Today's noteworthy initiations include: Arbutus Biopharma (ABUS) initiated with an Outperform at Wedbush... AtriCure (ATRC) initiated with a Buy at BTIG... BankUnited (BKU) initiated with a Buy at Goldman... ConocoPhillips (COP) initiated with an Outperform at Bernstein... Eversource (ES) initiated with a Neutral at Mizuho... F&M Bank (FMBM) initiated with a Neutral at Compass Point... MCBC Holdings (MCFT) initiated with a Neutral at SunTrust... PayPal (PYPL) initiated with a Buy at Topeka... Vital Therapies (VTL) initiated with a Buy at BTIG... uniQure (QURE) initiated with a Buy at WallachBeth.

DMG Blockchain Solutions (DMGGF) announced a strategic collaboration with PayPal (PYPL) and Energy Web to explore ways to decarbonize the Bitcoin blockchain. The companies are working together on developing methods for transacting on the Bitcoin network which would expand its use as a carbon neutral payment rail, thus advancing its application. DMG, Energy Web, and PayPal are working together to publish a research paper, which we collectively believe will benefit users of the Bitcoin network who would like to take advantage of carbon neutral options in their transactions. PayPal, with its focus on developing its bitcoin payment rail, has been a leader in new payment technologies with the introduction of its enhanced services by integrating blockchain technology, launching the PayPal USD stablecoin with Paxos Trust Company in August 2023 for efficient transactions.

Oppenheimer analyst Suraj Kalia upgraded AtriCure to Outperform from Perform with a $32 price target.