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One of the most recent companies to make the transition from privately owned to publicly traded is Enact Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/act#NASDAQ">ACT</a>), a Raleigh, North Carolina-headquartered provider of private mortgage insurance. Enact was founded in 1981 and was a wholly owned subsidiary of Genworth Financial Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gnw#NYSE">GNW</a>).
Enact&rsquo;s shares opened for trading on Sept. 16 at $20, compared to the $19 per share of the initial public offering that saw 15.3 million shares sold, and made its stock market debut with a $3.26 billion valuation.
In this Benzinga interview, Enact&rsquo;s President and CEO Rohit Gupta offers his view on this new chapter in his company&rsquo;s journey.
Q: Why did you decide to take the company public?
Gupta: This is good for Genworth and good for Enact &ndash; we were able to create separation between the two companies. We have done very well under our 100% ownership by Genworth in the past and we have delivered very strong results coming out of the global financial crisis &ndash; and even during the pandemic, our results have been very strong.
But there were some pressures on our business due to our ownership by Genworth and its leverage, which has been high for the past several years. As a result, our credit ratings &ndash; which are very important for us as a financial services company &ndash; have been pressured compared to our competitors.
Also, we operate in a cyclical business in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mortgage-lenders-no-tax-returns/">mortgage</a> insurance &ndash; so when times are good, we have very good results and generate a lot of capital for our shareholders. But during tough times we need access to capital, either from debt or equity markets. By doing the IPO, it opens an extra access to capital for our business by actually having direct access to equity markets.
Q: In April, Genworth terminated a proposed acquisition by China Oceanwide Holdings Group Co. that was first proposed in 2016. Did that play any role in your decision to go public?
Gupta: A portion of our customers had concerns with our business being bought by a private Chinese company. The Oceanwide transaction was terminated back in April of 2021 and that started becoming more of a tailwind in terms of the customers who did not feel comfortable doing business with us started opening the doors.
And now with an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/ipos">IPO</a> by using an independent board &ndash; eight out of our 11 board members are independent directors &ndash; and having a new brand, as well as having confidence that all three credit rating agencies are going to upgrade our ratings, that created the right structure for our company and gave us an ability to unlock our true potential as a company.
Q: Speaking of the ratings agencies, how did they react to your going public?
Gupta: Since we conducted the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/ipos">IPO</a>, we have already received upgrades from Moody&#39;s and Fitch and we expect S&amp;P to take action within the next few days. Fitch upgraded our ratings by two notches, so we are now BBB+ and on Moody&#39;s we are now Baa2. We have seen a very positive response from our customers.
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G0r4-N_gfxk" width="560"></iframe>
Q: Enact is one of the latest companies within the mortgage space to be going public. In your opinion, why are so many companies within the mortgage space deciding to travel this route?
Gupta: There are different reasons for different companies within the mortgage ecosystem, which is pretty broad and wide in terms of participants, their business models and the value proposition to shareholders.
A lot of mortgage originators have gone public in the last year or so because valuations were really good and it also gives those mortgage banking companies direct access to equity capital. You saw a lot of companies trying to go public in the third and fourth quarter of 2020 and early this year. And you have seen some fintech companies in mortgage finance go public because fintech companies get a validation on their valuation and are able to raise fresh capital for growth.
Our business is different. There are only six mortgage insurance companies in the U.S. and the other five are our peers who already went public &ndash; we were the only company that wasn&#39;t public.
Q: What&#39;s on the company&#39;s agenda for the remainder of this year and going into 2022?
Gupta: We have a very broad and diverse customer base. In 2020, we ended the year with 1,800 active lender partners, which includes 19 out of the top 20 originators in the country. For all of the customers who gave us business in the year 2020, 92% of them have given us business every year for the previous five years.
When we think about moving forward, we are going to leverage that customer base and break into new accounts using our ratings. We think that the housing market is on a very strong footing &ndash; and while home prices have been going up higher than normal times, we think that it is driven by fundamental demand and not speculation. So, we intend to leverage this momentum in the housing market.
Lastly, I don&#39;t want to forget that we are still recovering from the pandemic&rsquo;s increase in delinquencies. We are focused on bringing those delinquencies to the right conclusion by helping consumers stay in their homes through this difficult time, and then transitioning into 2022 with more confidence on the pandemic recovery side.
Photo: Courtesy of Rohit Gupta.

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EXCLUSIVE: Enact Holdings' CEO Rohit Gupta On The Mortgage Insurer's Decision To Go Public

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) have developed inside bar patterns on the daily chart. An inside bar pattern indicates a period of consolidation and is usually followed by a continuation move in the direction of the current trend.
An inside bar pattern has more validity on larger time frames (four-hour chart or larger). The pattern has a minimum of two candlesticks and consists of a mother bar (the first candlestick in the pattern) followed by one or more subsequent candles. The subsequent candle(s) must be completely inside the range of the mother bar and each is called an &quot;inside bar.&quot;
A double, or triple inside bar can be more powerful than a single inside bar. After the break of an inside bar pattern, traders want to watch for high volume as confirmation the pattern was recognized.
<ul>
<li>Bullish traders will want to search for inside bar patterns on stocks that are in an uptrend. Some traders may take a position during the inside bar prior to the break while other aggressive traders will take a position after the break of the pattern.</li>
<li>For bearish traders, finding an inside bar pattern on a stock that&#39;s in a downtrend will be key. Like bullish traders, bears have two options of where to take a position to play the break of the pattern. For bearish traders, the pattern is invalidated if the stock rises above the highest range of the mother candle.</li>
</ul>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23101058/dogecoin-bitcoin-ethereum-see-buying-opportunity-after-another-china-crackdown">Dogecoin, Bitcoin, Ethereum See Buying Opportunity After Another China Crackdown</a>
The Bitcoin Chart: Bitcoin was printing an inside bar on the daily chart just above a support level at $42,223. The crypto is trading in a short uptrend within a larger downtrend. Bitcoin will have to make a higher high above the $55,200 level for confirmation the downtrend is over.
<img alt="btc_sept._25.png" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/u278075/btc_sept._25.png" style="height:768px; width:1366px" />The Dogecoin Chart: Dogecoin is trading in a steep downtrend but holding above a key support level of $0.197. The crypto&#39;s inside bar on Saturday demonstrates consolidation. If Dogecoin loses support at its key level it could fall toward the 16-cent mark.
<img alt="doge_sept._25.png" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/u278075/doge_sept._25.png" style="height:768px; width:1366px" />The Ethereum Chart: Like Bitcoin, Ethereum may be working to reverse course into an uptrend but will need to shoot up above Thursday&#39;s high of $3182 for confirmation. Otherwise, the crypto could continue lower in its larger downtrend following Saturday&#39;s inside bar.<img alt="eth_sept._25.png" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/u278075/eth_sept._25.png" style="height:768px; width:1366px" />

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

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Why Bitcoin, Ethereum And Dogecoin Could Be In For A Bumpy Road Ahead

<ul>
<li>This weekend&#39;s <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/barron-s" target="_blank">Barron&#39;s</a> cover story offers 10 stock picks from the 2021 Barron&#39;s healthcare roundtable.</li>

<li>Other featured articles discuss how COVID-19 has affected travel&nbsp;stocks lately and whether the Dividend Aristocrat payouts are safe.</li>

<li>Also, see the prospects for an EV battery recycler, a cheap cannabis play, and a new way to ride the boom in video streaming.</li>
</ul>
Cover story &quot;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/medicine-healthcare-stocks-roundtable-51632527474" target="_blank">Medicine&#39;s Golden Age Is Dawning. 10 Picks to Play the Latest Innovations</a>&quot; by Lauren R. Rublin offers highlights from the Barron&#39;s 2021 healthcare roundtable. See what technologies and treatments they believe are changing the face of medicine, and the companies that could benefit. Does that include AbbVie Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/abbv#NYSE">ABBV</a>), Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mrna#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) or Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jnj#NYSE">JNJ</a>)?
In &quot;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/li-cycle-stock-electric-vehicle-batteries-51632524443" target="_blank">Li-Cycle Is a Smart Play on Electric-Vehicle Batteries</a>,&quot; Avi Salzman makes a case that newly public Li-Cycle Holdings Corp (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/licy#NYSE">LICY</a>) has a head start in lithium-ion battery recycling, putting it in a position to profit from the coming growth in electric-vehicle sales. See how Barron&#39;s thinks the Canadian company will help to supply the hundreds of millions of batteries needed to power the EV boom.
Andrew Bary&#39;s &quot;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/scotts-miracle-gro-cheap-cannabis-stock-pick-51632519338" target="_blank">Here&#39;s a Consumer and Marijuana Play That&#39;s Cheap</a>&quot; points out that Scotts Miracle-Gro Co (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/smg#NYSE">SMG</a>) has two leading businesses, but its stock does not reflect its true value. Find out how Barron&#39;s believe investors still can reap gains from the former beneficiary of the stay-at-home trend during the pandemic.
The COVID-19 variant has weighed on airline, lodging and other stocks as businesses rethink travel plans, according to &quot;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/delta-variant-travel-stocks-outlook-51632409201" target="_blank">The Delta Variant Has Sapped Travel Stocks. What&#39;s Next</a>&quot; by Lawrence C. Strauss. Discover why some analysts think Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dal#NYSE">DAL</a>) and Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hlt#NYSE">HLT</a>) may offer respite from the volatility.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23101152/benzingas-bulls-and-bears-of-the-week-apple-bitcoin-disney-microsoft-and-more" target="_blank">Benzinga&#39;s Bulls And Bears Of The Week: Apple, Bitcoin, Disney, Microsoft And More</a>
In Jack Hough&#39;s &quot;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/vizio-streaming-stock-pick-51632516768" target="_blank">This New Stock Can Ride the Boom in Streaming</a>,&quot; find out why television set makers are suddenly gaining show-business swagger, and Barron&#39;s says that stock buyers may want to consider newly public Vizio Holding Corp (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vzio#NYSE">VZIO</a>), which has seen powerful growth in advertising and content licensing.
&quot;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/the-aristocrats-dividends-seem-safe-then-theres-at-t-51632493809" target="_blank">The Aristocrats&#39; Dividends Seem Safe. Then There&#39;s AT&amp;T</a>&quot; by Lawrence C. Strauss discusses a Barron&#39;s analysis that found that the best-yielding Dividend Aristocrats, such as Chevron Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cvx#NYSE">CVX</a>) and IBM (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ibm#NYSE">IBM</a>), are mostly lagging behind the market. Plus, learn more about the AT&amp;T Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/t#NYSE">T</a>) dividend cut.
Also in this week&#39;s Barron&#39;s:
<ul>
<li>How China faces a reckoning with the Evergrande crisis</li>

<li>Whether the bond market still has legs after a record bull run</li>

<li>Why the decline in lumber prices will not last</li>

<li>Why investors should care about the German election</li>

<li>Why investors should pay attention to the way management talks</li>

<li>Why bank mergers will continue ramping up</li>

<li>The resurgence of the travel agent</li>
</ul>
At the time of this writing, the author had no position in the mentioned equities.
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank">Benzinga</a> on Twitter.

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Barron's Latest Picks And Pans: Healthcare Roundtable Picks, Dividend Aristocrats And More

Last week, the executive arm of the European Union, the European Commission, proposed a new <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_4613">rule&nbsp;</a>that would require all smartphones to adopt USB-C ports for physical charging.
The commission aims to provide one charger for multiple devices in an effort to reduce e-waste.&nbsp;
This has come as a shocker to&nbsp;Apple Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aapl#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), which uses its Lightning connector to charge its iPhones.&nbsp;
Apple has argued against the&nbsp;rule and&nbsp;<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/2020-Standard-chargers-for-mobile-phones/F18119_en" target="_blank">sa</a><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/2020-Standard-chargers-for-mobile-phones/F18119_en">id</a>, &ldquo;Apple stands for innovation and deeply cares about the customer experience. We believe regulation that forces conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones stifles innovation rather than encouraging it and would harm consumers in Europe and the economy as a whole.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&ldquo;We share the European Commission&rsquo;s commitment to protecting the environment and are already carbon neutral for all of our corporate emissions worldwide,&rdquo; Apple added.&nbsp;
European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said in a statement, &ldquo;European consumers were frustrated long enough about incompatible chargers piling up in their drawers.&rdquo;
&nbsp;&ldquo;We gave industry plenty of time to come up with their own solutions, now time is ripe for legislative action for a common charger. This is an important win for our consumers and environment and in line with our green and digital ambitions,&rdquo; she added.&nbsp;
However, studies suggest that forcing a single connector standard could&nbsp;<a href="https://www.copenhageneconomics.com/publications/publication/eu-consumers-evidence-shows-innovation-and-environmental-impacts-with-possible-common-charger-regulation" target="_blank">harm</a>&nbsp;consumers more than it helps and <a href="https://www.digitaleurope.org/resources/rpa-study-on-the-common-charger-2-0/" target="_blank">might</a>&nbsp;not achieve the EC&rsquo;s goals.&nbsp;
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton noted that &ldquo;with more and more devices, more and more chargers are sold that are not interchangeable or not necessary. We are putting an end to that.&rdquo;
If the new legislation becomes law, many device makers may have only two years to comply with the new regulations.
Related Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23089082/wedbush-analyst-provides-outlook-on-apple-stock-given-strong-early-demand-for-iphon">Wedbush Analyst Provides Outlook On Apple Stock Given Strong Early Demand For iPhones</a>

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General

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EU Rules Could Make USB-C Chargers Mandatory, Apple iPhones May Need Redesign

The EV space turned in a mixed performance in the week ended Sept. 24, with several market-moving news events driving action in stocks.
Here are the week&#39;s key headlines related to EV stocks:
Cathie Wood&#39;s Tesla Strategy, California Battery Plant and More: Cathie Wood, a Tesla bull and fund manager, said at the Morning Star Investment Conference that she would consider liquidating holdings in the EV maker if the stock hits the &quot;$3,000&quot; level.
Wood&#39;s Ark Invest ETFs have substantial positions in Tesla. In September, however, the funds liquidated some of their Tesla holdings.
Tesla which has its flagship manufacturing plant in Fremont, California, broke ground on a new battery production facility in California. The plant, dubbed &quot;Megafactory&quot; will be used for producing a large-scale battery system &quot;Megpack.&quot;
Rumors that emerged during the week suggest that Samsung is in talks with Tesla to make next-gen self-driving chips, which would mean the latter will ditch its partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsm#NYSE">TSM</a>).
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet during the week that the company is hoping to offer real-time insurance, based on actual driving history, in Texas next month. Musk was ruing the extremely slow and complex regulatory process for approving&nbsp;insurance.
Li Auto Trims Guidance:&nbsp; Li Auto, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/li#NASDAQ">LI</a>), which has been the top performer&nbsp;among the&nbsp;U.S.-listed Chinese EV trio in terms of deliveries, slashed its forecast for the third quarter.
The company now expects deliveries of 24,500, down from the previous guidance of 25,000-26,000, with the shortfall blamed on COVID-19-disruptions at its dedicated Malaysian chip manufacturer that will affect supply of chips meant for its millimeter-wave radar.
The warning announced Monday triggered selling in other EV makers too.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/09/23010211/plug-power-to-build-hydrogen-production-facility-in-california-what-you-need-to-know">Plug Power To Build Hydrogen Production Facility In California: What You Need To Know </a>
Workhorse Suspends Production:&nbsp;Workhorse Group Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wkhs#NASDAQ">WKHS</a>)&#39;s cup of woes overflows, as the EV manufacturer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/09/23053732/why-workhorse-is-suspending-production-of-flagship-electric-delivery-truck"> said </a> it is suspending deliveries of its flagship C-1000 delivery EVs. The company also said it is recalling the 41 vehicles it already delivered.
The company attributed the decision to identification of enhancements in the production process and design, as well as customer feedback related to vehicle dynamics.
Nio Unveils Longer-range, Cheaper Battery Pack, Issues Update On Norway Foray: Nio, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nio#NYSE">NIO</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/09/23066695/nio-unveils-longer-range-cheaper-75-kwh-hybrid-batteries-what-you-need-to-know">unveiled </a> this week a new longer-range, 75-kilo-watt hour hybrid battery pack using both ternary lithium ion and lithium iron phosphate cells. The company will likely phase out its current 70-kWh battery packs.
The use of a cheaper lithium iron phosphate battery is expected to bring down the cost of the battery.
The company also confirmed that it will launch its ES8 hybrid in Norway and announce the Nio House, Oslo on Sept. 30.
Lucid Extends Rally: Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lcid#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) shares continued to head northwards this week, continuing&nbsp;their recent momentum. The stock is up about 27% since Sept. 10.
This Tesla slayer&#39;s EPA range has been rated notably higher than the competing Model S vehicle.
GM Invests In Chinese Self-driving Tech Company: General Motors Company(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gm#NYSE">GM</a>) announced it is investing $300 million in Chinese autonomous driving startup Momenta to develop self-driving technologies for future models in China. GM has a presence in China through its partnership with SAIC Motors.
Plug Power Gains On Rating Upgrade, Californian Plant: Plug Power, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/plug#NASDAQ">PLUG</a>) was another stellar performer of the week. The stock received a shot in the arm from Piper Sandler analyst Pearce Hammond who upgraded its&nbsp;rating from Neutral to Overweight and the company confirming that it will build a hydrogen production facility in California.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/09/23036951/this-nimble-ev-stock-has-outperformed-tesla-and-other-major-automakers-in-september">This Nimble EV Stock Has Outperformed Tesla And Other Major Automakers In September </a>

LCID

PLUG

TSLA

WKHS

EV Week In Review: Cathie Wood's Big Statement On Tesla, Chip Crunch Scare For Li Auto, Workshorse's Travails Continue, Nio Updates On Norway

<ul>
<li>Insider buying can be an encouraging signal for potential investors, especially when markets are near all-time highs.</li>
<li>The week&#39;s most notable insider buys were at two biotechs, a chemicals company and a shoemaker.</li>
<li>Some insiders were making return trips to the buy window.</li>
</ul>
Conventional wisdom says that insiders and 10% owners really only buy shares of a company for one reason: they believe the stock price will rise and they want to profit from it. So <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/insider-trades" target="_blank">insider buying</a> can be an encouraging signal for potential investors, particularly when there is uncertainty in the markets or the markets are near all-time highs.
Note that with a new earnings-reporting season coming up, the windows will close for insiders to buy or sell shares. Here are a few of the most noteworthy insider purchases that were reported in the past week.
Three Alpine Immune Sciences Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/alpn#NASDAQ">ALPN</a>) directors stepped up to the buy window last week to acquire more than 2.56 million shares altogether. At share prices ranging from $9.40 to $9.83, that cost them around $24.1&nbsp;million.
Note that two of those directors have stakes of over 3.5 million shares, making them beneficial owners of the Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company. The timing of these purchases seems fortunate, as the stock ended last week trading at $10.36 a share.
Designer Brands Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dbi#NYSE">DBI</a>) saw its executive board chair, Jay Schottenstein, buy almost 1.49 million shares. That added up to more than $19.08 million, at per-share prices ranging from $12.64 to $13.00.
Note that Schottenstein also bought almost 178,600 shares in the previous week. This footwear maker&#39;s stock ended the past week at $13.82 per share, which is more than 6% higher than the top of his purchase price range.
A Sensient Technologies Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sxt#NYSE">SXT</a>) 10% owner that has been scooping up shares for almost a month has indirectly purchased more than 183,800 additional shares of this producer of ingredients for foods and cosmetics. At $88.81 to $93.67 apiece, the cost for those shares totaled more than $14.77 million and raised the stake above 4.85 million shares. The stock ended last week at $91.85 a share, which is within the latest purchase price range.
The purchase of 600,000 MacroGenics Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mgnx#NASDAQ">MGNX</a>) shares by a 10% owner at prices ranging from $19.93 to $20.95 apiece totaled more than $12.36 million. The stake was up to almost 6.88 million shares. The stock ended the week at $19.74, within the owner&#39;s purchase price range. Note that this owner also bought shares of Molecular Templates and Radius Health last week.
See also: <a href=" https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/09/23068278/4-stocks-insiders-are-selling" target="_blank">4 Stocks Insiders Are Selling</a>
Some other sizable insider purchases reported last week:
<ul>
<li>Cricut Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crct#NASDAQ">CRCT</a>) beneficial owner buys almost 268,700 shares for around $8.2 million.</li>
<li>Gulfport Energy Corp (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gpor#NYSE">GPOR</a>) beneficial owner buys over 81,200 shares for almost $6.5 million.</li>
<li>Myovant Sciences Ltd (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/myov#NYSE">MYOV</a>) beneficial owner buys nearly 268,000 shares for around $5.9 million.</li>
<li>GMS Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gms#NYSE">GMS</a>) beneficial owner buys over 89,200 shares for more than $3.8 million.</li>
<li>Cheniere Energy Partners LP (AMEX: CQP) beneficial owner buys almost 30,500 shares for about $1.2 million.</li>
<li>Blackstone Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bx#NYSE">BX</a>) beneficial owner buys 30,400 shares for more than $1.2 million.</li>
</ul>
At the time of this writing, the author had no position in the mentioned equities. Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following Benzinga on <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.

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Notable Insider Buys Of The Past Week Include Designer Brands, MacroGenics And More

Tesla&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) launched a button allowing its car users to request access to the beta testing program of its full self-driving software.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-tesla-stock/" target="_blank">HOW TO INVEST IN TESLA STOCK&nbsp;</a>
What Happened:&nbsp;According to a tweet&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1441560961593262081" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;on Saturday by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the button allowing to request access to the full self-driving beta program will be pushed to vehicles in an over-the-air software update tonight.
Although, full self-driving software version 10.1 &ldquo;needs another 24 hours of testing&rdquo; so it will not be released before tomorrow night. The announcement follows recent&nbsp;<a href="https://electrek.co/2021/09/17/tesla-make-sure-good-driver-before-giving-access-full-self-driving-beta/" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;that Tesla cars will monitor and judge its users&#39; driving capabilities and only allow good drivers to access its full self-driving beta testing program.
The release will be available to customers&nbsp;who have purchased the $10,000 software upgrade, and those who have purchased a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1439787780180221954?s=20" target="_blank">subscription&nbsp;</a>from Tesla for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tesla.com/support/full-self-driving-subscriptions" target="_blank">about&nbsp;</a>$100 to $200 per month.
Why It&#39;s Important: The software in question also finds itself amid renewed controversy, as the San Francisco County Transportation Authority&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/09/23084350/sftca-raises-concerns-over-tesla-full-self-driving-name-safety-ahead-of-wider-beta-release" target="_blank">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;that its name is misleading since it claims that it in fact is an advanced driver assistance program, not an autonomous vehicle system.
Similarly, the head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/09/23003490/ntsb-says-teslas-use-of-term-full-self-driving-is-irresponsible-should-address-basic-safety-issues-f" target="_blank">described</a>&nbsp;Tesla&#39;s use of the term &ldquo;full self-driving&rdquo; in its driver-assistance technology as &ldquo;irresponsible.&rdquo;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tesla-stock-competitors/">TESLA STOCK COMPETITORS</a>

Hands On The Wheel! Tesla Launches Full Self Driving Beta Request Button

<ul>
<li>Benzinga has examined the prospects for many investor <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank">favorite stocks</a> over the past week. </li>
<li>Last week&#39;s bullish calls included picks from Gene Munster and the maker of a potentially blockbuster Alzheimer&#39;s treatment.</li>
<li>Software and leisure apparel giants, as well as the most popular cryptocurrency, were among the bearish calls seen.</li>
</ul>
Another volatile week had the big three U.S. indexes in the red early on, due to a sell-off prompted by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/21/09/23022505/major-indices-fall-on-chinese-real-estate-debt-eyes-are-on-fed" target="_blank">a real estate crisis in China</a>. Following the latest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/21/09/23060551/stocks-hold-most-gains-following-fed-meeting-with-tapering-seen-likely-later-in-year" target="_blank">commentary from the Federal Reserve</a>, the indexes managed to end the week&nbsp;with the Dow Jones industrials and the S&amp;P 500 up fractionally and the Nasdaq essentially flat.
However, all three indexes are down 2% or more since the beginning of the month, but at least 14% higher year to date.
Benzinga continues to examine the prospects for many of the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#39;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
<h3>The Bulls</h3>
&quot;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23031173/3-top-stocks-for-the-next-year-according-to-gene-munster" target="_blank">3 Top Stocks For The Next Year, According To Gene Munster</a>&quot; by Adam Eckert explores what this renowned investor likes about Apple Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aapl#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and his other top picks (including a SPAC) for the next year.
In &quot;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23053739/why-bofa-remains-a-disney-bull-despite-disappointing-q4-outlook" target="_blank">Why BofA Remains A Disney Bull Despite Disappointing Q4 Outlook</a>,&quot; Priya Nigam reveals why the featured analyst believes that the near-term headwinds faced by Walt Disney Co (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dis#NYSE">DIS</a>) theme parks and video streaming are transitory.
Shanthi Rexaline&#39;s &quot;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23074335/aduhelms-blockbuster-potential-is-underappreciated-says-biogen-analyst" target="_blank">Aduhelm&#39;s &#39;Blockbuster Potential&#39; Is Underappreciated, Says Biogen Analyst</a>&quot; discusses why the Biogen, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/biib#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>) Alzheimer treatment could be worth billions.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/21/09/23038263/why-josh-brown-says-uber-could-be-one-of-the-best-performers-among-large-cap-tech-stocks" target="_blank">Why Josh Brown Says Uber Could Be &#39;One Of The Best Performers&#39; Among Large-Cap Tech Stocks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/21/09/23076955/is-jpmorgan-setting-up-for-a-breakout-heres-how-high-this-investor-thinks-it-could-go" target="_blank">Is JPMorgan Setting Up For A Breakout? Here&#39;s How High This Investor Thinks It Could Go</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23087123/why-analysts-see-up-to-32-upside-in-salesforce" target="_blank">Why Analysts See Up To 32% Upside In Salesforce</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>The Bears</h3>
In Wayne Duggan&#39;s &quot;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/21/09/23034675/is-microsofts-stock-overvalued-or-undervalued" target="_blank">Is Microsoft&#39;s Stock Overvalued Or Undervalued?</a>,&quot; find out why, despite its impressive growth numbers, some investors are wondering if there is any value left in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) stock.
&quot;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23090594/nike-sees-strong-demand-but-supply-hurdles-hurt-guidance-analyst" target="_blank">Nike Sees Strong Demand, But Supply Hurdles Hurt Guidance: Analyst</a>&quot; by Priya Nigam examines what one key analyst expects from Nike Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nke#NYSE">NKE</a>) in the wake of its mixed results for the fiscal first quarter.
Is the setback for top cryptocurrency Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) a reflection of weak demand by institutional investors? Find out in &quot;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23084517/institutional-investors-are-preferring-ethereum-over-bitcoin-says-jpmorgan" target="_blank">Institutional Investors Are Preferring Ethereum Over Bitcoin, Says JPMorgan</a>&quot; by Shivdeep Dhaliwal.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/09/23085537/whats-going-on-with-palantir-stock-today" target="_blank">What&#39;s Going On With Palantir Stock Today?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23049544/analysts-cut-fedex-price-targets-after-disappointing-q1-results" target="_blank">Analysts Cut FedEx Price Targets After &#39;Disappointing&#39; Q1 Results</a></li>
</ul>
At the time of this writing, the author had no position in the mentioned equities.
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank">Benzinga</a> on Twitter.

BIIB

MSFT

Benzinga's Bulls And Bears Of The Week: Apple, Bitcoin, Disney, Microsoft And More

After the latest reports about a cryptocurrency ban being enforced by Chinese authorities once again, bears pushed&nbsp;Bitcoin&#39;s&nbsp;(CRYPTO: BTC) price down to under $41,000 and most of the cryptocurrency market followed suit &mdash; but many suggest that this is just a momentary setback and a buying opportunity.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/is-crypto-banned-in-china/">IS CRYPTO BANNED IN CHINA?&nbsp;</a>
What Happened:&nbsp;According to a Friday Fortune&nbsp;<a href="https://fortune.com/2021/09/24/china-bans-crypto-bitcoin-buying-opportunity-historical-averages/" target="_blank">report</a>, the selloff in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin,&nbsp;Ethereum(CRYPTO: ETH) and&nbsp;Dogecoin&nbsp;(CRYPTO: DOGE) is not without precedent. In fact, while this is admittedly &quot;the most aggressive [ban] to date,&quot; China has been banning Bitcoin regularly since 2013.
News about China&#39;s regulatory pressure over the crypto space has caused numerous selloffs over the past eight years but &quot;when the news cycle is over, inevitably, crypto prices have started to rise again.&quot; On Dec 5, 2013, China&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-12-05/china-s-pboc-bans-financial-companies-from-bitcoin-transactions" target="_blank">forbade financial institutions from handling</a>&nbsp;Bitcoin transactions because the central bank found that it wasn&rsquo;t a currency with &ldquo;real meaning.&rdquo; Bitcoin&#39;s price fell by 20% to $889 but is now 4,600% up compared to that price.
In late March 2014, China did it again. Rumors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2014/03/27/bitcoin-stumbles-on-fears-of-china-clampdown.html" target="_blank">suggested</a>&nbsp;that local authorities would penalize banks that facilitated Bitcoin transactions and the coin&#39;s value fell by 12% to $562 &mdash; but the current price is 7,345% higher.
In early February 2017, China renewed efforts to suppress&nbsp;Bitcoin and the now booming crypto space. The country&#39;s central bank was&nbsp;<a href="https://fortune.com/2017/02/12/bitcoin-markets-china-regulation/" target="_blank">tightening regulatory pressure</a>&nbsp;and enforcing anti-money laundering rules for local cryptocurrency exchanges. Bitcoin&#39;s price fell over 7% to $988 and took altcoins down with it &mdash; Bitcoin is up 4,135% since China took those measures.
In late August 2018 Chinese authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/03/china-clamps-down-on-cryptocurrency-speculation.html" target="_blank">stepped up pressure</a>&nbsp;on cryptocurrency speculation and issued a warning about illegal fundraising&nbsp;with the use&nbsp;of crypto. The market largely ignored that&nbsp;ban, with Bitcoin closing the day up 4%,&nbsp;and&nbsp;has since increased&nbsp;by 520%.
On May 21, Chinese authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://fortune.com/2021/05/21/china-ban-bitcoin-price-bubble-crypto/" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;that tighter security was needed to protect the financial system and called&nbsp;for a crackdown on Bitcoin mining causing its price to fall by over 8.5%, which&nbsp;bought the rest of the crypto market down with it &mdash; Bitcoin is now 12% higher. If history is of any indication, China&#39;s ban matters little more than a short-term downturn and a buying opportunity for Bitcoin and altcoins such as Dogecoin and Ethereum.
Related Link:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23062111/if-you-invested-1-000-in-bitcoin-10-years-ago-heres-how-much-youd-have-now">&nbsp;If You Invested $1,000 In Bitcoin 10 Years Ago, Here&#39;s How Much You&#39;d Have Now</a>

Dogecoin, Bitcoin, Ethereum See Buying Opportunity After Another China Crackdown

This week proved volatile for cryptocurrencies amid the Evergrande crisis, subsequent recovery amid a string of bullish news and the markets falling again over the news coming from China. Here&#39;s a recap of the highlights:
Cramer &lsquo;Begs&rsquo; Crypto Investors To Cash Out:&nbsp;CNBC &ldquo;Mad Money&rdquo; host Jim Cramer said on Monday that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23025025/cramer-begs-investors-of-cryptos-like-bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-to-book-profits-before-eve">investors should book profits in cryptocurrencies,</a> pointing to the crisis-hit Chinese real-estate giant Evergrande.
&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t let it become a loss. Sell some, stay long the rest, then let&rsquo;s wait and see if China changes its attitude toward an Evergrande bailout,&rdquo; the former hedge fund manager said.
Reducing Dogecoin Fee &lsquo;Super Important:&#39; Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk said on Wednesday that lowering Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) fees to make transactions like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23064326/elon-musk-says-reducing-dogecoin-fee-super-important-to-make-adoption-at-places-like-amc-t" style="text-decoration-line:none">purchase of movie tickets viable</a> was &ldquo;super important.&rdquo;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-dogecoin-doge/" style="text-decoration-line:none">How To Buy Dogecoin (DOGE)</a>
Musk&rsquo;s comments came after AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amc#NASDAQ">AMC</a>) CEO Adam Aron held a poll on his Twitter feed asking his followers if the cinema chain should accept DOGE. More than three-fourths of those polled voted in favor of DOGE acceptance.
Twitter To Allow Bitcoin Tipping Through Lightning: Twitter Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/twtr#NYSE">TWTR</a>) said it will be possible for users to tip in BTC using Strike, a payment application <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23077898/twitter-announces-broader-rollout-of-tipping-feature-and-even-includes-bitcoin" style="text-decoration-line:none">built on the Lightning Network.</a>
The feature had been under testing for some time and is being dubbed &ldquo;Tips.&rdquo;
The Jack Dorsey-led company said it is also planning to support authentication for non fungible tokens by letting users connect their cryptocurrency wallets.
WSB Makes Crypto Moves: Popular retail investor forum on Reddit, r/WallStreetBets,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23084641/wallstreetbets-launches-new-forum-to-enable-discussions-on-cryptos-like-bitcoin-ethereum-d">&nbsp;on Thursday launched</a>&nbsp;r/WallStreetBetsCrypto.
The forum acknowledged, &ldquo;With so many people trading crypto now, times have changed and crypto does seem to belong [on r/WSB].&rdquo;
Ethereum, The New Darling of Large Investors: JP Morgan analysts said in a note this week that institutional investors are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23084517/institutional-investors-are-preferring-ethereum-over-bitcoin-says-jpmorgan" style="text-decoration-line:none">more interested in ETH futures than BTC ones.</a>
The analysts pointed to BTC futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange which traded below the price of spot BTC, while on the other hand ETH futures premiums rose to 1% over ETH prices.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/05/21184597/is-the-bitcoin-ethereum-flippening-a-likely-scenario" style="text-decoration-line:none">Is the Bitcoin-Ethereum &#39;Flippening&#39; a Likely Scenario?</a>
&ldquo;This is a setback for bitcoin and a reflection of weak demand by institutional investors that tend to use regulated CME futures contracts to gain exposure to bitcoin,&rdquo; wrote the analysts, as reported by Business Insider.
Dogecoin Adoption On the Rise: DOGE adoption is growing faster than ever despite a slump in prices recently, as per CryptWerk data.&nbsp;
The Shiba Inu-themed coin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23068251/dogecoin-adoption-growing-faster-than-ever-to-the-moon-soon" style="text-decoration-line:none">can now be spent at 1,704 merchants</a>, a rise of 41.3% compared to 1,206 merchants at end of January and 61.63% higher than in January 2020, when it was accepted by 640 merchants, as per the data.
This week, commercial real estate tokenization company RedSwan announced two real-estate deals with a combined value of $384 million that will feature DOGE as a payment option.
El Salvador Buys BTC Dip: On Monday, El Salvador&rsquo;s President Nayib Bukele said in a Facebook post that proposed reforms sent to the country&rsquo;s Congress would <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23005108/el-salvador-president-buys-bitcoin-dip-but-rules-out-any-kind-of-reform-on-abortion-rights" style="text-decoration-line:none">not decriminalize abortion, legalize same-sex marriage</a>, or permit euthanasia, as per a Reuter&rsquo;s report. On the same day, the president said the nation had purchased 150 BTC, taking the country&rsquo;s total holdings to 700 BTC worth nearly $32.05 million at the time.
The president&rsquo;s announcements were noted by crypto Twitter, with some users questioning the stance taken by the leader on various political and human rights issues.
China Expands Crypto Crackdown:&nbsp;China reiterated its latest warning that it&#39;s illegal for financial institutions and payments platforms to engage with cryptocurrency transactions, leading to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23086576/heres-why-bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-are-crashing-all-of-a-sudden">cryptocurrency market plunge.</a>&nbsp;The earliest of such notifications issued by the country&#39;s central bank date back to 2013. 
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23084952/coti-rides-to-all-time-high-after-taking-first-steps-in-defi-over-cardano" style="text-decoration-line:none"> COTI Rides To All-Time High After Taking &#39;First Steps&#39; In DeFi Over Cardano</a>

Dogecoin's Growing Adoption, El Salvador Buys Bitcoin Dip, Institutions Prefer Ethereum, Twitter Tips, China Warning: Crypto Week In Review

<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1441560961593262081" title="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1441560961593262081">https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1441560961593262081</a>

Management

Elon Musk  Tweets: FSD Beta request button goes live tonight, but FSD 10.1 needs another 24 hours of testing, so out tomorrow night

Naked Brand Group Ltd. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nakd#NASDAQ">NAKD</a>) shares were trading higher Friday, moving after the company&rsquo;s chairman and CEO announced the company believes it has found an opportunity in the clean technology sector.
Naked Brand closed up 15.04% at $0.68 at market close Friday.
<h3>Naked Brand Daily Chart Analysis</h3>
<ul>
<li>Shares saw a large gap higher but were rejected at a previous resistance level and moved back lower later in the day.</li>
<li>The stock was rejected at the $0.75 level as this has been an area where the stock struggles to cross above in the past. The stock is showing a possible support level near the $0.50 level. These levels may continue to hold in the future.</li>
<li>The stock is trading above both the 50-day moving average (green)&nbsp;and the 200-day moving average (blue), indicating the sentiment in the stock has been bullish.</li>
<li>Each of these moving averages may hold as a possible area of support in the future.</li>
<li>The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has been moving up the past few days and now sits at 62. This is showing that more buyers are entering into the stock. The stock is nearing the overbought range where the amount of buying pressure greatly exceeds selling pressure.</li>
</ul>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/09/23090278/why-naked-brands-stock-is-surging-today">Why Naked Brand&#39;s Stock Is Surging Today</a>
<img alt="nakddaily9-24-21.jpg" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/u285825/nakddaily9-24-21.jpg" style="height:400px; width:640px" />
<h3>What&rsquo;s Next For Naked Brand?</h3>
Bullish traders are looking to see the stock continue to push higher in the coming days and be able to break above the resistance level that has been showing. Bulls are then looking for a period of consolidation above the $0.75 level for a possible second push higher.
Bearish traders are looking to see the stock begin to fall after being rejected at the resistance level. Bears then want to see the stock fall below the $0.50 level and begin to hold this area as resistance for possible further downward movements.
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@annademy?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Anna Demianenko</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/pool?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

Rumors

NAKD

Naked Brand Group Flew Higher Up Into Resistance Friday

Online gaming platform Roblox Corp (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rblx#NYSE">RBLX</a>) is expanding its reach as not just a gaming company but as a large entertainment ecosystem with a push into the music space.
What Happened: Roblox <a href="https://ir.roblox.com/news/news-details/2021/Roblox-Launches-Listening-Parties--A-New-Way-to-Release-Music/default.aspx">announced </a>Roblox Listening Party, a new initiative to expand music into the metaverse.
&ldquo;With Roblox Listening Parties, artists premiere a new album in select top experiences giving them access to millions of fans who can listen to their music while they play and hang out with their friends,&rdquo; the company said.
The album &ldquo;Flux&rdquo; from singer and songwriter Poppy&nbsp;is being released Friday,&nbsp;Sept. 24&nbsp;and it will be the first Roblox Listening Party.&nbsp;
Poppy is a member of the independent record label Sumerian Records and was the first solo female artist ever nominated for a Grammy&nbsp;Award in the Best Metal Performance category.
&ldquo;I feel very fortunate to make music in a time like this. Roblox is a platform with endless possibilities and seemed like a perfect place to launch my new album!&rdquo; Poppy said.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/21/08/22518570/roblox-acquires-gaming-community-platform-guilded-what-investors-should-know?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+benzinga%2Fnews%2Fm-a+%28Channels+-+News+-+M%26A%29">Roblox Acquires Gaming Community Platform Guilded: What Investors Should Know</a>
Why It&rsquo;s Important: The launch of Roblox Listening Party follows the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/07/21861266/roblox-brings-sony-artists-to-the-metaverse-what-investors-should-know">signing </a>a deal with Sony Music, a unit of Sony Group Corp (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sony#NYSE">SONY</a>), in July.
Sony artists Lil Nas X and Zara Larsson had virtual performances in the Roblox metaverse previously.
&ldquo;Under the agreement, Roblox and Sony Music will work together to develop innovative music experiences for the Roblox community that offer a range of new commercial opportunities for Sony Music artists to reach new audiences and generate new revenue streams around virtual entertainment,&rdquo; Roblox said of the Sony deal.
Roblox has a built-in following of millions of daily active users that it can monetize with deals with music and entertainment companies.
&ldquo;The range of Roblox music experiences, from Launch Parties to virtual concerts and now Listening Parties, are becoming table stakes for artists as they seek to promote new releases and attract new fans,&rdquo; Roblox said.
Price Action: RBLX shares are up 1.09% to $83.22&nbsp;and SONY shares are up 1.83% to $117.61&nbsp;at market close Friday.
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@brucemars?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">bruce mars</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/listening?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

&nbsp;

RBLX

Sony Group Corporation American Depositary Shares

SONY

Roblox Monetizing Metaverse With Album Releases, Listening Parties: What Investors Should Know

Investor Michael Burry, known for &ldquo;The Big Short,&rdquo; is a widely followed voice in the stock community. Burry has also been known to stir up trouble with tweets that get deleted on Twitter Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/twtr#NYSE">TWTR</a>).
He was also a figure in the GameStop Corp (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gme#NYSE">GME</a>) storyline, which is among the biggest retail investing storylines of the last decade.
What Happened: Burry <a href="https://twitter.com/michaeljburry/status/1441484243389927428?s=21">shared </a>on Twitter that his Scion Asset Management received a <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FAEuJcbVQAELjhb.png">subpoena </a>from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
&ldquo;A subpoena has been issued to Scion Asset Management LLC in the above-referenced investigation pursuant to a formal order entered by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in the above-referenced investigation,&rdquo; the order reads.
The subpoena is dated Sept. 21, 2021 and uses the subject line of &ldquo;in the matter of GameStop Corp.&rdquo;
Burry captioned his tweet sharing the subpoena with:
&ldquo;So, who got an SEC subpoena over $GME? Actually, I know who, they&rsquo;re on my subpoena. With all that&rsquo;s going on in the world&hellip;&rdquo;
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/21/05/21166036/not-just-tesla-michael-burry-could-be-betting-against-spacex-with-spac-stake-as-well">Not Just Tesla, Michael Burry Could Be Betting Against SpaceX With SPAC Stake As Well&nbsp;</a>
Why It&rsquo;s Important: Burry was an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/19/08/14312293/gamestop-gets-a-boost-from-michael-burry">investor </a>in GameStop in 2019 before the height of a WallStreetBets, retail trader and&nbsp;short squeeze-fueled trading frenzy took shares of the video game retailer up over 1,000%.
Burry held a 3.3% stake in GameStop and urged the board&nbsp;to buy back shares. Burry also highlighted the large cash on hand position the company had and said the balance sheet &ldquo;is actually in very good shape&rdquo; at the time.
The noted hedge fund manager said that fears of concern over physical video game sales were&nbsp;overblown and new gaming consoles could &ldquo;extend GameStop&rsquo;s life significantly.
Burry owned 1.7 million GameStop shares worth $17 million at the end of September, 2020. The same stake would have been worth over $250 million in January&nbsp;2021 had he not sold in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Burry <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/01/19337273/gamestop-investor-michael-burry-of-the-big-short-fame-dubs-rally-unnatural-insane-and-dangerous">lashed out</a> at the large increase in the price of GameStop in January.
&ldquo;If I put $GME on your radar, and you did well, I&rsquo;m genuinely happy for you. However, what is going on now &ndash; there should be legal and regulatory repercussions. This is unnatural, insane and dangerous,&rdquo; Burry tweeted while tagging the SEC Enforcement Twitter account in a since-deleted tweet.
Burry has made recent headlines for his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/08/22518958/michael-burry-bets-heavily-against-tesla-cathie-woods-ark-funds-in-latest-options">sizable bets</a> against Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Cathie Wood&#39;s Ark Innovation ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/arkk#NYSE">ARKK</a>).&nbsp;
GME Price Action: GME shares ended Friday&#39;s session down 3.26% at $185.16.&nbsp;Shares of GME have traded between $9.10 and $483 over the last 52 weeks and are up 915% year-to-date.

Hedge Funds

ARKK

TWTR

Michael Burry, Who Once Called On SEC For GameStop Enforcement, Receives SEC Subpoena 8 Months Later

Casino stocks Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lvs#NYSE">LVS</a>) and Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wynn#NASDAQ">WYNN</a>) have taken huge hits in the past month, and much of the sell-off has to do with uncertainty surrounding the renewal of their Macau casino licenses and an ongoing gaming law review that could increase regulatory oversight of Macau properties.
License Renewals: The changes being discussed in Macau include shortening the duration of Macau concessions, or licenses. All six of Macau&rsquo;s current concessions are set to expire in June 2022.
In addition, the local government is discussing increasing the requirement for local ownership of casinos above its current 10% minimum and placing limits on shareholder returns. There may also be more direct government involvement in the casinos and more scrutiny of criminal activity and casino employees.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/09/23036469/fanduel-draftkings-are-dominating-us-online-sports-betting-market">FanDuel, DraftKings Are Dominating US Online Sports Betting Market</a> 
Bank of America analyst Billy Ng recently hosted a panel discussion with industry insiders to talk about the Macau license renewal process. Ben Lee, managing partner of Igamix Management and Consulting, said local Macau operators aren&rsquo;t surprised by the proposed changes. He said local officials have been discussing these types of changes for years now.
Lee said he believes Macau casinos will be forced to have government representation on their boards. While that representation likely won&rsquo;t have a major impact on casinos&#39; daily operations, Lee says it may negatively impact their marketing in mainland China.
David Green, CEO of Newpage Consulting, said there is still a chance the government will opt to extend the current gaming licenses in Macau by a couple of years, as long as that decision comes before a Dec. 26, 2021 deadline.
Lee said foreign brands, such as Wynn and Las Vegas Sands, may be disadvantaged in Macau if they are unable to find a local partnership to help them meet a 10% local ownership requirement.
Both experts agreed that local gaming tax rates will likely remain unchanged.
Visitation Numbers: While investors agonize over the license renewals and gaming law changes, local COVID-19 outbreaks are also devastating the Macau gaming market. Macau visitations in August were up 80.2% year-over-year but down 48% compared to July.
On Thursday, Ng said much of the Macau risk is already priced into Las Vegas Sands and Wynn shares after their steep sell-offs in recent weeks.
&ldquo;We view the correction as excessive and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/">sector</a> now is trading at 8.8x 2022E EV/EBITDA, which is 2SD lower than its long term average,&rdquo; Ng said.
Bank of America has a Neutral rating and $55 price target for Las Vegas Sands and a Neutral rating and $105 price target for Wynn.
Benzinga&rsquo;s Take: Earlier this month, Wells Fargo recommended gaming investors avoid Macau for now in favor of casino stocks with exposure to Las Vegas and the U.S. online sports betting and iGaming markets. Wells Fargo named MGM Resorts International (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mgm#NYSE">MGM</a>) its top overall gambling stock pick.
Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/imagedragon-2599384/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1415532">Jimmy Lau</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1415532">Pixabay</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Analyst Color

Government

Regulations

Price Target

Global

Analyst Ratings

WYNN

Experts Discuss Macau Regulatory Uncertainty: Should Investors Buy The Dip In Casino Stocks?

One big advantage that special guests have by being interviewed on the PreMarket Prep Show is that we are not limited on time. One big advantage our listeners have is they can ask our guests questions through the live chat&nbsp;feature.
Along these lines, it is time to announce our first segment of &quot;Gene Munster vs. Mystery Guest&quot; at 1 p.m. Sept. 28.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.premarketprep.com/event-registration/">Join us for this exciting event</a> with tech stocks strategist Gene Munster&mdash;&nbsp;and a special mystery guest &mdash; by registering with your VIP access code below.
Since 1995, no one on Wall Street has been more spot-on in the technology <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/">sector</a> than Munster, of Loup Funds, and his track record speaks for itself.
He&#39;s moved on from being a Wall Street analyst and has started his own venture capital fund. His penchant for looking far into the future for investment opportunities has prompted him to create the Innovator Loup Frontier Tech ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/loup#NYSE">LOUP</a>).&nbsp;
Since becoming&nbsp;public in July 2018, it has yielded 112% based on Thursday&rsquo;s closing price ($53.73) compared to the opening day closing price ($25.34).
Who is the mystery guest, you ask?
Our first mystery guest has made several tremendous calls on our shows and is excited to match wits with the industry&rsquo;s top technology analyst. Not only is he proficient at fundamental analysis, but his proprietary technical skills are second to none.
Finally, he incorporates &ldquo;sentiment&rdquo; into his investment decisions, which leads to many of his accurate contrarian calls.
What will be the most interesting to watch is not so much what they disagree on, but rather what issues Munster and the mystery guest are both bullish or bearish on.
This is an event you won&rsquo;t want to miss! Viewing is limited and by invite only. <a href="https://www.premarketprep.com/event-registration/">Register today</a> with code PMPMYSTERY28!
Event Registration Deadline: Noon on Sept. 27.&nbsp;
Benzinga&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">PreMarket Prep</a>&nbsp;airs every morning from 8-9 a.m. ET. During that fast-paced, highly informative hour, traders and investors tune in to get the major news of the day, the catalysts behind those moves and the corresponding price action for the upcoming session.
On any given day, the show will cover at least 20 stocks determined by co-hosts Joel Elconin and Dennis Dick along with producer Spencer Israel.

Previews

Events

LOUP

Tech Stock Strategist Gene Munster, Mystery Guest Join Benzinga's PreMarket Prep Crew Sept. 28: What Questions Will You Ask?

On <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/09/24/options-bulls-bite-into-cheesecake-factory.html">CNBC&#39;s &quot;Fast Money Halftime Report,&quot;</a> Jon Najarian spoke about unusually high options activity in Cheesecake Factory Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cake#NASDAQ">CAKE</a>). He noticed a large order for the October $55 calls and he decided to follow the trade.
Call options in Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mro#NYSE">MRO</a>) were also active on Friday. Traders were buying the November $15 calls. Najarian has already had a long position in the name and he decided to buy more calls on Friday.
&nbsp;

Options

CAKE

Jon Najarian Sees Unusual Options Activity In Cheesecake Factory, Marathon Oil Corporation

Earlier this week, JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jpm#NYSE">JPM</a>) announced its foray into neobanking with a digital bank launch in the U.K.
What Happened: With the new digital banking platform, customers can open current accounts that receive 1% cash back on purchases with issued debit cards.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re offering people in the U.K. the opportunity to experience Chase for the first time with a current account that&rsquo;s based on simplicity, a fuss-free rewards program and exceptional customer service,&rdquo; <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/fintech/news/jpmorgan-launches-digital-bank-in-the-uk/">said</a> Sanoke Viswanathan, JPMorgan CEO of International Consumer.
No fees will be charged for the issuance and usage of the debit card across international borders.
Why It Matters: The development comes after JPMorgan Chase chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon nodded to fintech&rsquo;s threat to the dominance of traditional banking institutions.
Specifically, Dimon said fintechs made great strides in building digital and physical banking solutions; &ldquo;From loans to payment systems to investing, they have done a great job in developing easy-to-use, intuitive, fast and smart products.&quot;
With this new offering, JPMorgan is targeting fintech&rsquo;s ability to rapidly merge social media, use data smartly, and integrate with other platforms.
Photo by Tavi Ionescu from Pexels.
&nbsp;

Fintech news covering the emerging Financial Technology services sector

Fintech

JPMorgan Chase Takes Aim At Fintech's Growing Dominance With Neobank Launch

On <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/09/24/final-trades-moderna-palo-alto-networks-umpqua-holdings-more.html">CNBC&#39;s &quot;Fast Money Halftime Report,&quot;</a> Jason Snipe said he likes Palo Alto Networks Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/panw#NYSE">PANW</a>) and the cybersecurity theme.
Jenny Harrington wants to buy Umpqua Holdings Corp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/umpq#NASDAQ">UMPQ</a>). Interest rates creeping higher is good for its business, she said.
Jon Najarian bought calls in International Flavors &amp; Fragrances Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/iff#NYSE">IFF</a>). He likes the options activity in the name.
Stephen Weiss would buy the weakness in Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mrna#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>).
&nbsp;

PANW

UMPQ

'Fast Money Halftime Report' Picks For September 24

Weidai Ltd. (the &quot;Company&quot; or &quot;Weidai&quot;) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEI#NYSE">WEI</a>), a leading auto-backed financing solution provider in&nbsp;China, today announced that it has received a letter from the New York Stock Exchange (the &quot;NYSE&quot;) dated&nbsp;August 31, 2021, notifying Weidai that it is below compliance standards due to the trading price of its American Depositary Shares (the &quot;ADSs&quot;).
Pursuant to NYSE rule 802.01C, a company will be considered to be below compliance standards if the average closing price of a security as reported on the consolidated tape is less than&nbsp;US$1.00&nbsp;over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. Once notified, the company must bring its share price and average share price back above&nbsp;US$1.00&nbsp;by six months following receipt of the notification. The company can regain compliance at any time during the six-month cure period if on the last trading day of any calendar month during the cure period the company has a closing share price of at least&nbsp;US$1.00&nbsp;and an average closing share price of at least&nbsp;US$1.00&nbsp;over the 30 trading-day period ending on the last trading day of that month. In the event that at the expiration of the six-month cure period, both a&nbsp;US$1.00&nbsp;closing share price on the last trading day of the cure period and a&nbsp;US$1.00&nbsp;average closing share price over the 30 trading-day period ending on the last trading day of the cure period are not attained, the NYSE will commence suspension and delisting procedures.
To address this issue, the Company intends to monitor the market conditions of its listed securities and is still considering its options.

Weidei Announces Receipt Of NYSE Non-Compliance Letter Regarding ADS Trading Price On Aug. 31, 2021

<ul>
	<li>Enterprise Value&nbsp;Reduction of&nbsp;20%&nbsp;Provides Greater Value to Shareholders 
	 
	 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Peer Comp EBITDA Multiples Have Increased&nbsp;20% Since&nbsp;Initial Transaction&nbsp;Announcement 
	 
	 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Significant&nbsp;Reduction in the Minimum Cash Condition&nbsp;to $26.0 Million 
	 
	 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Investor Sponsorship through Private Placement and Non-Redemption Commitment 
	 
	 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Committed Capital Pool in Excess of the Minimum Cash Condition 
	 
	 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Transaction Remains on Track to Close in the&nbsp;Fourth Quarter&nbsp;2020 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

RYE BROOK, N.Y., Nov. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SAMA#NASDAQ">SAMA</a>, SAMAW, and SAMAU))))) (&quot;SAMA&quot;) and Clever Leaves International Inc. (&quot;Clever Leaves&quot;) jointly announced today that they have amended their definitive agreement (the &quot;Business Combination Agreement&quot;), which was entered into on July 25, 2020, pursuant to which a newly formed holding company, Clever Leaves Holdings Inc. (&quot;Holdco&quot;), will acquire SAMA and Clever Leaves (the &quot;Business Combination&quot;) and is anticipated to become a NASDAQ-listed public company trading under the ticker symbol &quot;CLVR&quot;.

Under the amended terms, the initial expected enterprise value has been reduced to&nbsp;$206 million&nbsp;from&nbsp;$255 million&nbsp;and the minimum cash condition for SAMA has been reduced to&nbsp;$26 million&nbsp;from&nbsp;$60 million. Additionally, the cash consideration payable to certain Clever Leaves&#39; shareholders at closing has been amended, thereby increasing the equity rollover consideration of the transaction to approximately&nbsp;97%&nbsp;while Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Sponsor, LLC agreed to restructure its&#39; equity ownership to better align with the capital retained at closing. In connection with these revised terms, institutional investors have committed over&nbsp;$10 million&nbsp;through a private placement to be funded at closing of the Business Combination. Additionally, select SAMA stockholders have agreed not to redeem their shares held thereby providing a path to over&nbsp;$16 million&nbsp;of additional committed capital1&nbsp;and thus having adequate capital to consummate the transaction. When including SAMA&#39;s cash in trust, the parties expect to have over&nbsp;$80 million&nbsp;of cash on its balance sheet following closing.

George J. Schultze, Chairman and CEO of SAMA, said, &quot;The revised terms of the business combination agreement coupled with a significant increase in the trading multiples of Clever Leaves&#39; peers provide enhanced value to our shareholders, increase transaction certainty, and add further momentum to this transaction. We remain incredibly excited to partner with Clever Leaves and look forward to consummating this transaction under these more favorable terms, which we anticipate will result in Holdco being among the best-capitalized companies in the cannabis industry upon closing.&quot;

Kyle Detwiler, CEO of Clever Leaves, said, &quot;Our business combination with SAMA will significantly strengthen our balance sheet while enabling us to accelerate the commercialization of our high-quality products, expand our operations and distribution in attractive markets around the world, and have a valuable currency to use for targeted M&amp;A. We are eager to close this transaction and begin our collaborative work with SAMA on achieving accelerated growth and profitability.&quot;

The amendments to the Business Combination Agreement have been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both SAMA and Clever Leaves and the transaction remains on track to close in the&nbsp;fourth quarter&nbsp;of 2020, subject to the Registration Statement being declared effective by the SEC, in addition to other regulatory and shareholder approvals, as well as customary closing conditions.

Canaccord Genuity and EarlyBirdCapital are serving as financial advisors to SAMA, with Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Stikeman Elliott and Posse Herrera Ruiz serving as legal advisors. Cowen is serving as financial advisor to Clever Leaves, with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, Dentons Canada LLP, and Brigard &amp; Urrutia Abogados SAS serving as legal advisors.

_____________________ 
 
1&nbsp;Requires SAMA common stock to trade at greater than&nbsp;$10.30&nbsp;based on the volume weighted average stock price for the five trading days immediately prior to the redemption date in connection with the closing of the business combination 
&nbsp;

Investor Webinar and Q&amp;A Session Today at 11:00 AM ET 
 
The companies will host a joint investor webinar and Q&amp;A session today at 11:00 AM ET. To register, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://icrinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AEPA9RznTh2W5HqtRbo7PA">https://icrinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AEPA9RznTh2W5HqtRbo7PA</a>&nbsp;

About Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. 
 
Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SAMA#NASDAQ">SAMA</a>, SAMAW, and SAMAU))))) is a blank check company formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. SAMA Sponsor is an affiliate of Schultze Asset Management, LP, an alternative investment management firm founded in 1998 that focuses on distressed, special situation and event-driven securities and has invested over&nbsp;$3.2 billion&nbsp;since inception with a notable track-record through its active investment strategy. SAMA itself is backed by an experienced team of operators and investors with a successful track-record of creating material value in public and private companies.

About Clever Leaves 
 
Clever Leaves is a multi-national cannabis company with a mission to operate in compliance with federal and state laws and with an emphasis on ecologically sustainable, large-scale cultivation and pharmaceutical-grade processing as the cornerstones of its global cannabinoid business. With operations and investments in Canada, Colombia, Germany, Portugal, and the United States, Clever Leaves has created an effective distribution network and global footprint, with a foundation built upon capital efficiency and rapid growth. Clever Leaves aims to be one of the industry&#39;s leading global cannabinoid companies recognized for its principles, people, and performance while fostering a healthier global community.

Additional Information and Where to Find It 
 
SAMA, Clever Leaves and Holdco urge investors, stockholders and other interested persons to read the Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other documents filed with the SEC, because these documents will contain important information about the Business Combination. Following the Registration Statement having been declared effective by the SEC, a definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of SAMA as of a record date to be established for voting on the Business Combination. SAMA&#39;s stockholders will also be able to obtain a copy of such documents, without charge, by directing a request to: Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp, 800 Westchester Avenue, Suite 632, Rye Brook, New York 10573; e-mail:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=7xu2cuYLH0baBQU8C5Dxe_RnrheBtYbpD8RJY-l8cdrFmJSd_UWB9vNE0k1G1fKv9I2n2fjTyN9kJa7WfZP06w==" target="_blank">sdu@samco.net</a>. These documents, once available, can also be obtained, without charge, at the SEC&#39;s web site (<a href="http://www.sec.gov/">http://www.sec.gov</a>).

Participants in Solicitation 
 
SAMA, Clever Leaves, Holdco and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of their management and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of SAMA stockholders in connection with the Business Combination. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to SAMA&#39;s stockholders in connection with the Business Combination is set forth in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus contained in the Registration Statement, and will also be included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus for the Business Combination when available. Information concerning the interests of SAMA&#39;s and Clever Leaves&#39; participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of SAMA&#39;s and Clever Leaves&#39; equity holders generally, is also set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus contained in the Registration Statement, and will also be included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus for the Business Combination when available.

Forward Looking Statements 
 
This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by the words &quot;estimates,&quot; &quot;projected,&quot; &quot;expects,&quot; &quot;anticipates,&quot; &quot;forecasts,&quot; &quot;plans,&quot; &quot;intends,&quot; &quot;believes,&quot; &quot;seeks,&quot; &quot;may,&quot; &quot;will,&quot; &quot;should,&quot; &quot;future,&quot; &quot;propose&quot; and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, SAMA&#39;s and Clever Leaves&#39; inability to complete the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination; matters discovered by the parties as they complete their respective due diligence investigation of the other; the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, the amount of cash available following any redemptions by SAMA stockholders and the ability to close the private placement with certain institutional investors; the ability to meet NASDAQ&#39;s listing standards following the consummation of the Business Combination; costs related to the Business Combination; expectations with respect to future operating and financial performance and growth, including when Clever Leaves or Holdco will become cash flow positive; the timing of the completion of the Business Combination; Clever Leaves&#39; ability to execute its business plans and strategy and to receive regulatory approvals; potential litigation involving the parties; global economic conditions; geopolitical events, natural disasters, acts of God and pandemics, including, but not limited to, the economic and operational disruptions and other effects of COVID-19; regulatory requirements and changes thereto; access to additional financing; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in filings with the SEC. Other factors include the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close, including due to the failure to receive required security holder approvals or the failure to satisfy other closing conditions. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in SAMA&#39;s most recent filings with the SEC and is contained in the Form S-4, including the proxy statement/prospectus. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning SAMA, Clever Leaves or Holdco, the transactions described herein or other matters and attributable to SAMA, Clever Leaves, Holdco or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Each of SAMA, Clever Leaves and Holdco expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in their expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. 
 
George J. Schultze:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Ik__Y2btee-ISHPO1HLHhhnTngO0OGYdDR1yiIU1sESaKlSi5Z_Uf2Fry0uNMkcZOrNKBzJz1gHq3i7DbUPLOTWh00pP8gXPc_nKmdeiMYA=" target="_blank">schultze@samco.net</a> 
 
Gary M. Julien:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=z6nLMDw6jEERox4_zkaePQ5yq19sWiRcm41vErMidDAQCx6DqMFjGI6MgKosPkUxXb-x5tMXhYEsGYvKadVSYA==" target="_blank">gjulien@samco.net</a> 
 
(914) 701-5260

Investor Relations 
 
Raphael Gross 
 
ICR 
 
<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Ev6hXN6ferRlEaYYPVyxo4yrglC05WoyavQuwiQn7ot5ihS15xyb6m0uQuyNzmpxlpcRQXcsxiNB3bE5Xf6XYNJU2y9JlU-r3JIAkCqesyE=" target="_blank">raphael.gross@icrinc.com</a> 
 
(203) 682-8253

Media Relations 
 
KCSA Strategic Communications 
 
McKenna Miller 
 
<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=F0bMBnwGo5279fot-XQTlS11rYX7MfrQCB8XC5ZbNGv6xJ4wCqkOnzkPTOwaolhanZV4OS0xJlmUOdUIFuEJdQ==" target="_blank">mmiller@kcsa.com</a> 
 
(347) 487-6197

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<img src="https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=ODA4MTg5NyMzODE1OTQ4IzIxOTk1NDk=" style="height:1px; width:1px" />

Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. And Clever Leaves, A Large-Scale Pharmaceutical-Grade Multi-National Cannabis Operator, Announce Revised Transaction Terms, Reduce Enterprise Value From $255M To $206M

<a href="https://cleverleaves.com/en/home/" target="_blank">Clever Leaves</a> joined a panel of cannabis movers and shakers from across the globe at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis/detroit/?utm_source=jaycee&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=benzinga" target="_blank">Benzinga&rsquo;s Virtual Cannabis Capital Conference</a> on October 15. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cannabis-capital-conference" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more coverage of this event with presentations from some of the top CEOs, investors and lenders in the cannabis space.

The majority of existing cannabis production facilities were built in states where there has been a legal market ‒&nbsp;not necessarily where it makes the most sense from an economic or environmental perspective.

Naturally, cannabis companies have had to make do with conditions that may not be the best for cultivation and may be more expensive in the long run.

Clever Leaves aims to disrupt this space by focusing on federally legal markets with the environment to support low-cost cannabis cultivation.

As a multinational cannabis company, Clever Leaves has placed a serious emphasis on ecologically sustainable, large-scale cultivation and processing.

Kyle Detwiler, CEO of Clever Leaves, spoke with Benzinga at the Virtual Cannabis Capital Conference about the company&rsquo;s operations in Latin America and Europe, advantage among peers, plans to go public and more.

&ldquo;We are focusing on being one of the most efficient and highest-quality medical cannabis cultivators in the world. We are already one of the largest cultivators globally and we are one of only a handful of EU GMP-certified cannabis companies in the world. Having raised over 125 million [USD], which is no small feat privately in the sector, Clever Leaves is one of the last remaining large private cannabis companies.&rdquo; said Detwiler.

<h3>Significance Of EU GMP Certification</h3>

One of Clever Leaves&rsquo; biggest cannabis assets is its EU GMP certification. In Europe, when a company is selling pharmaceutical products in a pharmacy, it must have an EU GMP certification to sell those products.&nbsp;It is typically very difficult for cannabis companies to obtain that certification because it has a number of procedures, traceability requirements, documentation, and a significant upfront cost.&nbsp;

Detwiler claims it essentially took Clever leaves three years to get EU GMP-certified and he believes that this certification can profit the company abundantly.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Getting an EU GMP certification unlocks new markets ‒ if you don&rsquo;t have this certification, you cannot sell in certain places in Europe. It will also change the price game. There are thousands of cannabis companies but only a handful which are EU GMP-certified that can command a higher price for their products. This quality stamp can increase our prices by 3x to 10x depending on the product.&rdquo; said Detwiler.&nbsp;

<h3>International Footprint</h3>

Clever Leaves is one of the largest federally legal international platforms with offices in the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Germany and Portugal. According to Detwiler, the company is most well-known for its large operation in Latin America where they are one of the largest licensed producers in the region (with 1.8 million square feet of the continent&rsquo;s EU GMP-certified operations).

&ldquo;As everyone knows about the international market, we try to grow at low costs and sell at high prices. Distribution is the name of the game. And we&rsquo;re spending most of our time trying to effectuate distribution partnerships in Latin America and abroad.&rdquo; said Detwiler.

<ul>
	<li>
	<h2>Latin America</h2>
	</li>
</ul>

Clever Leaves also has operations in Colombia. According to Detwiler, the company initially sought out operations in Colombia for the cost, climate, and distribution advantages. Detwiler argues that since Colombia is near to the equator, it receives 12 hours of sunlight in a day, which creates an ideal environment for cannabis to grow. Therefore, in both the near and long term, Clever Leaves will maintain a cost of production advantage.

Another interesting thing about Colombia is that they ration the amount of psychoactive cannabis that can be produced in the whole country based on the ruling from the U.N. The allowed quota is about 56,000 kilograms of high psychoactive cannabis that can be produced.&nbsp;

Among other operators in Latin America, Detwiler claims Clever Leaves has the authorization to cultivate 26,000 kilograms of that quota. This means that roughly half the country&rsquo;s quota belongs to Clever Leaves which makes the company about 50 percent bigger than its nearest competitor.

<ul>
	<li>
	<h2>Europe</h2>
	</li>
</ul>

Clever Leaves has also focused on Europe because the prices are higher, there are fewer operators, and there are challenging regulatory requirements like EU GMP certification.

Just a few weeks ago, the company became licensed in Portugal so they are one of the few European continent-based cultivators of cannabis.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Our operation in Portugal allows us to fulfill the B2B suite. Since we can only produce extracts in Colombia, having an operation in Portugal, which is considered to be the &ldquo;Colombia of Europe&rdquo; will allow us to sell flower products as a differentiated aspect of our business.&rdquo; said Detwiler.

Apart from Portugal, the company is seeking access into countries like Germany. According to Detwiler, the market in Germany is like California but with higher start-up costs and more barriers to entry. There are no dispensaries in Germany and medical cannabis products are only sold at pharmacies and require the EU GMP certification.&nbsp;

Detwiler believes that the way that other countries around the world are legalizing is going to resemble Germany more than markets like the U.S. and Canada. For example, Brazil recently legalized medical cannabis but domestic production is banned. Everything must be imported. It&rsquo;s sold only at pharmacies and must be GMP-certified. Only a handful of companies can fulfill such requirements and Detwiler claims that Clever Leaves is really the only company that has the ability to compete with Latin American cost structure.

<h3>Cost Advantage Among Peers</h3>

Detwiler believes that Clever Leaves&rsquo; operational set up will also have a superior cost advantage as compared to in the indoor cultivation facilities required in many parts of the U.S. and Canada.

&ldquo;To try and quantify our operating cost advantage. Consider that we&rsquo;re already cultivating for about 20 cents a gram. Our Canadian peers are at approximately $1.89 [USD]. But, it&rsquo;s not just about being the lowest cost today because you need to think about what happens when the industry is multiplied 10 or 20 times its size. Then we might need to be able to expand our capacity. What&rsquo;s also potentially interesting for people to know is that we&rsquo;ve built our capacity at $14 [USD] a square foot compared to the Canadians at about $200 [USD].&rdquo; said Detwiler.

<h3>Business Combination Agreement And Expected NASDAQ Listing</h3>

Clever Leaves is in the process of a SPAC transaction and expects to be a NASDAQ listed company before end of year. Upon listing, Clever Leaves would be the only cannabis company listed on a major American stock exchange with Latin American operations that are EU GMP certified. The company has entered into a definitive Business Combination Agreement with Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SAMA#NASDAQ">SAMA</a>).&nbsp;

A newly formed holding company, Clever Leaves Holdings Inc., will acquire SAMA and Clever Leaves and is anticipated to become a NASDAQ-listed public company trading under the ticker symbol &ldquo;CLVR&rdquo; with an anticipated initial enterprise value of approximately USD $205 million.

Clever Leaves&rsquo; shareholders will be rolling over [97% of their equity ownership. Clever Leaves will have an earn out of up to 1.8 million shares reflecting an alignment of interests and limited dilution and the transaction is subject to a minimum cash condition of USD $26million.

<h3>Financial Forecast</h3>

Overall, Detwiler believes Clever Leaves&rsquo; disruptive business model should allow the company to generate high gross profit levels.&nbsp;

The company is targeting USD $13 million of revenue this year and claims that they are going to grow very rapidly in 2021, mostly because of its GMP certification in Colombia that they received in July and because there is normally a lag of 6-9 month in pharmaceutical sales. The company expects to be able to achieve GMP price points after the first quarter of 2021.

Image Courtesy of Clever Leaves

Cannabis

How Clever Leaves Is Disrupting the Cannabis Market On A Global Scale

<h3>Gainers</h3>

<ul>
	<li>China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CAAS#NASDAQ">CAAS</a>) shares surged 174.2% to close at $10.50 on Monday after the company announced a significant increase in sales to Chinese electric vehicle companies.</li>
	<li>Oblong Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OBLG#NYSE">OBLG</a>) gained 133.4% to close at $9.50. Oblong, last month, reported a 16% sequential revenue growth for the third quarter.</li>
	<li>Sundial Growers Inc.. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SNDL#NASDAQ">SNDL</a>) jumped 96.1% to close at $0.7294 after climbing around 32% on Friday following article &#39;Federal Marijuana Legalization Bill Will Get A Congressional Vote Next Week, Leader Announces.&#39;</li>
	<li>Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/APEN#NASDAQ">APEN</a>) surged 76.8% to close at $4.81 after Piper Sandler upgraded the stock from Neutral to Overweight and raised its price target from $2 to $5 per share.</li>
	<li>Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>) shares gained 46.7% to close at $6.28 after declining over 16% on Friday. Two Point One, LLC, last week, disclosed a 5.7% active stake in Marathon Patent Group.</li>
	<li>SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SPCB#NASDAQ">SPCB</a>) gained 45.8% to close at $1.21 after the company disclosed a new electronic monitoring contract in Wisconsin.</li>
	<li>Yalla Group Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/YALA#NYSE">YALA</a>) gained 42.6% to close at $15.41.</li>
	<li>AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AQB#NASDAQ">AQB</a>) shares gained 39.4% to close at $5.80.</li>
	<li>Codiak BioSciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CDAK#NASDAQ">CDAK</a>) rose 35.4% to close at $13.01.</li>
	<li>Riot Blockchain, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RIOT#NASDAQ">RIOT</a>) shares jumped 35.2% to close at $8.45 after declining around 12% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NM#NYSE">NM</a>) gained 29% to close at $2.80 after gaining over 8% on Friday. The company released quarterly earnings last week.</li>
	<li>G1 Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GTHX#NASDAQ">GTHX</a>) shares surged 27.7% to close at $18.26.</li>
	<li>Bit Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BTBT#NASDAQ">BTBT</a>) gained 27.7% to close at $8.07. Bit Digital shares dropped on Friday after the Chinese authorities have seized $4 billion in crypto from PlusToken scam.</li>
	<li>QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/QS#NYSE">QS</a>) jumped 27% to close at $47.00 after jumping over 57% on Friday.</li>
	<li>MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) surged 26.4% to close at $342.77 amid strength in the price of bitcoin. MicroStrategy holds bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset.</li>
	<li>Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ONCY#NASDAQ">ONCY</a>) jumped 26% to close at $3.49. Oncolytics Biotech, last month, reported results from ReoGlio Phase 1b trial evaluating combination of pelareorep, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor with chemoradiotherapy.</li>
	<li>Veritone, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VERI#NASDAQ">VERI</a>) rose 24.9% to close at $26.61. Veritone, last month, reported it has received 3 new patents for its battery control technology.</li>
	<li>Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SNSS#NASDAQ">SNSS</a>) gained 24% to close at $1.86 after the company announced a merger with Viracta.</li>
	<li>aTyr Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/LIFE#NASDAQ">LIFE</a>) surged 22.8% to close at $4.36. aTyr Pharma reported upbeat quarterly results earlier during the month.</li>
	<li>CureVac N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CVAC#NASDAQ">CVAC</a>) gained 22.3% to close at $105.17 after the company released quarterly results.</li>
	<li>Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ARCT#NASDAQ">ARCT</a>) rose 20.7% to close at $91.76.</li>
	<li>India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IGC#NYSE">IGC</a>) surged 20.5% to close at $2.29 after jumping over 30% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) shares jumped 20.2% to close at $152.74 after the company reported a vaccine efficacy of 94.1% against COVID-19 and a vaccine efficacy of 100% against severe COVID-19 in its Phase 3 vaccine study. The company also expanded its contract with the United Kingdom to provide an additional 2M doses of its COVID-19 vaccine.</li>
	<li>Future FinTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FTFT#NASDAQ">FTFT</a>) gained 20.1% to close at $2.87.</li>
	<li>Gores Metropoulos, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GMHI#NASDAQ">GMHI</a>) surged 19.6% to close at $18.40 after gaining around 13% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Elys Game Technology, Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ELYS#NASDAQ">ELYS</a>) rose 19.6% to close at $2.50 after the CEO bought 78,000 shares at an average price of $2.09 per share.</li>
	<li>Innodata Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/INOD#NASDAQ">INOD</a>) gained 19.5% to close at $5.20. Innodata reported a Q3 loss last month.</li>
	<li>Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/LEU#NYSE">LEU</a>) surged 19.4% to close at $14.99.</li>
	<li>Flying Eagle Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FEAC#NASDAQ">FEAC</a>) gained 18.8% to close at $15.50.</li>
	<li>VBI Vaccines Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VBIV#NASDAQ">VBIV</a>) jumped 18.1% to close at $3.4250. VBI Vaccines, last week, announced submission of marketing authorization application for 3-antigen prophylactic Hepatitis B vaccine to the European Medicines Agency.</li>
	<li>Impinj, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PI#NASDAQ">PI</a>) gained 17.8% to close at $41.79. Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on Impinj with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $46.</li>
	<li>Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SAMA#NASDAQ">SAMA</a>) gained 17.7% to close at $12.25.</li>
	<li>Evogene Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/EVGN#NASDAQ">EVGN</a>) gained 17.2% to close at $3.47. Evogene, last month, posted a loss for the third quarter.</li>
	<li>Nano-X Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NNOX#NASDAQ">NNOX</a>) climbed 17.2% to close at $61.30.</li>
	<li>Greenlane Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GNLN#NASDAQ">GNLN</a>) surged 16.9% to close at $4.15.</li>
	<li>Mogo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MOGO#NASDAQ">MOGO</a>) gained 16.7% to close at $2.65.</li>
	<li>Altimmune, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ALT#NASDAQ">ALT</a>) shares climbed 16.3% to close at $12.23. Altimmune, last week, announced submission of investigational new drug application for AdCOVID single-dose intranasal COVID-19 vaccine.</li>
	<li>TOMI Environmental Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TOMZ#NASDAQ">TOMZ</a>) gained 16.2% to close at $4.89. TOMI Environmental Solutions, last month, reported expansion of intellectual property protection of its binary ionization technology platform through its steramist products.</li>
	<li>Trxade Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MEDS#NASDAQ">MEDS</a>) surged 16.1% to close at $5.85. Trxade Group, last month, announced a solution marketing program agreement with Amazon to promote Amazon&#39;s storage lockers.</li>
	<li>Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BLCM#NASDAQ">BLCM</a>) climbed 15.7% to close at $3.69.</li>
	<li>HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HTGM#NASDAQ">HTGM</a>) surged 15.3% to close at $5.43.</li>
	<li>Surface Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SURF#NASDAQ">SURF</a>) rose 15% to close at $9.04.</li>
	<li>Translate Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TBIO#NASDAQ">TBIO</a>) climbed 14.8% to close at $22.22.</li>
	<li>Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/COCP#NASDAQ">COCP</a>) gained 14.3% to close at $2.16 after jumping over 10% on Friday.</li>
	<li>BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BNTX#NASDAQ">BNTX</a>) shares climbed 13% to close at $124.24 following a media repot that the UK will approve the company&#39;s COVID-19 vaccine this week.</li>
	<li>AMCI Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AMCI#NASDAQ">AMCI</a>) rose 12.9% to close at $13.00 after gaining around 10% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Ameri Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AMRH#NASDAQ">AMRH</a>) shares gained 9.7% to close at $1.59.</li>
	<li>Apex Technology Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/APXT#NASDAQ">APXT</a>) gained 7.8% to close at $15.31 after jumping 29% on Friday. Apex Technology Acquisition, last week, announced it would acquire AvePoint, the largest data management solutions provider for the Microsoft cloud.</li>
	<li>IHS Markit Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/INFO#NYSE">INFO</a>) shares gained 7.5% to close at $99.51. S&amp;P Global and IHS Markit agreed to merge in an all-stock transaction.</li>
	<li>Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SBLK#NASDAQ">SBLK</a>) rose 6.6% to close at $8.21.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/investing/best-penny-stocks/">Check out these big penny stock gainers and losers</a>

<h3>Losers</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/KNDI#NASDAQ">KNDI</a>) fell 28.3% to close at $9.76 after Hindenberg Research issued a negative report on the company.</li>
	<li>Appian Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/APPN#NASDAQ">APPN</a>) fell 27.8% to close at $140.00.</li>
	<li>Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NKLA#NASDAQ">NKLA</a>) shares dipped 26.9% to close at $20.41 on Monday after the company signed an MOU with General Motors that does not include the previously contemplated GM equity stake in Nikola or the development of the Nikola Badger. The Badger program was dependent on an OEM partnership.</li>
	<li>Francesca&#39;s Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FRAN#NASDAQ">FRAN</a>) shares fell 24.1% to close at $3.06 following a media report that the company may file for bankruptcy as soon as this week.</li>
	<li>CNOOC Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CEO#NYSE">CEO</a>) dipped 19.1% to close at $98.73 amid a report that President Trump will add the company to a blacklist which will prevent US investors from buying securities from the company.</li>
	<li>Hyliion Holdings Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HYLN#NYSE">HYLN</a>) fell 18% to close at $20.08 following a 25% surge on Wednesday.</li>
	<li>Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PLRX#NASDAQ">PLRX</a>) shares dipped 16.6% to close at $27.52.</li>
	<li>Mmtec, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MTC#NASDAQ">MTC</a>) fell 15.7% to close at $1.77.</li>
	<li>MOGU Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MOGU#NYSE">MOGU</a>) declined 15.7% to close at $2.31 after reporting Q2 results.</li>
	<li>Yunji Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/YJ#NASDAQ">YJ</a>) fell 14.2% to close at $3.27 after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock from Equal-Weight to Underweight and announced a $3.4 price target.</li>
	<li>Fuel Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FTEK#NASDAQ">FTEK</a>) fell 14.2% to close at $4.40.</li>
	<li>Newborn Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NBAC#NASDAQ">NBAC</a>) shares tumbled 13.9% to close at $14.89.</li>
	<li>Nine Energy Service, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NINE#NYSE">NINE</a>) shares fell 13.4% to close at $2.20.</li>
	<li>Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/KXIN#NASDAQ">KXIN</a>) fell 13.2% to close at $6.49.</li>
	<li>Renren Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RENN#NYSE">RENN</a>) fell 13.1% to close at $5.70.</li>
	<li>Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CAN#NASDAQ">CAN</a>) shares dropped 13% to close at $5.00 after the company reported Q3 financial results.</li>
	<li>GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GP#NASDAQ">GP</a>) fell 12.7% to close at $22.07.</li>
	<li>Tuniu Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TOUR#NASDAQ">TOUR</a>) fell 11.6% to close at $2.82 after declining 10% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RIG#NYSE">RIG</a>) dropped 11.1% to close at $1.85 amid a decline in the price of oil which is driven by uncertainty as to whether OPEC+ will extend reduced production during talks this week.</li>
	<li>trivago N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TRVG#NASDAQ">TRVG</a>) fell 9.5% to close at $2.19. Morgan Stanley maintained trivago with an Equal-Weight and raised the price target from $2 to $2.1.</li>
</ul>

Pre-Market Outlook

Movers

70 Biggest Movers From Yesterday

<h3>Gainers</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Obalon Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OBLN#NASDAQ">OBLN</a>) rose 85.1% to $1.98 in pre-market trading after declining around 5% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/KODK#NYSE">KODK</a>) rose 62.1% to $12.20 in pre-market trading. There was no wrongdoing involved in the process of Eastman Kodak receiving a $765 million federal loan for its pharmaceuticals foray, the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. has reportedly concluded.</li>
	<li>Oncternal Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ONCT#NASDAQ">ONCT</a>) shares rose 31.2% to $3.49 in pre-market trading. Oncternal Therapeutics, last month, announced an increase in its previously announced bought deal offering to 7.25 million shares at $3.10 per share.</li>
	<li>Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/KXIN#NASDAQ">KXIN</a>) rose 25.7% to $6.16 in pre-market trading after declining over 25% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/JG#NASDAQ">JG</a>) rose 22.2% to $3.97 in pre-market trading after the company disclosed a partnership with Niu Technologies to create optimal smart mobility experience for users.</li>
	<li>Safe-T Group Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SFET#NASDAQ">SFET</a>) shares rose 21.3% to $1.48 in pre-market trading after surging 16% on Friday. Safe-T Group, last week, reported a partnership with Systematika to distribute proprietary cybersecurity solutions in Italy.</li>
	<li>Gores Holdings IV, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GHIV#NASDAQ">GHIV</a>) rose 21.1% to $12.50 in pre-market trading. JMP Securities, on Friday, initiated coverage on Gores Holdings IV with a Market Outperform rating and a price target of $11.5.</li>
	<li>Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ANH#NYSE">ANH</a>) rose 18.8% to $2.79 in pre-market trading. Ready Capital and Anworth Mortgage Asset reported a merger transaction.</li>
	<li>9F Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/JFU#NASDAQ">JFU</a>) rose 18.2% to $1.88 in pre-market trading.</li>
	<li>Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/QSR#NYSE">QSR</a>) rose 17.4% to $71.00 in pre-market trading. U.S. burger giants Burger King &mdash; a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International and Wendys are expanding in India for more significant market share.</li>
	<li>Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. IV. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HCAC#NASDAQ">HCAC</a>) rose 16.2% to $15.62 in pre-market trading after climbing over 10% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SYRS#NASDAQ">SYRS</a>) rose 16.1% to $9.01 in pre-market trading after the company acquired clinical-stage drug candidate for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Syros also presented new compelling data from Phase 2 clinical trial of SY-1425 at ASH 2020 and announced plans to initiate registration-enabling trial in MDS and randomized Phase 2 trial in AML.</li>
	<li>Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SYRS#NASDAQ">SYRS</a>) rose 15.7% to $1.62 in pre-market trading.</li>
	<li>GSX Techedu Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GSX#NYSE">GSX</a>) rose 14.4% to $69.49 in pre-market trading after the company reported private placement financing of $870 million.</li>
	<li>Micro Focus International plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MFGP#NYSE">MFGP</a>) rose 13.5% to $6.62 in pre-market trading. Micro Focus climbed last week following Amazon AWS post highlighting the company as a partner for AWS mainframe migration competency.</li>
	<li>LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/LITB#NYSE">LITB</a>) rose 12% to $3.75 in pre-market trading after reporting Q3 results.</li>
	<li>Kubient, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/KBNT#NASDAQ">KBNT</a>) rose 12% to $6.75 in pre-market trading after surging 23% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SAMA#NASDAQ">SAMA</a>) rose 10.8% to $12.90 in pre-market trading.</li>
	<li>Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ATRA#NASDAQ">ATRA</a>) rose 10.2% to $27.10 in pre-market trading. Bayer and Atara Biotherapeutics reported a strategic collaboration for mesothelin-targeted CAR T-cell therapies for solid tumors.</li>
	<li>Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SENS#NYSE">SENS</a>) shares rose 9.3% to $0.47 in pre-market trading after climbing over 6% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Foley Trasimene Acquisition Corp. II (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BFT#NYSE">BFT</a>) shares rose 8.3% to $11.50 in pre-market trading Following Reuters report that it was close to a$ 9 billion merger deal with Paysafe.</li>
	<li>Advaxis, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ADXS#NASDAQ">ADXS</a>) rose 6.3% to $0.3610 in pre-market trading. Advaxis, last month, reported closing of $9.2 million public offering.</li>
</ul>

Find out what&#39;s going on in today&#39;s market and bring any questions you have to <a href="http://premarket.benzinga.com/pre-market-show/">Benzinga&#39;s PreMarket Prep</a>.

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/investing/best-penny-stocks/">Check out these big penny stock gainers and losers</a>

<h3>Losers</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Sundial Growers Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SNDL#NASDAQ">SNDL</a>) fell 21.3% to $0.5221 in pre-market trading. Sundial Growers shares dipped 14% on Friday after the company announced it filed a &quot;universal&quot; shelf registration statement allowing for the offer and sale of various securities in an amount of up to US$200 million.</li>
	<li>Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NNDM#NASDAQ">NNDM</a>) shares fell 20% to $5.95 in pre-market trading after the company priced its $180 million registered direct offering.</li>
	<li>Aptose Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/APTO#NASDAQ">APTO</a>) fell 19.6% to $4.92 in pre-market trading after issued highlights from the ASH and corporate update event.</li>
	<li>HEXO Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HEXO#NYSE">HEXO</a>) fell 13.9% to $0.93 in pre-market trading after the company reported downward revision to its proposed share consolidation ratio.</li>
	<li>China HGS Real Estate Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HGSH#NASDAQ">HGSH</a>) fell 13.6% to $2.23 in pre-market trading after jumping over 46% on Friday.</li>
	<li>India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IGC#NYSE">IGC</a>) fell 11.1% to $1.77 in pre-market trading.</li>
	<li>NanoVibronix, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NAOV#NASDAQ">NAOV</a>) fell 9.9% to $0.9820 in pre-market trading.</li>
	<li>Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ICON#NASDAQ">ICON</a>) fell 9.7% to $1.02 in pre-market trading after surging over 28% on Friday .</li>
	<li>Lordstown Motors Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RIDE#NASDAQ">RIDE</a>) shares fell 8% to $21.60 in pre-market trading.</li>
	<li>Funko, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FNKO#NASDAQ">FNKO</a>) shares fell 7.8% to $10.05 in pre-market trading. Funko shares jumped 28% on Friday after Piper Sandler upgraded the stock from Neutral to Overweight and announced a $12 price target.</li>
	<li>Top Ships Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TOPS#NASDAQ">TOPS</a>) shares fell 6.1% to $1.55 in pre-market trading after climbing over 38% on Friday.</li>
	<li>Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FRSX#NASDAQ">FRSX</a>) fell 5.7% to $1.49 in pre-market trading. Foresight Autonomous shares jumped 16% on Friday after the company announced it was awarded a funding grant of roughly 20 million Euro for the All Weather Autonomous Real logistics operations and Demonstrations consortium..</li>
	<li>Hexindai Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HX#NASDAQ">HX</a>) fell 5.4% to $2.45 in pre-market trading after climbing 7% on Friday.</li>
	<li>JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/JKS#NYSE">JKS</a>) fell 4.8% to $58.40 in pre-market trading after the company reported mixed Q3 financial results and announced weak Q4 sales guidance.</li>
</ul>

36 Stocks Moving in Monday's Pre-Market Session

Intraday Update

Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs On Tuesday

<h1>&nbsp;</h1>

This morning 90 companies reached new 52-week highs.

<h2>Noteworthy Points:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>BHP Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BHP#NYSE">BHP</a>) was the biggest firm by market cap to hit a new 52-week high.</li>
	<li>SELLAS Life Sciences Gr (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SLS#NASDAQ">SLS</a>) was the smallest firm based on market cap to set a new 52-week high.</li>
	<li>Immutep (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IMMP#NASDAQ">IMMP</a>)&#39;s stock gained the most, trading up 226.51% to reach a new 52-week high.</li>
</ul>

The following stocks set new 52-week highs as of 10 a.m. ET on Thursday:

<ul>
	<li>BHP Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BHP#NYSE">BHP</a>) shares were up 2.37% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $64.73 for a change of up 2.37%.</li>
	<li>BHP Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BBL#NYSE">BBL</a>) shares hit a new 52-week high of $52.79. The stock traded up 2.04% on the session.</li>
	<li>Starbucks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) stock hit a yearly high price of $105.09. The stock was up 4.37% for the day.</li>
	<li>Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RY#NYSE">RY</a>) shares were up 0.98% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $84.00 for a change of up 0.98%.</li>
	<li>Vale (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VALE#NYSE">VALE</a>) stock set a new 52-week high of $16.76 Thursday morning. Over the session, the stock traded up 3.57%.</li>
	<li>HCA Healthcare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>) shares were up 2.07% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $164.22 for a change of up 2.07%.</li>
	<li>Canadian Pacific Railway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CP#NYSE">CP</a>) stock on Thursday broke to a yearly high of $341.58.</li>
	<li>Canadian Imperial Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CM#NYSE">CM</a>) stock set a new 52-week high of $88.09 Thursday morning. Over the session, the stock traded up 0.76%.</li>
	<li>Agilent Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/A#NYSE">A</a>) shares were up 2.45% for the day, having made a 52-week high of $119.90.</li>
	<li>Tyler Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TYL#NYSE">TYL</a>) shares reached a new 52-week high of $448.56 on Thursday morning, moving up 0.54%.</li>
	<li>NovoCure (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NVCR#NASDAQ">NVCR</a>) shares were up 2.88% on Thursday morning to hit a new 52-week high of $168.50.</li>
	<li>Cable One (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CABO#NYSE">CABO</a>) stock made a new 52-week high of $2,169.96 Thursday. The stock was up 2.21% for the day.</li>
	<li>Oasis Petroleum (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OAS#NASDAQ">OAS</a>) shares achieved a new 52-week high on Thursday morning, hitting $39.95 with a daily change of up 1.91%.</li>
	<li>ASE Technology Holding Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ASX#NYSE">ASX</a>) shares set a new yearly high of $5.80 this morning. The stock was up 3.32% on the session.</li>
	<li>Mirati Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MRTX#NASDAQ">MRTX</a>) shares hit $245.00 on Thursday morning, setting a new 52-week high for a change of up 3.05%.</li>
	<li>Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/DNLI#NASDAQ">DNLI</a>) shares were up 4.06% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $79.97 for a change of up 4.06%.</li>
	<li>Floor &amp; Decor Hldgs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FND#NYSE">FND</a>) shares hit $91.14 on Thursday morning, setting a new 52-week high for a change of up 2.03%.</li>
	<li>Five Below (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FIVE#NASDAQ">FIVE</a>) shares hit a new 52-week high of $167.97. The stock traded up 0.72% on the session.</li>
	<li>Bunge (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BG#NYSE">BG</a>) shares hit $64.07 on Thursday morning, setting a new 52-week high for a change of up 0.71%.</li>
	<li>New York Times (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NYT#NYSE">NYT</a>) stock on Thursday broke to a yearly high of $52.25. Shares traded up 3.3%.</li>
	<li>Levi Strauss (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/LEVI#NYSE">LEVI</a>) stock on Thursday broke to a yearly high of $21.21. Shares traded up 3.75%.</li>
	<li>Natera (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NTRA#NASDAQ">NTRA</a>) shares were up 2.08% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $98.44 for a change of up 2.08%.</li>
	<li>Companhia Siderurgica (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SID#NYSE">SID</a>) shares hit a yearly high of $5.46. The stock traded up 8.38% on the session.</li>
	<li>BridgeBio Pharma (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BBIO#NASDAQ">BBIO</a>) shares broke to $58.91 on Thursday, setting a new 52-week high with a change of up 2.49%.</li>
	<li>Blueprint Medicines (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BPMC#NASDAQ">BPMC</a>) shares broke to $112.39 on Thursday, setting a new 52-week high with a change of up 3.01%.</li>
	<li>Stitch Fix (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SFIX#NASDAQ">SFIX</a>) shares were up 1.05% on Thursday morning to hit a new 52-week high of $58.63.</li>
	<li>MasTec (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MTZ#NYSE">MTZ</a>) stock set a new 52-week high of $67.43 Thursday morning. Over the session, the stock traded up 0.87%.</li>
	<li>TG Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TGTX#NASDAQ">TGTX</a>) shares were up 21.4% on Thursday morning to hit a new 52-week high of $37.20.</li>
	<li>Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BEAM#NASDAQ">BEAM</a>) shares were up 3.58% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $77.76 for a change of up 3.58%.</li>
	<li>Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>) shares achieved a new 52-week high on Thursday morning, hitting $40.92 with a daily change of up 14.53%.</li>
	<li>Open Lending (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/LPRO#NASDAQ">LPRO</a>) shares were up 10.77% for the day, having made a 52-week high of $32.98.</li>
	<li>Acadia Healthcare Co (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ACHC#NASDAQ">ACHC</a>) shares were up 2.05% for the day, having made a 52-week high of $47.29.</li>
	<li>Eidos Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/EIDX#NASDAQ">EIDX</a>) shares achieved a new 52-week high on Thursday morning, hitting $107.78 with a daily change of up 2.26%.</li>
	<li>Scientific Games (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SGMS#NASDAQ">SGMS</a>) shares set a new 52-week high of $41.89 on Thursday, moving up 2.84%.</li>
	<li>Editas Medicine (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/EDIT#NASDAQ">EDIT</a>) shares set a new 52-week high of $62.20 on Thursday, moving up 15.8%.</li>
	<li>Norbord (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OSB#NYSE">OSB</a>) shares hit $44.37 on Thursday morning, setting a new 52-week high for a change of up 2.25%.</li>
	<li>C3.ai (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AI#NYSE">AI</a>) shares broke to $119.86 on Thursday, setting a new 52-week high with a change of up 13.39%.</li>
	<li>Intellia Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NTLA#NASDAQ">NTLA</a>) shares set a new yearly high of $53.12 this morning. The stock was up 5.83% on the session.</li>
	<li>Rocket Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RCKT#NASDAQ">RCKT</a>) shares hit a yearly high of $63.99. The stock traded up 1.23% on the session.</li>
	<li>Intl Game Tech (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IGT#NYSE">IGT</a>) shares hit a yearly high of $15.58. The stock traded up 2.18% on the session.</li>
	<li>APi Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/APG#NYSE">APG</a>) shares hit a yearly high of $17.78. The stock traded up 2.12% on the session.</li>
	<li>8x8 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/EGHT#NYSE">EGHT</a>) shares set a new 52-week high of $28.63 on Thursday, moving up 29.29%.</li>
	<li>Corcept Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CORT#NASDAQ">CORT</a>) shares hit a yearly high of $25.26. The stock traded up 2.87% on the session.</li>
	<li>Pricesmart (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PSMT#NASDAQ">PSMT</a>) shares achieved a new 52-week high on Thursday morning, hitting $87.03 with a daily change of down 0.27%.</li>
	<li>Primo Water (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PRMW#NYSE">PRMW</a>) shares hit a new 52-week high of $16.34. The stock traded up 2.84% on the session.</li>
	<li>Badger Meter (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BMI#NYSE">BMI</a>) shares hit a new 52-week high of $88.72. The stock traded up 1.31% on the session.</li>
	<li>Phreesia (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PHR#NYSE">PHR</a>) shares were up 2.52% for the day, having made a 52-week high of $54.65.</li>
	<li>Myovant Sciences (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MYOV#NYSE">MYOV</a>) stock hit a yearly high price of $25.51. The stock was up 2.59% for the day.</li>
	<li>Owens &amp; Minor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OMI#NYSE">OMI</a>) shares reached a new 52-week high of $29.25 on Thursday morning, moving down 0.7%.</li>
	<li>Flying Eagle Acquisition (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FEAC#NYSE">FEAC</a>) shares set a new 52-week high of $21.27 on Thursday, moving up 7.96%.</li>
	<li>Helios Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HLIO#NASDAQ">HLIO</a>) shares achieved a new 52-week high on Thursday morning, hitting $52.44 with a daily change of down 0.21%.</li>
	<li>TechTarget (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TTGT#NASDAQ">TTGT</a>) shares set a new 52-week high of $58.74 on Thursday, moving up 8.8%.</li>
	<li>Surgery Partners (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SGRY#NASDAQ">SGRY</a>) shares hit a yearly high of $28.95. The stock traded up 4.82% on the session.</li>
	<li>HeadHunter Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HHR#NASDAQ">HHR</a>) shares hit a new 52-week high of $27.73. The stock traded up 2.35% on the session.</li>
	<li>Antero Resources (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AR#NYSE">AR</a>) shares achieved a new 52-week high on Thursday morning, hitting $4.89 with a daily change of up 8.22%.</li>
	<li>BlackRock Science (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BST#NYSE">BST</a>) shares hit $50.29 on Thursday morning, setting a new 52-week high for a change of up 1.68%.</li>
	<li>Castle Biosciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CSTL#NASDAQ">CSTL</a>) stock on Thursday broke to a yearly high of $59.35. Shares traded up 2.02%.</li>
	<li>ArcBest (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ARCB#NASDAQ">ARCB</a>) shares were up 3.12% for the day, having made a 52-week high of $46.15.</li>
	<li>MYR Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MYRG#NASDAQ">MYRG</a>) stock set a new 52-week high of $59.12 Thursday morning. Over the session, the stock traded up 0.65%.</li>
	<li>SunOpta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/STKL#NASDAQ">STKL</a>) shares were up 5.31% on Thursday morning to hit a new 52-week high of $10.49.</li>
	<li>QAD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/QADB#NASDAQ">QADB</a>) shares hit a yearly high of $43.24. The stock traded up 0.01% on the session.</li>
	<li>National Energy Services (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NESR#NASDAQ">NESR</a>) shares reached a new 52-week high of $9.78 on Thursday morning, moving up 1.25%.</li>
	<li>SI-BONE (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SIBN#NASDAQ">SIBN</a>) shares set a new 52-week high of $26.92 on Thursday, moving up 2.22%.</li>
	<li>Argan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AGX#NYSE">AGX</a>) shares hit $54.50 on Thursday morning, setting a new 52-week high for a change of up 5.62%.</li>
	<li>Hennessy Cap Acquisition (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HCAC#NASDAQ">HCAC</a>) shares broke to a new 52-week high of $22.00 on Thursday. Shares of the company traded up 7.3%.</li>
	<li>Donnelley Financial Solns (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/DFIN#NYSE">DFIN</a>) stock hit a yearly high price of $19.05. The stock was up 3.1% for the day.</li>
	<li>Lovesac (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/LOVE#NASDAQ">LOVE</a>) stock on Thursday broke to a yearly high of $41.20. Shares traded down 0.32%.</li>
	<li>Carriage Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CSV#NYSE">CSV</a>) shares achieved a new 52-week high on Thursday morning, hitting $31.52 with a daily change of up 1.24%.</li>
	<li>Sierra Metals Inc. Common Stock (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SMTS#AMEX">SMTS</a>) shares were up 2.36% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $3.31 for a change of up 2.36%.</li>
	<li>Silver Spike Acquisition (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SSPK#NASDAQ">SSPK</a>) stock hit a yearly high price of $14.64. The stock was up 33.46% for the day.</li>
	<li>Hooker Furniture (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HOFT#NASDAQ">HOFT</a>) shares set a new yearly high of $34.58 this morning. The stock was up 4.1% on the session.</li>
	<li>GX Acquisition (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GXGX#NASDAQ">GXGX</a>) shares hit $11.50 on Thursday morning, setting a new 52-week high for a change of up 1.41%.</li>
	<li>Immutep (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IMMP#NASDAQ">IMMP</a>) shares achieved a new 52-week high on Thursday morning, hitting $7.95 with a daily change of up 226.51%.</li>
	<li>Veru (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VERU#NASDAQ">VERU</a>) shares set a new yearly high of $4.90 this morning. The stock was up 19.54% on the session.</li>
	<li>Cleanspark (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CLSK#NASDAQ">CLSK</a>) shares hit $15.24 on Thursday morning, setting a new 52-week high for a change of up 13.37%.</li>
	<li>Perion Network (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PERI#NASDAQ">PERI</a>) shares hit a yearly high of $11.75. The stock traded up 2.36% on the session.</li>
	<li>Nuveen Virginia Quality (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NPV#NYSE">NPV</a>) shares reached a new 52-week high of $16.08 on Thursday morning, moving up 0.65%.</li>
	<li>Otonomy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OTIC#NASDAQ">OTIC</a>) shares were up 4.14% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $5.15 for a change of up 4.14%.</li>
	<li>Nuveen Select Tax Free (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NXR#NYSE">NXR</a>) shares broke to $17.25 on Thursday, setting a new 52-week high with a change of up 0.82%.</li>
	<li>Trident Acquisitions (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TDAC#NASDAQ">TDAC</a>) stock on Thursday broke to a yearly high of $14.22. Shares traded up 7.27%.</li>
	<li>Schultze Special Purpose (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SAMA#NASDAQ">SAMA</a>) shares hit a yearly high of $13.60. The stock traded up 1.42% on the session.</li>
	<li>Aytu BioScience (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AYTU#NASDAQ">AYTU</a>) shares reached a new 52-week high of $11.31 on Thursday morning, moving up 55.05%.</li>
	<li>Gabelli Global Small (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GGZ#NYSE">GGZ</a>) stock on Thursday broke to a yearly high of $12.48. Shares traded up 1.05%.</li>
	<li>Merrimack Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MACK#NASDAQ">MACK</a>) stock hit a yearly high price of $8.86. The stock was up 4.61% for the day.</li>
	<li>Ampco-Pittsburgh (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AP#NYSE">AP</a>) shares hit a new 52-week high of $6.46. The stock traded up 1.06% on the session.</li>
	<li>Megalith Finl Acquisition (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MFAC#NYSE">MFAC</a>) shares were up 3.83% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $15.48 for a change of up 3.83%.</li>
	<li>Anixa Biosciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ANIX#NASDAQ">ANIX</a>) shares broke to a new 52-week high of $4.80 on Thursday. Shares of the company traded up 40.66%.</li>
	<li>SCYNEXIS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SCYX#NASDAQ">SCYX</a>) shares were up 1.88% for the day, having made a 52-week high of $7.75.</li>
	<li>Bioanalytical Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BASI#NASDAQ">BASI</a>) stock on Thursday broke to a yearly high of $7.22. Shares traded up 0.42%.</li>
	<li>SELLAS Life Sciences Gr (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SLS#NASDAQ">SLS</a>) shares were up 12.88% on Thursday to hit a new 52-week high of $9.29 for a change of up 12.88%.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

If other companies set new 52-week lows, Benzinga will be the first to make you aware of it. Stay tuned for further updates.

Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs On Thursday

Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs On Friday

SPACs have been one of the hottest investment stories of 2020. The blank check, reverse merger vehicles have taken numerous private companies &mdash; as well as&nbsp;former public companies &mdash; public on major exchanges. 
Here is a look at some SPACs that are taking cannabis companies public or have listed cannabis as their target search area.

<h3>Silver Spike Acquisition</h3>

Weedmaps, often called the Yelp of cannabis, is<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/12/18732290/weedmaps-to-go-public-via-merger-with-silver-spike"> going public </a>via the SPAC Silver Spike Acquisition (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SSPK#NASDAQ">SSPK</a>).

WM Holdings, the parent company of Weedmaps, operates in nine countries and offers solutions for users and businesses. 
Weedmaps has 10 million monthly active users and offers listings for more than 18,000 businesses. Over the last twelve months, gross merchandise volume was $1.5 billion for the company. Weedmaps has 60 million monthly engagements. 
The company has over 4,000 clients on monthly subscription bundle plans. The average monthly revenue from business clients is $3,000. 
The average order size on the Weedmaps platform is $100. Ninety percent of users on Weedmaps purchase monthly and 70% consume daily. 
Revenue for WM Holdings has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 40% from 2015 to 2020. Revenue is expected to hit $160 million in fiscal 2020. 
Expansion for Weedmaps includes customer relationship management, loyalty programs and advanced analytics over the next two years. WM Holdings is also hoping to monetize its platform by upselling additional items to monthly subscription businesses.

Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/04/15846892/clever-leaves-canopy-growth-sign-supply-dealhttps://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/04/15846892/clever-leaves-canopy-growth-sign-supply-deal">Clever Leaves, Canopy Growth Sign Supply Deal&nbsp;</a>

<h3>Schultze Acquisition</h3>

Clever Leaves is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/11/18338127/how-clever-leaves-is-disrupting-the-cannabis-market-on-a-global-scale">going public</a> via the SPAC Schultze Acquisition (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SAMA#NASDAQ">SAMA</a>). Clever Leaves is a leader in low-cost cannabis extraction. 
Clever Leaves has a vertically integrated platform. The company sells cannabis in Latin America and Europe. In North America, the company&rsquo;s Herbal Brands segment sells products in over 10,000 retail locations. 
In the first half of 2020, Clever Leaves signed a supply deal with Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CGC#NYSE">CGC</a>) for the Latin America market. The deal helps Canopy quickly enter the market. The deal validates Clever Leaves as a position leader in low-cost cannabis extraction. 
One of Clever Leaves&rsquo; biggest cannabis assets could be its recent EU GMP Certification. In Europe, companies have to have this certification to sell pharmaceutical products in a pharmacy. 
The merger vote date is set for Dec.&nbsp;17 on this deal. 
Subversive Capital Acquisition

Another cannabis SPAC deal that was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/11/18522528/jay-z-inks-largest-cannabis-spac-deal-ever-with-subversive-capital-roc-nation-caliva-left-coast-">announced</a> recently was Subversive Capital Acquisition Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SBVCF#OTCQX">SBVCF</a>) bringing several brands public into a new company referred to as &ldquo;The Parent Company.&rdquo; 
The deal includes Caliva, OG Enterprises branding and Left Coast Ventures. One of the shareholders of the new company will be Shawn Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z. 
Carter will serve as Chief Visionary Officer of the parent company and also oversee a corporate venture fund focused on social equity measures. Carter will be paid $40 million in stock over a three year period. 
The Parent Company will serve as the official cannabis partner of Roc Nation, Jay-Z&rsquo;s company that has a roster of musical artists and athletes. 
The company expects revenue to hit $185 million in 2020 and $334 million in 2021. Products launched under the Monogram brand<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/12/18751466/jay-zs-cannabis-products-are-finally-here-monograms-light-medium-and-heavy-strains-are-released"> hit the market </a>on December 10.

<h3>SPACs Searching For Targets</h3>

There are several SPACs still seeking targets in the cannabis market. Several prior SPACs that had listed cannabis as the target ended up pursuing other areas. 
Collective Growth Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CGRO#NASDAQ">CGRO</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/12/18752801/fourth-lidar-company-goes-public-with-innoviz-spac-deal-what-investors-should-know">merging</a> with LiDAR company Innoviz after previously announcing cannabis as the target market. The SPAC was led by Bruce Linton, the former Co-Founder and CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CGC#NYSE">CGC</a>). 
Greenrose Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GNRS#NASDAQ">GNRS</a>) and Merida Merger Corp I (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MCMJ#NASDAQ">MCMJ</a>) are two SPACs searching for targets in the cannabis market.

IPOs

3 Cannabis SPACs to Consider For 2021

Last week saw a flurry of activity in the SPAC world with several deals announced, merger vote dates and a new SPAC ETF.

Here are the new SPAC mergers that were announced last week. 
Indie Semiconductor:&nbsp;This&nbsp;semiconductor and software company for the automotive industry&nbsp;is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/12/18800954/indie-semiconductor-spac-what-investors-should-know-about-the-autonomous-vehicle-play">going public</a> via SPAC Thunder Bridge Acquisition II (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/THBR#NASDAQ">THBR</a>) in a deal that values the company at about $1 billion. 
Indie has deals in place with 12 tier-1 automotive suppliers&nbsp;and has already shipped more than 100 million devices. The company is increasing its OEM penetration and content per vehicle. Silicon content per vehicle amounts to $310 now and is expected to grow to $4,000 per vehicle, <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1769318/000121390020042670/ea131644ex99-2_thunder2.htm">according to the company</a>. 
The company says it has a backlog of over $2 billion in deals. Revenue is estimated at $23 million for fiscal 2020 and is expected to ramp up beginning in 2023 with estimates of $204 million. 
From 2020 to 2025, Indie sees revenue growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 85%. Over 60% of aggregate revenue through 2025 is already at the shipping or completed-agreement stage for the company.

Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/12/18806989/2-new-deals-bridgetown-rumor-and-biden-picks-spacs-attack-from-december-15">2 New Deals, Bridgetown Rumor And Biden Picks&nbsp;</a>

Blade: Helicopter&nbsp;company Blade announced plans to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/12/18802687/urban-air-mobility-pure-play-blade-gets-spac-deal">merge </a>with SPAC Experience Investment Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/EXPC#NASDAQ">EXPC</a>).

The company&rsquo;s helicopters fly people in and out of U.S. city centers. The four key targets for Blade are short-distance flights of 60 to 100 miles, airport flights between New York airports, transporting human organs in the northeast U.S. and international joint ventures. 
The company had revenue of $33 million in 2019 with 10 scheduled flight routes. The company expects revenue to hit $402 million in 2024 with 28 expected flight routes. 
In 2025, the company plans to launch&nbsp;its eVTOL electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Revenue for 2025 is expected to hit $601 million and begin ramping up with the additional flying product.

AST: Satellite network company AST &amp; Science LLC <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/12/18822122/ast-attempts-to-bring-5g-from-space-what-to-know-about-the-spac-deal">announced a merger</a> with New Providence Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NPA#NASDAQ">NPA</a>). 
Investors in AST include Rakuten, Vodafone Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VOD#NASDAQ">VOD</a>), Samsung, American Tower Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AMT#NASDAQ">AMT</a>) and UBS Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/UBS#NASDAQ">UBS</a>). 
The company is attempting to build the first space-based broadband network accessible directly by regular mobile phones. Existing satellite networks require special phones or devices to connect to the services.&nbsp; 
AST is several years away from bringing in significant revenue. The company envisions having 9 million subscribers and $181 million in revenue in 2023.BarkBox: Bark, the parent company of the BarkBox monthly subscription for dog owners, is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/20/12/18835428/barkbox-owner-bark-bringing-dog-focused-sales-platform-public-via-spac">going public </a>with Northern Star Acquisition Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/STIC#NYSE">STIC</a>). 
Bark serves over 1 million dog owners monthly through BarkBox subscriptions and retailers such as&nbsp;Amazon.com (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), Petco, PetSmart and Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>). Bark products can be found in over 23,000 stores. 
BarkBox saw rapid growth during the pandemic.&nbsp;The company launched Bark Home in 2019 and Bark Eats and Bark Bright in 2020.

The pet industry was worth $96 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow. The company estimates fiscal 2021 revenue will grow 65% year-over-year to $365 million. Fiscal 2022 and 2023 totals are estimated at $516 million and $706 million, respectively. 
The deal values Bark at 3.5x estimated 2021 revenue. Competitors Chewy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CHWY#NASDAQ">CHWY</a>), Freshpet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) and Trupanion Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TRUP#NASDAQ">TRUP</a>) trade at multiples of 4.4x, 13.5x and 6.5x, respectively. The share prices of the&nbsp;three competitors are up by over 100% this year.

Katapult: Lease-to-own company Katapult is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/12/18857050/lancadia-vote-katapult-deal-virgin-galactic-share-offering-spacs-attack-recap">going public</a> with Finserv Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FSRV#NASDAQ">FSRV</a>). The company lets consumers pay for retail purchases in installments.&nbsp;The company says it has over 150 merchant partners and 1.4 million customers. 
Revenue for Katapult was $92 million in fiscal 2019. Revenue is estimated to be $250 million in fiscal 2020. The company sees revenue growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 87% from 2020 to 2023 hitting $1.13 billion.&nbsp;Curo Group Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CURO#NASDAQ">CURO</a>) owns 40% of Katapult and saw shares close 89% higher Friday. Curo said it will own 21% of the new company and receive $125 million in cash for its stake.

Merger Votes: Along with the new SPAC mergers that were announced, the past week saw several SPAC merger votes.

Opendoor (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OPEN#NASDAQ">OPEN</a>) will begin trading Monday under a new ticker after completing its merger with Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp II (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IPOB#NASDAQ">IPOB</a>). 
Clever Leaves Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CLVR#NASDAQ">CLVR</a>) completed its merger with Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SAMA#NASDAQ">SAMA</a>). 
BurgerFi International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BFI#NASDAQ">BFI</a>) began trading under a new ticker last week after a successful merger with OPES Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OPES#NASDAQ">OPES</a>). 
Mobile esports and betting company Skillz Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SKLZ#NASDAQ">SKLZ</a>) completed its merger with Flying Eagle Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FEAC#NASDAQ">FEAC</a>). 
Lancadia Holdings II (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/LCA#NASDAQ">LCA</a>) shares fell Friday on news that they did not get enough votes to complete their deal. A new vote will now be held on December 29.

New SPAC ETF: A new actively managed SPAC ETF was also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/20/12/18826369/exclusive-new-spac-etf-creator-on-spacs-management-teams-top-holdings">launched</a> with the SPAC and New Issues ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SPCX#NYSE">SPCX</a>) from Tuttle Tactical Management. The ETF will hold units, common shares and possibly warrants. 
The ETF holds SPACs with good management teams that have not announced deals yet. Churchill Capital Corp IV (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CCIV#NASDAQ">CCIV</a>) is the largest of 42 holdings, making up 6.7% of assets. Bill Foley&rsquo;s Foley Transimene Acquisition (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/WPF#NASDAQ">WPF</a>) is the second largest holding. Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings VI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IPOF#NASDAQ">IPOF</a>) and Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings V (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IPOE#NASDAQ">IPOE</a>) also are both in the top 10.

For more SPAC coverage, check out Benzinga&#39;s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Benzinga">SPACs Attack YouTube show </a>airing Monday through Friday at 11AM ET.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

SPAC Recap: 5 Merger Announcements, Merger Votes, New ETF Highlight Busy Week

<h4>Clever Leaves Appoints Hank Hague As CFO</h4>

Clever Leaves Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CLVR#NASDAQ">CLVR</a>) has tapped Hank Hague to oversee its financial department on the heels of <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/02/19701694/clever-leaves-highlights-addition-to-nyse-listed-cannabis-etf-thcx">being added</a> to the Cannabis ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/THCX#NYSE">THCX</a>), which trades on the New York Stock Exchange.

He led finances for several public and private companies within the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cannabis industries during his career.

Previously, Hague, who replaces Amit Pandey, served as CFO of Abacus Health Products, Inc.

Kyle Detwiler, CEO of the New York cannabis company, <a href="http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/02/22/2179519/0/en/Clever-Leaves-Strengthens-Leadership-Team-and-Appoints-Hank-Hague-as-Chief-Financial-Officer.html">said</a> Monday they are &ldquo;thrilled to welcome&rdquo; Hague.

&ldquo;Hank has an impressive corporate background, and he has demonstrated exceptional financial and strategic leadership in his previous roles,&rdquo; Detwiler added.

Clever Leaves Holdings Inc. was formed last year, after Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SAMA#NASDAQ">SAMA</a>) and a hemp extract producer, Clever Leaves International Inc. opted to partner.

<h4>Agrify Strengthens Board On The Heels Of NASDAQ Debut, Taps Stuart Wilcox </h4>

Agrify Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AGFY#NASDAQ">AGFY</a>) has appointed former Curaleaf Holdings Inc.&#39;s (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CURLF#OTCQX">CURLF</a>) Chief Operating Officer Stuart Wilcox to serve on its board of directors.

As an Independent Director, Wilcox replaces Matthew Kressy, who recently opted to step down from the position to serve on the company&rsquo;s Advisory Board.

Wilcox brings over three decades of experience serving in leadership positions in both domestic and international cannabis companies. He also served on several cannabis and biotech boards.

Currently, Wilcox is Ora Pharm&rsquo;s board member and a member of the Advisory Board for Revelation Micro and Managing Partner of NuRevelation.

&ldquo;My experience in the industry has given me substantial insight into the market, and I believe Agrify has one of the most exciting new cultivation solutions available,&rdquo; Wilcox <a href="http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/02/22/2179398/0/en/Agrify-Corporation-Appoints-Stuart-Wilcox-to-its-Board-of-Directors.html">disclosed</a> Monday.

The Burlington, Massachusetts-based company recently <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/01/19374274/cannabis-company-agrify-goes-public-on-nasdaq-upsizes-ipo-to-raise-54m">debuted</a> on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol &ldquo;AGFY,&rdquo; ahead of <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/02/19702413/agrify-poised-to-raise-an-additional-75m-in-financing">securing approximately $75 million in funding</a> via an underwritten public offering of its shares.

<h4>Mind Cure Strengthens Board, Welcomes Rob Hill</h4>

Mind Cure Health Inc. (CSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MCUR#CSE">MCUR</a>), a mental health and wellness company working in the psychedelics sector, welcomed Rob Hill to the Board of Directors.

Hill has more than two decades of experience in capital markets, including heavily regulated markets experiencing hyper-growth, big data, and compliance management.

&quot;I look forward to helping Mind Cure&#39;s leadership team further establish the company as a technology leader in psychedelics and advising on the strategic direction and M&amp;A opportunities of the company,&quot; Hill <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mind-cure-announces-addition-of-global-technology-leader-robert-c-hill-to-board-of-directors-301232248.html">noted</a> Monday.

Mind Cure is dedicated to creating psychedelic-related treatments. The Vancouver-based company recently <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/02/19639962/psyched-mindmed-enters-psychedelics-2-0-mind-cure-raises-18m-mydecine-raises-13m">closed</a> a CA$23 million ($18.1 million) offering, securing funds for product research and development.

<h4>NHL Legend Mark Messier Joins NXT Water</h4>

NXT Water <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/02/19776574/nhl-legend-mark-messier-partners-with-nxt-water-to-promote-akeso-cbd-water">revealed</a> Monday that pro hockey legend Mark Messier opted to join its team as an equity partner and brand captain.

Messier will endorse the company&#39;s Akeso CBD water.

Through the partnership, Messier agreed to work on branding as well as advertising and marketing campaigns.

In addition, the collaboration will yield new sales and distribution channels.

&quot;Once I met the NXT Water team and tried Akeso, I knew I had to become involved in the brand,&quot; Messier disclosed.

<h4>Parallel Names Leadership Team On&nbsp;Heels Of Going Public</h4>

The CEO of Atlanta-based Parallel, chewing gum billionaire William &ldquo;Beau&rdquo; Wrigley Jr., <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/02/19773291/parallel-to-go-public-via-1-9b-deal-with-ceres-spac">announced</a> Monday it is partnering with Ceres Acquisition Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CERAF#OTCQX">CERAF</a>) to bring the cannabis company public through a $1.9 billion deal.

Ceres, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), agreed to buy Parallel, to form a company that is poised to have a $430 million cash balance at closing, or once it takes on Ceres&rsquo; listing on Canada&rsquo;s NEO Exchange.

Wrigley opted to continue to serve as Parallel&rsquo;s chair and CEO. Scott &ldquo;Scooter&rdquo; Braun, Ceres&rsquo; co-founder, will serve as a special advisor.

Ceres chair and CEO Joe Crouthers will become a director of the combined company.

<h4>Acreage Appoints New CFO, Glen Leibowitz Steps Down</h4>

Glen Leibowitz <a href="http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/02/23/2180341/0/en/Acreage-Announces-Management-Change.html">opted to step down</a>&nbsp;as&nbsp;Acreage Holdings&nbsp;Inc. (CSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ACRG#CSE">ACRG</a>) (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ACRDF#OTCQX">ACRDF</a>) CFO.

The New York-based company appointed Steve Goertz to replace him. The decision is effective April 2.

Goertz has more than 25 years of experience in finance, capital markets, and strategic planning.

During his career, he led finance departments in several companies such as sgsco, and GoEasy Ltd.

Prior to this, Goertz worked at a special purpose acquisition corporation, Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp.

&quot;Steve&#39;s extensive experience as a public company CFO, his deep expertise in complex transactions, and his recent experience in the cannabis industry make him ideal to lead Acreage&#39;s Finance and Accounting functions as we continue to effectively implement our growth strategies,&quot; Peter Caldini, the company&#39;s <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/12/18855083/cannabis-movers-and-shakers-acreage-holdings">newly appointed</a> CEO noted.

<h4>Transatlantic Capital Names New CEO</h4>

Transatlantic Capital Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TACI#OTC">TACI</a>) <a href="http://www.accesswire.com/631263/Transatlantic-Capital-OTC-TACI-Appoints-Amos-Mirera-as-CEO">has appointed</a>&nbsp;Amos Mirera as its new CEO.

Mirera, who replaces Julius Jenge, has over ten years of experience in digital consultancy.

&ldquo;Our mission to globalize the brand will require cultural expertise in developing markets, which is exactly what Mr. Mirera will contribute,&rdquo; Transatlantic CEO Julius Jenge said.

Transatlantic Capital is a parent company focusing on cannabis, psilocybin, hemp, housing, sports betting, and gaming. It&rsquo;s dedicated to the development of new industry trends for U.S. and international markets.

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