Stockwinners Market Radar for September 02, 2020 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:19 EDT Builders FirstSource CFO sells 28.4K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Builders FirstSource disclosed that its CFO Peter Jackson sold 28.4K shares of common stock on August 31st in a total transaction size of $873.8K. The holding represents about 30% of total owned.

18:55 EDT Gap CEO sells 36,830 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Gap CEO Sonia Syngal disclosed the sale of 36,830 common shares of the company on August 31 at a price of $17.5794 per share.

18:45 EDT Natera announces unblinding of SMART study data for aneuploidy and 22q - Natera announced the unblinding of the SMART clinical trial data, and the validation of an artificial intelligence-based platform as part of its Panorama non-invasive prenatal test. Panorama with AI uses deep neural networks and learns from over 2 million cell-free DNA tests that Natera has processed in order to further improve on its market-leading accuracy for common aneuploidies and microdeletions. The historical performance of Panorama and its performance using the new algorithm were tested prospectively in the multi-site SMART study. Both aneuploidy and microdeletion calls were compared to fetal or infant genetic outcomes evaluated with karyotype or chromosomal microarray on all of the more than 18,000 patients included. Unlike aneuploidies, the prevalence of microdeletions, including the most common 22q.11.2 deletion, and their detection by NIPTs have not been studied extensively. Further, published evidence shows important differences in performance for aneuploidies and microdeletions, between SNP and counting-based NIPTs. Panorama with AI improves on Natera's market-leading performance and is designed to detect even smaller sizes of microdeletions than previously possible.

18:02 EDT SPDR Gold Shares holdings fall to 1,250.04MT from 1,250.63MT - This is the 2nd consecutive decrease and the lowest level of holdings since August 25th.

17:48 EDT LiveRamp director sells 21.2K share of common stock - In a regulatory filing, LiveRamp disclosed that its Chief Legal Officer Jerry Jones sold 21.2K shares of common stock on September 2nd in a total transaction size of $1.24M. The holding represents about 9% of total owned.

17:28 EDT Ionis' NEJM-published study shows reduced plasma activity in HAE patients - The company states: "Ionis Pharmaceutical announced the publication today of the results from a compassionate-use study evaluating IONIS-PKKRx and IONIS-PKK-LRx in patients living with severe bradykinin-mediated angioedema in The New England Journal of Medicine. IONIS-PKKRx and IONIS-PKK-LRx are investigational antisense medicines designed to reduce the production of prekallikrein, or PKK, which plays a key role in the activation of inflammatory mediators associated with acute attacks of hereditary angioedema. In the study, researchers found that the drugs reduced plasma prekallikrein activity levels and showed evidence of clinical efficacy in reducing the number of breakthrough attacks per month in patients over the course of the treatment, including complete resolution in a patient with Type 1 HAE. In the study, two patients - Patient 1 with Type 1 HAE and Patient 2 with Type 3 HAE - were first treated with IONIS-PKKRx for a period of 12 to 16 weeks, after which they received IONIS-PKK-LRx at a dose of 80 mg every three to four weeks for seven to eight months at the time of data analysis. During treatment with the ligand-conjugated IONIS-PKK-LRx and the unconjugated parent drug, IONIS-PKKRx, there was a clinically meaningful reduction in HAE attack rates in both patients. Plasma prekallikrein activity levels decreased substantially following treatment. Physicians have long prescribed prophylactic treatment approaches, including C1-INH replacement therapies and more recently inhibitors of plasma kallikrein, to prevent and reduce the severity of HAE attacks. IONIS-PKK-LRx is an investigational antisense medicine that is being developed because it has the potential to provide significant efficacy with the convenience of once per month low volume subcutaneous injections."

17:19 EDT NEJM discloses Novavax's COVID vaccine NVX-CoV2373 data in ph. 1-2 trial - The report states: "We initiated a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1-2 trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the rSARS-CoV-2 vaccine in 131 healthy adults. In phase 1, vaccination comprised two intramuscular injections, 21 days apart. The primary outcomes were reactogenicity; laboratory values, according to Food and Drug Administration toxicity scoring, to assess safety; and IgG anti-spike protein response. Secondary outcomes included unsolicited adverse events, wild-type virus neutralization, and T-cell responses. IgG and microneutralization assay results were compared with 32 (IgG) and 29 (neutralization) convalescent serum samples from patients with Covid-19, most of whom were symptomatic. We performed a primary analysis at day 35. Result: After randomization, 83 participants were assigned to receive the vaccine with adjuvant and 25 without adjuvant, and 23 participants were assigned to receive placebo. No serious adverse events were noted. Reactogenicity was absent or mild in the majority of participants, more common with adjuvant, and of short duration. One participant had mild fever that lasted 1 day. Unsolicited adverse events were mild in most participants; there were no severe adverse events. The addition of adjuvant resulted in enhanced immune responses, was antigen dose-sparing, and induced a T helper 1 response. The two-dose 5-undefined adjuvanted regimen induced geometric mean anti-spike IgG and neutralization responses that exceeded geometric mean responses in convalescent serum from mostly symptomatic Covid-19 patients. At 35 days, NVX-CoV2373 appeared to be safe, and it elicited immune responses that exceeded levels in Covid-19 convalescent serum. The Matrix-M1 adjuvant induced CD4+ T-cell responses that were biased toward a Th1 phenotype."

17:12 EDT Northrop Grumman awarded $135M Air Force contract - Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $135M indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for remanufacturing efforts in support of the air launch cruise missile inertial navigation element. Work encompasses the disassembly, cleaning, inspection, maintenance, re-assembly, testing and finishing actions as required to return the end item to a like-new condition. Work will be predominantly performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is expected to be completed September 3, 2034. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. FY20 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $21,49M are being obligated for the first task order at the time of award. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center is the contracting activity.

17:07 EDT Baker Hughes CEO buys 71.3K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Baker Hughes disclosed that its CEO Lorenzo Simonelli bought 71.3K shares of common stock on September 2nd in a total transaction size of 1.0M. The purchase represents about 33% increase in his total stake.

16:55 EDT Zuora slides 19.5% at $13.02 per share after Q2 results, Q3 guidance

16:51 EDT Palo Alto Networks CTO sells 12K shares of common stock - In a regulatory filing, Palo Alto Networks disclosed that its CTO Nir Zuk sold 12K shares of common stock on September 1st in a total transaction size of $3.1M. The holding represents about 1% of his total owned.

16:43 EDT PagerDuty sinks 23% to $26.65 after reporting Q2 results, guidance

16:37 EDT Ramaco Resources appoints Barkley Sturgill as general counsel - Ramaco Resources (METC) announced the appointment of Barkley Sturgill as the company's senior VP, general counsel and secretary. Sturgill will oversee all of the company's legal and regulatory matters working from its Lexington, Kentucky office. Sturgill brings to Ramaco over three decades of legal experience, almost exclusively focused on matters related to natural resources and coal. Prior to joining Ramaco, he had spent the past fourteen years at Arch Resources (ARCH) as its assistant general counsel.

16:33 EDT eBay to offer new shipping on its marketplace through UPS - eBay (EBAY) and UPS (UPS) are announcing a new collaboration to expand shipping options on eBay's global marketplace. The full launch of this new shipping option will be available to all sellers by the end of September. This relationship provides a number of new features for selling and shipping on eBay through UPS, including discounts of up to 48% off UPS Ground shipments and up to 62% on daily rates for UPS 2nd Day Air service.

16:27 EDT MarketAxess announces August trading volume $450B - MarketAxess Holdings announced monthly trading volume for August 2020 of $450B consisting of $178.6B in credit volume and $271.3B in rates volume.

16:25 EDT CubeSmart introduces the CubeSmart Mobile App - CubeSmart introduces the CubeSmart Mobile App, "a simple, convenient option for customers to manage their storage experience. Utilizing the CubeSmart Mobile App, customers have the ability to access their gate code, pay bills, set up AutoPay, check account balances and payment history, manage passwords, and receive push notifications with important information - all from the convenience of their mobile phone." "Our goal is to make our customers' storage experience as easy as possible, giving them options to interact with us in the way that they prefer," said Christopher P. Marr, President and Chief Executive Officer of CubeSmart. "This mobile app is our newest way of enhancing the customer experience by enabling them to control nearly all of their rental needs from their own device." The CubeSmart Mobile App was created with the customer in mind. It is designed to put things such as access codes and account status at their fingertips and remove any stress they may have about forgotten bills, misplaced codes, or office hours. Now, customers can control and manage many of their regular interactions with CubeSmart in a contact-free manner, anytime, anywhere. For existing customers, CubeSmart provides the app as a single, digital location to manage their storage needs - from checking their account status and preferences to receiving notifications. For new customers (or customers looking to expand their space), the CubeSmart Mobile App can also be used to reserve and complete a rental quickly and digitally.

16:22 EDT Culp, Inc. CEO 'cautiously optimistic' on Q2 - Commenting on the results, Iv Culp, president and CEO of Culp, Inc., said, "As we continue to navigate our way through these uncertain times, we remain focused on the health and safety of our employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities that we serve. I am incredibly thankful for our team's hard work, agility, and commitment to safety, and I am proud of our leadership team for adapting and effectively managing through this challenging environment. We are pleased that both our mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics segments saw better-than-expected increases in orders and shipments during the quarter, particularly during the last eight weeks. We are especially pleased with the substantial sequential improvement compared with the end of the fourth quarter, going from a significant pre-tax loss to profitability. We believe these trends are primarily being driven by a surge in consumer focus on the home environment and overall comfort, leading to an increased proportion of discretionary spending moving to home furnishings. Although the ongoing impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unknown, we are cautiously optimistic, based on current demand trends, that business will continue its solid return in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. We are confident that our product-driven strategy, strong management team, and solid financial position will enable us to overcome the near-term headwinds and capture market share as we continue to demonstrate the resilience and strategic advantage of our global platform and stable supply chain. Our balance sheet remains strong, as evidenced by our significantly improved liquidity as compared to pre-pandemic levels at the end of the fiscal 2020 third quarter. We are also pleased to have maintained our quarterly dividend throughout this period of disruption, and we are excited about the continued sequential improvement in our business we expect for the second quarter of fiscal 2021."

16:20 EDT Portland GE no longer has net market exposure to energy trading positions - Portland General Electric Company announced that it no longer has net market exposure from the energy trading positions that led to previously announced losses, and that total third quarter 2020 losses on these positions are $128 million. As previously disclosed, this amount had been estimated to be up to $155 million, subject to market conditions. The increase in net variable power costs due to this trading activity will be recognized in PGE's results of operations in the third quarter 2020. The Company reiterates that there will be no impact to customer prices, as the Company will not pursue regulatory recovery in connection with the losses. The losses do not impact PGE's ability to serve customers. The Company continues to have a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity, and does not plan to issue additional equity in 2020. In light of no longer having net market exposure from these energy trading positions, PGE is updating its previously revised full-year 2020 guidance to $1.40 to $1.60 per diluted share.

16:17 EDT Albemarle selected by Department of Energy for two projects - Albemarle Corporation announced the company has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as a critical partner for two lithium research projects over three years through a Battery Manufacturing Lab Call. Albemarle will work in conjunction with two DOE labs on the company's approved projects.

16:16 EDT Costco reports total August SSS up 13.2% - Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $13.56 billion for the retail month of August, the four weeks ended August 30, 2020, an increase of 15.0 percent from $11.79 billion last year. Total company SSS rose 13.2% in August, with SSS rising 12.5% in the U.S., 14.6% in Canada, and 16.1% in the other international segment. August sales were negatively impacted by the shift of Labor Day. The estimated negative impact on August net and comparable sales was approximately 75 bps in the U.S., and a little more than 50 bps worldwide.

16:13 EDT Sutro Biopharma reports 'promising' interim Phase 1 clinical data from STRO-002 - Sutro Biopharma announced that Wendel Naumann, M.D., gynecologic oncologist at Levine Cancer Institute, along with Sutro executives, Bill Newell, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Arturo Molina, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Trevor Hallam, Chief Scientific Officer, and Edward Albini, Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. EDT to discuss updated data from the company's ongoing Phase I dose escalation study of anti-Folate Receptor alpha (FRalpha) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), STRO-002, in ovarian and endometrial cancer, with a data cut-off date of Aug. 31, 2020. Additionally, the company announced a presentation at the upcoming 2020 xDigital Annual Global Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), being held Sept. 10-13, 2020. The virtual presentation will include Phase 1 dose escalation clinical data for STRO-002, with an efficacy data cut-off date of August 3, 2020.

16:09 EDT Albertsons pharmacies introduces child vaccination services amid COVID-19 - Albertsons Companies pharmacies nationwide are stepping up to fill a gap in child wellness services created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Children typically receive important immunizations - including the annual flu vaccine - at regular well-child visits with their primary care physician. Due to challenges posed by the pandemic, those visits have decreased. With the support of a declaration by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Albertsons Cos. pharmacies are expanding their immunization practice to serve children as young as three years old. "COVID has disrupted normal life in so many ways," said Brian Hille, VP Patient Care Services and Specialty. "Another consequence is the difficulty in making routine well-child appointments, which threatens to decrease child vaccination rates. Our pharmacy teams are dedicated to the health and wellness of the communities they serve and are ready to provide this important health protection to a precious population - our children."

16:08 EDT Navidea wins dismissal of Platinum loan litigation - Navidea Biopharmaceuticals announced that on September 2, 2020 the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County has dismissed with prejudice Platinum-Montaur Life Sciences LLC's law suit against the company. In the case, Platinum-Montaur asserted several theories as to why it believed the company owed it a balance of approximately $1,900,000. The Court rejected Platinum-Montaur's claims and instead found that any interest asserted by Platinum-Montaur was unambiguously assigned away several years ago. As such, the Court ruled that Platinum-Montaur had failed to state any claim under which it was entitled to money from Navidea. Platinum-Montaur has the right to seek appellate review of the Court's dismissal of its claims. Platinum-Montaur's intent with respect to an appeal has not been determined.

16:07 EDT Sonos says USTR grants extension of tariff exclusion for core speaker products - In a regulatory filing, Sonos disclosed that on August 28, the United States Trade Representative, or "USTR," notified the company that it has granted an extension through December 31, 2020 of the temporary exclusion for the company's core speaker products from the August 2019 Section 301 Tariff Action - List 4A. This exclusion extension eliminates the 7.5% tariffs on the company's core speaker products imported from China until December 31, 2020, the filing stated.

16:07 EDT Crowdstrike reports Q2 ARR up 87% - Q2 Annual Recurring Revenue increased 87% year-over-year and grew to $790.6 million as of July 31, 2020, of which $104.5 million was net new ARR added in the quarter. Non-GAAP subscription gross margin was 78%, compared to 76% in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. Subscription gross margin was 78%, compared to 76% in the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

16:00 EDT tZERO introduces zero trading fees for registered digital securities - Overstock's tZERO announced that its subsidiary tZERO ATS, a FINRA member broker-dealer that operates an Alternative Trading System, has made trading free for broker-dealers trading publicly traded digital securities that have been registered with the U.S. regulators. This takes effect at the market open on September 3, 2020. Private securities that are permitted to trade on the tZERO ATS will continue to be subject to the previous fee structure. tZERO CEO Saum Noursalehi stated, "At tZERO, we are committed to fostering the industry adoption of digital securities and believe that free trading on registered digital securities will be a more compelling model for attracting broker-dealer subscribers and investors. We are excited for tZERO ATS to introduce this change for Overstock's preferred digital dividend shares, OSTKO, and other relevant securities, and look forward to accelerating the adoption of its platform."

14:40 EDT Nautilus director Richard Horn sells 10K shares of company stock - Nautilus director Richard Horn sold 10,000 shares of stock at $13.02 per share on September 1, for a total transaction of $130,200.

14:02 EDT Huntington Ingalls awarded contract to support Navy expeditionary logistics - Huntington Ingalls Industries' Technical Solutions division was awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy to continue providing logistics support products and services to the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, NAVELSG. The five-year task order was awarded through SeaPort NxG and will be performed at Cheatham Annex, in Yorktown, with support from other HII locations in Virginia."For more than a decade, our team has delivered on the mission to ensure the Navy and Joint Forces have the materiel our nation's globally deployed military personnel need for optimal readiness," said Garry Schwartz, president of Technical Solutions' Defense & Federal Solutions business unit. "We are committed to this vital operation and look forward to continuing this decade-long partnership with NAVELSG."

14:01 EDT China Ceramics announces 1-for-3 reverse stock split - China Ceramics announced that its Board of Directors has set the date of September 3, 2020 to be the effective date for the company's reverse stock split. The company's ordinary shares will begin trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market on a split-adjusted basis when the market opens on September 3, 2020. The new CUSIP number for the company's common stock following the reverse split is G2113X159. The company's Board of Directors approved a reverse stock split so as to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share for continued listing on the NASDAQ Stock Market. In order to maintain the company's listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, the Company's common stock must have a closing bid price of $1.00 or more for a minimum of ten consecutive trading days by September 21, 2020. There can be no assurance that following the reverse split, the company's common stock will remain above $1.00 per share minimum for the requisite period as of September 21, 2020 to regain listing compliance. In the event the company does not regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, its securities may be subject to delisting from the NASDAQ Stock Market which, in turn, will result in significant adverse effect on the value and liquidity of the company's securities.

13:24 EDT Google makes it easier to find on-demand 'quality' local audio journalism - Liz Gannes Product Manager, News for Google wrote earlier on the company Keyword blog: "Podcasting is more popular than ever, and news is the fastest-growing category in podcasts. But there often tends to be a focus on national and broader news topics; it's harder to find on-demand quality audio journalism at the local level, or about things that are personally relevant to listeners. We want to help bridge that gap with new, intelligent audio news experiences that deliver local stories and more personalized content. We're bringing Your News Update to Google Podcasts and also making it easier to listen to local news when you ask Google Assistant. Both of these updates will feature new natural sounding text-to-speech voices to make the listening experience more enjoyable. Now, Your News Update is coming to Google Podcasts to make it easier for millions of podcast users in the U.S. to easily discover and listen to the news that's especially timely and relevant to them." Reference Link

12:50 EDT Sunesis announces 1-for-10 reverse stock split - Sunesis Pharmaceuticals announced that it has filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 1-for-10 reverse stock split, effective as of 5pm ET. The reverse stock split was effected by Sunesis in accordance with the authorization, and within the split ratio range, adopted by Sunesis stockholders at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 16. The reverse stock split is intended to enable Sunesis to regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price required for continued listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

12:30 EDT Allied Esports jumps after creating 1st chance for 'legal esports betting' in NJ - Shares of Allied Esports Entertainment are up 2.5% or 4c per share to $1.62 in early afternoon trading on Wednesday, after announcing earlier, that Allied Esports, a subsidiary of Allied Esports Entertainment "has created the first opportunity for legal esports betting in New Jersey through its VIE.gg CS:GO, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Legend Series tournament, which runs through September 13.Legend Series tournament, which runs through September 13. The announcement allowing legal esports betting in the state was made by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, NJEDA, and the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, DGE, and was facilitated by New Jersey-based gaming and esports agency Gaud-Hammer Gaming Group.Allied Esports' previously announced data and video rights licensing agreement with GRID Esports, a leading esports data provider, paved the way for the tournament's live-server data to be distributed to participating sportsbooks and other online vendors in the Garden State, allowing bettors to engage with the event in real time. "We are extremely proud that bettors in New Jersey will place their first legal esports wagers on the VIE.gg CS:GO Legend Series," said Fran Ng, CEO of Allied Esports Entertainment. "Between our recent data and video rights agreements and focus on competitive integrity, we have raised the value of one of our key tournament brands and provided our partners with an innovative business solution. We are excited to play a new role in the rapidly growing esports betting market and believe we have taken the necessary steps to capture future opportunities in the U.S. and around the world with our unique offerings."

12:10 EDT Amazon's Twitch rolls out Watch Parties globally - In a blog post, Amazon's Twitch said that it is officially rolling out Watch Parties to all creators worldwide. "With Watch Parties, you can kick back, relax, and connect with your community while you enjoy your favorite movies or TV shows on Prime Video," the company said. Reference Link

12:03 EDT Magenta named co-recipient of NIGH grant to explore approaches to cure HIV - Magenta Therapeutics announced it is part of a multi-project, broad-based research effort awarded a five-year, $14.6M U19 grant from the National Institutes of Health to explore gene- and cell-based approaches to advance research into curing HIV. This cross-institutional research program brings together leaders in the fields of gene editing, HIV and stem cell transplant. The team, which includes researchers from the University of Southern California, the University of Washington, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital; the Ragon Institute and Magenta Therapeutics, will explore novel hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell engineering and transplantation approaches aimed at achieving complete remission of HIV-1 infection. Magenta will utilize its conditioning technology to optimize cell dose in animal models and determine whether targeted conditioning and gene-modified HSPC transplant enables disease control.

12:00 EDT GSX Techedu falls -15.8% - GSX Techedu is down -15.8%, or -$14.97 to $79.72.

12:00 EDT Guess rises 12.2% - Guess is up 12.2%, or $1.46 to $13.47.

12:00 EDT Whiting Petroleum rises 2752.6% - Whiting Petroleum is up 2752.6%, or $15.59 to $16.16.

11:46 EDT India bans 118 Chinese mobile apps, including Alipay and Baidu - India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said it is invoking its power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology Rules 2009 and in view of the emergent nature of threats has decided to block 118 mobile apps since in view of information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said it has received many complaints from various sources including several reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users' data in an unauthorized manner to servers which have locations outside India. The compilation of these data, its mining and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defence of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern which requires emergency measures. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs has also sent an exhaustive recommendation for blocking these malicious apps.. Likewise, there have been similar bipartisan concerns, flagged by various public representatives, both outside and inside the Parliament of India. There has been a strong chorus in the public space to take strict action against Apps that harm India's sovereignty as well as the privacy of our citizens. On the basis of these and upon receiving of recent credible inputs that information posted, permissions sought, functionality embedded as well as data harvesting practices of above stated Apps raise serious concerns that these Apps collect and share data in surreptitious manner and compromise personal data and information of users that can have a severe threat to security of the State. Among the apps being banned are Tencent (TCEHY) video game "PUBG Mobile," Alipay (BABA), multiple NetEase (NTES), and Baidu (BIDU). Reference Link

11:14 EDT Ball announces plans for new U.S. beverage can plant in Pennsylvania - Ball Corporation announced its plan to build a new U.S. aluminum beverage packaging plant in Pittston, Pennsylvania. The multi-line plant is scheduled to begin production in mid-2021 and will create approximately 230 manufacturing jobs. Ball plans to make an initial investment of more than $300M in its Pittston facility over multiple years. The plant will supply customers with a portfolio of can sizes to serve the addressable market. "Our new Pittston plant is Ball's latest investment to serve accelerating demand for our portfolio of infinitely recyclable aluminum containers used in the sparkling water, spiked seltzer, beer and carbonated beverage categories. Pittston will join our industry-leading network of more than 20 North American plants, including a new plant currently under construction in Glendale, Arizona, that is scheduled to start up early in the first quarter of 2021. These investments, supported by numerous long-term customer contracts, will enable us to serve customer and consumer needs for more sustainable beverage packaging while furthering our Drive for 10 vision for long-term success," said Daniel Fisher, COO, global beverage packaging.

10:38 EDT FCC announces winning bidders of 3.5GHz band auction - The Federal Communications Commission released a Public Notice detailing the results of and next steps related to the recently concluded auction of 70 megahertz of Priority Access Licenses, or PALs, in the 3550-3650 MHz band, or Auction 105. "This auction made available the greatest number of spectrum licenses ever in a single FCC auction. The Public Notice details auction results-including the names of winning bidders-and announces deadlines for payments and the filing of long-form applications, as well as other post-auction procedures needed for the prompt issuance of licenses," the FCC stated. Auction 105 gross proceeds reached $4,585,663,345, with net proceeds totaling $4,543,232,339. A total of 228 bidders won 20,625 of 22,631, or more than 91.1%, of available licenses. The FCC identifies Verizon Wireless Network Procurement as the bidder with the largest total winning bid amount and Wetterhorn Wireless as the bidders winning the largest number of licenses. Reference Link

10:16 EDT Skillz to become publicly-listed company via deal with Flying Eagle Acquisition - Skillz and Flying Eagle Acquisition Corp. (FEAC), a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company, announced earlier that they agreed yesterday to a business combination that will result in Skillz becoming a publicly-listed company. The transaction implies an equity valuation for Skillz of $3.5B, or 6.3x projected 2022 revenue. Estimated cash proceeds from the transaction are expected to consist of Flying Eagle's $690M of cash in trust. In addition, investors led by Wellington Management Company, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Franklin Templeton, and Neuberger Berman funds have committed to invest $159M in the form of a PIPE at a price of $10.00 per share of Class A common stock of Flying Eagle immediately prior to the closing of the transaction. Flying Eagle's stockholders with the right to redeem shares representing in excess of $95M of cash in trust have agreed not to exercise such rights in connection with the transaction. It is anticipated that post-transaction Skillz will have approximately $250M of cash and cash equivalents on its consolidated balance sheet. The company expects to use the proceeds to accelerate Skillz's growth in both domestic and international markets, support marketing efforts, and provide additional working capital. Andrew Paradise, CEO and Founder of Skillz, Chafkin, substantially all of the existing Skillz stockholders as well as Flying Eagle's sponsor have agreed to a 24-month lock-up, subject to quarterly releases of 1.5 million shares per holder commencing 180 days following the closing. Upon the closing of the transaction, Paradise, who holds a controlling voting interest in Skillz, will hold a controlling voting interest in the combined company. Flying Eagle Chairman and CEO, Harry Sloan, is partnered on Flying Eagle with Jeff Sagansky and Eli Baker, who together took DraftKings (DKNG) public in April 2020.

10:02 EDT Cerner names William Mintz as Chief Strategy Officer - Cerner (CERN) announced that William Mintz has joined the company as Chief Strategy Officer. Mintz brings extensive leadership and enterprise strategy experience, having spent his career advancing innovative health care solutions for payers, providers and patients. Prior to joining Cerner, Mintz worked with other leading health care and technology businesses, including Aetna Care3, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and, most recently, Leidos Holdings (LDOS).

09:39 EDT SmileDirectClub jumps 16% after CEO buys over $10M of shares - Shares of SmileDirectClub are moving higher after its CEO David Katzman disclosed the purchase of $10.3M worth of the company's stock. On August 31, Katzman bought 663,130 shares at a price of $8.05 and 615,000 shares at a price of $8.10, according to a regulatory filing. SmileDirectClub in early trading is up 16%, or $1.25, to $9.12.

09:26 EDT Rogers confirms agreement with Altice USA to purchase Cogeco assets for $4.9B - Rogers Communications (RCI) confirmed its agreement with Altice USA (ATUS) to purchase all of the Canadian assets of Cogeco and Cogeco Communications for a net purchase price of approximately $4.9B. The transaction is conditional upon completion of the Altice USA offer on the terms publicly announced today. As the largest long-term shareholder of Cogeco, Rogers is supportive of the value being created for all shareholders with the significant premium in the Altice USA offer. Rogers currently owns 41% of the outstanding CGO subordinate voting shares and 33% of outstanding CCA subordinate voting shares. Under the terms of the all-cash offer by Altice USA to purchase all of the outstanding shares of CGO and CCA, the offer prices and premiums are as follows: C$800M to Mr. Louis Audet, Executive Chairman of Cogeco, and members of the Audet family for their controlling ownership interests, which include 100% of the multiple voting shares of CGO and approximately 0.9% of total outstanding CGO SVS. C$106.53 per share for the remaining CGO SVS and C$134.22 per share for each CCA SVS, representing a significant premium of 30% to each stock's 1-month volume weighted average price on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Under the terms of the agreement with Altice USA, Rogers will be entitled to receive the premium offered by Altice USA to all subordinate voting shareholders. As a result, the net consideration to be paid by Rogers for the Canadian assets of Cogeco reflects a gross price of $5.5B, less the premium on the shares currently held by Rogers of $0.6B, less the current value of Rogers' shares of $1.5B, for a net cash consideration of $3.4B.

09:23 EDT TD Bank announces North American data-access agreement with Intuit - TD Bank Group (TD) announced a new data-access agreement with Intuit (INTU), maker of TurboTax, QuickBooks and Mint, which "lays the groundwork for customers to request that TD transfers their financial data for services they want to use, including personal financial management apps supported by Intuit," the company said. "The North American agreement signifies alignment between TD and Intuit about protocols to be followed by Intuit when accessing financial data of a TD customer to support the customer's request to use financial services supported by Intuit. At the customer's request, TD will transfer the customer's financial data to Intuit through a technology known as Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs, that may eventually eliminate the need for customers to share their banking login ID or password in order to access third-party financial products and services," TD stated in a press release.

09:17 EDT Chicken Soup's Screen Media, Great Point Media establish film acquisition fund - Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment announced that its subsidiary Screen Media Ventures and Great Point Media have closed a new film acquisition facility initially funded at $10M.

09:17 EDT Sintx Technologies announces its material inactivates SARS-CoV-2 - Sintx Technologies announced new studies confirming that its material inactivates SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the Influenza A virus that is responsible for the common cold. Previous findings had shown that Sintx's silicon nitride can inactivate SARS-CoV-2, as well as other single-strand RNA, or ssRNA, viruses such as Influenza A, Feline calicivirus and Enterovirus. Those findings were first reported in June on BioRxiv, a pre-print server for COVID-19 research ahead of peer review. Data related to the other ssRNA viruses are under peer review for publication. The latest SARS-CoV-2 testing was done at the National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Virginia, or GMU. The study was designed to reproduce the earlier findings using an independent institution and study protocol, and (2) show a time-and-dose-dependent antiviral effect of silicon nitride, and establish a U.S.-based testing facility for future testing of commercial products, such as fabrics containing silicon nitride. The GMU data confirm that silicon nitride strongly inhibits SARS-CoV-2, after just one minute of exposure. The anti-viral effect increases with higher doses and longer duration of exposure to silicon nitride. Importantly, silicon nitride is non-toxic to mammalian cells, a finding that is consistent with the successful clinical outcomes of SINTX's spinal implants made of the same material as was tested at GMU. Separate testing at another contract research facility, ImQuest BioSciences, Frederick, Maryland, showed that Sintx's silicon nitride strongly inactivates the Influenza A virus as well. Selected data from that testing is shown in the graph above.

09:12 EDT Mr. Cooper to add 2,000 new team members nationwide in 2020 - Mr. Cooper said in a release, "Mr. Cooper announced plans to hire an additional 2,000 mortgage professionals and support staff through the remainder of 2020. With more than 3,000 new team members already onboarded this year, Mr. Cooper welcomes 5,000 new team members across its originations and servicing teams, who are passionate about keeping the dream of homeownership alive. With mortgage rates at historically low levels and loan activity rising, the company is hiring for critical positions at multiple experience levels including loan officers, mortgage underwriters and loan processors in addition to Home Advisors, who serve a hybrid role at Mr. Cooper servicing customer loans and originating mortgage products. For those just entering the mortgage industry, Mr. Cooper offers specialized training and licensing programs,"

09:11 EDT Cinedigm extends partnership with ZEASN - Cinedigm said in a release, "Cinedigm and ZEASN announced a partnership to bring Cinedigm's OTT channels and assortment of content to tens of millions of ZEASN-enabled Smart TVs powered by ZEASN's Whale OS, including all Philips, Magnavox and many other television OEMs. Through this collaboration, Cinedigm's channels will be available on ZEASN-supported devices, including selected Philips, Magnavox, and AOC smart televisions. Users can enjoy Cinedigm's diverse channels from WhaleLive, a brand new Ad-supported Live streaming service developed by ZEASN."

09:10 EDT Roku launches Roku Express in Brazil - Roku said in a release, "Roku announced the launch of Roku Express, the company's first streaming device in Brazil. The Roku Express transforms most traditional TVs into a better Smart TV and is expected to be available in stores in the upcoming weeks at an average starting price of R$349.90."

09:09 EDT Borqs Technologies, Juniper Systems partner for ultra-rugged Android devices - Borqs Technologies announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with Juniper Systems, a Logan, Utah, USA based company for a variety of mobile data collection applications in harsh and hazardous work environments. As part of this partnership, Borqs will provide premium component design with key technologies, like high performing Qualcomm processor systems and the latest Android operating system with Google Mobile Services, which will enable Juniper Systems to deliver ultra-rugged enterprise-class Android tablets and handhelds that will be used in demanding and hazardous field data collection areas, such as petrochemical plants, gas and oil pipelines, mines, forestry log yards, construction sites, military deployments and other harsh environments. Juniper Systems' ergonomic ultra-rugged handhelds and tablets are Class 1 Division 2 certified and are equipped with IP68 and MIL-STD-810G ratings - making them waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof.

09:09 EDT L3Harris Technologies awarded multi-million-dollar contract by NATO member - L3Harris Technologies said in a release, "L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a multi-million-dollar contract to deliver two Low-Frequency Active Towed Sonar, or LFATS, systems to a NATO member. The LFATS system is used on ships to detect, track and engage all types of submarines. L3Harris specifically designed the system to perform at a lower operating frequency against modern diesel-electric submarine threats. The United States Department of Defense recently awarded this 26-month delivery order under VSE Corporation's Foreign Military Sales contract with the Naval Sea Systems Command International Fleet Support Program Office."

09:06 EDT Sorrento Therapeutics closes acquisition of SmartPharm - Sorrento Therapeutics and SmartPharm Therapeutics announced that Sorrento has completed the acquisition of SmartPharm, a gene-encoded protein therapeutics company developing non-viral DNA and RNA gene delivery platforms for COVID-19 and rare diseases with broad potential application in enhancing any antibody-centric therapeutics. The platform in synergy with Sorrento's fully human G-MAB antibody library has the potential to be the engine for the next-generation, cost-effective in vivo production of antibody therapeutics in patients. By encoding the antibody sequence into a plasmid, a single injection into someone's muscle could potentially lead the person to make their own antibodies in vivo for months, instead of relying on repeat administrations of an externally manufactured antibody. The current SmartPharm R&D and senior management team will remain in place and is expected to integrate into the Sorrento research, development, and corporate infrastructure. The merger was completed on September 1, 2020 and at such time, SmartPharm became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sorrento. The total value of the consideration payable to the holders of capital stock of SmartPharm in the merger was $19.4M, subject to certain adjustments for net working capital, indebtedness, transaction expenses and cash. Upon completion of the merger, SmartPharm stockholders became entitled to receive an aggregate of approximately 1.76M shares of Sorrento common stock based on a price per share equal to $10.60.

09:02 EDT Scientific Games expands partnership with Wynn Resorts in Colorado, Indiana - Scientific Games is expanding its partnership with Wynn Resorts to power Wynn Sports' digital sports betting offer in Colorado and Indiana. With support of Scientific Games, Wynn Resorts went live with the Wynn Sports mobile app in New Jersey on 27 July. Wynn Sports utilizes the company's sports betting and iGaming platforms, a managed sports trading service and its content aggregation system. In Colorado and Indiana, Scientific Games will provide Wynn Sports with the OpenSports enterprise solution.

09:02 EDT MKS Instruments announces purchase of multiple ESI Geode systems - MKS Instruments announced that Meiko Electronics Co. Japan has purchased multiple ESI Geode systems to enhance its high-volume HDI PCB manufacturing capability. The recently released CO2-laser-based systems will be deployed at Meiko's high-end manufacturing facility in Vietnam.

08:50 EDT Genius Brands' Kartoon Channel! acquires 'Sonic the Hedgehog', 'PAC-MAN' series - Genius Brands International continues to build its offering of animated content on Kartoon Channel! with the acquisition from 41 Entertainment of two powerhouse animated children's series, Adventures of Sonic The Hedgehog, starring Jaleel White, and PAC-MAN and The Ghostly Adventures. Genius Brands has acquired 26x30' episodes of PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures, featuring the classic video game character PAC-MAN. The. The company has also acquired for Kartoon Channel! 26x30' episodes of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, based on the blockbuster hit videogame by Sega, and starring the celebrity voice of Jaleel White of Family Matters fame.

08:45 EDT Simulations Plus announces use of DILIsym simulations in FDA review - DILIsym Services, a Simulations Plus company, and provider of modeling and simulation software for pharmaceutical safety and efficacy, announced that simulations using the DILIsym software were utilized as part of the FDA review of the safety of ubrogepant, which has now been approved for use in the U.S. The utilization of DILIsym results are highlighted in the section of the introduction within the FDA's nonclinical review document as part of application number 211765Orig1s000. The safety assessment of ubrogepant using DILIsym is also summarized in a new publication in Toxicological Sciences which includes authors from multiple organizations. DILIsym modeling supports drug development decisions by predicting potential drug-induced liver injury, or DILI, risk of new drug candidates. The modeling also identifies the biochemical events that lead to DILI caused by a drug and can thereby predict certain subgroups of patients at increased risk for DILI from that drug.

08:38 EDT CyrusOne names John Hatem COO, says Chief Technology Officer Kevin Timmons left - CyrusOne announced that John Hatem will rejoin the Company on October 5, to serve as Executive Vice President & COO of CyrusOne. In addition, the Company announced that Kevin Timmons, Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, has left CyrusOne to pursue other interests. CyrusOne said in a release, "Until April 2019, Mr. Hatem served as CyrusOne's Executive Vice President of Data Center Design, Construction and Operations. In his new role with the Company, Mr. Hatem will be responsible for global operations & customer success, design & solutions engineering, construction, and information technology."

08:36 EDT CoreLogic appoints Patrick Dodd as Chief Operating and Growth Officer - CoreLogic announced that Patrick Dodd, a prominent growth-oriented leader in big data and analytics, has joined CoreLogic in the newly created position of Chief Operating and Growth Officer. CoreLogic said in a release, "In this role, Dodd will oversee the Company's enterprise sales, marketing and customer experience operations and will also lead the development and implementation of CoreLogic's commercial and go-to-market strategies designed to accelerate revenue growth and product deployment in multiple verticals. Over the past three decades, Dodd, 53, has held progressively more senior executive leadership positions at Nielsen and predecessor companies, ultimately rising to Chief Commercial Officer of the $3 billion Nielsen Global Connect division in January 2019."

08:32 EDT SPX Corporation acquires ULC Robotics, terms not disclosed - SPX announced that it has acquired ULC Robotics, adeveloper of robotic systems, machine learning applications and inspection technology for the energy, utility and industrial sectors. A pioneer in the field of Robotics-as-a-Service, ULC operates a growing, recurring-revenue business called CISBOT which uses robotic solutions designed to rehabilitate and extend the life of natural gas distribution networks for utility customers. ULC also operates a custom Research & Development business that provides cutting edge technology solutions to a growing base of utility and industrial customers. ULC is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, with a significant presence in the United Kingdom. Its results will be reported with SPX's Location & Inspection platform within its Detection & Measurement segment. Over the last twelve months ULC Robotics has had revenue of approximately $40M and, once integrated, is anticipated to be accretive to SPX's Detection & Measurement segment margin. The acquisition is expected to have a modest impact on SPX's 2020 Adjusted EPS. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, a subsidiary of SPX acquired ULC Robotics, Inc., ULC Robotics International, Inc., and ULC Pipeline Robotics LLC for cash consideration that includes an upfront payment and subsequent, contingent cash payments depending on certain operational and financial performance milestones. ULC's RaaS CISBOT business and R&D business will operate under separate, distinct legal entities within SPX.

08:30 EDT DraftKings jumps 13% to $41.60 after Michael Jordan takes equity interest

08:27 EDT Select Rogers Infinite plans give acess to six free months of Apple Music - Rogers (RCI) announced customers can now enjoy over 60 million songs on Apple Music (AAPL) free for their first six months when signing up, available with select Rogers Infinite plans. The offer, available only at Rogers, gives customers free access to Apple Music to enjoy across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Mac, HomePod, CarPlay, PC and Android devices. The exclusive offer from Rogers will be available to new and existing Apple Music customers on select Rogers Infinite plans using either an iPhone or Android phone. Once activated, customers will have full access to Apple Music and can either stream their favourite songs over cellular or WiFi, or download for offline playback. For convenience, customers can redeem and manage their subscription through the MyRogers app right from their device, and will have their Apple Music service charged directly on their Rogers bill following their six-month free period.

08:24 EDT Celsion restructures strategic loan facility - Celsion (CLSN) entered into an amendment to its existing $10M loan agreement with Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN). Consistent with its target to leverage equity capital, the Company elected to reduce its outstanding debt under the loan by $5M and restructure the terms of the remaining $5M loan balance. The Company's new $5M loan is in the form of secured indebtedness bearing interest at a calculated LIBOR-based variable rate. Payments under the loan agreement are interest only for the first 12 months through July 2021, followed by a 21-month amortization period of principal and interest through the scheduled maturity date of April 2023. In conjunction with the amended loan agreement, Celsion issued to Horizon warrants exercisable into 247,525 shares of Celsion's common share at an exercise price of $1.01 per share. Warrants previously issued to Horizon exercisable into 95,057 shares at an exercise price of $2.63 per share were cancelled. The Company plans to use the proceeds from this loan for working capital and advancement of its product pipeline, including GEN-1 for the treatment of newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, as well as other strategic initiatives designed to broaden its product pipeline.

08:20 EDT Bionano Genomics announces publication of study on genome imaging technology - Bionano Genomics announced a study published in the journal Nature Communications used its genome imaging technology to increase understanding of the genome structures that make tumors like glioblastoma multiforme, lung cancer and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia so aggressive. By combining Bionano's Saphyr data with sequencing data using custom developed software, a team led by Professor Vineet Bafna of the University of California San Diego (UCSD) was able to reconstruct circular pieces of genetic material in cancer cells that allow the tumor to grow much more rapidly. The increased understanding of these circular DNA fragments can help in the development of targeted therapies, enable better classification of cancer subtypes, and contribute to a more efficient use of existing drugs by enabling truly personalized medicine. For cancers to grow rapidly and escape the various mechanisms of the cell and immune system to keep malignant cell growth under control, they typically show mutations that disable the genes that inhibit replication of the cell and make extra copies of genes that stimulate replication of the cell. These extra copies of growth-enhancing genes are called oncogene amplifications, and they enable rapid tumor evolution and the rewiring of regulatory circuitry in the cell. These amplifications can happen inside the chromosomes that carry the oncogenes, but often they occur outside of the chromosomes, in circular mini-chromosomes called extra-chromosomal circular DNA, or ecDNA. Because these ecDNA structures are much smaller than regular chromosomes, they can replicate quickly and form a mechanism for the tumor to increase the speed with which it can replicate, grow, and spread. To date, ecDNA structures have been difficult or impossible to fully characterize due to their complex and repetitive nature, containing numerous copies of the same genes side by side in structures that are difficult or impossible to resolve with short-read sequencing like NGS. By developing software called AmpliconReconstructor that combines NGS reads with optical mapping data generated by Saphyr, the UCSD team was able to fully resolve the ecDNA structures found in various cancers such as glioblastoma multiforme and lung cancer. Additionally, the team was able to resolve a chromosomal aberration called the Philadelphia Chromosome, the target of the first targeted cancer therapy Gleevec, and the structure of oncogene amplifications in kidney cancer, breast cancer and various other cancer cell lines.

08:17 EDT Giga-tronics receives $720,000 order for radar threat generation systems - Giga-tronics received a $720K order in direct support of the US Navy and the US Air Force to provide a Test Range Threat Emitter Generation capability for the operational testing of advanced Electronic Warfare weapons systems and aircrew training on fourth and fifth generation fighter aircrafts. This is a new application and market focus for Giga-tronics, leveraging the Company's previously developed lab-based Real-Time Threat Emulation System.

08:16 EDT X4 announces publication of mavorixafor Phase 2 clinical data - X4 Pharmaceuticals announced the publication of comprehensive safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy data of mavorixafor from an ongoing Phase 2, open-label, dose-escalation and extension study in adult patients with genetically confirmed WHIM syndrome. The manuscript, published in Blood, the official journal of the American Society of Hematology, expands on previously presented data. The Phase 2 clinical trial enrolled eight patients with a pathogenic CXCR4 mutation, an absolute neutrophil count less than or equal to400/muL and/or absolute lymphocyte count less than or equal to650/muL. Patients were given doses escalating from 50 mg up to 400 mg mavorixafor orally once daily based on the threshold-adjusted area under the curve for ANC and ALC over 24-hours. Primary objectives evaluated safety, tolerability, and the dose required to achieve a consistent increase in circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes. Exploratory objectives evaluated the efficacy of long-term mavorixafor treatment on infection rate, wart burden, white blood cells count, ANCs, ALCs, and absolute monocyte counts. The Time Above Threshold for ANC was defined as the time, in hours, during which ANC was maintained above 500 cells/muL and TATALC as the time, in hours, during which ALC remained above 1,000 cells/muL. Patients were treated up to a maximum duration of 28.6 months with a median of 16.5 months; as of the date of publication, five patients remain on the extension study. In the study, mavorixafor 400 mg once daily was established as a therapeutically effective dose, demonstrating dose-dependent increases in patients' WBCs, ANCs, ALCs, and AMCs. The 400 mg dose allowed the largest number of patients to increase their AUCANC and TATANC. Mavorixafor significantly reduced the annualized infection rate, with further reductions observed on extended treatment. Mavorixafor effected a 75% reduction in the number of cutaneous warts. To date, mavorixafor has been well tolerated. The authors provide a detailed description of the pharmacodynamic response to mavorixafor, including patient-level data regarding the effect on neutrophils and lymphocytes. Also presented for the first time is the effect of increasing doses of mavorixafor on total white blood cell counts and monocytes in this population, adding to the understanding of the pleiotropic effect of mavorixafor on multiple cell types. In addition, the manuscript provides the most up-to-date long-term pharmacokinetic data, and, importantly, presents a detailed analysis of the clinical benefit of extended mavorixafor therapy on infections and warts, further substantiating its durable clinical efficacy compared to current therapeutic options for WHIM syndrome.

08:13 EDT Twist Bioscience announces SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing data from antibody program - Twist Bioscience announced data demonstrating the neutralizing effects of multiple potential therapeutic antibodies, both Immunoglobulin G, or IgG, antibodies and substantially smaller single domain VHH "nanobodies," against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These neutralizing effects were found to be comparable to or better than those seen with antibody candidates derived from patients who had recovered from COVID-19. The data were collected from studies conducted by Saint Louis University and independently verified by scientists at Colorado State University. The in vitro studies involved testing more than 200 well characterized monoclonal antibody and VHH nanobody candidates against live virus and pseudovirus cells. Each antibody was chosen for its high and unbiased binding affinity to either the receptor binding domain of the S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 or the extracellular domain of ACE2 in human cells. The candidates were identified by Twist Biopharma, a division of Twist Bioscience, in just six weeks by screening its proprietary synthetic antibody discovery libraries each containing more than 10B antibody sequences, and within months produced robust neutralization data in live virus cells.

08:12 EDT Fairfax Financial acquires 1.75% convertible debentures of BlackBerry - Fairfax Financial (FRFHF) announces that it has acquired, through its subsidiaries, ownership and control of $330,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.75% unsecured subordinated convertible debentures maturing on November 13, 2023 of BlackBerry Limited (BB) representing approximately 90% of BlackBerry's private placement of an aggregate principal amount of $365,000,000 of Debentures that closed today. The Debentures are convertible at the option of the holder into common shares of BlackBerry at a price of $6.00 per Common Share and, therefore, the Debentures purchased by Fairfax's subsidiaries are convertible into 55,000,000 Common Shares. Prior to the redemption thereof by BlackBerry, which redemption was completed prior to the Private Placement, Fairfax held, through its subsidiaries, ownership of $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.75% unsecured subordinated convertible debentures of BlackBerry maturing November 13, 2020. The Redeemed Debentures were convertible at the option of the holder into Common Shares at a price of $10.00 per Common Share and, therefore, the Redeemed Debentures held by Fairfax's subsidiaries were convertible into 50,000,000 Common Shares. Together with Common Shares already owned by Fairfax and its subsidiaries and assuming full conversion of the Fairfax Redeemed Debentures, Fairfax would have beneficially owned 96,724,700 Common Shares representing, assuming all other Redeemed Debentures were converted, approximately 15.7% of the total Common Shares outstanding or, if no other Redeemed Debentures were converted, approximately 16.0% of the total Common Shares outstanding, each as of August 28, 2020. Had Fairfax not participated in the Private Placement, Fairfax would have beneficially owned, and exercised control or direction over 46,724,700 Common Shares, representing approximately 8.4% of the Common Shares outstanding as of August 28, 2020, and no other securities of BlackBerry. After the Redemption and Private Placement, Fairfax no longer beneficially owns or has control or direction over the Redeemed Debentures. Fairfax now beneficially owns, and exercises control or direction over, the Purchased Debentures, representing 55,000,000 Common Shares assuming full conversion. Together with Common Shares already owned by Fairfax and its subsidiaries and assuming full conversion of the Purchased Debentures, Fairfax would beneficially own 101,724,700 Common Shares representing, assuming all other Debentures are converted, approximately 16.5% of the total Common Shares outstanding or, if no other Debentures are converted, approximately 16.6% of the total Common Shares outstanding, each as of August 28, 2020. In connection with the acquisition of the Purchased Debentures, Fairfax agreed to a "standstill" provision as more particularly described in the early warning report to be filed by Fairfax. Fairfax has acquired the Purchased Debentures for investment purposes, and in the future, it may discuss with management and/or the board of directors of BlackBerry any of the transactions listed in clauses (a) to (k) of item 5 of Form F1 of National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues and, subject to the Standstill, it may further purchase, hold, vote, trade, dispose or otherwise deal in the securities of BlackBerry, in such manner as it deems advisable to benefit from changes in market prices of BlackBerry securities, publicly disclosed changes in the operations of Blackberry, its business strategy or prospects or from a material transaction of BlackBerry.

08:10 EDT Magenta Therapeutics appoints Lisa Olson as CSO, COO Jason Ryan to switch roles - Magenta Therapeutics (MGTA) announced the appointment of Lisa Olson as chief scientific officer, or CSO. The company also announced that Jason Ryan will transition from COO and CFO to a consulting role for personal reasons while a search for his replacement is conducted. As chief scientific officer, Olson will provide strategic direction, oversight and execution for Magenta's research and discovery efforts. This entails driving research strategy as Magenta continues to optimize its preclinical and clinical pipeline. She will join the executive team and will be a key member of the R&D leadership team. Olson is an experienced senior-level pharmaceutical executive, with more than 20 years of experience in research and drug discovery. She comes to Magenta following 15 years in leadership positions at the AbbVie (ABBV) Bioresearch Center, most recently as VP, immunology discovery and site head, where she was responsible for all immunology discovery scientific and portfolio decisions, including new target approval, project advancement and licensing opportunities.

08:08 EDT Avaya appoints Stephen Spears as Chief Revenue Officer - Avaya announced a key, strategic addition to its executive management team as Stephen Spears joins the company in the newly created role of Chief Revenue Officer. Spears has spent the previous 17 years in a variety of key senior leadership roles at SAP, most recently serving as Chief Revenue Officer of SAP SuccessFactors.

08:06 EDT MasterCard enters partnership with TSYS - Mastercard said in a release, "The global pandemic is driving consumers to seek flexible payment options while issuers and merchants alike want to provide cardholders with choice, control and simplicity at checkout. To address this, Mastercard today announced a new partnership with TSYS, a Global Payments company, that will enable consumers to use their Mastercard to split transactions into installments before, during or after checkout. Through this partnership, TSYS is the first processor to deliver installment capabilities to issuers in order to provide seamless payments experiences to their cardholders, enhancing Mastercard's buy-now-pay-later ecosystem. This new partnership complements Mastercard's comprehensive suite of merchant offerings through API-based solutions, commercial partnerships, and acquisitions across the globe. Nearly three quarters of consumers interested in installments prefer the feature be added to an existing card, according to Mastercard research.1 The new partnership with TSYS will enable consumers in North America to use their Mastercard to split transactions into installments before, during and after a purchase."

08:04 EDT Mustang Bio announces Orphan Drug Designation for MB-107 - Mustang Bio announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Orphan Drug Designation to MB-107, Mustang's lentiviral gene therapy for the treatment of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, also known as bubble boy disease, in newly diagnosed infants under the age of two. The FDA previously granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation in August 2020 and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation in August 2019 to MB-107 for the treatment of XSCID in newly diagnosed patients. Additionally, the European Medicines Agency granted Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product classification to MB-107 in April 2020. MB-107 is currently being assessed in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for XSCID in newly diagnosed infants under the age of two at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco and Seattle Children's Hospital. In May 2020, Mustang submitted an investigational new drug application to the FDA to initiate a multi-center Phase 2 clinical trial of MB-107 in newly diagnosed infants with XSCID who are between two months to two years of age. The trial is expected to enroll 10 patients who, together with 15 patients enrolled in the current multi-center trial led by St. Jude, will be compared with 25 matched historical control patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The primary efficacy endpoint will be event-free survival. The initiation of this trial is expected early in the fourth quarter of 2020. Mustang is targeting topline data from this trial in the second half of 2022. Another Phase 1/2 clinical trial for XSCID in patients over the age of two years, who have received prior HSCT, is underway at the National Institutes of Health, and Mustang expects to file an IND to the FDA to initiate a multi-center Phase 2 clinical trial in this population in the fourth quarter of 2020. This product candidate for XSCID in patients over the age of two years, who have received prior HSCT, is designated MB-207. The FDA granted a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to MB-207 in August 2020.

08:03 EDT InMode authorizes share repurchase program of up to 1 million shares - InMode has approved a share repurchase program of up to 1 million ordinary shares on the open market or otherwise. Share repurchases, if any, will be funded with available cash.

07:52 EDT Guess reinstates dividend at 11.25c per share - Guess said in its Q2 earnings release, "The Company's board has approved the resumption of its quarterly cash dividend program, declaring a cash dividend of 11.25c per share on the Company's common stock. The Board also decided not to declare any cash dividends for the prior two quarters. The dividend will be payable on October 2, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 16. In addition, during the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company invested approximately $39 million to repurchase four million shares of its common stock to return value to its shareholders."

07:42 EDT Heat Biologics issued gp96 platform patent from USPTO - Heat Biologics announced it has been issued a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, covering compositions of matter that are part of Heat's gp96 platform in combination with a T cell costimulatory agonist in a single therapy. This newly issued US patent compliments Heat's growing patent estate on this platform technology, which also includes U.S. Patent No. 10,046,047, with claims to compositions of matter covering Heat's gp96 platform in combination with OX40L, a T cell costimulatory agonist. Pre-clinical studies combining Heat's secreted gp96 plus OX40L T cell co-stimulator in a single therapy, administered locally, have demonstrated superior activity in preclinical studies compared to gp96 in combination with conventional OX40 antibody administered systemically by IV infusion. Additional potential advantages of this novel combination approach include enhanced memory T cell response, limited systemic toxicity and cost advantages compared to multiple systemic therapies.

07:40 EDT Mastercard selects Rekor Systems to enable touchless economy - Rekor Systems (REKR) announced that Mastercard (MA) is integrating the Company's subscription based Edge proprietary vehicle recognition technology into its AI Powered Drive Through Platform. Mastercard's AI Powered Drive Through platform, provided in partnership with Rekor, can help major quick service restaurant brands transform their drive through or drive in interactions using vehicle recognition, voice ordering, and artificial intelligence. Mastercard's AI powered drive through platform using Rekor's vehicle recognition technology will begin on-location pilots at White Castle locations in October 2020 and will also be rolling out with other quick service restaurants later in the year.

07:39 EDT Colliers International acquires Colliers International Nashville - Colliers International Group announced the acquisition of Colliers International Nashville, which was previously an affiliate operation. The current shareholders of Colliers Nashville will retain equity in the business under Colliers' unique partnership model. As a company-owned operation, Colliers Nashville will continue to build on its market leadership position by increasing service capabilities and leveraging the vast resources of Colliers' growing and innovative platform. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

07:35 EDT Kelly Services names Vanessa Williams as SVP, general counsel - Kelly announced the appointment of Vanessa Williams as SVP and General Counsel. In this position, Vanessa has responsibility for leading the strategic direction of Kelly's legal and corporate security organizations which includes managing regulatory and legal compliance for the company, directing Kelly's strategic legal initiatives and providing senior management with actionable counsel regarding company objectives. She will also oversee Kelly's global in-house legal team and be responsible for managing outside counsel relationships. Vanessa reports directly to President and CEO Peter Quigley. Most recently, she served as a SVP in Legal, Risk and Compliance at IHS Markit.

07:34 EDT OpGen announces publication on clinical utility of Unyvero LRT panel - OpGen announced the release of a new peer-reviewed publication that demonstrates the clinical utility of the Unyvero LRT panel and its potential impact on antibiotic use in hospitalized patients with suspected pneumonia compared to treatment directed based on microbiological culture results. The study was led by investigators at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Illinois and Beaumont Health in Michigan, who performed retrospective chart reviews on patients that had been enrolled at their respective institutions for the Unyvero LRT panel U.S. FDA clinical trial. The study was published in the Journal of Diagnostic Microbiology & Infectious Disease and found that the Unyvero LRT panel demonstrates consistently very high negative predictive value of 97.9%, allowing the potential for a significant number of de-escalations with a high degree of clinical confidence when MRSA or Pseudomonas aeruginosa are not reported by the LRT panel. The study also demonstrates substantial advantages, including the ability of the Unyvero LRT panel to identify, in both bronchoalveolar lavage and endotracheal aspirate specimens, clinically important pathogens such as Acinetobacter spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia missed by microbiological methods that would have required specific antibiotic treatments. The study found strong, reliable performance of the Unyvero LRT panel on the enrolled patients: Antibiotics could have been narrowed in 65.9% of patients, of whom 69% had unnecessary MRSA coverage and 64% had unnecessary Pseudomonas coverage based on empiric antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics could have been broadened in 10.0% of cases. Antibiotics could have been optimized in 7.8% of patients through both de-escalation and expansion. In 3.1% of cases antibiotics could have been initiated. In their publication titled "A Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Antibiotic Stewardship in Suspected Pneumonia," the authors conclude that "The LRT Panel results could have changed the choice of antibiotic used in the majority of cases, potentially leading to more effective antibiotic stewardship both in terms of regimen and duration." The Unyvero LRT and LRT BAL panels are FDA-cleared and detect 19 and 20 clinically relevant pathogens, respectively, and each detect 10 antibiotic resistance markers in less than five hours directly from native lower respiratory specimen with only around two minutes of hands-on time, compared to routine bacterial cultures that can take up to several days for confirmatory pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results. Unyvero LRT BAL is the only FDA-cleared lower respiratory tract infection panel that includes Pneumocystis jirovecii, a causative agent of Pneumocystis pneumonia and a key fungal pathogen often found in immunocompromised patients that can be difficult to diagnose.

07:33 EDT ServiceMaster to sell ServiceMaster Brands businesses for $1.55B

07:26 EDT Macy's sees 2022 run-rate savings from Polaris approximately $2.1B

07:19 EDT Apollo-led consortium, ADNOC enter $5.5B real estate investment partnership - The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company announced it has entered into a long-term strategic investment with accounts and entities owned and/or advised by Apollo Global Management Inc. and its subsidiaries and a group of institutional investors, for an underlying real estate portfolio valued at $5.5B. The strategic investment will leverage the rental income streams from select ADNOC real estate assets under a 24-year master lease agreement. The investment will unlock new pools of global institutional long-term capital for ADNOC, while supporting investment in its core business and strategic growth projects.In one of the region's largest real estate transactions, Apollo led a consortium of institutional investors in the acquisition of a 49% stake in Abu Dhabi Property Leasing Holding Company RSC, a wholly owned affiliate of ADNOC. Notably, the transaction included no financing, and was placed entirely with insurance and pension fund investors that focus on long-term and high-quality investments. ADNOC will retain a 51% majority stake, maintaining full ownership and control over the select real estate and social infrastructure assets and responsibility for all operations and maintenance. ADPLHC holds the long-term leasehold interests underpinned by the sizeable, diversified portfolio of assets located across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The transaction will result in upfront proceeds of $2.7B to ADNOC and is expected to close before year-end, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

07:11 EDT Visa announces share class conversion - In a regulatory filing last night, Visa disclosed that on September 1, the company announced that it will release approximately $7.3B from its Series B and Series C Convertible Participating Preferred Stock in connection with the first mandatory release assessment on June 21, 2020, the fourth anniversary of the Visa Europe acquisition transaction and the issuance of the Preferred Stock. As required by the Litigation Management Deed entered into at the time of the transaction, at each release assessment, Visa, in consultation with the Litigation Management Committee comprising representatives of former Visa Europe members, performs a conservative assessment of the ongoing risk of liability to Visa and its subsidiaries arising from certain existing and potential litigation relating to the setting of multilateral interchange fee rates in the Visa Europe territory. Visa and the LMC have followed the procedures identified in the LMD, and the first release amount is now final. The release will result in a downward adjustment of the Class A Common Equivalent Number and a partial conversion of the Preferred Stock into Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock in accordance with the applicable certificates of designations, the filing noted. On the effective date, the company will issue approximately 375,042 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment to account for fractional shares, to holders of record of Preferred Stock as of September 16.

07:10 EDT Cardinal advises shareholders to take no action on increased Nord Gold bid - Cardinal Resources refers to the first supplementary bidder's statement from Nord Gold announced on the ASX Market Announcements Platform this morning in respect of its unconditional on-market takeover bid for Cardinal. Cardinal notes that Nordgold have increased the Offer Price in respect of their takeover bid from A$0.66 to A$0.90 cash per share. While the A$0.90 cash per share offered by Nordgold pursuant to the Revised Nordgold Takeover Bid is higher than the offer made by Shandong Gold Mining, pursuant to its off-market takeover bid, Cardinal notes that it has obligations under the Bid Implementation Agreement with Shandong Gold and Shandong Gold Mining. Having regard to the provisions of the Bid Implementation Agreement Shareholders are advised to TAKE NO ACTION at this time in relation to the Revised Nordgold Takeover Bid. Cardinal will provide a further update to shareholders as soon as it is able.

07:07 EDT Medipharm Labs, Georgian College complete research, innovation collaboration - MediPharm Labs announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, MediPharm Labs Inc., has completed work associated with a Research and Innovation Collaboration Agreement with Georgian College for a Data and Analytics Insights project. This four-month applied research project now complete, heightens MediPharm Labs abilities in diagnostic assessment of operations, analyzing quality management data, creating efficiencies and driving performance. The goal of the collaboration was to create an operational dataset that provides insights and predictive analytics to help glean the highest purity, potency and efficiency from operations. The first phase of the project, completed in collaboration with faculty applied researchers and students from the Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre, established a relational database of original cannabinoid content and potency of cannabis flower inputs tracked through MediPharm Labs' processes of Milling, Decarboxylation, Extraction, Winterization/Filtration, Solvent Removal, and Distillation through to end products. As part of the project, key performance indicators were established with standard calculation formulae and statistical methodology, enabling the R&D team and operational management to finetune processes with a deep understanding of impacts on quality and cost-effectiveness. The project delivered intuitive functional dashboards to monitor and provide diagnostic management tools to the operations team on a more timely basis. This Big Data project dovetailed with MediPharm Labs' recent company-wide implementation of SAP, a Tier 1 Enterprise Resource Planning system for data-driven decision making.

07:07 EDT Nexstar authorizes $300M expansion of share repurchase program - Nexstar said in a release, "Nexstar Media Group announced that its board approved an expansion of the Company's share repurchase authorization for up to an additional $300 million of repurchases of its Class A common stock. The expansion brings the total capacity under Nexstar's share repurchase program to approximately $384.2 million when combined with the approximate $84.2 million remaining under its prior authorization as of June 30."

07:06 EDT Northern Oil and Gas announces 1-for-10 reverse stock split - Northern Oil and Gas announced a 1-for-10 reverse split of its common stock. Northern Oil and Gas said in a release, "Beginning on September 21, the Company's common stock will trade on the NYSE American on a split-adjusted basis. At the Company's special meeting of stockholders on August 17, 2020, the Company's stockholders authorized the Board of Directors to effect the reverse stock split, with 95% of the shares that voted approving the reverse stock split. When the reverse stock split becomes effective, the number of authorized shares of the Company's common stock will decrease to 135.0 million, while the number of issued and outstanding shares will be reduced from approximately 436.4 million to approximately 43.6 million (based on shares outstanding as of August 31, 2020). No fractional shares will be issued following the reverse stock split. In lieu of any fractional shares, any holder of less than one share of common stock will be entitled to receive cash for such holder's fractional share. The reverse stock split will not impact the authorized number of shares of preferred stock of the Company."

07:04 EDT Rocket announces first patient treated in higher dose cohort of RP-A501 trial - Rocket Pharmaceuticals said in a release, "Rocket Pharmaceuticals announces it has treated the first patient in the higher dose cohort in its open-label, Phase 1 clinical trial of RP-A501, the Company's adeno-associated viral vector-based gene therapy for the treatment of Danon Disease. Treatment of the higher dose cohort comes after successful completion of the low dose cohort and clearance from the FDA and Independent Data Safety Monitoring Committee. The second cohort of the Phase 1 study evaluates RP-A501 at a higher dose level of 1.1x1014 genome copies/kilogram in male patients 15 years of age and older. The Phase 1 study will assess the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of RP-A501."

07:03 EDT Macy's jumps 6% to $7.45 after Q2 results beat estimates

07:01 EDT Main Street announces new portfolio investment - Main Street Capital is pleased to announce that it recently completed a new portfolio investment to facilitate the minority recapitalization of Superior Rigging & Erecting Co., a provider of rigging, steel erection and crane & equipment rental services throughout the southeastern United States. Main Street partnered with the company's management team to facilitate the transaction, with Main Street funding $26M in a combination of first-lien, senior secured term debt and a direct equity investment. In addition, Main Street is providing Superior with access to additional term debt to facilitate its future growth needs.

06:57 EDT Macy's reports Q2 gross margin 23.6%, up about 650 bps sequentially - Delivered gross margin of 23.6%, an improvement of approximately 650 basis points from first quarter 2020 due to improved retail margins from mix and better sell through of clearance merchandise. Inventory was down 29% from a year ago, allowing the company to exit second quarter in a clean inventory position.

06:56 EDT Macy's reports Q2 SSS down 34.7% on an owned basis - Q2 comparable sales were down 34.7% on an owned basis and down 35.1% on an owned plus licensed basis, due to faster paced store recovery than originally modeled and better than expected growth of digital business.

06:32 EDT BiomX partners with Boehringer Ingelheim to discover bowel disease biomarkers - BiomX has entered into a collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to utilize the BiomX XMarker microbiome-based biomarker discovery platform to potentially identify biomarkers associated with patient phenotypes in inflammatory bowel disease. As part of the collaboration, BiomX will generate metagenomic data of gut microbiome samples obtained from IBD patients with the aim of identifying biomarkers using the XMarker platform. The terms of the collaboration also include an option for Boehringer Ingelheim to negotiate an exclusive right to biomarkers discovered utilizing the XMarker platform. Independently of the collaboration, BiomX continues to advance the wholly-owned phage therapy candidate BX002 for the treatment of IBD with a Phase 1a study expected to begin in Q3.

06:06 EDT Old Navy to pay workers who serve as poll workers on Election Day - Old Navy announced yesterday that it will pay its store employees to work the polls on Election Day. The brand is tapping into its vast service-minded associate base, with 50,000 field employees in more than 1,000 store locations in the U.S., encouraging them to apply to serve in their communities, and giving them the means to do so. Old Navy is working in partnership with the Civic Alliance and Power the Polls in a national movement to recruit 250,000 new poll workers to ensure polling sites stay open and operate efficiently across the country on November 3. Old Navy will compensate store associates who serve as poll workers with eight hours of pay. In addition to pay provided by Old Navy, employees who serve will also be eligible for compensation from their local jurisdiction.

06:03 EDT Swiss regulator opens enforcement proceedings against Credit Suisse - The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA has initiated enforcement proceedings against Credit Suisse in the context of its observation activities. Earlier this year FINMA appointed an auditor to investigate Credit Suisse in the context of its observation activities. The auditor's investigation has now been completed. FINMA has opened enforcement proceedings against the bank, in which it will pursue indications of violations of supervisory law in the context of the bank's observation and security activities and in particular the question of how these activities were documented and controlled. FINMA will inform the public about the conclusion of the enforcement proceedings. It will not comment further on the content of the ongoing proceedings or the date when the proceedings may be concluded. Typically such proceedings can be expected to take several months.Reference Link

05:44 EDT Li Auto reports 2,711 Li ONEs delivered in August

05:25 EDT GSX drops 14% to $81.85 after Q3 results, SEC investigation disclosure