LEXINGTON, KY / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2016 / The law firm of Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC announces that a shareholder class action lawsuit has been filed against Inovalon Holdings, Inc. (INOV) (“Inovalon” or the “Company”) on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s common stock issued pursuant or traceable to the Registration Statement and Prospectus (collectively, the “IPO Offering Materials”) filed in connection with Inovalon’s February 12, 2015 initial public offering of common stock (the “IPO”).

Investors who purchased Inovalon common stock pursuant or traceable to the IPO Offering Materials may, no later than August 23, 2016, petition the Court to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information please visit www.mehrfairbanks.com/inovalon/.

Inovalon investors who wish to discuss this action and their legal options are encouraged to contact Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC (Erik D. Peterson, Esq.) at (800) 249-3731 or via e-mail at contact@austinmehr.com.

Inovalon is a technology company that provides cloud-based data analytics and data-driven intervention platforms to the healthcare industry in the United States.

On February 12, 2015, Inovalon completed its IPO of common stock. The IPO was a financial success for the Company as it sold over 25 million shares of common stock to investors at $27.00 per share for gross proceeds of over $684 million.

The complaint alleges that the IPO Offering Materials were negligibly prepared, contained untrue statements of material facts, and omitted to state other necessary facts. Among other things, the complaint alleges that the IPO Offering Materials failed to disclose the substantial revenues the Company derived from sales in New York City and the State of New York. This was material information because the IPO Offering Materials also failed to disclose that the State of New York had implemented (prior to the IPO), and New York City was about to implement, substantial corporate tax reforms that would significantly impact Inovalon’s tax rate and financial results.

Subsequently, Inovalon reported quarterly financial results that included higher than expected corporate tax rates, which in turn adversely impacted the Company’s financial results. For example, on August 5, 2015, Inovalon reported its second quarter 2015 financial results and disclosed that, “New York City enacted corporate tax reform legislation retroactive to January 1, 2015 which increased the Company’s effective tax rate by 1.7% and 1.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. This legislation negatively impacted Non-GAAP diluted net income per share during the quarter by $0.01. “The Company also reduced its fiscal 2015 Non-GAAP net income and Non-GAAP diluted net income per share guidance on August 5, 2015, “to reflect the effect of intra-quarter changes in New York City tax and other statutory tax regulation changes,” and disclosed that “inherent in the revised guidance provided for Non-GAAP net income and Non-GAAP diluted net income per share is an increase in the effective tax rate from 41% to 43%.”

Following this news, shares of the Company’s stock declined $5.87 per share, or over 23%, to close on August 6, 2015 at $19.53 per share.

Inovalon shareholders may, no later than August 23, 2016, petition the Court to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson, or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member’s claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class in the action. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

For more information about Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC, or for additional information about participating in this action, please visit www.mehrfairbanks.com. This is an advertisement.

CONTACT:

Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC
Erik D. Peterson, Esq.
201 W. Short Street, STE 800
Lexington, KY 40502
1-800-249-3731 (toll free)
contact@austinmehr.com

SOURCE: Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC

ReleaseID: 442723

LEXINGTON, KY / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2016 / The law firm of Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC announces that a shareholder class action lawsuit has been filed against Halyard Health, Inc. (NYSE: HYH) (“Halyard” or the “Company”) and Kimberly-Clark Corporation (“Kimberly-Clark”) (NYSE: KMB) on behalf of investors who (i) purchased or otherwise acquired Kimberly-Clark securities on or after February 25, 2013 and received Halyard securities in connection with Kimberly-Clark’s spin-off of Halyard in October 2014 and/or (ii) purchased or otherwise acquired Halyard securities between October 21, 2014 and April 29, 2016, inclusive (the “Class Period”).

Shareholders who purchased or acquired Halyard securities during the Class Period may, no later than August 29, 2016, petition the Court to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information please visit www.mehrfairbanks.com/halyardhealth/.

Investors who wish to discuss this action and their legal options are encouraged to contact Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC (Erik D. Peterson, Esq.) at (800) 249-3731 or via e-mail at contact@austinmehr.com.

Halyard provides health and healthcare supplies and solutions worldwide. Prior to October 2014, Halyard was the Health Care operating segment of Kimberly-Clark, a manufacturer of personal care, consumer tissue, and professional products. In October 2014, Halyard was spun out of Kimberly-Clark, with Kimberly-Clark shareholders receiving one share of Halyard stock for every eight shares of Kimberly-Clark stock they owned as of October 23, 2014.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period the defendants made materially false and misleading statements about Halyard’s business, operations and compliance policies. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Halyard’s MICROCOOL surgical gowns consistently failed effectiveness tests and failed to meet industry standards; (ii) Kimberly-Clark and Halyard knowingly provided defective MICROCOOL surgical gowns to U.S. workers during the Ebola crisis; and (iii) as a result of the foregoing, the defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

According to the complaint, on May 1, 2016, 60 Minutes reported that Kimberly-Clark and Halyard knowingly provided defective surgical gowns to U.S. workers at the height of the Ebola crisis. As reported, a Halyard insider claimed that although Halyard’s MICROCOOL surgical gowns were prone to leaks and did not consistently meet the industry safety standards for the treatment of Ebola, Kimberly-Clark and Halyard nonetheless “aggressively” marketed the MICROCOOL gowns to hospitals during the Ebola epidemic.

Following this news, shares of Halyard’s stock declined $1.21 per share, or 4.3%, to close on May 2, 2016 at $26.95 per share, on heavy trading volume.

Halyard shareholders may, no later than August 29, 2016, petition the Court to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC, or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member’s claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class in the action. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

For more information about Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC, or for additional information about participating in this action, please visit www.mehrfairbanks.com. This is an advertisement.

CONTACT:

Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC
Erik D. Peterson, Esq.
201 W. Short Street, STE 800
Lexington, KY 40502
1-800-249-3731 (toll free)
contact@austinmehr.com

SOURCE: Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterson Trial Lawyers, PLLC

ReleaseID: 442721

RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2016 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP reminds TransEnterix, Inc. (NYSE MKT: TRXC) (“TransEnterix” or the “Company”) shareholders that a class action lawsuit has been filed against TransEnterix on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s securities between February
10, 2016 and May 10, 2016, inclusive (the “Class Period”).

REMINDER: TransEnterix
shareholders who purchased their securities during the Class Period may, no
later than August 1, 2016, petition the
Court to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information please visit https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/transenterix-inc#join.

Shareholders who wish to discuss this action and their legal options are encouraged to contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (Darren J. Check, Esq., D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. or Adrienne O. Bell, Esq.) at (888) 299-7706 or at info@ktmc.com.

TransEnterix is a medical device company that seeks to use flexible instruments and robotics to improve the outcomes of minimally invasive surgery. On June 1, 2015, TransEnterix reported that it submitted a 510(k) application to the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for clearance of the Company’s SurgiBot System (the “SurgiBot”), a single-port, robotically enhanced laparoscopic surgical platform. As detailed in the complaint, during the Class Period the defendants made numerous positive statements about the SurgiBot and its expected FDA clearance.

The complaint alleges that the defendants issued materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material adverse information to investors. Among other things, the complaint alleges that the defendants failed to disclose deficiencies within the SurgiBot 510(k) submission that undermined the likelihood that the SurgiBot would receive FDA clearance, which would thus leave the Company unable to commercialize the SurgiBot in 2016 and would impair the Company’s ability to obtain approval for and commercialize its other robotic surgery platform in the United States.

As further detailed in the complaint, on April 20, 2016, TransEnterix disclosed that the FDA notified the Company that it had, “determined that the SurgiBot System does not meet the criteria for substantial equivalence based upon the data and information submitted by TransEnterix in its 510(k) submission.” Following this news, shares of the Company’s stock declined $2.47 per share, or over 52%, to close on April 21, 2016 at $2.27 per share, on unusually heavy trading volume.

Subsequently, on May 10, 2016, TransEnterix reported that it, “currently believes that a new 510(k) submission would be required to obtain clearance,” for the SurgiBot, and that it had “decided to reprioritize its near-term regulatory efforts and focus,” on a separate 510(k) submission for an alternative robotic surgical device. Following this additional news, shares of the Company’s stock declined an additional 10%, to close on May 11, 2016 at $1.84 per share, again on heavy trading volume.

Members of the class may, no later than August 1, 2016, petition the Court to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member’s claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class in the action. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, or for additional information about participating in this action, please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
Darren J. Check, Esq.
D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq.
Adrienne O. Bell, Esq.
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
(888) 299-7706
(610) 667-7706
info@ktmc.com

SOURCE: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

ReleaseID: 442716

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2016 / Active Wall St. blog coverage looks at the headline from MasterCard Inc. (NYSE: MA). In an endeavour to expand its presence in the growing business-to-business and person-to-person payments markets, MasterCard has struck a deal on July 21, 2016, to acquire 92.4% of VocaLink Holdings Ltd. for $920 million. Register with us now for your free membership and blog access at: http://www.activewallst.com/register/.

Today, AWS is promoting its blog coverage on MA; touching on stocks like Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) and Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS). Get all of our free blog coverage and more by clicking on the link below:

http://www.activewallst.com/registration-3/?symbol=MA

http://www.activewallst.com/registration-3/?symbol=V

VocaLink processes non-card electronic payments in the Britain and generates more than 90 % of its revenue, while MasterCard’s business across the globe processes payments between the banks of merchants and the card issuing banks or credit unions of the purchasers. VocaLink also handles communications between almost all of U.K.’s 67,000 automated teller machines. VocaLink is also developing a faster system for the bank-owned automated clearing house payments network in U.S.

The deal

Both firms held talks about the deal since November 2015, and the deal is likely to be completed in early 2017. VocaLink alone processes over 90% of salaries in the U.K., and majority household bills. The deal will allow MasterCard to expand its presence in the U.K. after competitor Visa Inc. boosted its presence there with the acquisition of Visa Europe for $23.4 billion in November 2015.

VocaLink’s stakeholders include 13 banks, building societies, etc., and will retain the remaining7.6% ownership and are subject to gain 169 million pounds more if certain targets are met. One of VocaLink’s largest stakeholders, Barclays, said in statement that it sold a majority of its shares to MasterCard for 104 million pounds and were left with only 1.5 % share.

Attractive investor destination

In a statement, the company said that Paul Stoddart will become CEO, while David Yates, the previous CEO, will continue to be the chairman and join MasterCard’s management committee. The deal which is the biggest for MasterCard since the company went public in 2006, is subject to regulatory approval from the European Commission and the U.K. Mr. Yates said during a call with analysts that the Brexit had “absolutely no impact” on the negotiations, and the Brexit also should not affect VocaLink’s core business in the region, he further added.

“MasterCard’s purchase shows that the U.K. remains an attractive destination for international investors,” Philip Hammond, the country’s chancellor of the exchequer, said in a statement.

Share Performance

On July 21, 2016, MasterCard’s shares declined marginally at 0.90% to close at $92.46 with a total of 4.34 million shares changing hands. The stock price has gained 7.81% in the previous six months.

Active Wall Street:

Active Wall Street (AWS) produces regular sponsored and non-sponsored reports, articles, stock market blogs, and popular investment newsletters covering equities listed on NYSE and NASDAQ and micro-cap stocks. AWS has two distinct and independent departments. One department produces non-sponsored analyst certified content generally in the form of press releases, articles and reports covering equities listed on NYSE and NASDAQ and the other produces sponsored content (in most cases not reviewed by a registered analyst), which typically consists of compensated investment newsletters, articles and reports covering listed stocks and micro-caps. Such sponsored content is outside the scope of procedures detailed below.

AWS has not been compensated; directly or indirectly; for producing or publishing this document.

PRESS RELEASE PROCEDURES:

The non-sponsored content contained herein has been prepared by a writer (the “Author”) and is fact checked and reviewed by a third party research service company (the “Reviewer”) represented by a credentialed financial analyst [for further information on analyst credentials, please email info@activewallst.com. Rohit Tuli, a CFA® charterholder (the “Sponsor”), provides necessary guidance in preparing the document templates. The Reviewer has reviewed and revised the content, as necessary, based on publicly available information which is believed to be reliable. Content is researched, written and reviewed on a reasonable-effort basis. The Reviewer has not performed any independent investigations or forensic audits to validate the information herein. The Reviewer has only independently reviewed the information provided by the Author according to the procedures outlined by AWS. AWS is not entitled to veto or interfere in the application of such procedures by the third-party research service company to the articles, documents or reports, as the case may be. Unless otherwise noted, any content outside of this document has no association with the Author or the Reviewer in any way.

NO WARRANTY

AWS, the Author, and the Reviewer are not responsible for any error which may be occasioned at the time of printing of this document or any error, mistake or shortcoming. No liability is accepted whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document. AWS, the Author, and the Reviewer expressly disclaim any fiduciary responsibility or liability for any consequences, financial or otherwise arising from any reliance placed on the information in this document. Additionally, AWS, the Author, and the Reviewer do not (1) guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or correct sequencing of the information, or (2) warrant any results from use of the information. The included information is subject to change without notice.

NOT AN OFFERING

This document is not intended as an offering, recommendation, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned or discussed, and is to be used for informational purposes only. Please read all associated disclosures and disclaimers in full before investing. Neither AWS nor any party affiliated with us is a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer with any agency or in any jurisdiction whatsoever. To download our report(s), read our disclosures, or for more information, visit http://www.activewallst.com/disclaimer/.

CONTACT

For any questions, inquiries, or comments reach out to us directly. If you’re a company we are covering and wish to no longer feature on our coverage list contact us via email and/or phone between 09:30 EDT to 16:00 EDT from Monday to Friday at:

Email: info@activewallst.com
Phone number: 1-858-257-3144
Office Address: 3rd floor, 207 Regent Street, London, W1B 3HH, United Kingdom

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

SOURCE: Active Wall Street

ReleaseID: 442711

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2016 / Active Wall St. announces its post-earnings coverage on Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB). The company announced its Q2 FY16 financial results before the opening bell on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The biotech giant disclosed better-than-expected growth in its profits and revenues as sales were up on growth in its core multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs. The company also announced that Chief Executive George Scangos is stepping down. Additionally, the biopharmaceutical company upgraded its guidance for FY16 and unveiled a $5 billion share buyback program. Register with us now for your free membership at: http://www.activewallst.com/register/.

Today, AWS is promoting its earnings coverage on BIIB. Get our free coverage by signing up to http://www.activewallst.com/registration-3/?symbol=BIIB.

Earnings Reviewed

For the period ending on June 30, 2016, Biogen posted GAAP net income of $1.05 billion, or $4.79 per share. On Non- GAAP basis, the company reported net income of $1.14 billion, or $5.21 per share. For Q2 FY16, Biogen’s Non- GAAP net income advanced 15%, while Non- GAAP EPS grew 23% on y-o-y basis. Non-GAAP EPS came in much ahead of the analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.71.

Biogen reported revenues worth $2.89 billion for Q2 FY16 a 12 rise % on y-o-y basis in comparison to revenues of $2.59 billion reported in Q2 FY15, surpassing analyst’ estimates of $2.79 billion.

The strong revenue growth was primarily attributed to the core franchise comprising MS drugs. Revenue from Tecifedra in MS unit, Biogen’s top selling drug, grew 12% on y-o-y basis to $987 million, while Total Interferon sales climbed 6% on y-o-y basis to $728 million in the latest quarter. Additionally, the company also posted strong growth in its Hemophilia division with sales of ELOCTATE® surging 68% to $125 million in Q2 FY16.

The company also stated that it has made important progress with the U.S. and E.U. approvals of ZINBRYTATM and the E.U. approval of FLIXABI®. The company has continued to enrol two Phase 3 clinical trials for aducanumab in early Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, its collaboration partner Ionis Pharmaceuticals has completed enrolment in two Phase 3 studies of nusinersen in infants and children with spinal muscular atrophy.

CEO Departs

In another major announcement, the biotech giant revealed that Mr. George Scangos is leaving the helm of the company in the coming months. Biogen will start the search for his successor immediately, and until then he will remain a part of the company. Mr. Scangos became Biogen CEO in 2010, when the company was called Biogen Idec, and presided over the introduction of Tecfidera.

“The board and I recognize that this is an excellent time for a transition,” Scangos said on a call with analysts on Thursday, July 21, 2016.

Guidance and Share Repurchase

Biogen also revised its FY16 outlook as the biopharma company now expects to generate annual revenue in the $11.2 billion to $11.4 billion range compared to the prior guidance of $11.10 to $11.30. The company expects Non-GAAP EPS to come in the range of $19.70 and $20.00, significantly above the prior one of $18.30 and $18.60. Analysts were expecting Non-GAAP EPS of $18.96 on revenues of $11.28 billion.

Furthermore, Biogen’s Board approved a new share buyback program worth up to $5 billion, which is to be executed in the coming three years.

Stock Performance

Biogen’s shares surged 7.64% to close Thursday’s trading session at $282.45, with a total of 5.54 million shares changing hands. The company’s stock has surged 21.22% in the past one month.

Active Wall Street:

Active Wall Street (AWS) produces regular sponsored and non-sponsored reports, articles, stock market blogs, and popular investment newsletters covering equities listed on NYSE and NASDAQ and micro-cap stocks. AWS has two distinct and independent departments. One department produces non-sponsored analyst certified content generally in the form of press releases, articles and reports covering equities listed on NYSE and NASDAQ and the other produces sponsored content (in most cases not reviewed by a registered analyst), which typically consists of compensated investment newsletters, articles and reports covering listed stocks and micro-caps. Such sponsored content is outside the scope of procedures detailed below.

AWS has not been compensated; directly or indirectly; for producing or publishing this document.

PRESS RELEASE PROCEDURES:

The non-sponsored content contained herein has been prepared by a writer (the “Author”) and is fact checked and reviewed by a third party research service company (the “Reviewer”) represented by a credentialed financial analyst [for further information on analyst credentials, please email info@activewallst.com. Rohit Tuli, a CFA® charterholder (the “Sponsor”), provides necessary guidance in preparing the document templates. The Reviewer has reviewed and revised the content, as necessary, based on publicly available information which is believed to be reliable. Content is researched, written and reviewed on a reasonable-effort basis. The Reviewer has not performed any independent investigations or forensic audits to validate the information herein. The Reviewer has only independently reviewed the information provided by the Author according to the procedures outlined by AWS. AWS is not entitled to veto or interfere in the application of such procedures by the third-party research service company to the articles, documents or reports, as the case may be. Unless otherwise noted, any content outside of this document has no association with the Author or the Reviewer in any way.

NO WARRANTY

AWS, the Author, and the Reviewer are not responsible for any error which may be occasioned at the time of printing of this document or any error, mistake or shortcoming. No liability is accepted whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document. AWS, the Author, and the Reviewer expressly disclaim any fiduciary responsibility or liability for any consequences, financial or otherwise arising from any reliance placed on the information in this document. Additionally, AWS, the Author, and the Reviewer do not (1) guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or correct sequencing of the information, or (2) warrant any results from use of the information. The included information is subject to change without notice.

NOT AN OFFERING

This document is not intended as an offering, recommendation, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned or discussed, and is to be used for informational purposes only. Please read all associated disclosures and disclaimers in full before investing. Neither AWS nor any party affiliated with us is a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer with any agency or in any jurisdiction whatsoever. To download our report(s), read our disclosures, or for more information, visit http://www.activewallst.com/disclaimer/.

CONTACT

For any questions, inquiries, or comments reach out to us directly. If you’re a company we are covering and wish to no longer feature on our coverage list contact us via email and/or phone between 09:30 EDT to 16:00 EDT from Monday to Friday at:

Email: info@activewallst.com
Phone number: 1-858-257-3144
Office Address: 3rd floor, 207 Regent Street, London, W1B 3HH, United Kingdom

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

SOURCE: Active Wall Street

ReleaseID: 442713

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2016 / Active Wall St. announces the list of stocks for today’s coverage. Pre-market the Active Wall St. team provides the technical notes impacting selected stocks trading on the Toronto Exchange and belonging under the Independent Oil & Gas industry. Companies recently under review include Baytex Energy, Encana, Crescent Point Energy, and Penn West Petroleum. Get all of our research notes free by signing up at: http://www.activewallst.com/register/.

On Thursday, July 21, 2016, the TSX Composite Index advanced 0.22%, to finish at 14,565.83. The Energy Index closed the day at 193.16, down 0.24%.

Active Wall St. has initiated coverage on the following equities: Baytex Energy Corporation (TSX: BTE), Encana Corporation (TSX: ECA), Crescent Point Energy Corporation (TSX: CPG), and Penn West Petroleum Ltd (TSX: PWT). Register with us now for your free membership and more at: http://www.activewallst.com/register/.

Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX: BTE)

On Thursday, shares in Calgary, Canada headquartered Baytex Energy Corp. ended the session 1.26% lower at $7.04 with a total volume of 3.87 million shares traded. Shares of Baytex Energy, which engages in the acquisition, development, exploitation, and production of oil and natural gas in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and the U.S., have gained 6.67% in the previous three months. The stock is trading above its 200-day moving average. The company’s 50-day moving average of $7.33 is greater than its 200-day moving average of $5.22. See our notes on BTE.TO at: http://www.activewallst.com/registration-3/?symbol=BTE.

Encana Corporation (TSX: ECA)

On Thursday, shares in Calgary, Canada headquartered Encana Corp. recorded a trading volume of 10.88 million shares, which was higher than their three months average volume of 5.96 million shares. The stock ended the day 3.64% higher at $10.81. Shares of Encana, which together with its subsidiaries, engage in the development, exploration, production, and marketing of natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids in Canada and the U.S., have advanced 3.54% in the last one month and 14.27% in the previous three months. The Company is trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages. The company stock’s 50-day moving average of $10.34 is above its 200-day moving average of $8.09. The complimentary notes on ECA.TO at: http://www.activewallst.com/registration-3/?symbol=ECA.

Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSX: CPG)

Calgary, Canada headquartered Crescent Point Energy Corp.’s stock finished Thursday’s session 0.40% lower at $20.07 with a total volume of 2.83 million shares traded. Over the last one month, shares of Crescent Point Energy, which acquires, explores, develops, and produces oil and natural gas properties in Western Canada and the U.S., have lost 1.13%. The Company’s shares are trading above its 200-day moving average. Crescent Point Energy’s 50-day moving average of $20.71 is above its 200-day moving average of $18.41. Register for free and access the latest notes on CPG.TO at: http://www.activewallst.com/registration-3/?symbol=CPG.

Penn West Petroleum Ltd (TSX: PWT)

Calgary, Canada headquartered Penn West Petroleum Ltd’s stock declined 2.16%, to close the day at $1.81. The stock recorded a trading volume of 247,432 shares. Shares of Penn West Petroleum, which explores for, develops, and produces oil and natural gas properties in western Canada, have gained 30.22% in the previous three months and 8.38% in the past one year. The company’s shares are trading above their 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Moreover, the stock’s 50-day moving average of $1.63 is greater than its 200-day moving average of $1.27. Get free access to your notes on PWT.TO at: http://www.activewallst.com/registration-3/?symbol=PWT.

Active Wall Street:

Active Wall Street (AWS) produces regular sponsored and non-sponsored reports, articles, stock market blogs, and popular investment newsletters covering equities listed on NYSE and NASDAQ and micro-cap stocks. AWS has two distinct and independent departments. One department produces non-sponsored analyst certified content generally in the form of press releases, articles and reports covering equities listed on NYSE and NASDAQ and the other produces sponsored content (in most cases not reviewed by a registered analyst), which typically consists of compensated investment newsletters, articles and reports covering listed stocks and micro-caps. Such sponsored content is outside the scope of procedures detailed below.

AWS has not been compensated; directly or indirectly; for producing or publishing this document.

PRESS RELEASE PROCEDURES:

The non-sponsored content contained herein has been prepared by a writer (the “Author”) and is fact checked and reviewed by a third party research service company (the “Reviewer”) represented by a credentialed financial analyst [for further information on analyst credentials, please email info@activewallst.com. Rohit Tuli, a CFA® charterholder (the “Sponsor”), provides necessary guidance in preparing the document templates. The Reviewer has reviewed and revised the content, as necessary, based on publicly available information which is believed to be reliable. Content is researched, written and reviewed on a reasonable-effort basis. The Reviewer has not performed any independent investigations or forensic audits to validate the information herein. The Reviewer has only independently reviewed the information provided by the Author according to the procedures outlined by AWS. AWS is not entitled to veto or interfere in the application of such procedures by the third-party research service company to the articles, documents or reports, as the case may be. Unless otherwise noted, any content outside of this document has no association with the Author or the Reviewer in any way.

NO WARRANTY

AWS, the Author, and the Reviewer are not responsible for any error which may be occasioned at the time of printing of this document or any error, mistake or shortcoming. No liability is accepted whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document. AWS, the Author, and the Reviewer expressly disclaim any fiduciary responsibility or liability for any consequences, financial or otherwise arising from any reliance placed on the information in this document. Additionally, AWS, the Author, and the Reviewer do not (1) guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or correct sequencing of the information, or (2) warrant any results from use of the information. The included information is subject to change without notice.

NOT AN OFFERING

This document is not intended as an offering, recommendation, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned or discussed, and is to be used for informational purposes only. Please read all associated disclosures and disclaimers in full before investing. Neither AWS nor any party affiliated with us is a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer with any agency or in any jurisdiction whatsoever. To download our report(s), read our disclosures, or for more information, visit http://www.activewallst.com/disclaimer/.

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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2016 / Active Wall St. blog coverage looks at the headline as the Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced filing anti-trust suits in the U.S. District Court in Washington on July 21, 2016, stalling the proposed mergers between healthcare insurance companies Cigna Corp. (NYSE: CI) and Anthem Inc. (NYSE: ANTM) and that of Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET) and Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM). Register with us now for your free membership and blog access at: http://www.activewallst.com/register/.

The two proposed tie-ups, that is Aetna–Humana announced on July 03, 2015 and Cigna–Anthem announced on July 24, 2015, would have led to major consolidation in the healthcare insurance sector. The combined value of these mergers is pegged to be around $85 billion.

Today, AWS is promoting its blog coverage on CI, ANTM, AET, and HUM. Get all of our free blog coverage and more by clicking on the link below:

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The Attorney General, Loretta Lynch addressing a press conference in Washington said:

“These mergers would fundamentally reshape the health insurance industry. They would leave much of the multi-trillion-dollar health insurance industry in the hands of three mammoth insurance companies, drastically constricting competition in a number of key markets that tens of millions of Americans rely on to receive health care.”

Merging of these four entities would have impacted around 132 million Americans. The DOJ has said that the major drawback of the mergers was that it would affect competition, lead to increased healthcare costs, and compromise the quality of healthcare given to consumers.

District of Columbia and nine other states have joined the DOJ’s suit against the proposed takeover of Cigna by Anthem, whereas District of Columbia and eight states joined against the proposed Aetna’s takeover of Humana.

The Obama Administrations push towards affordable healthcare vide the Affordable Care Act also influences the changes in the overall healthcare insurance industry as it affects profits. Consolidations and mergers seem to be a way out of this situation for these companies.

Lawmakers and Medical Groups have lauded DOJ’s action and praised its efforts.

How does this decision affect consumers?

The Healthcare Insurance industry is dominated by five big players and out of these if four players, Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, and Humana, would have merged in two separate companies, thus shrinking the pool of players to three. This would have hugely limited the number of options available as well as raising the cost of insurance for the general public.

Increasing healthcare costs due to factors like prices of prescription drugs, cost of care etc. has impacted the consumers adversely. Healthcare insurance companies in order to protect their bottom lines pass on these costs to consumers by increasing costs of insurance premiums. Healthcare insurance companies claim that the consolidation works in favour of consumers as it can improve technology used, negotiate better rates with pharmaceutical companies and hospitals thereby reducing healthcare costs. However, the percentage of these savings being passed on to the consumers is not transparent.

Response to the DOJ’s decision by the companies

All the four companies seem to be committed to oppose the said lawsuit.

In a joint statement, Aetna and Humana said they would “vigorously defend” their proposed merger, and that “the facts do not support the basis for DOJ action”.

In a statement Anthem stated, “Anthem is fully committed to challenging the DOJ’s decision in court but will remain receptive to any efforts to reach a settlement with the DOJ that will allow us to complete the transaction and deliver its benefits at a critical time when American consumers are seeking high quality healthcare services with greater value at less cost.”

However, statement by Cigna suggests that it may not move forward with the deal, which said that it was “evaluating its options consistent with its obligations under the agreement.”

Following the DOJ’s filing of lawsuits, Humana, on the same day, announced that it would exit from eight of the nineteen markets where it has sold Obamacare products.

Markets react positively

The stock prices of all the four companies increased after the news. Anthem’s shares gained 2.61% to close at $139.00.

Shares of Aetna traded higher by 1.55% at $118.30.

Humana’s shares surged 8.28% to finish the day at $171.53.

Cigna’s shares advanced 5.42% to end the trading session at $ 140.32.

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SOURCE: Active Wall Street

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