Conduent's Healthy Communities Institute service offering. The partnership between Conduent and Envisio brings health systems, non-profits, collaboratives and public health agencies advanced data aggregation to create actionable insights and a single-source solution to implement and manage detailed, multilayered plans to resume economic activities while tracking community health during an evolving pandemic. Though varied, reopening activities have occurred in all 50 states. However a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases across multiple states could negatively impact consumer activity and spending, making the ability to assess the complex processes for safely reopening the economy an essential exercise to boost community confidence. Organizations have long relied on the Conduent HCI platform for accurate data on population health and social determinants of health, particularly for underserved populations who have been hit especially hard by the novel coronavirus. Envisio's strategic planning and execution tools, which can be integrated into the HCI platform or used on their own, add a new dimension of accountability and guidance for organizations to effectively address unmet social needs and other issues affecting the community's most vulnerable members.

08:41 EDT Limoneira joint venture closes additional four condominium lots with Lennar - Limoneira (LMNR) announced that its 50/50 real estate development joint venture with The Lewis Group of Companies has closed an additional four condominium lots for 68 single-family homes with Lennar (LEN). Lennar is one of the primary builders in the initial 632 residential units of the company's Harvest at Limoneira project. Lennar is expanding its investment in Harvest at Limoneira project with the purchase of four additional condominium lots for 68 single-family homes. Lennar plan to build three two-story homes ranging from 2,213 to 2,452 square feet on these new lots. Including this announcement, Lennar has now purchased a total of 187 residential units within Harvest at Limoneira, comprised of 55 single-family lots and eight condominium lots that include 132 single-family residences.

08:40 EDT Phunware enters partnership with Sirius Computer Solutions - Phunware announced that it has partnered with Sirius Computer Solutions to provide health systems throughout the country with a digital front door benefiting patients, visitors and staff. Phunware said in a release, "Through this new relationship, Sirius and Phunware will use their combined expertise in healthcare innovation, leveraging Phunware's existing Healthcare Solution capabilities on mobile, to improve patient engagement, optimize operational efficiencies and workflows, enhance security and increase return on investment."

08:38 EDT Gilead to acquire 49.9% equity interest in Pionyr for $275M - Gilead announced that for $275M the company will acquire a 49.9% equity interest in Pionyr Immunotherapeutics, a privately held company developing cancer immunotherapies, and an exclusive option to purchase the remainder of Pionyr. Under the agreement, Pionyr's shareholders may receive up to an additional $1.47B in option exercise fees and future milestone payments. Pionyr's Myeloid Tuning therapies have the potential to treat patients who currently do not benefit from checkpoint inhibitor therapies. PY314 and PY159 have demonstrated preclinical efficacy, suggesting potential in solid tumors in combination with established anti-PDL-1 agents. Pionyr plans to file investigational new drug, or IND, applications with the FDA for both PY314 and PY159 in Q3 of this year. Pending Phase 1b results from either candidate, or sooner if Gilead chooses ,Gilead can exercise its exclusive option to acquire the remainder of Pionyr. Under the terms of the agreement, Pionyr's shareholders will receive $275M upon closing. Gilead will receive 49.9% of the common stock of Pionyr and an exclusive option to purchase the remaining equity. Gilead may exercise its exclusive option upon completion of Phase 1b studies for PY314 and PY159, or at an earlier time if Gilead chooses to do so, for a $315M option exercise fee and up to $1.15B in potential future milestone payments. In addition, Gilead will provide Pionyr with additional funding for the PY314 and PY159 clinical programs, as well as ongoing research and development programs. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close shortly. Gilead will have the right to nominate one individual to Pionyr's board upon closing of the transaction. In addition, Gilead and the other stockholders of Pionyr will jointly select and nominate one independent individual to Pionyr's board.

08:37 EDT Newtek Small Business Finance restarts SBA 7(a) loan program - Newtek Business Services announced that Newtek Small Business Finance will restart its SBA 7(a) loan program and begin accepting applications on June 29, 2020. NSBF plans to reenter its SBA 7(a) loan program in a cautious and measured manner, and will look to finance businesses based on the health of their balance sheets and income statements, pre-Covid-19 business activity and the business' forward projections. NSBF will, among other things, consider the business activity of each potential borrower over the period of March 2020 through June 2020 to assess their financial position after the period of state and local stay-at-home orders, focusing on companies with a 2- to 3-year operating history, hard collateral assets, pre-Covid-19 cash flows and liquidity to maintain their business. In April 2020, NSBF temporarily suspended its legacy SBA 7(a) loan program as it became an active lender through the Paycheck Protection Program, which served as the vehicle to enable SBA 7(a) lenders to make PPP loans to help U.S. small businesses maintain their payroll, pay their rent and utilities, and certain other costs. As of the date of this release, NSBF has funded approximately $1.08B of its total $1.15B of PPP loans with SBA loan numbers. The PPP program is still ongoing, and NSBF is still accepting PPP loan applications through June 30, 2020. As of Saturday, June 20, 2020, there was approximately $128B of appropriation remaining for PPP and SBA 7(a) loans.

08:35 EDT Enzo Biochem issued U.S. patent for methods of treating liver cancer using SK1-I - Enzo Biochem announced it has received a patent for the treatment of liver cancer, U.S. Patent No. 10,675,255 entitled Sphingosine Pathway Modulating Compounds for the Treatment of Cancers. Enzo's patent is directed to methods for treating hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common human liver cancer, using the company's proprietary compound SK1-I and has a term extending into June 2038. Foreign patent applications in the same patent family are currently pending. Sphingosine kinase 1 is a key enzyme in the Sphingosine cell-signaling pathway that has been implicated in tumor cell growth and pathological inflammation. The enzyme acts by phosphorylating the cellular lipid Sphingosine to form Sphingosine 1-Phosphate, an important biological mediator of cell proliferation and immune function. SK1-I is a small molecule that specifically inhibits Sphingosine kinase 1.

08:33 EDT Plug Power completes United Hydrogen, Giner ELX acquisitions - Plug Power has completed the acquisitions of United Hydrogen Group Inc. and Giner ELX These acquisitions are in line with the Company's vertical integration strategy in the hydrogen business laid out in September of 2019 with plans to have more than 50% of the hydrogen used to be green by 2024. These activities further enhance Plug Power's position in the hydrogen industry with capabilities in generation, liquefaction and distribution of hydrogen fuel complementing its industry-leading position in the design, construction, and operation of customer-facing hydrogen fueling stations. These activities establish a clear pathway for Plug Power to transition from low-carbon to zero-carbon hydrogen solutions. Given these acquisitions, the Company is raising its 2024 financial targets to achieve $1.2 billion in revenue, $210 in operating income, and $250 million in Adjusted EBITDA. These improved financial metrics highlight the value of this vertical integration, underscoring significant margin enhancement potential in the hydrogen fuels business and the expected global growth of the electrolyzer market while meeting customers increased focus on sustainability and carbon reduction goals. Plug Power is focused on becoming one of the largest green hydrogen generation companies in the United States over the next five years and globally thereafter, and plans to continue to work with existing and new partners to accomplish this goal. This planned capacity addition of green hydrogen will serve the significant and rapidly growing demand from current customers as well as position the Company to target existing large and growing hydrogen markets. Plug Power projects that its existing customers will use almost 100 tons of hydrogen per day by 2024 and expects over 50% of that to be green hydrogen. This planned green hydrogen generation capacity expansion provides Plug Power with an opportunity to serve its existing customers and potentially serve large industrial customers in the steel, fertilizer and ammonia manufacturing markets. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the cost of green hydrogen is expected to decline by over 50% by 2030 and will be at parity with traditional ways of producing hydrogen.

08:24 EDT Endra Life Sciences announces recently issued patents for Taeus platform - Endra Life Sciences has recently been issued Patents 10,682,059 and 10,687,789 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Endra's goal is to develop, patent and commercialize applications for proprietary Taeus technology in areas of high unmet clinical need. The recently-issued '059 patent provides more intellectual property protection for our Taeus platform related to thhe company's scanning approach. It covers a radio frequency applicator device and system for providing reliable RF energy to a target area of tissue. More particularly, the '059 patent structurally defines Endra's solution to providing targeted RF energy to tissue regions for applications, such as fat quantification of a patient's liver. The recently-issued '789 patent provides more intellectual property protection for our Taeus platform on the diagnostic and analysis side. It covers a method and system for reconstructing a thermoacoustic image. More particularly, the '789 patent utilizes a view and position specific kernel to correct for differences in the relative relationship between a transducer element array and an object within a region of interest to be imaged.

08:20 EDT Streamline Health signs contract with academic medical center in the Midwest - Streamline Health Solutions announced it signed a contract last week with another academic medical center in the Midwest. This large hospital system will use eValuator's cloud-based automated pre- and post-bill coding analysis technology to help improve revenue integrity for their inpatient and outpatient services.

08:17 EDT Costamare announces conclusion of refinancing program - Costamare announced the execution of two new loan agreements for an aggregate amount of $140M, which brings the refinancing program initiated at the beginning of the year to a successful conclusion. Since January, the Company has entered into new financing transactions of over $435M and has extended debt maturities of about $240M.

08:15 EDT ATIF Holdings announces $1M consulting service agreement with WKG - ATIF Holdings announced that the Company, through Qianhai Asia Time, entered into a consulting service agreement, dated June 17, 2020, to act as a business advisor for Heilongjiang WKG Advertising Co, a comprehensive media company for sports event planning, operation and promotion. The Agreement was signed in anticipation of WKG' entrance into the U.S. capital market. Pursuant to the Agreement, ATIF Shenzhen agreed to provide consulting services including business consulting, capital market advising for business planning and strategy development, and investor and public relations services. As consideration, WKG agreed to pay ATIF Shenzhen a fixed consulting fee of US$1 million, to be paid in installments and subject to certain conditions.

08:13 EDT BeyondSpring reports preclinical data on plinabulin - BeyondSpring announced new preclinical research findings that indicate BeyondSpring's lead asset, Plinabulin, enhances immuno-radiotherapy for cancer patients. The results of this preclinical study was highlighted in a poster presentation titled, "Plinabulin, a microtubule destabilizing agent, improves tumor control by enhancing dendritic cell maturation and CD8 T cell infiltration in combination with immunoradiotherapy," at this year's American Association for Cancer Research Virtual Annual Meeting on June 22, 2020. Based on these preclinical findings, including a 100% complete response of the triple I/O combination of Plinabulin, anti-PD-1, and radiation in a PD-1 antibody non-responsive model, the compound is being advanced toward a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients who failed or progressed on PD-1 / PD-L1 antibody treatments. Principal investigator Steven H. Lin, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of radiation oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, presented the research data. Additional data highlights include: Preclinical effectiveness: The triple I/O combination of Plinabulin, anti-PD-1 and radiation achieved a 100 percent complete response in a breast cancer model that is not responsive to PD-1 antibody alone. Sequential benefit: Plinabulin's effects on dendritic cell maturation are greater when administered after each dose of fractionated radiotherapy, compared to administration before radiation, or administration only once after the first dose of radiotherapy. Abscopal effect: The Plinabulin triple combination anticancer effects in both irradiated and non-irradiated tumors in the same mice indicate the activation of a systemic anticancer immune response. Notably, CD8 cell levels in the non-irradiated tumors were almost double in the triple combination group compared to anti-PD-1 and radiation alone. Dendritic cell MHCII up-regulation and T-cell tumor infiltration: Plinabulin triple combination significantly increased dendritic cell MHCII expression and T-cell infiltration in the tumor. I/O mechanism: AP-1 and NF-kB molecular pathways are crucial in the Plinabulin-induced maturation of dendritic cells. Peer-reviewed 2019 publications in Chem and Cell Reports demonstrated that Plinabulin is differentiated from all other tubulin-targeted agents through its binding site and kinetics and is among the most potent agents that induce dendritic cell maturation. Dendritic cells are key immune cell types in the activation of the immune system against cancer cells, but currently approved immuno-oncology agents, such as antibodies to PD-1, only take the brakes off of T-cells without activating antigen-presenting cells that stimulate T-cells to attack foreign proteins expressed by cancer cells.

08:11 EDT ViewRay announces publication of prospective phase II study of MRgRT - ViewRay announced the publication by the European Urology Oncology Journal of a prospective phase II study of MR-guided radiation therapy, or MRgRT, in patients with localized prostate cancer. The publication is a follow-up to early outcomes published in 2019 which reported low incidence of acute toxicity in both clinician- and patient-reported outcomes. The one-year data reported continued absence of grade 3 or higher toxicities and reductions in long-term patient-reported outcome measures after MRIdian treatment. Researchers from Amsterdam University Medical Centers enrolled 101 patients and the study is one of the first to research SBRT in a mix of intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer patients, a population that is challenging to treat. The journal is the official scientific journal of the European Association of Urology.

08:09 EDT Meet Group announces release of Blind Date game on mobile applications - Meet Group (MEET) has announced the release of Blind Date, a new interactive game rolled out to The Meet Group's MeetMe, Skout, and Tagged mobile applications, as well as Match Group's (MTCH) Plenty of Fish. The new feature, an addition to the NextDate dating game, will provide millions of online daters the opportunity to meet and date users through a timed video chat that is based on personality rather than appearance. Blind Date can be toggled on and off in the NextDate settings.

08:09 EDT RMR Group announces renewal of leases at 625 Indiana Ave, NW in DC - RMR Groupannounced that the General Services Administration, or GSA, recently renewed two leases at 625 Indiana Avenue, NW in Washington, DC, for a total of 29,071 square feet. RMR said in a release, "One lease renewed by the agency was for eight years for 14,598 square feet, and the other was for 15 years for 14,473 square feet. The property is a 160,897 square foot 11-story office building offering a fitness center and parking. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C. a short walk to the Verizon Center and a block from Pennsylvania Avenue, the property provides easy access to three Metro stations within a quarter-mile. The property is owned by Office Properties Income Trust (Nasdaq: OPI) and managed by The RMR Group. The RMR Group is responsible for providing all aspects of management services and strategy for more than 1,300 properties with over 93 million square feet of commercial office, industrial, medical office, life science and retail space."

08:08 EDT Newgioco Group reopens all land-based betting shops in Italy - Newgioco Group announced that the March 9 restrictions imposed by Italian government on physical business establishments due to the COVID-19 outbreak have been lifted. Newgioco said in a release, "All of Newgioco's land-based betting shops, including corner locations such as bars, coffee shops throughout Italy reopened as of Friday, June 19, 2020. Newgioco is taking a number of anti-contagion measures in terms of maintaining minimum distance, sanitization, and health-related obligations at all locations where its sports betting products are offered. In addition, both the English Premier League and Italian Serie A soccer championship resumed play over the June 19th weekend to join Spain's La Liga and the German Bundesliga, bringing most major and minor European soccer leagues back in to action with catchup matches over the coming months."

08:06 EDT Cummins announces agreement to form joint venture with Nproxx - Cummins announced an agreement to form a joint venture with Nproxx, a hydrogen storage and transportation company, for hydrogen storage tanks. The joint venture will continue under the name Nproxx. The joint venture will provide customers with hydrogen and compressed natural gas storage products for both on-highway and rail applications. The joint venture adds to Cummins hydrogen capabilities. The acquisition of Hydrogenics in September 2019, provided Cummins with both proton exchange membrane and alkaline fuel cells electrolyzers to generate hydrogen. Cummins has also invested in Loop Energy, signed a memo of understanding with Hyundai Motor Company and invested in the development of solid oxide fuel cells. Cummins and Nproxx will each own 50% of the new joint venture. The formation of the joint venture is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The parties expect the transaction to close by the end of Q1 of 2021. The unconsolidated joint venture results will be included as part of Cummins' new power business segment.

08:06 EDT Avid Bioservices appoints Nicholas Green as president, CEO - Avid Bioservices announced that Nicholas Green has been appointed president and CEO, as well as a member of the company's board of directors, effective July 30, 2020. He will succeed Rick Hancock who has served as interim president and CEO since May 2019. Mr. Hancock will continue to serve on Avid's board of directors. Green most recently served as president and CEO of Therapure Biopharma, a Canada-based biopharmaceutical company which includes Therapure Biomanufacturing.

08:04 EDT Constellium launches Aheadd aluminum powder offer - Constellium announced the expansion of its portfolio of advanced aluminium solutions with the launch of Aheadd, a new offer for high performance aluminium powders that exceed industry standards for additive manufacturing productivity and component properties. Constellium's new powders are designed and tailored based on customer needs for a wide range of applications including aerospace, motorsports and defense industries. Aheadd solutions bring unmatched thermal stability, allowing replacement of titanium in selected applications to reduce weight and cost. Constellium signed a contract with Poly-Shape, an AddUp company and a leader in the field of metal additive manufacturing for years, for the development and production of innovative components based on the new Constellium powders.

08:03 EDT H2O Innovation secures three projects totaling $5.8M - H2O Innovation announced it was awarded three new projects in North America. These new contracts, totaling $5.8M, will bring the Corporation's project sales backlog to $35.9M. The City of Pearland, Texas, selected H2O Innovation as their membrane filtration system supplier for their new surface water treatment plant. The FiberFlex membrane filtration system will provide a net filtrate capacity of 10.2 MGD of potable water, treating the American Canal fed from the Brazos River. The system will receive pretreatment consisting of chlorine dioxide oxidation in the raw water pipeline, coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation and then prescreened with H2O Innovation supplied screen filters. "Winning this project increases our footprint and commitment in Texas, a strategic market for H2O Innovation. Our commercialization of the first open platform system, or as we call it, FiberFlex, has not only been successful and accepted, but is now the norm and preferred. We feel like we have gone beyond the gold standard", stated Frederic Dugre, President and CEO of H2O Innovation. H2O Innovation was also awarded a contract to design, build, deliver and commission a containerized reverse osmosis system as part of the City of Santa Monica's Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project, in California. The RO system will treat a combination of stormwater/urban runoff and brackish groundwater at the Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility to produce up to 0.5 MGD. The final product, as part of the City's SWIP, will be blended with other waters for groundwater recharge and indirect potable reuse. This is the second project H2O Innovation has signed with the City of Santa Monica for their SWIP program. The third project is for the Ministry of Transportation of Quebec, as they are replacing the infrastructure at an existing highway rest stop located in Lavaltrie. The membrane bioreactor will be installed in a new service building and will include LEED requirements, and as a result the MBR permeate is being recycled for toilet flushing.

07:58 EDT Amazon confirms $2B Climate Pledge Fund to invest in sustainable technologies - Amazon confirmed The Climate Pledge Fund to support the development of sustainable technologies and services that will enable Amazon and other companies to meet The Climate Pledge-a commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040. This dedicated venture investment program-with an initial $2B in funding-will back visionary companies whose products and services will facilitate the transition to a zero carbon economy. "The Climate Pledge Fund will look to invest in the visionary entrepreneurs and innovators who are building products and services to help companies reduce their carbon impact and operate more sustainably," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. "Companies from around the world of all sizes and stages will be considered, from pre-product startups to well-established enterprises. Each prospective investment will be judged on its potential to accelerate the path to zero carbon and help protect the planet for future generations." The Climate Pledge Fund will invest in companies in multiple industries, including transportation and logistics, energy generation, storage and utilization, manufacturing and materials, circular economy, and food and agriculture. Over time, Amazon will also look for opportunities to involve other Climate Pledge signatories in this venture investment program.

07:56 EDT New Residential increases quarterly dividend to 10c per share - New Residential announced that its board has declared a Q2 common dividend. The board declared a quarterly dividend of 10c per common share for Q2. The dividend is payable on July 31 to common shareholders of record on July 2. "We are pleased to announce a common dividend increase for the second quarter of 2020," said Michael Nierenberg, chairman, CEO and president of New Residential. "While the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on markets during the first quarter, we have seen strong improvement throughout the second quarter as government stimulus programs and positive market sentiment have helped stabilize markets. During the second quarter, our operating company has continued to perform well, non-agency asset values have increased, and we have meaningfully decreased the mark to market exposure of our portfolio. We are confident that our operating business and investment portfolio will continue to help create value for our shareholders."

07:42 EDT Edison Nation establishes infrastructure for distribution of PPE in schools - Edison Nation Medical announced their commitment to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, by focusing on the crucial need for PPE in schools and universities across the country. Edison Nation Medical has established an infrastructure to provide a steady supply of masks, gloves, face shields, desk guards, sanitizer solution and proprietary sanitizer stands. In addition to the standard 3-ply and surgical masks, the Company is able to provide Made in the USA custom fabric masks. Theentry level sanitizer stand is corrugated material with the ability to be branded and customized. Pricing for the entry level stand begins at $99 and includes two gallons of the Company's private label hand sanitizer, Purple Mountain Clean Sanitizer. The one-gallon refills are priced at $22 each. The Company is currently working with a half dozen school districts throughout the US, inclusive of the second largest school district in the country.

07:40 EDT Sunesis expects cash resources to be sufficient into 2021

07:38 EDT Sunesis shifts resources, development focus to SNS-510 - Interim CEO Dayton Misfeldt said: "We are shifting our resources and development focus to our first-in-class PDK1 inhibitor SNS-510. SNS-510 inhibits PI3K-dependent and PIP3-independent pathways important in both solid and hematologic malignancies. We remain on track to file an IND by the end of 2020 and expect to present additional preclinical findings at a medical meeting in the second half of the year. We expect that our current cash resources are sufficient to fund the company into 2021."

07:37 EDT Sunesis will not advance vecabrutinib into Phase 2 portion of Phase 1b/2 trial - Sunesis Pharmaceuticals announced that the Company will not advance its non-covalent BTK inhibitor vecabrutinib into the planned Phase 2 portion of the Phase 1b/2 trial in adults with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other B-cell malignancies. The decision was made after assessing the totality of the data including the 500 mg cohort, the highest dose studied in the trial. "Although vecabrutinib continues to exhibit an excellent safety profile, there is insufficient evidence of activity in BTK-inhibitor resistant B-cell malignancies to advance the drug into the planned Phase 2 portion of the trial. One partial remission was observed after 11 treatment cycles in a CLL patient treated in Cohort 5 and a number of patients treated across the dose range explored saw stable disease; however, no other remissions have been observed," said Dayton Misfeldt, Interim CEO of Sunesis. "We will complete the Phase 1b and evaluate the best path forward for vecabrutinib. We are grateful for the patients and their families who participated in this trial, as well as the investigators and research staff at our trial sites." Vecabrutinib Phase 1b/2 Clinical update. Currently, five patients enrolled in cohorts 5-7 remain on treatment and continue to be followed. Vecabrutinib is very well tolerated across the dose range investigated. Cohort 7: Three of six treated patients had stable disease at first response assessment. One of the CLL patients is in Cycle 7, the MCL patient is in cycle 6 and one CLL patient was determined to have progressive disease after 6 cycles. We did not see a reduction in tumor burden in any of the patients with stable disease. Cohort 6: Of 6 patients treated, 2 CLL patients remain on study in cycle 9, one with stable disease and the other who had progressive disease at first assessment but continues to derive clinical benefit. One CLL patient who had stable disease with a 48% reduction in tumor burden at first assessment progressed in cycle 7. Cohort 5: One CLL patient remains on treatment in cycle 12 with a partial response observed at third response assessment done at the start of cycle 12.

07:35 EDT Superior Industries provides business operations update - Superior Industries provided a business update regarding its current operating status. As of June 1, Superior had resumed production at all its facilities following the temporary suspension of operations in late March and early April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is executing its safe work playbook across its footprint, which includes expanded cleaning and sanitization, measures to ensure social distancing, distribution of personal protective equipment in-line with government requirements, and daily temperature checks, among other activities. The company's manufacturing operations have managed through the challenges of an extended shutdown and restart. Also, leading up to and during the restart, Superior worked closely with its supply base. While Superior is experiencing demand from its customers in both North America, specifically on pickup/SUV platforms, and in Europe, the company continues to extend and expand cost reduction initiatives to align costs to the lower production environment. In total, Superior has executed temporary and permanent cost reductions including furloughs, wage reductions, temporary facility closures, elimination of merit increases, reduced travel, personnel restructurings and use of government subsidies where available. These cost initiatives are expected to benefit 2020 results by approximately $40M. Further, Superior is currently utilizing, and may utilize again in the future, selective, temporary facility closures to efficiently balance capacity with production costs and inventory levels. In addition to these cost reductions, the Company is taking other measures to improve cash flow through targeted working capital initiatives and by reducing capital expenditures. "Superior, along with the entire automotive industry, has faced an unprecedented operating environment over the last several months. However, as an organization, our strong performance in the first quarter along with the actions we have taken during the second quarter to enhance our liquidity and financial profile, position us well as we enter the second half of 2020," commented Majdi Abulaban, president and CEO of Superior. "We continue to focus our efforts on 1) ensuring the health and safety of our employees, 2) sustaining our liquidity position, 3) managing costs to current industry production levels, and 4) utilizing our production capacity efficiently. I remain positive regarding our ability to safely and efficiently adapt our business to meet customer demand as industry production normalizes."

07:34 EDT MasterCard to acquire Finicity for $825M - Mastercard announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Finicity, a North American provider of real-time access to financial data and insights. Mastercard said in a release, "The purchase price is $825 million, and Finicity's existing shareholders have the potential for an earn-out of up to an additional $160 million, if performance targets are met. The addition of Finicity's complementary technology and teams strengthens the existing Mastercard open banking platform to enable and safeguard a greater choice of financial services, reinforcing the company's long-standing partnerships with and commitment to financial institutions and fintechs across the globe. Mastercard has increasingly invested in this space over several years, including the 2019 launch of a set of comprehensive open banking solutions in Europe. The combination of these efforts with the Finicity technology powering platforms such as Quicken Loans Rocket Mortgage and Experian Boost has the potential to shape the next generation of open banking services. Finicity's technology and dedicated employees will enhance Mastercard's existing open banking solutions by enabling them to expand in North America and other key geographies. Today, Mastercard open banking services in Europe feature connections to more than 1,800 financial institutions. With a direct connection to the North American banking, lending and wealth management ecosystem, Mastercard will extend Finicity's reach to be a one-stop partner for any consumer, bank, merchant, fintech or government's data, payment and open banking needs. Following the completion of the transaction, Mastercard's existing technology and expertise combined with Finicity's new analytics platforms, will help streamline the credit decisioning process for consumers and small businesses. Additionally, the integration of Finicity's account owner verification tools to Mastercard's New Payment Platform capabilities will deliver an improved ACH and real-time payments experience to consumers, merchants and businesses. Finicity shares Mastercard's commitment to safe and secure data practices centered around the individual. Finicity's co-founders have played a critical role in the advancing the discussion of best practices across multiple industries. Finicity has a strong commitment to deliver best-in-class data management practices by partnering with banks and their customers to ensure secure connectivity is established. As with past acquisitions, Mastercard does not expect this acquisition to be incrementally dilutive to its business for greater than 24 months. This dilution is driven by investments in the business, including its international expansion, as well as the impact of purchase accounting and integration related costs. The transaction, which is anticipated to close by year's end, is subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions."

07:33 EDT Inovio receives $71M in funding from DoD for CELLECTRA devices - INOVIO announced it has received $71M funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, or DoD, to support the large-scale manufacture of the company's proprietary CELLECTRA 3PSP smart device and the procurement of CELLECTRA 2000 devices, which are used to deliver INO-4800 directly into the skin. CELLECTRA 3PSP is designed to deliver INO-4800 directly into the skin, where the vaccine prompts the body's immune system to drive a robust immune response. Interim results of U.S. Phase 1 clinical studies of INO-4800 will be available later this month. A Phase 2/3 efficacy trial is planned to begin this summer. The DoD contract, from the JPEO-CRBND-EB through funding provided by the Defense Health Program, builds upon two separate prior $5M grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, to accelerate the testing of CELLECTRA 3PSP.

07:31 EDT MasterCard to acquire Finicity for $825M

07:29 EDT Biological Mimetics reports 17% stake in Lantern Pharma - According to a regulatory filing, "The purpose of the Lantern Pharma's equity grant transactions to Dr. David Silberstein was for Lantern Pharma to incentivize Dr. Silberstein to serve as a director of Lantern Pharma and to align Dr. Silberstein's interests with the interests of Lantern Pharma's stockholders. The shares of Lantern Pharma's Common Stock held directly by Biological Mimetics were acquired for investment purposes."

07:20 EDT Ero Copper provides update on ongoing Brazil exploration drill programs - Ero Copper provided a quarterly update on the ongoing exploration drill programs on its 99.6% owned Vale do Curaca Property located in Bahia State, Brazil and its 97.6% owned NX Gold Mine located in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. This update encompasses drill results received from March 2020 through early June 2020. Drilling during the period continued to focus on priority target areas within the Pilar and Vermelhos Mines, the broader Curaca Valley, as well as extensions of the Santo Antonio Vein at the NX Gold Mine, all according to the drill program for the second quarter of 2020, which continues to progress according to budget despite the COVID-19 pandemic. HIGHLIGHTS: Continued success in demonstrating high-grade continuity and wide-open potential at depth within the Company's 'Superpod' discovery below the known extent of the Pilar Mine, part of the "Deepening Extension" zone. Results are highlighted by: FC5625: 96.4 meters grading 3.97% copper including 60.6 meters grading 5.61% copper, the highest grade-meter intercept drilled by the Company at the Vale do Curaca Property to date; FC5367: 29.9 meters grading 5.90% copper, the deepest intercept drilled by the Company in the Pilar mine to-date, approximately 100 meters below the Company's previously announced deepest intercept; FC47165: 19.6 meters grading 3.61% copper including 10.0 meters grading 5.09% copper, drilled approximately 265 meters and 400 meters south of hole FC5367 and FC5625, respectively; and, mineralized intercepts within the Deepening Extension continue to demonstrate continuity over approximately 800 meters in strike length and to depth over 500 meters below the current level of the primary ramp. The zone remains open to the north and to depth. New drilling, based on ongoing data compilation work, has demonstrated an extended zone of thicker mineralization in an area previously modeled as discontinuous lenses within the northern known extent of the Pilar Mine. Mineralization in this area, known as "West Limb North", runs parallel and in close proximity to the mineralized lenses comprising the East Limb and the planned mining stopes of P1P2W. The zone is located approximately 350 meters below surface and approximately 150 to 200 meters from the closest access point on level +205 of the Pilar Mine. To date, the known extent of mineralization in this area has been extended by over 40 meters in strike length, over a vertical extent of approximately 140 meters and over an average thickness of approximately 20 to 30 meters with local thicknesses up to 60 meters. The zone remains open to the north. Results are highlighted by: FC48136: 113.4 meters grading 1.41% copper, including 67.2 meters grading 1.77% copper, drilled obliquely to the dominant orientation of mineralization in this area, demonstrating vertical continuity and localized thickening of mineralization within the zone; FC5080: 24.8 meters grading 2.66% copper including 6.0 meters grading 5.47% copper; FC49169: 26.2 meters grading 2.40% copper including 5.0 meters grading 3.59% copper; FC47159: 37.7 meter grading 1.76% copper including 12.4 meters grading 2.78% copper; and, FC47158: 26.2 meters grading 1.93% copper. At the NX Gold Mine, drill results continue to demonstrate down-plunge extensions of the high-grade mineralization of the Santo Antonio Vein. Results are highlighted by: SA77: 5.9 meters grading 5.09 grams per tonne, confirming a thicker core of mineralization near previously announced holes SA73 and SA70, drilled approximately 30 to 50 meters down-plunge from the limits of the current mineral resource; and SA81: 2.8 meters grading 11.29 grams per tonne gold, located approximately 210 meters down-plunge of the limit of the current inferred mineral resource. This is the deepest intercept drilled in the Santo Antonio Vein to date and is located an additional 140 meters down-plunge from hole SA77. Regional work in the Curaca Valley comprised of both exploration drilling and ground-based geophysical work continues to remain focused on four newly interpreted mineral systems within the portfolio of targets defined by the Company's comprehensive targeting work. Each of the new systems has an average strike length of 5 kilometers and contains multiple priority drill targets. While preliminary results are encouraging, additional detail on these ongoing exploration programs continues to be expected during the second half of the year.

07:15 EDT Mateon Therapeutics selects IQVIA for multi-center clinical study of OT-101 - Mateon Therapeutics (MATN) has selected IQVIA (IQV) to manage C001, a Phase 2 randomized, controlled, multi-center clinical study of OT-101. This study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of OT-101 when used in combination with standard of care in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. OT-101 is a wide spectrum anti-viral agent with demonstrated activity against SARS-CoV-2 in the nanomolar range comparable to remdesivir, however, with higher safety index. By targeting the host protein, TGF-beta, OT-101 avoids resistance mutations which could render vaccine and/or therapeutics against viral protein ineffective.

07:12 EDT ADMA Biologics appoints Martha Demski to board of directors - ADMA Biologics announced that the proposed resolution to elect Martha Demski to its Board of Directors was approved at the Company's recent Annual Shareholder Meeting, held June 18, 2020. Demski was SVP and CFO of Ajinomoto Althea.

07:11 EDT FibroGen enrolls first patient in Phase 2 pamrevlumab clinical trial - FibroGen announced the initiation of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 Study investigating the efficacy and safety of pamrevlumab in hospitalized patients with acute coronavirus 2019 infection. This multicenter trial is being conducted in the U.S. and will enroll approximately 130 patients with COVID-19.The primary objective of this study is to assess the effect of pamrevlumab on blood oxygenation in patients with COVID-19 infection, and patients will be randomized to treatment with pamrevlumab or standard of care in a 1:1 ratio. The primary efficacy assessment is the proportion of hospitalized COVID-19 patients who have not received mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and remain alive at Day 28. A second planned U.S. trial is expected to assess the longer term efficacy and safety of pamrevlumab in patients who have recovered or are recovering from COVID-19 infection with evidence of interstitial lung disease. Pamrevlumab is an antibody developed by FibroGen to inhibit the activity of CTGF, a common factor in fibrotic and proliferative disorders characterized by persistent and excessive scarring that can lead to organ dysfunction and failure. This trial will assess pamrevlumab's effect on patient time to and on ventilatory support, currently the most urgent need, and its potential to reduce mortality and fibrotic sequelae in the lung.

07:09 EDT Chemours announces EPA approval for Glyclean cleaner against SARS-COV-2 - The Chemours C announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has approved Glyclean Hard Surface Cleaner for use against SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. When Glyclean AM is formulated at appropriate concentrations into cleaning and disinfecting products, they too can be effective against the SARS-COV-2 virus and help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The U.S. EPA also registered several other Chemours product formulations that utilize Glyclean AM including: Glyclean Pine Cleaner, and Glyclean Bowl Cleaner.

07:08 EDT Seelos Therapeutics announces final data from Phase 1 PK/PD study of SLS-002 - Seelos Therapeutics nnounced final safety data from its Phase I pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics Study of Intranasal Racemic Ketamine as well as the planned design of a double blind, placebo-controlled Proof of Concept study for Acute Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in patients with Major Depressive Disorder to begin in the fall of 2020. Seelos is planning to initiate this PoC study in two parts: Part A is an open-label study of 16 patients, and will be followed by Part B which is a double blind, placebo-controlled study of approximately 120 patients. Key Highlights from the Phase I PK/PD Safety Data: All doses were safe and well tolerated. There were no new or unique safety signals. There were no serious adverse events. All adverse events were transient and were clinically manageable. Mild increase in blood pressure noted in seven subjects - all were transient and resolved without intervention: 30 mg - 1 subject; 60mg - no subjects; 75mg - 4 subjects; 90mg - 2 subjects. Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale: Mean values at one hour post dose: 30 mg - 0.2; 60 mg - 0.4; 75mg - 1.1; 90 mg - 1.0. No subject had a score greater than 4 at the two hour timepoint or thereafter. Group mean for each dose group resolved to less than 4 by the one hour timepoint and all timepoints thereafter. CADSS is a 23 item scale, where each item is scored 0-4, and the total max score possible is 92. Scores greater than 4 are judged as clinically meaningful dissociation. As expected, mean increases greater than 4 were noted at higher doses, correlating with peak concentrations. Most common AEs in drug cohorts in order of prevalence: Dysgeusia; Dizziness; Feeling intoxicated; Somnolence; Headache; Oral hypoaesthesia; Blurred vision; Euphoric mood; Fatigue. Most common AEs in placebo were dysgeusia and somnolence. Key Highlights for the Design of the Proof of Concept Study: Trial duration will be 16 days, dosing twice weekly and safety follow up for two weeks. The primary endpoint to be evaluated will be the change from baseline on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale at 24 hours after first dose and the persistence of effect at Day 16 compared to placebo. The key secondary endpoint to be evaluated will be the change from baseline on the Sheehan-Suicidality Tracking Scale Clinically Meaningful Change Measure Total Score at 24 hours after first dose and persistence of effect at Day 16 compared to placebo. The trial will be composed of two stages: Part A of the trial will begin with an open-label, non-placebo study of 16 patients, and Part B is currently planned to enroll approximately 120 patients to be randomized 1:1 to receive standard of care plus either SLS-002 or an intranasal placebo. Seelos will also host a key opinion leader call at 1 p.m. Eastern time.

07:05 EDT Canadian Solar signs two PPAs for solar power projects in Brazil - Canadian Solar announced that it recently signed two private power purchase agreements with Braskem S.A. and COPEL Energia for a total of 274 MWp in solar power projects in Brazil. For this PPA, Canadian Solar will develop and build a 152 MWp project in the State of Minas Gerais, in the same region as other projects already developed and built by the company. Construction will start in 2021 and expected to reach commercial operation before the end of 2022. This is the first PPA signed directly between Canadian Solar and an industrial customer in Brazil and sets another landmark for Canadian Solar in this market. Both projects will use Canadian Solar's high efficiency bifacial BiHiKu modules. Once in operation, the combined projects are expected to generate approximately 610 GWh of clean energy annually, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 250,000 households.

07:04 EDT Bausch Health announces Arazlo Lotion is now available in the U.S. - Bausch Health Companies and its dermatology business, Ortho Dermatologics, announced that ARAZLO, or tazarotene, Lotion, 0.045%, is available commercially to health care professionals in the U.S. this week. Approved by the FDA December 2019, ARAZLO is the first tazarotene acne treatment available in lotion formulation. "Retinoids like tazarotene are highly effective in treating acne and considered a cornerstone of acne treatment, but often are perceived to be associated with skin irritation.1 Clinical studies have demonstrated that ARAZLO's proprietary formulation provides the proven efficacy of a retinoid in a lotion that is more tolerable to patients than a higher concentration tazarotene," said Bill Humphries, president, Ortho Dermatologics.

07:02 EDT Athenex appoints Teresa Bair as general counsel - Athenex announced the promotion of Teresa Bair to executive officer as general counsel and SVP, Administration. She will report to Athenex's CEO. Since joining Athenex in 2015, she has held various roles with increasing responsibility. As general counsel, she will continue overseeing all legal matters of the Company worldwide and serving as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors. As SVP, Administration, Bair will lead administration and government relations for U.S. operations and work closely with the Company's senior management team across the globe.

07:02 EDT Ribbon Communications names Miguel Lopez as CFO, succeeding Daryl Raiford - Ribbon Communications (RBBN) announced the appointment of Mick Lopez as Executive Vice President and CFO. effective Monday June 29. Lopez succeeds Daryl Raiford, who will be leaving the company after a short transition period. Lopez most recently served as the CFO of Vista Outdoor (VSTO).

06:31 EDT NanoViricides in process of completing IND application for NV-HHV-101 skin cream - The company continues to advance its first drug candidate, namely NV-HHV-101 skin cream, for the treatment of shingles rash as its first indication, towards human clinical trials. The company is now in the process of writing and completing its first IND, or investigational new drug, application to the FDA, which includes protocols for human clinical studies, with the help of its several regulatory consultants. This application covers the indication of the company's drug, namely, NV-HHV-101 skin cream for the treatment of shingles rash, caused by VZV, or varicella-zoster virus. The IND-enabling and required pre-clinical studies have been completed, and reports of almost all of the analyses of the samples resulting from these studies are being circulated between parties involved for completion. The company is in the process of identifying and selecting appropriate partners and collaborators for the intended Phase1/2a human clinical studies for this drug candidate. The company cannot project an exact date for filing an IND because of its dependence on a number of external collaborators and consultants and the effects of recent COVID-19 restrictions. The company has undertaken cGMP manufacture of the drug product, namely, NV-HHV-101 skin cream, indicated for the topical treatment of shingles rash, for supplying anticipated Phase I human clinical trials at its own facility. The Company has industry-leading internal expertise in the cGMP manufacture of complex nanomedicines drugs, right from simple starting materials to formulated drug products

06:10 EDT Organigram provides corporate update - Organigram Holdings announces a number of corporate updates. Earlier this month the Corporation completed its at-the-market equity program previously announced on April 22 issuing an aggregate of 21,080,229 common shares for gross proceeds of approximately C$49M. A legal action has been commenced in the Court of Queen's Bench in Alberta, which action seeks damages against many of the largest Canadian cannabis companies. The action is not certified, and does not particularize the claims against Organigram or the other companies. Organigram does not comment on uncertain information as a matter of policy, but is making this statement due to the questions in the market that may result from this action. After reviewing perception around our Trailer Park Buds brand with Health Canada, the Corporation is making some changes to its newly launched brand and logo. In the immediate term, Organigram will move to a modified version of the logo. Longer term, the Corporation is exploring options for a permanent logo and brand name combination for its large format value brand.

06:05 EDT Leidos awarded prime contract by Edinburgh Airport - Leidos was awarded a prime contract by Edinburgh Airport to upgrade the airport's security tray return systems with antimicrobial tray technology. Leidos said in a release, "The implementation of antimicrobial technology complements other measures Edinburgh Airport is taking to minimize the spread of bacteria in the airport. This is Leidos' first order of the antimicrobial security tray technology introduced to mitigate the spread of bacteria from person-to-surface contact. Under the contract, Leidos will provide new antimicrobial security trays that prevent reproduction of a broad spectrum of bacteria, including staphylococcus aureus (staph), E. coli, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE, by 99.99%. The antimicrobial technology is built into the security tray during Leidos' tray manufacturing process and continuously minimizes the presence of microbes throughout the security tray's lifecycle. The antimicrobial security trays must be cleaned according to normal hygiene procedures, but the additive will not wash off or wear away. The use of antimicrobial technology is important because studies have shown that microbes can survive on surfaces for up to eight weeks. These antimicrobial security trays are the latest offering in Leidos' comprehensive security detection and automation solutions for aviation, ports, borders, and critical infrastructure. Learn more about the company's 24,000 security detection and automation products, which are deployed in 120 countries and territories at leidos.com/security-detection."

06:04 EDT Armada Hoffler reports portfolio rent collections for June 87% - Armada Hoffler provided an update on rent collections for the second quarter. As of June 19, the company's portfolio rent collections for June were already 87% compared to 85% for the full month of May and 84% for the full month of April. Nearly 90% of the company's retail tenants are currently open or operating and the company has agreed to terms or is in active negotiations with over 95% of commercial tenants seeking rent relief. "As anticipated, the positive momentum that we experienced last month has carried over into June and our rent collections for the quarter continue to improve," said Louis Haddad, President and CEO. "As of the middle of the month, virtually all of our office tenants have already paid June rent and, consistent with the previous two months, we expect to collect nearly all of our apartment rents by the end the month. Ultimately, we anticipate collecting over 90% of rents across the entire portfolio for June. Furthermore, we expect to post another solid quarter of construction profits as our third-party general contracting business continues its high rate of production. Assuming this positive trend continues through July and into August, at its next meeting our Board will discuss paying the third quarter dividend at an appropriate level."

06:03 EDT K2 Cyber Security and Synnex sign distribution agreement - K2 Cyber Security announced that the company has signed a distribution agreement with SYNNEX. Through the agreement, SYNNEX will work with K2 Cyber Security to bring the K2 Security Platform to market through its extensive network of channel partners while supporting them before and during the sale. This agreement is another milestone in K2's ongoing strategy to rapidly expand its customer footprint across the U.S.

05:41 EDT SolarWinds expands distribution relationship with ALSO - SolarWinds announced the expansion of its ALSO Deutschland GmbH distributor relationship in the DACH region. SolarWinds said in a release, "Building on the success of its existing relationship with ALSO, in addition to distributing the SolarWinds MSP product portfolio, the company will broaden the reach of the SolarWinds IT Operations Management, or ITOM, portfolio for technology professionals in the region, empowering them with the tools they need to solve today's IT challenges. The enhancement of ALSO's offering to the channel will help its resellers provide the solutions and services to monitor, manage, and secure their applications, servers, data, infrastructure, and networks to end users across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid IT environments. This will allow them to scale their business and operate efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve. ALSO offers services at all levels of the ICT value creation and bundles them into individual service packages for their resellers. The partnership will focus specifically on the SolarWinds infrastructure management and IT security product portfolio."

05:32 EDT Principia Biopharma announces first patient enrolled in Sanofi SAR442168 trialPr - Principia Biopharma (PRNB) announced that the first patient has been enrolled in its partner Sanofi's (SNY) Phase 3 clinical trial of SAR442168 in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis, or RMS. Principia Biopharma said in a release, " Upon dosing, Principia will be entitled to a $50 million milestone payment. SAR442168, discovered by Principia and formerly known as PRN2246, is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor that crosses the human blood-brain barrier and modulates immune cell function in both the periphery and in the central nervous system, which shows promise for the potential treatment of CNS diseases."

05:18 EDT Myovant Sciences NDA for once-daily, oral relugolix accepted for Priority Review - Sumitovant Biopharma announced that the FDA has accepted for Priority Review, the New Drug Application, or NDA, submitted by Myovant Sciences, for once-daily, oral relugolix for the treatment of men with advanced prostate cancer. Sumitovant said in a release, "Myovant, a member of the Sumitovant family of companies, is a healthcare company focused on redefining care for women and for men. The FDA grants Priority Review to applications for potential therapies that, if approved, would be significant improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of serious conditions when compared to standard applications. The FDA has set a target action date of December 20, 2020 under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA. In its acceptance letter, the FDA also stated that it is currently not planning to hold an advisory committee meeting for this application. If approved, relugolix would be the first and only oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH, receptor antagonist treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer. In May 2020, Myovant submitted a separate NDA for once-daily, oral relugolix combination tablet for women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids. A Marketing Authorization Application for relugolix combination tablet in women with moderate to severe symptoms associated with uterine fibroids is also under review by the European Medicines Agency. Myovant's Phase 3 clinical program for advanced prostate cancer consisted of a randomized, open-label, parallel-group, multinational clinical study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of relugolix in over 900 men with androgen-sensitive advanced prostate cancer who required at least one year of continuous androgen deprivation therapy. Men were randomized 2:1 to receive a single loading dose of relugolix 360 mg followed by relugolix 120 mg once daily, or to treatment with leuprolide acetate 3-month depot injection, respectively."