Stockwinners Market Radar for December 19, 2024 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

20:02 EST Cathie Wood's ARK Investment bought 348K shares of Tempus AI today

19:00 EST Ionis Pharmaceuticals trading resumes

18:40 EST Aadi Bioscience adds Baiteng Zhao to board - Aadi Bioscence announced that Baiteng Zhao joins Aadi's board of directors. Zhao co-founded ProfoundBio, a clinical stage next-gen ADC developer, in 2018 and served as the Chairman and CEO of the company until it was acquired by Genmab in May. Prior to ProfoundBio, Zhao worked at Seagen, now part of Pfizer, for more than eight years and was responsible for the modeling and simulation strategies for the development pipeline and supported preclinical and clinical development of ADC drug candidates.

18:18 EST Avidity Biosciences CEO Boyce sells 31,855 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Avidity Biosciences president and CEO Sarah Boyce disclosed the sale of 31,855 common shares of the company on December 18 at a price of $32.66 per share.

17:43 EST Centene director buys $1.02M in common stock - In a regulatory filing, Centene disclosed that its director Thomas Greco bought 17K shares of common stock on December 18 in a total transaction size of $1.02M.

17:39 EST RTX awarded $211.97M Navy contract modification - RTX was awarded a $211.97M modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This modification adds scope to procure additional initial spares for production of F135 propulsion systems, as well as to supply depots, common global spares pool, and country unique spares in support of the Joint Strike Fighter program for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, F-35 cooperative program partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work is expected to be completed in December 2027. No funds will be obligated at the time of award, funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The contract that is being modified was not completed. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:37 EST RTX awarded $401.2M Navy contract - Raytheon was awarded a not-to exceed $401.2M firm-fixed-price undefinitized contract for the procurement of 131 full rate production Block V Tactical Tomahawk All Up Rounds missiles to include 26 for the Army, 16 for the Marine Corps, 11 for the Commonwealth of Australia, and 78 for the government of Japan. Work is expected to be completed in March 2028. FY24 missile procurement funds in the amount of $6.34M; FY24 procurement, Marine Corps funds in the amount of $3.8M and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $21.56M, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:32 EST Americas Gold and Silver closes acquisition of remaining interest in Galena - Americas Gold and Silver "announce that it has closed the acquisition of the remaining 40% interest in the Galena Complex in Idaho, USA from an affiliate of Eric Sprott. Pursuant to the Transaction, shareholders of Sprott affiliates received an aggregate of 169,999,998 common shares of the Company. In addition, Americas paid $10 million in cash and will provide monthly silver deliveries of 18,500 ounces for a period of 36 months starting in January 2026 to affiliate of Sprott."

17:27 EST Par Pacific sees FY25 CapEx $210M-$240M - Management expects 2024 capital expenditures and turnaround outlays to come in at the low end of the $220M-$250M guidance range.

17:25 EST Sendas Distribuidora voluntarily delisting ADSs from NYSE - Sendas Distribuidora's board approved the intention of the company to proceed with the voluntary delisting of its American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, each representing five common shares of the company and represented by American Depositary Receipts or ADRs, from the NYSE, including the change of the company's ADR program to Level 1, in order to enable investors to maintain ownership of their ADSs, which may be traded on over-the-counter markets after the delisting, as applicable, and deregistration with the SEC, once the company complies with the applicable deregistration requirements. The company considers that maintaining a secondary listing on the NYSE is not currently beneficial, given that trading of the company's common shares is around 87% on Brazil's Novo Mercado. The company intends to file a Form 25 with the SEC seeking to make the delisting effective by January 9, 2025. The company expects immediately following the Delisting, the ADSs will begin to trade over-the-counter.

17:09 EST Four Corners Property Trust buys MercyOne outpatient clinic property for $2.8M - Four Corners Property Trust announced the acquisition of a MercyOne outpatient clinic property for $2.8M. The property is located in a strong retail corridor in Iowa and is under a triple net lease with approximately five years of term remaining. The transaction was priced at a 7.8% cap rate on rent as of the closing date and exclusive of transaction costs.

17:03 EST AAR Corp. resolves Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigations with DOJ and SEC - AAR Corp. has reached resolutions with the Department of Justice, or DOJ, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, to resolve previously disclosed potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or the FCPA, relating to certain transactions signed in 2016 and 2017 in Nepal and South Africa. After self-reporting the potential violations to the DOJ and SEC in 2019, and cooperating with both agencies in a multi-year investigation, AAR has entered a Non-Prosecution Agreement with the DOJ, and the SEC has accepted the company's Offer of Settlement and issued a cease-and-desist order. The resolutions with both the DOJ and SEC make clear that the relevant conduct was principally carried out by a former employee of a company subsidiary and former third-party agents. The total amount payable by AAR under the NPA and SEC Order is $55,599,653, inclusive of penalties, forfeiture, and prejudgment interest, which will be reflected as a one-time charge in the company's consolidated financial statements for FY25 Q2 quarter ended November 30. The company expects to fund these payments using a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. AAR's remedial actions were acknowledged by the DOJ and the SEC as part of the resolutions.

17:01 EST Invesco Mortgage appoints MarkGregson as CFO - On December 19, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed MarkGregson as Chief Financial Officer, effective as of such date. Mr. Gregso had been serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer since October 7 Gregson has served as the Global Controller for Invesco Ltd. since 2018. In addition to his controllership responsibilities, he is responsible for Invesco's corporate public financial reporting

16:58 EST Airbnb's Gebbia sells over $28M in shares - Beneficial owner of Airbnb Joseph Gebbia disclosed the sale of 214,285 shares of company stock at $131.88 per share on December 17, for a total transaction amount of $28,260,142.

16:44 EST Eos Energy receives first loan advance from DOE for $68.3M - Eos Energy announced that it has received the first loan advance from the Department of Energy's, or DOE, Loan Programs Office in the amount of $68.3M. The loan advance, which covers 80% of eligible costs incurred to date on the Mon Valley Works expansion project, represents the maximum allowable amount under the program at this time. The loan advance covers both capital expenditures and project associated operating expenses incurred as part of the company's production expansion plans related to Project AMAZE in the Mon Valley Works. These funds support Eos' ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capacity and further its strategic growth objectives. This announcement comes on the heels of 616 MWh in new customer orders and an announced partnership with FlexGen to address a preliminary 50 GWh market opportunity.

16:36 EST Lantheus announces Chief Medical Officer Jeff Humphrey MD to depart - In a regulatory filing, Lantheus dislcosed that Jeff Humphrey, MD, is no longer Chief Medical Officer at Lantheus Holdings. His last day of employment with the company will be January 3, 2025. Dr. Humphrey's departure is not due to a disagreement with the company or its Board or management on any matter relating to the company's operations, clinical programs, policies or practices. A search is underway for his replacement. Brian Markison, CEO, and Paul Blanchfield, President, have assumed interim leadership of research and development.

16:32 EST Prestige Wealth regains compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements - Prestige Wealth "announced that, on December 18, 2024, it received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC informing the Company that it has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. On July 23, 2024, PWM a notice from Nasdaq notified the Company that the minimum bid price per share of its Class A ordinary shares was below $1.00 for a period of 33 consecutive business days and that the Company did not meet the Rule. To regain compliance with the Rule, the Company was required to maintain a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 or more for at least 10 consecutive business days."

16:31 EST Victory Capital announces new $200M share repurchase program - Victory Capital Holdings announced that its board of directors has approved a new common stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $200M of its Common Stock through December 31, 2026. "This new repurchase program is the largest in our history and allows us to remain flexible and opportunistic with our capital," said David Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "As a growth company, our capital allocation strategy directly supports our strategy for increasing earnings and cash flow. In addition, with increasing cash flow, we can also reward shareholders by returning capital via share repurchases and dividends." The company's prior $100M stock repurchase authorization, approved in the fourth quarter of 2023, has been completed.

16:28 EST Ionis Pharmaceuticals trading halted, news pending

16:23 EST RBB Bancorp CEO David Morris to resign, Johnny Lee to succeed - RBB Bancorp announced that effective January 1, 2025, Johnny Lee, currently president and chief banking officer of Royal Business Bank, will be appointed as president of the company, president and CEO of the bank and a director of the company and bank. In addition, effective as of May 22, Lee will be appointed as CEO of the company. Effective January 1, 2025, David Morris, will resign from his position as CEO of the bank and president of the company. Morris will continue serving as the company's CEO until he retires effective as of May 21, 2025. Morris will remain on the boards of directors of the company and the bank.

16:21 EST Nasdaq to file Form 25-NSE with SEC to delist Molecular Templates - Molecular Templates was notified on December 16 by the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market of the Staff's determination pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5101 that the Company is a "public shell," and that, in the view of the Staff, the continued listing of the Company's securities was no longer warranted. Further, Nasdaq indicated that the Company's non-compliance with (i) Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) as a result of the Company's failure to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30 and (ii) Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) as a result of its failure to maintain a $1.00 bid price for the required period, each serving as an additional and separate basis for delisting. Trading of the Company's common stock will be suspended at the opening of business on December 26 and Nasdaq will file a Form 25-NSE with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to formally delist the Company's securities from listing and registration, unless the Company timely requests a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel to appeal Nasdaq's determination and address the deficiencies. The Company does not plan to request a hearing regarding these deficiencies and expects that trading in the Company's common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market will be suspended upon the opening of business on December 26 .

16:18 EST Presidio Property Trust announces $6M share repurchase program - Presidio Property Trust announced that its board of directors has approved a share repurchase plan authorizing the company to repurchase up to $6M of its outstanding shares of Series A common stock and up to $4M of its outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock.

16:17 EST Sight Sciences does BIA of TearCare to treat MGD-associated DED in US - Sight Sciences announced the results of a Budget Impact Analysis BIA of the TearCare System or TearCare, for the treatment of MGD-associated dry eye disease or DED in the United States. A BIA estimates the fiscal impact of adopting a new technology or treatment within a specific provider environment or patient population - in this case, identifying the health savings associated with increased adoption of TearCare as compared to prescription dry eye medications for patients with DED. "In addition to the strong clinical efficacy of TearCare shown in the SAHARA and OLYMPIA randomized controlled trials, this budget impact analysis reported that increased adoption of TearCare treatments for patients with MGD-associated DED was estimated to result in meaningful cost savings. We believe the combination of the strong clinical data from the SAHARA RCT and the findings of this budget impact analysis create a compelling case for payors to cover treatments performed with TearCare at an appropriate reimbursement level," said Paul Badawi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sight Sciences. "Pioneering market access to interventional dry eye treatments with TearCare on behalf of patients and the eye care providers who care for them is a core component of our strategy and this milestone represents progress towards delivering this innovative technology to a portion of the 17.9 million patients diagnosed with dry eye disease in the U.S."

16:17 EST Pyxis Oncology to prioritize PYX-201, suspends investment in PYX-106 - Pyxis Oncology announced a portfolio prioritization, focusing resources on advancing its lead clinical program, PYX-201, a first-in-concept antibody-drug conjugate with a microtubule inhibitor payload that uniquely targets Extradomain-B Fibronectin, or EDB+FN, a non-cellular structural component within the tumor extracellular matrix. In November, Pyxis Oncology reported preliminary data from the ongoing Phase 1 dose-escalation study of PYX-201, evaluating its safety and efficacy in multiple solid tumor types. Among patients with HNSCC, PYX-201 achieved a confirmed 50% objective response rate based on RECIST 1.1 criteria, including one complete response and a disease control rate of 100% in six heavily pretreated HPV-positive and HPV-negative evaluable patients with a median of four prior lines of therapy. Across six solid tumor types of interest at therapeutically active dose levels, including HNSCC, ovarian, non-small cell lung cancer, HR+/HER2- breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and sarcoma, PYX-201 achieved a 26% ORR in the Phase 1 trial, with dose-dependent responses observed including patients who had previously progressed on taxanes. The data supports further development in both monotherapy and combination therapy expansion trials, including a frontline HNSCC study in combination with pembrolizumab, with patient dosing in both the monotherapy and combination therapy trials expected to begin in early 2025. The portfolio prioritization further supports a robust development plan for PYX-201 in several dose expansion studies, including monotherapy in 2/3L HNSCC, in combination with pembrolizumab in 1/2L+ HNSCC, as well as pembrolizumab combination studies in other solid tumors including HR+/HER2- and triple-negative breast cancer. Preliminary data from these cohorts is expected across both the second half of 2025 and the first half of 2026. Pyxis Oncology's second clinical program, PYX-106 - a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting Siglec-15 - is being deprioritized to allocate resources toward advancing the lead asset, PYX-201. As a result, Pyxis Oncology has decided to suspend further clinical investment in PYX-106, which was in-licensed from Biosion Inc., with Biosion retaining rights for Greater China. To date, the Phase 1 monotherapy trial of PYX-106 enrolled 45 patients with advanced solid tumors. PYX-106 was observed as generally safe and well-tolerated across all tested doses, ranging from 0.5 mg/kg to 22.5 mg/kg. At this time, a maximum tolerated dose has not been established. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results demonstrated dose-proportional pharmacokinetics, a half-life of 9 to 11 days, no detection of antidrug antibodies in a variety of heavily pretreated solid tumors across tested dose levels. The Company's current cash position is expected to fund its planned monotherapy and combination therapy trials of PYX-201 into the second half of 2026.

16:16 EST Veralto increases quarterly dividend 22% to 11c per share - Veralto has approved a 22% increase to its quarterly cash dividend, and accordingly approved a quarterly cash dividend of 11c per share of its common stock, payable on January 31, 2025 to holders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2024.

16:13 EST Amcon Distributing announces 28c per share special dividend - This cash dividend is payable on January 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as of December 30, 2024.

16:11 EST Expedia names Scott Schenkel as new CFO - Expedia "announced that Scott Schenkel has been appointed as Expedia Group's Chief Financial Officer, effective the day after Expedia Group files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (which is expected to be on or about February 7, 2025). As previously announced, Julie Whalen will remain in the CFO role through February to ensure a smooth transition. As CFO, Mr. Schenkel will be responsible for leading Expedia Group's global finance organization and will be based in Seattle, reporting directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Ariane Gorin. Mr. Schenkel most recently served as the Interim CEO of eBay Inc. from September 2019 through April 2020 and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2015 to 2019."

16:08 EST Kirkland's extends voting deadline for shareholder meeting - Kirkland's decided to extend the voting deadline for its upcoming special meeting of shareholders originally scheduled for December 23, 2024. The special meeting will be convened as scheduled and adjourned to a later date in order to allow for additional time to satisfy applicable quorum requirements. Based on the preliminary reports from the votes submitted as of December 19, 2024, approximately 94.3% of votes at the Special Meeting were voted "For" the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Kirkland's common stock to Beyond in connection with the strategic partnership between the companies. However, at this time, the company has received proxies representing approximately 37.2% of total shares outstanding as of the record date, less than the majority needed under applicable law and the company's bylaws. The record date for the meeting will continue to be November 5, 2024, and there is no need for shareholders to revote shares if votes have already been cast.

16:07 EST FedEx to fully separate Freight into public company, shares jump - FedEx announced that its board has concluded an assessment of the role of FedEx Freight as part of its portfolio and has decided to pursue a full separation of FedEx Freight through the capital markets, creating a new publicly traded company. The separation is expected to be achieved in a tax-efficient manner for FedEx stockholders and executed within the next 18 months. The company said, "As two industry-leading public companies, FedEx and FedEx Freight will continue to pursue their growth strategies. The separation will allow for more customized operational execution along with more tailored investment and capital allocation strategies to serve the unique and evolving needs of both the global parcel and LTL markets. They will also maintain the strategic advantages of cooperation on key commercial, operational, and technology initiatives. Customers of both businesses will continue to enjoy the same superior service, speed, and coverage they have come to expect from FedEx." FedEx expects to commence the separation process immediately. FedEx shares are up 12%, or $33.63, to $309.51 following the announcement.

16:06 EST OraSure acquires Sherlock Biosciences, terms undisclosed - OraSure announced the acquisition of Sherlock Biosciences. This acquisition expands OraSure's pipeline with the addition of Sherlock's molecular diagnostics platform. Subject to regulatory approvals, revenue from Sherlock's CT/NG test is expected to contribute to OTI's growth beginning in 2026.

16:05 EST Seacoast Banking announces $100M share repurchase pact - Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida announced that on December 18 its Board of Directors renewed the Company's share repurchase program, which was set to expire on December 31. Under the renewed repurchase program, which will expire on December 31, the Company may repurchase, from time to time, up to $100M of its shares of common stock, representing approximately 4% of the Company's outstanding common stock. The repurchase program permits shares to be repurchased in the open market, by block purchase, in privately negotiated transactions, in one or more transactions from time to time, or pursuant to any trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Open market purchases will be conducted in accordance with the limitations set forth in Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act and other applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

16:04 EST FedEx sees repurchasing additional $500M of common stock during FY25 - FedEx completed $1 billion in share repurchases via open market and accelerated share repurchase transactions during the quarter. Approximately 3.7 million shares were delivered from the transactions, with the decrease in outstanding shares benefiting second quarter results by $0.07 per diluted share. The company expects to repurchase an additional $500 million of common stock during fiscal 2025, for a buyback total of $2.5 billion. As of November 30, 2024, $3.1 billion remained available for repurchases under the company's 2024 stock repurchase authorization. Cash on-hand as of November 30, 2024, was $5.0 billion.

16:03 EST FedEx to separate FedEx Freight - The company states: "FedEx announced that its Board of Directors has concluded a comprehensive assessment of the role of FedEx Freight as part of its portfolio and has decided to pursue a full separation of FedEx Freight through the capital markets, creating a new publicly traded company. The separation is expected to be achieved in a tax-efficient manner for FedEx stockholders and executed within the next 18 months. As two industry-leading public companies, FedEx and FedEx Freight will continue to pursue their growth strategies. The separation will allow for more customized operational execution along with more tailored investment and capital allocation strategies to serve the unique and evolving needs of both the global parcel and LTL markets. They will also maintain the strategic advantages of cooperation on key commercial, operational, and technology initiatives. Customers of both businesses will continue to enjoy the same superior service, speed, and coverage they have come to expect from FedEx. With revenue of $9.4 billion in fiscal 2024, FedEx Freight is the largest LTL carrier with the broadest network and fastest transit times in its industry. The company has deep and long-standing relationships with customers who value choice, simplicity, and reliability. With a focus on safety, facility utilization, revenue quality, and operational efficiency, FedEx Freight has maintained its leading market share position while increasing operating profit by nearly 25 percent on average per year over the last five years. The business has delivered approximately 1,100 basis points of operating margin expansion over the same period. FedEx Freight is expected to benefit from a strong balance sheet that will allow it to maintain and extend its leadership position in the LTL market. The Company's intent is to execute the planned separation through a capital markets transaction, creating two independent publicly listed, industry-leading companies. The transaction is expected to qualify as a tax-free separation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company expects to commence the separation process immediately, with the intent to execute the transaction within 18 months, subject to regulatory and certain other conditions, and final approval of the FedEx Board of Directors."

15:37 EST Marriott Vacations extends share repurchase program to December 31, 2025 - In a regulatory filing, Marriott Vacations disclosed that the board of directors authorized the company to extend the term of the company's existing program to purchase shares of its common stock to December 31, 2025.

14:57 EST Vanda Pharmaceuticals treatment of polycythemia vera granted orphan status - Vanda Pharmaceuticals' treatment of polycythemia vera was granted FDA orphan designation, according to a post to the agency's website. Reference Link

14:21 EST ZenaTech Inc trading resumes

14:14 EST Kinder Morgan's TGP to proceed with Mississippi Crossing Project - Tennessee Gas Pipeline, a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan, announced its decision to proceed with its Mississippi Crossing Project after securing long-term, binding transportation agreements with customers for all the capacity. "The approximately $1.4 billion MSX Project is designed to transport up to 1.5 Bcf/d of natural gas and primarily involves the construction of nearly 206 miles of 42-inch and 36-inch pipeline and two new compressor stations. The project will originate near Greenville, Mississippi, and conclude near Butler, Alabama, with connections to the existing TGP system and third-party pipelines to provide critical supply access sourced from multiple supply basins. Pending the receipt of all required permits and clearances, the project is expected to be placed in service November 2028," the company stated. "The fundamentals in the natural gas market are robust, with significant growth expected over the next five years from LNG exports, exports to Mexico and power generation. With today's announcement, KMI has sanctioned approximately $3.1 billion in expansion capital between the SNG South System 4 Expansion and TGP's Mississippi Crossing Project. We expect to announce additional projects in the coming months," said KMI CEO Kim Dang.

13:16 EST Mars Acquisition Corp trading resumes

13:06 EST Mars Acquisition Corp trading halted, volatility trading pause

12:53 EST Manitowoc agrees to settle U.S. EPA matter for $42.6M - The Manitowoc Company reported that it agreed to the terms of a Consent Decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice regarding alleged violations of the Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers, a program under the U.S. Clean Air Act. Per the terms of the agreement, Manitowoc will pay a civil penalty of $42.6M and complete an emissions mitigation project upgrading a short-line locomotive engine in Maryland. Completion of the terms in the Consent Decree settles this matter and releases the company from civil claims under the Clean Air Act related to the company's participation in the TPEM program. This agreement concludes a matter announced in a press release dated January 17, 2022, in which Manitowoc announced that an internal investigation indicated the company may not have met all requirements of the TPEM program for a portion of engines mounted on Manitowoc mobile cranes sold in the U.S. between 2014 and 2017. Manitowoc has booked a financial reserve for the settlement of this matter.

12:09 EST Agco sees 2025 market share gains 'more than offset' by soft demand, destocking - In terms of its 2025 outlook, Agco stated: "Agco's net sales for 2025 are expected to be approximately $9.6B as market share gains are more than offset by softening demand and ongoing dealer inventory destocking. Adjusted operating margin is projected to range between 7.0%-7.5%3, reflecting the impact of lower sales and lower production volumes. Based on these assumptions, 2025 adjusted earnings per share are targeted at approximately $4.00-$4.50."

12:00 EST D-Wave Quantum falls -19.0% - D-Wave Quantum is down -19.0%, or -$1.70 to $7.26.

12:00 EST Cango falls -23.9% - Cango is down -23.9%, or -$1.91 to $6.09.

12:00 EST Sable Offshore rises 22.2% - Sable Offshore is up 22.2%, or $4.36 to $24.00.

11:57 EST European Commission investigates Formula One acquisition of Dorna - The European Commission said it has opened an "in-depth" investigation to assess, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Dorna Sports by Liberty Media. "The Commission has preliminary concerns that the transaction could lead to higher prices for the licensing of broadcasting rights for motorsports events hosted by both parties," the agency said in a statement. The Commission's "preliminary investigation indicates that the transaction may reduce competition between Liberty Media and Dorna Sports in the licensing of broadcasting rights for motorsports content." In particular, the transaction may remove important competitive constraints on Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, it adds. Reference Link

11:51 EST Cansortium completes acquisition of RIV Capital - Cansortium (CNTMF) and RIV Capital (CNPOF) announced the completion of the previously announced arrangement with RIV Capital whereby FLUENT acquired all of the issued and outstanding Class A common shares of RIV Capital in exchange for FLUENT Shares pursuant to the terms of an arrangement agreement dated May 30, 2024. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, RIV Capital shareholders received 1.245 of a common share of FLUENT in exchange for each RIV Capital Share held. As a result, shareholders of FLUENT hold approximately 51.25% of the combined business of FLUENT and RIV Capital and the RIV Capital Shareholders and The Hawthorne Collective, together, hold approximately 48.75% of the Combined Company, each on a fully diluted basis. The Combined Company will continue to operate under the FLUENT name and the FLUENT Shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "TIUM.U" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "CNTMF". Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Robert Beasley has been named CEO of the Combined Company. The RIV Shares are expected to be delisted from the CSE at market close on December 19, 2024. The Company will cause RIV Capital to apply to the relevant Canadian securities regulatory authorities to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws.

11:32 EST Big Lots no longer anticipates closing previously announced sale to Nexus - Big Lots announced that it does not anticipate completing its previously announced asset purchase agreement with Nexus Capital Management, though it continues to work toward completing an alternative going concern transaction with Nexus or another party. The company's goal would be to complete a sale by early January, it stated. "In parallel with these efforts, the company is preparing to commence going out of business sales at all remaining Big Lots store locations in the coming days to protect the value of its estate. The company believes that the GOB sales will not preclude it from effectuating a going concern transaction," the company added. Bruce Thorn, Big Lots' President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale. While we remain hopeful that we can close an alternative going concern transaction, in order to protect the value of the Big Lots estate, we have made the difficult decision to begin the GOB process."

11:21 EST Agco targets 14%-15% mid-cycle adjusted operating margin - Targets annual performance 4%-5% above industry volume growth. Long-term targets to 2029 shared during analyst meeting.

11:03 EST Dave & Buster's says Steve Klohn to join company as chief information officer - Dave & Buster's Entertainment announced that it welcomes back Steve Klohn as Chief Information Officer, who will rejoin the company after recent changes. Steve left the company earlier this year after spending a combined 8 years with Main Event and Dave & Buster's.

10:56 EST Jupiter Neurosciences Inc trading resumes

10:46 EST Jupiter Neurosciences Inc trading halted, volatility trading pause

10:38 EST Linkers Industries Ltd trading resumes

10:19 EST Hims & Hers falls after FDA ends shortage of Lilly weight loss drug - The Food and Drug Administration re-evaluated its determination from October 2 on the status of the tirzepatide shortage. Eli Lilly's (LLY) weight loss drug Zepbound is the branded name for tirzepatide. The FDA issued a new decision determining the tirzepatide injection shortage is resolved. FDA's determination is based on its analysis of all the information before the agency. Shares of Hims & Hers (HIM) are down 7%, or $2.05, to $26.46 following the news. Hims & Hers sells a compounded version of the weight loss drug.

10:17 EST Alpha Modus files patent infringement lawsuit against Wakefern Food, Shelf Nine - Alpha Modus Holdings nnounced its subsidiary, Alpha Modus, Corp., has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Wakefern Food Corporation, which has 48 member companies that own and operate 365 supermarkets, under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market brands in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, and Shelf Nine, which purports to be a leader in retail media networks, providing brands and retailers specifically targeted digital media advertising and other customer communications content delivered at the point of purchase. The lawsuit was filed alleging infringement of several Alpha Modus patents pertaining to the Company's '571 patent portfolio, '825 patent portfolio, '672 patent portfolio, '890 patent portfolio and '880 patent portfolio, which encompass retail marketing and advertising data-driven technologies to enhance consumers' in-store experience at the point of decision. The Company's portfolio of patents includes the capability to analyze consumer behavior and product interaction in real-time, allowing businesses to dynamically adjust their marketing strategies to meet the immediate needs of consumers at pivotal purchasing decision moments. The complaint was filed on December 17, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

10:05 EST Smith & Nephew introduces CORIOGRAPH Pre-Op Planning, Modeling Services - Smith+Nephew announces its CORIOGRAPH Pre-Op Planning and Modeling Services is now cleared for total hip arthroplasty by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Exclusively for users of the CORI Surgical System, this innovative planning software allows for use of either X-rays or CT scans for planning and modeling, enabling surgeons to make a patient-specific plan for the best possible outcome. The first procedures using CORIOGRAPH Pre-Op Planning and Modeling Services for Hip with RI.HIP solutions were recently completed by Dr. George Haidukewych, Surgeon in Chief and Academic Chairman at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, FL.

10:00 EST D-Wave Quantum falls -12.2% - D-Wave Quantum is down -12.2%, or -$1.09 to $7.87.

10:00 EST Lamb Weston falls -17.0% - Lamb Weston is down -17.0%, or -$13.32 to $64.90.

10:00 EST Sable Offshore rises 19.1% - Sable Offshore is up 19.1%, or $3.76 to $23.40.

09:58 EST Sable Offshore jumps after California OSFM approves implementation plan - Shares of Sable Offshore are sharply higher after the company disclosed in a regulatory filing earlier that on December 17, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal approved Sable Offshore's implementation of enhanced pipeline integrity standards for the intrastate pipeline segments, Lines CA-324 and CA-325A/B. "In recognition of these robust measures, OSFM granted state waivers of certain regulatory requirements related to cathodic protection and seam weld corrosion for the Pipeline. The state waivers represent a significant milestone achievement in satisfying the requirements of the federal court ordered consent decree, which includes the granting of these waivers by the OSFM as a condition for restarting the Pipeline. Sable expects to begin hydrotesting the Pipeline in January 2025 in advance of a potential restart of production from the Santa Ynez Unit offshore platforms and the associated Las Flores Canyon processing facilities in the first quarter of 2025," the company stated. In morning trading, shares of Sable are up $4.08, or 21%, to $23.72. Reference Link

09:50 EST Sable Offshore rises 22.1% - Sable Offshore is up 22.1%, or $4.34 to $23.98.

09:49 EST Hims & Hers falls -12.0% - Hims & Hers is down -12.0%, or -$3.42 to $25.13.

09:47 EST Worthington Steel falls -19.9% - Worthington Steel is down -19.9%, or -$7.56 to $30.36.

09:39 EST Immix Biopharma announces data from four patients in NEXICART-2 U.S. trial - Immix Biopharma announced initial clinical data from the first four patients in the ongoing NEXICART-2U.S. study of sterically-optimized BCMA-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, NXC-201, in relapsed/refractory AL Amyloidosis. Immix plans to host a conference call to review the results on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM ET. NEXICART-2 is a Phase 1b/2, multi-site U.S. open label dose escalation and dose expansion trial enrolling relapsed/refractory AL Amyloidosis patients with preserved heart function, who have progressed on Dara-CyBorD. NEXICART-2 builds on prior ex-U.S. study NEXICART-1. NEXICART-2 has completed the first dosing cohort and is currently dosing patients at the expansion cohort dose level. NEXICART-2 is the only ongoing clinical trial of a CAR-T in the United States for AL Amyloidosis. NEXICART-2 opened for enrollment June 2024 and this is the first clinical data being reported from the study. The results include follow-up and clinical data from four patients, and includes NX2-003 patient data through month three. Median follow-up is 85 days as of the data cut-off date of November 14, 2024. Patient Characteristics: All patients were relapsed or refractory to an anti-CD38 antibody and experienced a median of 4 prior lines of therapy that failed to stop worsening of disease prior to receiving NXC-201. Two patients had received prior autologous stem cell transplant. Disease Markers at enrollment At enrollment, median difference in free light chain was 65 mg/L; and Patient NX2-003 M-spike was 0.79 g/dL Patients were cardiac Mayo stage I/II with median NT-proBNP 389 pg/mL. Three patients had New York Heart Association class I heart failure while one had class II One patient had kidney involvement with 3.0gm albuminuria in 24 hours Clinical Results Three patients received 150 million and 1 received 450 million CAR+T cells Median follow-up was 85 days as of the data cut-off date of November 14, 2024 Disease Markers after NXC-201 treatment All four patients treated with NXC-201 normalized their disease markers within 30 days of dosing, of which, two are already classified as complete responders, and the remaining two are bone marrow MRD negative; all patients remain in response as of the data cutoff of Nov 14, 2024 Bone marrow MRD negativity predicts future CR; company believes remaining two patients could be confirmed as CR in the coming weeks and months Patients NX2-001, NX2-002, and NX2-004 all had reduction of dFLC to less than1 mg/dL, all three with minimum residual disease bone marrow negativity in bone marrow by flow cytometry. Normalization of FLC occurred a median of 7 days following NXC-201 infusion. Patient NX2-003, enrolled based on elevated M-spike, had resolution of the M-spike 15 days following NXC-201. Improvement in NYHA class from class II to class I occurred in 1 patient 14 days following NXC-201 treatment. Tolerability: No patient developed immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. No cytokine-release syndrome was observed in two patients. Grade 1, and grade 2 CRS was observed; both onset day 3 and lasting less than 24 hours following one dose of tocilizumab. Hematologic adverse events included neutropenia in all four patients. There was no febrile neutropenia, treatment-related infections, cardiac toxicity, and no deaths. Next Steps Immix plans to continue enrolling patients in its potentially pivotal NEXICART-2 U.S. clinical trial for relapsed/refractory AL Amyloidosis. Company to provide next program update in H1 2025. Interim clinical data readout is expected Q2/Q3 2025. Final topline clinical data readout is expected Q2/Q3 2026.

09:36 EST Nukkleus Inc trading resumes

09:29 EST BW LPG CEO Kristian Sorensen purchases 1,000 shares at NOK 115 - Kristian Sorensen, CEO has purchased 1,000 shares in BW LPG on at a price of NOK 115 per share. Following this transaction, Sorensen holds 6,000 shares in BW LPG.

09:27 EST Mullen Automotive submits updated plan to DOE for grant funding opportunity - Mullen Automotive has submitted an updated plan in response to the U.S. Department of Energy's Funding Opportunity for Battery Materials. Established on Nov. 13, 2023, via the current administration, the program announces up to $3.5B from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to boost domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials nationwide. The program is designed to provide grants for battery materials processing to ensure that the United States has a viable battery materials processing industry. On Dec. 17, 2024, Mullen Automotive submitted a modified plan to the DOE that incorporates its facilities in Mishawaka, Indiana, and Fullerton, California, for U.S.-based battery and pack production. Mullen is in position to transition to manufacturing and assembly of high-voltage and low-voltage battery systems in the United States. Mullen has made substantial investments and strategic decisions that underscore the Company's commitment to advancing U.S. manufacturing. Mullen has invested $12M to date to further battery and pack development and manufacturing, and will invest an additional $43M in support of U.S. production. In total, Mullen is seeking $55M in matching DOE funds to support the U.S. manufacturing capabilities and to expand production in response to global demand. Mullen investments include strategic acquisitions, including assets from Romeo Power and Nikola for battery pack production, and key infrastructure investments designed to increase speed to market. Mullen's first production units are planned for delivery in late mid-2025 with two additional production lines scheduled to launch in each of the next two years. A key update in Mullen's battery business strategy involves the relocation of high-volume production to Mishawaka, where the Company will build out the primary battery manufacturing lines. The Fullerton facility will be dedicated to research and development as well as low-volume, solid-state prototype production. Additionally, Mullen is considering adding a low-voltage line capable of producing 24-volt and 48-volt battery modules. Mullen is dedicating the Mishawaka facility as the base for multiple battery production lines. This location, which is the former GM Hummer and AM General manufacturing facility, will be revitalized to accommodate a capacity of 108,000 battery systems or 1 gigawatt-hour per year.

09:22 EST MicroVision increases production capacity for MOVIA L sensor - MicroVision has increased production capacity for its MOVIA L sensor to meet anticipated demand from the industrial sector. Building on the relationship with its existing automotive Tier 1 manufacturing partner, MicroVision expects output of MOVIA L sensors for 2025 to significantly increase compared to 2024. The continued acceleration of production capacity throughout 2025 will result in a reduced average cost per sensor.

09:20 EST Norway's DSB awards 5-yr deal to Motorola Solutions valued at $160M - Motorola Solutions has been awarded a five-year contract by the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection DSB , starting at the beginning of 2027, to continue to manage Norway's nationwide critical communications network, Nodnett, which is relied upon by over 60,000 first responders every day. The new contract is valued at 1,78B NOK approximately $160M and will run through 2031 with an option for a two-year extension. Nodnett is a critical tool for emergency services and other preparedness organizations," said Director General Elisabeth Aarsther at DSB. Motorola Solutions has supported Nodnett since 2012 and will continue to deliver operational, lifecycle management and technology upgrade services under the new agreement, providing highly reliable and secure digital radio communications for Norway's emergency services users, including police, fire and medical services. Nodnett is designed to cover 100% of the population, including the country's mountainous terrain and hundreds of tunnels, and to interoperate with the TETRA networks in neighboring Sweden and Finland for vital cross-border collaboration between public safety organizations.

09:16 EST TD Synnex names Kristie Grinnell CIO, effective January 20 - TD Synnex announced the appointment of Kristie Grinnell as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective January 20. She succeeds Bonnie Smith, who will be retiring from her role as TD SYNNEX CIO and will stay with the company until February 1 to ensure a smooth transition. "Kristie brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of transformational leadership that will strengthen how we harness the power of data and digital to deliver personalized, targeted customer engagement and operational excellence," said Patrick Zammit, CEO, TD SYNNEX. "We thank Bonnie for her four years of service to TD SYNNEX and for serving as an important partner as Kristie comes onboard." Grinnell joins TD SYNNEX from DXC Technology, a global consulting, engineering, and technology company, where she served as Chief Information Officer. At DXC, she led an IT organization of over 1,500 employees, driving significant advancements in technology and business integration. Prior to DXC, Grinnell held the position of Global CIO, and Chief Supply Chain Officer at General Dynamics Information Technology, where she was responsible for IT, cybersecurity, supply chain services, and technology shared services.

09:13 EST MIRA Pharmaceuticals submits IND to FDA for Ketamir-2 - MIRA Pharmaceuticals, has submitted an Investigational New Drug application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Ketamir-2, its novel oral ketamine analog for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The IND submission marks a major step in advancing Mira's lead drug candidate while reflecting its commitment to meeting milestones and timelines. The IND application includes comprehensive data and reports detailing Ketamir-2's pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology, along with results from both in vitro and in vivo studies, including validated neuropathic pain disease models. In parallel with the submission, the company is preparing to conduct a complementary neurotoxicity study, as required by the FDA's written feedback to the pre-IND documentation. With the IND submitted, MIRA expects to initiate Phase I Clinical Trials in Q1 2025 to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in healthy volunteers. Phase IIa trials are expected to follow in late 2025 to assess efficacy in neuropathic pain patients. Beyond neuropathic pain, the company is exploring additional indications for Ketamir-2, including MDD, MDD-SI, TRD and PTSD.

09:10 EST HF Foods Group appoints Felix Lin as CEO - HF Foods Group Board of Directors has appointed Felix Lin as permanent CEO, effective January 1, 2025. Mr. Lin had previously served as President and COO and was appointed to the additional role of Interim CEO in October 2024. In accepting his new role, Mr. Lin will relinquish his position as HF Foods' COO. His responsibilities will be distributed among the Company's experienced senior management team, ensuring continued operational excellence as Mr. Lin assumes his new role as CEO. Mr. Lin will also be nominated to join HF Foods' Board of Directors during its next election cycle in June 2025.

09:09 EST OptimumBank Holdings transfers listing to NYSE American - OptimumBank Holdings is transferring the listing of its common stock to the NYSE American from The Nasdaq Stock Market. OptimumBank's common stock is expected to begin trading on the NYSE American on December 31, 2024, under the ticker symbol of "OPHC." The Company expects its common stock to continue to trade on Nasdaq until the close of the market on December 30, 2024.

09:08 EST Notified, Torstar partner to help Canadian business expand visibility - Notified announced an exclusive partnership with Torstar Corporation that enables businesses to expand their audience reach in Canada. Beginning in January 2025, Notified clients that select the Canada National distribution circuit on GlobeNewswire will automatically have their news shared to a dedicated press release page on the Toronto Star and Metroland regional websites. As Canada's largest daily newspaper and a leading multi-platform news organization, the Star reaches 7.7 million people. Combined with Metroland's daily and community news sites, the Torstar network connects with an impressive 10.8 million readers and holds significant influence in Ontario, the country's economic powerhouse. This partnership gives GlobeNewswire customers access to the outlet's expansive audience along with readers across its network.

09:07 EST Personalis receives $50M investment from Merck, extends pact with Moderna - Personalis (PSNL) announced agreements with long time collaborators Merck (MRK) and Moderna (MRNA) that accelerate the advancement of the company's business strategy. The company has received an investment from Merck and separately has signed a multi-year extension with Moderna to utilize Personalis' ImmunoID NeXT Platform and technology for V940/mRNA-4157, an investigational individualized neoantigen therapy, being jointly developed by Merck and Moderna. Merck has agreed to purchase $50M of Personalis common stock in a private placement at a price of $3.56 per share, which was the last reported closing price of Personalis' common stock as reported on Nasdaq on December 18. Following the closing, Merck will own approximately 14M shares of Personalis common stock, representing an approximately 16.5% beneficial ownership interest in Personalis.

09:05 EST LPL Financial announces updates to firm's financial technology - LPL Financial announced updates to the firm's financial technology, investment solutions and platform infrastructure. This sustained focus demonstrates LPL's commitment to helping advisors leverage existing and new technologies to maximize their time, deliver bespoke client experiences, and provide more sophisticated and personalized financial advice. In 2024, LPL invested approximately $500 million in technology innovation and infrastructure enhancements. This investment fueled over 250 new product enhancements directly impacting advisor, institution and end-client experiences this year. Technology enhancements and updates throughout the fourth quarter include: Modernized Move Money Check Disbursement Process: A new guided user interface and intuitive in-transaction submission capabilities enable faster movement of money, simplifying the process for investors. Redesigned Account View Mobile App Overview Page: A simplified user experience and improved navigation enrich the user experience in Account View, LPL's end-investor-facing interface. Enhanced Client Reporting in Account View: Streamlines the process for advisors to schedule and send reports to investors directly from Account View. New ClientWorks Model Screener: LPL's advisor platform, ClientWorks, was updated to enable more advanced search and comparison modeling of portfolios in LPL's Model Wealth Portfolios, Manager Select and Optimum Market Portfolios platforms. Updated Capabilities in ClientWorks Rebalancer: Following the national rollout of LPL's enhanced trading rebalancing platform earlier this year, the firm added features in Q4, including the ability to view session history and a new streamlined dashboard.

09:03 EST Inspirato CEO Payam Zamani increases ownership - Inspirato announced increased ownership by Chairman and CEO Payam Zamani. The investment was made both directly by Zamani, as well as his fully owned investment firm One Planet Group, further demonstrating his strong commitment to Inspirato, the future of the Company, and its position within the luxury club and vacation market. Zamani's recent increased investment consisted of the following transactions, equating to a total of approximately one million shares: Exercised investment option to acquire an additional $2.5 million shares. Converted $600,000 cash owed to One Planet Group into additional shares at market price. Invested approximately $350,000 to acquire 100,000 shares through open market purchases. Including warrants, Zamani and One Planet Group now own approximately 8.2 million shares equating to approximately 50% of Inspirato's fully diluted shares outstanding.

09:01 EST Northwest Bancshares lowers prime lending rate to 7.50% from 7.75% - Northwest Bank has lowered their prime lending rate to 7.50% from 7.75%, effective December 19.

08:59 EST Ondas' Airbotics receives purchase order from semiconductor manufacturer - Ondas Holdings' Airobotics has received a purchase order from one of the world's largest semiconductor manufacturers to renew ongoing aerial security and data services. As part of this purchase order, Airobotics offers aerial security and data services using its Optimus drone infrastructure, which includes docking stations and drones capable of capturing diverse aerial data types. These data are processed into real-time insights for end-users without human intervention.

08:58 EST TripAdvisor acquires Liberty TripAdvisor with transaction value of $435M - Tripadvisor (TRIP) and Liberty TripAdvisor (LTRPA) announced that they have entered into an agreement and plan of merger whereby Tripadvisor will acquire Liberty TripAdvisor. In connection with the merger, the shares of Liberty TripAdvisor prior to the effective time of the merger will be converted into the right to receive $0.2567 per share in cash, totaling approximately $20M. The transaction is expected to close in Q2 of 2025. Liberty TripAdvisor owns 16,445,894 shares of Tripadvisor common stock and 12,799,999 shares of Tripadvisor class B common stock, of which 2,422,210 shares of Tripadvisor common stock are pledged as collateral against Liberty TripAdvisor's variable prepaid forward contract. Upon consummation of the merger, Tripadvisor plans to retire approximately 27M shares of Tripadvisor common stock currently held by Liberty TripAdvisor, net of approximately 2.4M shares underlying the variable prepaid forward contract. The implied share price for the acquisition of such shares of Tripadvisor common stock from Liberty Tripadvisor is $16.21. The aggregate transaction value is approximately $435M. "The transaction will result in the simplification of Tripadvisor's capital structure into a single class of shares with no controlling stockholder, thereby creating more strategic flexibility for Tripadvisor," the companies said in a statement.

08:56 EST 374Water, Inc. says 'poised to grow rapidly' in 2025 - 374Water released key highlights of 2024 and their outlook for 2025 in a shareholder letter, which read in part, "2024 was a transformative year for 374Water and we are excited to move into 2025 as the market demand for innovative waste management and destruction solutions, like our AirSCWO system, has never been greater. Our mission and commitment remain steadfast - to transform the global water and wastewater treatment industries by solving critical pain points through innovative solutions. We believe our AS system sits at the forefront of cleantech innovation, offering a vital solution to address the organic waste destruction challenges of municipal, federal, and industrial market participants. The core of our AS system is our patented supercritical water oxidation technology - designed to permanently destroy and mineralize a broad spectrum of organic non-hazardous and hazardous wastes - producing safe dischargeable clean water, safe mineral effluent, safe vent gas, and recoverable thermal energy. Our AS system can destroy traditional wastes including biosolids, landfill leachate, oily sludge, foam fractionate, military wastes, granular activated carbon, ion exchange resin, and industrial wastes. In addition, our AS technology can destroy emerging contaminants such as PFAS impacted wastes, as well as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and plastics. 374Water ends 2024 with a municipal, federal and industrial backlog and pipeline of $1.8B. In 2025, we intend to begin converting our backlog and pipeline to revenue through our AS capital sale and AS Destruction-as-a-Service offerings...As we head into 2025, we believe we are well positioned with a robust and aggressive plan and clear set of priorities. You can expect much from the company as we deliver critical AS waste destruction solutions to customers, generate AS DaaS, capital sale, lab trials and other service revenue, expand the use case of our AS technology, seed key markets, increase manufacturing and operating capabilities, enhance our global presence, and pursue strategic partnerships, joint ventures and accretive acquisitions...Our commitment to providing sustainable solutions for the circular economy and transforming how the world addresses waste has never been stronger. With a strong year behind us and actionable goals for the future, 374Water is positioned to grow rapidly in 2025. We believe the fundamentals of our business and demand for AS technology are strong and we intend to generate meaningful revenue within our municipal, federal, and industrial market verticals."

08:53 EST GameSquare's Stream Hatchet recaps 2024 live streaming trends - Stream Hatchet has released its Save Point 2024 report, which looks back at some of the biggest shifts in the live-streaming industry in 2024. This includes new live-streaming platforms, the most popular streamers, top games, new alternative content capturing viewer interest, and a new meta for esports. Key Insights from Save Point 2024 Report: Kick: Spanish-speaking streamers are flocking to Kick, making up 20% of all viewership in 2024. Kai Cenat: The champ of 2024 in terms of pure viewership, bringing in 185M hours watched thanks to marathon streams and celebrity collabs. VTubers: Rising to prominence among English-speaking audiences, with 294M hours watched on Twitch alone. DLC/Expansions: DLCs gaining legitimacy as full gaming launch events, largely thanks to Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree with 127M hours watched in 2024.Transmedia: Adaptations of games are boosting live-streaming viewership for those titles, with Fallout 76 viewership increasing over 10-fold from the week before the Fallout TV series debuted to the week after. Mobile Game Esports: Mobile Esports are on the rise with viewers around the globe, with 2024 seeing a record peak viewership of 2.3M for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Subscribers and Subathons: All-time Twitch subscriber records were continuously smashed throughout 2024 thanks largely to SUBtember. Kai Cenat finished the year on top with over 728K subs generated from Mafiathon 2.

08:51 EST Waste Energy appoints Scott Gallagher as chairman, CEO - Waste Energy announced key changes to its management and board of directors to align with its strategic transformation from a Web3 and blockchain business to a waste-to-energy conversion company. Effective immediately, company founder Cameron Chell has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Directors and will now serve as Chairman of the company's Advisory Board. This new role will enable Mr. Chell to leverage his expertise and entrepreneurial vision to support the company's growth in the waste-to-energy sector. Additionally, Shelly Murphy has resigned from her position as a member of the Board of Directors. Ms. Murphy's decision reflects the company's renewed focus on sustainable energy initiatives. Current Board member Mr. Ed Moy will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors. He is the former Director of the U.S. Mint who also served for more than five years as Special Assistant to the President during the Bush Administration. Scott Gallagher, who currently serves as President of Waste Energy Corp, has been appointed Chairman of the Board and CEO. Under his leadership, the company aims to accelerate its mission of converting discarded plastics into clean energy through Pyrolysis technology, a process that addresses global environmental challenges while creating renewable energy. To further strengthen the company's board, Waste Energy Corp is pleased to welcome W. Scott McBride as a new member of the Board of Directors. McBride is the founder and CEO of EnergyFX, a sustainable energy company specializing in Pyrolysis.

08:48 EST Autonomix appoints Julie Manchester as VP, regulatory affairs, quality - Autonomix Medical announced the appointment of Julie Manchester as Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality. As recently announced, the Company completed its animal testing and design lock for its RF technology and is executing on its efforts of building the required team and infrastructure to support its clinical and regulatory initiatives in anticipation of the FDA approval process. The Company remains on track with its projected timelines and expects to submit an IDE and commence its pivotal clinical trial in 2025 to support a De Novo application for FDA approval. anchester is a Biotech/Med Device executive with over 15 years of quality and regulatory experience within the medical device, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and product testing industries.

08:47 EST Tevogen files for additional patent on predictive AI - Tevogen Bio filed for an additional patent, "Systems And Methods For Predicting Immunologically Active Peptides With Machine Learning Models", as part of its developing intellectual property portfolio. "When combining our expertise across biopharma and artificial intelligence, we anticipate becoming a leader in the field with breakthroughs to follow," said Tevogen Bio CEO Dr. Ryan Saadi, M.D., M.P.H. "We will provide additional updates about the company, including our AI effort, at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in January 2025."

08:45 EST Heritage Distilling appoints Andrew Varga, Troy Alstead to board - Heritage Distilling Company (CASK) announced two key appointments to its executive leadership and Board of Directors. These include Troy Alstead, former COO of Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), to its Board of Directors, and Andrew Varga to lead Heritage's business development initiatives as a strategic consultant and Chief Revenue Officer, as well as to serve as a Director. Varga was appointed strategic consultant and the Company's CRO in April 2023 and recently joined Heritage's Board of Directors following its IPO.

08:44 EST EzFill finalizes letter of understanding for purchase of 78 trucks from Shell - EzFill (EZFL) announces the execution of a term sheet with Shell Retail and Convenience Operations, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell Oil Products US (SHEL). This agreement facilitates the acquisition of 78 trucks from Shell's fleet and enables EzFill to immediately begin delivering fuel in the markets of Phoenix, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Under the terms of the agreement, EzFill will acquire 78 trucks.

08:43 EST Adeia announces multi-year IP license agreement with Canon - Adeia (ADEA) said it has entered into a multi-year intellectual property license agreement with Canon (CAJPY), providing access to Adeia's media portfolio. "This agreement marks another important milestone in Adeia's collaboration with leading companies in the consumer electronics market. It reflects the growing importance of innovations in the dynamic field of camera technology, where artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and computational photography are transforming how users capture and share their experiences," the company said in a statement.

08:42 EST CorMedix added to Nasdaq Biotechnology Index - CorMedix (CRMD) announced it will be added to the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (NBI). CorMedix's addition to the NBI will become effective prior to the market open on Monday, December 23, 2024.

08:41 EST HWH International provides updates on Hapi Cafe business - HWH International shares an update on the progress of our Hapi Cafe business. Currently, the Company operates one Hapi Cafe outlet in Singapore and two in South Korea. The Hapi Cafe brand is growing its presence across Asia, with outlets owned by the Company and its affiliates in Singapore, Taiwan, the People's Republic of China, and South Korea, and is now launching its Hapi Cafe X initiative.

08:41 EST Eos Energy, FlexGen sign Joint Development Agreement - Eos Energy Enterprises and FlexGen Power Systems announced they have signed a Joint Development Agreement, JDA, to develop and introduce America's first fully-integrated, domestic BESS solution to the market by combining Eos' Z3 batteries with the FlexGen HybridOS Energy Management System, EMS. The agreement is mutually beneficial as it complements each company's opportunity pipeline and advances their commitment to commercializing safe and reliable, U.S. manufactured, BESS solutions to customers.

08:39 EST Star Equity's KBS Builders signed $2.1M contract - Star Equity announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, KBS Builders has signed a $2.1M contract to manufacture multifamily apartments in Vermont. The $2.1 million contract is for the manufacturing of 16 modules to be used for the construction of three 4-unit apartment buildings in Randolph, Vermont. Manufacturing is expected to commence in February, with delivery to be completed in the second quarter of 2025.

08:38 EST iCoreConnect announces 1-for-20 reverse stock split - iCoreConnect announced that it filed an amendment to its amended and restated certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of its common stock. The reverse stock split will take effect on December 20, 2024, and the Company's common stock will open for trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on December 23, 2024, on a post-split basis, under the existing ticker symbol

08:37 EST Adeia enters into multi-year IP license agreement with CanonCanon - Adeia (ADEA) has entered into a multi-year intellectual property license agreement with Canon (CAJPY), providing access to Adeia's media portfolio. This agreement marks another important milestone in Adeia's collaboration with leading companies in the consumer electronics market. It reflects the growing importance of innovations in the dynamic field of camera technology, where artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and computational photography are transforming how users capture and share their experiences.

08:37 EST Ascendis Pharma announces commercial availability of YORVIPATH in U.S. - Ascendis Pharma announced that YORVIPATH is now commercially available by prescription in the United States. YORVIPATH is a prodrug of parathyroid hormone, administered once-daily, designed to provide continuous exposure to active PTH over the 24-hour dosing period.

08:35 EST Prenetics' IM8 enters collaboration with Mayo Clinic to develop supplement line - Prenetics' IM8 announced a collaboration through a know-how agreement with Mayo Clinic to develop a new generation of premium supplements. The collaboration will focus on creating evidence-based, clinically researched supplements designed to address key health priorities such as optimal nutrition, cellular rejuvenation, protein support, collagen health, muscle recovery, and overall well-being. The work seeks to ensure that every product developed meets the highest standards of science and efficacy, empowering individuals to take charge of their health with confidence. The collaboration includes contributions from Dawn Mussallem, M.D., a Mayo Clinic integrative oncologist and a member of IM8's Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Mussallem's unique medical insights will guide the development of supplements that address key health priorities with precision and scientific rigor.

08:34 EST NaaS announces strategic MOU with TCC Energy Storage Technology - NaaS Technology announced a strategic memorandum of understanding with TCC Energy Storage Technology, a subsidiary of TCC Group Holdings. The partnership aims to advance integrated solar-charging-storage solutions, leveraging AI-driven technology to optimize operational efficiency and enhance user experience. This collaboration reinforces NaaS's commitment to enhancing charging interconnectivity and driving the adoption of innovative charging solutions in China's rapidly expanding NEV market. Under the MOU, NaaS will integrate into its charging platform approximately 200 charging terminals at TCC Hangzhou C.F. KOO Building, which are equipped with photovoltaic and energy storage systems. NaaS will provide comprehensive services, including user profiling, targeted marketing, order management, and payment solutions, to optimize user experience and improve operational efficiency of the charging stations. The collaboration features an AI-driven intelligent operation management system. NaaS will leverage its NEF system for real-time monitoring of charging pile operations, dynamic electricity pricing, and services such as intelligent site selection, revenue assessments, and ROI calculations. Together, they promote innovative solar-charging-storage solutions and advance the development of smart, integrated EV charging infrastructure.

08:34 EST Turbo Energy announces results from Extraordinary General Meeting - Turbo Energy announced voting results from the Company's Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held yesterday, December 18, 2024, in Valencia, Spain. At the Meeting, a total of 51,177,950 ordinary shares, equivalent to 92.80% of the share capital issued and outstanding, was represented in person or by proxy, constituting a quorum. The following proposals were all approved. To increase the number of directors from seven to eight and to appoint Mr. Julian Groves as a new executive director to serve until the next annual general meeting of shareholders. To ratify the appointment of Deloitte as the Company's Spanish public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. To approve an amendment to the Turbo Energy, S.A. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the total number of ordinary shares available for grant under the Plan from 1,900,000 ordinary shares, par value EUR 0.05 per share, to 5,500,000 Ordinary Shares the and on the first day of each calendar year during the term of the Plan, commencing on January 1, 2026 and continuing until January 1, 2033, the number of Ordinary Shares available under the Plan Share Limit shall automatically increase to a number equal to the lesser of ten percent of the total number of Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding on December 31 of the calendar year immediately preceding the date of such increase and a number of Ordinary Shares determined by the Board. Granting of powers for the execution and notarization of resolutions to execute such public documents as may be necessary for the due formalization and registration in the Mercantile Registry of the resolutions adopted at this Meeting, including the correction or rectification, if necessary. Reading and approval, where appropriate, of the Meeting minutes.

08:33 EST Trio Petroleum entered LOI to acquire certain properties held by Novacor - Trio Petroleum announces that it has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent, LOI, for the acquisition of a 100% working interest in certain petroleum and natural gas properties held by Novacor Exploration, which are located in the prolific Lloydminster, Saskatchewan heavy oil region. In the event that Trio consummates the Acquisition, it believes that it could strategically position itself to expand its operations into one of North America's most promising heavy oil basins, with upside potential for long term production and reserve growth. Since the Novacor assets are in the heavy oil area, they offer economical development and low operational costs. Market accessibility combined with a favorable regulatory process makes this area very attractive for continued and future development within these lands.

08:28 EST Applied Optoelectronics enters exchange transactions for 2026 notes - Applied Optoelectronics has entered into transactions with holders of its 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 to exchange approximately $76.7 million principal amount of the 2026 Notes for approximately $125 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030, approximately 1,487,874 shares of our common stock and approximately $89.6 thousand in cash representing accrued interest on the 2026 Notes and the value of fractional shares. The 2030 Notes will be our senior, unsecured obligations and will be equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness, senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the 2030 Notes and effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness. The 2030 Notes will bear interest at a rate of 2.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2025. The 2030 Notes will mature on January 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The 2030 Notes will be convertible at the option of holders of the 2030 Notes under certain specified circumstances, as set forth in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes. We will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election, based on the applicable conversion rate. The initial conversion rate will be approximately 23.0884 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2030 Notes, representing an initial conversion price of approximately $43.31 per share of our common stock, an approximately 27.50% premium to the closing price of our common stock on December 18, 2024. If a Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs, and in connection with certain other conversions, we will in certain circumstances increase the conversion rate for a specified period of time. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as AOI's exclusive financial advisor in connection with the Exchanges.

08:27 EST Sealsq: eUICC tech enables mobile phones to benefit from post-quantum security - SEALSQ announced that its GSMA-accredited eUICC, or Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card, technology now enables mobile phones and connected devices to benefit from Post-Quantum security. This technology delivers trust, security, and interoperability for the global GSMA ecosystem. "By integrating Post-Quantum security into our GSMA-accredited eUICC technology, we're enabling a new era of trusted, scalable, and future-proof connectivity," said Carlos Moreira, CEO of SEALSQ. "This advancement not only meets today's security needs but also protects against future quantum threats, ensuring that our customers stay ahead of emerging cyber challenges."

08:25 EST Richtech Robotics to showcase service robotics at CES 2025 - Richtech Robotics will be exhibiting at CES 2025, taking place in Las Vegas on January 7-10, 2025. The Company will be at North Hall, Booth 8549 showcasing its robotics solutions for the hospitality and healthcare industries. On display will be Richtech Robotics' ADAM and Scorpion AI-powered service solutions, which utilize NVIDIA AI technology to interact with customers, provide personalized recommendations based on mood and preferences, adapt to changes in their environment, and learn and replicate a variety of tasks similar to humans, with high levels of precision and accuracy. In addition, the company will also showcase two of its autonomous delivery robots, Matradee Plus and Medbot. Three demos will be available for those stopping by Richtech Robotics' booth: Company Intro: ADAM welcomes guests and provides an introduction to Richtech Robotics. Dance Party: ADAM and Scorpion come to life in an entertaining, choreographed dance performance. Gift Demo: Scorpion selects a gift for a customer and hands it to Matradee Plus, which delivers the gift directly to them.

08:23 EST Primech subsidiary signs MoU with Golden Rim Investment - Primech AI, a subsidiary of Primech Holdings has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Golden Rim Investment Limited. The MoU provides for the pilot deployment of HYTRON, an AI-powered, fully automated toilet-cleaning robot, in selected hotels in Hakata, Kagoshima, and Sapporo. Under the MoU, Primech AI will supply and install HYTRON robots in designated facilities in the three hotels, adhering to a jointly developed timeline and installation plan. The pilot is designed to showcase HYTRON's capabilities in elevating cleanliness standards and operational efficiency through advanced robotic solutions. The MoU, signed on December 09, 2024, is set for a two-year duration, with an option for extension by mutual agreement.

08:21 EST Allegro MicroSystems to showcase power, sensing solutions at CES 2025 - Allegro MicroSystems plans to showcase its latest innovations at CES 2025, taking place January 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada . During the event, Allegro will highlight its advanced portfolio of high-resolution magnetic sensors, next-generation power ICs and innovative 48V solutions at its hospitality suite in the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel. These technologies, tailored for the automotive, clean energy and automation markets, are designed to advance energy efficiency, system performance and sustainability.

08:20 EST Assembly Biosciences announces $30.1M investment, funding from Gilead - Assembly Biosciences (ASMB) announced an equity investment of $20.1M by Gilead Sciences (GILD) to purchase additional Assembly Bio common stock and an amendment to their collaboration to advance the research and development of novel antiviral therapies with $10M in accelerated funding. With the new equity investment, Gilead increases its equity ownership of Assembly Bio to 29.9%. Funding received from Gilead will support the advancement of Assembly Bio's clinical pipeline of antiviral therapeutic candidates for herpesviruses, hepatitis D virus and hepatitis B virus. Assembly Bio expects to release data from multiple ongoing clinical studies in the coming year, including the interim Phase 1b proof-of-concept data readout for ABI-5366 projected for the first half of 2025. The amendment to the collaboration agreement adjusts the option timepoints and option payment structure for ABI-6250, an orally bioavailable viral entry inhibitor for the treatment of HDV, to support updated clinical strategies to accelerate and optimize program development. As part of this amendment, $10M of option-related payments for this program have been accelerated. Assembly Bio will receive $10M in accelerated funding under the collaboration agreement and a $20.1M equity investment from Gilead. This equity investment at a premium will increase the percentage of the outstanding voting stock of Assembly Bio owned by Gilead from approximately 19.9% to 29.9% as of the date of closing. The accelerated funding amount reflects a portion of option-related payments that Assembly Bio is eligible to receive for ABI-6250 and will be creditable against future payments under the collaboration agreement. In addition, Gilead and Assembly Bio have amended the option-related payments and option timepoints for this program to support potential accelerated development strategies. The scope of Gilead's option and Assembly Bio's right to opt-in to share profits and costs in the United States are unchanged. With the accelerated $10M payment resulting from the collaboration amendment and the $20.1M additional equity investment, Assembly Bio expects its cash runway to extend to mid-2026.

08:18 EST Pluri congratulates Mesoblast, CEO on FDA approval of MSC-based therapy - Pluri congratulates Mesoblast and its Chief Executive Officer, Silviu Itescu, on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the first MSC-based therapy for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease. This landmark achievement marks a moment in the advancement of regenerative medicine and highlights the growing clinical and regulatory recognition of MSC therapies' transformative potential. "This milestone is not just a triumph for Mesoblast, but for the entire field of cellular medicine," said Yaky Yanay, Chief Executive Officer and President of Pluri. "Silviu and the team at Mesoblast have opened a new chapter in harnessing MSC therapies to treat devastating conditions like SR-aGVHD."

08:17 EST Capital One receives Delaware State Bank Commissioner approval for Discover deal - Capital One (COF) announced that it received approval from the Office of the Delaware State Bank Commissioner on December 18, to complete its previously announced acquisition of Discover Financial Services (DFS) and its subsidiary bank, Discover Bank, which is a Delaware-chartered bank. Capital One anticipates that the transaction will close in early 2025, subject to the satisfaction of the remaining closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement between the companies, including approval by the stockholders of Discover and Capital One and approval by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Capital One first announced its proposed acquisition of Discover in February, which was followed by its July announcement of a five-year, $265B community benefits plan in connection with the acquisition. The plan was conceived in partnership with leading community groups and represents a comprehensive package of community-focused solutions. It includes $35M in grants to Delaware-based nonprofit organizations, as well as retention of Discover's branch in Sussex County.

08:16 EST Bionano Genomics urges stockholders to support proposals at special meeting - Bionano Genomics published an open letter to stockholders in support of its proposals at its upcoming special meeting of stockholders, which read in part, "I am writing to highlight the importance of the proposals described in our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the SEC on December 5, 2024 for a special meeting of stockholders to be held on January 15, 2025, and to ask that you support them. In particular, I am asking you to vote FOR proposal 2, the reverse stock split proposal. While a reverse stock split is not something Bionano's Board of Directors or management desire to undertake, we do believe it is necessary because: A reverse stock split would support ongoing compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements. As a listed company on the Nasdaq Capital Market, one of the continued listing requirements for our common stock is a minimum bid price of at least $1.00 per share. Since our stock, which closed at $0.21 yesterday, has traded below $1.00 since the end of May 2024, we are at risk of having our stock delisted. A Nasdaq delisting would likely have a material adverse effect on the value of our company and the value of your stock. While we hope that market sentiment for our stock will be more favorable in the near term, there is no assurance that even a meaningful change would be sufficient to increase our stock price above $1.00 in the time required to maintain our Nasdaq listing. We therefore believe that a reverse split is our best option for maintaining a Nasdaq listing. A reverse stock split would result in potential improvement in the marketability of our common stock. We believe that our current stock price impacts our ability to prudently raise capital, attract and retain talent, and provide us with the flexibility to structure our finances and related transactions. We believe that effecting a reverse stock split may provide a more attractive stock price at which investors would be willing to contribute new capital necessary for the Company to continue operations. Our reverse stock split proposal is a request to support the Company in a way that we believe is essential to achieving our long-term goals."

08:15 EST BigBear.ai awarded GSA OASIS+ IDIQ contract for civilian, defense agencies - BigBear.ai has been awarded a position on the U.S. General Services Administration's GSA OASIS+ One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus, Unrestricted Multiple Agency Contract,MAC. OASIS+ is a best-in-class, government-wide suite of contracts designed to streamline the procurement of complex professional services across all federal agencies. This multiple-award IDIQ contract has no maximum dollar ceiling and offers a 10-year ordering period with an unlimited number of task orders at any dollar value, providing government customers with flexible and efficient access to BigBear.ai solutions. "We are honored to be selected for GSA OASIS+," said Mandy Long, CEO of BigBear.ai. "This milestone underscores our proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that merge deep expertise with cutting-edge technology. Through OASIS+, we look forward to expanding our reach and impact across critical federal missions while strengthening our partnerships with existing customers." BigBear.ai's award includes 75 Contract Line Item Numbers CLINs across 5 key domains, demonstrating the company's breadth of capabilities and strategic alignment with federal priorities.

08:15 EST Immuneering launches Pancreatic Cancer Advisory Board - Immuneering Corporation announced the formation of its Pancreatic Cancer Advisory Board. The Company's Pancreatic Cancer Advisory Board includes the following members: Tanios Bekaii-Saab, M.D., Vincent Chung, M.D., FACP, Shubham Pant, M.D., Jordan Berlin, M.D., FASCO.

08:13 EST Sky Quarry issues letter to shareholders - Sky Quarry released a letter to shareholders from Sky Quarry management. The letter provides insights into the Company's performance, key achievements of 2024, and its strategic focus as it navigates recent market developments. "2024 has been transformative for Sky Quarry, with significant achievements shaping the future of our Company... Since California provides over 150,000 barrels a day of fuel to Nevada, Sky Quarry sees a significant market opportunity and believes that by capitalizing on it, we can solidify our position as a key player in the Western fuel market... Additionally, we successfully completed a public offering... The year 2024 also marks the successful completion of our 2024 capital expenditure program for PR Spring... In anticipation of the completion of PR Spring and expected influx of sustainably produced oil it will bring; we made key strategic improvements to our Foreland Refinery in Nevada to optimize its production capacity... Management is actively working to bring awareness to the investing community through a variety of strategic investor relations efforts, both domestically and in the European market, with a goal of building a vibrant public investor base and expanding our approximate 10,000 shareholders... Looking ahead, we expect strong growth as our refinery asset improvements increase production, and our direct consumer sales and marketing efforts continue to perform... We are on track to deploy our first modular ASR facility, bringing us closer to our goal of operating five facilities within the next five years... As mentioned above, we plan to capitalize on emerging market opportunities such as the planned closure of the Phillips 66 refinery in late 2025.

08:12 EST Big 5 Sporting announces renewal of five-year credit facility - Big 5 Sporting Goods entered into an agreement to amend and extend its credit facility with Bank of America, as administrative agent and lender. The Loan Agreement, which replaces the Company's prior financing agreement with Bank of America, has a five-year term that matures in December 2029, and provides for a secured revolving credit facility with aggregate committed availability of up to $150 million. The Company may request additional increases in aggregate availability, which Bank of America has the option to provide, of up to $50 million, for an aggregate availability of up to $200 million. Loans under the new credit facility will bear interest based on SOFR rates or a specified base rate, plus a margin that is determined based on the remaining availability under the credit line and satisfaction of financial covenants. The margin on SOFR rate loans ranges from 1.75% to 2.125% and the margin on base rate loans ranges from 0.75% to 1.125%, subject to interest rate floors of zero. The Company will be filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Current Report on Form 8-K, which will include additional details about the Loan Agreement.

08:10 EST Ageagle Aerial Systems receives order of 60 RedEdge-P Multispectral Sensors - AgEagle Aerial Systems announces it has received order for 60 RedEdge-P Multispectral Sensors from an East Asian value-added reseller, VAR. AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, "This sale marks another significant milestone in 2024 as the Company continues to secure larger quantity orders, in this case, the largest sensor order in our history. We remain dedicated to enhancing our product offerings and driving new revenue streams as AgEagle maintains its course in positioning for long-term shareholder value creation."

08:08 EST Vontier says Driivz concludes 2024 with 'significant' growth for EV charging - Driivz shares an update on its most recent customers who have gone live in utilizing its EV charging software. The company said, "In the last six months, the Driivz platform has helped to migrate tens of thousands of managed chargers across the globe, including: St1 - A Nordic energy company driving the energy transition with St1 Charge, located across Norway, Sweden and Finland. The Driivz solution for St1 delivers advanced EV charging operations management for service station chains to ensure access to real-time operator dashboards, integration with Payter and Nets payment terminals, comprehensive asset management, an automated issue detection and alert system. Time Park - One of Norway's largest car parking operators, with more than 40,000 parking spaces. Driivz is supporting the rollout of a new electric car charging service to leverage its widespread locations and customer base. ePower - Ireland's largest and fastest growing charge point operator, active across Ireland and the United Kingdom, migrated its more than 2,000 charge points and over 20,000 app users to Driivz. This move was taken to facilitate their growing customer bases in domestic, business and public charging, offering enhanced features such as smart energy management, contactless payments, and fleet and depot electrification. Mer - A European EV charging company with locations in Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Austria and Germany. As part of the company's IT Scale-up project, Mer has migrated a significant number of chargers, supporting hundreds of thousands of business and private EV drivers, onto the Driivz platform. Kople - One of Norway's largest charge point operators with more than 7,000 charging points in the country. The Driivz solution for Kople includes integrated software modules for EV charge point and network operations, EV charging billing, and smart energy management for future use."

08:06 EST authID announces expansion of services within EinStrong operations - authID announced the broad expansion of its services within the operations of the EinStrong Foundation. authID's biometric authentication technology will play a pivotal role in transforming how the EinStrong Foundation and other non-governmental organizations achieve their social welfare goals and will ensure much-needed visibility and increased accountability to donation partners.

08:05 EST Lucid Diagnostics partners for esophageal precancer detection for firefighters - Lucid Diagnostics (LUCD), a subsidiary of PAVmed (PAVM), has entered into a strategic partnership with VITALExam, a comprehensive medical care provider for first responders founded by CEO Marci Vitale to enhance access to Lucid's EsoGuard Esophageal DNA Test for firefighters at risk for esophageal precancer. VITALExam is a comprehensive medical care provider dedicated to optimizing the wellness of first responders. Founded by Vitale, the company offers a range of services including cancer screenings, comprehensive physicals, and behavioral health assessments, utilizing advanced technology and evidence-based practices to provide the highest level of care to those who serve our communities.

08:05 EST Illumin announces TSX acceptance of normal course issuer bid - illumin Holdings has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to proceed with a normal course issuer bid. Under the NCIB, the Company may purchase for cancellation up to 3,914,167 common shares of the Company. As at December 10, 2024, illumin had 50,954,061 Shares issued and outstanding. As such, the maximum number of shares that may be purchased under the NCIB represents approximately 10% of illumin's public float as at December 10, 2024, being 3,914,167 Shares. The Company's average daily trading volume between June 1, 2024 and November 30, 2024 was 50,073 Shares and the daily purchase limit, being 25% of ADTV, is 12,518 Shares. The NCIB will commence on December 23, 2024 and may continue to December 22, 2025 or such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of the Company. The Shares will be purchased on behalf of the Company by a registered broker through the facilities of the TSX and through other alternative Canadian trading systems at the prevailing market price at the time of such transaction. In connection with the NCIB, illumin has entered into an automatic share purchase plan with its designated broker to allow for the purchase of Shares under the NCIB at times when illumin normally would not be active in the market due to internal trading black-out periods. Such purchases will be determined by the broker at its sole discretion, based on the purchasing parameters set out by the Company in accordance with the rules of the TSX, applicable securities laws and the terms of the ASPP. Purchases of Shares under the ASPP may be made through the facilities of the TSX and alternative trading systems. The ASPP has been pre-cleared by the TSX and will be effective as of December 23, 2024. The ASPP will terminate on the earliest of the date on which: the NCIB expires; the maximum number of Shares have been purchased under the NCIB; and the Company terminates the ASPP in accordance with its terms. Concurrent with the establishment of the ASPP, the Company has confirmed to the broker that it was then not aware of any material undisclosed or non-public information with respect to the Company or any securities of the Company. During the term of the ASPP, the Company will not communicate any material undisclosed or non-public information to the trading staff of the broker; accordingly, the broker may make purchases regardless of whether a trading blackout period is in effect or whether there is material undisclosed or non-public information about the Company at the time that purchases are made under the ASPP. In the event that the ASPP is materially varied, suspended or terminated, the Company will issue a news release advising of such variation, suspension or termination, as applicable.

08:04 EST NV5 Global awarded $7M in infrastructure design contracts - NV5 Global has been awarded over $7M in infrastructure design contracts by the City of Philadelphia, with projects expected to be completed by 2028. These projects will enhance the city's commitment to creating more resilient and sustainable communities while improving safety and quality of life for its residents.

08:03 EST Ultragenyx submits BLA to FDA for UX111 - Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical announced the submission of a Biologics License Application, BLA, to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking accelerated approval for UX111, ABO-102, AAV gene therapy as a treatment for patients with Sanfilippo syndrome type A

08:02 EST Thumzup announces expansion into South Florida - Thumzup Media announced its strategic expansion into South Florida, building upon its base in West Los Angeles. This move is expected to expand the Company's footprint in the dynamic advertising and gig economy sectors. humzup is channeling newly raised resources into targeted growth areas, with Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach identified as a high-priority market with a multi-billion-dollar local advertising market.

08:02 EST Opus Genetics receives FDA agreement under SPA for Phase 3 trial of APX3330 - Opus Genetics announced that it has reached agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, on a Special Protocol Assessment, SPA, for a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating oral APX3330 for the treatment of moderate to severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy

08:01 EST Leidos awarded $987M contract from Air Force Life Cycle Management Center - Leidos announced a new contract to provide critical engineering and sustainment services for Foreign Military Sales customers of the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon. The contract was awarded by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, supporting the F-16 System Program Office. The single award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract has a maximum value of $987M and 10-year period of performance.

07:41 EST NLS Pharmaceutics, Kadimastem submit request for FDA pre-IND meeting - NLS Pharmaceutics and Kadimastem, announced in collaboration with iTolerance, that a request for a Pre-Investigational New Drug meeting has been submitted by Kadimastem and iTolerance to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for iTOL102, an investigational biologic consisting of allogenic human stem cell-derived pancreatic islets combined with an immunomodulator for the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. This submission comes after an INTERACT meeting, which is a meeting at a specific time early in the product development, between Kadimastem, iTolerance, and the FDA earlier this year. The submission is a milestone toward the clinical development of iTOL102, an on-going collaborative research initiative between iTolerance and Kadimastem, funded in part by the Israel-United States Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation. iTOL102 combines iTolerance's proprietary SA-FasL microgel, an immune modulator, and IsletRx, insulin-producing islet cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells, to generate an treatment intended for the potential cure of type 1 diabetes. iTOL-100, an immunomodulatory microgel technology being developed by iTolerance is designed to reduce or eliminate the need for life-long chronic systemic immunosuppression following transplantation of allogenic cells. In a preclinical diabetic rodent model designed by iTolerance, iTOL-100 was shown by iTolerance to be compatible with Kadimastem's IsletRx human stem cell-derived islets.

07:38 EST Conagra Brands backs FY25 CapEx view ~$450M

07:36 EST Emcor announces election of Amy Dahl to Board of Directors - EMCOR Group (EME) announced the election to the Company's Board of Directors of Amy E. Dahl, effective December 18 is currently the Vice President, International Business & Strategy of The Toro Company ( TTC), a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction and irrigation and outdoor lighting. Anthony J. Guzzi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of EMCOR Group, Inc. commented, "Amy brings extensive public company strategic, legal, and operational leadership experience from her senior executive positions in the construction and outdoor environment solutions sector. Her expertise in operations, mergers and acquisitions, legal compliance, and human resources, along with her strong leadership skills, will be invaluable to EMCOR, as we continue to grow strategically, deliver exceptional results for customers, and drive long-term value for our shareholders."

07:36 EST Dragonfly Energy partners with Stevens to transition to hybrid battery - Dragonfly Energy announced that it has secured a large purchase order for delivery of the Company's Battle Born All-Electric APUs from Stevens Transport, one of the largest temperature-controlled freight carriers in North America. This partnership represents the latest milestone in Stevens Transport's ongoing mission to lead the trucking industry in adopting advanced, environmentally sustainable transportation solutions. After extensive testing and trials, Stevens Transport has committed to transitioning its entire fleet of 2,500 trucks to Dragonfly Energy's lithium power solutions. Implementation will begin with equipping 100 trucks with the Battle Born All-Electric APUs in the first quarter of 2025, continuing through entire fleet completion.

07:35 EST Palatin reports positive Phase 2b results in diabetic nephropathy - Palatin announced topline data for the BREAKOUT study, a Phase IIb study of bremelanotide in diabetic kidney disease. The study showed that bremelanotide therapy for six months, in patients with established Type II diabetic nephropathy, resulted in positive and beneficial results for the majority of patients related to worsening kidney function and disease progression. Clinically meaningful endpoints included: 71% of patients achieved a greater than 30% reduction in the urine protein to creatinine ratio, 71% of patients achieved improved or stabilized estimated glomerular filtration rate, increased urinary vascular endothelial growth factor levels in 37.5% of patients and reduced urinary synaptopodin losses in 36% of patients. Bremelanotide was well tolerated. There were no serious adverse events attributable to bremelanotide treatment. The most common adverse event was skin hyperpigmentation, which occurred in 71% of patients. Diabetic nephropathy is the most common form of chronic kidney disease and a leading cause of renal failure in end-stage renal disease. No currently available treatment can achieve complete cure. As many as 47.66% of patients with diabetes have been estimated to have DN.

07:34 EST Xilio Therapeutics to present initial Phase 2 data for XTX101 at ASCO GI - Xilio Therapeutics announced plans to present initial data from its ongoing Phase 2 trial for vilastobart, a tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced, high affinity binding anti-CTLA-4, in combination with atezolizumab in patients with metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal cancer at the ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco, California from January 23-25, 2025. In addition, today the company announced preliminary data from Phase 1 dose escalation for XTX301, an investigational tumor-activated IL-12. Announces preliminary Phase 1 data for XTX301, a tumor-activated IL-12, demonstrating an improved tolerability profile over historical data for rhIL-12, with no dose-limiting toxicities

07:32 EST Dollar Tree appoints Michael Creedon as permanent CEO - Dollar Tree announced that its board of directors has appointed interim CEO Michael Creedon as permanent CEO. Creedon joined Dollar Tree in 2022 as COO and over the past two years has taken on increasing levels of responsibility. In November, Creedon was appointed interim CEO, succeeding Rick Dreiling. Creedon has responsibility for leading more than 200,000 associates and more than 16,000 stores across the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar banners.

07:26 EST Polyrizon appoints Michal Meir as senior director, regulatory & clinical affairs - Polyrizon announced the appointment of Dr. Michal Meir, Senior Consultant at MedTech, as Senior Director of Regulatory and Clinical Affairs. The appointment was made as part of the Company's preparations towards its clinical trial for PL-14 that is expected to commence in 2025.

07:21 EST LanzaTech, Technip Energies committed up to $200M in federal funding for SECURE - Technip Energies (THNPF) and LanzaTech Global (LNZA) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations has committed up to $200M in federal funding and authorized the initiation of Phase 1 of their Sustainable Ethylene from CO2 Utilization with Renewable Energy Project, Project SECURE. "Project SECURE, led by Technip Energies in partnership with LanzaTech, aims to provide an integrated commercial process which takes captured carbon dioxide from ethylene production and recycles it with low carbon intensity hydrogen to create sustainable ethanol and ethylene. This joint technology solution is intended to first be deployed in the U.S. Gulf Coast region for integration directly into an existing commercial ethylene cracker and has significant replication potential for ethylene crackers worldwide. Globally, there are approximately 370 ethylene steam crackers, over 40 percent of which use Technip Energies' technology, including eight in the US. LanzaTech's carbon recycling technology, which has benefited from previous DOE support, can also be utilized in any industry with waste carbon, allowing other sectors to profit from capturing and recycling carbon-rich emissions into valuable ethanol, instead of sequestering or releasing them into the atmosphere," the companies stated.

07:18 EST Glimpse Group's Brightline Interactive enters agreement with U.S. Navy - The Glimpse Group announced that its subsidiary company Brightline Interactive has entered into an initial six figure dollar contract with the U.S. Navy for an Immersive Simulator, to be delivered in the first half of 2025.

07:14 EST Xortx Therapeutics appoints Bumby as Chief Financial Officer - XORTX Therapeutics )XRTX) welcomes Dr. Michael Bumby as its Chief Financial Officer replacing James Fairbairn, the Company's current Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Bumby, DVM, MBA, is currently a director and audit committee chair of MediPharm Labs (MEDIF) following their successful acquisition of VIVO Cannabis. where Dr. Bumby was CFO for six years.

07:12 EST Armata Pharma's inhaled AP-PA02 shows positive results in Phase 2 study - Armata Pharmaceuticals announced "encouraging" topline results from its Phase 2 trial evaluating AP-PA02, a novel, inhaled multi-phage therapeutic for the treatment of chronic pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa - P.a. or P. aeruginosa - infections in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, or NCFB, patients. The study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of inhaled AP-PA02. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in P.a. colony forming units, or CFUs, in the lung sputum at one week following completion of dosing compared to baseline. Efficacy analysis of each independent cohort showed no significant difference between subjects treated with AP-PA02 and placebo due to small numbers of subjects in each cohort. A post-hoc intent-to-treat analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of P.a. CFUs in the lung at day 17 which persisted two weeks following completion of dosing with AP-PA02 vs. placebo at day 24. Additionally, paired analysis of P.a. CFU density at baseline was significant in the AP-PA02-treated cohort. Armata believes the data suggest that AP-PA02 alone is as effective as the combination therapy of phage and antibiotics in reducing P.a. CFUs in the lung. The study data indicate the potential for phage therapy to reduce reliance on chronic antibiotic use. Safety data indicate that inhaled AP-PA02 was well-tolerated with treatment-emergent adverse events mild and self-limiting.

07:11 EST Climb Bio to be added to Nasdaq Biotechnology Index - Climb Bio (CLYM) announced that the company will be added to the NASDAQ Biotech Index (NBI) as part of the annual reconstitution of the 2024 Nasdaq indexes. Climb Bio's inclusion in the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index will be effective prior to market open on Monday, December 23, 2024.

07:11 EST 908 Devices, Getinge enter Maven integration collaboration - 908 Devices and Getinge announce their collaboration to integrate Getinge's bioreactors with 908 Devices' Maven for automated control of glucose and lactate levels in cell cultures. The combined solution will help scientists measure process parameters in bioreactors, offering continuous, real-time analysis without the need for manual sampling.

07:09 EST Adicet Bio says 1st patient dosed in Phase1 trial of ADI-270 to treat ccRCC - Adicet Bio announced that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating ADI-270 in patients with metastatic/advanced ccRCC. "Dosing the first patient in our Phase 1 trial of ADI-270 in metastatic/advanced ccRCC is a significant milestone for Adicet as we advance our first gamma delta 1 CAR T cell product candidate for the treatment of solid tumors, one of the highest unmet needs in oncology," said Chen Schor, President and Chief Executive Officer at Adicet Bio. "Patients with ccRCC, the most common type of kidney cancer, have a pressing need for safe and effective treatments, as current therapies offer limited benefits for patients with advanced disease. Based on ADI-270's encouraging preclinical data generated to date, in which ADI-270 demonstrated significant tumor infiltration, resistance to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and potent activity via CAR and innate-mediated targeting, we believe ADI-270 has the potential to offer a promising advancement for solid tumors. We anticipate reporting preliminary clinical data from the trial in the first half of 2025."

07:09 EST Bio-Path announces preclinical testing of BP1001-A - Bio-Path reported that results from preclinical studies of BP1001-A for obesity demonstrated enhanced insulin sensitivity, confirming BP1001-A as a potential treatment for obesity and related metabolic diseases in Type 2 diabetes patients. BP1001-A downregulates growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 expression to increase insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood glucose level in Type 2 diabetes patients. Scientific evidence suggests that by downregulating Grb2 expression, BP1001-A could help lower blood glucose level by affecting insulin signaling. Bio-Path conducted preclinical studies that confirmed the effectiveness of BP1001-A in affecting insulin signaling and its potential efficacy as a therapeutic treatment for obese patients who have Type 2 diabetes. The study results showed: BP1001-A reduced Grb2 protein expression in myoblast cells; BP1001-A increased the levels of phosphorylated AKT and phosphorylated FOXO-1 in myoblast and hepatoma cells in the presence of insulin

07:08 EST Integral Ad Science announces partnership with Kwai - Integral Ad Science announced exclusive first-to-market content-level Brand Safety and Suitability measurement for advertisers on Kwai for Business, the commercial platform of Kwai - one of the most popular social media video apps in Brazil. In addition, IAS is launching its AI-driven Total Media Quality for Kwai product suite to provide advertisers with industry-leading Viewability and Invalid Traffic Measurement. This partnership with Kwai supports IAS's long-term international expansion strategy. Advertisers focused on LATAM and APAC markets now have an additional layer of trusted, third-party transparency. In Brazil and Indonesia alone, they will be able to reach a base of over 100M monthly active users.

07:08 EST Vermilion Energy reports Germany well test results - Vermilion successfully tested its second deep gas exploration well In Germany - 0.64 net -, which was drilled during Q3. The well flow tested at a restricted rate of 21 mmcf/d of natural gas with a wellhead pressure of 6,150 psi, which supports the company's expectation that deliverability would have been higher without testing equipment limitations. The company plans to conduct further testing operations over the coming weeks and will proceed with tie-in operations in order to bring the well online in the first half of 2026. Vermilion's operated working interest in this well increased from 30% to 64%. This marks the second successful test result from the deep gas exploration program in Germany, representing 38 mmcf/d of combined European gas flow tests to date.

07:06 EST Laser Photonics wins dual order from Phillips 66, no terms - Laser Photonics(LASE) announced that it has received a dual order from global oil refiner Phillips 66 (PSX) for a CleanTech and a MarkStar laser systems. "We are honored to welcome Phillips 66 as our new client and deliver our industrial-grade laser technologies to a major U.S. oil refinery," said Wayne Tupuola, CEO of LPC. "The company's commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation aligns with our mission to provide cleaner and safer solutions for material processing. This order underscores the value of our environmentally friendly technologies in meeting the energy needs of millions." Phillips 66 has acquired LPC's CleanTech IR-3040, an industrial-grade handheld laser cleaning system, and the MarkStar PM-2010, a compact desktop laser marking system. These will be shipped to its pioneer site, focusing on testing out innovative technologies that have the potential to optimize existing processes, improve the bottom line, enhance personnel safety, and reduce environmental impact.

07:06 EST Vermilion Energy sees 2025 production 84K-88K Boe/d - 2025 production guidance of 84,000-88,000 boe/d represents 2% growth at the mid-point compared to original 2024 production guidance. Sees 2025 E&D CapEx $600M-$625M. CapEx target includes drilling and infrastructure capital allocated across all major business units, including ongoing drilling and debottlenecking on the BC Montney asset and drilling capital allocated to European gas exploration and development in Germany, the Netherlands, and Central and Eastern Europe. 2025 fund flows from operations and free cash flow forecasted to be approximately $1.0B and $400M, respectively. 2025 payments on lease obligations are expected to be $20M, lower than the $110M of forecasted 2024 payments. The variable component of shareholder returns will continue to be allocated towards share buybacks

07:05 EST Bristol Myers enters $100M PyroGlu-Ass license agreement with BioArctic - BioArctic (BRCTF) announced that it has entered into a global exclusive license agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) for BioArctic's PyroGlutamate-amyloid-beta antibody program, including BAN1503 and BAN2803, whereof the latter includes BioArctic's BrainTransporter technology. As part of the agreement, BioArctic will receive a $100M upfront payment and up to $1.25B in milestone payments. BioArctic is also entitled to tiered low double-digit royalties on global product sales. Under the agreement, Bristol Myers Squibb will become solely responsible for the development and any subsequent commercialization of BAN1503 and BAN2803 and related products worldwide. BioArctic will receive a $100M upfront payment and up to $1.25B in development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on global product sales. BioArctic will retain an option to co-commercialize the products in the Nordic region. The agreement is subject to filing and clearance under the U.S. Antitrust legislation. BioArctic's PyroGlu-Ass antibody program consists of novel antibodies targeting a specific truncated, pyroglutamate modified form of amyloid-beta. Monomers of PyroGlu-Ass are highly prone to aggregate, leading to the formation of harmful aggregates which cause debilitating cognitive and other symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. The agreement includes both the BAN1503 and BAN2803 antibodies. BAN2803 includes BioArctic's BrainTransporter technology. Brain uptake of biotherapeutics such as antibodies and enzymes is severely limited by the blood brain barrier primarily due to their size. Active transport across the BBB, using one of the body's own delivery mechanisms, aims to enable better drug uptake into the brain. The BrainTransporter technology utilizes the transferrin receptor, a protein facilitating transport across the BBB, to optimize brain delivery.

07:04 EST ProPetro announces contract for four FORCE electric fleets, terms undisclosed - ProPetro Holding has entered into a term contract to provide electric hydraulic fracturing services to a large independent Permian-focused oil and gas operator. ProPetro's Chief Executive Officer, Sam Sledge, commented, "We are pleased to announce another key strategic step for ProPetro as we deploy another of our industry-leading FORCE electric frac fleets with a valued Permian operator. We now have four FORCE electric fleets on term contracts and continue to experience industry-leading performance from our active fleets that are delivering value to our customers through efficient completions performance. Today's announcement reinforces our strategy's validity and our drive to build an efficient and profitable business here at ProPetro. Our four FORCE fleets will now require approximately 165 megawatts of mobile power generation equipment in support of the operations called for in their current term contracts. This announcement further supports our expectations regarding the growth in mobile power demand for electric-powered hydraulic fracturing fleets, among other oil and gas and industrial projects. We believe our recently announced mobile power generation solutions business, ProPWR?, is well-positioned to effectively provide services to support this growing demand and will benefit from these favorable trends, which are accelerating not only in the oil and gas industry but also for AI data centers and other industrial purposes."

07:02 EST Vermilion Energy increases quarterly dividend 8% to C$0.13 - Vermilion Energy has approved an 8% increase to the quarterly cash dividend to C$0.13 per share, effective with the Q1 2025 dividend payable on April 15, 2025.

06:58 EST Ventas reaches agreements with Brookdale Senior Living under master lease - Ventas has reached mutually beneficial agreements with Brookdale Senior Living regarding all assets under the current Master Lease between Ventas and Brookdale. The Master Lease was previously set to expire on December 31, 2025. The agreements enable Ventas to accelerate the conversion of forty-four select large-scale senior housing communities - the SHOP Communities - to its Senior Housing Operating Portfolio, or SHOP, starting September 1, 2025. Brookdale has agreed to cooperate in the transition process. 65 senior housing communities, which represent approximately 40% of the Master Lease units, will remain in the Master Lease with Brookdale for an extended 10-year term commencing January 1, 2026 with initial cash rent of $64M, a 38% increase above current cash rent. Cash rent for the Leased Communities will escalate 3% annually over the remaining term. Brookdale is obligated to pay annual contractual cash rent of $48M on these assets in 2025. Ventas has agreed to invest $35M in capital expenditures, at an expected return of approximately 8%, in Ventas's master lease communities over three years commencing in 2025. The remaining eleven senior housing communities covered by the Master Lease are intended to be sold in 2025. Ventas will retain the proceeds from the sales. The anticipated cash and GAAP rent/NOI impacts in 2024 are expected to be immaterial. Upon transition of each SHOP Community to a new operator, which is expected to occur beginning September 1, 2025, no further rent will be payable by Brookdale, and Ventas will receive the NOI from that community going forward.

06:54 EST Brookdale Senior Living enters lease amendment agreements with Ventas - Brookdale Senior Living announced that it has entered into agreements with Ventas to amend its triple-net master lease arrangement. Following this lease amendment, the completed closing of the 11 community International JV / Welltower Portfolio, and the expected closings of the remaining previously-announced acquisition of 30 communities from two additional currently leased portfolios, the company has largely cleared its lease maturities through 2029. After giving effect to these transactions, Brookdale will own over 75% of its consolidated units. The company expects the Ventas lease amendment to provide a $15M+ improvement to the company's 2025 cash flows. Beginning in 2026, the company expects additional cash flow improvement, including continued operating income growth, the benefit of continued appropriate expense management relative to the company's portfolio size, partially offset by incremental rent expense. Beginning January 1, 2026, the company will continue to lease 65 high-performing communities, with a combined 4,055 units, for an annual base rent of $64M under a long-term operating lease. Extended the maturity from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2035. Unit counts range from 26 to 225 with an average unit count of approximately 62. The annual rent escalator remains unchanged at fixed 3% per annum. Ventas has agreed to fund up to $35M of capital expenditures through 2027. The company decided not to renew the remaining 55 communities, with a combined 6,125 units. The company's cash flows are expected to improve as a result of the sale or transition of communities in the lower-coverage non-renewal portfolio. For transition communities, allocated rent will terminate upon transition which will occur between September 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. In all cases, allocated rent under the existing lease for the non-renewal portfolio will terminate no later than December 31, 2025. For the trailing twelve months ended September 30, the non-renewal portfolio generated approximately $31M of negative cash flow, after giving effect to rent, actual capital expenditures and allocated general and administrative expense.

06:44 EST Accenture backs FY25 operating cash flow view of $9.4B-$10.1B - For fiscal 2025, the company continues to expect operating cash flow to be in the range of $9.4B-$10.1B; property and equipment additions to be $600M; and free cash flow to be in the range of $8.8B-$9.5B.

06:36 EST Lamb Weston falls 18% to 63.46 after Q2 results miss, FY25 guidance cut

06:14 EST Guardant Health and COTA partner in advanced oncology R&D - Guardant Health announced a new partnership with COTA, a provider of real-world data and analytics for oncology, that will allow biopharmaceutical researchers to access the combined resources of COTA's research-grade electronic health record data from academic and community care centers and Guardant's clinicogenomic testing data to accelerate the development of new cancer therapies. By gaining insights into how different patient populations respond to therapies in real-world settings, drug developers can facilitate biomarker discovery, refine clinical trials, accelerate approvals, and bring targeted, life-saving treatments to market more quickly. Guardant's real-world longitudinal serial testing datasets span all stages of the disease, from initial tumor profiling for therapy selection to recurrence and therapy response monitoring, while COTA's curated data tracks a patient's complete cancer care journey, drawing from both academic and community care center settings. This new collaboration with Guardant deepens COTA's data by expanding its breadth into solid tumors, particularly lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.

06:09 EST Lamb Weston names Michael Smith as President and CEO - Lamb Weston announced the appointment of Michael Smith, current COO of Lamb Weston, as President and CEO and as a member of the company's Board of Directors, effective January 3, 2025. Smith succeeds Thomas Werner, who is stepping down as CEO and as a member of the Board. Werner will serve in an advisory role through August 31, 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.

06:06 EST Lamb Weston approves $250M share repurchase authorization - In December 2024, the Board of Directors approved an increase of $250 million in the company's existing $500 million share repurchase authorization under the program to an aggregate total of $750 million. After giving effect to this increase, approximately $558 million remained authorized and available for repurchase under the share repurchase program.

06:05 EST Lamb Weston names Michael Smith as President and CEO

05:39 EST PNC Financial decreases prime lending rate to 7.50% - PNC Bank announced a decrease in its prime lending rate. The new rate of 7.50% is effective Dec. 19.

05:36 EST WM Technology receives acquisition proposal from founders for $1.70 per share - WM Technology confirmed that it has received a non-binding proposal from Douglas Francis, a founder, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of WM Technology, and Justin Hartfield, a founder and stockholder of WM Technology, to purchase all of the outstanding common stock of WM Technology not already beneficially owned by Francis and Hartfield. Francis and Hartfield currently beneficially own approximately 32% of the outstanding shares of WM Technology's common stock. According to the terms of the proposal, which is subject to certain conditions, Francis and Hartfield would acquire all of the shares of common stock of WM Technology not already owned by Francis and Hartfield for $1.70 per share of common stock of WM Technology. The board has formed a special committee consisting of disinterested and independent directors to consider the proposal. The special committee intends to consider the proposal with the assistance of its outside financial and legal advisors.

05:20 EST Sangamo to receive $20M from Astellas Pharma in capsid license agreement - Astellas Pharma (ALPMY) and Sangamo (SGMO) announced they have entered into a license agreement allowing Astellas to leverage Sangamo's neurotropic adeno-associated virus capsid, STAC-BBB, which has demonstrated potent blood-brain barrier penetration and neuronal transduction in nonhuman primates. The agreement grants Astellas a worldwide exclusive license to utilize the STAC-BBB capsid for one target, with the right to add up to four additional targets after paying additional licensed target fees to deliver their intravenously administered genomic medicines to treat certain neurological diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Sangamo is responsible for completing a technology transfer related to the STAC-BBB capsid. Astellas is responsible for all research, preclinical and clinical development, regulatory interactions, manufacturing, and global commercialization of the resulting gene therapy products. Sangamo will receive a $20M upfront license fee from Astellas and is eligible to earn up to $1.3B in additional licensed target fees and milestone payments across the five potential neurology disease targets, as well as tiered mid-to-high single digit royalties on potential net sales of such products, subject to certain specified reductions.

05:10 EST Infosys obtains regulatory approvals for binding corporate rules - Infosys announced that it has obtained regulatory approvals for its binding corporate rules, or BCR, from the Hesse Data Protection Authority, Germany, following concurrence from the European Data Protection Board. BCR provides a lawful framework within which organizations can transfer personal data internationally within their group companies. Two sets of BCRs have been approved for Infosys, one as a data controller and the other as a data processor.