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Liam Fox says unelected peers trying to block the people's will over Brexit

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s trade minister said on Tuesday that unelected lawmakers in parliament’s upper House of Lords were trying to block the will of the people over Brexit. Britain's Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox leaves 10 Downing Street in London, May 1, 2018. REUTERS/Simon Dawson Britain’s upper house on Monday voted to give parliament powers to block or delay a final deal on departure from the European Union, defeating May’s government. “Now we have the unelected house actually trying to block the democratic will of the British people,” Trade Secretary Liam Fox told Sky. “This is a question about whether the will of the British people will be respected or not, and it must be.” The Lords’ amendments to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill can be overturned in the lower house, where May has a working majority with the support of a small Northern Irish party, albeit a slim one. Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and Kate Holton; editing by Michael Holden

https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-parliament-fox/liam-fox-says-unelected-peers-trying-to-block-the-peoples-will-over-brexit-idUSKBN1I22ZR

Vista Outdoor Announces Strategic Business Transformation Plan

FARMINGTON, Utah, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) today announced its strategic business transformation plan, designed to allow the company to focus resources on pursuing growth in its core product categories. The plan is a result of a comprehensive strategic review, which began in November 2017. "Our review identified product categories that are core to the company's long-term business strategy," said Vista Outdoor Chief Executive Officer Chris Metz. "We believe future investment should focus on categories where Vista Outdoor can achieve sustainable growth, maximize operational efficiencies, deliver leadership economics, and drive shareholder value." In conducting the strategic review, Vista Outdoor management defined several criteria to evaluate whether individual product categories are part of the company's core. Vista Outdoor evaluated brands within its current portfolio based on their ability to do the following: Serve the company's target consumer – the outdoor enthusiast Create cross-selling and other similar synergy opportunities Achieve market leading positions and leadership economics Demonstrate omni-channel distribution capabilities As a result of this evaluation, and with support from its board of directors, Vista Outdoor will focus on achieving growth through its market-leading brands in ammunition, hunting and shooting accessories, hydration bottles and packs, and outdoor cooking products. "Vista Outdoor is excited about the potential of each of our core businesses, particularly ammunition, which is our largest core business." said Metz. "An increased focus on our heritage ammunition business will manifest itself in more innovative and breakthrough new products introduced over the next few years. We also anticipate that by prioritizing this business, we will be able to invest more capital to further enhance and expand our global leadership position." The company plans to explore strategic options for assets that fall outside of these product categories, including its remaining Sports Protection brands (e.g. Bell, Giro, and Blackburn), Jimmy Styks paddle boards, and Savage and Stevens firearms. Vista Outdoor expects that the execution of this process will significantly reduce the company's leverage, improve financial flexibility and the efficiency of its capital structure, and provide additional resources to reinvest in core product categories, both organically and through acquisition. "This transformation plan is a significant first step toward creating a portfolio of brands that is laser-focused on our target consumer and leverages the strengths of our combined platform," said Metz. "This renewed focus will allow us to invest in these categories and their natural adjacencies. Coupled with our previously announced sales and marketing reorganization to drive a founder's mentality back into our brands, this strategic orientation will also allow us to accelerate our efforts to expand e-commerce capabilities and increase our emphasis on market-leading product innovation. The end result will be a Vista Outdoor that lives up to the potential envisioned three years ago when the company was formed. We intend to begin the portfolio reshaping immediately, and anticipate executing any strategic alternatives by the end of Fiscal Year 2020." Vista Outdoor also reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18), both of which ended on March 31, 2018. "We completed a strong fourth quarter," said Metz. "For the second consecutive quarter, the company delivered sales and free cash flow above, and EPS within, our Fiscal Year 2018 guidance range. For the year, we generated in excess of $200 million of free cash flow, allowing us to pay down $206 million of debt. Importantly, we are beginning to see evidence that the market for our shooting sports and related outdoor products is leveling out, and we anticipate a return to growth in the second half of our Fiscal Year 2019." Fiscal Year 2018 For the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2018: Sales were $571 million, down 1 percent from the prior-year quarter. The decline was caused by lower prices across all ammunition categories due to market conditions in the Shooting Sports segment, and lower sales in hydration, optics, and water sports in the Outdoor Products segment. These declines were partially offset by increased firearms sales due to a product refresh in Shooting Sports and improved sales in outdoor cooking and Sports Protection product categories. Gross profit was $109 million, down 24 percent from the prior-year quarter. Adjusted gross profit was $112 million, down 22 percent. The decrease was primarily caused by unfavorable pricing in all ammunition categories, increased promotional activity, and rebates within the Shooting Sports segment. These decreases were partially offset by favorable volume, product mix and cost savings within Outdoor Products. Operating expenses were $125 million, compared to $130 million in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted operating expenses were $123 million, compared to $129 million in the prior-year quarter. The decrease in operating expenses was driven by lower expenses for customer collections compared to the prior period and cost savings initiatives, partially offset by increased incentive accruals. Interest expense was $12 million for the quarter, compared to $11 million in the prior-year quarter. The increase was caused by a higher average borrowing rate, partially offset by a lower debt balance. Tax rate was 42 percent, compared to 71 percent in the prior-year quarter. The adjusted tax rate was 46 percent, compared to 56 percent in the prior-year quarter, primarily caused by lower operating earnings in the current period. Fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $(0.28), compared to $0.02 in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted EPS was $(0.22), compared to $0.03 in the prior-year quarter. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018: Sales were $2.3 billion, down 9 percent from the prior year. The decline was caused by lower volume in Shooting Sports across all ammunition categories, lower pricing across the portfolio, and lower firearms sales as a result of decreased demand impacting the shooting sports industry. Additionally, Outdoor Products declines were caused by market conditions affecting shooting-related categories, including hunting and shooting accessories, optics, and tactical products. In Outdoor Products, hydration and water sports were impacted by loss of retail space and lower demand. The declines in both Shooting Sports and Outdoor Products were partially offset by $33 million in sales related to the Camp Chef acquisition for periods in which they were not part of Vista Outdoor. Organic sales were down 11 percent compared to the prior year. Gross profit was $521 million, down 22 percent from the prior year. The decline was caused by lower sales volumes, lower pricing, increased promotional activity and unfavorable product mix in Shooting Sports. Outdoor Products declines were caused by lower sales, partially offset by $10 million in gross profit related to the Camp Chef acquisition. Organic gross profit was down 24 percent, compared to the prior year. Operating expenses were $606 million, compared to $876 million in the prior year. Adjusted operating expenses were $444 million, compared to $455 million in the prior year. The decline in operating expenses was driven by cost savings initiatives and lower expenses for customer collections, partially offset by increased incentive accruals. Interest expense was $49 million, compared to $44 million in the prior year. The increase was caused by a higher average borrowing rate, partially offset by a lower average debt balance and the lack of a prior-year write-off of debt issuance costs. Tax rate was 55 percent, compared to (9) percent in the prior year. The adjusted tax rate was 8 percent, compared to 35 percent in the prior year; the decrease was driven by a one-time tax benefit related to a prior acquisition, and by the lower operating earnings in the current year. Fully diluted EPS was $(1.05), compared to $(4.66) in the prior year. Adjusted EPS was $0.50 compared to $1.90 in the prior year. Cash flow provided by operating activities was $252 million, compared to $158 million in the prior year. Free cash flow generation was $206 million, compared to $41 million in the prior-year period. The year-over-year improvement was primarily driven by inventory reduction initiatives, timing of tax payments and lower capital expenditures. The company will provide additional information in its Form 10-K, which will be filed this month. Please see the tables in the press release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP adjusted gross profit, operating profit, tax rate, fully diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow to the comparable GAAP measures. Outlook for Fiscal Year 2019 "Fiscal Year 2019 will be an inflection point for our business, and our financial guidance reflects this reality," said Metz. "Increased commodity costs and lower volume will pressure both segments in the first half, and higher interest expense and unfavorable tax rate will pressure earnings for the full year. In response to these challenges, the company has taken several cost reduction actions and initiated targeted price increases, and we anticipate further actions if commodity pressures do not abate. As we move through the year, we anticipate sequential, quarter-over-quarter improvements in our gross profit percentages as a result of our actions. Our strategic transformation into a consumer-focused, less complex, and more agile business will position us to unlock the true value of Vista Outdoor and its market-leading brands." Vista Outdoor FY19 financial guidance: Sales in a range of $2.205 billion to $2.265 billion Interest expense of approximately $55 million Tax rate reported and adjusted of approximately 30 percent Earnings per share in a range of $0.10 to $0.30 Capital expenditures of approximately $60 million Free cash flow in a range of $55 million to $85 million The company also expects FY19 EBITDA margins of approximately 7 percent. The guidance above does not include the impact of any future strategic acquisitions, divestitures, investments, business combinations or other significant transactions. Earnings Conference Call Webcast Information Vista Outdoor will hold an investor conference call to discuss its strategic business transformation plan, FY18 financial results and FY19 guidance on May 1, 2018, at 9 a.m. ET. The conference call will be accessible through live webcast. Interested investors and other individuals can access the webcast and view and/or download the earnings press release, including a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, and the related earnings release presentation slides, which will also include detailed segment information, via Vista Outdoor's website ( www.vistaoutdoor.com ). Choose "Investors" then "Events and Presentations." For those who cannot participate in the live webcast, a telephone recording of the conference call will be available for one month after the call. The telephone number is 719-457-0820, and the confirmation code is 8615122. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures The adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating profit (adjusted EBIT), adjusted tax rate, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per share (adjusted EPS) presented below are non-GAAP financial measures. Vista Outdoor defines these measures as gross profit, operating expenses, operating profit (EBIT), tax rate, net income, and EPS excluding, where applicable, the impact of costs incurred for contingent consideration, transaction costs, CEO/CFO transition costs, pension curtailment, goodwill and intangible asset impairment, transition costs, tax reform, reorganization, the impact of a gain recorded on an acquisition claim settlement, and acquisition inventory step-up. Vista Outdoor management is presenting these measures so a reader may compare gross profit, EBIT, tax rate, and EPS excluding these items, as the measures provide investors with an important perspective on the operating results of the company. Vista Outdoor management uses this measurement internally to assess business performance, and Vista Outdoor's definition may differ from those used by other companies. Total Vista Outdoor for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 Gross Profit Operating Expenses Operating Profit Taxes Tax Rate Net Income EPS As reported $ 109,322 $ 125,068 $ (15,746) $ (11,582) 42.1 % $ (15,922) $ (0.28) Contingent consideration — 2,989 (2,989) 285 (3,274) (0.06) Transaction costs — (895) 895 303 592 0.01 CEO/CFO transition costs — (291) 291 86 205 — Tax reform — — — (1,713) 1,713 0.03 Reorganization 2,901 (3,660) 6,561 2,218 4,343 0.08 As adjusted $ 112,223 $ 123,211 $ (10,988) $ (10,403) 45.7 % $ (12,343) $ (0.22) March 31, 2017 Gross Profit Operating Expenses Operating Profit Taxes Tax Rate Net Income EPS As reported $ 143,794 $ 129,827 $ 13,967 $ 2,097 71.0 % $ 857 $ 0.02 Transaction and transition costs — (490) 490 136 354 — Contingent consideration — (382) 382 (87) 469 0.01 As adjusted $ 143,794 $ 128,955 $ 14,839 $ 2,146 56.1 % $ 1,680 $ 0.03 Total Vista Outdoor for the Year Ended March 31, 2018 Gross Profit Operating Expenses Operating Profit Taxes Tax Rate Net Income EPS As reported $ 520,962 $ 605,537 $ (84,575) $ (73,557) 55.0 % $ (60,232) $ (1.05) Contingent consideration — 1,515 (1,515) 1,197 (2,712) (0.05) Transaction costs — (1,893) 1,893 654 1,239 0.02 Pension curtailment — 5,782 (5,782) (2,154) (3,628) (0.06) CEO/CFO transition costs — (9,747) 9,747 3,234 6,513 0.11 Impairment — (152,320) 152,320 23,392 128,928 2.25 Tax reform — — — 47,087 (47,087) (0.82) Reorganization 2,901 (5,310) 8,211 2,775 5,436 0.09 As adjusted $ 523,863 $ 443,564 $ 80,299 $ 2,628 8.5 % $ 28,457 $ 0.50 March 31, 2017 Gross Profit Operating Expenses Operating Profit Taxes Tax Rate Net Income EPS As reported $ 669,186 $ 876,210 $ (207,024) $ 23,760 (9.5) % $ (274,454) $ (4.66) Goodwill and intangibles impairment — (449,199) 449,199 35,670 413,529 7.02 Acquisition claim settlement gain, net — 30,027 (30,027) 143 (30,170) (0.51) Contingent consideration — 2,171 (2,171) (1,045) (1,126) (0.02) Transaction and transition costs — (4,575) 4,575 1,035 3,540 0.06 Inventory step-up 817 — 817 310 507 0.01 As adjusted $ 670,003 $ 454,634 $ 215,369 $ 59,873 34.9 % $ 111,826 $ 1.90 *NOTE: Adjustments to "as reported" results are items that are excluded from reported GAAP results to arrive at the "as adjusted" results for the quarters and years ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Fiscal Year 2018 Adjustments During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018, Vista Outdoor recorded a portion of the approximately $10 million of compensation for the Camp Chef earn-out, which is paid over the three years following the acquisition, subject to continued Camp Chef leadership employment and the achievement of certain incremental growth milestones. Also, for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018, as a result of not attaining the level of growth required to achieve the milestone earn-out for the Bell Powersports product line, the company revalued the contingent consideration based on expected incremental profitability growth milestones and reduced the liability by approximately $3.8 million. The tax effects of the contingent consideration adjustments related to Camp Chef were calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 34 to 37 percent. The contingent consideration adjustment related to the Bell Powersports product line is not taxable. Given these contingent consideration amounts relate to the purchase prices of companies and are not normal ongoing compensation of the employees, Vista Outdoor believes these costs are not indicative of operations. During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018, Vista Outdoor incurred transaction costs associated with possible transactions, including advisory, legal, and accounting service fees. Given the nature of transaction costs, and differences in these amounts from one acquisition to another, the company feels these costs are not indicative of operations of the company. The tax effect of the transaction costs was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 34 to 37 percent. During the year ended March 31, 2018, Vista Outdoor announced changes to its qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans that resulted in a one-time pension curtailment gain of approximately $6 million. The curtailment was effective July 31, 2017, with employees receiving a pro-rated pay credit for 2017, and no future pay credits beginning in 2018. Given the nature of this item, Vista Outdoor believes the gain is not indicative of the ongoing operations of the company. The tax effect of the pension curtailment was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 37 percent. During the year ended March 31, 2018, the company completed its search for a permanent CEO and announced the departure of the CFO. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, Vista Outdoor incurred costs related to severance and executive search fees related to the CFO transition. The company believes the costs related to these transitions are not indicative of the ongoing operations of the company. The tax effect of the costs was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately of 34 to 37 percent, partially offset by a tax deduction shortfall. During the year ended March 31, 2018, Vista Outdoor recognized a $152 million total impairment of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. The company previously anticipated a return to sales growth in Fiscal Year 2018 for the Hunting and Shooting Accessories and Sports Protection reporting units. However, during the quarter ended October 1, 2017, the company concluded that the return to growth for those reporting units would take longer than previously anticipated. As a result, management reduced the projected cash flows for these reporting units to reflect the lower expected sales volume and higher product discounting. This reduction in internal projections for these reporting units triggered an analysis of goodwill and tradename intangibles. Given the unusual and infrequent nature of this impairment, Vista Outdoor believes these costs are not indicative of operations of the company. The tax effect of the impairment charge reflects the fact that part of the goodwill impairment charge of $143 million was non-deductible for tax purposes, and the remaining goodwill and intangibles impairment charge was deductible at a rate of approximately 37 percent. During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018, Vista Outdoor recognized a tax benefit related to the revaluation of the balance sheet as a result of tax legislation, which has been enacted in the United States and France. Vista Outdoor believes the tax benefit related to the revaluation of the balance sheet is not indicative of the ongoing operations of the company. During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2018, Vista Outdoor incurred costs related to reorganization. These costs relate primarily to consulting costs for the review of the company's organizational structure and portfolio of brands, as well as severance costs associated with positions that have been eliminated. In addition, as part of the portfolio review, Vista Outdoor decided to exit a specific product line within the Outdoor Products segment and therefore has written off the related inventory. Given the infrequent and unique nature of the reorganization, the company believes these costs are not indicative of ongoing operations. The tax effect of the transaction costs was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of approximately 37 percent. Fiscal Year 2017 Adjustments A challenging retail environment and other market pressures resulted in deeper discounting of Vista Outdoor's accessories products during the second half of the year ended March 31, 2017. The deeper discounting caused a reduction in the projected cash flows of the Hunting and Shooting Accessories reporting unit. Given this drop in projected cash flows and a continued challenging retail environment, the company determined a triggering event had occurred requiring an evaluation of goodwill. Upon completion of the analysis, an impairment of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets was determined to be necessary. Given the non-cash and unusual and infrequent nature of this intangible asset impairment, Vista Outdoor does not believe these costs are indicative of operations of the company. The tax effect of the goodwill and intangible impairment charge was determined based on the fact that the goodwill impairment charge of $354 million is non-deductible for tax purposes, and the remaining intangible asset impairment of $95 million was deductible at a rate of approximately 38 percent. During the year ended March 31, 2017, the company finalized a settlement of claims that it brought against the previous owner of Bushnell Holdings, and third-party insurance providers relating to certain disputes arising under the purchase agreement with respect to the acquisition. The significant majority of the transaction was not taxable for income tax purposes. For the quarter and year ended March 31, 2017, as result of not achieving the first growth milestone and the likelihood of not meeting any future growth milestone for the Jimmy Styks acquisition, and changes in expectations for remaining periods for the earnout related to the Bell Powersports product line, the company revalued the contingent consideration based on expected incremental profitability growth milestones and reduced the liability. In addition, Vista Outdoor recorded a portion of the $10 million of compensation for the Camp Chef earn-out, which will be paid over the next three years, subject to continued Camp Chef leadership employment and the achievement of certain incremental profitability growth milestones. Given this balance is related to the purchase price of the company, is not normal compensation of the employees, and will not be a continuing cost, Vista Outdoor does not believe these costs are indicative of operations of the company. The tax effect of the transaction and transition costs was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of 38 percent. For the year ended March 31, 2017, as a result of the acquisition of Action Sports, Vista Outdoor recorded a step-up in the inventory balances, which is the purchase accounting fair value adjustment. The inventory step-up was expensed to the income statement over the first inventory cycle. The tax effect of the inventory step-up was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of 38 percent. During the quarter and year ended March 31, 2017, Vista Outdoor incurred transaction and transition costs associated with the completed acquisitions of Action Sports and Camp Chef, as well as other possible transactions, including advisory, legal and accounting service fees. Transition costs for the Action Sports business include one-time costs related to the integration of the business into the company, including vendor change fees, insurance-related expenses, and severance costs. Given the nature of transaction and transition costs, and differences in these amounts from one acquisition to another, Vista Outdoor believes these costs are not indicative of operations of the company. The tax effect of the transaction and transition costs was calculated based on a blended statutory rate of 38 percent. Free Cash Flow Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by (used for) operating activities less capital expenditures and excluding transaction, contingent consideration, CEO/CFO transition, reorganization, and acquisition claim settlement costs net of taxes incurred to date. Vista Outdoor management believes free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available for debt repayment, share repurchases and acquisitions after making the capital investments required to support ongoing business operations. Vista Outdoor management uses free cash flow internally to assess both business performance and overall liquidity. (in thousands) Year ended March 31, 2018 Year ended March 31, 2017 Projected Year Ending March 31, 2019 Cash provided by operating activities $ 252,355 $ 158,401 $115,000-145,000 Capital expenditures (66,627) (90,665) ~(60,000) Contingent consideration 3,371 — — Acquisition claim settlement gain — (30,027) — CEO/CFO transition costs paid to date 12,388 — — Reorganization 3,515 — — Transaction costs paid to date 1,239 3,720 — Free cash flow $ 206,241 $ 41,429 $55,000-85,000 EBITDA Margin EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization) divided by net sales. Vista Outdoor management believes EBITDA margin provides investors with an important perspective on the company's core profitability and helps investors analyze underlying trends in the company's business and evaluate its performance on an absolute basis and relative to its peers. EBITDA margin should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP net profit margin. Vista Outdoor's definition may differ from that used by other companies. Vista Outdoor has not reconciled EBITDA margin guidance to GAAP net profit margin guidance because Vista Outdoor does not provide guidance for net income, which is a reconciling item between GAAP net profit margin and non-GAAP EBITDA margin. Accordingly, a reconciliation to net profit margin is not available without unreasonable effort. About Vista Outdoor Inc. Vista Outdoor is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products in the growing outdoor sports and recreation markets. The company operates in two segments, Shooting Sports and Outdoor Products, and has a portfolio of well-recognized brands that provides consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative products for individual outdoor recreational pursuits. Vista Outdoor products are sold at leading retailers and distributors across North America and worldwide. Vista Outdoor is headquartered in Utah and has manufacturing operations and facilities in 13 U.S. States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico along with international customer service, sales and sourcing operations in Asia, Australia, Canada, and Europe. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release and other oral and written statements made by Vista Outdoor from time to time are forward-looking statements, including those that discuss, among other things: Vista Outdoor's plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; projections with respect to future revenues, income, earnings per share or other financial measures for Vista Outdoor; and the assumptions that underlie these matters. The words 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'intend', 'aim', 'should' and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. To the extent that any such information is forward-looking, it is intended to fit within the safe harbor for forward-looking information provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause Vista Outdoor's actual results to differ materially from expectations described in such forward-looking statements, including the following: general economic and business conditions in the U.S. and Vista Outdoor's other markets, including conditions affecting employment levels, consumer confidence and spending; Vista Outdoor's ability to attract and retain key personnel and maintain and grow its relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners, including Vista Outdoor's ability to obtain acceptable third party licenses; Vista Outdoor's ability to adapt its products to changes in technology, the marketplace and customer preferences; Vista Outdoor's ability to maintain and enhance brand recognition and reputation; use of social media to disseminate negative commentary and boycotts; reductions, unexpected changes in or our inability to accurately forecast demand for ammunition, firearms or accessories or other outdoor sports and recreation products; risks associated with Vista Outdoor's sales to significant retail customers, including unexpected cancellations, delays and other changes to purchase orders; supplier capacity constraints, production disruptions or quality or price issues affecting Vista Outdoor's operating costs; Vista Outdoor's competitive environment; risks associated with compliance and diversification into international and commercial markets; the supply, availability and costs of raw materials and components; increases in commodity, energy and production costs; changes in laws, rules and regulations relating to Vista Outdoor's business, such as federal and state firearms and ammunition regulations; Vista Outdoor's ability to execute its long-term growth strategy, including our ability to complete and realize expected benefits from acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses; Vista Outdoor's ability to take advantage of growth opportunities in international and commercial markets; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; the outcome of contingencies, including with respect to litigation and other proceedings relating to intellectual property, product liability, warranty liability, personal injury and environmental remediation; risks associated with cybersecurity and other industrial and physical security threats; capital market volatility and the availability of financing; changes to accounting standards or policies; and changes in tax rules or pronouncements. Vista Outdoor undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact Vista Outdoor, and statements contained herein, please refer to Vista Outdoor's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. VISTA OUTDOOR INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (preliminary and unaudited) QUARTERS ENDED YEARS ENDED (Amounts in thousands except per share data) March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 Sales, net $ 571,227 $ 578,753 $ 2,308,463 $ 2,546,892 Cost of sales 461,905 434,959 1,787,501 1,877,706 Gross profit 109,322 143,794 520,962 669,186 Operating expenses: Research and development 7,550 8,618 29,663 32,769 Selling, general, and administrative 117,394 121,209 423,430 424,269 Acquisition claim settlement gain, net — — — (30,027) Goodwill and intangibles impairment 124 — 152,444 449,199 Income (loss) before interest and income taxes (15,746) 13,967 (84,575) (207,024) Interest expense, net (11,758) (11,013) (49,214) (43,670) Income (loss) before income taxes (27,504) 2,954 (133,789) (250,694) Income tax provision (benefit) (11,582) 2,097 (73,557) 23,760 Net income (loss) $ (15,922) $ 857 $ (60,232) $ (274,454) Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic $ (0.28) $ 0.02 $ (1.05) $ (4.66) Diluted $ (0.28) $ 0.02 $ (1.05) $ (4.66) Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 57,310 56,929 57,167 58,911 Diluted 57,310 57,021 57,167 58,911 VISTA OUTDOOR INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (preliminary and unaudited) (Amounts in thousands except share data) March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 22,870 $ 45,075 Net receivables 421,763 450,715 Net inventories 382,278 562,795 Income tax receivable 3,379 25,658 Assets held for sale 200,440 — Other current assets 27,962 25,604 Total current assets 1,058,692 1,109,847 Net property, plant, and equipment 277,207 272,346 Goodwill 657,536 857,631 Net intangible assets 592,279 708,530 Deferred charges and other non-current assets 29,122 28,393 Total assets $ 2,614,836 $ 2,976,747 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 32,000 $ 32,000 Accounts payable 114,549 127,718 Accrued compensation 36,346 33,663 Federal excise tax 22,701 30,082 Liabilities held for sale 42,177 — Other accrued liabilities 97,447 122,926 Total current liabilities 345,220 346,389 Long-term debt 883,399 1,089,252 Deferred income tax liabilities 66,196 160,765 Accrued pension and postemployment benefits 38,196 64,230 Other long-term liabilities 64,335 71,046 Total liabilities 1,397,346 1,731,682 Commitments and contingencies Common stock—$.01 par value: Authorized—500,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding—57,431,299 shares at March 31, 2018 and 57,014,319 shares at March 31, 2017 574 571 Additional paid-in-capital 1,746,182 1,752,903 Accumulated deficit (156,526) (108,033) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (104,296) (112,992) Common stock in treasury, at cost—6,533,140 shares held at March 31, 2018 and 6,950,120 shares held at March 31, 2017 (268,444) (287,384) Total stockholders' equity 1,217,490 1,245,065 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,614,836 $ 2,976,747 VISTA OUTDOOR INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (preliminary and unaudited) Years Ended March 31 (Amounts in thousands) 2018 2017 Operating Activities Net income (loss) $ (60,232) $ (274,454) Adjustments to net income (loss) to arrive at cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 55,090 54,157 Amortization of intangible assets 34,669 39,622 Amortization of deferred financing costs 3,026 4,125 Goodwill and intangibles impairment 152,444 449,199 Deferred income taxes (78,989) (22,470) Loss on disposal of property 129 239 Share-based compensation 9,299 12,648 Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition of businesses: Net receivables 5,733 63,101 Net inventories 155,526 (85,680) Accounts payable (1,633) (54,055) Accrued compensation 6,822 (17,928) Accrued income taxes 24,915 (26,689) Federal excise tax (7,440) 2,437 Pension and other postretirement benefits (22,850) 1,006 Other assets and liabilities (24,154) 13,143 Cash provided by operating activities 252,355 158,401 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (66,627) (90,665) Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired — (458,149) Proceeds from the disposition of property, plant, and equipment 128 135 Cash used for investing activities (66,499) (548,679) Financing Activities Borrowings on line of credit 250,000 555,000 Repayments of line of credit (425,000) (380,000) Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — 307,500 Payments made on long-term debt (32,000) (32,000) Payments made for debt issue costs (1,879) (3,660) Purchase of treasury shares — (151,850) Deferred payments for acquisitions (1,348) (7,136) Proceeds from employee stock compensation plans 4,824 75 Shares withheld for payroll taxes (3,147) (3,713) Cash provided by (used for) financing activities (208,550) 284,216 Effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on cash 489 (555) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (22,205) (106,617) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 45,075 151,692 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 22,870 $ 45,075 Media Contact: Investor Contact: Amanda Covington Michael Pici Phone: 801-447-3035 Phone: 801-447-3168 E-mail: media.relations@vistaoutdoor.com E-mail: investor.relations@vistaoutdoor.com View original content with multimedia: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vista-outdoor-announces-strategic-business-transformation-plan-300639641.html SOURCE Vista Outdoor Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/01/pr-newswire-vista-outdoor-announces-strategic-business-transformation-plan.html

UK's Johnson backs PM May's position over EU customs' plans

LONDON (Reuters) - British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who has described proposals for a customs partnership with the European Union after Brexit as “crazy”, said on Monday he backed Prime Minister Theresa May’s stance on the issue. May has said Britain would leave the EU’s customs union and the “customs partnership” which would see Britain essentially collect tariffs on behalf of the EU in order to keep trade with the bloc flowing freely, is said to be her preferred plan for its replacement. Writing in a newspaper on Sunday, May said she could be trusted to deliver Brexit, but that it could not be done without compromises on all sides. “I thought the prime minister’s piece in the Sunday Times really set it out very clearly,” he said. “I think the prime minister’s position that I’ve now twice applauded is completely right.” Reporting by Michael Holden. Editing by Andrew MacAskill

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-johnson/uks-johnson-backs-pm-mays-position-over-eu-customs-plans-idUSKCN1IF1UW

Heavy rains complicate harvest of Argentina's drought-hit soy

May 8, 2018 / 8:10 PM / Updated 40 minutes ago Heavy rains complicate harvest of Argentina's drought-hit soy Hugh Bronstein 4 Min Read BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Soy harvesting machines are getting stuck in the mud as they try to move over water-logged fields in Argentina, threatening the country’s main cash crop as the government tries to stabilize its volatile peso currency and meet its new deficit target. Soy beans are seen at a Grobocopatel Hermanos company storage plant in Carlos Casares, Argentina, April 16, 2018. Picture taken April 16, 2018. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian The soy crop had already been hurt by a drought that ended last month, only to give way to near-constant rain storms that have turned once bone-dry fields into unharvestable mush. The excessive wetness could cut soy yields by 5 percent to 15 percent, on top of the huge losses caused by hot, dry conditions that started in November and lasted through March. In some areas, water-logged bean pods burst open or sprout before being harvested, hurting quality and lowering prices by up to 30 percent, according to the Rosario grains exchange. “What’s most worrying is that the forecasts point to more strong rains over the days ahead,” said the exchange’s head of research, Emilce Terre. The double hammer blow of drought followed by excessive rain comes as the government tries to calm its volatile financial markets in part by cutting its fiscal deficit target to 2.7 percent of gross domestic product. To hit that target it needs revenue from the 27.5 percent tax it imposes on soybean exports. A smaller crop means less tax revenue for a country’s whose economy is already in trouble. The government and the International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday they are working on a financing deal aimed at bolstering confidence. The harvesting combines that bring in the crop are meanwhile getting bogged down, said Gustavo Lopez, head of local farm consultancy Agritrend. “People are talking about a soy crop of 37 or 38 million tonnes nationwide, and that the rains could reduce that by 1 to 1.5 million tonnes,” Lopez said. Soy beans are poured from a truck at a Grobocopatel Hermanos company storage plant in Carlos Casares, Argentina, April 16, 2018. Picture taken April 16, 2018. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian CROP FORECASTS SLASHED Argentina’s 2017/18 soy crop is projected at 40 million tonnes by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That is down from the 57 million tonne estimate the USDA gave before the start of a five-month drought in November. The USDA also chopped its 2017/18 Argentina corn harvest estimate to 33 million tonnes from 42 million in November. “The current rains, added to previous ones and accumulated days with high humidity, are impacting on the quality of the soybean harvest and compromising its production,” said Esteban Copati, head analyst at the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange. Corn harvesting has been halted in some areas. “Because of weather conditions, they have stopped harvesting late-seeded corn in most areas,” said Alberto Morelli, president of Argentina’s Maizar corn industry chamber. Analysts agreed the unusually strong rain has set the stage for a profitable wheat planting season, which starts this month. “The rain has increased possibilities of having another good year in acreage, possibly well above 6 million hectares,” said David Hughes, a farmer in the bread basket province of Buenos Aires and head of the Argentrigo wheat industry chamber. “Soil moisture is good, futures price are very good and fertilizer prices are at a good relationship versus wheat prices,” Hughes said. “We are optimistic and look forward to another very good year.” Additional reporting by Maximilian Heath; Editing by Bill Trott and Lisa Shumaker

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-argentina-soy-weather/heavy-rains-complicate-harvest-of-argentinas-drought-hit-soy-idUSKBN1I931Z

Mexico presidency rivals tackle foreign policy in second debate

May 21, 2018 / 12:34 AM / Updated 26 minutes ago Mexican rivals attack leftist in second debate, Trump hovers over exchanges Anthony Esposito 4 Min Read MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The chasing pack of Mexican presidential candidates attacked front-runner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in a second televised debate on Sunday without landing major blows in exchanges that often returned to fraught relations with the United States. (L-R) Independent candidate Jaime Rodriguez Calderon, Ricardo Anaya of the National Action Party (PAN), Jose Antonio Meade of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) pose for a photo in their second televised debate in Tijuana, Mexico in this May 20, 2018 handout released to Reuters by the National Electoral Institute (INE). National Electoral Institute/Handout via REUTERS Leftist Lopez Obrador sought to deflect questions, as he did in the first debate last month ahead of the July 1 election. He stuck to many of his stock responses to defend his sizeable opinion poll lead, rarely rising to the bait and occasionally mocking his rivals. The debate, focussed principally on trade, migrants, the Mexico-U.S. border and the fight against criminal gangs, drew several rebukes of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose broadsides against Mexico have stirred widespread animosity. The second-placed challenger, 39-year-old Ricardo Anaya, crossed the stage to address Lopez Obrador face to face in a bid to rile the former Mexico City mayor. But the 64-year-old Lopez Obrador brushed off the attacks, dismissively calling Anaya a “liar and a fraud.” “Anaya is a little bum demagogue,” Lopez Obrador said, at one point laughingly telling the audience in the northern city of Tijuana he was watching out for his wallet when Anaya approached him to challenge his record as mayor of the capital. Anaya, who is heading a right-left coalition, emerged as the victor of the first debate in some polls. He tried to paint Lopez Obrador as out of touch, ill-informed and beholden to outdated economic models. But Lopez Obrador showed fewer signs of irritation than in the first debate, remaining in good humor and rarely wandering from his script. Leftist front-runner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), waves while arriving with his wife Beatriz Gutierrez Muller for the second presidential debate in Tijuana, Mexico May 20, 2018. REUTERS/Ramon Blanco ‘ALLIANCE FOR PROGRESS’ Lopez Obrador, who in some polls has a lead of 20 percentage points over Anaya, recycled much of his campaign rhetoric, and pledged to make Trump respect Mexico if he is elected. “I want a friendly relationship with the government of the United States, but not one of subordination. Mexico is a free country, it is a sovereign nation,” Lopez Obrador said. “We will not be subject to any foreign government.” Lopez Obrador said he would propose an “alliance for progress” that included Mexico, the United States, Canada and Central America to foster job creation, grow the economy and pacify the region. He did not offer details on his plan. In his third tilt at the top job, Lopez Obrador has capitalized on widespread disenchantment with the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) over corruption, rising levels of violence and sluggish economic growth. The PRI candidate, former finance minister Jose Antonio Meade, has struggled to make an impact, and again found himself defending the unpopular government of President Enrique Pena Nieto. Lopez Obrador came close to winning the presidency in 2006 and was runner-up again six years later. This time around, Lopez Obrador has cut a more relaxed figure on the campaign trail, largely avoiding the kind of outbursts that in the past helped adversaries depict him as a threat to the stability in Latin America’s No. 2 economy. Despite softening his tone, Lopez Obrador has butted heads with Mexico’s business community, calling several tycoons influence traffickers who benefit from corruption. Lopez Obrador has already caused concerns with threats to walk back the liberalization of the country’s oil and gas business and to scrap a new $13 billion Mexico City airport. Additional reporting by Ana Isabel Martinez, Dave Graham and Adriana Barrera; Editing by Sandra Maler and Paul Tait

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mexico-election/mexico-presidency-rivals-tackle-foreign-policy-in-second-debate-idUKKCN1IM01J

Burundi bans the BBC, VOA two weeks before referendum

May 4, 2018 / 3:13 PM / Updated 42 minutes ago Burundi bans the BBC, VOA two weeks before referendum Reuters Staff 4 Min Read NAIROBI (Reuters) - Burundi suspended operations by the British Broadcasting Corporation and Voice of America on Friday, two weeks before a referendum that could extend the president’s rule for at least a decade. FILE PHOTO: Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza bids farewell to his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma at the airport after an Africa Union-sponsored dialogue in an attempt to end months of violence in the capital Bujumbura, February 27, 2016. REUTERS/Evrard Ngendakumana/File Photo The National Communication Council said it had suspended the international media organisations for six months, accusing them of breaching press laws and unprofessional conduct. The regulator said in a statement the BBC had invited a Burundi national on its programme whose remarks were “inappropriate, exaggerated, non-verified, damaging the reputation of the head of state, to ethnic hatred, to political conflict and civil disobedience.” VOA was suspended for broadcasting on a frequency banned by the regulator, according to the statement. The French broadcaster Radio France International and the local station Isanganiro were also cited in the statement and warned about employing more rigorous verification of sources. VOA said it was dismayed by the ban but that its content will continue to be available in Kirundi and Kinyarwanda via shortwave channels, on the Internet and on FM transmitters located in neighbouring countries. “Our audience members count on VOA to provide factual, unbiased and objective coverage of current events, so this ban deprives the citizens of Burundi of a trusted news source during a critical time in that country,” VOA Director Amanda Bennett said in a statement. There was no immediate comment from the BBC. “This falls in line with the repression in Burundi as we head closer to the referendum,” said Lewis Mudge, a senior researcher in the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch. “The banning of two major sources of information for the Burundian people is worrying. “This is happening in the context of journalists getting threatened, those reporting on some of the oppression are being muzzled.” Burundi ranks 159th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index compiled by the advocacy group Reporters Without Borders, which says “journalists find it hard to work freely and are often harassed by security forces.” The country is scheduled to hold a referendum on May 17 that would extend the presidential term to seven years from five. If the measure passes, President Pierre Nkurunziza, now 54 years old, would be free to run for office again in 2020. The amendment would limit the president to two consecutive seven-year terms, but it would not take into account previous terms, potentially extending Nkurunziza’s rule to 2034. “Conditions for holding a credible referendum deteriorate as days go by ... the regime is now afraid of the media’s force, which can derail their plan for the upcoming referendum and the 2020 elections,” said Léonce Ngendakumana, deputy chairman of the opposition party FRODEBU, the Front for Democracy in Burundi. On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department condemned recent political violence in Burundi and expressed concern that the vote could hurt the country’s institutions. Human rights groups say they do not think the vote will take place in a free and fair climate. Nearly 430,000 people, including opposition politicians, have fled the East African nation of 10.5 million people since Nkurunziza won a third term in a 2015 election that led to violent clashes. His foes said he had no right to run again. Writing by Omar Mohammed, editing by Larry King

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-burundi-politics/burundi-bans-the-bbc-voa-two-weeks-before-referendum-idUKKBN1I51VN

Deluxe Corp. Acquires LogoMix, a Provider of Custom Marketing Products for Small Businesses

Acquisition further enhances Deluxe’s suite of small business marketing solutions SHOREVIEW, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Deluxe Corporation (NYSE: DLX) announced that it recently acquired 100 percent of privately held LogoMix, a Boston-based provider of logo design and other small business branding and marketing services. Founded in 2006, LogoMix enables businesses and individuals to create and purchase custom marketing products for use online and offline. On LogoMaker.com , users can create a custom logo in minutes and, in one click, print their logo on business cards, signs, pens and other offline marketing products. LogoMix’s other marketing services include websites, business email, domains and Google Apps for Work. The LogoMix acquisition strengthens Deluxe’s fast-growing suite of innovative small business marketing services. Those solutions include website development and hosting, email marketing, social media, search engine optimization and logo design, in addition to the company’s industry-leading checks and forms offerings. The move also improves Deluxe’s reach, as more than 60 percent of LogoMix’s customers are outside of the U.S. “For more than a century, Deluxe has provided millions of small businesses with the products, services and advice they need to pursue their passion and achieve success,” said Malcolm McRoberts, senior vice president of Small Business Services for Deluxe. “LogoMix shares our commitment to helping small businesses market themselves, and this acquisition further enhances our ability to help our customers grow.” Deluxe acquired LogoMix for $43 million in an all cash transaction. LogoMix founder Craig Bloem, will remain with Deluxe, taking a position as vice president in the small business services unit, reporting to McRoberts. Deluxe will integrate LogoMix’s proprietary AI (Artificial Intellegence) capabilities across its business. These capabilities will give Deluxe the ability to better cross-sell Deluxe products to its customers. LogoMix currently sells more than 60 percent of its customers more than a single product. “Our mission has been to revolutionize the way that small businesses market and brand their business,” said Bloem. “Joining forces with Deluxe, which has a long history of providing innovative marketing solutions to small businesses, will benefit both of our companies’ existing and future customers.” LogoMix serves more than 900,000 customers in more than 120 countries. In addition to LogoMix.com , LogoMix also operates FreeLogoServices.com and LogoMarker.com . Deluxe will maintain the LogoMix name as it transitions its talent and tools into the Deluxe small business portfolio. About Deluxe Corporation Deluxe is a growth engine for small businesses and financial institutions. 4.4 million small business customers utilize Deluxe’s service and product solutions, including website development and hosting, email marketing, social media, search engine optimization and logo design, in addition to our industry-leading checks and forms offerings. Deluxe serves approximately 4,900 financial institutions with a diverse portfolio of financial technology solutions that enable them to grow revenue and manage their customers’ throughout their lifecycle, including our best-in-class check program solutions. Deluxe is also a leading provider of checks and accessories sold directly to consumers. For more information, visit us at www.deluxe.com , www.facebook.com/deluxecorp or www.twitter.com/deluxecorp . About LogoMix LogoMix is a self-service marketing and branding platform serving more than 900,000 customers in 120 countries. LogoMix believes that making a logo, business card or custom marketing product like a pen, polo, or sign should not only be easy, it should be fun. They give users the tools to brand their business during these crucial points of connection with customers, partners and the world. LogoMix enables businesses around the world to create and purchase custom marketing products through websites LogoMix.com , FreeLogoServices.com , LogoMaker.com , and our partner applications with ADP and Google Apps for Work. For more information, visit LogoMix.com or LogoMaker.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180509005115/en/ Deluxe Corporation Cameron Potts, 651-233-7735 cameron.potts@deluxe.com Source: Deluxe Corporation

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/09/business-wire-deluxe-corp-acquires-logomix-a-provider-of-custom-marketing-products-for-small-businesses.html

Texas company recalls nearly 25 tons of smoked sausage items

Texas company recalls nearly 25 tons of smoked sausage items Published 8 Hours Ago The Associated Press YOAKUM, Texas (AP) — A Texas company has recalled nearly 25 tons (23 metric tons) of smoked sausage products due to possible contamination with plastic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the recall by Eddy Packing Co. of Yoakum (YOH'-kum). A USDA statement Friday says the recall involves smoked sausage products ranging from 2½ pounds (0.91 kilograms) to 30 pounds (14 kilograms) that were processed April 5 with packing dates of April 5-6. The products have "EST. 4800" inside the USDA mark and were shipped to California, Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The problem was discovered when Eddy Packing Co. received complaints from a restaurant about white, hard plastic found in some sausage during slicing. No one has reported getting sick or hurt. The recalled products should be discarded or returned to the store. ... The recalled items include Eddy Fully Cooked Premium Smoked Sausage, Dickey's Barbeque Pit Original Smoked Fresh Polish Sausage Made With Pork and Beef, Lowe's Original Recipe Naturally Hardwood Smoked Sausage Made With Pork and Beef, Eddy Smoked Sausage Made With Pork and Beef, Carl's Pork and Beef Smoked Sausage, Eddy Southern Style Pork and Beef Smoked Sausage and Dickey Cheese/Jalapeno Pork and Beef Sausage Ring.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/07/the-associated-press-texas-company-recalls-nearly-25-tons-of-smoked-sausage-items.html

Tekla Life Sciences Investors Declares Stock Distribution

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On May 22, 2018, Tekla Life Sciences Investors declared a stock distribution of $0.40 per share. The record date for the stock distribution is June 1, 2018 and the payable date is June 29, 2018. The Fund will trade ex-distribution on May 31, 2018. This stock distribution will automatically be paid in newly issued shares of the Fund unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. The shares will be valued at the lower of the net asset value or market price on the pricing date, June 21, 2018. Fractional shares will generally be settled in cash, except for registered shareholders with book entry accounts at the transfer agent who will have whole and fractional shares added to their account. Shareholders may request to be paid in cash instead of shares by responding to the bank, brokerage or nominee who holds the shares if the shares are in “street name” or by filling out an election card received from Computershare Investor Services shortly after the record date if the shares are in registered form. The bank, brokerage or nominee who holds the shares must advise the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") as to their full and fractional share requirements by June 20, 2018. Written notification for the election of cash instead of stock by registered shareholders must be received by Computershare Investor Services prior to June 20, 2018. Tekla Life Sciences Investors (NYSE: HQL) is a closed-end fund that invests in public and private companies in the life sciences industry. Tekla Capital Management LLC, based in Boston, serves as Investment Adviser to the Fund. Shares of the Fund can be purchased on the New York Stock Exchange through any securities broker. For additional information, please consult www.teklacap.com or call (877)-855-3434. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180522005996/en/ Tekla Life Sciences Investors 877-855-3434 www.teklacap.com Source: Tekla Life Sciences Investors

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/22/business-wire-tekla-life-sciences-investors-declares-stock-distribution.html

On the poster, but not the carpet, Godard fails to show up in Cannes

CANNES, France (Reuters) - Jean-Luc Godard is everywhere at Cannes this year, with an image from his 1965 New Wave classic “Pierrot le Fou” gracing the film festival’s poster. But the man himself was nowhere to be seen when his latest movie premiered on Friday. 71st Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film The Picture Book (Le livre d'image) in competition - Red Carpet Arrivals - Cannes, France May 11, 2018. Editor Nicole Brenez, producers Fabrice Aragno, Mitra Farahani and Jean Paul Battaggia pose with Thierry Fremaux and Pierre Lescure. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard The 87-year-old French-Swiss director, revered as a living legend by film buffs but derided as pretentious and irrelevant by his detractors, is in competition for the Palme d’Or, Cannes top prize, which he has never won in his near 60-year career. Having made his name by breaking cinematic rules in the 1960s by unconventional editing and having characters turn to address the camera, he has always strived for originality, with mixed success. “Le Livre d’Image” (“Image Book”) is a collage of film clips and images with an often conflicting soundtrack of voiceover and dialogue that appears to address philosophical or political ideas, only to cut out halfway. “No activity will become art until its epoch is over, then it will disappear,” says an old man’s voice in French. 71st Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film The Picture Book (Le livre d'image) in competition - Red Carpet Arrivals - Cannes, France May 11, 2018. Mia Frye poses. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau A packed Cannes auditorium shed hundreds of viewers during the premiere of a movie that Variety magazine reported would become a travelling art installation, possibly a better setting for “Image Book”, as it would let the viewer move around a 500 to 600 square-metre space to dip in and out of the pictures and sounds. “Now he’s like this old, semi-god who can do whatever he wants. He’s not making traditional cinema,” said Michel Hazanavicius, who last year brought the starkly satirical Godard biopic “Redoubtable” to Cannes. “We should put him in the contemporary arts category. That’s where he belongs now,” Hazanavicius, director of “The Artist”, said in an interview with IndieWire. 71st Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film The Picture Book (Le livre d'image) in competition - Red Carpet Arrivals - Cannes, France May 11, 2018. Mia Frye poses. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 8 to May 19. Reporting by Robin Pomeroy, editing by Louise Heavens

https://in.reuters.com/article/filmfestival-cannes-image-book/on-the-poster-but-not-the-carpet-godard-fails-to-show-up-in-cannes-idINKBN1IC28Y

Australia's Santos gets $10.8 bln conditional bid from Harbour Energy

May 21 (Reuters) - Santos Ltd said on Monday it received a revised offer from U.S.-based suitor Harbour Energy, valuing it at $10.84 billion, up 4.6 percent from an earlier offer. The revised proposal is conditional on Santos undertaking additional hedging of oil-linked production in 2018 of about 30 percent and changes to hedging in 2019, Santos said in a statement. The new offer is equivalent to A$6.95 a share at an exchange rate of 0.75. Harbour said the offer price would be increased to a U.S. dollar amount equivalent to A$7.00 per share if Santos agreed to hedge 30 percent of oil-linked production in 2020. (Reporting by Chris Thomas in Bengaluru; editing by Richard Pullin)

https://www.reuters.com/article/santos-ma-harbour/australias-santos-gets-10-8-bln-conditional-bid-from-harbour-energy-idUSL3N1SR0Z1

Indian traders' group files objection to Walmart-Flipkart deal

MUMBAI (Reuters) - An Indian trader body has raised objections to Walmart Inc’s $16 billion acquisition of e-commerce firm Flipkart, though lawyers and sources said the complaint to the country’s antitrust regulator is unlikely to threaten the deal. FILE PHOTO: The logo of India's e-commerce firm Flipkart is seen on the company's office in Bengaluru, India April 12, 2018. REUTERS/Abhishek N. Chinnappa/File Photo The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) filed an objection to the U.S. retail giant’s buyout of roughly 77 percent of Bengaluru-based Flipkart, the body said on Monday, adding that the deal would create unfair competition and result in predatory pricing. However, multiple sources close to the deal said that CAIT’s filing with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) did not pose a challenge to the acquisition. “It’s very unlikely the CCI will look into this complaint as both Flipkart and Walmart are not competing in India in relation to any products or services,” said a lawyer with knowledge of the deal. A source with direct knowledge of the deal said the CAIT complaint was “not a matter of concern”. Walmart’s bid is at aimed at competing with arch rival Amazon.com Inc in a major growth market and prompted protests from Indian trade and nationalist groups that say small traders will suffer. Amazon’s presence in India means that a Walmart-Flipkart alliance would not be a threat to competition, a CCI official said. However, the deal could be politically sensitive because it might affect small and medium-sized traders, added the official, who declined to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media. M. M. Sharma, head of competition law and policy at law firm Vaish Associates, said: “Blocking (of the deal) is highly unlikely, but the CCI will keep checks and balances so that competition in the market is maintained.” Reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal, Aditya Kalra and Abhirup Roy; Editing by David Goodman

https://in.reuters.com/article/flipkart-m-a-walmart-competition/indian-traders-group-files-objection-to-walmart-flipkart-deal-idINKCN1IT103

Snap Stock Falls 15% Following Earnings Report | Fortune

Snap’s stock cratered 15% on Tuesday after reporting disappointing revenue that it partly blamed on a misguided redesign of its flagship service, Snapchat. Its shares tumbled $2.34 to $11.79 in after-hours trading, marking one of their lowest points since the company’s initial public offering in March 2017. Snap said that its first quarter revenue was $230.7 million, up 54% from $149.7 million from a same quarter a year earlier. The amount fell short of analyst expectations of $244.5 million, partly because of the redesign The redesign, announced in November but rolled out in January, separated users’ friends from brands, celebrities and influencers while moving posts from people that users communicate with often to another part of the app. In a sign of the user dissatisfaction, reality show star Kylie Jenner tweeted about her disappointment with the change in February, causing Snap’s stock fell sharply. Snap has since partially revised the changes by announcing it was testing a new layout that moves some friends’ s tories, the photos and videos that users send to others and that appear for 24 hours, to the discover page, where content from celebrities and brands appear. In addition to disappointing revenue, Snap also reported underwhelming user growth. The number of daily active users grew just 2% quarter-over-quarter. Snap reported 191 million daily active users in the quarter compared to the analyst forecast of 194.2 million. Meanwhile, losses grew to $385.8 million, down from more than a $2 billion loss year-over-year.

http://fortune.com/2018/05/01/snap-stock-earnings-report-redesign/

Cramer: If you want bigger gains, buy stocks that are broken by panic

On tepid trading sessions that come after big market surges , CNBC's Jim Cramer likes to search for under-performing stocks of companies that still have strong underlying businesses. "Most people prefer to chase what's hot in the hope that they can get in on the next big thing, not before it's happened, but while it's happening," the "Mad Money" host said on Tuesday. "But the problem with hot stocks is that you're often late to the party," he continued. "The better approach? Find cold stocks of once-hot companies that could ignite again — that way you could potentially enjoy the whole run. In other words, find broken stocks of intact companies." Cramer dubbed the recent action in shares of e-commerce giant Amazon "the quintessential example" of a once-downtrodden stock that bounced back to generate real returns. In late March, President Donald Trump launched a Twitter attack on the online retailer, accusing the company of scamming the U.S. Postal Service and criticizing its tax treatment. "Put aside the fact that, by all accounts , the post office is actually turning a profit from Amazon," Cramer said. "Forget that the president may have attacked Amazon because its CEO, Jeff Bezos , owns the Washington Post, which has been highly critical of this administration." "Didn't matter, the tsunami of tweets crushed the stock," he said. Cramer knew that shares of Amazon would be exceedingly difficult to buy after the five-tweet firestorm, which helped send the routine outperformer down some 200 basis points. Still, had investors done their homework, they would have realized that the U.S. Postal Service was free to exit the contract with Amazon or to make a new deal, the "Mad Money" host said. "I remember telling people when I was on vacation that they had to buy, buy, buy Amazon [and] that my charitable trust ... was picking it up every time the president tweeted," Cramer said. "Hardly anyone wanted to listen." But what happened next proved Cramer right: Amazon reported what he called "the single best quarter of the year," boasting 43 percent revenue growth year over year and sending the stock up about 7 percent in after-hours trading. "It was the perfect example of a broken stock, not a broken company," Cramer said. For current broken-stock opportunities, Cramer flagged the stock of Raytheon , a massive defense company that makes missile defense systems and military electronics. Shares of Raytheon slumped on Tuesday after Credit Suisse issued a downgrade on the stock, arguing that the defense sector has gotten too expensive and is nearing its peak. "I don't know about whether [Credit Suisse is] right," Cramer said. "Raytheon's orders sure aren't peaking. I think this analyst broke the stock himself, but he didn't even dent the company, which has the hottest products in the entire universe of armaments. Wait a day, [then] buy some." All things considered, the "Mad Money" host simply didn't want investors to dismiss sliding stocks of good companies simply because of short-lived declines — or chasing the cheap stocks of potentially broken companies like J.C. Penney . "Remember, in Cramerica, we're looking for the stocks of very good companies that might have made a misstep or gotten downgraded or simply mispriced because of emotional, panicked selling," he said. "We don't want the stocks of companies that are genuinely in peril. As long you know the difference between a broken stock and a broken company, I think you can do very well for yourself by searching for unjustly marked-down merchandise." WATCH: Cramer pinpoints buyable broken stocks across the tape show chapters Cramer: If you want bigger gains, buy stocks that are selling off on panic 21 Hours Ago | 11:11 Disclosure: Cramer's charitable trust owns shares of Amazon and Raytheon. Questions for Cramer? Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up! Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Vine Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/22/cramer-if-you-want-bigger-gains-buy-stocks-that-are-broken-by-panic.html

Chinese diplomat says all parties should stick to Iran nuclear pact -Xinhua

BEIJING, May 9 (Reuters) - China’s special envoy for Middle East issues, Gong Xiaosheng, said all parties involved in the Iran nuclear pact should stick to the deal and use dialogue and negotiation to resolve the dispute, China’s official Xinhua agency reported on Wednesday. The report, from Tehran and dated May 8, Quote: d Gong as telling reporters after meeting Iranian officials that China was willing to strengthen cooperation with all parties involved in the Iran nuclear pact. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015 international nuclear deal on Tuesday that was struck by his predecessor Barack Obama with five other world powers and Iran. It aimed to prevent stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb. (Reporting by Beijing Monitoring Desk Editing by Paul Tait)

https://www.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-china/chinese-diplomat-says-all-parties-should-stick-to-iran-nuclear-pact-xinhua-idUSS6N1NC053

Hardinge Stockholders Approve Merger With Privet

ELMIRA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hardinge Inc. (NASDAQ:HDNG), (“Hardinge” or the “Company”) a leading international provider of advanced metal-cutting solutions and accessories, today announced that Hardinge shareholders voted at a special meeting of shareholders held today to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 12, 2018 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, Hardinge Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”), and Hardinge Merger Sub, Inc., a New York corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Acquisition Sub”), pursuant to which Acquisition Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. Parent and Acquisition Sub are beneficially owned by affiliates of Privet Fund Management LLC and Privet Fund LP (collectively, “Privet”). Based on a tabulation of the stockholder vote, approximately 98.91% of all votes cast, which represents approximately 78.36% of all outstanding shares on April 16, 2018, the record date for the special meeting, were voted in favor of the merger. Hardinge shareholders also approved the proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to the Company’s named executive officers in connection with the merger. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Hardinge shareholders (other than Privet Fund LP) will receive $18.50 per share in cash at the closing of the merger. The merger is expected to be completed on or about May 25, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. Shares of Hardinge common stock will be delisted from the NASDAQ upon completion of the merger. About Privet Fund Management LLC Privet Fund Management LLC is a private investment firm focused on investing in and partnering with small capitalization companies. The firm has flexible, long-term capital with the ability to effectuate investments across all levels of the capital structure, including going-private transactions. Privet was founded in 2007 and is based in Atlanta, GA. About Hardinge Hardinge is a leading global designer and manufacturer of high precision, computer-controlled machine tool solutions developed for critical, hard-to-machine metal parts and of technologically advanced workholding accessories. The Company’s strategy is to leverage its global brand strength to further penetrate global market opportunities where customers will benefit from the technologically advanced, high quality, reliable products Hardinge produces. With approximately two-thirds of its sales outside of North America, Hardinge serves the worldwide metal working market. Hardinge’s machine tool and accessory solutions can also be found in a broad base of industries to include aerospace, agricultural, automotive, construction, consumer products, defense, energy, medical, technology and transportation. Hardinge applies its engineering design and manufacturing expertise in high performance machining centers, high-end cylindrical and jig grinding machines, SUPER-PRECISION® and precision CNC lathes and technologically advanced workholding accessories. Hardinge has manufacturing operations in China, France, Germany, India, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Company regularly posts information on its website: www.hardinge.com Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Such statements are based on management's current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact or that are about future events may be deemed to be For example, words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “strategy,” “believes,”" “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” and similar expressions are intended to identify The Company's actual results or outcomes and the timing of certain events may differ significantly from those discussed in any Certain factors could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements in this release, including the possibility that the proposed transaction with Privet is delayed or does not close, including due to litigation in respect of the Merger, the taking of governmental action (including the passage of legislation) to block the transaction, the failure of Privet to obtain the equity and debt financing or other funds required to finance the transaction, or the failure of other closing conditions, disruptions of our business as a result of the announcement and pursuit of the Merger, the possibility that the expected financial impacts will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, including as a result of fluctuations in the machine tool business, the cyclical nature of our markets, changes in general economic conditions in the U.S. or internationally, the mix of products sold and the profit margins thereon, the relative success of our entry into new product and geographic markets, our ability to manage our operating costs and announced cost reduction initiatives, product liability claims, work stoppages or other labor issues, our ability to execute on our previously announced real estate sale and other restructuring activities, actions taken by customers such as order cancellations or reduced bookings by customers or distributors, competitors’ actions such as price discounting or new product introductions, governmental regulations and environmental matters, loss of key management or other personnel, failure of operating equipment or information technology infrastructure, changes in the availability and cost of materials and supplies, the implementation of new technologies and currency fluctuations, and other risks and factors described in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in materials incorporated therein by reference. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180522006293/en/ For more information: Company: Douglas J. Malone, 607-378-4140 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer or Investor Relations: Kei Advisors LLC Deborah K. Pawlowski, 716-843-3908 dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com Source: Hardinge Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/22/business-wire-hardinge-stockholders-approve-merger-with-privet.html

FOREX-Euro set for sixth week of losses as European yields rise

* Italy debt outlook, broader risk aversion weigh * Swiss franc, Yen set for big weekly gains * Dollar holds near five-month highs * Graphic: World FX rates in 2018 tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh By Saikat Chatterjee LONDON, May 25 (Reuters) - The euro weakened on Friday and is set for a sixth consecutive week of losses as rising bond yields in Italy triggered nervousness among investors, while brewing political instability in Spain also weighed on sentiment. The Swedish crown was the surprise winner among G10 FX currencies in European trade after the country’s debt office said it plans to build up a position of up to 7 billion crowns ($803 million) as it reduces its buying of costly foreign currencies. “Italy is still the focus for financial markets for now with Spanish news playing into the overall theme, though we are a long way from those concerns hitting the macro fundamentals,” said Lee Hardman, an FX strategist at MUFG in London. Spain’s opposition socialist leader Pedro Sanchez said his party would force a snap election if it wins a no confidence vote against Prime Minister Mariano over a graft case involving members of his conservative People’s Party. Italian prime minister-designate Giuseppe Conte met the governor of the Bank of Italy on Friday as markets fell on fears the incoming eurosceptic government will embark on a spending spree that will undermine fragile state finances. The closely-watched Italy-Germany 10-year bond yield spread, seen by many investors as a proxy for investors’ sentiment on the euro zone, widened to 200 basis points (bps) for the first time since June.,. Widening spreads have pulled the euro lower against the Swiss franc in recent days, with the franc set to post its fourth consecutive weekly gain against the single currency. On Friday, the euro was down 0.1 percent at 1.1601 francs. Broader currencies remained in a range with investors digesting news this week including minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting which were perceived to be dovish, and mixed European data with the dollar index holding below a December 2017 high of 94.19 hit this week. “The euro continues to be under pressure especially against the franc as Italian/German spreads are widening but markets are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach for now,” said Alvin Tan, an FX strategist at Societe Generale in London. The single currency was down a fifth of a percent against the dollar at around $1.17. For the week it is down 0.6 percent and on track for six consecutive weeks of losses. Data this week showed the German PMI fell to a 20-month low in May indicating that momentum in Europe’s biggest economy was faltering. Minutes of the European Central Bank’s April meeting showed policymakers were worried about a more pronounced slowdown in the euro zone and political uncertainty in Italy. and SWEDISH SURPRISE The crown has been one of the currencies most heavily sold in recent months by speculators betting that monetary authorities in Sweden would significantly lag behind their peers in Europe in removing policy support. The currency therefore jumped on the news from the Swedish National Debt Office (SNDO). “The fact that the SNDO is taking a position for a stronger SEK vs EUR is a very good sign for crown bulls,” Richard Falkhenhall, a Stockholm-based senior FX strategist at SEB said on Twitter. The crown rallied 1 percent to 10.16 per euro and by a similar margin against the dollar at 8.6750. The yen and the safe-haven Swiss franc are set to notch up big weekly gains in response to heightened worries over global politics. However, traders were quick to lock in gains before long weekends in the United States and Britain. The dollar had been rising for weeks on its widening yield advantage but lost some of its momentum after the Fed minutes on Wednesday were seen as more dovish than markets had expected. Reporting by Saikat Chatterjee; Editing by Keith Weir/David Stamp

https://www.reuters.com/article/global-forex/forex-euro-set-for-sixth-week-of-losses-as-european-yields-rise-idUSL3N1SW430

Saudi Arabia should expect Iran to 'play hardball' at OPEC's next meeting

President Donald Trump 's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal is likely to exacerbate tensions between two of the world's biggest oil producers at next month's OPEC meeting, one analyst told CNBC Wednesday. Global oil supplies were already tightening ahead of the U.S. president's decision to pull out of the landmark nuclear accord on Tuesday, while crude futures have since soared to multi-year highs. Yet, in a move that defied pleas from close allies, Trump said he would seek to re-impose economic sanctions on Tehran, elevating concerns about the future of the supply-cutting deal between OPEC members and allies including Russia. show chapters Meet Saudi Arabia’s crown prince 2:59 PM ET Wed, 21 March 2018 | 02:52 "I think it is hard to believe that there won't be some gamesmanship the next time that we gather in Vienna in June," Andy Critchlow, head of EMEA energy content at S&P Global Platts, told CNBC Wednesday. "Is it really in (Iran's) interest now to sign up to a Saudi-led Russian deal to extend these cuts? Of course, the high oil price suits Saudi Arabia … But the Iranians can think 'now we will play the long game' and play hardball here," he added. Oil prices 'on a path to $80 a barrel' Heinz-Peter Bader | Reuters Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh. Alongside Russia and other allied partners, OPEC is in the midst of a production-cutting deal designed to curb a global supply overhang and prop up prices. The output controls have widely been viewed as a success, with several major global producers honing in on achieving their original aim of reducing industrialized oil nations' back to their five-year average. Ahead of Trump's decision to impose fresh sanctions on Tehran, analysts had warned it could wipe out up to 1 million barrels per day of Iranian crude exports and heighten geopolitical tensions in the Middle East — estimated to be the home of around one-third of the world's daily oil supply. In response, Saudi Arabia quickly sought to try to offset any potential slump in production levels as a result of the looming sanctions. State news agency SPA reported the kingdom would work with major producers and consumers within and outside OPEC to limit the impact the prospect of a supply shortage. OPEC next meets to review output policy in Vienna on June 23. The cartel is widely expected to continue with its supply-cutting deal until at least the end of 2018. "While it is still early days, the return to the sanctions era will reinforce upward price pressures and put Brent on a path to $80 a barrel," Stephen Brennock, oil analyst at PVM Oil Associates, said in a research note published Wednesday. Global benchmark Brent traded at $76.94 on Wednesday afternoon, notching highs not seen since late 2014, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at $70.95.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/09/saudi-arabia-should-expect-iran-to-play-hardball-at-opecs-next-meeting.html

DISH Announces Conference Call for First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ: DISH) will host a conference call at noon Eastern Time (ET) on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, to discuss its first quarter results. To attend the call, please use the information below for dial-in access. When prompted on dial-in, please utilize the conference ID and ask for the "DISH Network Q1 2018 Earnings Conference Call." Participant conference numbers: (888) 394-8218 (U.S.) and (323) 701-0225, Conference ID: 9118252 Please dial in at least 10 minutes before the call to ensure timely participation. A webcast replay will be available on DISH's Investor Relations website the day of the call and will remain available for 48 hours. DISH will distribute a financial results news release prior to the call. It will be posted to the Investor Relations website at http://ir.dish.com . About DISH DISH Network Corporation is a connectivity company. Since 1980, it has served as the disruptive force in pay-TV, driving innovation and value on behalf of consumers. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides television entertainment and award-winning technology to millions of customers with its satellite DISH TV and streaming Sling TV services. DISH operates a national in-home installation workforce, as well as an advertising sales group delivering targeted advertising solutions on DISH TV and Sling TV. In addition to its TV services, DISH has commenced buildout of a national narrowband "Internet of Things" network to provide innovative connectivity solutions and applications through its strategic spectrum portfolio. DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is a Fortune 200 company. For more information on DISH TV products and services, visit www.dish.com For more information on Sling TV products and services, visit www.sling.com For company information, visit about.dish.com Subscribe to DISH email alerts: http://about.dish.com/alerts Follow @DISHNews on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DISHNews View original content with multimedia: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dish-announces-conference-call-for-first-quarter-2018-financial-results-300640500.html SOURCE DISH Network Corporation

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/01/pr-newswire-dish-announces-conference-call-for-first-quarter-2018-financial-results.html

Essendant's Board Declares Regular Dividend

DEERFIELD, Ill., May 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Essendant Inc. (NASDAQ: ESND) announced that on May 24, 2018 its board of directors declared a $0.14 per share dividend payable on July 13, 2018 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2018. About Essendant Essendant Inc. is a leading national distributor of workplace items, with 2017 net sales of $5.0 billion. The company provides access to a broad assortment of over 170,000 items, including janitorial and breakroom supplies, technology products, traditional office products, industrial supplies, cut sheet paper products, automotive products and office furniture. Essendant serves a diverse group of customers, including independent resellers, national resellers and e-commerce businesses. The Company's network of distribution centers enables the Company to ship most products overnight to more than ninety percent of the U.S. For more information, visit www.essendant.com . Essendant's common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ESND. For Investor Inquiries : investorrelations@essendant.com 847.627.2900 View original content with multimedia: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/essendants-board-declares-regular-dividend-300655143.html SOURCE Essendant Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/25/pr-newswire-essendants-board-declares-regular-dividend.html

Bank of Canada, TMX say blockchain feasible for securities settlement

May 11, 2018 / 11:00 AM / Updated 6 minutes ago Bank of Canada, TMX say blockchain feasible for securities settlement Reuters Staff 3 Min Read TORONTO, May 11 (Reuters) - Canada’s central bank, Toronto Stock Exchange operator TMX Group, and non-profit organization Payments Canada said on Friday that tests had shown blockchain technology can be used for automating instantaneous securities settlements. The three organizations said that they had developed an integrated securities and payment settlement platform using a distributed ledger, the same technology that underpins cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, and found that cash and assets can be tokenized to complete an instant settlement. “This shows that it is possible to deliver payments in a way that has never been done before – by directly swapping cash from buyers to sellers, resulting in instant settlements,” said Gerry Gaetz, president and CEO of Payments Canada, the body which ensures financial transactions in Canada are carried out securely. However, Bank of Canada Senior Special Director Scott Hendry told a payments conference in Toronto on Thursday it was not yet clear if the use of blockchain technologies to settle securities transactions would lead to cost savings. “We’re still uncertain after doing this work that there are significant savings possible for participants,” he said. “It’s not clear that all the participant dealers and banks are going to get a significant benefit out of this settlement system.” The tests were the latest phase of an initiative called “Project Jasper” that the Bank of Canada launched last year in conjunction with TMX and Payments Canada. Jasper is among dozens of fledgling efforts by financial institutions around the globe to find ways to use distributed ledger technology to boost the efficiency, transparency and security of financial transactions. Other technologies are also being explored to enable instantaneous settlements. The European Central Bank is planning to launch a new settlement system in November which it says will allow transactions to be conducted in real-time, but does not use distributive ledger technology. (Reporting by Matt Scuffham, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien)

https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-tech-blockchain/bank-of-canada-tmx-say-blockchain-feasible-for-securities-settlement-idUSL1N1SH200

Former PM says Libya risks partition if it rushes to elections

CAIRO (Reuters) - Libya is too divided to hold elections and risks partition if it goes ahead with a vote without security guarantees and a national consensus on building a state, a former rebel prime minister said on Tuesday. Libyan former interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril talks during an interview with Reuters in Cairo, Egypt May 22, 2018. REUTERS/Aidan Lewis Mahmoud Jibril, who led the National Transitional Council during the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi after more than four decades in power, said a U.N.-endorsed target of holding national polls by the end of the year was unrealistic. “The country is still not ready. More unity is needed, more consensus is needed,” Jibril said in an interview from his base in Cairo. “To go for elections when the country is so divided – we are exposing the country to real partition.” Jibril, 65, a U.S.-trained consultant, headed an economic reform body under Gaddafi from 2007 before siding with rebels in the 2011 uprising. He served as interim prime minister for about seven months, lobbying successfully for the NATO air campaign that provided the rebels with crucial support. But he says the electoral success of his National Forces Alliance (NFA) was sabotaged by armed groups who have held the real power in Tripoli since the uprising, storming government buildings and abducting officials to enforce their will. In 2012 the NFA won the most votes, though Jibril lost a parliamentary contest to become prime minister. In new elections two years later party lists were banned and the result of the vote was disputed, leading to rival parliaments and governments being set up in Tripoli and the east. SECURITY VACUUM A security vacuum allowed militants and migrant smugglers to flourish, as competing alliances backed by rival regional powers battled for political power and control of Libya’s oil wealth. Factions based in the east and aligned with Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) have rejected a U.N.-backed interim government in Tripoli. The LNA is now battling opponents in the far eastern city of Derna. Jibril said that before any new elections, written commitments to accept election results must be obtained and Libyan and international authorities need to show they can ensure the outcome is respected — something currently impossible due to the lack of national security forces or an effective judiciary. “If those conditions are not met I don’t think we can participate, because that means we are exposing ourselves to a third round of disappointment, a third round of unfulfilled dreams,” he said. Jibril said the numbers reported in a recent round of voter registration had been inflated with fake names, and that these irregularities also needed to be addressed urgently, though he did not offer evidence. He said “very drastic, structural economic changes” were needed, including a reduction of Libya’s huge public salary bill. Jibril spoke a day after U.N. Libya envoy Ghassan Salame told the U.N. Security Council that he had given up trying to amend a stalled 2015 peace deal and was instead focusing on holding elections this year. Salame is also promoting a series of meetings to try to foster political discussion and consensus, which Jibril said could potentially produce a national charter for reuniting the country and rebuilding a properly functioning state. On Tuesday Libya’s neighbors warned that security there could deteriorate further in the absence of any progress towards a political solution. “Any delay for the resolution of the Libyan crisis could open the way for further escalation, violence, terrorism and conflicts,” the foreign ministers of Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia said in a joint statement. Additional reporting by Hamid Ould Ahmed in Algiers; Editing by Gareth Jones

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security/former-pm-says-libya-risks-partition-if-it-rushes-to-elections-idUSKCN1IN27X

Takata's defective air bags linked to 278 injuries in U.S. - Senator

May 11, 2018 / 6:07 PM / Updated 4 hours ago Takata's defective air bags linked to 278 injuries in U.S.: Senator Reuters Staff 2 Min Read (Reuters) - Takata Corp’s defective air bags have been linked to 278 injuries across the United States, according to updated figures released by U.S. Democratic Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, in advance of a hearing next week on the nomination of Heidi King to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Takata Corp is seen on its display at a showroom for vehicles in Tokyo, Japan, February 9, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai/File Photo The air bags have also been linked to 15 deaths, according to the statement from the Senator. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered the first recall in 2015, but Nelson said as of March 30 some 16.4 million unrepaired inflators remain in vehicles on the highways. The defective inflators, which can explode with excessive force and unleash metal shrapnel inside cars and trucks, resulted in the auto industry’s biggest recall and pushed the Japanese company to file for bankruptcy protection in June 2017. Florida had the highest number of injuries in the United States related to the inflators, according to the statement from Nelson, who heads the Senate committee that oversees the automakers. Reporting by Arunima Banerjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila

https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-takata-injury/takatas-defective-air-bags-linked-to-278-injuries-in-u-s-senator-idUKKBN1IC29U

DCP Midstream, LP Announces Public Offering of Series B Preferred Units

DENVER, May 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DCP Midstream, LP (NYSE:DCP) (“DCP”) announced today that it has commenced, subject to market conditions, an underwritten public offering of Series B Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units, liquidation preference of $25.00 per unit, representing limited partner interests in DCP (the “Series B Preferred Units”). DCP expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional Series B Preferred Units. DCP intends to use the net proceeds from this offering, including the net proceeds from any exercise of an option to purchase additional Series B Preferred Units that may be granted to the underwriters, for general partnership purposes, including the funding of capital expenditures and the repayment of outstanding indebtedness under its revolving credit facility. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. When available, a copy of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained free of charge on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov or from any of the underwriters by contacting: Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated 200 North College Street NC1-004-03-43 Charlotte NC 28255-0001 Attention: Prospectus Department Telephone: 1-800-294-1322 Email: dg.prospectus_requests@baml.com Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC Attention: Prospectus Department 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor New York, New York 10014 Telephone: 1-866-718-1649 Email: prospectus@morganstanley.com RBC Capital Markets, LLC Attn: DCM Transaction Management 200 Vesey Street New York, New York 10281 Telephone: (866) 375-6829 Wells Fargo Securities, LLC 608 2nd Avenue South, Suite 1000 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 Attention: WFS Customer Service Telephone: 800-645-3751 The Series B Preferred Units are being offered and will be sold pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. This offering of Series B Preferred Units is being made only by means of a base prospectus and related prospectus supplement meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. DCP Midstream, LP (NYSE:DCP) is a midstream master limited partnership, with a diversified portfolio of assets, engaged in the business of gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, storing and selling natural gas; and producing, fractionating, transporting, storing and selling NGLS and recovering and selling condensate. Denver, Colorado based DCP is managed by its general partner, DCP Midstream GP, LP, which is managed by its general partner, DCP Midstream GP, LLC, which is 100% owned by DCP Midstream, LLC. DCP Midstream, LLC is a joint venture between Enbridge Inc. and Phillips 66. This press release may include forward-looking statements as defined under the federal securities laws regarding DCP Midstream, LP, including statements regarding the intended use of offering proceeds and other aspects of the Series B Preferred Unit offering. Although management believes that expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, these statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other assumptions that are difficult to predict and may be beyond DCP's control, including market conditions, customary offering closing conditions and other factors described in the prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement for the offering. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, DCP's actual results may vary materially from what management anticipated, estimated, projected or expected. Investors are encouraged to closely consider the disclosures and risk factors contained in DCP’s annual and quarterly reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in the prospectus and related prospectus supplement for the Series B Preferred Units. The statements herein speak only as of the date of this press release. DCP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. DCP Midstream Investor Relations: Irene Lofland, 303-605-1822 Source: DCP Midstream, LP Source:DCP Midstream LP

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/09/globe-newswire-dcp-midstream-lp-announces-public-offering-of-series-b-preferred-units.html

French President in 'delicious' faux pas on tour Down Under

SYDNEY (Reuters) - France’s President Emmanuel Macron may have had le vin rouge on his mind when he thanked Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his “delicious wife” for their warm welcome on his official visit. Macron and Turnbull had navigated their way through several sensitive diplomatic issues at a news conference in Sydney on Wednesday, only for the president to make the linguistic slip while making closing remarks in English. He thanked Turnbull and his wife, Lucy, for being good hosts and acknowledged the fine food and wine he had enjoyed on his visit, before exclaiming: “I want to thank you for your welcome, you and your delicious wife for the warm welcome.” The comment lit up social media, replacing discussion about the leaders’ deliberations on more weighty issues such as China’s growing influence in the region. But what exactly did Macron try to say? France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks with Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during a meeting at Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia May 2, 2018. AAP/Pool/Jason McCawley/via REUTERS He may have had the word “delicieux” in mind, which, though sounding similar to “delicious,” would better translate into “lovely” or “delightful.” While more often used to describe a pastry or a meal, the word “delicieux” can also describe a person, even if it is a somewhat old-fashioned usage. Though Macron speaks better English than several of his predecessors and often speaks the language when abroad, his only experience of living in an English-speaking country is six months in the French embassy in Nigeria. President of France Emmanuel Macron meets Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy Turnbull at the Sydney Opera House, Australia May 1, 2018. AAP/Mick Tsikas/via REUTERS It is not the first time a stray comment - in this case, unintentional - on a high-profile visit has overshadowed more official business. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump praised French first lady Brigitte Macron for being in “such good shape” on a state visit to France. Additional reporting by Ingrid Melander and Michel Rose in Paris; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg

https://in.reuters.com/article/australia-france/french-president-in-delicious-faux-pas-on-tour-down-under-idINKBN1I31A7

Battaglin wins Giro stage five in Italian one-two

May 9, 2018 / 4:39 PM / Updated an hour ago Battaglin wins Giro stage five in Italian one-two Reuters Staff 1 Min Read SANTA NINFA (Reuters) - Italian Enrico Battaglin launched a late attack to win the 153-kilometre fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia from Agrigento to Santa Ninfa on Wednesday. FILE PHOTO: Cycling – the 101st Giro d'Italia cycling race – The 9.7-km Stage 1 in Jerusalem – May 4, 2018 - Team Lotto rider Enrico Battaglin of Italy prepares at the start line. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun The LottoNL-Jumbo rider, who finished third in stage four on Tuesday, attacked on the last metres of the uphill finale and crossed the finish line ahead of compatriot Giovanni Visconti and Portugal’s Jose Goncalves. It was the 28-year-old’s third stage win at the Giro d’Italia. Australian Rohan Dennis managed to weather the storm to hold on to the pink jersey in Sicily ahead of Thursday’s mountain stage to Mount Etna. Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-cycling-giro/battaglin-wins-giro-stage-five-in-italian-one-two-idUKKBN1IA2SE

Mexico's Marquez in line to play in fifth World Cup

May 14, 2018 / 10:00 PM / Updated 8 hours ago Mexico's Marquez in line to play in fifth World Cup Reuters Staff 1 Min Read MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Rafael Marquez could become the third player ever to appear in five World Cup tournaments after he was included in Mexico’s preliminary 28-man squad for the finals in Russia. FILE PHOTO: Football Soccer - Mexico news conference - USA 2016 Centennial Copa America - Mexico City, Mexico - 24/05/16. Mexico's defender Rafael Marquez attends a news conference. REUTERS/Henry Romero Picture Supplied by Action Images If Marquez, who can play as a centre back or defensive midfielder, walks out for Mexico during the June 14 to July 15 tournament, he would join German midfielder Lothar Matthaeus and Mexican goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal as a five-time World Cup veteran. The 28-man squad named by coach Juan Carlos Osorio will be trimmed down to 23 by June 4. Mexico kick off their campaign against champions Germany on June 17 before facing South Korea and Sweden in Group F. Appearing in a fifth World Cup would be a fitting farewell for the 39-year-old Marquez, who had already announced his plans to retire from the sport following the tournament in Russia. Marquez is one of the best-known athletes in Mexico and has enjoyed a long career playing for teams including Monaco, NY Red Bulls, Hellas Verona and now Atlas. Reporting by Andrew Downie, editing by Pritha Sarkar

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-worldcup-mex/mexicos-marquez-in-line-to-play-in-fifth-world-cup-idUKKCN1IF2ZX

Chart shows the industrials rally is running out of steam

The industrials sector is enjoying its longest winning streak in six months, but one top technician warns the rally is running out of steam. The XLI ETF , which tracks the sector, has been on a tear, rising for the eighth straight session and gaining more than 5 percent in that period. Furthermore, in the past 12 months, the ETF has rallied nearly 13 percent, just narrowly underperforming the S&P 500's gains of 14 percent. Despite the move higher, Carter Worth, head of technical analysis at Cornerstone Macro notes how the sector has been struggling to break above a key downtrend resistance level. "The presumption would be that we're going to hit our head and get a little down arrow here," Worth said Friday on CNBC's " Options Action ." "So I'm going to make the bet that this consecutive rally right to a downtrend line is a rally to a difficult level where overhead supply comes into play." Industrial stocks make up more than 10 percent of the broader S&P 500 index and tend to trade best in times of economic strength. However, growing concerns over a potential trade war with China have increased volatility in the space. In the interview, Worth said that shares of the ETF were at a "critical juncture" where the downtrend resistance and 150-day moving average meet near the $75 level. "I'm going to make a bet that it's going to fail here," Worth cautioned. The XLI ETF, which top holdings include Dow giants like Boeing , Caterpillar and General Electric , hit an all all-time high of $80.96 in January but has fallen more than 7 percent since. Worth also referred to a five-year chart of the industrials relative to the S&P 500, noting that despite hitting a postelection peak in November the sector has mainly been an underperformer. "I'm going to make the bet that this rally, impressive as it is, is probably at a level where the next sequence is likely down not up," said Worth. Shares of the XLI are down more than a 1 percent year-to-date and were trading higher Monday afternoon, around $74.50. Disclaimer

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/14/chart-shows-the-industrials-rally-is-running-out-of-steam.html

U.S. Treasury to sell $45 bln in 4-week bills

NEW YORK, May 14 (Reuters) - For details of the U.S. Treasury’s auction of 4-week bills on Tuesday, see: here (Reuters New York newsroom) Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. 0 : 0 narrow-browser-and-phone medium-browser-and-portrait-tablet landscape-tablet medium-wide-browser wide-browser-and-larger medium-browser-and-landscape-tablet medium-wide-browser-and-larger above-phone portrait-tablet-and-above above-portrait-tablet landscape-tablet-and-above landscape-tablet-and-medium-wide-browser portrait-tablet-and-below landscape-tablet-and-below Apps Newsletters Reuters Plus Advertising Guidelines Cookies Terms of Use Privacy All Quote: s delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. © 2018 Reuters. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-debt-bills/u-s-treasury-to-sell-45-bln-in-4-week-bills-idUSW1N1RW04Q

Justin Trudeau to 2018 grads: Ask yourselves this one simple question

CNBC.com Photo courtesy of Getty Today, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a commencement speech to New York University's graduating class that encouraged students to be leaders who are accepting of diverse view points. "Here's the challenge I'm offering you today," he told graduates at New York's Yankee Stadium. "Our celebration of difference needs to extend to differences of values and beliefs, too. Diversity includes political and cultural diversity. It includes diversity of perspectives and approaches to solving problems." Trudeau explained to the students that in order to ease some of the political divisions we face today, they will have to step outside of their own "ideological bubble" and work together. "As you go forward from this place, I would like you to make a point of reaching out to people whose beliefs and values differ from your own," he said. "Listen, truly listen, and try to understand them, and find that common ground." He advised students to ask themselves one simple question when thinking about how they will impact the future: "Do you want to win an argument, or do you want to change the world?" "There is no shortage of cynicism and selfishness in the world," he added. "Be their answer, their antidote. I am abundantly optimistic about the future because of you. It is yours to make and mold and shape." In addition to addressing the class of 2018 students, 46-year-old Trudeau was also awarded with an honorary doctor of law degree from NYU. The university praised him for being a prime minister who is focused on embracing "Canada's rich diversity, fighting climate change and achieving reconciliation with indigenous peoples." The institution also recognized him as a "proud feminist" and applauded him for appointing Canada's first gender-balanced cabinet.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/16/justin-trudeau-to-2018-grads-ask-yourselves-this-one-simple-question.html

Namely Announces Change in Executive Leadership

NEW YORK, May 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Namely, the leading HR platform for mid-sized companies, today announced the departure of Matt Straz as the company's CEO, effective immediately. The Board of Directors arrived at this decision after determining that his actions were inconsistent with that which is expected of Namely leadership. Namely is a company that provides HR solutions, resources and best practices to help clients achieve their workplace goals. The company is steadfast in its goal to model the best workplace practices, including demonstrating commitment to its values by taking decisive action if or when anyone, including its CEO, acts contrary to those values. Board member Elisa Steele will lead the Office of the CEO. Elisa has more than 25 years of leadership experience at several of the world's leading technology companies. She last served as President & CEO of Jive Software and has held senior positions at Microsoft, Skype, Yahoo!, NetApp and Sun Microsystems. Along with Elisa Steele, the Office of the CEO will also include Dan Murphy, CFO; Paul Rogers, CTO; and Graham Younger, President and CRO – all of whom are recent additions to Namely's executive team as the company scales beyond $50M of ARR (annual recurring revenue). "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am confident that, together with the entire leadership team, we will ensure the company's operations are smooth during this transition and that we will continue to serve our customers well," said Elisa Steele. "Namely is a company with a great team of people and a great product. We are undoubtedly well-positioned to attract a stellar CEO to take the company into its next chapter." The Board of Directors has begun a formal search to identify a permanent successor. About Namely Namely is the first HR platform that employees actually love to use. Namely's powerful, easy-to-use technology allows companies to handle all of their HR, payroll, time management, and benefits in one place. Coupled with dedicated account support, every Namely client gets the software and service they need to deliver great HR and a strong, engaged company culture. Namely is used by over 1,000 clients with more than 175,000 employees globally. Headquartered in New York City, the company is backed by investors including Altimeter Capital, Scale Capital, Sequoia Capital, Matrix Partners, and True Ventures. For more information, visit www.namely.com . View original content with multimedia: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/namely-announces-change-in-executive-leadership-300648835.html SOURCE Namely

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/15/pr-newswire-namely-announces-change-in-executive-leadership.html

Stamper Oil & Gas Announces Resignation of Director

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stamper Oil & Gas Corp. (TSX-V:STMP) (FSE:TMP2) (OTCQB:STMGF) (“ Stamper” or “the Company”) today announces the resignation of Dr. Waseem Rahman as a Director of Stamper effective immediately. At this time the Company will remain with a vacancy on the board until a suitable replacement is found. The Company would like to thank Dr. Rahman for his many years of service and for his contributions to the Company wishes him all the best with his future endeavors. About Stamper Oil and Gas Stamper Oil and Gas Corp. (TSX.V:STMP) is an independent international oil and gas company, engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of conventional oil and natural gas properties. The Company plans to identify and build out a portfolio of high-impact oil and gas prospects, with a focus on Africa. Stamper is committed to creating sustainable shareholder value by evaluating and developing future prospects into commercially viable assets. Stamper announces the issuance of 300,000 stock options at $0.21 to directors, management, and consultants of the Company for a term of twelve (12) months. For further information on Stamper Oil and Gas please visit www.stamperoilandgas.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS “David C. Greenway” President & Director For further information, please contact: Stamper Investor Relations Phone: (604) 684-2401 Email: info@stamperoilandgas.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Stamper Oil & Gas Corp. believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Stamper Oil & Gas Corp. management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Stamper Oil & Gas Corp undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Source:Stamper Oil & Gas Corp.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/10/globe-newswire-stamper-oil-gas-announces-resignation-of-director.html

Sterling extends bounce as UK construction PMI beats estimates

LONDON (Reuters) - Sterling rose on Wednesday, extending gains from earlier in the day as better-than-expected construction PMI data calmed investors after a selloff that took the currency five percent lower against the dollar in two weeks. FILE PHOTO: Pound coins are seen in this photo illustration taken in Manchester, Britain September 6, 2017. REUTERS/Phil Noble/Illustration The currency rose 0.3 percent to $1.3640 after survey data showed British construction activity rebounded faster than expected last month after succumbing to snow in March. Wednesday’s IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) jumped to 52.5 in April from 47.0 in March. That was comfortably above the median expectation of 50.5 in a Reuters poll of economists and back above the 50 line denoting growth in activity. With the dollar rallying and a weak manufacturing survey published on Tuesday, sterling had tumbled to its worst level since mid-January, extending a bruising fortnight for the pound which has seen a sudden collapse in rate rise expectations for May. British government bond futures briefly extended losses to touch a two-day low of 122.02 after the data, down 42 ticks on the day, before recovering to trade broadly in line with their level before the data. Reporting by Saikat Chatterjee; Editing by Sujata Rao

https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-markets-pmi/sterling-extends-bounce-as-uk-construction-pmi-beats-estimates-idUSKBN1I30ZQ

Home Capital Reports First Quarter 2018 Results

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Home Capital Group (“Home Capital” or “the Company”) (TSX: HCG) today reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2018. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2018 First Quarter Report including Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), which are available on Home Capital’s website at www.homecapital.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . First Quarter 2018, compared with the Fourth Quarter 2017: Net income of $34.6 million, an increase of 13.0% or $4.0 million from $30.6 million. Diluted earnings per share of $0.43, an increase of 13.2% from $0.38. Non-interest expense of $51.4 million, a decrease of $14.1 million and a 21.5% improvement from $65.5 million. Non-securitized single-family residential mortgages of $10.26 billion, an increase of 2.3% or $227.3 million from $10.04 billion. Total mortgage originations of $1.16 billion, an increase of 32.9% or $287.2 million from $872.1 million. Provision for credit losses as a percentage of gross uninsured loans of 0.20%, compared to 0.12%. First Quarter 2018, compared with the First Quarter 2017: Net income of $34.6 million, a decrease of 40.4% or $23.5 million from $58.0 million. Net income in Q1 2018 includes the impact of reduced loan balances and lower securitization income, partially offset by lower non-interest expenses. Diluted earnings per share of $0.43, a decrease of 52.2% from $0.90. Non-interest expenses were $51.4 million, a $13.1 million decline and a 20.3% improvement from $64.5 million. Total mortgage originations of $1.16 billion, a decrease of 50.6% or $1.19 billion from $2.35 billion. Provision for credit losses as a percentage of gross uninsured loans was 0.20% compared to 0.16%. “We have taken another step forward on our journey to renewed growth. We had a good start to the year building on the momentum in our business from the past two quarters and our first quarter results demonstrate that Home is back," said Yousry Bissada, President and CEO, Home Capital Group. “We delivered growth in our residential and commercial lending business as result of our constant focus on improving our service to brokers and customers while building a sustainable risk culture.” "Looking forward, we are ready to grow. Our capital and liquidity position provides flexibility to be competitive in our markets. As we work towards building shareholder value, we are following a responsible growth strategy to be the leading Canadian Alt-A lender, leading in service, technology and market share.” First Quarter 2018 Financial Position Total loans under administration of $22.54 billion, which includes securitized mortgages that qualify for off-balance sheet accounting, increased $22.4 million from $22.52 billion at the end of Q4 2017, and decreased $4.63 billion from $27.17 billion at the end of Q1 2017. Total loans of $15.22 billion increased 1.0% from $15.07 billion at the end of Q4 2017, and decreased 18.1% from $18.58 billion at the end of Q1 2017. Single-family residential mortgage originations of $869.7 million compared with $566.0 million in Q4 2017, and $1.71 billion in Q1 2017. Multi-unit residential mortgage originations of $104.9 million compared to $194.8 million in Q4 2017, and $294.8 million in Q1 2017. Most multi-unit residential mortgage originations are insured and subsequently securitized through programs that qualify for off-balance sheet accounting. Non-residential commercial mortgage originations , which include store and apartment mortgages, of $184.7 million compared to $111.2 million in Q4 2017, and $338.4 million in Q1 2017. Liquid assets were $1.45 billion, compared to $1.65 billion at the end of Q4 2017 and $2.10 billion at the end of Q1 2017. The Company maintains a prudent level of liquidity, given the current level of operations, loan balances and the Company’s obligations. Total deposits were $12.08 billion compared to $12.17 billion at the end of Q4 2017 and $16.25 billion at the end of Q1 2017. Credit Quality Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (IFRS 9), which replaced IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (IAS 39). Please see Note 2 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in the 2018 First Quarter Report for more information on the implementation of IFRS 9. Credit losses and delinquencies are expected to remain low in 2018; however, the Company is prepared for volatility in this performance that may result from uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment. Implementing the changes to OSFI Guideline B-20 could have a negative impact on the housing market and economic growth in the Company’s largest market of Ontario. This in turn could contribute to deterioration in credit performance in future quarters, if the extent of the impact is more severe than widely expected. The implementation of IFRS 9 requires consideration of forward-looking information, and may also add higher volatility to reported credit losses going forward. The Company continues to have strong credit performance with total provision for credit losses of $6.0 million in Q1 2018. Provision as a percentage of gross uninsured loans remained low at 0.20% compared to 0.12% in Q4 2017 and 0.16% in Q1 2017. Provisions for credit losses were calculated under IFRS 9 for Q1 2018 and under IAS 39 for 2017. As provisions for credit losses for 2017 were not restated, comparability is reduced to some extent. Provision for credit losses for the quarter primarily related to the single-family residential mortgage portfolio, reflecting portfolio growth including volume of renewals and the impact of forward-looking macroeconomic information. The provision on the commercial mortgage portfolio was a decrease of $0.3 million, comprising a reduction of the provision on performing loans of $3.4 million, offset by an increase of $3.0 million for a specific commercial loan. This increase was included in Stage 3 under IFRS 9. The Company continues to observe strong credit profiles and stable loan-to-value ratios across its portfolio, which continues to support low delinquency and non-performing rates and ultimately low net write-offs. Net write-offs were $1.1 million and represented 0.03% of gross loans compared to 0.11% in Q4 2017 and unchanged from Q1 2017. Net non-performing loans (represented by Stage 3 loans under IFRS 9) as a percentage of gross loans remained low at 0.29% at the end of Q1 2018 compared to 0.30% at the end of Q4 2017 and 0.24% at the end of Q1 2017. Non-Interest Expenses Non-interest expenses decreased by $14.1 million or 21.5% from Q4 2017, resulting primarily from a decrease in other operating expenses. Other operating expenses last quarter included $11.4 million of expenses comprising $6.3 million of impairment losses on intangible assets along with costs related to the exit of the PSiGate and prepaid card business and litigation-related costs. The decrease in non-interest expenses over Q1 2017 represents a decrease in salaries and benefits expense mainly as a result of reduced staff levels. In addition, salaries and benefits expense in Q1 2017 included $7.4 million of Project EXPO restructuring provision. Non-Interest Expenses Outlook Overall non-interest expenses for 2018 are expected to decline from the elevated levels of 2017 as there were a number of significant expenses related to the liquidity event in last year’s results. However, non-interest expenses are expected to increase for the remainder of 2018 principally due to salaries and benefits expense. It is expected to increase from the amount recorded in Q1 2018 as staffing levels have subsequently increased. It is expected that quarterly salaries and benefits expense will increase between $5 million to $6 million over Q1 2018 levels in subsequent quarters. Due to the lingering impact of certain costs stemming from the liquidity event other operating costs will remain at the current level and increase modestly in connection with new initiatives. Capital Position The Company maintained strong capital ratios well above Company targets and regulatory minimums at the end of Q1 2018. Management continues to review opportunities to deploy capital in the most efficient manner to maximize long-term shareholder value. Home Trust’s Common Equity Tier 1 and Total capital ratios remained very strong at 23.64% and 24.12%, respectively, at March 31, 2018. The comparative balances were 23.17% and 23.68%, respectively, at December 31, 2017 and 16.34% and 16.77%, respectively, at March 31, 2017. Home Trust’s Leverage ratio was 9.02% at March 31, 2018, 8.70% at December 31, 2017 and 7.29% at March 31, 2017. Corporate Update Home Capital is ready to grow with a robust capital, liquidity and leverage position. The Company’s primary strategic objective is to grow sustainably and regain its leading market share position in Canada’s Alt-A mortgage market. In the near term, management’s key areas of focus are: 1. Building a sustainable risk culture. 2. Being the leader in the Alt-A marketplace, in service, technology and solutions. 3. Developing robust and diverse liquidity sources and maintaining a strong balance sheet. 4. Profitably growing residential and commercial business lines and increasing market share, relative to market conditions. 5. Increasing renewal and retention rates. 6. Deepening broker relationships and increasing outreach to advance higher-quality applications. 7. Assessing opportunities for the business as it relates to operating in the context of an evolving regulatory environment. Governance In 2018, the Company is ready to grow under the direction of a revitalized management team and Board of Directors. Management and the Board are aligned and focused on ensuring that Home Capital regains its position as the leading Canadian Alt-A lender, with leading service, innovative solutions, strong financial performance, the highest ethical standards and the most rigorous risk management. The Board is also focused on leading in governance. Last year’s Board renewal began that process, which is being continued through the slate proposed at the Company’s upcoming annual shareholders’ meeting. The Board is committed to ongoing board renewal to add skills and expertise that will strengthen the Board’s important oversight capabilities. Moving forward, management and the Board are following a strategy that will take advantage of the Company’s capital position and balance sheet to invest in sustainable and responsible growth. Investments in talent, training and technology will be key to driving profitable growth and creating long-term shareholder value. YOUSRY BISSADA President & Chief Executive Officer BRENDA EPRILE Chair of the Board May 8, 2018 The Company’s 2018 First Quarter Financial Report, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is available at www.homecapital.com and on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ website at www.sedar.com . First Quarter 2018 Results Conference Call and Webcast The conference call will take place on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. ET. Participants are asked to call approximately 10 minutes in advance at 647-427-7450 in Toronto or toll-free 1-888-231-8191 throughout North America. The call will also be accessible in listen-only mode on Home Capital’s website at www.homecapital.com in the Investor Relations section of the website. Conference Call Archive A telephone replay of the call will be available between 11:00 a.m. ET Wednesday, May 9, 2018 and 12:00 a.m. ET Wednesday, May 16, 2018 by calling 416-849-0833 or 1-855-859-2056 (enter passcode 5991866). The archived audio webcast will be available for 90 days on Home Capital’s website at www.homecapital.com . FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited) For the three months ended (000s, except Percentage and Per Share Amounts) March 31 December 31 March 31 2018 2017 2017 OPERATING RESULTS 1 Net Income $ 34,586 $ 30,619 $ 58,041 Net Interest Income 88,100 91,718 125,857 Total Revenue 103,765 109,455 147,742 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.43 $ 0.38 $ 0.90 Return on Shareholders’ Equity (annualized) 7.6% 6.8% 14.0% Return on Average Assets (annualized) 0.8% 0.7% 1.1% Net Interest Margin (TEB) 2 2.02% 2.02% 2.44% Provision as a Percentage of Gross Uninsured Loans (annualized) 0.20% 0.12% 0.16% Provision as a Percentage of Gross Loans (annualized) 0.16% 0.09% 0.13% Efficiency Ratio (TEB) 2 49.5% 59.8% 43.4% As at March 31 December 31 March 31 2018 2017 2017 BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS 1 Total Assets $ 17,458,034 $ 17,591,143 $ 20,993,385 Total Assets Under Administration 3 24,776,803 25,040,182 29,583,545 Total Loans 4 15,222,310 15,069,636 18,578,969 Total Loans Under Administration 3,4 22,541,079 22,518,675 27,169,129 Liquid Assets 1,454,313 1,654,718 2,098,192 Deposits 12,084,408 12,170,454 16,249,611 Shareholders’ Equity 1,849,067 1,813,505 1,680,898 FINANCIAL STRENGTH 1 Capital Measures 5 Risk-Weighted Assets $ 6,604,744 $ 6,532,130 $ 9,086,886 Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio 23.64% 23.17% 16.34% Tier 1 Capital Ratio 23.64% 23.17% 16.34% Total Capital Ratio 24.12% 23.68% 16.77% Leverage Ratio 9.02% 8.70% 7.29% Credit Quality Net Non-Performing Loans as a Percentage of Gross Loans 0.29% 0.30% 0.24% Allowance as a Percentage of Gross Non-Performing Loans 78.1% 79.5% 91.8% Share Information Book Value per Common Share $ 23.04 $ 22.60 $ 26.18 Common Share Price – Close $ 13.56 $ 17.31 $ 26.03 Dividend paid during the period ended $ - $ - $ 0.26 Dividend Payout Ratio - - 28.9% Market Capitalization $ 1,088,136 $ 1,389,058 $ 1,671,230 Number of Common Shares Outstanding 80,246 80,246 64,204 1 The amounts as at and for the period ended March 31, 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (IFRS 9); prior period amounts have not been restated and have been prepared in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (IAS 39). Please see Note 2 in the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in the 2018 First Quarter Report for further information. 2 See definition of Taxable Equivalent Basis (TEB) under Non-GAAP Measures in the 2018 First Quarter Report. 3 Total assets and loans under administration include both on- and off-balance sheet amounts. 4 Total loans include loans held for sale and are presented gross of allowance for credit losses, for all periods presented. 5 These figures relate to the Company’s operating subsidiary, Home Trust Company. Consolidated Statements of Income For the three months ended thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts March 31 December 31 March 31 (Unaudited) 2018 2017 2017 Net Interest Income Non-Securitized Assets Interest from loans¹ $ 154,934 $ 158,938 $ 192,435 Dividends from securities 286 278 2,286 Other interest 4,480 6,417 2,920 159,700 165,633 197,641 Interest on deposits and other 68,367 70,330 77,252 Interest and fees on line of credit facility 6,007 6,215 - Net interest income non-securitized assets 85,326 89,088 120,389 Net Interest Income Securitized Loans and Assets Interest income from securitized loans and assets¹ 22,059 22,563 21,558 Interest expense on securitization liabilities 19,285 19,933 16,090 Net interest income securitized loans and assets 2,774 2,630 5,468 Total Net Interest Income 88,100 91,718 125,857 Provision for credit losses¹ 5,968 3,434 5,919 82,132 88,284 119,938 Non-Interest Income Fees and other income 12,041 16,346 16,331 Securitization income 2,691 1,695 6,432 Gain on sale of PSiGate 950 - - Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on securities and loans 1,000 - (3) Net realized and unrealized losses on derivatives (1,017) (304) (875) 15,665 17,737 21,885 97,797 106,021 141,823 Non-Interest Expenses Salaries and benefits 16,229 17,063 29,619 Premises 2,402 3,478 3,752 Other operating expenses 32,756 44,949 31,094 51,387 65,490 64,465 Income Before Income Taxes 46,410 40,531 77,358 Income taxes Current 7,423 8,160 23,142 Deferred 4,401 1,752 (3,825) 11,824 9,912 19,317 NET INCOME $ 34,586 $ 30,619 $ 58,041 NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE Basic $ 0.43 $ 0.38 $ 0.90 Diluted $ 0.43 $ 0.38 $ 0.90 AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING Basic 80,246 80,246 64,263 Diluted 80,246 80,286 64,294 Total number of outstanding common shares 80,246 80,246 64,204 Book value per common share $ 23.04 $ 22.60 $ 26.18 1 The amounts for the period ended March 31, 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (IFRS 9); prior period amounts have not been restated and have been prepared in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (IAS 39). Please see Note 2 in the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in the 2018 First Quarter Report for further information. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the three months ended March 31 December 31 March 31 thousands of Canadian dollars (Unaudited) 2018 2017 2017 NET INCOME $ 34,586 $ 30,619 $ 58,041 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ITEMS THAT WILL NOT BE SUBSEQUENTLY RECLASSIFIED TO NET INCOME Equity Securities Designated at FVOCI 1 Change in net unrealized gains or losses 931 N/A N/A Income tax expense 248 N/A N/A 683 N/A N/A ITEMS THAT WILL BE SUBSEQUENTLY RECLASSIFIED TO NET INCOME Available for Sale Securities and Retained Interests 1 Net change in unrealized gains or losses N/A 1,431 16,414 Net losses reclassified to net income N/A - 3 N/A 1,431 16,417 Income tax expense N/A 378 4,358 N/A 1,053 12,059 Debt Instruments at FVOCI 1 Net change in unrealized gains or losses 1,018 N/A N/A Net gains or losses reclassified to net income - N/A N/A 1,018 N/A N/A Income tax expense 280 N/A N/A 738 N/A N/A Cash Flow Hedges Net change in net unrealized gains or losses (348) 356 (85) Net losses (gains) reclassified to net income 287 (68) 329 (61) 288 244 Income tax (recovery) expense (26) 78 72 (35) 210 172 Total other comprehensive income 1,386 1,263 12,231 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 35,972 $ 31,882 $ 70,272 1 The amounts for the period ended March 31, 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 9; prior period amounts have not been restated and have been prepared in accordance with IAS 39. N/A indicates not applicable under the accounting policy for the respective period. FVOCI indicates fair value through other comprehensive income. Please see Note 2 in the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in the 2018 First Quarter Report for further information. Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31 December 31 thousands of Canadian dollars (Unaudited) 2018 2017 ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 1,013,945 $ 1,336,138 Securities 332,899 332,468 Loans Held for Sale 75,748 165,947 Loans Securitized mortgages 2,873,343 2,993,250 Non-securitized mortgages and loans 12,273,219 11,910,439 15,146,562 14,903,689 Allowance for credit losses¹ (45,140) (38,775) 15,101,422 14,864,914 Other Restricted assets 504,113 437,011 Derivative assets 4,069 7,325 Other assets 325,040 336,770 Deferred tax assets 3,107 9,577 Goodwill and intangible assets 97,691 100,993 934,020 891,676 $ 17,458,034 $ 17,591,143 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities Deposits Deposits payable on demand $ 476,038 $ 539,364 Deposits payable on a fixed date 11,608,370 11,631,090 12,084,408 12,170,454 Securitization Liabilities CMHC-sponsored mortgage-backed security liabilities 1,550,183 1,562,152 CMHC-sponsored Canada Mortgage Bond liabilities 1,473,472 1,473,318 Bank-sponsored securitization conduit liabilities 106,192 142,279 3,129,847 3,177,749 Other Derivative liabilities 43,759 38,728 Other liabilities 322,792 360,477 Deferred tax liabilities 28,161 30,230 394,712 429,435 15,608,967 15,777,638 Shareholders’ Equity Capital stock 231,156 231,156 Contributed surplus 4,568 4,978 Retained earnings 1,617,851 1,583,265 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,508) (5,894) 1,849,067 1,813,505 $ 17,458,034 $ 17,591,143 1 The allowance for credit losses as at March 31, 2018 represents expected credit losses and have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 9. The allowance for credit losses as at December 31, 2017 represents the total of individual and collective allowances on loan principal as prepared in accordance with the incurred loss model under IAS 39. Please see Note 2 in the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in 2018 First Quarter Report for further information including information on reclassification of comparative balances. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity¹ Net Unrealized Gains (Losses), After Tax, on: Total Total thousands of Canadian dollars Capital Contributed Retained Equity Securities Debt Instruments Cash Flow Accumulated Other Shareholders' (Unaudited) Stock Surplus Earnings Designated at FVOCI at FVOCI Hedges Comprehensive Loss Equity Balance at January 1, 2018 2 $ 231,156 $ 4,978 $ 1,583,265 $ (6,902) $ 2,197 $ (1,189) $ (5,894) $ 1,813,505 Comprehensive income - - 34,586 683 738 (35) 1,386 35,972 Amortization of fair value of employee stock options - (410) - - - - - (410) Balance at March 31, 2018 $ 231,156 $ 4,568 $ 1,617,851 $ (6,219) $ 2,935 $ (1,224) $ (4,508) $ 1,849,067 Net Unrealized Losses Net Unrealized Total on Securities and Losses on Accumulated Retained Interests Cash Flow Other Total thousands of Canadian dollars, Capital Contributed Retained Available for Sale, Hedges, Comprehensive Shareholders' except per share amounts (Unaudited) Stock Surplus Earnings After Tax after Tax Loss Equity Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 84,910 $ 4,562 $ 1,598,180 $ (53,589) $ (1,476) $ (55,065) $ 1,632,587 Comprehensive income - - 58,041 12,059 172 12,231 70,272 Stock options settled 548 (141) - - - - 407 Amortization of fair value of employee stock options - 304 - - - - 304 Repurchase of shares (264) - (5,698) - - - (5,962) Dividends ($0.26 per share) - - (16,710) - - - (16,710) Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 85,194 $ 4,725 $ 1,633,813 $ (41,530) $ (1,304) $ (42,834) $ 1,680,898 1 The amounts for the period ended March 31, 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 9; prior period amounts have not been restated and have been prepared in accordance with IAS 39. 2 Please see Note 2 in the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in the 2018 First Quarter Report for further information on transition of balances as at December 31, 2017 to balances as at January 1, 2018 upon adoption of IFRS 9. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the three months ended March 31 March 31 thousands of Canadian dollars (Unaudited) 2018 2017 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income for the period $ 34,586 $ 58,041 Adjustments to determine cash flows relating to operating activities: Amortization of net premium (discount) on securities 111 (86) Provision for credit losses 5,968 5,919 Recovery on sale of loan portfolios (1,000) - Gain on sale of PSiGate (950) - Gain on sale of mortgages or residual interest (1,322) (4,738) Net realized and unrealized losses on securities - 3 Amortization and impairment losses¹ 5,333 6,219 Amortization of fair value of employee stock options (410) 304 Deferred income taxes 4,401 (3,825) Changes in operating assets and liabilities Loans, net of gains or losses on securitization and sales (150,955) (537,269) Restricted assets (67,102) 125,049 Derivative assets and liabilities 8,226 3,669 Accrued interest receivable (1,910) (512) Accrued interest payable 11,235 19,648 Deposits (86,046) 363,581 Securitization liabilities (47,902) (2,604) Taxes receivable or payable and other (33,872) 33,807 Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities (321,609) 67,206 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repurchase of shares - (5,962) Exercise of employee stock options - 407 Dividends paid to shareholders - (16,710) Cash flows used in financing activities - (22,265) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Activity in securities Purchases - (5,803) Proceeds from sales - - Proceeds from maturities 299 9,051 Net proceeds from sale of PSiGate 310 - Purchases of capital assets (22) (56) Capitalized intangible development costs (1,171) (2,337) Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities (584) 855 Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period (322,193) 45,796 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 1,336,138 1,205,394 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of the Period $ 1,013,945 $ 1,251,190 Supplementary Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Dividends received on investments $ 273 $ 3,028 Interest received 179,687 215,644 Interest paid 82,424 73,694 Income taxes paid 13,081 20,222 1 Amortization and impairment losses include amortization on capital and intangible assets and impairment losses on intangible assets. Caution Regarding Forward-looking Statements From time to time Home Capital Group Inc. makes written and verbal forward-looking statements. These are included in the Annual Report, periodic reports to shareholders, regulatory filings, press releases, Company presentations and other Company communications. Forward-looking statements are made in connection with business objectives and targets, Company strategies, operations, anticipated financial results and the outlook for the Company, its industry, and the Canadian economy. These statements regarding expected future performance are “financial outlooks” within the meaning of National Instrument 51-102. Please see the risk factors, which are set forth in detail in the Risk Management section of the 2018 First Quarter Report, as well as the Company’s other publicly filed information, which is available on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com , for the material factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from these statements. These risk factors are material risk factors a reader should consider, and include credit risk, liquidity and funding risk, structural interest rate risk, operational risk, investment risk, strategic risk, reputational risk, compliance risk and capital adequacy risk along with additional risk factors that may affect future results. Forward-looking statements can be found in the Report to the Shareholders and the 2018 Outlook section in the 2018 First Quarter Report. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “forecast,” “may,” and “could” or other similar expressions. By their very nature, these statements require the Company to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainty, general and specific, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, global capital market activity, changes in government monetary and economic policies, changes in interest rates, inflation levels and general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory developments, competition and technological change. The preceding list is not exhaustive of possible factors. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company presents forward-looking statements to assist shareholders in understanding the Company’s assumptions and expectations about the future that are relevant in management’s setting of performance goals, strategic priorities and outlook. The Company presents its outlook to assist shareholders in understanding management’s expectations on how the future will impact the financial performance of the Company. These forward-looking statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or verbal, that may be made from time to time by it or on its behalf, except as required by securities laws. Assumptions about the performance of the Canadian economy in 2018 and its effect on Home Capital’s business are material factors the Company considers when setting its performance goals, strategic priorities and outlook. In determining expectations for economic growth, both broadly and in the financial services sector, the Company primarily considers historical and forecasted economic data provided by the Canadian government and its agencies. In setting and reviewing its strategic priorities and outlook for the remainder of 2018, management’s expectations continue to assume: The Canadian economy is expected to be relatively stable in 2018. Generally the Company expects stable employment conditions in its established regions. Also, the Company expects inflation will generally be within the Bank of Canada’s target of 1% to 3%, leading to stable credit losses and demand for the Company’s lending products in its established regions. The Canadian economy will continue to be influenced by the economic conditions in the United States and global markets and further adjustments in commodity prices; as such, the Company is prepared for the variability that may result. While the Company is assuming that interest rates will experience increases in 2018, the impact of such increases is not expected to be material. The level of interest rates is expected to continue to support relatively low mortgage interest rates for the remainder of 2018. The Company believes that the current and expected levels of housing activity indicate a relatively stable real estate market overall. Please see Market Conditions under the 2018 Outlook in the Company’s 2018 First Quarter Report for more discussion on the Company’s expectations for the housing market. The Company expects that debt service levels will remain manageable by Canadian households in 2018, however high levels of consumer debt make the economy more vulnerable to rising interest rates. The Company will have access to the mortgage and deposit markets through broker networks. Non-GAAP Measures The Company has adopted IFRS as its accounting framework. IFRS are the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for Canadian publicly accountable enterprises for years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The Company uses a number of financial measures to assess its performance. Some of these measures are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, are not defined by GAAP, and do not have standardized meanings that would ensure consistency and comparability between companies using these measures. Definitions of non-GAAP measures can be found under Non-GAAP Measures in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Company’s 2018 First Quarter Report. Regulatory Filings The Company’s continuous disclosure materials, including interim filings, annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis and audited consolidated financial statements, Annual Information Form, Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and Proxy Circular are available on the Company’s website at www.homecapital.com and on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ website at www.sedar.com . About Home Capital Home Capital Group Inc. is a public company, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (HCG), operating through its principal subsidiary, Home Trust Company. Home Trust is a federally regulated trust company offering deposits, residential and non-residential mortgage lending, securitization of insured residential first mortgage products, consumer lending and credit card services. In addition, Home Trust offers deposits via brokers and financial planners, and through its direct to consumer brand, Oaken Financial. Home Trust also conducts business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Home Bank. Licensed to conduct business across Canada, Home Trust has offices in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Manitoba. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180508006855/en/ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Home Capital Group Inc. Laura Lepore, 416-933-5652 Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations laura.lepore@hometrust.ca Source: Home Capital Group Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/08/business-wire-home-capital-reports-first-quarter-2018-results.html

British peer appointed to dole out $1 billion in RBS grants

May 2, 2018 / 1:55 PM / Updated an hour ago British peer appointed to dole out $1 billion in RBS grants Reuters Staff 4 Min Read LONDON (Reuters) - The leadership team for a body set up to hand out 775 million pounds ($1.1 billion) in grants to Britain’s smaller banks was appointed on Wednesday, clearing the way for applications to open in the coming months. FILE PHOTO: A customer uses an ATM at a branch of RBS, September 4, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo Banking Competition Remedies (BCR) said Godfrey Cromwell, a member of the House of Lords, had been appointed its chairman. The search for appointees had taken months, with some small lenders complaining about the pace of progress. Cromwell, who has industry experience, will be charged with overseeing the dispersal of the funds, intended to spur competition in a business banking market dominated by four large players. Already small, so-called challenger banks are lining up to bid for their share, with some entering the market for the first time altogether, eager for help to compete with the likes of HSBC ( HSBA.L ), Barclays ( BARC.L ), Lloyds Banking Group ( LLOY.L ) and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) ( RBS.L ). The government and the European Commission ordered RBS to provide the money, comprised of two separate funds respectively intended to help smaller rivals build their offerings and encourage customers to switch providers. It is meant to compensate for the taxpayer-owned bank’s 45.5 billion pound bailout during the financial crisis, seen as an unfair boost to already one of the biggest banks. “This project combines resolving RBS’s state aid obligations with seeking to support greater competition in the SME (small- to medium-sized enterprise) banking market,” said Cromwell, who previously headed the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Business Banking and remains its vice chair, in a statement. “I am looking forward to working on this with a range of stakeholders once BCR becomes operational.” Brendan Peilow, a former Treasury official, crown representative for banking and payments and senior banker at Lloyds, has also been appointed executive director. BCR said the project would launch some time in the summer of 2018, with one further executive director still to be appointed. RBS first proposed the package in 2017, after its seven-year struggle to spin off its Williams & Glyn brand - the initial order from Brussels following the bank’s state-backed rescue - failed. Eligibility for the money has also been a point of contention, with some industry players complaining relatively large banks are able to bid for certain pools of funding. Santander UK, owned by Spain’s Banco Santander ( SAN.MC ), and listed banks Virgin Money ( VM.L ), Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank (CYBG) ( CYBGC.L ) and Metro Bank ( MTRO.L ), are all expected to apply, as well as several smaller financial technology firms. ($1 = 0.7329 pounds) (This story corrects title of Cromwell at APPG in paragraph 7) Reporting by Emma Rumney; Editing by MarkPotter

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-banking-grants/british-peer-appointed-to-dole-out-1-billion-in-rbs-grants-idUSKBN1I31W1

Five Star Senior Living Inc. First Quarter 2018 Conference Call Scheduled for Tuesday, May 15th

NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Five Star Senior Living Inc. (Nasdaq: FVE) today announced that it will issue a press release containing its first quarter 2018 financial results before the Nasdaq opens on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. At 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time that morning, President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Mackey, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Rick Doyle and Chief Operating Officer Scott Herzig will host a conference call to discuss these results. The conference call telephone number is (877) 329-4332. Participants calling from outside the United States and Canada should dial (412) 317-5436. No pass code is necessary to access the call from either number. Participants should dial in about 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. A replay of the conference call will be available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. To hear the replay, dial (412) 317-0088. The replay pass code is 10118605. A live audio webcast of the conference call will also be available in a listen-only mode on the company’s website, which is located at www.fivestarseniorliving.com . Participants wanting to access the webcast should visit the company’s website about five minutes before the call. The archived webcast will be available for replay on the company’s website after the call. Five Star Senior Living Inc. is a senior living and healthcare services company that owns, leases and manages senior living communities, including primarily private pay independent and assisted living communities located throughout the U.S. FVE is headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180508006727/en/ Five Star Senior Living Inc. Brad Shepherd, 617-796-8245 Director, Investor Relations Source: Five Star Senior Living Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/08/business-wire-five-star-senior-living-inc-first-quarter-2018-conference-call-scheduled-for-tuesday-may-15th.html

IIROC Trading Halt / Suspension de la negociation par l'OCRCVM - CBW

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following issues have been halted by IIROC / L'OCRCVM a suspendu la negociation des titres suivants: Company / Société : CANNABIS WHEATON INCOME CORP TSX-Venture Symbol / Symbole à la Bourse de croissance TSX : CBW Reason / Motif : At the Request of the Company Pending News / À la demande de la société en attendant une nouvelle Halt Time (ET) / Heure de la suspension (HE) 16:08 IIROC can make a decision to impose a temporary suspension of trading in a security of a publicly listed company, usually in anticipation of a material news announcement by the company. Trading halts are issued based on the principle that all investors should have the same timely access to important company information. IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada. L'OCRCVM peut prendre la decision d'imposer une suspension provisoire des negociations sur le titre d'une societe cotee en bourse, habituellement en prevision d'une annonce importante de la part de la societe. Les suspensions de negociations sont imposees suivant le principe que tous les investisseurs devraient avoir un acces egal et simultane a l'information importante au sujet des societes dans lesquelles ils investissent. L'OCRCVM est l'organisme d'autoreglementation national qui surveille l'ensemble des societes de courtage et l'ensemble des operations effectuees sur les marches boursiers et les marches de titres d'emprunt au Canada. Please note that IIROC is not able to provide any additional information regarding a specific trading halt. Information is limited to general enquiries only. Veuillez prendre note que l'OCRCVM n'est pas en mesure de fournir d'informations supplementaires au sujet d'une suspension des negociations en particulier. L'information est restreinte aux questions generales. IIROC Inquiries 1-877-442-4322 (Option 2) Source:Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/22/globe-newswire-iiroc-trading-halt-suspension-de-la-negociation-par-locrcvm-acbw.html

OCI Partners LP Reports 2018 First Quarter Results and Announces $0.38 Quarterly Cash Distribution

NEDERLAND, Texas, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OCI Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership ("we" or the "Partnership"), announced its results for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The Partnership owns and operates an integrated methanol and ammonia production facility that is strategically located on the Texas Gulf Coast near Beaumont. Summary of Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Revenues increased 26% to $117 million compared to $93 million for the same period in 2017 Net income increased 114% to $30 million compared to $14 million for the same period in 2017 EBITDA increased 48% to $59 million compared to $40 million for the same period in 2017 EBITDA and net income margins were 50% and 26% respectively, compared to 43% and 15%, respectively, during the same period in 2017 Closing of New $455M Term Loan On March 13, 2018, the Partnership successfully closed a new $455 million term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") and a $40 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). The Term Loan Facility was priced at LIBOR + 425 bps and matures in 2025. The Revolving Credit Facility was priced at LIBOR + 375 bps, with a maturity in 2020. Both facilities include a leverage-based pricing stepdown provision. The Partnership used the net proceeds of the Term Loan Facility primarily to repay in full the $232 million previous term loan B facility, and to repay in full $200 million outstanding intercompany loans from and other payables due to OCI N.V. Changes in Corporate Credit Ratings On February 13, 2018, Moody's Investors Service raised our corporate credit rating to B1 from B2. On February 15, 2018, Standard & Poor's Global Ratings affirmed our corporate credit rating of B- and revised its outlook to positive from stable. On April 11, 2018, Standard & Poor's Global Ratings revised its assessment and raised our corporate credit rating to B+ from B- and revised its outlook to stable. Distributions Based on the results of the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Board of Directors of the general partner of the Partnership has approved a cash distribution of $0.38 per common unit, or approximately $33.1 million in the aggregate. The cash distribution will be paid on June 8, 2018 to unitholders of record at the close of business on May 23, 2018. The amount of any subsequent quarterly cash distributions will vary depending on our future earnings as well as our cash requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and other contractual obligations, and reserves for future operating or capital needs. Run-Rate Quarterly Distribution Sensitivity We have reviewed the assumptions underlying the cash distribution run-rate calculation to reflect more recent realized commodity prices as well as our revised capital structure and cost profile, among other factors. As a result, our cash distribution run-rate calculation is now based on an assumed average methanol selling price of $350 per metric ton, an assumed average ammonia selling price of $250 per metric ton, and an assumed average cost of natural gas of $3.00 per MMBtu. These assumptions result in a run-rate distribution of $1.40 per year. It should be noted that the run-rate commodity prices are not a reflection of management's expectations for commodity prices, but are intended as benchmarks to aid investors in estimating potential future distributions. To assist investors with estimating potential future distributions, we provide below a sensitivity analysis assuming 94% capacity utilization: A $0.50 per MMBtu change in annual average natural gas prices would result in an approximately $0.24 impact on annual distributions per common unit; A $10 per metric ton change in annual average methanol prices would result in an approximately $0.10 impact on annual distributions per common unit; and A $10 per metric ton change in annual average ammonia prices would result in an approximately $0.04 impact on annual distributions per common unit. In addition to the impact of commodity prices, our distributions are subject to fluctuations in capacity utilization, working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and other contractual obligations, reserves for future operating or capital needs and other factors, including overall business, regulatory and financial considerations that may affect the availability of cash to distribute. Please see "Forward-Looking Statements" below. Our distribution of $0.38 with respect to the three months ended March 31, 2018 reflects an average realized methanol price of $401 per metric ton, an average realized ammonia price of $317 per metric ton, and an average natural gas price of $3.30 per MMBtu. In addition, our distribution of $0.38 reflects one-time cash debt issuance costs incurred during the first quarter of 2018, which will allow the Partnership to benefit from lower financing costs going forward as reflected in the new run-rate quarterly distribution sensitivity. Statement from President and Chief Executive Officer – Ahmed El-Hoshy "I am very pleased with our achievements and milestones during the quarter. Most importantly, we continued our excellent safety track record and had a great start to the year with no OSHA recordable or lost time incidents. We also successfully closed the new credit facilities, which has greatly optimized our capital structure and which will allow us to markedly reduce our debt service costs. And finally, our financial performance was strong, benefiting from an excellent operational performance of our methanol unit and a continuation of healthy methanol markets. Methanol prices increased compared to the same quarter last year and compared to the fourth quarter of 2017, with prices supported by solid demand and global outages keeping the market tight. Our average realized methanol price was $401 per metric ton in the first quarter, an increase of 14% from $353 per metric ton in the same quarter last year, and an increase of 26% from $319 per metric ton in the fourth quarter of 2017. Ammonia prices also increased compared to the same quarter last year and compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. Our average realized ammonia price was $317 per metric ton in the first quarter, up 28% from $247 per metric ton in the same quarter last year and up 29% from $246 per metric ton in the fourth quarter of 2017. Our methanol production unit operated efficiently and experienced no downtime during the quarter, resulting in a 99% capacity utilization and record high quarterly methanol sales volumes. However, the ammonia production unit experienced 17 days of unplanned downtime during the quarter due to an issue with the steam generator and subsequently required repairs to the pressure swing absorption unit feed gas cooler, both of which were addressed during the outage. This resulted in a capacity utilization of 84% for the ammonia unit compared to 102% in the first quarter last year. At some point in the coming six months, we are contemplating a shutdown to address certain operational deficits of our selective catalytic reduction unit. The shutdown is expected to last approximately two weeks. In the first quarter, driven by the higher methanol sales volumes, comparatively higher realized methanol and ammonia prices during the quarter, and our continued focus on cost management, our EBITDA improved to $59 million, an increase of 48% compared to the same quarter last year, despite slightly higher natural gas costs and lower ammonia sales volumes. Looking forward to the second quarter of 2018, methanol prices have remained at a steady level throughout the quarter so far, supported by continued strong demand and tight supply. The US weighted average methanol contract price in both April and May was maintained at $495 per metric ton, compared to $490 per metric ton on average in the first quarter of 2018. We continue to monitor the market as it absorbs new supply additions this year, and believe the outlook for methanol markets remains positive, with good visibility into the next years of limited new major capacity additions, combined with expected solid demand from MTO, fuel applications and core derivatives. Ammonia prices recently declined due to the restart of previously shutdown supply in some exporting regions including Trinidad and North Africa, the recent start-up of new capacity in the United States and a delay in the spring application season in North America due to poor weather. The monthly Tampa CFR ammonia contract price decreased from $305 per metric ton in March to $255 per metric ton in May. Despite the near-term weakness, general nitrogen fertilizer markets are trending positively with the supply/demand growth outlook for downstream fertilizers." Volume Weighted Average Price of Volume Weighted Average Price of Methanol and Ammonia Natural Gas ($ per metric ton) ($ per MMBtu) For Three-Months Ended March 31, For Three-Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Ammonia 317 247 3.30 3.15 Methanol 401 353 Production Capacity Utilization (in '000 tons) Rate % For Three-Months Ended March 31, For Three-Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Ammonia 68 83 84% 102% Methanol 222 216 99% 96% Non-GAAP Financial Measure EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) plus (i) interest expense and other financing costs, (ii) loss on extinguishment of debt, (iii) income tax expense and (iv) depreciation expense. EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and by external users of our unaudited financial statements, such as investors and commercial banks, to assess: the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis; and our operating performance and return on invested capital compared to those of other publicly traded partnerships, without regard to financing methods and capital structure. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA may have material limitations as a performance measure because it excludes items that are necessary elements of our costs and operations. In addition, EBITDA presented by other companies may not be comparable to our presentation because each company may define EBITDA differently. EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by revenues. EBITDA margin is used as a supplemental financial measure by the Partnership's management in its analysis of our operating performance. The tables below reconcile EBITDA to net income, its most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands). Three-Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Net income 30,146 13,744 Add: Interest expense 5,895 5,547 Interest expense – related party 3,468 4,530 Loss on extinguishment of debt 3,501 0 Income tax expense 357 466 Depreciation expense 15,223 15,244 EBITDA 58,590 39,531 Conference Call with Management The Partnership will hold a conference call on May 7, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. ET, during which the Partnership's senior management will review the Partnership's financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 and provide an update on corporate developments. Callers may listen to the live presentation, which will be followed by a question and answer segment, by dialing (816) 287-5664 and entering the conference code 4123129. A replay of the conference call will be made available until May 21, 2018 and the replay can be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 and entering the same conference code 4123129. About OCI Partners LP OCI Partners LP (NYSE: OCIP) owns and operates an integrated methanol and ammonia production facility that is strategically located on the Texas Gulf Coast near Beaumont. The Partnership is headquartered in Nederland, Texas and currently has a methanol production design capacity of 912,500 metric tons per year and an ammonia production design capacity of 331,000 metric tons per year. Notice to Foreign Investors This release is intended to be a qualified notice to nominees as provided for under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b)(4) and (d). Please note that 100% of the Partnership's distributions to foreign investors are attributable to income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. Accordingly, all of the Partnership's distributions to foreign investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at the highest applicable effective tax rate. Nominees, and not the Partnership, are treated as the withholding agents responsible for withholding on the distributions received by them on behalf of foreign investors. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate" and other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and that do not relate to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including, among others, the following: our business plans may change as the methanol and ammonia industry and markets warrant; the demand and sales prices for methanol, ammonia and their derivatives may decrease due to market, governmental and other factors; we may be unable to obtain economically priced natural gas and other feedstocks; we may be unable to successfully implement our business strategies, including the completion of significant capital programs; the occurrence of shutdowns (either temporary or permanent) or restarts of existing methanol and ammonia facilities (including our own facility); the timing and length of planned and unplanned downtime; and the occurrence of operating hazards from accidents, fire, severe weather, floods or other natural disasters. For more information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those conveyed in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section of the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in the Partnership's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available to be viewed or downloaded at www.ocipartnerslp.com by selecting "SEC Filings" on the "Financial Reporting" sub-tab found under the "Investor and Media Relations" tab, as well as on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Interested investors may obtain a hard copy of the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the Partnership's financial statements, free of charge by selecting "Annual Report" on the "Financial Reporting" sub-tab found under the "Investor and Media Relations" tab. The Partnership undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, unless required by law. Contacts: Hans Zayed Director of Investor Relations Phone: +1 917-817-5159 hans.zayed@oci.nl View original content with multimedia: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oci-partners-lp-reports-2018-first-quarter-results-and-announces-0-38-quarterly-cash-distribution-300643392.html SOURCE OCI Partners LP

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/07/pr-newswire-oci-partners-lp-reports-2018-first-quarter-results-and-announces-0-point-38-quarterly-cash-distribution.html

Nestle escapes Poland Spring water class action lawsuits

A federal judge has dismissed four proposed class actions alleging Nestle Waters North America Inc engaged in a “massive fraud” by filling its Poland Spring bottles with nothing but ordinary groundwater from wells in Maine, tricking consumers into paying more for a water they thought came from “verdant hillsides.” U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Meyer in New Haven, Connecticut, before whom the cases were consolidated, on Thursday found the plaintiffs’ claims that Nestle had fraudulently labeled and sold the product as “spring water” were preempted by federal law. To read the full story on WestlawNext Practitioner Insights, click here: bit.ly/2INqmnt

https://www.reuters.com/article/products-nestle/nestle-escapes-poland-spring-water-class-action-lawsuits-idUSL2N1SP1VC

Bollywood actress urges world to step up support for Rohingya women, children

May 24, 2018 / 6:05 PM / Updated an hour ago Bollywood actress urges world to step up support for Rohingya women, children Ruma Paul 2 Min Read DHAKA (Reuters) - Bollywood actress and UNICEF goodwill ambassador Priyanka Chopra called on the international community on Thursday to step up support for Rohingya women and children who fled to Bangladesh from a military crackdown in Myanmar. FILE PHOTO - Priyanka Chopra delivers remarks at the UNICEF 70th anniversary event at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., December 12, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly A military response to insurgent attacks on police posts and an army base in northern Rakhine state last August pushed almost 700,000 Rohingya Muslims across the border to Bangladesh, many accusing security forces of killings, rape and arson. “Every child deserves a future, an opportunity to contribute to humanity,” Chopra told a news conference in Dhaka after a four-day visit to Rohingya refugee camps at Cox’s Bazar on the southern tip of Bangladesh. “Refugee children are the world’s responsibility because they don’t have anywhere to go. They don’t have anything they can call their own,” she said. The United Nations has described the military crackdown as “ethnic cleansing,” which Myanmar has denied, saying its security forces were conducting a legitimate counter-insurgency operation against “terrorists.” Chopra urged the international community to tackle the issue of Rohingya childrene living without basic rights to food, clean water, shelter, proper sanitation and education. “There’s so much more to be done. They need your money, time, compassion,” she said. In March the United Nations launched an appeal for $951 million to help the Rohingya refugees for the rest of the year, but it remains less than 20 percent funded. Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Mark Heinrich

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-myanmar-rohingya-bangladesh-un/bollywood-actress-urges-world-to-step-up-support-for-rohingya-women-children-idUKKCN1IP37C

UK Stocks-Factors to watch on May 24

May 24 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 index is seen opening 5 points lower at 7,784 on Thursday, according to financial bookmakers. * BRITISH INFLATION: British inflation fell unexpectedly in April, according to data that prompted fresh questions about when the Bank of England would next raise interest rates and pushed sterling to its lowest level against the dollar this year. * BARCLAYS: Barclays Plc is not actively exploring a potential merger with rivals, two sources close to the bank said, as speculation mounts about how the British lender plans to defend itself against activist investor Edward Bramson. * PADDY POWER BETFAIR: Paddy Power Betfair, has agreed to merge its U.S. business with fantasy sports company FanDuel to target the U.S. sports betting market that is set to open up in the coming years, the Irish bookmaker said on Wednesday. * MARKS & SPENCER: Marks & Spencer is modernising rapidly to survive and has finally found a strategy that will deliver the profitable, growing business craved by investors, the British retailer said on Wednesday. * OIL: Oil prices fell on Thursday on expectations that OPEC members will step up production in the face of worries over supply from both Venezuela and Iran. * EX-DIVS: Bunzl Plc, Carnival Plc, DCC Plc, Imperial Brands Plc, WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc and Whitbread Plc will trade without entitlement to their latest dividend pay-out on Thursday, trimming 3.2 points off the FTSE 100 according to Reuters calculations. * The UK blue chip index closed 1.1 percent lower at 7,788.44 on Wednesday, as oil majors and commodity-related stocks fell but well-received results made Marks & Spencer a bright spot. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets * UK CORPORATE DIARY: Tate & Lyle Plc Full Year 2018 Earnings Release United Utilities Group Full Year 2018 Earnings Plc Release Electrocomponents Plc Full Year 2018 Earnings Release Inchcape Plc Q1 2018 Trading Statement Release Caledonia Investments Plc Full Year 2017 Earnings Release Go-Ahead Group Plc Q3 2017 Trading Statement Release Renewi Plc Preliminary Q4 2018 Earnings Release PayPoint Plc Full Year 2017 Earnings Release Kingfisher Plc Q1 2018 Trading Statement Release Daily Mail and General Half Year 2018 Earnings Trust Plc Release Intertek Group Plc May 2018 Trading Statement Release Paragon Banking Group Plc Half Year 2018 Earnings Release Talktalk Telecom Group Preliminary FY 2018 Plc Earnings Release Mediclinic International Full Year 2018 Earnings Plc Release Newriver Reit Plc Full Year 2018 Earnings Release TODAY'S UK PAPERS > Financial Times > Other business headlines Multimedia versions of Reuters Top News are now available for: * 3000 Xtra : visit topnews.session.rservices.com * For Top News : topnews.reuters.com (Reporting by Radhika Rukmangadhan in Bengaluru)

https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-stocks-factors/uk-stocks-factors-to-watch-on-may-24-idUSL3N1SV2I4

Turkish lira weakens sharply, surrendering some post-rate hike gains

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey’s lira weakened more than 2 percent on Thursday, giving up some of the hefty gains it made after the central bank raised interest rates by 300 basis points on Wednesday in an emergency move to prop up the tumbling currency. FILE PHOTO: A money changer counts Turkish lira banknotes at a currency exchange office in Diyarbakir, Turkey May 23, 2018. REUTERS/Sertac Kayar The central bank raised its top interest rate to 16.5 percent from 13.5 percent at an extraordinary meeting prompted by the lira’s relentless fall in recent weeks. It had depreciated as much as 23 percent so far this year before the bank’s move. Investors have hammered the currency on concerns about the central bank’s ability to tame double-digit inflation, particularly after President Tayyip Erdogan — a self-described “enemy of interest rates” — said he expected to assert more policy control after June 24 elections. After the initial bounce following the bank’s move — the currency swung from a 5 percent loss to a more than 2 percent gain — investors now appear to be concerned whether the rate increase was enough to put the currency on a steady footing. “It might prove insufficient to stabilize the currency, as concerns about monetary policy-making in the post-election period will remain ... given the President’s vow to tighten his grip on economy policy,” said Gokce Celik, chief economist at QNB Finansbank, in a note to clients. The lira TRYTOM=D3 was at 4.6880 against the dollar at 0845 GMT, versus its close of 4.5900. It hit a record low of 4.9290 on Wednesday before the rate hike. It is now down some 19 percent year-to-date. The yield on Turkish 10-year government bonds TR10YT=RR fell to its lowest since May 15. Dollar bonds rose, and the cost of insuring Turkish debt against default fell to a one-week low. Related Coverage Turkey's ruling party vows measures to ease cost pressures caused by interest rates FURTHER TIGHTENING Some analysts pointed out that the bank, in Wednesday’s statement, dropped its usual wording that “further monetary policy tightening will be delivered, if needed”. That sowed some concern that it may not increase rates at its next scheduled policy meeting, on June 7. “We will need to see some further tightening in the regular scheduled (monetary policy committee) meeting on June 7 as well,” said Inan Demir, of Nomura International. “So that they can increase the real rate and go beyond catching up with inflation and actually move ahead of the curve.” Following the bank’s move, Erdogan said “financial discipline will continue and the necessary things will be done for financial stability”. But he also said the currency’s volatility did not reflect economic reality and, echoing his frequent references to foreign threats, warned that he would not let “global governance types” ruin the country. Erdogan, an economic populist, wants to see lower borrowing rates to fuel credit growth and new construction. Investors, who fear the economy has overheated after a more than 7 percent expansion last year, want decisive rate hikes to cool inflation. The president also said in his speech on Wednesday he would look to take action on inflation after the June 24 vote — although he did not say concretely what that might be. “We will definitely take measures to lower the inflation and current account deficit in a very different way after the elections,” Erdogan said. Additional reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun; Writing by Daren Butler and David Dolan; Editing by Dominic Evans and Catherine Evans

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-currency/turkish-lira-weakens-sharply-surrendering-some-post-rate-hike-gains-idUSKCN1IP1Q9

Mettler-Toledo Q1 Earnings Per Share $3.58

May 3 (Reuters) - Mettler-Toledo International Inc: * Q1 EARNINGS PER SHARE $3.58 * Q1 EARNINGS PER SHARE VIEW $3.73 — THOMSON REUTERS I/B/E/S * Q1 ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $3.74 * Q1 SALES $660.8 MILLION VERSUS I/B/E/S VIEW $651.9 MILLION * MANAGEMENT ANTICIPATES LOCAL CURRENCY SALES GROWTH IN 2018 WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 6% * SEES FY 2018 ADJUSTED EPS IN RANGE OF $20.10 TO $20.25, WHICH REFLECTS GROWTH OF 14% TO 15% * SEES Q2 2018 ADJUSTED EPS TO BE IN RANGE OF $4.55 TO $4.60 * Q2 EARNINGS PER SHARE VIEW $4.54 — THOMSON REUTERS I/B/E/S Source text for Eikon: (Reuters.Briefs@thomsonreuters.com) Our

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-mettler-toledo-q1-earnings-per-sha/brief-mettler-toledo-q1-earnings-per-share-3-58-idUSASC09ZR6

China says summit with Japan, South Korea to focus on cooperation, not North Korea

BEIJING (Reuters) - No areas will be off limits in talks next week when Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visits Japan, but North Korea is not going to be a focus, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Friday. China's Premier Li Keqiang speaks with Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade head Yohei Kono (not pictured), at the Great Hall of People, in Beijing, China April 9, 2018. REUTERS/Parker Song/Pool China and Japan, Asia’s two largest economies, have been trying to reset ties after years of increasingly bitter disputes over a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea and the legacy of Japan’s invasion of China before and during World War Two. Japan will host a summit with Li and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in in Tokyo on Wednesday to discuss regional issues, where North Korea had been expected to be high on the agenda. The meeting, which has been hosted in turn by each of the three nations since the first held in Japan in 2008, aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said Li’s trip to Japan, the first by a Chinese premier in eight years, represented a “rare development opportunity”, though he admitted challenges remain. “There will be no off-limits areas,” Kong told reporters, referring to the talks between Li and Abe. “As long as there are subjects both are interested in, they can be put on the table for candid discussion. (We) hope to increase understanding through discussion, which is helpful to narrowing differences on certain problems.” While North Korea and other regional issues would come up and would be discussed with both Japan and South Korea so that the three sides could better coordinate policy, the isolated country was not a focus. “I personally think this China-Japan-South Korea meeting is not to mostly discuss the situation on the Korean peninsula. It’s mainly to discuss regional cooperation between the three,” said Kong, who is also China’s special envoy for the North Korean nuclear issue. “So I think it will be hard for the three of them to have sufficient time to have deep talks on this issue.” In a later report, Chinese state media said President Xi Jinping had discussed bilateral ties and North Korea in a telephone call with Abe. China and Japan should work together to get relations back on track, Xi told Abe. Bracketing the summit, Li will make a state visit to Japan from May 8 to 11, when he will meet Emperor Akihito, Japan has said. At Moon’s summit last month with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, both sides agreed to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Kim is also due to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in coming weeks. Li will travel to Indonesia before going to Japan. Indonesia is seeking ways to speed up a $5 billion high-speed rail project being built by a consortium of local and Chinese state firms which faces obstacles over land ownership issues. Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Nick Macfie

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-japan/china-says-summit-with-japan-south-korea-to-focus-on-cooperation-not-north-korea-idUSKBN1I50EB

Here are Iran sanctions returning after Trump leaves nuclear deal

Here are the sanctions that will snap back into place now that Trump has pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal President Trump signed an executive order that will withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal. The presidential memo starts a 180-day countdown timer for the Trump administration to re-impose all of the sanctions on Iran that were relaxed under the Obama-era deal. The order specifies that many of the sanctions should be re-imposed in 90 days — by Aug. 6. Published 4:48 PM ET Tue, 8 May 2018 CNBC.com Jonathan Ernst | Reuters President Donald Trump displays a presidential memorandum after announcing his intent to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, May 8, 2018. President Donald Trump signed an executive memorandum Tuesday kicking off the process for the U.S. to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal . The deal between Iran and a handful of world powers, brokered in 2015 during the Obama administration, lifted a bevy of sanctions and embargoes on Iran in exchange for the country significantly shrinking the scope of its nuclear capabilities. Iran also gave international inspectors access to its facilities as part of the deal. The memo Trump signed on Tuesday triggers a 180-day countdown timer for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to re-impose all of the sanctions on Iran that were relaxed under the deal. After passing a 90-day mark on Aug. 6, the following sanctions will snap back on Iran, according to the Treasury Department : Sanctions on Iran buying or acquiring U.S. dollars Sanctions on Iran trading gold and other precious metals Sanctions on Iran's sale, supply or trade of metals such as aluminum and steel, as well as graphite, coal and certain software for "integrating industrial processes" Sanctions on "significant" sales or purchases of Iranian rials, or the maintenance of significant funds or accounts outside the country using Iranian rials Sanctions on issuing Iranian debt Iranian auto sanctions The U.S. will also revoke certain permissions, granted to Iran under the deal, on Aug. 6. These include halting Iran's ability to export its carpets and foods into the U.S., as well as ending certain licensing-related transactions. At the end of the 180-day interval on Nov. 4, another set of sanctions will once again be clamped down on Iran: Sanctions on Iran's ports, as well as the country's shipping and shipping sectors Sanctions on buying petroleum and petrochemical products with a number of Iranian oil companies Sanctions on foreign financial institutions transacting with the Central Bank of Iran and other Iranian financial institutions Sanctions on the provision of certain financial messaging services to Iran's central bank and other Iranian financial institutions Sanctions on the provision of underwriting services, insurance, or reinsurance Sanctions on Iran's energy sector The following day, on Nov. 5, the Trump administration will disallow U.S.-owned foreign entities from being allowed to engage in certain transactions with Iran. Sanctions on certain Iranian individuals will also be re-imposed on Nov. 5.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/08/here-are-iran-sanctions-returning-after-trump-leaves-nuclear-deal.html

Cron, Miller lifts Rays over Tigers in 9th

C.J. Cron broke a scoreless deadlock with a two-run homer in the top of the ninth and the Tampa Bay Rays held off the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Monday night. Cron crushed a 2-0 pitch to the opposite field off Tigers closer Shane Greene (1-2) after Greene issued a leadoff walk to Denard Span. Cron’s homer was his seventh this season. Brad Miller added a solo shot one out later off Greene as the Rays won for the ninth time in 10 games. Jacob Faria tossed eight innings to pick up the win. Faria (2-1) gave up just three hits and a walk while striking out six. Jose Alvarado got the last two outs for his first major league save. Rays reliever Chaz Roe couldn’t close the deal in the ninth. After retiring one batter, he hit two others with pitches, sandwiching an infield hit by Jeimer Candelario. Victor Martinez drove in two runs with a single off Alvarado. James McCann flied out before John Hicks drew a walk to load the bases. Alvarado then retired Dixon Machado on a fielder’s choice ground ball to end the game. Jordan Zimmermann matched Faria for seven innings, holding the Rays to two hits and a walk while striking out five. Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera was not in the lineup after exiting Sunday’s game at Baltimore with a left bicep spasm. The Tigers have been involved in an inordinate amount of low-scoring games this season. They’ve already had four 1-0 games, a 2-0 outcome and a 2-1 decision. No one reached second base until the bottom of the third, when Detroit’s Jose Iglesias rapped a one-out, ground-rule double. He advanced to third on a groundout by Victor Reyes, but Faria then struck out JaCoby Jones. The Tigers threatened the following inning on Nicholas Castellanos’ double to left. Martinez grounded out and, after Castellanos advanced to third on a wild pitch, Faria struck out McCann. Tampa Bay finally got a runner into scoring position in the seventh when Matt Duffy led off with a single and moved up on a groundout. Daniel Robertson’s long fly advanced him to third but Zimmermann retired Joey Wendle on a groundout. —Field Level Media

https://www.reuters.com/article/baseball-mlb-det-tb-recap/cron-miller-lifts-rays-over-tigers-in-9th-idUSMTZEE5112HAI1

Stage Stores Reports First Quarter Results and Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE:SSI) today reported results for the first quarter ended May 5, 2018, and reaffirmed guidance for fiscal year 2018. For the first quarter, comparable sales decreased 2.8%. Loss before income tax was $31.5 million, compared to a loss before income tax of $27.9 million in the first quarter 2017. Michael Glazer, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “While the first quarter began with positive comparable sales in February, results were negatively impacted by unseasonably cold temperatures in our geography in late March and early April. Once the weather normalized in the second half of April, comparable sales turned positive, and business has accelerated in May. Notably, the underlying trends that emerged in 2017, including recovery in our oil and gas states, double-digit ecommerce growth, and the outperforming non-apparel business, have continued into 2018. In fact, our non-apparel business, which is less weather sensitive, was up over 3% for the first quarter. Additionally, due to our strong inventory management efforts, we maintained a consistent flow of new merchandise to our stores, and ended the first quarter with department store inventory levels down 5% compared to the first quarter 2017.” Mr. Glazer continued, “We remain confident that we will meet our 2018 sales and earnings guidance. We are especially excited about accelerating the growth of our off-price business, and the recent conversion of one of our department stores to Gordmans has exceeded our expectations. As a result, we plan to redeploy capital to convert six more department stores and open one new Gordmans location in 2018.” The company also announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on its common stock, payable on June 20, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 5, 2018. First Quarter Results First quarter 2018 results compared to first quarter 2017 results were as follows: Net sales were $344 million compared to $309 million Comparable sales decreased 2.8% Net loss was $31.7 million compared to $19.0 million Loss per share was $1.14 compared to a loss per share of $0.70 EBIT was $(29.3) million compared to $(26.3) million 2018 Guidance For fiscal 2018, the company reaffirmed the following guidance: Net sales between $1,610 million and $1,640 million Comparable sales of flat to an increase of 2.0% Net loss between $38 million and $27 million Tax rate of 0%, which, when compared to 2017, is expected to negatively impact 2018 EPS by $0.36 to $0.52 per diluted share within the comparable sales and EBIT guidance ranges Loss per diluted share between $1.35 and $0.95 Depreciation and amortization between $55 million and $60 million EBIT between $(29) million and $(18) million Based on continued belief in the off-price model and the success of its first Gordmans conversion, the company has updated its capital expenditures and store portfolio guidance. The company now plans the following for fiscal 2018: Capital expenditures of $30 million to $35 million compared to prior guidance of $30 million; and Opening 1 new Gordmans store, converting 5 to 10 department stores to Gordmans stores, and closing an additional 30 to 35 department stores versus closing 25 to 30 department stores. Revenue Recognition During the first quarter of 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The impact of the adoption on the condensed consolidated statements of operations reflects the reclassification of credit income from selling, general and administrative expense to revenue. The condensed consolidated balance sheets and cash flow statements reflect the reclassification of the asset related to the liability for sales returns to other current assets from inventory. The Company adopted the standard using the full retrospective method, and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets and cash flows for the prior year periods have been restated. Conference Call / Webcast Information The company will post a pre-recorded conference call today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its results and guidance. Interested parties may access the company’s call by dialing 866-393-5631 and providing conference ID 3989619. Alternatively, interested parties may listen to an audio webcast of the call through the Investor Relations section of the company’s website ( corporate.stage.com ) under the “Webcasts” caption. A replay of the call will be available online through June 28, 2018. About Stage Stores Stage Stores, Inc. is a leading retailer of trend-right, name-brand values for apparel, accessories, cosmetics, footwear and home goods. As of May 24, 2018, the company operates in 42 states through 772 BEALLS, GOODY'S, PALAIS ROYAL, PEEBLES and STAGE specialty department stores and 59 GORDMANS off-price stores, as well as an e-commerce website at www.stage.com . For more information about Stage Stores, visit the company’s website at corporate.stage.com . Use of Non-GAAP / Adjusted Financial Measures The company reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures help to facilitate comparisons of company operating performance across periods. This release includes EBIT, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. The company may also present other non-GAAP financial measures which are identified as “adjusted” results. A reconciliation of all non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is provided in a table included with this release. Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and such statements are intended to qualify for the protection of the safe harbor provided by the Act. The words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “target,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, descriptions of the company’s objectives, strategies, plans, goals or targets are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to the expectations of management as to future occurrences and trends, including statements expressing optimism or pessimism about future operating results or events and projected sales, earnings, capital expenditures and business strategy. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance. Although management believes the expectations expressed in forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may materially affect the company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, economic conditions, cost and availability of goods, inability to successfully execute strategic initiatives, competitive pressures, economic pressures on the company and its customers, freight costs, the risks discussed in the Risk Factors section of the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and other factors discussed from time to time in the company’s other SEC filings. This release should be read in conjunction with such filings, and you should consider all of such risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures the company makes on related subjects in its public announcements and SEC filings. (Tables to follow) Stage Stores, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 April 29, 2017 Amount % to Sales (a) Amount % to Sales (a) Net sales $ 344,229 100.0% $ 308,607 100.0% Credit income 15,514 4.5% 12,928 4.2% Total revenues 359,743 104.5% 321,535 104.2% Cost of sales and related buying, occupancy and distribution expenses 281,741 81.8% 246,389 79.8% Selling, general and administrative expenses 107,277 31.2% 101,437 32.9% Interest expense 2,253 0.7% 1,586 0.5% Loss before income tax (31,528 ) (9.2)% (27,877 ) (9.0)% Income tax expense (benefit) 150 —% (8,890 ) (2.9)% Net loss $ (31,678 ) (9.2)% $ (18,987 ) (6.2)% Basic loss per share data: Basic loss per share $ (1.14 ) $ (0.70 ) Basic weighted average shares outstanding 27,765 27,268 Diluted loss per share data: Diluted loss per share $ (1.14 ) $ (0.70 ) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 27,765 27,268 (a) Percentages may not foot due to rounding. Stage Stores, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except par value) (Unaudited) May 5, February 3, April 29, 2018 2018 2017 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 29,091 $ 21,250 $ 21,688 Merchandise inventories, net 477,562 438,377 475,048 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 48,762 52,407 48,195 Total current assets 555,415 512,034 544,931 Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 244,214 252,788 277,285 Intangible assets 17,135 17,135 15,235 Other non-current assets, net 23,715 24,449 24,164 Total assets $ 840,479 $ 806,406 $ 861,615 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts payable $ 128,883 $ 145,991 $ 137,289 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 67,513 67,427 71,897 Total current liabilities 196,396 213,418 209,186 Long-term debt obligations 265,469 180,350 219,756 Other long-term liabilities 66,029 68,524 73,610 Total liabilities 527,894 462,292 502,552 Commitments and contingencies Common stock, par value $0.01, 100,000 shares authorized, 33,111, 32,806 and 32,611 shares issued, respectively 331 328 326 Additional paid-in capital 420,091 418,658 412,548 Treasury stock, at cost, 5,175 shares, respectively (43,339 ) (43,298 ) (43,347 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,978 ) (5,177 ) (5,517 ) Accumulated deficit (59,520 ) (26,397 ) (4,947 ) Total stockholders' equity 312,585 344,114 359,063 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 840,479 $ 806,406 $ 861,615 Stage Stores, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 April 29, 2017 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (31,678 ) $ (18,987 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets 15,151 16,377 Gain on retirements of property, equipment and leasehold improvements (30 ) (452 ) Deferred income taxes — (1,117 ) Stock-based compensation expense 1,558 2,182 Amortization of debt issuance costs 74 72 Deferred compensation obligation 41 61 Amortization of employee benefit related costs 199 211 Construction allowances from landlords — 998 Other changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase in merchandise inventories (39,185 ) (31,999 ) Decrease (increase) in other assets 4,303 (7,193 ) (Decrease) increase in accounts payable and other liabilities (19,088 ) 39,534 Net cash used in operating activities (68,655 ) (313 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements (6,930 ) (7,359 ) Proceeds from insurance and disposal of assets 45 1,223 Business acquisition — (33,843 ) Net cash used in investing activities (6,885 ) (39,979 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from revolving credit facility borrowings 164,071 153,311 Payments of revolving credit facility borrowings (78,310 ) (96,559 ) Payments of long-term debt obligations (731 ) (4,083 ) Payments of debt issuance costs — (8 ) Payments for stock related compensation (204 ) (257 ) Cash dividends paid (1,445 ) (4,227 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 83,381 48,177 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 7,841 7,885 Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of period 21,250 13,803 End of period $ 29,091 $ 21,688 Stage Stores, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited) The following table reconciles EBIT, a non-GAAP financial measure, to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net loss (amounts in thousands): Three Months Ended May 5, 2018 April 29, 2017 Net loss (GAAP) $ (31,678 ) $ (18,987 ) Interest expense 2,253 1,586 Income tax expense (benefit) 150 (8,890 ) Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) (non-GAAP) (29,275 ) (26,291 ) The following table reconciles EBIT, a non-GAAP financial measure, to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net loss (amounts in millions): 2018 Guidance Range Low High Net loss (GAAP) $ (38 ) $ (27 ) Interest expense 9 9 Income tax — — EBIT (non-GAAP) $ (29 ) $ (18 ) View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180524005144/en/ Stage Stores, Inc. Alysha Tawney, 713-331-4902 Manager, Strategy and Investor Relations IR@stage.com Source: Stage Stores, Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/24/business-wire-stage-stores-reports-first-quarter-results-and-declares-quarterly-cash-dividend.html

Commentary: Hedge funds slash bearish dollar bets, and there's more to come

LONDON (Reuters) - Hedge funds and speculators spent the first four months of the year betting heavily against the dollar. They’re now running for the hills. An employee shows U.S. dollars banknotes at a money changer in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 24, 2018. Antara Foto/Hafidz Mubarak/via REUTERS The increasingly rapid rate at which they’re slashing their short dollar positions is creating a vicious cycle: short covering accelerates the dollar’s rally, which forces even more short covering, which pushes the dollar even higher. The bad news for those clinging to the view that the dollar is heading lower is it looks like this “pain trade” has further to run because, historically, the overall short position remains large. The latest Commodity Futures Trading Commission figures show that hedge funds and speculators cut their net short dollar position against a range of developed and emerging currencies by $5.5 billion in the week to May 1. That was the biggest cut this year and brings the reduction in the last two weeks of April to nearly $10 billion. It’s a rapid reversal, which undoubtedly helped the dollar rally nearly 4 percent in that period. But the net short position is still worth $18.32 billion, compared with the average weekly position over the past decade, which is a net long $5.4 billion. The dollar appreciated a further 1 percent in the first week of May, suggesting the short covering continues at pace. A short position is effectively a bet that the price of an asset will fall, and a long position is a bet it will rise in value. The biggest shifts in the latest week were against the euro and sterling. Speculative accounts on the CFTC cut their net long euro position by just over 10,000 contracts to 120,568, the smallest long position of the year. Two weeks earlier, they held a record net long 151,476 contracts. “As of last Tuesday, the net euro long hadn’t corrected enough to give a committed euro dip-buyer any encouragement at all,” reckons Societe Generale’s Kit Jukes. Similarly, CFTC speculators cut their net long sterling position by nearly 11,000 contracts, which means they have almost halved the net long position in just a fortnight. The euro is now trading below $1.20, down nearly 4 pct against the dollar since April 17, and the pound is down more than 6 pct at $1.35. While the rise in U.S. bond yields appears to have stalled for now, with the 10-year yield back below 3 pct, the dollar is unlikely to lose its interest rate and yield advantage any time soon. Surprisingly weak euro zone inflation data and UK economic data last week poured a bucket of cold water over expectations about when the ECB and Bank of England might raise rates. Market pricing on the BoE, in particular, was whiplashed. The probability of a rate hike on May 10 stands at just 11 pct now, down from 90 pct late last month. Economists at HSBC say there may be no rate hike at all until 2020. U.S. economic data, meanwhile, continue to come in reasonably strong, or at least broadly in line with forecasts. The Fed has raised rates six times since December 2015 and markets are pricing in at least two increases this year. So while the dollar’s rebound has been pretty relentless, the last couple of weeks, it may still have some legs. “If shorts still have not been squeezed, this dollar rally might have only just gotten started,” reckons Jasper Lawler at London Capital Group. Reporting by Jamie McGeever; editing by Larry King

https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-global-markets-speculators/commentary-hedge-funds-slash-bearish-dollar-bets-and-theres-more-to-come-idUSKBN1I91JC

UPDATE 1-Nigerian annual inflation falls to more than two year low in April

(Adds details) ABUJA, May 15 (Reuters) - Annual inflation in Nigeria stood at 12.48 percent in April, its lowest level in more than two years and its 15th straight monthly drop, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Tuesday. It fell from 13.34 percent in March. A separate food price index showed inflation at 14.80 percent in April, compared with 16.08 percent in March. Food inflation has been in double figures for nearly three years, but has slowed for the past six months. The statistics office said the highest increases were recorded in potatoes, yam and other tubers, as well as bread and cereals, plus oil and fats. The central bank’s monetary policy committee is due to meet later this month to set its main interest rate. It held the rate at 14 percent in April in an attempt to curb inflation, especially in food prices. It has kept rates tight for more than a year to support the naira and attract foreign investors into the debt market. (Reporting by Paul Carsten; Additional reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram and Chijioke Ohuocha in Lagos Editing by Alison Williams/Keith Weir) Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

https://www.reuters.com/article/nigeria-inflation/update-1-nigerian-annual-inflation-falls-to-more-than-two-year-low-in-april-idUSL5N1SM2YR

Oath's Tim Armstrong is reportedly being considered to replace Martin Sorrell at WPP

Tech Guide Oath's Tim Armstrong is reportedly being considered to replace Martin Sorrell at WPP Tim Armstrong is being considered for the top job at WPP among multiple candidates, according to the Financial Times. Melody Hahm | CNBC Tim Armstrong, chairman and CEO of AOL Oath CEO Tim Armstrong is reportedly one of the candidates being considered to replace Martin Sorrell at advertising conglomerate WPP, according to a report by the Financial Times . A spokesperson for WPP said in an email that "no appointment has been made" and that the company "will not be making any comment on the identity of any candidates." Armstrong is currently the CEO of Oath, the merged AOL-Yahoo media and advertising group. Oath is owned by Verizon . Oath declined to comment.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/11/oaths-tim-armstrong-is-reportedly-being-considered-to-replace-martin-sorrell-at-wpp.html

Xerox shares plunges after scrapping Fuji deal

May 14, 2018 / 4:56 PM / in 20 minutes Xerox shares plunges after scrapping Fuji deal Reuters Staff 2 Min Read May 14 (Reuters) - Xerox Corp’s shares plunged 7.4 percent on Monday after the printer and copier maker put an end to months long proxy fight with its top two investors by scrapping a deal with Japan’s Fujifilm Holdings Corp. Xerox had been battling activist shareholder Carl Icahn and investor Darwin Deason over the company’s plan to sell itself to Fujifilm and on Monday reached a settlement with them. Icahn and Deason own more than 15 percent of the company. “The share price pressure imitates that people want to see that $9.80 cents special dividend which is now out of the question,” David Holt, analyst at CFRA research told Reuters. The two companies agreed in January to a complex deal that would have merged Xerox into their Asia joint venture Fuji Xerox and given Fujifilm control. That prompted activist investors Icahn and Deason to launch a proxy fight. Holt also said there are potential interests from other competitors as well such as HP Inc. “When you put these two companies together, the value proposition looks attractive,” Earlier in May, Reuters reported citing sources buyout firm Apollo Global Management LLC has approached Xerox for a possible acquisition. Holt said there are still options on the table and it doesn’t have to be an either or situation which is good for Xerox in the long term but in the short term, Xerox does faces uncertainty. Shares of the company down 7.4 percent at $27.82 in afternoon trade, hitting more than six-month low. (Reporting by Laharee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)

https://www.reuters.com/article/xetox-stocks/xerox-shares-plunges-after-scrapping-fuji-deal-idUSL3N1SL5JN

Australia's Suncorp tells inquiry of negligent lending, defends repayment pursuit

May 25, 2018 / 12:18 PM / Updated 15 minutes ago Australia's Suncorp tells inquiry of negligent lending, defends repayment pursuit Paulina Duran 3 Min Read SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia’s Suncorp Group Ltd ( SUN.AX ) told a powerful inquiry into financial sector misconduct on Friday that it had extended loans negligently in some cases, but that it acted fairly in pursuing customers struggling to make repayments. The country’s sixth-largest bank by market value made the comments at the quasi-judicial Royal Commission which, under halfway into a year-long inquiry, has uncovered widespread malfeasance by Australia’s biggest lenders including fraud. The Commission is due to report its findings in September and can recommend criminal charges and legislative change. In its first appearance at the inquiry, Suncorp said it showed “good intent” when pursuing repayment from unemployed Jennifer Low for five loans to her husband, who died in a 2015 workplace accident. Head of banking David Carter said Suncorp had grounds to demand immediate repayment, but opted not to. Her son, Rien Low, told the inquiry the bank had shown no compassion. Neither family member knew of the loans, and the woman, widowed at 62, had to sell her house to repay four of the five debts. The family took the case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) which found Suncorp extended the fifth loan without checking the loan’s purpose or regard to whether the customer could repay, the inquiry heard. Suncorp accepted the finding, but nevertheless requested the balance of over A$200,000 ($151,480) be paid within six months. It eventually agreed to a lengthier repayment period, with the first five years interest free. “The impact we may have had has not always been right and perhaps some of our communication could have been better,” said Suncorp’s head of banking, David Carter. “But when I look at the way in which it (the widow’s case) has been approached, I see good intention.” When asked by the barrister assisting the inquiry, Rowena Orr, why the widow was not allowed to repay the balance over a longer period of time without interest, Carter said repayment would have taken 17 years and that the option was unreasonable. “I want to put to you that applicants may not proceed with applications to FOS if they realize that this is what success looks like,” said Orr. “You saying you now have six to 12 months to pay the entirety of the loan off even though it was lent irresponsibly to you?” “I accept that,” Carter said. Reporting by Paulina Duran; Editing by Christopher Cushing

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-banks-inquiry-suncorp/australias-suncorp-tells-inquiry-of-negligent-lending-defends-repayment-pursuit-idUSKCN1IQ1MB

Malaysia in suspense ahead of Najib's visit to anti-graft agency

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Amid mounting suspense in Malaysia, former leader Najib Razak is expected to give a statement to an anti-graft agency on Tuesday explaining what he knew about $10.6 million transferred into his bank account from a unit of a state fund he founded. Malaysia's outgoing Prime Minister Najib Razak leaves after a news conference following the general election in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 10, 2018. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo The remorseless humiliation of Najib since his unexpected election defeat on May 9 has left Malaysians waiting to see what happens next to the urbane former prime minister, and his allegedly big-spending wife, Rosmah Mansor. They have been barred from leaving the country, while their home and other properties have been searched, and Najib has been summoned to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to give a statement on just one small part of a massive financial scandal. Finding out what happened to billions of dollars that went missing from state-investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) is a priority for Malaysia’s new leader, Mahathir Mohamad, who at the age of 92 came out of political retirement and joined the opposition to topple his former protege. New MACC chief Mohd Shukri Abdull told reporters to expect a “special briefing” on Tuesday. Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to 1MDB since the scandal erupted in 2015, but he replaced an attorney-general and several MACC officers to shut down an investigation. Najib has said $681 million of funds deposited in his personal bank account were a donation from a Saudi royal, rebutting reports that the funds came from 1MDB. Now answering to a different prime minister, the MACC has reopened its investigation, initially focusing on how 42 million ringgit ($10.6 million) went from SRC International to Najib’s account. SRC was created in 2011 by Najib’s government to pursue overseas investments in energy resources, and was a unit of 1MDB until it was moved to the finance ministry in 2012. Mahathir’s office also announced the establishment of a new task force made up of members of the anti-graft agency, police and the central bank, which would liaise with “enforcement agencies in the United States, Switzerland, Singapore, Canada and other related countries,” investigating 1MDB. The U.S. Department of Justice refers to Najib as “Malaysian Official Number 1” in its anti-kleptocracy investigation into 1MDB. DENIAL Addressing loyalists in his home state of Pahang on Sunday, Najib declared: “I did not steal from the people”. He said the chorus of allegations was a smear campaign aimed at ruining the United Malays National Organisation, the party that until now has led every government since Malaysia’s independence six decades ago. Police were filmed taking away at least 284 boxes of potential evidence, notably jewelery, cash, designer clothes and accessories. The publicity given to the search prompted Rosmah to issue a statement through her lawyers complaining of the danger of a “premature public trial”. Speaking to staff at the prime minister’s office on Monday, Mahathir counted the cost of his predecessor’s alleged misgovernance. “We find that the country’s finances, for example, was abused in a way that now we are facing trouble settling debts that have risen to a trillion ringgit,” he said. The previous evening, Mahathir met Xavier Justo, a Swiss national who was the first whistleblower in the 1MDB affair. Justo posted a photograph of himself with Mahathir on his Facebook account. It was documents leaked by Justo, a former director of energy group PetroSaudi International, which ran an energy joint venture with 1MDB from 2009 to 2012, that triggered investigations in at least six countries. Justo was sentenced to three years in prison in Thailand in 2015 on charges of blackmail and attempted extortion after what he now says was a confession made under pressure. He was freed in an amnesty in 2016. SRC came into focus after the Wall Street Journal reported that funds from the company were transferred using multiple companies as fronts, before eventually reaching Najib’s account. As these funds were moved through Malaysian, rather than foreign, financial institutions it was easier for MACC investigators to establish the money trail. Additional reporting by Praveen Menon; Writing by Simon Cameron-Moore; Editing by Robert Birsel

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-politics/malaysia-in-suspense-ahead-of-najibs-visit-to-anti-graft-agency-idUSKCN1IM0RE

Postal Service Announces Growth in Package Delivery, Bigger Losses | Fortune

By David Z. Morris 4:39 PM EDT The U.S. Postal Service announced its second quarter financial results on Friday, a normally ho-hum moment made a lot more significant thanks to continuing criticism of USPS’s relationship with Amazon by U.S. President Donald Trump. USPS said that its revenue for shipping and packages shot up by 9.5%, or $445 million, since the second quarter of last year. Meanwhile, letter and other mail volume dropped by 2.1%, and mail revenue was down $181 million. Overall revenue grew 1.4%, but the USPS still lost $1.3 billion in the quarter, compared to a $562 million loss this time last year, thanks to a 5.7% increase in operating expenses. USPS said rising expenses included the cost of retiree health benefits, increased labor costs for shipping packages, and higher transportation expenses. If that all sounds complicated, it is — and that complexity has helped enable Trump’s campaign against the USPS’s partnership with Amazon. Trump has accused Amazon of benefiting from preferential USPS rates, and last month created a task force to review USPS business practices. But a former postmaster general has said that the USPS agreement with Amazon had been profitable for the Postal Service, which must offer competitive package pricing with services like UPS and FedEx , but can’t legally price package delivery below its cost . Get Data Sheet , Fortune’s technology newsletter. That supports the idea that criticism of Amazon’s USPS payments as just one front in Trump’s larger fight with Amazon’s owner, Jeff Bezos. Bezos also owns the Washington Post , which is among Trump’s favorite targets to slam as “fake news.” Some see Trump’s claims that Amazon is cheating the USPS, then, as an indirect attack on opposition media. That would be ironic, since the founding principle of universal postal service was increased freedom of information . USPS’s biggest losses have been fueled not by Amazon, or even by the rise of ecommerce, but by the drastic decline in first-class letters and other light mail, thanks largely to the rise of e-mail. USPS has a monopoly over letter mail which is intended to compensate for requirements that it provide universal service even to remote or less populated parts of America. But first-class mail volume has plummeted by nearly half since its peak in 2000. In a statement, Postmaster General and CEO Megan J. Brennan blamed growing losses not only on those technological changes, but also on “an inflexible, legistlatively mandated business model that limits our ability to generate sufficient revenue and imposes costs upon us that we cannot afford.” Brennan was referring in part to a legislative mandate that USPS pre-fund retiree benefits, a requirement not shared by most private-sector companies, or even other federal employees . Lawmakers have also stopped some proposals that would have reduced USPS operating costs, including reducing deliveries from six days a week to five . If it were a typical business, USPS could have made those needed changes years ago. That might have left Trump less able to use the Postal Service as a weapon in his broader crusade. SPONSORED FINANCIAL CONTENT

http://fortune.com/2018/05/12/donald-trump-post-office-usps/

ContraFect Announces First Quarter Financial

YONKERS, N.Y. , May 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ContraFect Corporation (Nasdaq:CFRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of protein and antibody therapeutics for life-threatening, drug-resistant infectious diseases, today announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. “Throughout the quarter, we continued to progress towards our near-term corporate goals, while simultaneously laying the foundation for growth. In addition to advancing our ongoing Phase 2 study of our lead asset, CF-301, we also presented data from a number of in vitro and in vivo studies of CF-301 at scientific conferences,” said Steven C. Gilman, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ContraFect. “These data are a testament to our team’s commitment to building a robust scientific database for our ongoing and future clinical development programs. We remain on track to complete our Phase 2 study, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the body of knowledge in support of CF-301, lysins and our broader anti-infective portfolio.” Recent Highlights During the quarter, the Company advanced its multi-center, multi-national Phase 2 clinical trial of its lead lysin product candidate, CF-301 (now also known as exebacase), for the treatment of Staph aureus bacteremia, including endocarditis, caused by methicillin-resistant or methicillin-susceptible Staph aureus . As of the end of the first quarter, after approximately one-half of study patient enrollment, there have been no serious adverse events which we have determined are related to study drug. The Company expects to report topline data from the study in the fourth quarter of 2018. In March 2018, the Company presented data from its CF-301 (exebacase) program at the 20 th Annual Superbugs & Superdrugs Conference in London, UK, which included data on the hallmark features of lysins and the therapeutic potential of CF-301 used in addition to conventional antibiotics. In April 2018, the Company presented data from its CF-301 (exebacase) program at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), which included data on CF-301’s anti-biofilm activity against ‘human’ biofilm; synergy with standard of care antibiotics (SOC) including optimal timing of CF-301 administration relative to SOC and suppression of resistance to SOC; and activity against contemporary clinical isolates of Staph aureus collected at centers in Europe. During the quarter, the Company advanced preclinical discovery programs, with a focus on optimizing lysin drug candidates targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa , a Gram-negative pathogen with urgent unmet medical need. The Company also advanced its broader anti-infective scientific research, including publishing a paper titled “Native Human Monoclonal Antibodies with Potent Cross-Lineage Neutralization of Influenza B Viruses” in the American Society for Microbiology’s Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy . First Quarter 2018 Financial Results Research and development expenses were $4.7 million for the first quarter of 2018 compared to $4.2 million in the comparable period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to increased spending on the actively enrolling Phase 2 clinical trial of CF-301 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017, which was prior to initiation of the study. This increase was partially offset by decreases in expenditures on CF-404 and a reduction in expenses from an increase in grant funding received. General and administrative expenses were $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2018 compared to $2.1 million in the comparable period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to the increase in costs incurred for financial filing fees and professional services. Net loss was $19.1 million, or $0.26 per share, for the first quarter of 2018 compared to a net loss of $6.3 million, or $0.15 per share, for the comparable period in 2017. The increase in net loss was impacted by an increase of $12.2 million, or $0.17 per share, in the non-cash expense for the change in fair value of warrant liabilities. As of March 31, 2018, ContraFect had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $39.9 million, compared to $46.9 million as of December 31, 2017. The Company anticipates that current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are sufficient to fund operations through the second quarter of 2019. About ContraFect ContraFect is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutic protein and antibody products for life-threatening, drug-resistant infectious diseases, particularly those treated in hospital settings. An estimated 700,000 deaths worldwide each year are attributed to antimicrobial-resistant infections. We intend to address life-threatening infections using our therapeutic product candidates from our lysin and monoclonal antibody platforms to target conserved regions of either bacteria or viruses (regions that are not prone to mutation). ContraFect's initial product candidates include new agents to treat antibiotic-resistant infections such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus) and influenza. ContraFect’s lead product candidate, CF-301 (exebacase), is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, including endocarditis and is the first lysin to enter clinical studies in the U.S. ContraFect is also conducting research focused on the discovery of lysins to target Gram-negative bacteria. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains, and our officers and representatives may make from time to time, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “projects,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “promise” or similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements regarding our ability to discover and develop protein and antibody therapeutics for life-threatening, drug-resistant infectious diseases, whether our team can continue to build a robust scientific database for ongoing and future clinical development programs and provide knowledge to support CF-301, lysins and our broader anti-infective portfolio, whether we continue to advance Phase 2 and remain on track for its completion, our ability to report topline data from the study in the fourth quarter of 2018, our ability to fund operations into the second quarter of 2019, our ability to address life threatening infections using our therapeutic product candidates from our lysin and monoclonal antibody platforms to target conserved regions of either bacteria or viruses, whether our initial product candidates can treat antibiotic-resistant infections such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus ) and influenza, our ability to continue research focused on lysins targeting Gram-negative bacteria, and statements regarding the Phase 2 study, CF-301 data, Pseudomonas aeruginosa drug candidates, anti-infective scientific research, , our financial results, balance sheets and statements of operations . Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on ContraFect’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of its business, future plans, strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond ContraFect’s control, including those detailed in ContraFect's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ include, among others, our ability to develop treatments for drug-resistant infectious diseases. Any forward-looking statement made by ContraFect in this press release is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable law, ContraFect expressly disclaims any obligations to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. CONTRAFECT CORPORATION Condensed Balance Sheets March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (unaudited) (audited) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,470,519 $ 6,995,046 Marketable securities 36,379,938 39,858,864 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,817,132 1,848,063 Total current assets 41,667,589 48,701,973 Property and equipment, net 1,138,824 1,093,903 Other assets 355,420 393,603 Total assets $ 43,161,833 $ 50,189,479 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities $ 3,922,947 $ 4,420,668 Warrant liabilities 26,727,166 14,575,366 Total liabilities 30,650,113 18,996,034 Total stockholders’ equity 12,511,720 31,193,445 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 43,161,833 $ 50,189,479 CONTRAFECT CORPORATION Unaudited Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Operating expenses Research and development $ 4,735,340 $ 4,201,698 General and administrative 2,248,829 2,143,315 Total operating expenses 6,984,169 6,345,013 Loss from operations (6,984,169 ) (6,345,013 ) Other income (expense): Interest income 152,247 76,650 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (12,274,559 ) (79,801 ) Total other expense (12,122,312 ) (3,151 ) Net loss $ (19,106,481 ) $ (6,348,164 ) Per share information: Net loss per share of common stock, basic and diluted $ (0.26 ) $ (0.15 ) Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 73,656,534 41,656,006 The comparability of basic and diluted net loss per share and weighted average shares outstanding was impacted by the Company's registered sale of securities on July 25, 2017. The Company's financial position as of March 31, 2018 and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 have been extracted from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company's financial position as of December 31, 2017 has been extracted from the Company's audited financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2018. You should refer to both the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion of financial information. Investor Relations Contact Michael Messinger ContraFect Corporation Tel: 914-207-2300 Email: mmessinger@contrafect.com Matthew Shinseki Stern Investor Relations Tel: 212-362-1200 Email: matthew@sternir.com Source:ContraFect Corporation

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/10/globe-newswire-contrafect-announces-first-quarter-2018-financial-results.html

Hapless keeper counts his blessings after 10-goal nightmare

May 10, 2018 / 6:20 PM / Updated 34 minutes ago Hapless keeper counts his blessings after 10-goal nightmare Nelson Renteria 2 Min Read SANTA TECLA, El Salvador (Reuters) - It was not just shots on the pitch that El Salvador goalkeeper Ricardo Guevara Mora had to contend with after becoming the only man to concede double figures in a single World Cup finals match. The then 20-year-old had to contend with real shots, from real bullets, in the aftermath of his World Cup nightmare in Spain when Hungary beat his country 10-1. The humiliation left its mark — even for a country with little World Cup tradition — and Guevara was ridiculed, abused and even attacked when he returned to Central America after his country’s first-round elimination. “What happened was the saddest day in our history,” Guevara, now 56, said in a tearful interview with Reuters. “I was attacked. On one occasion they shot at the car I was driving — 22 bullet holes with an assault rifle.” “I wouldn’t wish on anyone the things that I went through, and the truth is that if there is a bigger scoreline one day, then I’m not going to be happy, I am going to feel solidarity with those that it happens to because I know what they are going to go through,” he said. Guevara, who went on to play professionally in Spain, the United States and Guatemala, is now a youth coach at a sports centre near the capital San Salvador. His focus now is on helping prevent the 8,000 or so youngsters who fall under his care from joining local gangs. He has not forgotten that fateful day in Alicante but he is nevertheless thankful for the opportunity to play on football’s greatest stage. “I am happy now. I am no longer bitter,” he said. “On the contrary, I am thankful that I was able to play for my country.” Writing by Andrew Downie,; Editing by Neville Dalton

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-worldcup-slv-goalkeeper/hapless-keeper-counts-his-blessings-after-10-goal-nightmare-idUKKBN1IB2O7

Golf: Rose extends lead with third round 66 in Fort Worth

(Reuters) - Justin Rose birdied his first three holes on the way to a third-round four-under-par 66 on Saturday to take a four-stroke lead at the Fort Worth Invitational in Texas. May 26, 2018; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Justin Rose plays his shot from the eighth tee during the third round of the Fort Worth Invitational golf tournament at Colonial Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Rose, the world number five, is on 14-under and leads Brooks Koepka (67) and Emiliano Grillo (69), who are both 10-under par. Koepka appeared poised to challenge for the lead but ran into trouble on the par-five 11th with a costly double bogey. Louis Oosthuizen, Jon Rahm, Ryan Armour, Corey Conners and J. T. Poston are all tied for fourth at eight-under par. “I’m happy with the way I played,” Rose told CBS Sports. May 26, 2018; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Justin Rose checks his scorecard on the fifth green during the third round of the Fort Worth Invitational golf tournament at Colonial Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports “It was nice to get going and to build up that lead. No one seemed to do too much behind me today so I felt like it was in my hands to get as far ahead as I could.” The only blemish on his scorecard was a bogey on the par-three 16th on another sweltering day in Texas. Rose managed to stay composed down the stretch but admitted the heat was a significant challenge. May 26, 2018; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Justin Rose walks off the course after putting in the eighteenth hole during the third round of the Fort Worth Invitational golf tournament at Colonial Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports “I struggled toward the end,” he said. “It was so hot out there I really felt I was battling the golf course and my concentration. “It was tough to finish it off in that heat today but all in all, happy to be in the clubhouse. A good day’s work.” 2013 U.S. Open champion Rose will be paired on Sunday with Koepka, who won the U.S. Open last year. “I don’t think I can just rest on my laurels and shoot even par tomorrow. I’ve got to go forward I think,” said Rose. “I’m going to go out and just try to be doing what I’ve been doing that last few days and executing my shots and go from there.” Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Peter Rutherford

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-golf-ftworth/golf-rose-extends-lead-with-third-round-66-in-fort-worth-idUSKCN1IR0SJ

Vantage Drilling International Reports First Quarter Results for 2018

HOUSTON, May 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vantage Drilling International ("Vantage" or the “Company”) reported a net loss of approximately $32.1 million or $6.43 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to a net loss of $36.5 million or $7.30 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018, Vantage had approximately $197.7 million of cash, including $5 million of restricted cash, compared to $195.5 million at December 31, 2017. Ihab Toma, CEO, commented, “I am pleased to report our improved overall company performance, with revenues up 37% from the comparable quarter in the prior year. This increase is a direct result of our industry leading utilization with six of our seven high specification assets being contracted during the quarter. In addition, with the earlier announced follow on contract for the Topaz Driller in Gabon, we have added an additional $16.7 million in backlog.” Vantage, a Cayman Islands exempted company, is an offshore drilling contractor, with a fleet of three ultra-deepwater drillships and four premium jackup drilling rigs. Vantage's primary business is to contract drilling units, related equipment and work crews primarily on a dayrate basis to drill oil and natural gas wells globally for major, national and independent oil and natural gas companies. Vantage also provides construction supervision services and preservation management services for, and will operate and manage, drilling units owned by others. The information above includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions identified above or as disclosed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these factors, actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Vantage disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Public & Investor Relations Contact: Thomas J. Cimino Chief Financial Officer Vantage Drilling International (281) 404-4700 Vantage Drilling International Consolidated Statement of Operations (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Revenue Contract drilling services $ 51,595 $ 38,056 Management fees 301 401 Reimbursables 5,767 3,592 Total revenue 57,663 42,049 Operating costs and expenses Operating costs 40,985 28,998 General and administrative 7,354 11,479 Depreciation 17,868 18,439 Total operating costs and expenses 66,207 58,916 Loss from operations (8,544 ) (16,867 ) Other income (expense) Interest income 221 141 Interest expense and other financing charges (19,271 ) (18,899 ) Other, net (570 ) 552 Total other expense (19,620 ) (18,206 ) Loss before income taxes (28,164 ) (35,073 ) Income tax provision 3,973 1,426 Net loss $ (32,137 ) $ (36,499 ) Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (6.43 ) $ (7.30 ) Weighted average successor ordinary shares outstanding, basic and diluted 5,000 5,000 Vantage Drilling International Supplemental Operating Data (Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Operating costs and expenses Jackups $ 14,463 $ 12,862 Deepwater 19,812 11,056 Operations support 3,127 2,969 Reimbursables 3,583 2,111 $ 40,985 $ 28,998 Utilization Jackups 86.2 % 50.0 % Deepwater 53.9 % 33.3 % Vantage Drilling International Consolidated Balance Sheet (In thousands, except share and par value information) (Unaudited) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 192,739 $ 195,455 Restricted cash 5,000 - Trade receivables 38,881 45,379 Inventory 44,144 43,955 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 11,036 13,207 Total current assets 291,800 297,996 Property and equipment Property and equipment 904,111 904,584 Accumulated depreciation (158,942 ) (141,393 ) Property and equipment, net 745,169 763,191 Other assets 20,227 21,935 Total assets $ 1,057,196 $ 1,083,122 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 41,717 $ 39,666 Accrued liabilities 21,363 25,117 Current maturities of long-term debt 1,430 4,430 Total current liabilities 64,510 69,213 Long–term debt, net of discount and financing costs of $43,744 and $56,174 929,911 919,939 Other long-term liabilities 18,137 17,195 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders' equity Ordinary shares, $0.001 par value, 50 million shares authorized; 5,000,053 shares issued and outstanding 5 5 Additional paid-in capital 373,972 373,972 Accumulated deficit (329,339 ) (297,202 ) Total shareholders' equity 44,638 76,775 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,057,196 $ 1,083,122 Vantage Drilling International Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (In thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss $ (32,137 ) $ (36,499 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation expense 17,868 18,439 Amortization of debt financing costs 117 117 Amortization of debt discount 12,313 12,191 Amortization of contract value 1,556 — PIK interest on the Convertible Notes 1,912 1,890 Share-based compensation expense 1,745 780 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit 419 (1,789 ) Gain on disposal of assets (2,682 ) — Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Trade receivables 6,498 1,207 Inventory (189 ) 293 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 120 (951 ) Other assets (383 ) 1,434 Accounts payable 2,051 1,668 Accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities (6,292 ) (401 ) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 2,916 (1,621 ) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Additions to property and equipment (19 ) (2,156 ) Proceeds from sale of Vantage 260 4,845 — Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 4,826 (2,156 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayment of long-term debt (5,458 ) (358 ) Net cash used in financing activities (5,458 ) (358 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 2,284 (4,135 ) Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 195,455 231,727 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 197,739 $ 227,592 Source:Vantage Drilling International

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/04/globe-newswire-vantage-drilling-international-reports-first-quarter-results-for-2018.html

Cricket-Sri Lanka's De Silva grieving at home after father's death

May 25, 2018 / 6:28 AM / Updated 18 minutes ago Cricket-Sri Lanka's De Silva grieving at home after father's death Reuters Staff 1 Min Read May 25 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka batsman Dhananjaya de Silva will not travel with the team for their West Indies tour following his father’s killing, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said on Friday. Sri Lankan media reported local politician Ranjan De Silva, 62, was killed by an unidentified gunman on Thursday, just a day before his son was to depart to the Caribbean for the three-test tour starting June 6. “We are extremely shocked, perturbed and saddened by the great loss suffered by Dhananjaya and his family,” SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala said in a statement. “Sri Lanka Cricket will take every measure to support Dhananjaya at this time of sorrow and grief for him and his family, while giving him time to overcome the great pain and suffering caused by this tragedy.” The first of three tests against the West Indies begins at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain. (Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Ian Ransom)

https://in.reuters.com/article/cricket-win-lka-de-silva/cricket-sri-lankas-de-silva-grieving-at-home-after-fathers-death-idINL3N1SW2F6

Roper Technologies to buy software firm PowerPlan for $1.1 billion

(Reuters) - IT services provider Roper Technologies Inc said on Monday it would buy software company PowerPlan for $1.1 billion in an all-cash deal from private equity firm Thoma Bravo. This is Roper’s second billion-dollar deal with the private equity firm. In 2016, it bought business software firm Deltek for $2.8 billion. Thoma Bravo bought PowerPlan, which provides tax, regulatory and budgeting solutions to businesses, in 2015 from investors JMI Equity and TPG Growth for an undisclosed price. Roper’s current deal, which will immediately add to the company’s free cash flow, is likely to be funded by both existing credit and cash on hand. During the first 12 months of ownership, Roper expects PowerPlan to generate about $150 million of revenue and $60 million of after-tax free cash flow. The Lakewood Ranch, Florida-based Roper said the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter, subject to regulatory approval. Reporting by Vibhuti Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-powerplan-m-a-roper-technologies-inc/roper-technologies-to-buy-software-firm-powerplan-for-1-1-billion-idUSKCN1IM14B

Apple CEO Tim Cook says Apple takes different path on privacy

Apple CEO Tim Cook distanced himself from his tech peers in a commencement speech he delivered over the weekend, saying Apple takes a different path when it comes to data privacy. Cook didn't give names, but his comments hinted at Facebook 's Cambridge Analytica data scandal, where the firm improperly gained access to data from more than 50 million user profiles. "We reject the notion that getting the most out of technology means trading away your right to privacy, so we choose a different path: collecting as little of your data as possible, and being thoughtful and respectful when it's in our care. Because we know it belongs to you," Cook said in his address at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Cook, who has previously called data privacy a human right and a civil liberty, hasn't been shy about his criticism of Facebook. When asked in March how he would handle the situation if he was Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg , he told Recode's Kara Swisher and MSNBC's Chris Hayes that he " wouldn't be in this situation." Cook also applauded the anti-sexual harassment movement, telling graduates to be fearless like the women who say "Me Too." The Apple chief also tipped his hat to survivors of the Parkland school shooting, and those who defend immigrant rights. "It's in those truly trying moments that the fearless inspire us," Cook said. "Fearless like the students of Parkland, Florida, who refused to be silent about the epidemic of gun violence have rallied millions to their cause. Fearless like the women who say 'me too' and 'time's up.' Women who pass light into dark places and move us into a just and equal worker." He added: "Duke graduates, be fearless. Be the last people to accept things as they are and the first ones to stand up and change them for the better." Cook received his Master of Business Administration from Duke's Fuqua School of Business in 1988. He joined the university's board of trustees in 2015.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/13/apple-ceo-tim-cook-says-apple-takes-different-path-on-privacy.html

Kremlin rejects blame for MH17 downing, says distrusts Dutch findings

MOSCOW, May 25 (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Friday rejected allegations of any Russian involvement in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, an incident in which 298 people were killed. The Netherlands said on Friday it held the Russian state responsible and a Dutch cabinet statement said a “possible” next step would be presenting the case to an international court, adding Australia shared its assessment of Russia’s role. Dutch prosecutors on Thursday identified a Russian military unit as the source of the missile that shot down the plane. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call on Friday that Russia had not been a fully-fledged participant in the Dutch investigation into the incident and could not therefore trust its findings. When asked if the Kremlin denied allegations of Russian involvement, he said: “Absolutely.” Peskov referred a question about possible compensation for families of the victims to the Russian Foreign Ministry. (Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova Writing by Tom Balmforth Editing by Andrew Osborn)

https://www.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-mh17-kremlin/kremlin-rejects-blame-for-mh17-downing-says-distrusts-dutch-findings-idUSR4N1D303J

CORRECTED-Civil rights advisers hope Starbucks' anti-bias training sets example

example@ (Corrects 9th paragraph to show that past actions taken by NAACP LDF, not by the NAACP, a separate organization) LOS ANGELES, May 28 (Reuters) - Black leaders who are advising Starbucks Corp on its anti-bias training program, which begins Tuesday, hope it will reinvigorate decades-old efforts to ensure minorities get equal treatment in restaurants and stores, setting an example for other corporations. Starbucks committed to the training after a Philadelphia cafe manager's call to police resulted in the arrests of two black men who were waiting for a friend. The arrests sparked protests and accusations of racial profiling at the coffee chain known for its liberal stances on social issues such as same-sex marriage. Anti-bias training is intended to get participants to recognize their own unconscious biases and avoid unintentional discrimination. Starbucks is closing 8,000 company-owned U.S. stores at around 2 p.m. local time on Tuesday as a first step in training 175,000 employees on racial tolerance. Some 6,000 licensed Starbucks cafes will remain open in locations such as grocery stores and airports, and those employees will be trained at a later time. Starbucks' training could have a lasting impact on its employees' behavior and pave the way for other companies to finally tackle racism in their own eateries and shops, said Heather McGhee, president of public policy group Demos. McGhee said one of her earliest memories as a black girl was being chased from a penny candy store by a white store manager. McGhee and NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (NAACP LDF) President Sherrilyn Ifill, who are both advising Starbucks on its program, said they have been in regular contact with company executives, particularly Chief Operating Officer Rosalind Brewer, who also is African-American. "People forget that the effort to be treated as full citizens with dignity in public spaces in this country was central to the civil rights movement, from the Freedom Riders to the Montgomery bus boycott to the lunch counter sit ins" of the 1950s and 1960s, said Ifill. The NAACP LDF in the past sued Abercrombie & Fitch, Wet Seal and Denny's Corp for racial bias. Each of the companies reached multimillion-dollar settlements and vowed to change their practices. Starbucks in a preview of Tuesday's four-hour program said employees will watch videos featuring company leaders, hip hop artist Common and experts from the Perception Institute as well as a short documentary on the history of racism in public spaces. They also will participate in discussion and problem-solving sessions on identifying and avoiding bias. The company already has issued employee guidelines for addressing disruptive customer behavior, including sleeping, using abusive language or taking drugs. The guidelines encourage workers to ask if they would take the considered action with any customer, to verify the perceived situation with a co-worker and to dial 911 if the situation becomes unsafe. Starbucks did not comment on future training plans. It has said it intends to eventually share its training program with other companies. Corporate America began to embrace anti-bias training after the 2014 killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. Most anti-bias programs involve education on what unconscious bias is, why humans have it, its impact on social interactions and society and mitigation tools. "Most people want to think of themselves as being fair ... if you give them the tools to do that, their better angels take over," said Howard Ross, author of "Everyday Bias" and founding partner of Cook Ross, which offers training on unconscious bias and gave Starbucks input on its program. (Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; editing by Peter Henderson and Cynthia Osterman)

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/29/reuters-america-corrected-civil-rights-advisers-hope-starbucks-anti-bias-training-sets-example.html

France's Macron extols New Caledonia ties in nod to independence vote

May 5, 2018 / 5:22 PM / Updated 3 hours ago France's Macron extols New Caledonia ties in nod to independence vote Reuters Staff 3 Min Read PARIS (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday underscored New Caledonia’s importance to France, but stopped short of calling for the territory’s residents to vote against independence in a forthcoming referendum. FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during the AMF congress, the annual meeting of French mayors, in Paris, France, November 23, 2017. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/File Photo The Indo-Pacific island, some 1,200 km (750 miles) off the east coast of Australia, will vote in November on whether to remain French, marking the culmination of long talks over its future. As the referendum approaches, tensions have been simmering on the island, where fighting erupted in the 1980s between supporters and opponents of independence. “It’s not for the head of state to take a position on a question that is only being put to the people of New Caledonia, and such a positioning would only disturb the debate,” Macron said in a speech at the end of a three-day visit to the territory. He then added: “France would not be the same without New Caledonia.” Denise Fisher, a former Australian consul-general in the territory, said on Thursday that some in the pro-independence camp had threatened to boycott the vote. Recent polls show a majority of people against breaking with France. Macron - who this week called for a new strategic alliance between France, India and Australia to respond to challenges in the Asia Pacific region - also highlighted the nickel-rich island’s strategic importance in the face of growing assertiveness from China. “In this region of the world, China is building its hegemony, step by step. It’s not about fear-mongering, but about looking at reality,” Macron said, adding that China was a partner but that its dominance could impinge on opportunities for others. Australia and New Zealand have separately warned that China is seeking to exert influence through its international aid programme in the Pacific, which China denies. Earlier on Saturday, Macron paid homage to those killed in the “Ouvea cave massacre” 30 years ago, on one of the islands in the New Caledonia archipelago. Nineteen indigenous separatists and two French soldiers were killed after a hostage taking. Reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey, Writing by Sarah White; editing by John Stonestreet

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-france-newcaledonia/frances-macron-extols-new-caledonia-ties-in-nod-to-independence-vote-idUKKBN1I60OB

KCNA says Russian foreign minister has arrived in North Korea

May 31, 2018 / 3:39 AM / Updated 12 minutes ago KCNA says Russian foreign minister has arrived in North Korea Reuters Staff 1 Min Read SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea’s state-run news agency said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in the North on Thursday at the invitation of North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a meeting with his counterpart from Mozambique Jose Pacheco in Moscow, Russia May 28, 2018. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin The report did not elaborate on what Lavrov would be doing during his visit in North Korea. Reporting by Haejin Choi; Editing by Paul Tait

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-northkorea-russia/kcna-says-russian-foreign-minister-has-arrived-in-north-korea-idUKKCN1IW0B4

Pioneer Energy Services Reports First Quarter 2018 Results

SAN ANTONIO, May 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pioneer Energy Services (NYSE: PES) today reported financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. First quarter notable items include: Domestic drilling services utilization was 100%, with an average margin per day of $10,436, up 11% from the prior quarter, and up for the fourth consecutive quarter. International drilling services average margin per day was $8,455, up 28% from the prior quarter, with seven of the eight rigs working at quarter end. Production services business revenue increased 20% from the prior quarter and generated a gross margin of 24%. Consolidated Financial Results Revenues for the first quarter of 2018 were $144.5 million, up 14% from revenues of $126.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 ("the prior quarter") and up 51% from revenues of $95.8 million in the first quarter of 2017 ("the year-earlier quarter"). The increase from the prior quarter is primarily attributable to increased demand in wireline and well servicing, as well as increased utilization in Colombia where three additional rigs were put to work since the beginning of the prior quarter. Net loss for the first quarter of 2018 was $11.1 million, or $0.14 per share, compared with net loss of $12.6 million, or $0.16 per share, in the prior quarter and net loss of $25.1 million, or $0.33 per share, in the year-earlier quarter. Adjusted net loss (1) for the first quarter was $6.9 million, and adjusted EPS (2) was a loss of $0.09 per share as compared to adjusted net loss of $11.1 million, or an adjusted EPS loss of $0.14 per share, in the prior quarter. First quarter adjusted EBITDA (3) was $23.4 million, up from $17.0 million in the prior quarter, primarily driven by increased demand for our wireline services, improved dayrates for our domestic drilling services, and higher utilization in Colombia, and up from $6.0 million in the year-earlier quarter. The increase from the year-earlier quarter was due to higher demand for all of our service offerings as the market steadily improved with increasing commodity prices throughout 2017 and 2018. Operating Results Production Services Business Revenue from our production services business was $90.9 million in the first quarter, up 20% from the prior quarter and up 60% from the year-earlier quarter. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue from our production services business was 24% in the first quarter, up from 22% in the prior quarter and up from 20% in the year-earlier quarter. The increase in revenues from the prior quarter was driven by increased demand and revenue rates for all businesses, led by wireline which was up 25% sequentially. Well servicing and coiled tubing revenues were up 15% and 7%, respectively. As compared to the year-earlier quarter, demand has improved for all of our production services business segments, resulting in increased revenues of 60%. The number of wireline jobs completed in the first quarter increased by 9% sequentially and decreased by 1% as compared to the year-earlier quarter, and continue to be weighted to more completion-related jobs. Well servicing average revenue per hour was $518 in the first quarter, flat as compared to the prior quarter and up from $497 in the year-earlier quarter. Well servicing rig utilization was 47% in the first quarter, up from 40% in the prior quarter and 43% in the year-earlier quarter. Coiled tubing revenue days totaled 414 in the first quarter, compared to 423 in the prior quarter and 338 in the year-earlier quarter. Drilling Services Business Revenue from our drilling services business was $53.5 million in the first quarter, a 6% increase from the prior quarter and a 37% increase from the year-earlier quarter. Domestic drilling services rig utilization was 100% for both the first quarter and the prior quarter, and up from 86% in the year-earlier quarter. Domestic drilling average revenues per day were $24,949 in the first quarter, up from $23,993 in the prior quarter and up from $22,951 in the year-earlier quarter. Domestic drilling average margin per day was $10,436 in the first quarter, up from $9,411 in the prior quarter and up from $7,154 in the year-earlier quarter, driven by increasing dayrates and minimal operational downtime. International rig utilization was 76% for the first quarter, up from 65% in the prior quarter and up from 44% in the year-earlier quarter. International drilling average revenues per day were $32,020, up from $31,188 in the prior quarter and down from $33,347 in the year-earlier quarter. International drilling average margin per day for the first quarter was $8,455, up from $6,582 in the prior quarter and down from $9,603 in the year-earlier quarter. We mobilized a seventh rig in Colombia that began operations in mid-March. Currently, all 16 of our domestic drilling rigs are earning revenues, 14 of which are under term contracts, and seven of our eight rigs in Colombia are earning revenue, resulting in current utilization of 96%. Comments from our President and CEO "We had an exceptionally good start to 2018," said Wm. Stacy Locke, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Revenue in the first quarter was up 14% sequentially and adjusted EBITDA increased by 38%. Domestic drilling, international drilling and wireline services all outperformed our expectations, while well servicing and coiled tubing services experienced solid improvement. "Our domestic drilling operations achieved an 11% increase in average margins per day by controlling daily costs and improving daily revenues to yield the highest margins in our peer group. Similarly, our international drilling operations recorded a notable improvement in revenue and a 28% increase in average margin per day as a seventh rig was put to work in mid-March. Colombia has become a bright spot for the Company, and now that start up costs and initial mobilizations are behind us, the outlook for our international drilling operations for the remainder of the year is positive with improving profitability. "In production services, demand for our businesses continued to strengthen in the first quarter. Given the current commodity price levels and indications from clients on anticipated activity levels, we expect to continue to reactivate idled equipment and improve pricing in all three businesses throughout the year. "While the market continues to improve and present opportunities for targeted organic growth, we will maintain our focus on generating positive cash flow in 2018," Mr. Locke said. Second Quarter 2018 Guidance In the second quarter of 2018, revenue from our production services business segments is estimated to be up approximately 7% to 10% as compared to the first quarter of 2018. Margin from our production services business is estimated to be 25% to 27% of revenue. Domestic drilling services rig utilization is estimated to be 100% and generate average margins per day of approximately $10,000 to $10,500. International drilling services rig utilization is estimated to average 83% to 86%, and generate average margins per day of approximately $8,000 to $9,000. Liquidity Working capital at March 31, 2018 was $132.2 million, up from $130.6 million at December 31, 2017. Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, were $70.7 million, down from $75.6 million at year-end 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, we used $11.7 million of cash for the purchase of property and equipment, and our cash provided by operations was $5.1 million. Capital Expenditures Cash capital expenditures during the first quarter of 2018 were $11.7 million. We estimate total cash capital expenditures for 2018 to be approximately $60 million, which includes approximately $40 million of routine capital expenditures and $20 million for the purchase of two large-diameter coiled tubing units, remaining payments on three wireline units, two of which were delivered in January, and additional drilling and production services equipment. As the year progresses, we will continue to evaluate additional discretionary spending provided that it can be funded by cash from operations or proceeds from sales of non-strategic assets. Conference Call Pioneer Energy Services' management team will hold a conference call today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Central Time) to discuss these results. To participate, dial (412) 902-0003 approximately 10 minutes prior to the call and ask for the Pioneer Energy Services conference call. A telephone replay will be available after the call until May 9 th . To access the replay, dial (201) 612-7415 and enter the pass code 13678495. The conference call will also be webcast on the Internet and accessible from Pioneer Energy Services' web site at www.pioneeres.com . To listen to the live call, visit our web site at least 10 minutes early to register and download any necessary audio software. A replay will be available shortly after the call. For more information, please contact Donna Washburn at Dennard Lascar Investor Relations, LLC at (713) 529-6600 or e-mail dwashburn@dennardlascar.com . About Pioneer Pioneer Energy Services provides well servicing, wireline, and coiled tubing services to producers in the U.S. Gulf Coast, offshore Gulf of Mexico, Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain regions through its three production services business segments. Pioneer also provides contract land drilling services to oil and gas operators in Texas, the Mid-Continent and Appalachian regions and internationally in Colombia through its two drilling services business segments. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations Statements we make in this news release that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not historical fact, are forward-looking statements made in good faith that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, could differ materially from those we express in the following discussion as a result of a variety of factors, including general economic and business conditions and industry trends, levels and volatility of oil and gas prices, the continued demand for drilling services or production services in the geographic areas where we operate, decisions about exploration and development projects to be made by oil and gas exploration and production companies, the highly competitive nature of our business, technological advancements and trends in our industry and improvements in our competitors' equipment, the loss of one or more of our major clients or a decrease in their demand for our services, future compliance with covenants under debt agreements, including our senior secured term loan, our senior secured revolving asset-based credit facility, and our senior notes, operating hazards inherent in our operations, the supply of marketable drilling rigs, well servicing rigs, coiled tubing units and wireline units within the industry, the continued availability of new components for drilling rigs, well servicing rigs, coiled tubing units and wireline units, the continued availability of qualified personnel, the success or failure of our acquisition strategy, including our ability to finance acquisitions, manage growth and effectively integrate acquisitions, the political, economic, regulatory and other uncertainties encountered by our operations, and changes in, or our failure or inability to comply with, governmental regulations, including those relating to the environment. We have discussed many of these factors in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, including under the headings "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in the Introductory Note to Part I and "Risk Factors" in Item 1A. These factors are not necessarily all the important factors that could affect us. Other unpredictable or unknown factors could also have material adverse effects on actual results of matters that are the subject of our forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We advise our shareholders that they should (1) recognize that important factors not referred to above could affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and (2) use caution and common sense when considering our forward-looking statements. This news release contains non-GAAP financial measures as defined by SEC Regulation G. A reconciliation of each such measure to its most directly comparable U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial measure, together with an explanation of why management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors, is provided in the following tables. (1) Adjusted net loss represents net loss as reported adjusted to exclude impairments and loss on extinguishment of debt and the related tax benefit, valuation allowance adjustments on deferred tax assets and effect of change in tax rates. We believe that adjusted net loss is a useful measure to facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our core operating performance and to evaluate our long-term financial performance against that of our peers, although it is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Adjusted net loss may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures reported by other companies. A reconciliation of net loss as reported to adjusted net loss is included in the tables to this news release. (2) Adjusted (diluted) EPS represents adjusted net loss divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period, including the effect of dilutive securities, if any. We believe that adjusted (diluted) EPS is a useful measure to facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our core operating performance and to evaluate our long-term financial performance against that of our peers, although it is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Adjusted (diluted) EPS may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures reported by other companies. A reconciliation of diluted EPS as reported to adjusted (diluted) EPS is included in the tables to this news release. (3) Adjusted EBITDA represents income (loss) before interest expense, income tax (expense) benefit, depreciation and amortization, and any loss on extinguishment of debt or impairment. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that our management uses to facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our core operating performance and to evaluate our long-term financial performance against that of our peers. We believe that this measure is useful to investors and analysts in allowing for greater transparency of our core operating performance and makes it easier to compare our results with those of other companies within our industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered (a) in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income (loss), (b) as an indication of cash flows from operating activities or (c) as a measure of liquidity. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures reported by other companies. A reconciliation of net loss as reported to adjusted EBITDA is included in the tables to this news release. Contacts: Dan Petro, CFA, Treasurer and Director of Investor Relations Pioneer Energy Services Corp. (210) 828-7689 Lisa Elliott / lelliott@dennardlascar.com Anne Pearson / apearson@dennardlascar.com Dennard Lascar Investor Relations / (713) 529-6600 - Financial Statements and Operating Information Follow - PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Three months ended March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Revenues $ 144,478 $ 95,757 $ 126,287 Costs and expenses: Operating costs 102,766 72,728 92,361 Depreciation and amortization 23,747 24,992 24,422 General and administrative 19,194 17,744 18,339 Bad debt expense (recovery) (52) (363) 151 Impairment — — 1,107 Gain on dispositions of property and equipment, net (335) (471) (1,357) Total costs and expenses 145,320 114,630 135,023 Loss from operations (842) (18,873) (8,736) Other income (expense): Interest expense, net of interest capitalized (9,513) (6,059) (7,949) Loss on extinguishment of debt — — (1,476) Other income (expense), net 504 (144) 200 Total other expense, net (9,009) (6,203) (9,225) Loss before income taxes (9,851) (25,076) (17,961) Income tax (expense) benefit (1,288) (48) 5,403 Net loss $ (11,139) $ (25,124) $ (12,558) Loss per common share: Basic $ (0.14) $ (0.33) $ (0.16) Diluted $ (0.14) $ (0.33) $ (0.16) Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: Basic 77,606 77,072 77,552 Diluted 77,606 77,072 77,552 PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (unaudited) (audited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 68,726 $ 73,640 Restricted cash 2,000 2,008 Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 116,524 113,005 Inventory 16,100 14,057 Assets held for sale 6,139 6,620 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,914 6,229 Total current assets 214,403 215,559 Net property and equipment 540,288 549,623 Other noncurrent assets 3,009 1,687 Total assets $ 757,700 $ 766,869 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 32,788 $ 29,538 Deferred revenues 1,194 905 Accrued expenses 48,239 54,471 Total current liabilities 82,221 84,914 Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs 462,339 461,665 Deferred income taxes 4,061 3,151 Other noncurrent liabilities 8,892 7,043 Total liabilities 557,513 556,773 Total shareholders' equity 200,187 210,096 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 757,700 $ 766,869 PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) (unaudited) Three months ended March 31, 2018 2017 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (11,139) $ (25,124) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 23,747 24,992 Allowance for doubtful accounts, net of recoveries (52) (363) Gain on dispositions of property and equipment, net (335) (471) Stock-based compensation expense 1,259 1,327 Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount 707 465 Deferred income taxes 911 (169) Change in other noncurrent assets (463) 466 Change in other noncurrent liabilities 1,844 868 Changes in current assets and liabilities (11,422) (23,811) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 5,057 (21,820) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (11,657) (24,683) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 1,283 7,148 Proceeds from insurance recoveries 523 3,119 Net cash used in investing activities (9,851) (14,416) Cash flows from financing activities: Debt repayments — (6,305) Proceeds from issuance of debt — 40,000 Debt issuance costs (33) — Purchase of treasury stock (95) (363) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (128) 33,332 Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (4,922) (2,904) Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 75,648 10,194 Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 70,726 $ 7,290 PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES Operating Results by Segment (in thousand) (unaudited) Three months ended March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Revenues: Domestic drilling $ 35,926 $ 28,345 $ 35,317 International drilling 17,611 10,671 14,970 Drilling services 53,537 39,016 50,287 Well servicing 21,114 18,734 18,403 Wireline services 56,601 32,546 45,253 Coiled tubing services 13,226 5,461 12,344 Production services 90,941 56,741 76,000 Consolidated revenues $ 144,478 $ 95,757 $ 126,287 Operating costs: Domestic drilling $ 20,898 $ 19,509 $ 21,464 International drilling 12,961 7,598 11,811 Drilling services 33,859 27,107 33,275 Well servicing 15,570 14,037 13,246 Wireline services 42,486 25,946 36,430 Coiled tubing services 10,851 5,638 9,410 Production services 68,907 45,621 59,086 Consolidated operating costs $ 102,766 $ 72,728 $ 92,361 Gross margin: Domestic drilling $ 15,028 $ 8,836 $ 13,853 International drilling 4,650 3,073 3,159 Drilling services 19,678 11,909 17,012 Well servicing 5,544 4,697 5,157 Wireline services 14,115 6,600 8,823 Coiled tubing services 2,375 (177) 2,934 Production services 22,034 11,120 16,914 Consolidated gross margin $ 41,712 $ 23,029 $ 33,926 Consolidated: Net loss $ (11,139) $ (25,124) $ (12,558) Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 23,409 $ 5,975 $ 16,993 (1) Adjusted EBITDA represents income (loss) before interest expense, income tax (expense) benefit, depreciation and amortization, and any loss on extinguishment of debt or impairment. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that our management uses to facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our core operating performance and to evaluate our long-term financial performance against that of our peers. We believe that this measure is useful to investors and analysts in allowing for greater transparency of our core operating performance and makes it easier to compare our results with those of other companies within our industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered (a) in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income (loss), (b) as an indication of cash flows from operating activities or (c) as a measure of liquidity. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures reported by other companies. A reconciliation of net loss as reported to adjusted EBITDA is included in the table on page 12. PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES Operating Statistics (unaudited) Three months ended March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Domestic drilling: Average number of drilling rigs 16 16 16 Utilization rate 100 % 86 % 100 % Revenue days 1,440 1,235 1,472 Average revenues per day $ 24,949 $ 22,951 $ 23,993 Average operating costs per day 14,513 15,797 14,582 Average margin per day $ 10,436 $ 7,154 $ 9,411 International drilling: Average number of drilling rigs 8 8 8 Utilization rate 76 % 44 % 65 % Revenue days 550 320 480 Average revenues per day $ 32,020 $ 33,347 $ 31,188 Average operating costs per day 23,565 23,744 24,606 Average margin per day $ 8,455 $ 9,603 $ 6,582 Drilling services business: Average number of drilling rigs 24 24 24 Utilization rate 92 % 72 % 88 % Revenue days 1,990 1,555 1,952 Average revenues per day $ 26,903 $ 25,091 $ 25,762 Average operating costs per day 17,015 17,432 17,047 Average margin per day $ 9,888 $ 7,659 $ 8,715 Well servicing: Average number of rigs 125 125 125 Utilization rate 47 % 43 % 40 % Rig hours 40,774 37,709 35,543 Average revenue per hour $ 518 $ 497 $ 518 Wireline services: Average number of units 110 114 117 Number of jobs 2,830 2,854 2,599 Average revenue per job $ 20,000 $ 11,404 $ 17,412 Coiled tubing services: Average number of units 14 17 14 Revenue days 414 338 423 Average revenue per day $ 31,947 $ 16,157 $ 29,182 PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA and Consolidated Gross Margin (in thousands) (unaudited) Three months ended March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Net loss as reported $ (11,139) $ (25,124) $ (12,558) Depreciation and amortization 23,747 24,992 24,422 Impairment — — 1,107 Interest expense 9,513 6,059 7,949 Loss on extinguishment of debt — — 1,476 Income tax expense (benefit) 1,288 48 (5,403) Adjusted EBITDA (1) 23,409 5,975 16,993 General and administrative 19,194 17,744 18,339 Bad debt expense (recovery) (52) (363) 151 Gain on dispositions of property and equipment, net (335) (471) (1,357) Other expense (income) (504) 144 (200) Consolidated gross margin $ 41,712 $ 23,029 $ 33,926 PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) as Reported to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Diluted EPS as Reported to Adjusted (Diluted) EPS (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Three months ended March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Net loss as reported $ (11,139) $ (25,124) $ (12,558) Impairment — — 1,107 Loss on extinguishment of debt — — 1,476 Tax benefit related to adjustments — — (942) Valuation allowance adjustments on deferred tax assets 4,190 9,754 (20,321) Effect of change in tax rates — — 20,147 Adjusted net loss (2) $ (6,949) $ (15,370) $ (11,091) Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding, as reported 77,606 77,072 77,552 Effect of dilutive securities — — — Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding, as adjusted 77,606 77,072 77,552 Adjusted (diluted) EPS (3) $ (0.09) $ (0.20) $ (0.14) Diluted EPS as reported $ (0.14) $ (0.33) $ (0.16) (2) Adjusted net loss represents net loss as reported adjusted to exclude impairments and loss on extinguishment of debt and the related tax benefit, valuation allowance adjustments on deferred tax assets and effect of change in tax rates. We believe that adjusted net loss is a useful measure to facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our core operating performance and to evaluate our long-term financial performance against that of our peers, although it is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Adjusted net loss may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures reported by other companies. A reconciliation of net loss as reported to adjusted net loss is included in the table above. (3) Adjusted (diluted) EPS represents adjusted net loss divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period, including the effect of dilutive securities, if any. We believe that adjusted (diluted) EPS is a useful measure to facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our core operating performance and to evaluate our long-term financial performance against that of our peers, although it is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Adjusted (diluted) EPS may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures reported by other companies. A reconciliation of diluted EPS as reported to adjusted (diluted) EPS is included in the table above. PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES Equipment Information As of May 2, 2018 Drilling Services Business Segments: Domestic AC Rigs 16 International SCR Rigs 8 Total 24 Production Services Business Segments: Well servicing rigs (by horsepower rating): 550 HP 113 600 HP 12 Total 125 Wireline services units: Onshore 104 Offshore 4 Total 108 Coiled tubing services units: Onshore 10 Offshore 4 Total 14 View original content: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pioneer-energy-services-reports-first-quarter-2018-results-300640777.html SOURCE Pioneer Energy Services

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/02/pr-newswire-pioneer-energy-services-reports-first-quarter-2018-results.html

TED Ventures, LLC acquires LuminCARE

MIDLOTHIAN, Texas, May 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TED Ventures, LLC (TED Ventures), announced today that it has acquired the complete management of all assets owned by LuminCARE, a MedOne Texas company. TED Ventures is a private company, and has no affiliation with the previous ownership of LuminCARE. TED Ventures is an organization that specializes in the management of companies throughout the healthcare space, and has a highly successful track record in timely turnaround of these businesses. TED Ventures is wholly owned by Trey Austin, Enrique Stowhas and Derek Gove, all of whom are residents of Midlothian, TX. "We are all excited to continue to offer exceptional primary and urgent care services to each of the communities that LuminCARE serves," said Mr. Stowhas. Currently, LuminCARE operates six locations, and has plans for further expansion throughout the DFW metroplex. More information will be released in the coming weeks. For more information about LuminCARE or TED Ventures: www.lumincare.com www.groupted.com View original content: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ted-ventures-llc-acquires-lumincare-300646452.html SOURCE TED Ventures, LLC

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/10/pr-newswire-ted-ventures-llc-acquires-lumincare.html

Delphix Adds Longtime Accenture, Tech Veteran to Advisory Board

A foremost authority on digital transformation, Liz Tinkham helped Microsoft and other major brands develop modern data enterprises, move to the cloud and build better software faster Newest addition to the Delphix Advisory Board, Liz Tinkham brings decades of expertise in digital transformation to fast growing data management leader. REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Delphix , the company that has changed the dynamics of managing and consuming data for the largest companies in the world, today announced the appointment of long-time Accenture business leader, Liz Tinkham, to its Advisory Board. Having built and grown her career over three decades at Accenture – including a tenure as the global business lead for Microsoft – she has become a prominent voice on the ways businesses can successfully navigate digital transformation to move fast and use software to win. Tinkham will play a lead role in developing the company’s advisory board, which will be comprised of proven business leaders who have previously served as executives and trusted advisors to some of the largest companies in the world. This appointment comes at a crucial moment for Delphix, which has seen explosive growth across its portfolio comprised of over one-third of the Fortune 100. In addition, Tinkham will help Delphix build more strategic partnerships and better leverage those relationships to accelerate business growth. Most recently, Delphix announced the expansion of its Partner First Program . The program expands Delphix’s work with key partners and integrators to empower more companies – across financial services, insurance, healthcare, life sciences and other vertical markets – accelerate application development, bolster growth and gain a competitive advantage in the digital-first business landscape. “Data has never held more strategic importance for companies, and yet it’s never been harder to manage,” said Chris Cook, CEO of Delphix. “Liz has played an active role in the evolution of the software-driven digital revolution. She also has intimate knowledge of the integrator community, which is a key part of the Delphix expansion strategy. With that wide perspective, she perfectly understands our mission to free the world from debilitating data challenges in order to transform a business through faster, higher quality releases, insights, and automation.” Delphix gives enterprises the ability to deliver high quality software at the pace needed to thrive in the Digital Economy. We provide self-service data to accelerate workflows for developers, testers and AI analysts so enterprises can better leverage data as a strategic asset. We enable data to flow freely, securely, and at lower cost—on prem and across clouds. “Digital transformation is a difficult journey and data is both a key resource and a major inhibitor to the speed necessary to win in today’s Digital Economy,” said Liz Tinkham, newest member of the Delphix Advisory Board. “Delphix opens up the flow of data to enable companies to bring high quality software to life in a fraction of the time previously thought possible. It’s a perfect fit for enterprises who are under constant pressure to move faster each day.” In addition to her experience at Accenture, Liz is a recognized leader in the development of women and minority leaders. She has led several global diversity programs to help boost the number of women executives. She’s currently an adjunct professor at the University of Washington where she teaches undergraduate courses on business consulting and serves on the University’s Advisory Board for the Global Business Program. About Delphix Delphix's mission is to free companies from data friction and accelerate innovation. Fortune 100 companies use the Delphix Dynamic Data Platform to connect, virtualize, secure and manage data in the cloud and in on-premise environments. For more information visit www.delphix.com . Follow Delphix on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/3707bfcc-8f47-4e13-9b30-0ea73e991eb1 Alex Plant 415-786-3451 alex.plant@delphix.com Source: Delphix

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/17/globe-newswire-delphix-adds-longtime-accenture-tech-veteran-to-advisory-board.html

A's rough up former teammate Gray, rout Yankees

Dustin Fowler recorded his first major league hit while Khris Davis and Matt Chapman hit long homers off former teammate Sonny Gray as the Oakland Athletics beat the New York Yankees 10-5 Friday night at Yankee Stadium. Fowler was among three prospects traded to the Athletics for Gray and was recovering from a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee following a scary collision on June 29 while playing for the Yankees in a game against the Chicago White Sox. The A’s recalled Fowler on Wednesday, and he made his first start in center field. With several family members watching from the stands, Fowler recorded his first career hit with a single in the fourth. Fowler’s first career hit occurred after Davis and Chapman homered in a span of seven pitches off Gray (2-3). Marcus Semien hit a bases-clearing double in the ninth off David Robertson and matched a career high with four RBIs. Jed Lowrie had three hits, homered and added an RBI single for Oakland, which scored two runs or less in its previous five games, matching the longest such streak for the A’s in the last 39 years. Matt Joyce added insurance with a solo homer as the A’s beat the Yankees for the fifth straight time. Gleyber Torres and Aaron Judge homered for the Yankees, who dropped consecutive games for the first time since April 8-10. New York also lost for the third time in its last 20 games. Gray allowed five runs and a season-high nine hits in five innings. It was the most hits he allowed since joining the Yankees. Kendall Graveman (1-5) returned from the minors and ended a personal five-game losing streak. He allowed four runs (one earned) and three hits in six innings. After Graveman was lifted, the seventh and eighth were a struggle before the A’s scored three times in the ninth. Lou Trivino gave up a bases-loaded walk to Judge to make it a one-run game, but Yusmeiro Petit retired Didi Gregorius and Giancarlo Stanton with the bases loaded. Petit also recorded the first two outs of the eighth before Blake Treinen recorded the final four outs and notched his sixth save in eight opportunities. Oakland struck quickly against its former teammate by taking a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Davis made it 1-0 when he hit a 3-1 fastball over the right-center field fence into the bleachers for his 10th homer of the season. Six pitches later, Chapman hit an 0-2 fastball to the loading dock beyond the left-center field fence. After Oakland took a 5-1 lead, Judge made it a one-run game by hitting his 10th homer, but Lowrie provided the eventual game-winning run by hitting his ninth homer with two outs in the sixth. —Field Level Media

https://www.reuters.com/article/baseball-mlb-nyy-oak-recap/as-rough-up-former-teammate-gray-rout-yankees-idUSMTZEE5CLG06HL

American Gilsonite to Announce 1st Quarter 2018 Financial Results

HOUSTON, May 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- American Gilsonite Company (the "Company" or "AGC"), the world's principal commercial miner and processor of uintaite, the unique mineral marketed under its trademark name "Gilsonite," today announced that it will post financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 to the Company's Intralinks site on Friday, May 11, 2018. The Company will host a conference call for holders of its Subordinated Notes and holders of the Company's common stock on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:30am ET. David G. Gallagher, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Steven A. Granda, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the Company's financial results and answer questions from the investment community. A rebroadcast of this conference call will also be available through June 4, 2018. The dial-in information for both the conference call and the rebroadcast will be posted to the Company's Intralinks website. Participants for the conference call are requested to dial in five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Holders of the Company's Subordinated Notes and holders of the Company's common stock who have executed the Stockholders Agreement can request access to the Company's Intralinks site by contacting Peter Hill by email at peter.hill@kekst.com or by phone at 212-521-4800. About American Gilsonite Company ( www.americangilsonite.com ) AGC operates as an industrial minerals company and is the world's primary miner and processor of uintaite, a variety of asphaltite, a specialty hydrocarbon which AGC markets to industrial customers under its registered trademark name "Gilsonite®". Gilsonite is a glossy, black, solid naturally occurring hydrocarbon similar in appearance to hard asphalt and is believed to be found in commercial quantities only in the Uinta Basin in northeastern Utah. Because of its unique chemical and physical properties, Gilsonite has been used in more than 160 products. The Company sells its products to customers in four primary markets: (i) oil and gas, (ii) inks and paints, (iii) foundry and (iv) asphalt. AGC is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Contact Peter Hill Kekst and Company 212-521-4800 peter.hill@kekst.com View original content: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-gilsonite-to-announce-1st-quarter-2018-financial-results-300645549.html SOURCE American Gilsonite Company

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/09/pr-newswire-american-gilsonite-to-announce-1st-quarter-2018-financial-results.html

U.S. Navy expects 'uncertainty' in Gulf after Iran deal withdrawal

May 15, 2018 / 12:15 AM / Updated 2 hours ago U.S. Navy expects 'uncertainty' in Gulf after Iran deal withdrawal Reuters Staff 2 Min Read ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT (Reuters) - The United States Navy is closely watching Iranian behaviour in the Gulf and expects a “period of uncertainty” and increased level of alertness after President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from an international nuclear deal with Iran, the U.S. Navy chief said on Monday. U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a proclamation declaring his intention to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement after signing it in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, U.S. May 8, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Trump said last week that the United States was withdrawing from a 2015 deal negotiated by the Obama administration. The withdrawal has upset Washington’s European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East. “It is a period of uncertainty that we are entering into right, how the whole world will respond to this latest development,” Chief of U.S. Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson told a small group of reporters. “(We have to) remain alert, I mean even a little bit more alert than usual to just be open to any kind of response or new development or something like that,” Richardson added. Iranian women gather during a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to walk out of a 2015 nuclear deal, in Tehran, Iran, May 11, 2018. REUTERS/Tasnim News Agency He was speaking after visiting the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush off the coast of Virginia where U.S. and French troops are carrying out joint training. Richardson said the U.S. Navy had not seen provocative Iranian behaviour in the Gulf since Trump’s announcement, but was watching closely. In recent years, there have been periodic confrontations between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a branch of Iran’s armed forces, and U.S. military in the Gulf - a major trade route for oil - but there have been no major incidents since last year. Last August, U.S. officials said an Iranian drone came within 100 feet (30 meters) of a U.S. Navy warplane as it prepared to land on an aircraft carrier in the Gulf. Iran, which sees the Gulf as its backyard and believes it has a legitimate interest in expanding its influence there, has long argued that the region should organise its own security collectively, without outside powers. Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Leslie Adler

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-iran-military/u-s-navy-expects-uncertainty-in-gulf-after-iran-deal-withdrawal-idUKKCN1IG012

Bulgaria investigates case of 'Nazi' boys at soccer cup final

May 11, 2018 / 10:55 AM / Updated 7 minutes ago Bulgaria investigates case of 'Nazi' boys at soccer cup final Reuters Staff 3 Min Read SOFIA (Reuters) - Bulgarian authorities said they were investigating photographs that appear to show a child making a Nazi salute and another with a swastika on his chest at the country’s soccer cup final. The images of the shirtless young boys standing on the athletics track at the national stadium on Wednesday, in front of the crowd of supporters of the Levski Sofia team, caused a public outcry after being posted online. One has his arm raised in what looks like a Nazi salute, and the other a swastika scrawled on his bare chest. Both have slogans on their torsoes such as “Levski hooligan” and “ACAB” (All Cops Are Bastards). They appear to be well under 10 years old. “We see Nazi greetings, which are a worrying fact for us,” said Stefka Ilieva, an inspector at the State Agency for Child Protection. She said the agency wanted to establish the boys’ identities, adding that if they had been unaccompanied at the evening match their parents could be fined up to 500 levs ($300). Children under 14 have to be accompanied at events that take place later than 8 p.m., according to the Child Protection Act. The Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria strongly condemned the incident. “It is unacceptable that young children should be encouraged to exhibit such behavior,” it said. FINES FOR RACISM In 2012, Levski were fined 30,000 euros ($36,000) by European soccer governing body UEFA for racist behavior by fans during a Europa League match. The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) fined the club 37,500 levs after supporters displayed a banner showing a swastika and another marking Adolf Hitler’s birthday during a game in 2013. It was fined again in 2014 after fans displayed banners reading “Death to refugees” and “Blood will be shed for our land”. Some 40 Levski fans were detained after a policewoman was injured by a small explosion during a match last month. [L8N1RV6LP] The BFU has been accused of being too lenient in handing Levski merely symbolic fines for repeated racist behavior. Neither Levski nor the BFU were immediately available for comment on Friday on the images of the boys at the cup final. Levski were beaten by city rivals Slavia on penalties. Reporting by Angel Krasimirov; editing by Andrew Roche

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-bulgaria/bulgaria-investigates-case-of-nazi-boys-at-soccer-cup-final-idUSKBN1IC15O

Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. Announces Changes to Board of Directors

BEIJING, May 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. ("Xinyuan" or "the Company") (NYSE: XIN), an NYSE-listed real estate developer and property manager primarily in China and in other countries, today announced changes to its Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Board welcomes the appointments of Mr. Samuel Shen and Dr. Hao Gao as independent directors. Mr. Shen will be on the Compensation Committee and Investment Committee. Dr. Gao will serve as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Audit Committee. Dr. Huai Chen and Mr. Steve Sun will resign as directors of the Board. Mr. Samuel Shen is president of JD Cloud, the cloud business unit under JD.com, China's largest online retailer. Reporting directly to Richard Liu, JD.com CEO and chairman, Mr. Shen leads the efforts of JD Cloud to extend its offerings of tailored service solutions to a wide range of vertical industries. Mr. Shen previously held various senior positions at Microsoft, including chairman of the Microsoft Asia-Pacific Technology Company, COO of the Microsoft Asia-Pacific R&D Group, and general manager of Microsoft Cloud and Enterprise China. Before Microsoft, he worked at IDT in California. Mr. Shen holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Hao Gao is the director of the Global Family Business Research Center and the director of Strategic Partnership and Development Office at Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance, as well as the chief editor of the Family Business Series and Family Wealth Series published by the People's Publishing House/Oriental Press. He is also an independent director of Modern Media Holdings Limited (HKEX: 00072). Dr. Gao obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Automation Engineering from Tsinghua University, a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Peking University, and a Ph.D. Degree in Management Science and Engineering from Tsinghua University. He has completed the Corporate Boards Program, the Audit Committees Program, and the Compensation Committees Program at Harvard Business School, as well as the Mergers and Acquisitions Program and the People, Culture, and Performance Program at the Graduate School of Business of Stanford University. Mr. Yong Zhang, Xinyuan's Chairman, commented, "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Dr. Chen and Mr. Sun for their services to Xinyuan. Their expertise and counsel have contributed to our success, and we wish both of them the best in their future endeavors. Meanwhile, I would like to welcome Mr. Shen and Dr. Gao as our new board members. We believe Mr. Shen's intimate knowledge of the practical applications of today's leading technologies will provide us with valuable insight and guidance in our pursuit of our strategic, long-term growth goals. Dr. Gao's extensive knowledge and experience in finance and management will add to our strategic building and corporate governance initiatives." About Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. ("Xinyuan") is an NYSE-listed real estate developer and property manager primarily in China and in other countries. In China, Xinyuan develops and manages large scale, high quality real estate projects in over ten tier one and tier two cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Xi'an, Suzhou, among others. Xinyuan was one of the first Chinese real estate developers to enter the U.S. market and over the past few years has been active in real estate development in New York. Xinyuan aims to provide comfortable and convenient real estate related products and services to middle-class consumers. For more information, please visit http://www.xyre.com . Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements includes statements about estimated financial performance and sales performance and activity, among others, and can generally be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical statements are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated, including, but not limited to, our ability to continue to implement our business model successfully; our ability to secure adequate financing for our project development; our ability to successfully sell or complete our property projects under construction and planning; our ability to enter successfully into new geographic markets and new business lines and expand our operations; the marketing and sales ability of our third-party sales agents; the performance of our third-party contractors; the impact of laws, regulations and policies relating to real estate developers and the real estate industry in the countries in which we operate; our ability to obtain permits and licenses to carry on our business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; competition from other real estate developers; the growth of the real estate industry in the markets in which we operate; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in the markets in which we operate; and other risks outlined in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or review publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statement is made. For more information, please contact: In China: Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. Mr. Charles Wang Investor Relations Director Tel: +86 (10) 8588-9314 Email: irteam@xyre.com ICR, LLC Mr. William Zima In U.S.: +1-646-308-1472 In China: +86 (10) 6583-7511 Email: William.zima@icrinc.com Media: Mr. Edmond Lococo In China: +86 (10) 6583-7510 Email: Edmond.Lococo@icrinc.com View original content: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xinyuan-real-estate-co-ltd-announces-changes-to-board-of-directors-300648436.html SOURCE Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/15/pr-newswire-xinyuan-real-estate-co-ltd-announces-changes-to-board-of-directors.html

US STOCKS-Futures rise as U.S.-China trade talks advance

* Futures up: Dow 0.22 pct, S&P 0.18 pct, Nasdaq 0.38 pct By Medha Singh May 22 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures rose on Tuesday on signs of further progress in trade talks between the United States and China as the world’s two largest economies pull back from the brink of a full-blown trade war. Washington neared a deal to lift its ban on U.S. firms supplying Chinese telecoms gear maker ZTE Corp, sources said on Tuesday, and Beijing said it will steeply cut import tariffs for automobiles and car parts. Shares of Ford, General Motors, Tesla, as well as the U.S.-listed shares of Ferrari and Fiat , were up between 0.8 percent and 2.4 percent in premarket trading. The stock market has generally been volatile this year on a combination of factors including the fear of higher inflation spurring faster U.S. interest rate hikes and worries over a global trade war. While investors may be relieved over the easing trade tensions, many U.S. government and industry officials view President Donald Trump is backing off from his tough stance against what they see as China’s unfair trade and market access practices. At 7:26 a.m. ET, Dow e-minis were up 55 points, or 0.22 percent. S&P 500 e-minis were up 5 points, or 0.18 percent and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 26.5 points, or 0.38 percent. Micron, which raised its quarterly forecast and led the chipmakers higher on Monday, jumped 5.3 percent after announcing a $10 billion share buyback. Facebook edged up 0.3 percent ahead of Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg’s defense of the company’s data practices to European lawmakers in Brussels. The testimony starts at 12:15 p.m. ET and comes three days before tough new European Union rules on data protection take effect. The possibility of a ZTE reprieve boosted shares of optical component makers. Acacia Communications, which got 30 percent of its 2017 revenue from ZTE, rose 4.6 percent, while Oclaro gained 1.4 percent. (Reporting by Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)

https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-stocks/us-stocks-futures-rise-as-u-s-china-trade-talks-advance-idUSL3N1ST3WD

Big Time Holdings, Inc. Announces the Appointment of New Management

NEW YORK, May 25, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Big Time Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink:BTHI) (“BTHI” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has appointed 2 new members to its board of directors, effective immediately. reconstituting the board. As reported in Form 8K with the SEC on May 24, 2018: On May 18, 2018, Mr. Thomas DeNunzio resigned as our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Director, Secretary, and Treasurer, such resignation of which is to be effective ten days after the filing and mailing of an Information Statement required by Rule 14f-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The resignation was not the result of any disagreement with us on any matter relating to our operations, policies or practices. On May 18, 2018, Mr. Brian Kistler was appointed as our new Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Director, Secretary, and Treasurer and to hold such office ten days after the filing and mailing of an Information Statement required by Rule 14f-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. On May 18, 2018, Mr. Mandla J. Gwadiso was appointed as our Chairman of the Board of Directors and to hold such office ten days after the filing and mailing of an Information Statement required by Rule 14f-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Mr. Brian Kistler, Age 62- Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. Mr. Kistler has extensive work history in the financial services industry. He began working at the securities firm Edward Jones in 1987 and over five (5) years increased his assets under management to $45 million dollars. Mr. Kistler then joined Linsco/Private Ledger in 1992, an independent broker/dealer firm, where he worked as an independent contractor. In 1994 Hilliard Lyons recruited him to develop the northeast area of Indiana. During his time at Hilliard/Lyons, Mr. Kistler had assets under management of nearly $100 million dollars. In 1999 Mr. Kistler was hired by Raymond James & Associates to manage their recently acquired Fort Wayne, Indiana office. Subsequently, he became the manager of nine (9) Raymond James offices in Indiana. Mr. Kistler’s responsibilities included managing fifty-three employees with client assets under management more than one billion dollars. During his time as manager, the revenues and assets under management grew substantially as a direct result of Mr. Kistler’s ability to recruit, retain and train high quality financial advisors. Mr. Kistler retired from his position with Raymond James in December 2005 to focus on the development of public companies. Since 2008, Mr. Kistler acts as the President of New Opportunity Business Solutions, Inc. (NOBS), a business consulting company in which Mr. Kistler serves in a consultancy status and as officer/director of public companies when needed. Mr. Mandla J. Gwadiso, Age 40- Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mandla J. Gwadiso, known as MJ is the Founder of Big Time Holdings, Inc. and he is presently Founder, Chairman & CEO of Brookly Throne Inc., he also serves as Chairman of Palewater Advisory Group Inc. He is the Founder as well as former Managing Partner & CEO of Milost Global Inc., a private equity firm that he founded in 2015. MJ is also the Founder of Palewater Global Management Inc., and Williamsville Sears Management, Inc. among others. MJ originally founded Milost Advisors Inc., an investment banking firm that was based in NYC that is now defunct which led to the formation of Milost Global Inc. in 2015. From February 2009 through February 2013, MJ was an independent consultant to Sichuan Hanlong Group Co., Ltd located in Chengdu, Sichuan, China where he was lead advisor and reported directly to the founder and CEO. From March 2013 to November 2015, MJ was President & CEO of Sigur Capital Inc, a New York based investment banking firm. MJ was responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s long-term strategy with a view to creating shareholder value. MJ’s responsibilities included acting as a direct liaison between the board and management of the company. MJ is also the founder of Palewater Global Management Inc., a New York based conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of activities founded in 2017. MJ is an investment banker, entrepreneur, investor, financial engineer and philanthropist with years of experience in deal origination, deal structuring, deal execution with both equity and debt capital markets, predominantly in M&As. MJ has led over 35 investments over the years, including cross-border transactions and IPOs in the US, Germany, Australia, Africa and Hong Kong. ABOUT BIG TIME HOLDINGS, INC. Big Time Holdings, Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate with great focus in Aviation, Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Banking, Energy, Mining, Technology, Agriculture, Cannabis, Manufacturing, Dairy Farming, Poultry Farming, Hospitality, Media, Entertainment, Steel, Financial Services, Biotech, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals and Construction. Big Time parents a group of decentralized companies with a diverse and yet integrated global operations. Big Time owns cash generating businesses through complex structures that help to manage all operations in a manner that improves efficiency and profitability. Big Time actively looks for and has a select portfolio of good quality businesses which it sources based on a number of elements that help to reduce risk, improve profitability, and enhance shareholder value while empowering the communities in which its businesses continue to operate. www.bigtimehi.us Forward-Looking Information: Cautionary Note: The statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Such statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, such forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, technical advances in the industry as well as political and economic conditions present within the industry. We do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or developments after a forward-looking statement was made. For more information: Tel:+1-212-709-8206 Fax:+1-212-943-2300 info@palewateradvisory.com Source:Big Time Holdings, Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/25/globe-newswire-big-time-holdings-inc-announces-the-appointment-of-new-management.html

Uber, Waymo in talks about self-driving partnership -Uber CEO

May 31, 2018 / 6:13 AM / Updated 13 hours ago Uber, Waymo in talks about self-driving partnership: Uber CEO David Ingram 2 Min Read RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif. (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] is talking with Alphabet Inc’s autonomous driving unit Waymo about using its technology on Uber’s ride-hailing app, Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi said on Wednesday, signaling a possible thaw in relations between the firms. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Uber is pictured during the presentation of their new security measures in Mexico City, Mexico April 10, 2018. REUTERS/Ginnette Riquelme/File Photo Khosrowshahi said on stage at the Code Conference that Uber’s relationship with Waymo was “getting better” since Uber in February agreed to pay Waymo $245 million in shares to settle a legal dispute over trade secrets. “We’re having discussions with Waymo. If something happens, great. If not, we can live with that, too,” Khosrowshahi said. FILE PHOTO: The Waymo logo is displayed during the company's unveiling of a self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivan during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., January 8, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Picture Waymo is an “incredible technology provider” and having it on Uber’s network would be a good thing, he added. FILE PHOTO: Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi speaks at the Viva Tech start-up and technology summit in Paris, France, May 24, 2018. REUTERS/Charles Platiau Waymo declined to comment. It has, though, proceeded with plans to operate without Uber’s help, developing a fleet of cars that it said has self-driven 6 million miles on public roads. In a lawsuit filed last year, Waymo said that one of its former engineers who became chief of Uber’s self-driving car project took with him thousands of confidential documents. The lawsuit cost Uber both time and money in its self-driving car development. Khosrowshahi said he believes the technology behind autonomous driving will be shared, and that any company such as Waymo that wants to lead the sector will need to partner with Uber because of Uber’s network of smartphone users. Waymo plans to roll out an app-based service this year offering rides to passengers in a fully self-driving Waymo car with no driver. It also has a partnership with Lyft Inc, a rival of Uber. Uber plans to restart its own self-driving car operation in the coming months, Khosrowshahi said. The company shut down testing in Arizona this month after a fatal crash involving one of its vehicles. “We will get back on the road over the summer,” he said, adding that the fatal episode eventually “is going to make us a better company”. Reporting by David IngramEditing by Christopher Cushing

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tech-codeconference/uber-waymo-in-talks-about-self-driving-partnership-uber-ceo-idUSKCN1IW0HI

Slate Retail REIT Reports First Quarter 2018 Results

(All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) TORONTO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Slate Retail REIT (TSX:SRT.U) (TSX:SRT.UN) (the "REIT"), an owner of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate, today announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Senior management will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 to discuss the results and ongoing business initiatives of the REIT. The dial-in details can be found below. “We have continued to make significant progress on leasing and the execution of our asset management plans that we believe will result in healthy net operating income growth for the REIT,” commented Greg Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer of the REIT. "Due to the timing of leasing and some of the REIT’s initiatives, we expect this growth to be weighted toward the second half of the year." For the CEO's letter to unitholders for the quarter, please follow the link here . First Quarter 2018 Highlights Completed 294,408 square feet of leasing in the quarter, comprised of 227,627 square feet of lease renewals at a 4.2% weighted average spread above expiring rent and 66,781 square feet of new leasing which is $2.64 or 22.2% above the weighted average in-place rent for comparable space. The REIT repurchased for cancellation 0.3 million class U units under the REIT's normal course issuer bid for a total cost of $2.5 million at an average price of $9.49 per unit, resulting in $0.2 million of annual distribution savings. Subsequent to quarter end, including under the REIT’s automatic securities repurchase plan, 0.2 million additional class U units were repurchased for cancellation for a total cost of $2.0 million at an average price of $9.68 per unit. During 2018, Slate Asset Management L.P. has purchased an additional 0.2 million class U units of the REIT, increasing its current ownership in the REIT to 7.3% from 6.7% at December 31, 2017. Insiders now collectively own over 14% of the REIT. The REIT's net asset value per unit, calculated using IFRS amounts, decreased by 5.0% to $12.55 during the quarter. This decline is primarily related to fair value adjustments at a limited number of properties in response to market conditions. Overall, the REIT believes that the operating fundamentals of the REIT continue to improve. Occupancy remained stable at 93.7%, with a significant portion of the REIT's leasing activity expected to impact future periods. Rental revenue was $36.5 million, which is an increase of $9.3 million over the same period in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to rental rate growth from re-leasing at rates above in-place rents and new leasing in addition to net acquisitions. In the last 12 months, the REIT has acquired 15 properties and 1 property outparcel and disposed of 7 outparcels at certain properties. Funds from operations ("FFO") per unit increased by $0.01 to $0.33 per unit or $15.2 million when compared to the same period in the prior year. Adjusted funds from operations ("AFFO") was $11.0 million or $0.24 per unit, lower by $0.05 per unit compared to the same period in the prior year. AFFO was impacted by a $2.2 million increase in capital and leasing expenditures made to primarily support new leasing in addition to increased interest of $3.1 million. The REIT's AFFO payout ratio for the first quarter of 2018 was 88.7%. On a trailing twelve month basis the AFFO payout ratio was 85.4%. The REIT increased net income by $18.1 million to $26.7 million compared to the same quarter in the prior year primarily due to the aforementioned increases in rental revenue and an increase in the fair value of REIT units and exchangeable units of subsidiaries of $34.6 million, partially offset by a decrease in the change in fair value of properties of $6.6 million and increased distributions of $1.4 million. Summary of the First Quarter 2018 Results Three months ended March 31, (in thousands of U.S. dollars except, per unit amounts) 2018 2017 Change % Rental revenue $ 36,544 $ 27,233 34.2 % NOI $ 24,724 $ 19,411 27.4 % Net income $ 26,703 $ 8,652 208.6 % Leasing - shop space 184,509 100,926 82.8 % Leasing - anchor / junior anchor 109,899 175,384 (37.3 )% Total leasing activity (square feet) 294,408 276,310 6.5 % Weighted average number of units outstanding ("WA units") 46,479 39,847 16.6 % FFO (1) $ 15,227 $ 12,859 18.4 % FFO per WA units (1) $ 0.33 $ 0.32 3.1 % FFO payout ratio (1) 64.0 % 64.6 % (0.9 )% AFFO (1) $ 10,987 $ 11,587 (5.2 )% AFFO per WA units (1) $ 0.24 $ 0.29 (17.2 )% AFFO payout ratio (1) 88.7 % 71.7 % 23.7 % (in thousands of U.S. dollars) 2018 2017 Change % Same-property NOI (3 month period) $ 16,555 $ 16,761 (1.2 )% Same-property NOI (12 month period) 58,511 58,688 (0.3 )% As at March 31, (in thousands of U.S. dollars except, per unit amounts) 2018 2017 Change % Total assets $ 1,478,396 $ 1,158,102 27.7 % Total debt $ 872,263 $ 597,787 45.9 % Net asset value per unit $ 12.55 $ 13.21 (5.0 )% Portfolio occupancy 93.7 % 93.2 % 0.5 % Debt / GBV ratio 59.0 % 51.6 % 14.3 % Interest coverage ratio (1) 2.67x 3.72x (19.3 )% (1) Refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” section below. Amendment to the Declaration of Trust and Subdivision of Class A and I Units of the REIT On May 1, 2018, unitholders approved a special resolution authorizing and approving an amendment and restatement of the declaration of trust of the REIT (the “Third A&R DOT”) for the purpose of making the features of the class A units, class I units and class U units consistent among all three classes, among other things. Also on May 1, 2018, the board of trustees of the REIT approved the subdivision of each of the: (i) class A units issued and outstanding on May 3, 2018 (the “Record Date”) on the basis of a subdivision ratio of one pre-subdivision class A unit for 1.0078 post-subdivision class A units; and (ii) class I units issued and outstanding on the Record Date on the basis of a subdivision ratio of one pre-subdivision class I unit for 1.0554 class I units (the "Subdivision"). The Third A&R DOT and the Subdivision will be undertaken contemporaneously and the impact of such actions will not change the relative economics of the different classes of units of the REIT. As a consequence of the Subdivision, the proportionate entitlement of the class A units and class I units with respect to distributions from the REIT will be adjusted to 1.0 and all class A units, class I units and class U units will have equal rights with respect to distributions from the REIT, redemptions of units and on the termination of the REIT. Upon completion of the Subdivision, each class A unit and each class I unit will remain convertible into a class U unit but the conversation ratio will be on a one-for-one-basis. Management of the REIT anticipates that the Subdivision and the Third A&R DOT will result in the class A units, class I units and class U units being treated as equity of the REIT under IFRS as opposed to their current presentation as a liability, which management of the REIT believes is appropriate. The Subdivision is expected to be completed at 8:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on May 11, 2018. Conference Call and Webcast Senior management will host a live conference call at 9:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 to discuss the results and ongoing business initiatives. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (647) 427-2311 or 1 (866) 521-4909. Additionally, the conference call will be available via simultaneous audio found at www.snwebcastcenter.com/webcast/slate/2018/0502 . A replay will be accessible until May 16, 2018 via the REIT’s website or by dialing (416) 621-4642 or 1 (800) 585-8367 (access code 4573507) approximately two hours after the live event. About Slate Retail REIT (TSX: SRT.U / SRT.UN) Slate Retail REIT is a real estate investment trust focused on U.S. grocery-anchored real estate. The REIT owns and operates approximately U.S. $1.5 billion of assets located across the top 50 U.S. metro markets that are visited regularly by consumers for their everyday needs. The REIT’s conservative payout ratio, together with its diversified portfolio and quality tenant covenants, provides a strong basis to continue to grow unitholder distributions and the flexibility to capitalize on opportunities that drive value appreciation. Visit slateretailreit.com to learn more about the REIT. About Slate Asset Management L.P. Slate Asset Management L.P. is a leading real estate investment platform with over $5.5 billion in assets under management. Slate is a value-oriented manager and a significant sponsor of all of its private and publicly-traded investment vehicles, which are tailored to the unique goals and objectives of its investors. The firm's careful and selective investment approach creates long-term value with an emphasis on capital preservation and outsized returns. Slate is supported by exceptional people, flexible capital and a proven ability to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more. Supplemental Information All interested parties can access Slate Retail’s Supplemental Information online at slateretailreit.com in the Investors section. These materials are also available on SEDAR or upon request to the REIT at info@slateam.com or (416) 644-4264. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements herein may be forward-looking statements applicable securities laws. These statements reflect management’s expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities of the REIT including expectations for the current financial year, and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to management’s beliefs, plans, estimates and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical facts. Statements that contain words such as “could”, “should”, “would”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “will”, “may”, “might” and similar expressions or statements relating to matters that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future events or performance and, by their nature, are based on the REIT’s current estimates and assumptions, which are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as the date hereof and accordingly are subject to change after such date. The REIT does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained herein except as expressly required by applicable securities laws. Non-IFRS Measures This news release and accompanying financial statements are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The REIT discloses a number of financial measures in this news release that are not measures used under IFRS, including NOI, same-property NOI, FFO, FFO payout ratio, AFFO, AFFO payout ratio, adjusted EBITDA and the interest coverage ratio, in addition to certain measures on a per unit basis. NOI is defined as rental revenue less operating expenses, prior to straight-line rent and IFRIC 21, Levies ("IFRIC 21") adjustments. Same-property NOI includes those properties owned by the REIT for each of the current period and the relevant comparative period excluding those properties under development. FFO is defined as net income adjusted for certain items including transaction costs, change in fair value of properties, deferred income taxes, unit expense and IFRIC 21 property tax adjustments. AFFO is defined as FFO adjusted for straight-line rental revenue and sustaining capital, leasing costs and tenant improvements. FFO payout ratio and AFFO payout ratio are defined as distributions declared divided by FFO and AFFO, respectively. FFO per WA unit and AFFO per WA unit are defined as FFO and AFFO divided by the weighted average class U equivalent units outstanding, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, distributions, fair value gains (losses) from both financial instruments and properties, while also excluding certain items not related to operations such as transaction costs from dispositions, acquisitions, debt termination costs, or other events. Interest coverage ratio is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by cash interest paid. The REIT utilizes these measures for a variety of reasons, including measuring performance, managing the business, capital allocation and the assessment of risk. Descriptions of why these non-IFRS measures are useful to investors and how management uses each measure are included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Management believes that providing these performance measures on a supplemental basis to our IFRS results is helpful to investors in assessing the overall performance of our businesses in a manner similar to management. These financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for similar financial measures calculated in accordance with IFRS. Management cautions readers that these non-IFRS financial measures may differ from the calculations disclosed by other businesses, and as a result, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by others. For Further Information Investor Relations Slate Retail REIT Tel: +1 416 644 4264 E-mail: ir@slateam.com Calculation and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures The table below summarizes a calculation of non-IFRS measures based on IFRS financial information. Three months ended March 31, (in thousands of U.S. dollars except, per unit amounts) 2018 2017 Rental revenue $ 36,544 $ 27,233 Straight-line rent revenue (1,135 ) (401 ) Property operating expenses (24,519 ) (16,907 ) IFRIC 21 property tax adjustment 13,834 9,486 NOI (1) $ 24,724 $ 19,411 Cash flow from operations $ 15,792 $ 13,728 Changes in non-cash working capital items (2,266 ) (1,602 ) Disposition and acquisition costs 722 354 Finance charge and mark-to-market adjustments (371 ) (208 ) Interest, net and TIF note adjustments 215 186 Capital (734 ) (526 ) Leasing costs (618 ) (101 ) Tenant improvements (1,753 ) (244 ) AFFO (1) $ 10,987 $ 11,587 Net income $ 26,703 $ 8,652 Disposition and acquisition costs 722 354 Change in fair value of properties 6,557 (14,638 ) Deferred income tax (recovery) expense (1,879 ) 6,552 Unit (income) expense (30,710 ) 2,453 IFRIC 21 property tax adjustment 13,834 9,486 FFO (1) $ 15,227 $ 12,859 Straight-line rental revenue (1,135 ) (401 ) Capital (734 ) (526 ) Leasing costs (618 ) (101 ) Tenant improvements (1,753 ) (244 ) AFFO (1) $ 10,987 $ 11,587 NOI (1) $ 24,724 $ 19,411 Other expenses (2,476 ) (2,019 ) Cash interest, net (7,785 ) (4,726 ) Finance charge and mark-to-market adjustments (371 ) (208 ) Capital (734 ) (526 ) Leasing costs (618 ) (101 ) Tenant improvements (1,753 ) (244 ) AFFO (1) $ 10,987 $ 11,587 Three months ended March 31, (in thousands of U.S. dollars except, per unit amounts) 2018 2017 NOI (1) $ 24,724 $ 19,411 Other expenses (2,476 ) (2,019 ) Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 22,248 $ 17,392 Cash interest paid (8,342 ) (4,678 ) Interest coverage ratio (1) 2.67x 3.72x WA units 46,479 39,847 FFO per WA unit (1) $ 0.33 $ 0.32 FFO payout ratio (1) 64 % 64.6 % AFFO per WA unit (1) $ 0.24 $ 0.29 AFFO payout ratio (1) 88.7 % 71.7 % (1) Refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” section above. Source: Slate Retail REIT

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/01/globe-newswire-slate-retail-reit-reports-first-quarter-2018-results.html

Nevada Copper AGM Results; New Directors Join Board

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX:NCU) ("Nevada Copper" or “Company”) is pleased to announce the results from its 2018 Annual and Special Meeting (the “Meeting”), held on Friday, May 4 th in Vancouver, B.C. Shareholders holding a total of 350,494,527 common shares of the Company attended the meeting in person or were represented by proxy, representing 78.74% of the total 445,150,682 common shares of the Company outstanding as of the record date. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the Meeting. Matthew Gili, President and CEO, of Nevada Copper, commented, “ We are very pleased to have such a strong and experienced board of directors now in place as the company pushes towards initial production in 2019. Nevada Copper owns North America’s only fully-permitted, shovel-ready copper project of scale and, with supportive market fundamentals, including very few sources of new copper production, this is the right team to take this project forward and the right timing.” 1. Election of Directors The following persons were elected as Directors of the Company until the next annual shareholder meeting of the Company, with the voting results shown below: Director Votes For % For Votes Against % Against Tom Albanese 346,682,111 99.98 72,701 0.02 Michael Brown 346,652,276 99.97 102,836 0.03 Justin Cochrane 346,682,098 99.98 72,714 0.02 Raffaele (Lucio) Genovese 346,676,498 99.98 78,614 0.02 Stephen Gill 346,636,776 99.97 118,336 0.03 Evgenij Iorich 346,631,503 99.96 123,609 0.04 Abraham (Braam) Jonker 346,648,016 99.97 107,096 0.03 G. Ernest (Ernie) Nutter 346,682,098 99.98 72,714 0.02 2. Appointment of Auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was appointed as the Company's auditor and the directors were authorized to fix the auditor's remuneration. 3. Determination of the Number of Directors The number of directors was determined at eight. 4. Amendment to the Company’s Deferred Share Unit Plan An ordinary resolution to approve the amendments to the Company’s Deferred Share Unit Plan passed. The ordinary resolution was approved by the shareholders of the Company with the following results: Votes For Votes Against Total Shares Voted Shares Voted 346,596,574 158,538 346,755,112 % 99.95 0.05 77.89 The newly-appointed directors are: Tom Albanese, Director Currently a director of Franco Nevada Previously CEO of Rio Tinto plc and Vedanta Resources Limited Previously served on the boards of Ivanhoe Mines Limited, Palabora Mining Company and Turquoise Hill Resources Limited Ernie Nutter, Director Previously 13 years as Mining Analyst at Capital Group Prior to which spent 13 years with Royal Bank of Canada, as MD of RBC Capital Markets and Chairman of RBC Dominion Securities Strategic Planning Committee Justin Cochrane, Director President and COO of Cobalt27 Over 16 years of royalty and stream financing, M&A and corporate finance Former Executive VP and Head of Corporate Development for Sandstorm Gold Ltd Nevada Copper wishes to thank Mr. Bonifacio, who did not stand for re-election at the Meeting, for his invaluable contributions to the Company since its inception in 2006. We wish Mr. Bonifacio all the best in his future endeavours. NEVADA COPPER CORP. Matthew Gili, President & CEO For further information call : Rich Matthews VP, Marketing and Investor Relations Phone: 604-683-8266 Email: rmatthews@nevadacopper.com Source: Nevada Copper Corp.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/04/globe-newswire-nevada-copper-agm-results-new-directors-join-board.html

Support for German SPD drops to half that of Merkel's bloc - poll

May 6, 2018 / 11:10 AM / Updated 2 hours ago Support for German SPD drops to half that of Merkel's bloc - poll Reuters Staff 2 Min Read BERLIN (Reuters) - Support for Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD), the country’s oldest party, has slumped to half that of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives just two weeks after the left-leaning party elected a new leader, a poll showed on Sunday. Andrea Nahles, leader of Social Democratic Party (SPD), addresses the lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, April 26, 2018. REUTERS/Axel Schmidt The SPD suffered its worst showing in last September’s national election since Germany became a republic in 1949, and only reluctantly agreed to go into coalition with Merkel again in March after a divisive internal debate. Two weeks ago, the SPD elected Andrea Nahles as their first female leader, hoping she could reinvigorate the party. Nahles has her work cut out. The survey by pollster Emnid for the Bild am Sonntag weekly showed support for the SPD dropping one percentage point to 17 percent. Support for Merkel’s conservative bloc - her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and their Bavarian allies, the Christian Social Union (CSU) - rose by two points to 34 percent. Third strongest, unchanged on 14 points, was the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which surged into parliament for the first time at last year’s election as voters vented their anger at Merkel’s handling of the 2015 refugee crisis. The Emnid poll put support for the environmentalist Greens at 12 points, unchanged, and for the far-left Left party at 10 points, down one. The business-friendly Free Democrats (FDP) also shed one point, falling to 8 points, the poll showed. Emnid surveyed 1,507 voters between April 26 and May 2. Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Janet Lawrence

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-germany-politics/support-for-german-spd-drops-to-half-that-of-merkels-bloc-poll-idUKKBN1I70AG

Shelvey can impress for England at World Cup, says Benitez

May 10, 2018 / 3:50 AM / in an hour Shelvey can impress for England at World Cup, says Benitez Reuters Staff 2 Min Read (Reuters) - Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been impressive for the Premier League club this season and manager Rafa Benitez has backed the 26-year-old to continue his good form if he is included in England’s squad for the World Cup. Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - April 28, 2018 Newcastle United's Jonjo Shelvey REUTERS/Scott Heppell Shelvey, who last played for England in 2015, continued his strong domestic form in Newcastle’s 1-0 league loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. The midfielder’s commanding performances have helped Newcastle flourish during Benitez’s reign with the Magpies set for a 10th-placed league finish this season. “I think so. I think he’s a different kind of midfielder. So I am sure that when you talk about the squad, different players can give you different options in different games,” Benitez told reporters when asked if Shelvey would be a good prospect for England. “If we have time on the ball for him, he can make the difference, but he needs players around him moving and doing the right things too, and they were doing that.” Newcastle will be eager to end their four-game losing streak in the league when they host Chelsea in the final match of their campaign on Sunday. England manager Gareth Southgate has to name his 23-man World Cup squad by June 4, ahead of their opening match in Russia against Tunisia on June 18. Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-new-benitez/shelvey-can-impress-for-england-at-world-cup-says-benitez-idUKKBN1IB0DB

Report: NBA won't discipline Cavs' Smith for Game 2 shove

May 16, 2018 / 8:41 PM / Updated 8 minutes ago Report: NBA won't discipline Cavs' Smith for Game 2 shove Reuters Staff 2 Min Read Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith will not face discipline from the NBA for his hard foul on Boston Celtics forward Al Horford in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, according to a report from ESPN. Al Horford (42) attempts a free throw against the Cleveland Cavaliers after a technical on guard JR Smith (5) during the fourth quarter of Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports Smith shoved an airborne Horford on a drive to the basket late in the fourth quarter. Smith was assessed a flagrant-1 following a review by the officials. “It was a good call,” Smith said postgame. Meanwhile, Marcus after the incident and The Celtics lead the series 2-0. Game 3 is Saturday night in Cleveland. —Field Level Media

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-basketball-nba-cle-bos-smith-horford/report-nba-wont-discipline-cavs-smith-for-game-2-shove-idUSKCN1IH2XU

Yemen risks new cholera outbreak as rainy season begins

LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Yemen’s rainy season will likely trigger another wave of cholera, putting millions at risk in the war-torn country, which is still reeling from one of the world’s worst outbreaks of the killer disease, scientists warned on Thursday. Experts also called for a public health campaign during Ramadan, which begins mid-May, after research suggested that traditions linked to the holy month may have helped spread the disease last year. More than 1 million suspected cases of cholera have been reported in Yemen since 2016, killing more than 2,000 people. “We expect to see a surge of cases during the rainy season,” said Anton Camacho, lead author of a study on the epidemic published in The Lancet Global Health journal. “If something is going to happen it will happen now so everyone should be aware and respond quickly. The risk is high,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The rainy season runs from mid-April to the end of August. The daily number of cholera cases increased 100-fold in the first four weeks of last year’s rainy season, leading to the disease spreading across the whole country, the study said. The authors suggested contamination of water sources during the rainy season and changing levels of zooplankton and iron in water, which help cholera bacteria survive, may have contributed to the explosion of cases. They predicted more than half Yemen’s districts - home to nearly 14 million - were at risk this year. Cholera, which is spread by consuming contaminated food or water, is a diarrheal disease that can kill within hours. Yemen’s epidemic has been exacerbated by years of conflict which has damaged health services and water supplies, uprooted more than 2 million people and driven the country to the brink of famine. The research, which mapped the outbreak and analyzed rainfall patterns, has helped health officials and the World Health Organization to identify where to distribute cholera vaccinations. The scientists said their data also showed a rise in cases after Ramadan, when people often gather for large shared evening meals and also eat more frequently from street vendors. “We do not want people to think Ramadan brings cholera - that’s not the case,” said Camacho. “But small behavioral changes in a situation where you have a lot of cholera ... can have a huge effect.” Yemen, one of the Arab world’s poorest countries, is embroiled in a proxy war between the Houthi armed movement, aligned with Iran, and a U.S.-backed military coalition headed by Saudi Arabia. The United Nations says 22 million of Yemen’s 25 million population need humanitarian assistance. Reporting by Emma Batha Editing by Claire Cozens Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, which covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories. Our

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-cholera/yemen-risks-new-cholera-outbreak-as-rainy-season-begins-idUSKBN1I42T6

FirstService Appoints Joan E. Sproul to Its Board of Directors

TORONTO, FirstService Corporation (TSX:FSV) (NASDAQ:FSV) (“FirstService”) announced today the appointment of Joan E. Sproul to its Board of Directors. Ms. Sproul’s appointment expands the Board to eight directors, six of whom are independent directors. Ms. Sproul will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee. Ms. Sproul was most recently the Executive Vice President, Finance (CFO) & Chief Administrative Officer of the Sinai Health System in Toronto, Canada, which is comprised of Mount Sinai Hospital, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Circle of Care. In addition to serving more than 20 years in various finance-related roles at Mount Sinai Hospital and its affiliated healthcare organizations, Ms. Sproul previously held a number of senior financial positions in the hospitality industry. Ms. Sproul holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto. “We are extremely pleased to have Joan join the FirstService Board,” said Jay Hennick, Chairman of the Board of Directors of FirstService. “Joan’s tenure and expertise in accounting and finance-related areas will provide a valuable addition to both our Board and Audit Committee. We look forward to her contributions in driving continued success at our Company.” About FirstService Corporation FirstService Corporation is a North American leader in the essential outsourced property services sector, serving its customers through two industry-leading service platforms: FirstService Residential - North America’s largest manager of residential communities; and FirstService Brands - one of North America’s largest providers of essential property services delivered through individually branded franchise systems and company-owned operations. FirstService generates US$1.7 billion in annual revenues and has more than 19,000 employees across North America. With significant insider ownership and an experienced management team, FirstService has a long-term track record of creating value and superior returns for shareholders. The Subordinate Voting Shares of FirstService trade on the NASDAQ and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “FSV.” More information is available at www.firstservice.com . COMPANY CONTACTS: D. Scott Patterson CEO (416) 960-9500 Jeremy Rakusin CFO (416) 960-9500 Source: FirstService Corporation

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/15/globe-newswire-firstservice-appoints-joan-e-sproul-to-its-board-of-directors.html

USA Technologies, Inc. Announces Pricing of Public Offering

MALVERN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- USA Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:USAT) (“USAT”), a premier payment technology service provider of integrated cashless and mobile transactions in the self-service retail market, today announced that on May 22, 2018, it priced its underwritten public offering consisting of 5,432,583 shares of its common stock to be sold by USAT and 553,187 shares of its common stock to be sold by certain selling shareholders, at a public offering price of $11.00 per share. The gross proceeds to USAT from the offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $59.76 million. In addition, USAT has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 897,866 shares of common stock from USAT on the same terms and conditions as the initial shares sold to the underwriters. The offering is expected to close on May 25, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. William Blair & Company, L.L.C. is acting as the sole book-running manager, and Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, Northland Securities, Inc., and Barrington Research Associates, Inc. are acting as co-managers for the offering. A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 2018. The offering of these securities will be made only by means of a prospectus, copies of which, when available, may be obtained from William Blair & Company, L.L.C., 150 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by calling (800) 621-0687, or by email at prospectus@williamblair.com ; from Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, 222 South 9th Street, Suite 350, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, Attention: Anthony Humphrey, or by calling (612) 334-6300, or by email at prospectus@chlm.com ; from Northland Securities, Inc., 150 South Fifth Street, Suite 3300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, Attention: Heidi Fletcher, or by calling (612) 851-4918, or by email at hfletcher@northlandcapitalmarkets.com ; or from Barrington Research Associates, Inc., 161 North Clark Street, Suite 2950, Chicago, Illinois 60601, Attention: Craig Christensen, or by calling (312) 634-6356, or by email at cec@brai.com . Northland Capital Markets is the trade name for certain capital markets and investment banking services of Northland Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. About USA Technologies USA Technologies, Inc. is a premier payment technology service provider of integrated cashless and mobile transactions in the self-service retail market. The company also provides a broad line of cashless acceptance technologies including its NFC-ready ePort® G-series, ePort Mobile® for customers on the go, ePort® Interactive, and QuickConnect, an API Web service for developers. Through its recent acquisition of Cantaloupe Systems, Inc. (“Cantaloupe”), the company also offers logistics, dynamic route scheduling, automated pre-kitting, responsive merchandising, inventory management, warehouse and accounting management solutions. Cantaloupe is a premier provider of cloud and mobile solutions for vending, micro markets, and office coffee services. Forward-Looking Statements USAT cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the timing, size, and nature of the public offering. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by USAT that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to conditions affecting the capital markets, general economic, industry, or political conditions, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the proposed public offering, and other risks described in USAT’s prior press releases and in USAT’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading “Risk Factors” in the registration statement. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and USAT undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. F-USAT News provided by Acquire Media View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180523005434/en/ The Blueshirt Group Investors: Monica Gould, 212-871-3927 monica@blueshirtgroup.com or Lindsay Savarese, 212-331-8417 lindsay@blueshirtgroup.com Source: USA Technologies, Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/23/business-wire-usa-technologies-inc-announces-pricing-of-public-offering.html

New 'Putin's bridge' links Russia with Crimea

New 'Putin's bridge' links Russia with Crimea 10:16am BST - 01:13 Russian President Vladimir Putin, driving a truck, unveiled the auto section of a new road-and-rail bridge linking Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula on Tuesday, defying Ukraine which said the move showed cynical disregard for international law. ▲ Hide Transcript ▶ View Transcript Russian President Vladimir Putin, driving a truck, unveiled the auto section of a new road-and-rail bridge linking Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula on Tuesday, defying Ukraine which said the move showed cynical disregard for international law. Press CTRL+C (Windows), CMD+C (Mac), or long-press the URL below on your mobile device to copy the code https://uk.reuters.com/video/2018/05/16/new-putins-bridge-links-russia-with-crim?videoId=427172725&videoChannel=13422

https://uk.reuters.com/video/2018/05/16/new-putins-bridge-links-russia-with-crim?videoId=427172725

Hedge fund focused on fighting tech addiction sells stake in Facebook

Getty Images Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer and founder of Facebook A hedge fund that's spoken out against iPhone addiction sold all its holdings of Facebook stock in the first quarter, while taking a new stake in Apple . Jana Partners sold 474,000 shares of Facebook, according to a required quarterly filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday. The data reflect changes made at some point in the first quarter. It is not known whether Jana sold out before Facebook dropped more than 20 percent after revealing a consumer data scandal affected 87 million accounts . As of the end of December, Jana's Facebook stake was worth $84 million. show chapters 11:16 AM ET Thu, 10 May 2018 | 02:06 The hedge fund did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment. In January, Jana Partners and the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) sent an open letter to Apple asking the tech giant to create software that would allow parents more control of what their children can access through an iPhone. "It is also no secret that social media sites and applications for which the iPhone and iPad are a primary gateway are usually designed to be as addictive and time-consuming as possible, as many of their original creators have publicly acknowledged," the letter said. Apple said in a statement at the time that since 2008, iPhone software has let parents decide which apps, movies, games and other content children can access. Jana bought 271,000 shares of Apple in the first quarter, the filing showed. The stake was worth $45.5 million as of the end of March. CalSTRS held 9.1 million shares of Apple, or 0.18 percent of shares outstanding, as of the end of the fourth quarter, according to FactSet. First-quarter data was not available as of Tuesday morning.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/15/hedge-fund-focused-on-fighting-tech-addiction-sells-stake-in-facebook.html

Meghan Markle to follow in thousand years of UK royal history at wedding

May 18, 2018 / 11:26 AM / Updated 20 hours ago Meghan Markle to follow in thousand years of UK royal history at wedding Michael Holden 4 Min Read WINDSOR, England (Reuters) - When Meghan Markle walks down the aisle at St George’s Chapel in Windsor to marry Prince Harry, she will be following in the footsteps trod by England’s royals for nearly a thousand years. The American actress and Queen Elizabeth’s grandson marry on Saturday at the chapel at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited fortress in the world. Dripping with historical connections to the royals, the chapel at the castle contains the remains of 10 British monarchs, including the queen’s father George VI along with those of her mother and sister Princess Margaret. Harry himself was baptized there in December 1984 while his father, heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, had a blessing after his marriage to second wife Camilla in 2005. “It is in a sense the chapel where the (royal) family go on very special family occasions, sometimes happy ones, sometimes sad ones,” royal historian Hugo Vickers said. “As she (Markle) walks down from the altar, she will walk over the tomb of Henry VIII and Charles I and (Henry VIII’s third wife) Jane Seymour.” The chapel was commissioned by Edward IV in 1475 and completed 53 later in the reign of Henry VIII. Throughout the building, its royal links are clear from vaults and tombs of long-dead monarchs to the 6ft 8inch long sword King Edward III was believed to have wielded in battle. It is also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest chivalric order still in existence which dates back to 1348 and the reign of Edward III whose select group of members have included the likes of Britain’s World War Two leader Winston Churchill. To this day, the banners and helmets of the knights of the order hang over the quire’s wooden stalls where each knight ever appointed has a small brass plaque. “It’s a very beautiful place, it’s one of the finest examples of perpendicular architecture you will ever see,” Vickers said. “It’s very glorious with the banners of the knights of the garter which are very colorful in the quire all around them.” FILE PHOTO: St George's Chapel and the Round Tower of Windsor Castle, the location for the forthcoming wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle, are seen at sunrise in Windsor, Britain, May 16, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo The castle itself, on a huge site occupying the equivalent of 268 tennis courts, dominates Windsor and is just a short distance from the exclusive Eton College where Prince Harry and his elder brother William went to school. It has been a royal residence since 1066 when William the Conqueror, the Norman king who invaded England and from whom all subsequent monarchs trace their lineage, built a castle. Forty monarchs since then have called it home. In latter years, it has been a residence rather than a fortress, but remains close to the hearts of royals. Elizabeth’s great grandmother Queen Victoria, who ruled for 64 years, proposed to her husband Albert at the castle and they spent their honeymoon there. The current 92-year-old queen and her husband still spend most of her weekends there. Inside its thick walls, where the couple will hold their wedding reception, are grand state rooms where portraits of past monarchs and famous British war leaders adorn the walls along with large displays of weaponry and armor. Part of the castle was badly damaged by fire on Nov. 20, 1992, the queen’s wedding anniversary. It was part of a “annus horribilis” (horrible year) for the 92-year-old monarch, which saw the breakdown of three of her four children’s marriages and growing disapproval of what detractors called a royal soap opera. But, similar to the reputation of the royals, which sank its lowest level in the aftermath of death of Harry’s mother Princess Diana in 1997, the castle has been restored to much of its former glory. FILE PHOTO: Statues are seen on the roof of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, the location for the forthcoming wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle, at sunrise in Windsor, Britain, May 16, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo The reception will take place in the castle’s huge and impressive St George’s Hall, one of the rooms that was badly damaged by the fire and which traditionally plays host to state banquets. Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Andrew Heavens

https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-britain-royals-windsor/meghan-markle-to-follow-in-thousand-years-of-uk-royal-history-at-wedding-idUKKCN1IJ1EE

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Reports First Quarter Ended March 31, 2018, Financial and Operating Results Strong Internal and External Growth, Operational Excellence, and Growing Dividends

PASADENA, Calif., April 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) announced financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. Key highlights Increased common stock dividend Common stock dividend for 1Q18 of $0.90 per common share, up 7 cents, or 8%, over 1Q17; continuation of our strategy to share growth in cash flows from operating activities with our stockholders while also retaining a significant portion for reinvestment. Improvement in credit rating outlook In February 2018, S&P Global Ratings raised its credit outlook for our corporate credit rating to BBB/Positive from BBB/Stable. The positive outlook reflects S&P's belief that "there is further ratings upside over the next couple of years stemming from the company's high quality operating portfolio and projects under development, combined with a prudent financial policy." Strong internal growth Total revenues of $320.1 million, up 18.2%, for 1Q18, compared to $270.9 million for 1Q17; Same property net operating income growth: 4.0% and 14.6% (cash basis) for 1Q18, compared to 1Q17; Continued solid leasing activity and strong rental rate growth, in light of modest contractual lease expirations at the beginning of 2018 and a highly leased value-creation pipeline: 1Q18 Total leasing activity – RSF 1,481,164 Lease renewals and re-leasing of space: Rental rate increases 16.3% Rental rate increases (cash basis) 19.0% RSF (included in total leasing activity above) 234,548 Key leases executed during 1Q18 (included in total leasing activity above): Property Submarket RSF Tenant 1655 and 1725 Third Street Mission Bay/SoMa 593,765 Uber Technologies, Inc. Summers Ridge Science Park Sorrento Mesa 192,070 Quidel Corporation 399 Binney Street Cambridge 123,403 Three life science entities 279 East Grand Avenue South San Francisco 104,013 Verily Life Sciences, LLC 681 Gateway Boulevard South San Francisco 60,963 Twist Bioscience Corp. Strong external growth; disciplined allocation of capital to visible, multiyear, highly leased value-creation pipeline Development and redevelopment projects placed into service in 1Q18: 91,155 RSF at our development project at 100 Binney Street in our Cambridge submarket, 100% leased to four high-quality biotechnology entities; and 27,315 RSF at our redevelopment project at 266 and 275 Second Avenue in our Route 128 submarket, leased to Visterra, Inc. Significant contractual near-term growth in annual cash rents of $76 million, of which $60 million will commence through 4Q18 ($35 million in 2Q18, $13 million in 3Q18, and $12 million in 4Q18). This is related to initial free rent granted on development and redevelopment projects recently placed into service (and no longer included in our value-creation pipeline) that are currently generating rental revenue. 1Q18 commencements of development and redevelopment projects aggregating 651,951 RSF, including: 593,765 RSF at 1655 and 1725 Third Street in our Mission Bay/SoMa submarket; and 58,186 RSF at 704 Quince Orchard Road in our Gaithersburg submarket. 81% leased on 2.3 million RSF of development and redevelopment projects undergoing construction (excludes RSF in service). Completed strategic acquisitions Acquisitions completed or under contract: In 1Q18, we acquired 11 properties in four transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $320.5 million with current and future value-creation development and redevelopment opportunities. Operating results On January 1, 2018, we adopted a new accounting standard which requires us, on a prospective basis, to generally present our equity investments at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. In 1Q18, we recognized $72.2 million of unrealized gains from changes in fair value of our equity investments. 1Q18 1Q17 Change Net income attributable to Alexandria's common stockholders – diluted: In millions $ 132.4 $ 25.7 N/A Per share $ 1.32 $ 0.29 N/A Funds from operations attributable to Alexandria's common stockholders – diluted, as adjusted: In millions $ 162.5 $ 130.6 24.4% Per share $ 1.62 $ 1.48 9.5% See "Items Included in Net Income Attributable to Alexandria's Common Stockholders" on the next page of this Earnings Press Release for additional information. Items included in net income attributable to Alexandria's common stockholders: (In millions, except per share amounts) Amount Per Share – Diluted 1Q18 1Q17 1Q18 1Q17 Realized gain on non-real estate investment (1) $ 8.3 $ — $ 0.08 $ — Unrealized gains on non-real estate investments (2) 72.2 — 0.70 — Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (0.7) — (0.01) Preferred stock redemption charge — (11.3) — (0.12) Total $ 80.5 $ (12.0) $ 0.78 $ (0.13) Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for calculation of earnings per share – diluted 100.1 88.2 (1) Relates to one publicly traded non-real estate investment in a life science entity. Excluding this gain, our realized investment gains were $5.1 million for 1Q18. (2) See "Investments" on page 43 of our Supplemental Information for additional information. Per share amounts above are shown net of the per share amounts allocable to unvested restricted stock awards. Core operating metrics for 1Q18 High-quality revenue and cash flows and operational excellence Percentage of annual rental revenue in effect from: Investment-grade or large cap tenants: 57% Class A properties in AAA locations: 79% Occupancy of operating properties in North America: 96.6% Operating margin: 71% Adjusted EBITDA margin: 69% Weighted-average remaining lease term: Total tenants: 8.7 years Top 20 tenants: 13.2 years See "Strong internal growth" in the key highlights section on the previous page for information on our total revenues, same property net operating income growth, leasing activity, and rental rate growth. Balance sheet management Key metrics $17.9 billion of total market capitalization as of 1Q18 $2.3 billion of liquidity as of 1Q18 1Q18 Annualized Trailing 12 Months 4Q18 Goal Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA 5.4x 6.1x Less than 5.5x Fixed-charge coverage ratio 4.6x 4.3x Greater than 4.0x Unhedged variable-rate debt as a percentage of total debt 15% N/A 5% Current and future value-creation pipeline as a percentage of gross investments in real estate in North America 9% N/A 8% to 12% Key capital events In January 2018, we entered into forward equity sales agreements to sell an aggregate 6.9 million shares of our common stock (including the exercise of underwriters' option) at a public offering price of $123.50 per share, before underwriting discounts. In March 2018, we settled 843,600 shares from our forward equity sales agreements and received proceeds of $100.2 million, net of underwriting discounts and adjustments provided in the forward equity sales agreements. We expect to receive proceeds of $713.7 million upon settlement of the remaining outstanding forward equity sales agreements, to be further adjusted as provided in the sales agreements, which will fund current and near-term value-creation projects and acquisitions in 2018. Corporate responsibility and industry leadership 50% of annual rental revenue expected from LEED ® certified projects upon completion of nine in-process projects. Two of our properties recently received LEED certifications, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability: In March 2018, 505 Brannan Street in our Mission Bay/SoMa submarket received LEED Platinum certification; and In April 2018, 100 Binney Street in our Cambridge submarket received LEED Gold certification. In January 2018, we were awarded a 2017 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, California's highest environmental honor recognizing entities that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable contributions to conserving precious natural resources while promoting economic growth. In January 2018, Alexandria Venture Investments launched the Alexandria Seed Capital Platform, an innovative seed-stage life science funding model and extension of Alexandria LaunchLabs ® , which provides seed-stage financing to transformative life science companies. Alexandria Seed Capital Platform drives the growth of seed- and early-stage companies in New York City and across the country. In February 2018, Joel S. Marcus, Executive Chairman and Founder, was appointed to the Navy SEAL Foundation board of directors. In February 2018, Menlo Gateway in our Greater Stanford submarket was awarded "Development of the Year" by NAIOP San Francisco at its "Best of the Bay" awards event. In March 2018, we announced elevations of key executive officers, effective in April 2018. Subsequent events During April 2018, we sold 782,967 shares of common stock under our at-the-market common stock offering program ("ATM program") for $122.20 per share and received net proceeds of $94.2 million. In April 2018, our real estate joint venture at Menlo Gateway in our Greater Stanford submarket closed a secured construction loan with commitments available for borrowing of $157.3 million, for the development of Phase II of the project. The loan matures on May 1, 2035, and bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.53%. Sustainability March 31, 2018 Acquisitions March 31, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Property Submarket/Market Date of Purchase Number of Properties Anticipated Use Operating Occupancy Square Footage Unlevered Yields Purchase Price Operating Development/ Redevelopment Future Development Initial Stabilized Initial Stabilized (Cash) 1Q18 Acquisitions 1655 and 1725 Third Street (10% interest in unconsolidated JV) Mission Bay/SoMa/ San Francisco 3/2/18 2 Office N/A — 593,765 — 7.8% 6.0% $ 31,950 Alexandria PARC Greater Stanford/ San Francisco 1/25/18 4 Office/lab 100% 152,383 45,115 — TBD 136,000 Summers Ridge Science Park Sorrento Mesa/ San Diego 1/5/18 4 Office/lab 100% 316,531 — 50,000 8.2% 6.3% 148,650 704 Quince Orchard Road (56.8% interest in unconsolidated JV) Gaithersburg/ Maryland 3/16/18 1 Office/lab 100% 21,745 58,186 — TBD 3,900 11 490,659 697,066 50,000 320,500 1455 and 1515 Third Street (acquisition of remaining 49% interest) (1) Mission Bay/SoMa/ San Francisco N/A N/A Office 100% N/A — — N/A N/A 18,900 339,400 2Q18 Acquisitions completed or under purchase agreements/letters of intent 100 Tech Drive Route 128/ Greater Boston 4/13/18 1 Office/lab 100% 200,431 — 300,000 8.7% 7.3% 87,250 1455 and 1515 Third Street (acquisition of remaining 49% interest) (1) Mission Bay/SoMa/ San Francisco N/A N/A Office 100% N/A — — N/A N/A 18,900 Pending Various 612,747 — 253,000 TBD 268,050 813,178 — 553,000 374,200 Total acquisitions $ 713,600 2018 Guidance range $670,000 – $770,000 We expect to provide total estimated costs at completion and related yields of development and redevelopment projects in the future. (1) The first installment of $18.9 million related to our November 2016 acquisition of 1455 and 1515 Third Street was paid in 2Q17, and the second installment of $18.9 million was paid in January 2018. We expect to pay the third and final installment during 2Q18. Guidance March 31, 2018 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) The following updated guidance is based on our current view of existing market conditions and assumptions for the year ending December 31, 2018. Updates to guidance include: a) two cent increases to the midpoints, and reduction of the ranges from 20 cents to 10 cents for EPS - diluted, FFO per share - diluted, and FFO per share - diluted, as adjusted, and b) updating the EPS and FFO per share - diluted guidance ranges to include an investment gain of $8.3 million related to one non-real estate investment in a life science entity and unrealized gains of $72.2 million related to non-real estate investments in 1Q18. There can be no assurance that actual amounts will be materially higher or lower than these expectations. See our discussion of "forward-looking statements" on page 6 of this Earnings Press Release. Earnings per Share and Funds From Operations per Share Attributable to Alexandria's Common Stockholders – Diluted Earnings per share $2.88 to $2.98 Depreciation and amortization 4.45 Allocation to unvested restricted stock awards (0.05) Funds from operations per share $7.28 to $7.38 Realized gain on non-real estate investment in 1Q18 (0.08) (1) Unrealized gains on non-real estate investments in 1Q18 (0.70) (2) Allocation to unvested restricted stock awards 0.02 Funds from operations per share, as adjusted $6.52 to $6.62 Key Assumptions Low High Occupancy percentage in North America as of December 31, 2018 96.9% 97.5% Lease renewals and re-leasing of space: Rental rate increases 13.0% 16.0% Rental rate increases (cash basis) 7.5% 10.5% Same property performance: Net operating income increase 2.5% 4.5% Net operating income increase (cash basis) 9.0% 11.0% Straight-line rent revenue $ 92 $ 102 (4) General and administrative expenses $ 85 $ 90 Capitalization of interest $ 55 $ 65 Interest expense $ 155 $ 165 Key Credit Metrics 2018 Guidance Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA – 4Q18 annualized Less than 5.5x Net debt and preferred stock to Adjusted EBITDA – 4Q18 annualized Less than 5.5x Fixed-charge coverage ratio – 4Q18 annualized Greater than 4.0x Unhedged variable-rate debt as a percentage of total debt 5% Value-creation pipeline as a percentage of gross real estate as of December 31, 2018 8% to 12% Key Sources and Uses of Capital Range Midpoint Certain Completed Items Sources of capital: Net cash provided by operating activities after dividends $ 140 $ 180 $ 160 Incremental debt 470 430 450 Real estate dispositions, partial interest sales, and common equity 1,110 1,310 1,210 $ 908 (3) Total sources of capital $ 1,720 $ 1,920 $ 1,820 Uses of capital: Construction $ 1,050 $ 1,150 $ 1,100 Acquisitions 670 770 720 (5) Total uses of capital $ 1,720 $ 1,920 $ 1,820 Incremental debt (included above): Issuance of unsecured senior notes payable $ 550 $ 650 $ 600 Repayments of secured notes payable (10) (15) (13) Repayment of unsecured senior bank term loan (200) (200) (200) $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit/other 130 (5) 63 Incremental debt $ 470 $ 430 $ 450 (1) Represents an investment gain of $8.3 million related to one non-real estate investment in a life science entity recognized in 1Q18. (2) Per share amounts of unrealized gains on non-real estate investments in 1Q18 may be different for the full year ended December 31, 2018, depending on the weighted-average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2018. Excludes future changes in fair value for equity investments pursuant to a new accounting standard effective January 1, 2018. See page 43 of our Supplemental Information for additional information. (3) We have completed transactions aggregating $908 million through April 2018. This includes completed and projected settlement of our forward equity sales agreements and completed sales under our ATM program, including 6.9 million shares of our common stock subject to forward equity sales agreements executed in January 2018. Additionally, in March 2018, we settled 843,600 shares from the forward equity sales agreements and received proceeds of $100.2 million, net of underwriting discounts and adjustments provided in the forward equity sales agreements. We expect to receive proceeds of $713.7 million upon settlement of the remaining outstanding forward equity sales agreements, to be further adjusted as provided in the sales agreements, in 2018. Also, includes 782,967 shares of common stock sold in April 2018 under our ATM program at $122.20 per share, with net proceeds of $94.2 million. (4) Approximately 50% of straight-line rent revenue represents initial free rent on recently delivered and expected 2018 deliveries of new Class A properties from our development and redevelopment pipeline. (5) See "Acquisitions" on page 4 of this Earnings Press Release. Earnings Call Information and About the Company March 31, 2018 We will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time ("ET")/noon Pacific Time ("PT"), which is open to the general public to discuss our financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. To participate in this conference call, dial (877) 270-2148 or (412) 902-6510 shortly before 3:00 p.m. ET/noon PT and ask the operator to join the Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. call. The audio webcast can be accessed at www.are.com in the "For Investors" section. A replay of the call will be available for a limited time from 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The replay number is (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088, and the confirmation code is 10117375. Additionally, a copy of this Earnings Press Release and Supplemental Information for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018, is available in the "For Investors" section of our website at www.are.com or by following this link: http://www.are.com/fs/2018q1.pdf . For any questions, please contact Joel S. Marcus, executive chairman and founder; Stephen A. Richardson, co-chief executive officer; Peter M. Moglia, co-chief executive officer and chief investment officer; Dean A. Shigenaga, co-president and chief financial officer; or Sara M. Kabakoff, senior manager – corporate communications, at (626) 578-0777. About the Company Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE), an S&P 500 ® company, is an urban office real estate investment trust ("REIT") uniquely focused on collaborative life science and technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $17.9 billion and an asset base in North America of 30.2 million SF as of March 31, 2018. The asset base in North America includes 20.8 million RSF of operating properties and 3.5 million RSF of development and redevelopment of new Class A properties currently undergoing construction and pre-construction activities with target delivery dates ranging from 2018 through 2020. Additionally, the asset base in North America includes 5.9 million SF of intermediate-term and future development projects, including 3.6 million SF of intermediate-term development projects. Founded in 1994, Alexandria pioneered this niche and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle Park. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science and technology campuses that provide its innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science and technology companies through its venture capital arm. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns, and greater long-term asset value. For additional information on Alexandria, please visit www.are.com .

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/30/pr-newswire-alexandria-real-estate-equities-inc-reports-first-quarter-ended-march-31-2018-financial-and-operating-results-strong-internal.html

North Korea says it may reconsider Trump summit

North Korea says it may reconsider Trump summit 2:36pm BST - 02:08 North Korea throws next month’s summit between Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump into doubt by threatening to pull out of the meeting if Washington continues to push it for denuclearization. North Korea throws next month’s summit between Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump into doubt by threatening to pull out of the meeting if Washington continues to push it for denuclearization. //uk.reuters.com/video/2018/05/16/north-korea-says-it-may-reconsider-trump?videoId=427410192&videoChannel=13422

https://uk.reuters.com/video/2018/05/16/north-korea-says-it-may-reconsider-trump?videoId=427410192

Nigeria's Buhari says he will travel to Britain to see doctor

May 7, 2018 / 8:11 PM / in 6 minutes Nigeria's Buhari says he will travel to Britain to see doctor Reuters Staff 1 Min Read LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday he was traveling to Britain to see his doctor. FILE PHOTO: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari addresses the 72nd United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 19, 2017. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo “I will be traveling to the United Kingdom tomorrow, to see my doctor, at his request. Will be away for four days; back in Abuja on Saturday, May 12,” he said on his official Twitter feed. Buhari, 75, spent much of 2017 in London receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. Reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Kevin Liffey

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-politics/nigerias-buhari-says-he-will-travel-to-britain-to-see-doctor-idUSKBN1I82B3

Papa John’s Announces Quarterly Dividend

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced that the Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.225 per common share, payable May 25, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 14, 2018. At this quarterly dividend rate, the annual dividend is equivalent to $0.90 per common share. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters discussed in this press release which are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Part I. Item 1A. - Risk Factors” of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise. For more information about the Company, please visit www.papajohns.com View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180502006335/en/ Papa John’s International, Inc. Joe Smith, 502-261-4593 Chief Financial Officer Source: Papa John’s International, Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/02/business-wire-papa-johnas-announces-quarterly-dividend.html

Veru to Report Fiscal 2018 Second-Quarter Financial Results, Host Conference Call on May 9th

MIAMI, May 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Veru Inc. (NASDAQ:VERU), a urology and oncology biopharmaceutical company, today announced that on May 9, 2018, the company will report financial results for its fiscal 2018 second quarter that ended March 31, 2018, before the market opens. Veru management will host a conference call that same day at 8 a.m. ET to review the company’s performance and answer questions. Event Details Interested investors may access the call by dialing 877-317-6789 from the U.S. or 412-317-6789 from outside the U.S. and asking to be joined into the Veru Inc. call. In addition, investors may access a replay of the conference call the same day beginning at approximately noon ET by dialing 877-344-7529 for US callers, or 412-317-0088 from outside the U.S., passcode 10119574. The replay will be available for one week, after which the recording will be available via the company’s website at https://verupharma.com/investors . About Veru Inc. Veru Inc. (Veru) is a urology and oncology biopharmaceutical company. The company is currently developing drug product candidates: Tamsulosin DRS, slow release granules, and Tamsulosin XR capsules for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (NDA planned 2018), Solifenacin DRG, slow release granules, for overactive bladder (urge incontinence, urgency and frequency of urination) (NDA planned 2019), Tadalafil/finasteride combination capsule for restricted urination because of an enlarged prostate (NDA planned 2019), VERU-944 (cis-clomiphene citrate) for hot flashes in men associated with prostate cancer hormone treatment (planned Phase 2 in 2018), and VERU-111 a novel oral anti-tubulin cancer therapy targeting alpha & beta tubulin for a variety of malignancies, including metastatic prostate, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers (planned Phase 1/2 in 2018). To help support these clinical development programs, the company markets and sells the PREBOOST ® medicated individual wipe, which is a male genital desensitizing drug product for the prevention of premature ejaculation which is being co-promoted with Timm Medical Technologies, Inc. and the FC2 Female Condom ® (now available by prescription in the US including through the virtual doctor smartphone app “HeyDoctor” at www.fc2.us.com ) in the United States and through The Female Health Company Division in the Global Public Health Sector. The Female Health Company Division markets to entities, including ministries of health, government health agencies, U.N. agencies, nonprofit organizations and commercial partners, that work to support and improve the lives, health and well-being of women around the world. More information about Veru and its products can be found at www.verupharma.com , www.PREBOOST.com , www.fc2.us.com and www.fc2femalecondom.com . For corporate and investor-related information about the Company, please visit https://verupharma.com/investors . Contact: Kevin Gilbert 786-322-2213 Source:Veru Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/03/globe-newswire-veru-to-report-fiscal-2018-second-quarter-financial-results-host-conference-call-on-may-9th.html

Harry is most popular UK royal, but world not bothered by wedding - poll

May 14, 2018 / 1:20 PM / Updated an hour ago Harry is most popular UK royal, but world not bothered by wedding: poll Reuters Staff 2 Min Read LONDON (Reuters) - Prince Harry, who weds his U.S. fiancee Meghan Markle on Saturday, is the most liked British royal across the world along with his grandmother Queen Elizabeth, a new poll has suggested. The Ipsos MORI survey, which was carried out in 28 countries, found the British royals were generally viewed well, with on average 35 percent holding a favorable view compared with 11 percent with an unfavorable one. However, about half were either neutral or did not know, and the indifference was reflected in the numbers interested in Harry’s wedding at Windsor Castle on Saturday. While about one in four of those questioned were fairly interested in news about the upcoming ceremony, 67 percent were not. The royals were most popular in Romania, Saudi Arabia, India and the United States and viewed most negatively in Spain and Argentina. The poll found Harry, 33, and the 92-year-old queen were the most liked of the Windsors, with the prince the favorite among Britons. They were followed by the prince’s elder brother William and his wife Kate, who was the most liked in the United States, while Harry’s father, heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, had the lowest favourability score. The survey found 29 percent felt favorably about Markle, compared with 10 percent who did not, although more than 60 percent had no opinion or did not know. “The royal family’s international reputation is bolstered by the popularity of both the queen and members of the younger generation, which gives it a solid foundation for the future, and reflects the growing profile they have around the world,” said Gideon Skinner from Ipsos MORI. The pollster said it has questioned 20,793 people aged under 65 across 28 countries for the survey. Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Alison Williams

https://in.reuters.com/article/us-britain-royals-popularity/harry-is-most-popular-uk-royal-but-world-not-bothered-by-wedding-poll-idINKCN1IF1P5

Russia's VTB bank ready to allow Rusal to postpone loan repayments - TASS

May 23, 2018 / 5:13 PM / a few seconds ago Russia's VTB bank ready to allow Rusal to postpone loan repayments: TASS Reuters Staff 1 Min Read MOSCOW (Reuters) - The CEO of Russia’s VTB Bank ( VTBR.MM ), Andrey Kostin, said on Wednesday the bank was ready to give aluminium producer Rusal more time to make repayments on its loans, TASS news agency reported. FILE PHOTO: A police officer stands guard near a sign with the logo of the Russian lender VTB at the Moscow International Business Centre also known as "Moskva-City" in Moscow, Russia November 21, 2017. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov Russian metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska, who was sanctioned by the United States in response to Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and other activities, owns a 48 percent stake in Rusal. Kostin has said VTB stopped lending to Deripaska. Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Adrian Croft

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-vtb-rusal-loans/russias-vtb-bank-ready-to-allow-rusal-to-postpone-loan-repayments-tass-idUSKCN1IO2OZ

Trump mulls cutting aid to countries over illegal immigration

May 23, 2018 / 7:05 PM / Updated 11 minutes ago Trump threatens to cut aid to countries that do not stop MS-13 gang migrants Steve Holland 3 Min Read BETHPAGE, N.Y. (Reuters) - President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday he was working on a plan to reduce U.S. aid to countries he says are doing nothing to stop MS-13 gang members from crossing into the United States illegally. speaks during a roundtable on immigration and the gang MS-13 at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage, New York, U.S., May 23, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque “We’re looking at our whole aid structure. It’s going to be changed very radically,” Trump told a roundtable discussion about the threat posed by the violent gang. MS-13, or the Mara Salvatrucha gang, was founded in Los Angeles in the 1980s in part to protect immigrants from El Salvador and has since grown into a sprawling cross-border criminal organization. Trump has made the fight against the gang a major part of his drive to stem the flow of immigrants illegally entering the United States. Last week, he called gang members “animals,” drawing scorn from Democrats. On Wednesday, he defended his description. “I called them ‘animals’ the other day and I was met with rebuke,” Trump said. “They said: ‘They are people.’ They’re not people. These are animals,” he said. Trump was joined at the event by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has drawn criticism from the president for his handling of a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign. Rosenstein said MS-13 gang members were preying on unaccompanied children who cross into the United States illegally, most of whom must be released from custody. U.S. president Trump supporters hold placards against MS-13 as New York Police stand guard at the street during a forum about Central American-based Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang organization at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage, New York, U.S., May 23, 2018. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz “Some develop gang ties,” Rosenstein said. Trump praised his homeland security secretary, Kirstjen Nielsen, whom the president has criticized privately for not doing enough in his view to stop illegal immigrants. “You’re doing a really great job,” Trump told her, adding that her job was “not easy.” Trump did not give details on his plan to cut funding for countries from which MS-13 gang members originate, but said the penalties would be large. He also did not identify any countries by name. “We’re going to work out something where every time someone comes in from a certain country, we are going to deduct a rather large sum of money,” he said. Illegal border crossings fell to record lows with about 15,700 immigrants arrested along the U.S.-Mexico border in April of last year. Slideshow (9 Images) But those numbers soon began creeping back up and in recent months have surpassed levels seen during the administration of President Barack Obama. Trump has voiced increasing frustration with the trend as border apprehensions reached more than 50,900 in April 2018. But longer-term, crossings have fallen sharply. So far in 2018, 212,000 immigrants have been arrested on the southwest border, a fraction of the more than 1 million caught during the same period in 2000. Reporting by Steve Holland; Additional reporting by Reade Levinson; Editing by Peter Cooney

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-trump/trump-mulls-cutting-aid-to-countries-over-illegal-immigration-idINKCN1IO31P

Land Securities' FY NAV dips on refinancing costs, names new chairwoman

May 15, 2018 / 6:34 AM / Updated 30 minutes ago Land Securities' FY NAV dips on refinancing costs, names new chairwoman Reuters Staff 1 Min Read May 15 (Reuters) - Land Securities, Britain’s largest listed property developer, posted a slight fall in full-year adjusted net asset value per share on Tuesday, hurt by the cost of refinancing bonds, and said it named Cressida Hogg as new chairwoman. The developer reported a 1 percent fall in adjusted diluted net asset value - a measure of a developer’s buildings - to 1,403 pence for the year to March 31. “The cost of refinancing 1.5 billion pounds ($2.03 billion)of bonds is behind both the loss for the year of 251 million pounds and the slight fall in adjusted diluted net asset value per share to 1,403p,” the company said. Separately, the company said it appointed Cressida Hogg as its non-executive chairwoman, succeeding Dame Alison Carnwath, who will retire on July 12. ($1 = 0.7383 pounds) (Reporting by Radhika Rukmangadhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)

https://www.reuters.com/article/land-secs-group-results/land-securities-fy-nav-dips-on-refinancing-costs-names-new-chairwoman-idUSL3N1SM348

Poland vows to fight illegal waste dumps after toxic fires

WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland will take decisive steps to end illegal waste dumping after a string of highly-polluting fires of waste dumps that were likely to have been started on purpose, the prime minister said on Tuesday. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki arrives for an informal dinner ahead of a summit with leaders of the six Western Balkans countries in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 16, 2018. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov/Pool More than 60 fires took place at dumps in Poland this year and officials said many were likely to have been deliberately started so as to destroy illegal waste brought into Poland from other countries. They linked the influx of waste into Poland to a decision this year by China to ban imports of many waste products. “This is something that very seriously contributes to environmental pollution. And I want to say clearly, enough is enough,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told a news conference. Public opinion was particularly shocked by a fire at an illegal waste dump near the central city of Zgierz that started last week and sent plumes of toxic smoke into the air, triggering pollution warnings. It took about 250 firemen working more than two days to put it down. “I have to concur with the opinion that the large majority of these fires is not caused by any spontaneous ignition, but by ... illegal and reprehensible acts that we will fight against,” Morawiecki. Interior minister Joachim Brudzinski told the same news conference: “The rise in these strange accidents (fires) is really accelerating and this is obviously related to China’s decision to close its market to waste imports, either municipal waste or waste for recycling from Europe. “What follows is that there has been a recorded increase in illegal imports to Poland of materials that should not be in our country.”There were 63 waste dump fires this year in Poland, including 27 large ones, environment ministry data show, compared with 37 such fires last year. Environment Minister Henryk Kowalczyk said Poland would change the law to fight illegal waste imports and dumping. Up to now, many firms have imported waste they said would be used for recycling, but no recycling has ever taken place, he said. “We cannot allow Poland to become an illegal waste dump for Europe,” said Environment Minister Henryk Kowalczyk, also present at the conference. Reporting by Marcin Goettig; Editing by Richard Balmforth

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-poland-waste/poland-vows-to-fight-illegal-waste-dumps-after-toxic-fires-idUSKCN1IU1QZ

The real reason why so many people are working 'side hustles'

The "side hustle" is often framed as a way for people to embrace a hobby beyond their 9-to-5 job or to ride their way to becoming a millionaire . In reality, most people pick up multiple jobs because they can't make ends meet. Nearly 70 percent of people who become "side hustlers" are doing so for financial reasons, according to a new report by automated investing platform Betterment. The study was based on surveys with 1,000 people aged 25 and older who work in the "gig economy," in which people make money on projects like digital apps and work on their own schedules. "This is something being forced on people. " -Kate Bronfenbrenner, director of labor education research at Cornell University "A lot of people hit on the freedom or flexibility of it, but for most of the people I speak with it's a means of income for them," said Nick Holeman, a senior financial planner at Betterment. show chapters The highest-paying side hustles on Fiverr 10:55 AM ET Tue, 1 May 2018 | 01:00 A shortage in retirement savings is what drives 1 in 3 people to work more than one job, the survey found. Nearly a quarter of people who pick up side hustles on top of their full-time job say they have less than $1,000 saved for their golden years. And as people age, those additional jobs become all the more crucial. More than 75 percent of people over age 55 in the gig economy are leaning on their side jobs to save for old age, the findings reveal. Fanatic Studio | Getty Images Even with working more than one job, 70 percent of people who work full-time in the gig economy say they're unprepared to maintain their current lifestyle in their later decades. In fact, 20 percent say they'll need to still put in some amount of work in their "retirement." Debt is another major reason people clock into multiple jobs. Over 70 percent of side hustlers are working to pay off debt, and more than 15 percent of them are more than $50,000 in arrears, excluding mortgages, Betterment found. More than 40 percent of people take on second or third jobs to pay off their credit card debt and more than a third do so to repay their education. Other people report needing to look for more than one paycheck because of their bills. Holeman said it was positive that people were "leveraging" side hustles to meet their financial goals. "Maybe picking up a side hustle in your spare time is easier than reducing your lifestyle or expenses," he said. Kate Bronfenbrenner, director of labor education research at Cornell University, was less sanguine. "This is not a choice," she said. "This is something being forced on people." More from Personal Finance: These gig jobs could boost your bottom line in retirement The gig economy is lacking in this one important respect Here's what you lose if you join the gig economy

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/17/the-real-reason-so-many-people-are-working-side-hustles.html

Bank shares lag European rebound as poor results hit HSBC, BNP

MILAN (Reuters) - European shares bounced back on Friday as a flurry of good company results rolled in, although the heavyweight banking sector was left behind following poor updates from HSBC ( HSBA.L ), BNP Paribas ( BNPP.PA ) and Societe Generale ( SOGN.PA ). While the European banking index, recently penalized by softening economic data and cooling expectations about monetary policy tightening, fell 0.7 percent to lead sectoral losers, broad-based gains across sectors lifted the pan-European STOXX 600 index up 0.3 percent in mid-morning trading. The recent fall in the euro following a rally that started in the second half of last year however has helped Europe outperform Wall Street in the last few weeks, putting the euro zone index .STOXXE on track for six straight weeks of gains. “The euro has remained under pressure this week on declining expectations about the timeline of an expected tapering of the ECB’s bond buying program. Yesterday the latest EU inflation numbers saw an unexpected decline in inflation on both the headline rate as well as on core prices,” said Michael Hewson, analyst at CMC Markets, in a note. On Friday solid updates lifted shares in German specialty chemicals firm Lanxess ( LXSG.DE ), British Airways owner IAG ( ICAG.L ) and Swiss drug ingredients maker Lonza ( LONN.S ) to the top of the STOXX, while banking stocks were broadly lower. Sports car maker Ferrari ( RACE.MI ) rose to a fresh record, up 5.6 percent, as brokers welcomed its better-than-expected quarterly update, providing more fuel to its stock price rally. Slideshow (2 Images) HSBC declined 3.2 percent after it reported an unexpected 4 percent drop in first-quarter pre-tax profit due to a surge in investments, although its new CEO sought to cheer investors with a share buyback of up to $2 billion. BNP Paribas and Societe Generale fell sharply, down 2.4 and 5.9 percent respectively, as traders and analysts expressed disappointment with a weak-looking set of first-quarter results from the French banks. Their declines kept the French blue chip CAC .FCHI down 0.2 percent. Still among financials, however, insurers Swiss Re ( SRENH.S ) Generali ( GASI.MI ) were supported by better than expected quarterly updates, while AXA ( AXAF.PA ) fell 0.3 percent after first-quarter revenues fell 2.7 percent, pressured by a stronger euro which impacted the value of its sales. Forex headwinds were also blamed by BMW ( BMWG.DE ) for its 3 percent drop in quarterly operating profit. Shares in the German luxury carmaker were down 1.6 percent. Air France ( AIRF.PA ) was the biggest loser on the STOXX, down 7.9 percent. The airline said it expected profits to fall this year due to the effect of strikes at its main French unit. Reporting by Danilo Masoni

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-stocks/bank-shares-lag-european-rebound-as-poor-results-hit-hsbc-bnp-idUSKBN1I50O2

3M Announces New Leadership Appointment

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 3M announced today that Mojdeh Poul is appointed executive vice president, Safety and Graphics Business Group, effective July 1, 2018. Poul will replace Frank Little, who has announced his intention to retire, effective July 1, 2018. “Mojdeh is a strategic, results-driven leader with a proven track record of success at 3M,” said Inge Thulin, 3M chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer. “Her experience leading one of 3M’s largest subsidiaries, combined with her deep knowledge of managing global regulated businesses, make her an ideal choice to lead our Safety and Graphics Business Group.” Poul currently is president and general manager, 3M Canada Company. She oversees 3M’s five business groups within Canada – including its largest businesses in that country, Industrial and Safety and Graphics – along with manufacturing, research and development, and sales and marketing. Poul joined 3M as director of global marketing in 2011 and subsequently held positions of increasing responsibility within the company’s Health Care Business Group. Previous to 3M, she held leadership roles at Medtronic and Boston Scientific. Poul earned her MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in engineering from the University of Louisville. Frank Little announced his intention to retire, effective July 1, 2018. “Frank has made significant contributions to 3M throughout his 16-year career, capped by four and a half years as head of the Safety and Graphics Business Group,” said Thulin. “We thank Frank for his service and wish him well in the future.” About 3M At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 91,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180509005707/en/ 3M Investor Contacts: Bruce Jermeland, 651-733-1807 or Tony Riter, 651-733-1141 or 3M Media Contact: Lori Anderson, 651-733-0831 Source: 3M

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/09/business-wire-3m-announces-new-leadership-appointment.html