Stockwinners Market Radar for September 30, 2022 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

17:38 EDT Raytheon Technologies awarded $225.64M Navy contract - Raytheon was awarded a $225.64M cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ System Improvement Program Increment IV to include hardware and software development to the AIM-9X system as well as test and integration of developed hardware and capabilities. More specifically the hardware development will include updates to the AIM-9X sensor, electronics unit, and guidance unit and the software efforts include the development of the operational flight software versions 10.5 and 11.5 and integrated flight software. Additionally, this contract provides program protection, cyber security, information assurance and training for the AIM-9X system. Work is expected to be completed in September 2027. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:31 EDT Flexible Solutions announces termination of merger pact with Lygos - Flexible Solutions and Lygos have agreed to terminate the Merger Agreement between the parties. FSI and Lygos remain committed to finding routes to sustainable aspartic acid and the myriad sustainable and biodegradable products that can be made from aspartic acid. Neither FSI nor Lygos will let the termination of the merger agreement prevent them from working together in other ways to achieve the goal of sustainable aspartic acid.

17:23 EDT Lockheed Martin awarded $265.59M Navy contract modification - Lockheed Martin was awarded a $265.59M modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement. This modification exercises options and adds scope to increase Block 4 manufacturing capacity and procure material modification kits and special test/tooling equipment that remove life limits, correct deficiencies, and retrofit aircraft with Technical Refresh 3. These retrofit and modification efforts on F-35 aircraft will be across the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, non-U.S. Department of Defense participants and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas and is expected to be completed in September 2028. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:15 EDT Fluor awarded $1.33B Navy contract modification - Fluor was awarded a $1.33B cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract to exercise the FY23 option for Naval Nuclear Propulsion work at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory. Funding will be obligated at time of award, of which, $3.55M will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract modification was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:06 EDT Regeneron reports 'positive' results from trials of novel aflibercept 8mg - Regeneron announced the first presentations of positive detailed results from two pivotal trials investigating novel aflibercept 8 mg with 12- and 16-week dosing regimens, compared to EYLEA Injection, in patients with diabetic macular edema and wet age-related macular degeneration. The data were presented in a late-breaking session at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting in Chicago and will support the submission of a new Biologics License Application to the U.S. FDA by early 2023. "Our presentations at AAO demonstrate that aflibercept 8 mg 12- and 16-week dosing regimens have achieved a high bar, sustaining improvements in visual acuity and anatomic measures of retinal fluid across 48 weeks in patients with diabetic macular edema and wet age-related macular degeneration," said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer at Regeneron, and a principal inventor of aflibercept. "These results were all achieved in patients who were rapidly initiated on extended dosing intervals with the vast majority not requiring regimen modification. Altogether, the pivotal data support aflibercept 8 mg as providing a longer duration of action while maintaining a safety profile similar to EYLEA." As presented at AAO, the PHOTON trial in DME and the PULSAR trial in wAMD both met the same primary endpoint. Aflibercept 8 mg demonstrated non-inferiority in vision gains in both the 12- and 16-week dosing regimens after initial monthly doses at 48 weeks compared to an EYLEA 8-week dosing regimen. Furthermore, 91% and 89% of DME patients and 79% and 77% of wAMD patients respectively randomized to 12- and 16-week dosing maintained those intervals through 48 weeks. The safety of aflibercept 8 mg was similar to EYLEA in both trials, and consistent with the known safety profile of EYLEA from previous clinical trials. Comparing aflibercept 8 mg to EYLEA, ocular adverse events occurred in 31% versus 28% in PHOTON and 38% versus 39% in PULSAR, and there were no cases of retinal vasculitis, occlusive retinitis or endophthalmitis in either trial.

16:57 EDT Robinhood raises restructuring charge estimate to $90M-$105M from $45M-$60M - In a regulatory filing, the company said, "As we continue to execute the August 2022 Restructuring, our lower headcount has led us to evaluate our real estate portfolio. On September 30, 2022, we decided to partially or completely close five additional offices as part of the August 2022 Restructuring, four of which are recent leases that have not been occupied. No employees are being terminated as a result of these actions. We expect these additional office closures will result in incremental restructuring-related charges of approximately $45 million (substantially all of which will be incurred in the third quarter of 2022), and we expect this decision will generate additional run-rate savings of approximately $4 million per quarter, starting in the fourth quarter of 2022 and running through the first quarter of 2024, and savings of lesser amounts thereafter. As a result of these actions, we are revising our originally estimated restructuring charge range of $45 million to $60 million; our new estimate is that we will incur total restructuring-related charges of approximately $90 million to $105 million (excluding the impact of share-based compensation) in connection with the August 2022 Restructuring, substantially all of which we expect to incur in the third quarter of 2022. This updated range consists of approximately $30 million to $40 million of cash restructuring and related charges (as originally estimated) primarily related to employee severance and benefits costs (excluding the impact of share-based compensation) and approximately $60 million to $65 million of charges related to office closures and contract termination fees (including impairments of approximately $50 million). We continue to expect a net reversal of share-based compensation of $40 million to $50 million in the third quarter of 2022 as a result of the August 2022 Restructuring, as described in the Original 8-K. If we subsequently determine that we will incur additional material restructuring costs or charges or there are material differences from the ranges provided above, we will file another amendment to the Original 8-K to disclose any such material costs, charges, or differences."

16:43 EDT NaaS Technology Inc. CFO Lei Zhao resigns, Alex Wu named interim CFO - NaaS Technology Inc. announced that Lei Zhao has resigned from his position as the company's CFO for personal reasons, effective immediately. NaaS also announced the appointment of Alex Wu as interim CFO and has commenced a formal search for a permanent replacement. Alex Wu served as interim CFO of RISE Education Cayman Ltd, the predecessor of the company, from September of 2021 to June of 2022.

16:34 EDT Disney names Carolyn Everson to Board of Directors - The Walt Disney Company announced that Carolyn Everson, a veteran media and technology executive, will join its Board of Directors, effective November 21. Everson will be included in the company's slate of director nominees in the proxy statement for Disney's 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Everson's selection follows a lengthy and comprehensive search, and reinforces Disney's commitment to a strong, independent board focused on the long-term performance of the company. Her appointment has received the support of Third Point LLC, which has entered into a support agreement with Disney following a constructive dialogue. As part of the agreement, Third Point has agreed to customary standstill, voting and other provisions through Disney's 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

16:31 EDT Bon Natural Life announces delay to Yumen Plant production target - Bon Natural Life announced that there will be a delay to the initial production target of Q4 for its third production site - Yumen Plant to May 2023. Bon has completed the building structure of the facility in May as scheduled and expected to commence around September this year. However, against the backdrop of the strict COVID-19 control protocol and prevention policies in China, the lingering logistic disruption, material and labor shortage, and domestic travel restriction have caused delay in Yumen Plant's interior outfitting, site inspection, and equipment installation.

16:17 EDT Camden Property provides update on Hurricane Ian - Camden Property Trust announced that preliminary reports indicate only minor damage from Hurricane Ian to the company's apartment communities located in Florida. The company will provide additional information or updates in the event of a material change in this situation.

16:16 EDT Lockheed Martin raises quarterly dividend to $3 per share from $2.80 - Lockheed Martin's board of directors has authorized a fourth quarter 2022 dividend of $3.00 per share, representing an increase of 20c per share over last quarter. The dividend is payable on Dec. 30, 2022, to holders of record as of the close of business on Dec. 1, 2022.

16:06 EDT Cal-Maine Foods names Sherman Miller as CEO, succeeding Dolph Baker - Cal-Maine Foods announced that its Board of Directors has named Sherman Miller President and CEO of the company, effective immediately. He will succeed Dolph Baker as CEO. Baker will retain his role as Chairman of the company's Board of Directors and as an executive officer of the company, and will remain actively involved in managing the company, with a focus on strategy, capital allocation, advising the senior management team and leading the Board. This transition is consistent with the Board's succession planning process. Sherman Miller joined the company in 1996 and has served in various management positions during his 26-year tenure, most recently as President and COO.

16:04 EDT Concord Medical CFO Yaw Kong Yap steps down, Boxun Zhang to succeed - Concord Medical announced changes in its management. Yaw Kong Yap has stepped down from his role as the CFO and president of the company due to reaching retirement age, effective from September 30, 2022. Yap will continue to advise the company going forward. Boxun Zhang, who previously served as an independent director of the company, agreed to be and was appointed as the successor CFO, effective from September 30, 2022. The company received a letter of resignation from each of Boxun Zhang and Dr. Weibo Yin, both notifying the company of his resignation as an independent director of the company and all his positions in the board of directors of the company and its relevant committees for personal reasons not resulting from any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company's operations, policies or practice, effective from September 29, 2022. Wayne Yu agreed to be and was appointed as a new independent director to serve on the Board, effective from September 30, 2022. Wayne Yu was also appointed to serve as a member and chairman of the audit committee of the Board and a member of the compensation committee of the Board. Hongzhong Liu agreed to be and was appointed as a new independent director to serve on the Board, effective from September 30, 2022. Hongzhong Liu was also appointed to serve as a member of the audit committee of the Board.

15:52 EDT User reports indicate problems at Meta's Instagram, Downdetector says - Reference Link

14:51 EDT Sorrento Therapeutics enters $41.67M bridge loan agreement with B. Riley - Sorrento Therapeutics disclosed in a filing that on September 30, the company entered into a bridge loan agreement between the company, as borrower, and B. Riley Commercial Capital, as lender, pursuant to which the company borrowed $41,670,000 from the lender. The bridge loan bears interest at 6% per annum and will mature on January 31, 2023. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an "event of default" under the loan agreement, the bridge loan shall bear interest at the rate of 15% per annum. "The Credit Agreement imposes certain customary affirmative and negative covenants on the company, as well as covenants that (i) restrict the company and its subsidiaries from incurring any additional indebtedness or suffering any liens, subject to certain specified exceptions, (ii) restrict the declaration of any dividends or other distributions, subject to certain specified exceptions, and (iii) restrict the company from engaging in certain corporate transactions or dispositions of assets, subject to certain specified exceptions. The Loan Agreement also includes events of default that are customary for these types of loan agreements," the filing stated.

14:03 EDT Alnylam presents additional results from APOLLO-B Phase 3 study - Alnylam Pharmaceuticals announced results from exploratory endpoints and additional analyses of prespecified patient subgroups for the primary and secondary endpoints in the APOLLO-B Phase 3 study of patisiran, an investigational RNAi therapeutic in development for the treatment of transthyretin-mediated, or ATTR, amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy. The results were presented during a moderated poster session at the Heart Failure Society of America's Annual Scientific Meeting on September 30. The company previously announced that the 12-month study achieved its primary endpoint and met its first secondary endpoint at the 18th International Symposium on Amyloidosis earlier in September. "The 12-month findings across a comprehensive set of exploratory endpoints suggest that treatment with patisiran was associated with favorable impacts on key measures of cardiac stress and injury, NT-proBNP and Troponin I, respectively. In addition, favorable impact of patisiran relative to placebo was seen in several echocardiographic parameters and technetium scintigraphy uptake. Results from an analysis of prespecified patient subgroups were also presented, demonstrating generally consistent benefit across subgroups for the primary and secondary endpoints of 6-MWT and KCCQ-OS, respectively. As previously shared, patisiran also demonstrated an encouraging safety and tolerability profile in patients with ATTR amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy," the company stated.

13:32 EDT Peloton, Lululemon reach settlement over athletic wear - Peloton (PTON) and Lululemon (LULU) issued the following joint statement to Bloomberg: "The parties have negotiated a mutually agreeable settlement, and are pleased the matters could be resolved amicably, resulting in dismissal of the pending litigation between them. Without admissions of any kind, in an effort to resolve the dispute, Peloton has agreed to phase out certain designs identified in the complaint by Lululemon." It was reported Thursday that a federal court in Manhattan threw out a lawsuit filed by Peloton seeking to protect a new athletic wear line from a trademark complaint by its former partner Lululemon.

13:22 EDT AMV Stock trading halted, volatility trading pause

13:02 EDT First Long Island increases quarterly cash dividend 5% to 21c per share - The First of Long Island Corporation announced the declaration of a third quarter cash dividend in the amount of 21c per share. This represents a 5% increase over the dividend of 20c per share declared in the same quarter last year. The dividend will be paid on October 21 to shareholders of record on October 12.

13:01 EDT Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 1 to 765 rigs

12:45 EDT Barclays confirms resolution of SEC probe, says will pay $200M - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced the resolution of its investigation of Barclays and Barclays Bank relating to the over-issuance of securities under certain of its U.S. shelf registration statements, Barclays confirmed in a statement. Pursuant to the terms of the resolution and as reflected in Barclays' first half of 2022 results, the bank will pay a combined penalty of $200M, without admitting or denying the SEC's findings. The SEC has confirmed that Barclays' independent rescission offer to noteholders satisfies its requirements for disgorgement and related prejudgment interest, the company added. Barclays confirms that the net cumulative attributable loss after tax in relation to the over-issuance of securities in the U.S. is expected to "remain materially in line" with the financial impact disclosed in its results.

12:32 EDT Kroger Health sends notice of intent to terminate to Express Scripts - Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (KR), yesterday provided Express Scripts (CI) written notice of its intention to terminate their pharmacy provider agreement for commercial customers. Kroger Health said in a statement: "Since February, Kroger has attempted on dozens of occasions to negotiate in good faith with ESI - seeking a more equitable and fair contract that lowers cost, increases access, and delivers greater transparency - but there has been little to no progress to date." "Kroger is doing everything possible to deliver greater value for our customers and navigate this ongoing period of record inflation. We do not believe Kroger customers should have to pay higher costs to increase Express Scripts' profits," said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. "We took the necessary step of announcing our intention to terminate our contract with Express Scripts because the current arrangement does not enable Kroger to improve health access, deliver greater pricing transparency, and keep prices affordable for our more than 17 million patients. So far, our efforts to negotiate in good faith have not delivered an agreement in the best interest of our customers - especially members of the military and their families receiving benefits through Tricare - that protects them from rising costs amid record inflation. Kroger remains willing to negotiate any contract with Express Scripts that results in a fair, transparent agreement at a rate that benefits everyone - particularly our customers - and prevents any disruption of services."

12:04 EDT Northern Oil and Gas announces Delaware Basin bolt-on acquisition - NOG has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain non-operated interests in the Delaware Basin from Alpha Energy Partners for an initial purchase price of $157.5M in cash, subject to typical closing adjustments. NOG expects to fund the acquisition with cash on hand, operating free cash flow and borrowings under NOG's revolving credit facility. NOG may deliver the Seller additional cash consideration depending on average front month NYMEX WTI pricing during the first six months of 2023. The amount will be determined on a sliding scale from zero additional consideration if such pricing is below $75.00 per barrel, up to $22.5M of additional consideration if such pricing is at least $87.85 per barrel. The additional consideration, if any, would be paid in the third quarter of 2023. The acquired assets are located in Lea and Eddy counties, NM and Loving County, TX, and include approximately 2,800 acres, 9.6 net producing wells, 2.8 net AFEs and wells-in-process and approximately 21.2 net undeveloped locations. The primary operator of the assets is Mewbourne Oil, one of the most cost efficient and active operators in the Northern Delaware Basin. Other operators include Conoco and EOG. The effective date for the transaction is September 1, 2022, and NOG expects to close the transaction in December 2022. The obligations of the parties to complete the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. In addition to its continuous hedging program, NOG has hedged, as standard practice, a significant portion of the production from the pending transaction.

12:00 EDT Carnival plc falls -18.7% - Carnival plc is down -18.7%, or -$1.50 to $6.54.

12:00 EDT Miniso rises 13.7% - Miniso is up 13.7%, or 68c to $5.66.

12:00 EDT F45 Training rises 40.0% - F45 Training is up 40.0%, or 88c to $3.06.

10:35 EDT Honeywell to increase annual dividend to $4.12 per share from $3.92 - Honeywell announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in the company's regular annual cash dividend from $3.92 to $4.12 per share. The increase will be effective starting with the fourth-quarter dividend of $1.03 per share, which was declared today, and is payable on December 2, 2022, out of surplus to holders of record at the close of business on November 11, 2022. "Honeywell continues to deliver strong financial performance despite challenging economic headwinds, and we are pleased to announce an increase to our dividend today for the 13th time over twelve consecutive years," said Chairman and CEO Darius Adamczyk. "Our robust balance sheet, diligent cost management and focus on sustainable, profitable growth will allow us to continue creating value for our shareholders."

10:22 EDT Southern Power appoints Robin Boren as president - Southern Company announced that Bill Grantham, Southern Power president, will be moving into the new role of EVP of commercial strategy for Southern Company reporting to Chris Cummiskey, chief commercial and customer solutions officer, effective Nov. 1. In this new role, Grantham will help set and drive the strategy of Southern Company's commercial businesses. Robin Boren, currently SVP of finance and treasurer for Southern Company, will succeed Grantham as president of Southern Power.

10:06 EDT John Deere Horicon Works employees ratify new contract - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has informed Deere & Company that its production and maintenance employees have voted to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement that covers 900 workers at the John Deere Horicon Works in Horicon, WI. The vote was passed with an overwhelming majority of workers voting to ratify the contract.

10:02 EDT Seelos Therapeutics to collaborate with Healey & AMG Center for ALS - Seelos Therapeutics announced it will collaborate with the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS in an Expanded Access Program that will be fully funded by a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke under the ACT for ALS. Under this EAP, Seelos plans to initially enroll 70 patients in a 24-week, open-label study to evaluate SLS-005 in persons with ALS in parallel to its ongoing Phase II/III study on the HEALEY Platform.

10:00 EDT D-Wave Quantum rises 8.3% - D-Wave Quantum is up 8.3%, or 62c to $8.08.

09:45 EDT InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc trading resumes

09:39 EDT F45 Training receives $4 per share takeover offer from Kennedy Lewis - In a regulatory filing, Kennedy Lewis said that on September 30, it delivered a Non-Binding Proposal to the Board of Directors of F45 Training "in respect of a potential offer by one or more funds advised by the Adviser to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Issuer not already beneficially owned by the Adviser or other stockholders participating in the proposed transaction, at a price per share equal to $4.00 in cash. In the Proposal, the Adviser states that it believes that as a private company the Issuer would be in a stronger position to maximize its resources and realize strategic value that enhances its operations and supports its stakeholders. The Proposal states that it is conditioned on other large stockholders of the Issuer agreeing to roll their existing equity in connection with the proposed Transaction and asks the Board to provide its consent to permit the Adviser to engage with stockholders of the Issuer that contact the Adviser, as well as certain other stockholders of the Issuer and third parties regarding the Proposal, without the Adviser becoming an interested stockholder under Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. The Proposal states that the Transaction would be conditioned on: (i) the Board establishing a special committee of disinterested and independent members to review the Proposal, to solicit and evaluate any other potential proposals, to negotiate the terms of the Transaction and to approve and recommend the Proposal to the Board, and (ii) that the definitive merger agreement governing the Transaction must be approved by the holders of a majority of shares of Common Stock not beneficially owned by the Adviser." Shares of F45 Training are up nearly 37% in early trading.

09:32 EDT Vista Equity Partners, Evergreen Coast complete acquisition of Citrix Systems - Vista Equity Partners and Evergreen Coast Capital announced the successful completion of their previously announced transaction to acquire Citrix Systems and combine it with TIBCO Software. The transaction is valued at $16.5B, including the assumption of Citrix debt, and follows the receipt of all regulatory approvals and compliance with all closing conditions. The transaction closed in accordance with the economic terms previously set forth and within the previously announced timeline. Under the terms of the agreement, Citrix shareholders will receive $104.00 in cash per share. With the completion of this deal, Citrix common stock has ceased trading and is no longer listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market.

09:22 EDT Carnival ends Q3 with $7.4B of liquidity - Third quarter 2022 ended with $7.4B of liquidity, including cash and borrowings available under the company's revolving credit facility.

09:19 EDT Carnival says FY23 cumulative advance bookings 'slightly above' average - Cumulative advance bookings for full year 2023 are slightly above the historical average and at considerably higher prices, as compared to 2019 sailings, normalized for FCCs.

09:16 EDT Mercer completes acquisition of Holzindustrie Torgau - Mercer International announced that it has completed its previously-announced acquisition of all of the shares of the parent company of HIT.

09:06 EDT Arbutus Biopharma announces CDO to depart the company at year end - Arbutus Biopharma announced that Gaston Picchio, PhD, Chief Development Officer, CDO, will be leaving the Company for personal reasons. Dr. Picchio will continue to serve as CDO until his departure on December 31, 2022. The Company has initiated a search for Dr. Picchio's replacement. "On behalf of our entire team, I would like to thank Gaston for his many contributions in growing Arbutus to where it is today," said William Collier, Chief Executive Officer and President of Arbutus. "Gaston has led a talented group of professionals responsible for advancing the Company's clinical pipeline with the goal of potentially developing a functional cure for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus. These efforts, along with those to advance our preclinical assets both in HBV and coronavirus into the clinic, will continue to proceed as planned through the leadership transition."

09:04 EDT Professional Diversity Network announces equity investment in Koala Crypto - Professional Diversity Network announced the Company, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement with Koala Malta, KML, dated as of September 27, 2022, a private limited liability company registered under the laws of Malta and 100% owned by Koala Capital Limited, has purchased a nine percent interest in Koala Crypto Limited, the crypto asset exchange division of KML, for an investment amount of $1,350,000 to be funded by the issuance of restricted shares of PDN common stock. Following the transaction, PDN plans to extend its job boards into the blockchain industry, using its large diversity network. "While we are always looking for investment opportunities to grow our core business, we believe that this investment in Koala will enhance our value. We have every intention to maintain and elevate our core business, which is to operate a best in class professional networking communities with career opportunities and resources specifically tailored to the needs of different diverse cultural groups," said Adam He, Chief Executive Officer for PDN.

09:04 EDT AIkido Pharma provides update on share repurchase program - AIkido Pharma provided an update on the $3M share repurchase program authorized by the company's Board of Directors on January 21, 2022. In the framework of the Share Repurchase Program, the company has repurchased 303,886 common shares in the period from January 21, 2022 up to and including September 29, 2022. The price per share range for the shares repurchased was $5.34 to $6.97.

09:03 EDT Astra Space appoints Axel Martinez to CFO - Astra Space announced the appointment of Axel Martinez to CFO, effective the day after the filing of our quarterly report in November. In his most recent roles, Martinez served as CFO at Virgin Hyperloop One and Veev Group Inc. Kelyn Brannon will transition her responsibilities and remain CFO through the effective date of Martinez' appointment.

09:03 EDT ReneSola acquires 50 MWp fully operational solar farm in UK - ReneSola announced that it acquired a 50 MWp operational solar farm located in Branston, Lincoln, United Kingdom from P&T Global Renewable Energy LTD. The transaction was completed on September 30, 2022. Project Branston's 50 MWp solar farm has been operational since October 12, 2020 and is currently generating a highly attractive annualized yield of 1,011 MWh/MWp.

09:00 EDT Coffee Holding trading resumes

08:41 EDT American Electric, Liberty reach amended pact on sale of Kentucky operations - American Electric Power (AEP) has signed an amended agreement on the sale of its Kentucky operations to Liberty and expects to close on the sale in January 2023 following approval of the transaction from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is due by Dec. 16. The amendment has no impact on AEP's planned equity needs or operating earnings guidance. Upon close of the sale, Liberty will acquire AEP's Kentucky operations by purchasing all the stock of Kentucky Power and AEP Kentucky Transco for a reduced price of $2.646B. AEP expects to receive approximately $1.2B in cash, net of taxes and transaction fees. The company anticipates recording a pre-tax GAAP loss ranging from $180M-$220M in the third quarter of 2022 as a result of the amendment and the change to the expected timing of the completion of the transaction. Liberty is the regulated utility business of Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN).

08:38 EDT Global Tech announces clarification of decision on new strike price for warrants - Global Tech Industries Group announced that it is working on the document required to lower the exercise price of the Warrants it distributed to shareholders last year to $2.00. In the meantime, the Company has set up an email address, whereby shareholders can contact the Company's transfer agent, Liberty Stock Transfer with their questions regarding the mechanics, timing and effect of the decision to change the Warrant strike price. Until all necessary steps are taken by the Company, the exercise price of the Warrants shall remain unchanged. We anticipate that the new exercise price will be effective on or before October 7, 2022. Shortly thereafter the Company will be filing an amendment to its registration statement on Form S-1 in order to register the shares of the Company's common stock underlying the newly priced Warrants.

08:37 EDT Silo Pharma closes $5.75M public offering - Silo Pharma announced the closing of its underwritten public offering of 1,150,000 shares of its common stock, which included the full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase 150,000 additional shares of common stock, at a public offering price of $5.00 per share. Silo Pharma's common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "SILO" on September 27, 2022. The gross proceeds from this offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Silo Pharma, were $5,750,000 million. Silo Pharma intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for product development, marketing, and working capital and general corporate purposes. A portion of the proceeds may also be used for acquisitions of complementary businesses, technologies, or other assets. Laidlaw & Company Ltd. acted as sole book-running manager for the offering.

08:35 EDT Vital Farms announces 'Keeping it Bullsh*t-Free' campaign - Vital Farms announced its new brand campaign titled: "Keeping it Bullsh*t-Free." This latest campaign challenges viewers to rethink widespread practices including misleading labels like cage-free, hollow corporate initiatives, and poor worker conditions, all with the tone and tenor expected from Vital Farms. It is the latest in a long-running effort to support Vital Farms' full stakeholder community, including its crew members, customers and consumers, suppliers and farmers, stockholders, and the environment. "Keeping it Bullsh*t-Free" is rolling out across streaming television, online, and social platforms including Hulu, YouTube, TikTok, and Insider's "Better Capitalism" vertical.

08:35 EDT Intuitive Surgical announces Japan's MHLW cleare3d da Vinci SP surgical system - Intuitive announced that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, MHLW, cleared the da Vinci SP surgical system for use in general surgeries, thoracic surgeries, urologic surgeries, gynecological surgeries, and trans-oral head and neck surgeries. Intuitive Japan will begin the product launch of SP in the near future. MHLW first cleared Intuitive's multi-port system in 2009, and since then, Japan has added coverage for 29 robotic-assisted procedure types by public insurance, which will include procedures performed on SP. The da Vinci SP system provides surgeons with robotic-assisted technology designed for deep and narrow access to tissue in the body. "Japanese surgeons have developed high expectations from Intuitive robotic systems, since the MHLW cleared our first multiport system in 2009," said Gary Guthart, Intuitive CEO. "We are delighted to receive clearance for the single-port robotic system, which we believe will provide Japan's surgeons with more opportunities to provide minimally invasive care."

08:33 EDT Delta Corp enters merger, share exchange agreement with Coffee Holdings - Coffee Holding and Delta Corp Holdings announced that the companies have entered into a definitive merger and share exchange agreement, whereby Coffee Holding and Delta will each become wholly owned subsidiaries of a newly created holding company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, Delta Corp Holdings. The closing of the transactions contemplated by the definitive agreement is subject to certain conditions, including, without limitation, the approval of the shareholders of Coffee Holding and the approval of the listing of the shares of Pubco on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Delta shareholders will become the majority shareholders. Following closing of the transactions, which the parties expect will occur in the first quarter of 2023, the combined company will continue under Pubco, and expects to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "DLOG". The combined company will continue to operate under the Delta management team led by Mudit Paliwal, CEO and Founder; Peter Shaerf, Non-Executive Chairman; and Joseph Nelson, CFO, while Coffee Holding, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Pubco, will continue to be operated under the leadership of Andrew Gordon, currently Coffee Holding's President and CEO. The transaction will be effectuated through a newly created holding company structure, whereby Coffee Holdings and Delta will each become wholly-owned subsidiaries of Pubco. Under the agreement, shareholders of Coffee Holdings will receive 1 ordinary share of Pubco for each share of Coffee Holdings common stock they own and Delta shareholders will exchange their shares of Delta for $625 million in ordinary shares of Pubco, subject to certain adjustments, at an implied diluted value per share of $5.50. Immediately following the closing of the transaction, the shareholders of Delta are anticipated to collectively own approximately 95.21% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Pubco and Coffee Holding shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the transaction are anticipated to collectively own approximately 4.79% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Pubco on a diluted basis, which ownership percentages may be subject to certain adjustments. The transaction also includes an earnout to existing shareholders of Delta, which, if earned, consists of $50 million of additional ordinary shares of Pubco, which would be issued to Delta shareholders if Pubco achieves $70 million or greater of net income for the fiscal year ending 2023. The agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants made by Coffee Holding and Delta, including covenants relating to both parties using their commercially reasonably efforts to cause the transactions contemplated by the agreement to be satisfied, covenants regarding obtaining the requisite approval of Coffee Holding's shareholders, covenants regarding indemnification of directors and officers, and covenants regarding Coffee Holding's and Delta's conduct of their respective businesses between the date of signing of the agreement and the closing. The agreement also contains certain termination rights for both Coffee Holding and Delta, and, in connection with the termination of the agreement under specified circumstances, Coffee Holding and Delta may be required to pay the other party a termination fee. The agreement has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Coffee Holding and by the Board of Directors of Delta. The Coffee Holding Board of Directors has also recommended to Coffee Holding's shareholders that they vote to approve the agreement and the transaction. Coffee Holding also received a fairness opinion in connection with the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023, subject to certain conditions, including the approvals by the requisite shareholders of Coffee Holding described above, the listing of Pubco ordinary shares on Nasdaq, Delta having a certain level of cash and cash equivalents at closing, as applicable, and other customary closing conditions.

08:33 EDT Ads-Tec Energy announces EV charging collaboration with P97 Networks, EvGateway - ADS-TEC Energy announced a collaboration with P97 Networks and EvGateway to offer a turnkey solution that will make it easier for convenience stores, gas stations and other retailers to bring ultra-fast EV charging to their operations, with significant benefits for both their businesses and customers. The solution integrates ADS-TEC Energy's battery-buffered ChargeBox, which enables ultra-fast EV charging on existing power-limited grids, with P97 Networks' connected commerce, payments, and behavioral marketing platform and EvGateway's cloud-based EV infrastructure and network. As part of the collaboration, the ADS-TEC Energy ChargeBox is now certified within the fast-growing EvGateway network, allowing it to meet secure networking communications standards for any utility or energy commission requirement nationwide. EvGateway is an approved network across all major utility programs throughout the USA and offers utility-approved reporting and data integrations to push report data, in compliance with all national data reporting requirements. The ChargeBox is also qualified for full-store transaction interaction on the extensive P97 transaction processing network, connecting consumers with retail fueling merchants and convenience stores across a broad partner ecosystem, including oil company payment networks, merchants, consumer package good companies, automotive companies and banks. There are currently over 66,000 P97 Networks retailers around the world. Significantly, retailers using the P97 platform will be able to extend loyalty programs to encompass EV charging, making it convenient and appealing for their customers to bring their new EVs for charging as well as their conventional cars for fueling. For fleets, this ADS-TEC Energy, P97 and EvGateway turnkey solution may also include roaming and subscription capabilities with ultra-fast charging capabilities in power-limited areas.

08:25 EDT Coffee Holding trading halted, news pending

08:21 EDT Capstone Green Energy appoints Celia Fanning as chief accounting officer - Capstone Green Energy announced the appointment of Celia Fanning to the position of chief accounting officer. On September 19, Capstone Green Energy appointed Celia Fanning as the company's chief accounting officer and controller, effective September 26. In this role, Fanning will become the company's principal accounting officer. Prior to joining the company, Fanning served as VP of finance and accounting at Groundwork Coffee from April 2018 to February.

08:12 EDT Intercept to resume trading at 8:25 am ET - Intercept is set to resume trading at 8:25 am ET, with quotation scheduled to resume at 8:20 am ET, according to Nasdaq. The shares were halted, pending news, ahead of the company announcing that REVERSE, a Phase 3 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of OCA in patients with compensated cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, did not meet its primary endpoint of a greater than or equal to 1-stage histological improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of NASH following up to 18 months of therapy.

08:09 EDT Ostin Technology debuts Pintura PinTab Series IX photo sharing product - Ostin Technology Group recently launched its first smart display and photo sharing product Pintura PinTab Series IX. Pintura is a product based on artificial intelligence of things technologies, and is proprietarily designed and developed by the Company since July 2021. Each Pintura product comprises multiple display terminals and one wireless power supply board and is controlled through a mobile application. Through computer portal or the mobile APP control, Pintura enables wireless content transmission. The display terminals can be moved and rotated to composite different display arrangements. As a result, Pintura can be used for home wall decoration, community event wall display, advertisement, event planning, corporate culture wall display and other scenarios. The Company believes Pintura can save more space, display more contents, and avoid cons of traditional display products including easily aging, not environmentally friendly and hard to replace content, shape and style. It also has a longer service life compared to traditional display products, featuring one-click photo upload function and a 360 degrees presentation that works to improve interactivity, design and overall utility of the product.

08:08 EDT Forestar Group promotes Mark Walker to COO - Forestar Group announced the promotion of Mark Walker to COO, effective October 1. In his new role as COO, Walker will be responsible for providing strategic direction to region and division leaders, deepening local market share and driving efficiencies. Walker joined Forestar in 2019 as Region President overseeing operations in the East.

08:06 EDT Limbach Holding announces $2M share repurchase program - Limbach Holding announced that its board of directors approved a share repurchase program with an authorization to purchase up to $2M of shares of its common stock. Limbach's board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program, under which the company is authorized to repurchase up to $2M of its outstanding common stock. The share repurchase authority is valid for one-year through September 29, 2023.

08:05 EDT Metals Company, UAW enter labor neutrality agreement - The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, UAW, and The Metals Company announced that they have entered into a labor neutrality agreement to bolster the critical mineral supply chain and to lay the groundwork for sustainable production of electric car batteries while creating a path to more good union jobs in the United States. TMC will process and eventually recycle key battery metals responsibly collected from polymetallic nodules that lay unattached on the seafloor in the Eastern Pacific off the coast of North America. Building large-scale metals processing infrastructure and mineral supply chains in the United States will enhance national and economic security and help ensure TMC's processing operations create good-paying U.S. jobs. TMC Chairman and CEO Gerard Barron commented: "We are pleased to be working hand in hand with such a forward-thinking organization as the UAW to enable large-scale domestic metal processing and refining facilities in the United States.The UAW has nearly a century of collective bargaining experience in the automotive industry and has earned a reputation for protecting workers, protecting the environment, and fighting for justice. From making the very first contribution to set up Earth Day to its active position in the Civil Rights Movement, the UAW has an impressive record of leadership on social and environmental issues."

08:03 EDT Teva reaches deal with Attorney General of Georgia to settle price fixing claims - Teva has reached an agreement with the Attorney General, or AG, of Georgia to settle the state's price-fixing claims against Teva. Teva will pay the state $3.35M as part of the settlement, and the state will dismiss all of its claims against Teva and its affiliates once payment has been made. Teva is committed to doing business the right way, in compliance with all applicable laws. Consistent with that commitment, Teva has also agreed, as part of its settlement with Georgia, to maintain its robust antitrust training and compliance efforts throughout the United States. This is the third settlement of the price-fixing litigation that Teva has reached to date, having previously settled with Mississippi and Louisiana. The company said, "Teva is pleased to put these claims behind us, and we believe the modest settlement amount-in each of the three settlements to date-reflects our position on the allegations against us, which we continue to deny. We remain focused on delivering high-quality medicines to the patients around the world who need them, while also working cooperatively with state regulators to resolve legacy litigation matters in the United States, including these cases as well as the opioids cases. We are discussing settlements of the price-fixing litigation with additional states in an effort to continue replicating these results."

08:02 EDT Altria ends non-compete obligations with Juul, losses board rights - Altria Group disclosed that it exercised its option to be released from Juul non-competition obligations on September 29, resulting in the permanent termination of its non-competition obligations to Juul, the loss of its Juul board designation rights and the conversion of its Juul shares to single vote common stock, "significantly reducing" its voting power. As previously disclosed, Altria agreed to certain non-competition obligations pursuant to its relationship agreement with Juul, which generally required that it participate in the e-vapor business only through Juul. Altria obtained the option to be released from such non-competition obligations in certain circumstances, including if the carrying value of its investment in Juul is not more than 10% of its initial carrying value of $12.8B. At June 30, the carrying value of Altria's investment in Juul was $450M, the company said in a regulatory filing.

07:57 EDT Intercept says REVERSE Phase 3 study did not meet primary endpoint - Intercept Pharmaceuticals announced that REVERSE, a Phase 3 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of OCA in patients with compensated cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, did not meet its primary endpoint of a greater than or equal to 1-stage histological improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of NASH following up to 18 months of therapy. No new safety signals for OCA were observed in this population of patients with cirrhosis. REVERSE is one of Intercept's two Phase 3 studies evaluating different populations in NASH. The Company's planned NDA for its lead indication of liver fibrosis due to NASH will be supported by positive Phase 3 data from the REGENERATE study and is unaffected by the efficacy results of REVERSE. The Company is on track to resubmit its NDA in liver fibrosis due to NASH by the end of the year. In the REVERSE study of 919 randomized subjects with compensated cirrhosis due to NASH, 11.1% of subjects who were randomized to receive once-daily oral OCA 10 mg and 11.9% of subjects who were randomized to receive OCA 10 mg titrated to 25 mg after three months achieved a greater than or equal to1-stage improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of NASH after up to 18 months of treatment, compared with 9.9% of subjects who received placebo. Though the REVERSE study did not succeed on the histological evaluation of the primary endpoint, a positive impact on liver stiffness as defined by transient elastography was noted in both OCA 10 mg and OCA 10-to-25 mg arms.Safety was evaluated in 916 subjects who took at least one dose of study drug. Treatment-emergent adverse events, treatment-emergent serious adverse events and deaths were balanced across all treatment groups in REVERSE. The most common TEAE was pruritus and pruritus was the most common reason for treatment discontinuation. Serious gallbladder-related events were balanced across arms. Consistent with the known mechanism of action of FXR-agonists, the OCA 10-to-25 mg arm had a higher incidence of gallstones. Independent experts reviewed certain categories of safety events to provide a blinded adjudication as specifically requested by FDA. These included events pertaining to hepatic safety, cardiovascular safety and renal safety. There was a numerical increase in the number of adjudicated hepatic safety events for the OCA-treated arms; most were mild in severity and related to biochemical changes. There were no severe or fatal adjudicated hepatic safety events in any treatment arm. Frequency of adjudicated kidney events and adjudicated major cardiac adverse events were balanced across treatment groups. Intercept is grateful to the patients and clinicians who participated in the REVERSE trial. The Company will continue to work with REVERSE investigators to analyze the data from both the double-blind portion of the study as well as the open-label extension phase of REVERSE, and plans to share these data at an upcoming scientific forum.

07:36 EDT Oragenics issues letter to shareholders regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccine - Oragenics issued the following letter to shareholders from its president and CEO, Kim Murphy. "As COVID-19 continues to impact the world's population - albeit with far less dire consequences due to the availability of vaccines, therapeutics and better in-hospital care of those with severe disease - a sense of normalcy has returned to daily life. Nonetheless, the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its more contagious variants continue to present major global challenges and widespread death. Yet we have become much smarter in our battle against the virus, innovating more durable protection and better controlling transmission. Perhaps most importantly, we have learned that the best protection against infection with SARS-CoV-2 is achieved by targeting the site of virus transmission, the upper respiratory tract and mouth, which is the focus of Oragenics' ongoing research and development. We remain confident in our strategic direction and specifically in our plans to advance NT-CoV2-1, our lead intranasal vaccine candidate, into human clinical trials in the first half of 2023. In this letter, I'd like to provide an overview of why I see NT-CoV2-1 as an important component in overcoming this global challenge, and review the current status of our work and next steps... Oragenics' NT-CoV2-1 program leverages coronavirus spike protein research that we licensed from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a Chinese hamster ovary cell line expression system licensed from the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Our program holds potential for faster development of spike protein antigens, or immune system response stimulants, to address new SARS-CoV-2 variants as they emerge. In addition, our platform may allow for the production of cell lines within six to eight weeks after receiving spike gene sequence information, which is far faster than the six to nine months typically required for traditional production of such cell lines... The pivotal preclinical Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology study is evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of NT-CoV2-1 in rabbits, and we expect it to conclude by the end of this year. In late August we announced preliminary results that continued to demonstrate a safety profile and immune responses that we believe will support regulatory filings to progress to a Phase 1 clinical study, which is a very encouraging checkpoint as we approach the conclusion of the study. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the potential toxicity of NT-CoV2-1 following repeated intranasal administration at the maximum dose anticipated to be used in human trials, and to confirm the immunogenicity of the vaccine. The only remaining portion of the toxicology report is completion of the ongoing histopathology evaluation, after which Oragenics will package the results into a regulatory application for approval to begin clinical trials... Given Health Canada's experience with the proteasome-based mucosal adjuvant BDX301 and the growing urgency for intranasal vaccines, our optimal path forward is to submit a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) with Health Canada following the completion of the GLP toxicology study. We currently expect to make that submission by early 2023, once the full histopathology report is in hand. Oragenics is working to expedite the path to market for NT-CoV2-1 and we have optionality with a dual path in both Canada and the U.S. for the necessary Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling work. Following CTA submission and approval, Oragenics will commence clinical studies in Canada while evaluating the potential for launching parallel studies in the U.S. We currently envision the start of clinical studies in Canada in the first half of next year. Our focus remains on developing NT-CoV2-1 as a single-dose booster in the pandemic and endemic phases of the COVID-19 health crisis, and this focus is informed by the evolving market opportunity for COVID-19 vaccines. The market for booster doses is where we expect to position NT-CoV2-1 to compete, and that market will be driven by the need for updated vaccines to provide protection against future variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as by the need to vaccinate infants and children..."

07:32 EDT Westport CFO Richard Orazietti resigns, William Larkin to succeed - Westport Fuel Systems (WPRT) announced the resignation of its CFO Richard Orazietti, for personal reasons. Mr. Orazietti will continue in his capacity as CFO until November 30, 2022, following the release of Westport's third quarter 2022 results, to ensure a smooth transition and the seamless transfer of duties and responsibilities. Succeeding Richard Orazietti is William Larkin, who most recently served as CFO of Akumin (AKU). He is returning to Westport having served as CFO of Westport Fuel Systems from 2010 through 2014.

07:30 EDT American Outdoor Brands announces $10M share repurchase program - American Outdoor Brands announced that its Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to $10M of the company's outstanding common stock through September 2023. The share repurchase program is effective immediately.

07:21 EDT Navigator Holdings enters JV agreement with Greater Bay Gas Company - Navigator Holdings entered into a joint venture agreement with Greater Bay Gas Co. The joint venture, owned 60% by Navigator and 40% by Greater Bay Gas, intends to acquire, over the next fifteen months, a total of five ethylene vessels, made up of two 17,000 cbm, 2018-built and three 22,000 cbm, 2019-built ethylene vessels. The Vessels are currently commercially managed by the Luna Pool collaborative arrangement, which was formed in March 2020 by Navigator, Greater Bay Gas Co. and Pacific Gas. Subject to customary conditions, the Joint Venture intends to acquire each of the Vessels following the exercise of the respective purchase options from their existing owner by Equator Fund Limited, the parent company of Greater Bay Gas, as each of such options becomes exercisable. The aggregate purchase price the Joint Venture expects to pay to acquire the Vessels is approximately $233M. The Joint Venture intends to finance the majority of the purchase price through commercial bank finance, with the remainder sourced from capital contributions from Navigator and Greater Bay Gas. Navigator expects to finance its share of the capital contributions from available cash resources. Once acquired by the Joint Venture, each of the Vessels will continue to be commercially managed by the Luna Pool, benefiting from the experienced team formed in 2020. The technical manager of the Vessels will remain Pacific Gas.

07:15 EDT Verano launches campaign supporting Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation - Verano Holdings announced the launch of the Company's second annual campaign supporting the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Starting October 1, Verano will begin a fundraising campaign across the Company's flagship retail brands, Zen Leaf and MundefinedV dispensaries, located in Connecticut, Illinois, Florida, Maryland, Michigan and New Jersey. The campaign will continue through the end of October. As part of the dispensary-led punch card campaign, cannabis customers will have the opportunity to both enjoy their favorite medical and adult-use cannabis products and support the fundraising campaign. The Company will facilitate a donation to Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation upon each customer's punch card being completed, and customers will receive exclusive rewards with each purchase.

07:08 EDT Emerita Resources announces additional assay results from La Romanera Deposit - Emerita Resources announces additional assay results from the 2022 delineation drilling at the La Romanera Deposit at its wholly owned Iberian Belt West project. IBW hosts three previously identified massive sulphide deposits: La Infanta, La Romanera and El Cura. All deposits are open for expansion along strike and at depth. The Company also announces that it continues to accelerate drilling at IBW where it has increased the number of drill rigs from 10 to 13. According to Joaquin Merino, P.Geo., President of Emerita, "We continue to extend the mineralized envelope at La Romanera... Emerita is seeing high gold values in areas of the Upper Lens, for example, that were not sampled in the historic holes because visually they had lower base metal content. In other areas of the deposit, Emerita is intersecting two Lenses where the historical data base only has data indicating a single lens. We continue to accelerate the drill program and look forward to delivering a NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate."

07:06 EDT OTC Markets Group welcomes Superior Gold to OTCQX - OTC Markets Group announced Superior Gold, a Canadian-based gold producer, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Superior Gold Inc. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market.

07:06 EDT Ainos announces results from Veldona efficacy study - Ainos announced the results from its antiviral efficacy study in hamsters against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. The company's results showed that its low-dose oral interferon alpha formulation, Veldona had a therapeutic effect on lungs infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus by regulating the immune response, thereby expediting recovery of infected animals. The company has submitted the application documents for FDA Phase 2 clinical trials for evaluating the efficacy of Veldona in patients with mild COVID-19. Further information regarding the Study can be found on Ainos' website. The study evaluated the effectiveness of Veldona over a sixteen-day course of Omicron-variant-infected hamsters. Compared with hamsters in the placebo group receiving solution without Veldona, the hamsters in the group receiving solution with Veldona demonstrated resistance to body weight loss immediately after infection, then showed a better recovery trend in the following three days. The body weights of the hamsters in the Veldona Group remained more stable than those of the hamsters in the Placebo Group during the treatment period. For pathological indicators, on the tenth day, no hamsters in the Veldona Group showed mixed-cellular inflammation, peribronchial infiltration, and perivascular infiltration, compared to 50% of hamsters in the Placebo Group. Hamsters in the Veldona Group in general showed promising results in treating indicators of new variant virus infection.

07:05 EDT Solid Biosciences to acquire AavantiBio, terms not disclosed - Solid Biosciences and AavantiBio announced that the companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby Solid will acquire AavantiBio, including its pipeline assets and net cash. The combined company will focus on advancing a portfolio of neuromuscular and cardiac programs, led by SGT-003, a differentiated gene transfer candidate, for the treatment of Duchenne. Additional pipeline programs include AVB-202, a gene transfer candidate for the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia, AVB-401 for BAG3 mediated dilated cardiomyopathy, and additional assets for the treatment of undisclosed cardiac diseases. Following approval by Solid stockholders, the combined company will operate as Solid Biosciences, will trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "SLDB" and Bo Cumbo, the current CEO of AavantiBio, will assume the role of President and CEO of Solid Biosciences. In support of the acquisition, Solid announced it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with a select group of institutional investors and accredited investors for a $75M private placement that is expected to close concurrently with the closing of the merger. The private placement is being led by existing investors Perceptive Advisors, LLC, RA Capital Management and Bain Capital Life Sciences, and other new and existing investors participating in the private placement include CaaS Capital Management, Invus, Laurion Capital Management and Pura Vida Investments. Immediately following the closing of the merger and financing, the total cash and investments of the combined company is expected to be approximately $215M. Solid expects this will be sufficient to fund the combined company's planned operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2025 and enable the potential attainment of key milestones for the combined company's lead programs. The merger and private placement are expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions. Following the closing of the transactions, Bo Cumbo, will be the President and CEO of the combined company, which will continue to operate as Solid Biosciences. The executive leadership team of the combined company will also include Stephen DiPalma, Interim CFO, Carl Morris, Ph.D., CSO for Neuromuscular Diseases, Jenny Marlowe, Ph.D., CSEO for Friedreich's Ataxia and Cardiac Pipeline, Roxana Donisa Dreghici, M.D., Head of Clinical Development, Jessie Hanrahan, Ph.D., CRO, Paul Herzich, CTO and Ty Howton, CAO Upon the closing of the transactions, Solid will add Bo Cumbo and Adam Koppel, M.D., Ph.D., managing director at Bain Capital Life Sciences to the board of directors. Ilan Ganot will continue to serve on Solid's board of directors. Pre-combination equity holders of Solid are expected to own approximately 85% of the combined company and pre-combination equity holders of AavantiBio are expected to own approximately 15% of the combined company, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the merger agreement and in each case before giving effect to the private placement. The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each company, and by the stockholders of AavantiBio. In the private placement, Solid agreed to sell 159,574,463 shares of common stock at a price of $0.47 per share, and upon the closing of the private placement, will receive gross proceeds of $75 million. The acquisition and private placement are expected to close before the end of 2022 with the private placement closing as of immediately following the acquisition, subject to approval by the stockholders of Solid and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

07:02 EDT SciSparc completes acquisition of Wellution - SciSparc announced the closing of the definitive agreements for its acquisition of Wellution. In connection with the Acquisition, the Company has incorporated a new wholly owned Delaware subsidiary, SciSparc Nutraceuticals, to hold the new assets. The definitive agreement for the acquisition of the Brand was entered into with Merhavit M.R.M Holding and Management Ltd. At the closing, SciSparc paid a base cash payment of $4.59M and in 12 months will pay an additional deferred cash payment equal to a multiple of 3 times the amount by which the Brand's EBITDA exceeds $1.12M during the 12 month period following the closing of the Acquisition. In addition, the Company issued to M.R.M $15M worth of warrants to purchase ordinary shares of SciSparc at an exercise price of $7.00 per share and with an exercise period of five years from the closing of the Acquisition. The Warrants will become exercisable upon the achievement of a milestone of $100M of sales of the Brand in the aggregate or if the price of SciSparc's ordinary shares closes at $10.00 or above.

06:54 EDT Pharvaris names Annick Deschoolmeester as Chief Human Resources Officer - Pharvaris (PHVS) announced the promotion of Annick Deschoolmeester to Chief Human Resources Officer. Deschoolmeester will be responsible for overseeing Pharvaris' people strategy, including talent acquisition and management, employee relations, leadership development, compensation and benefits, and diversity and inclusion. Deschoolmeester joined Pharvaris in September 2021 as the Head of Human Resources. Before joining Pharvaris, she served as Global Head of Learning & Talent and as HR Business Leader, Plasma Derived Therapies, with Takeda Pharmaceuticals (TAK).

06:31 EDT Daseke announces $40M share repurchase program - Daseke announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program, under which the company is authorized to repurchase up to $40M of its outstanding common stock. The company intends to fund the repurchase program with cash on hand.

06:13 EDT X Financial increases share repurchase program to $20M - X Financial announced the Company's board of directors has authorized to upsize its share repurchase program to $20M from $15M. The share repurchase program will be effective through September 2023.

06:02 EDT Rocket Pharmaceuticals reports 'positive' updates from Phase 1 RP-A501 trial - Rocket Pharmaceuticals announces positive clinical updates from its Phase 1 Danon Disease Trial for RP-A501 through an oral poster session at the Heart Failure Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting 2022. This includes updated safety and efficacy data from patients in the pediatric and adult cohorts which demonstrate that RP-A501 was generally well tolerated and conferred clinical benefit. Pediatric efficacy data for both patients show initial improvements across clinical, functional and biomarker endpoints with six to nine months of follow-up; positive results including protein expression obtained at three and six months consistent with adult cohorts at similar timeframe. Results demonstrate sustained clinical benefit across all parameters in adult patients with up to 36 months of follow-up. All adult and pediatric patients with closely monitored immunomodulatory regimen showed improvement in New York Health Association class with follow-up of six to 36 months; patients are no longer afflicted with cardiac disease symptoms during regular activity or cardiac-related limitations in physical activity. RP-A501 was generally well tolerated with manageable safety profile across pediatric and adult cohorts. Strength of clinical data presented to date expected to support Phase 2 pivotal study; FDA feedback on pivotal study design and endpoints anticipated later this year.

05:18 EDT China Online Education to change name to 51Talk Online Education - China Online Education announced that, at its annual general meeting of shareholders held on September 30, shareholders of the company adopted the following resolutions as special resolutions proposed by the company: That the name of the company be and is hereby changed from "China Online Education Group" to "51Talk Online Education Group" effective immediately, and that any one director or officer of the company be and is hereby authorized to take any and every action that might be necessary, appropriate or desirable to give effect to the foregoing resolution as such director or officer, in his/her absolute discretion, thinks fit, including but not limited to, attendance on any filing or registration procedures for and on behalf of the company in the Cayman Islands; and that the company's fifth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association be amended and restated with immediate effect by the deletion in their entirety and by the substitution in their place of the Sixth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to reflect the change of the name of the company, and that any one director or officer of the company be and is hereby authorized to take any and every action that might be necessary, appropriate or desirable to give effect to the foregoing resolution as such director or officer, in his/her absolute discretion, thinks fit, including but not limited to, attendance on any filing or registration procedures for and on behalf of the Company in the Cayman Islands. The American depositary shares, each representing fifteen Class A ordinary shares of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share, of the company, are expected to begin trading under the new company name on or about October 3. The company's ticker remains as "COE."

05:14 EDT Arrival Group produces first production verification vehicle from Bicester - Arrival Group announced that it has produced the first production verification vehicle from its Bicester Microfactory. Arrival produced the first Van in a Microfactory using in-house technologies, including composite materials, autonomous mobile robots, in-house components and a software defined factory. The milestone is a big stepping stone towards at-scale production and delivering vehicles to its customers. The Arrival Vans produced this year in the company's first Microfactory in Bicester, UK, will be used for continued testing, validation and quality control, rather than being sold to customers. Further information will be provided on Arrival's Q3 earnings webinar taking place on November 8.

05:08 EDT Triumph Group enters exclusive framework agreement with Sanad - Triumph Group announced Sanad, wholly owned by Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment, has entered into an exclusive framework agreement with Triumph Product Support - Grand Prairie, a provider of third party engine accessory maintenance, repair and overhaul services, wholly owned by Triumph Group, to perform engine accessory MRO services on V2500 engines serviced by Sanad. This partnership emphasizes both entities' intent to develop a long-term collaboration and work together to establish the Middle East region's first engine accessory repair and overhaul center of excellence in Abu Dhabi by 2024. Upon completion, the Abu Dhabi center aims to provide MRO solutions for V2500, T700, GEnx as well as LEAP engine accessory repairs and overhauls, offering comprehensive Abu Dhabi-based MRO solutions for multiple engine types used by aerospace and aviation industry operators across the Middle East, Africa, Turkey, and India. The agreement was signed at the Global Manufacturing & Industrialization Summit America, which is currently underway in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.