11:52 am European Markets Closing Prices (:SUMRX) : European markets are now closed; stock markets across Europe performed as follows:

• UK's FTSE:-0.3%
• Germany's DAX:-0.8%
• France's CAC:-0.7%
• Spain's IBEX:-0.7%
• Portugal's PSI:-0.6%
• Italy's MIB Index:-0.5%
• Irish Ovrl Index:-0.5%
• Greece ASE General Index: +1.5%

11:45 am New lows for market averages -- Dow -111, S&P -12, Nasdaq Comp -42 (:TECHX) : Slow slip to new lows after first half hour of range trade. Nasdaq Comp has reached back to its early July gap on daily charts at 5008 (session low 5007.75).

11:31 am FirstEnergy announces James Pearson, senior VP and CFO has been named executive VP and CFO (FE) : The changes will be effective by September 7, 2015.

11:15 am Dow -104 and S&P -10 set new session lows, Nasdaq Comp -30 hovering just above its low (:TECHX) :  

11:07 am Virgin America reports July 2015 traffic metrics, showing RPMs of -1.4% to ~967 mln from ~981 mln (VA) : Co reported RPMs of 967,299,000 down 1.4% to 980,830,000. It also reported ASMs of 1,130,021,000, down 2.1% to 1,154,583,000

11:06 am NVIDIA gets licensing deal from Pixar Animation Studios for feature film production (NVDA) :

• The multi-year strategic licensing agreement gives Pixar access to NVIDIA's quasi-Monte Carlo rendering methods. 

10:58 am Currency Commentary: DXY Failing to Hold 98 (:SUMRX) :

• The Dollar Index has climbed back over the 98 level but is not seeing much interest there. The DXY was able to push to 98.30 but has given up some of its gains to slide back and test 98 for support. All eyes were on the jobs number today. The report turned out to be relatively uneventful as it was in line with expectations and did not provide any glaring sub-metrics that would suggest the narrative has changed. Looking ahead to next week Q2 Unit Labor Costs and Productivity (Tue), JOLTs (Wed), Retail Sales (Thu) and PPI and Industrial Production (Fri) will all factor in to dollar sentiment. 
• The euro sold off in reaction to the jobs report but is squeezing back toward its session highs as it regains losses. The euro tumbled to 1.08060 but was able to hold that level. This would eventually lead to some short covering that has now led to a squeeze of approx 80 pips. Economic data from the region was weak as both German and French Industrial Production numbers saw a decline and missed expectations.
• The pound gave up the 1.55 area following the jobs number, sliding approx 80 pips before finding support at 1.5430. Sterling has been under pressure the past two days following a surprisingly dovish Interest Rate cycle. It is now working its way back higher with the euro as the DXY runs into resistance. Sterling is currently trading at 1.5468.
• The yen fell down post-jobs for another test of 125 support. Once again yen held this level and has now pushed back approx 70 pips to 124.30. The Bank of Japan met last night but did not add any more stimulus. This was widely expected as the central bank continues to monitor activity before it decides to take its next steps (BONDX. FOREX). 
  

10:52 am Amarin announces US District Court has ruled that the co may promote certain uses of Vascepa that are not covered by the current FDA-approved label, so long as the promotion is 'truthful and non-misleading' (stock halted) (AMRN) : Co announces a United States District Court has ruled that Amarin may promote to healthcare professionals certain uses of Amarin's lead product, Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) capsules, that are not covered by current FDA-approved labeling for the drug so long as the promotion is truthful and non-misleading. The Court declaration covers promotion of the FDA-reviewed and agreed effects of Vascepa demonstrated in the ANCHOR clinical trial of patients with persistently high triglycerides after statin therapy and use of peer-reviewed scientific publications that present the current state of scientific research related to the potential of Vascepa to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Based on today's ruling Amarin plans to begin promotional activities consistent with the opinion as soon as possible.

The Court determined that Amarin may engage in truthful and non-misleading speech promoting the off-label use of Vascepa, i.e., to treat patients with persistently high triglycerides, and specifically make to healthcare professionals the following truthful and non-misleading statements:

• Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Vascepa should not be taken in place of a healthy diet and lifestyle or statin therapy.
• The ANCHOR trial demonstrates that Vascepa lowers triglyceride levels in patients with high (= 200 mg/dL and

10:50 am Stock indices attempt to extend modest push off lows -- Dow -57, S&P -4.8, Nasdaq Comp -16 (:TECHX) :  

10:40 am Stock indices edge off morning lows -- Dow -57, S&P -6.6, Nasdaq Comp -20 (:TECHX) : The S&P probed its 200 day sma and is attempting to stabilize. The aggressive retreat off Wednesday's high does leave it extended technically as well.

10:39 am Amarin trading halted, news pending (AMRN) :  

10:33 am Aquinox Pharma (+143%) surges to one month high after announcing positive results from secondary endpoints for Phase 2 LEADERSHIP trial (AQXP) :  

10:30 am New lows for market averages with S&P -9 flirting with its 200 day sma at 2073 (:TECHX) :  

10:24 am S&P -7.8 joins Dow -81 and Nasdaq Comp -24 at a new low for the week (:TECHX) :  

10:20 am Very tight range for post jobs data trade with S&P -5 in six point range at mildly weaker level -- Dow -58, Nasdaq Comp -16 (:TECHX) : The S&P has traded between 2082 and 2076 with it range trading just above yesterday's low (2075). Thus far this has not been a strong price pattern. 

10:13 am China HGS up more than 20% following Q3 results (HGSH) :

• Co reported Q3 EPS $0.30 vs $0.18 year ago ; sales -10% to $26 mln.
• "The overall slower economic environment in China posted challenges for real estate industry. However, our regional real estate market remains stable, with average unit price held steady. Our commercial property and parking units with higher average unit price are particularly in strong demand. Our near term effort is to focus on completion of the projects currently under construction as soon as possible. We expect our contract sales and revenue will improve as we have more GFA available for sale."
  

10:08 am Navistar refinances its senior secured term loan facility; expanding its capacity to $1.04 bln from $697.5 mln and extending its maturity to August 2020 (NAV) :  

9:53 am Dow -39 joins Nasdaq Comp -15 at modest new weekly low -- S&P -4 still above yesterday's trough at 2075 (:TECHX) :  

9:44 am Sectors displaying early relative strength (:TECHX) : Sectors on the plus side include: Gold Miners GDX, Silver SLV, Casino (MPEL, MCRI, WYNN, LVS, IGT), Reg Bank KRE, Bank KBE, Gold GLD, Media (DIS +0.6%).

9:41 am Relative sector weakness (:TECHX) : The indices are modestly weaker with underperforming sectors led by: Biotech IBB, Telecom IYZ, Crude Oil USO, Networking IGN, Airline JETS, Trucking, Health XLV, Steel SLX, Pharma PPH.

9:40 am Opening Market Summary: Stocks Slip Out of the Gate (:WRAPX) : Equity indices have slipped out of the gate following an Employment Situation report (215K; Briefing.com consensus 229K) that has boosted the Dollar Index (98.23, +0.35) and increased the likelihood that the Fed will begin raising rates in September. The S&P 500 trades lower by 0.3%.  

Interestingly, Treasuries set new session lows after the report was released, but they have climbed to new highs since then with the 10-yr yield down one basis point at 2.21%.

Nine of ten sectors display early losses while financials (+0.2%) outperform as rate hike expectations underpin the sector. Elsewhere, health care (-0.8%) is the weakest sector with biotechnology showing notable weakness. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB 363.29, -6.79) has given up 1.9% in the early going.

9:35 am Stock indices extend mildly weaker open with Nasdaq Comp -24 slipping under Thursday low -- Dow -41, S&P -5.5 (:TECHX) :  

9:29 am On the Wires (:WIRES) :

• United Online, Inc. (UNTD) announced that Mark Harrington joined the company on August 3, 2015 as Executive Vice President and General Counsel
  
• Royale Energy, Inc. (ROYL) announced the results of the completion of its Royale Ballinger #1 well in Runnels County, Texas. After initial stimulation, it tested at a rate of 80 barrels per day, at a 70% oil cut, which indicates sustained production rate of 15 barrels of oil a day
  
• ClearSign Combustion Corporation (CLIR) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC to evaluate the performance of ClearSign's low emissions Duplex technology in Tesoro's refinery heaters
  
• XBiotech (XBIT) announced it has expanded its XCITE cancer study into Europe. Screening has now begun at the Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Oncology Center in Warsaw, Poland, marking the first patient recruitment site outside the U.S. and the commencement in earnest of the global phase of the FDA study
  

9:21 am Empresas ICA announces that is has sold 2.9% of its stake in OMA via a private transaction; will use proceeds toward debt payment (ICA) :  

9:13 am S&P futures vs fair value: +0.20. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -3.90. (:WRAPX) : The stock market is on track for a flat open as S&P 500 futures trade within a point of fair value. Index futures traded just below their flat lines during overnight action, but climbed to highs after the release of the Employment Situation report for July.

According to the report, nonfarm payrolls increased by 215,000 in July while the Briefing.com consensus expected a reading of 229,000. More notably, hourly earnings increased an in-line 0.2%, which suggests the Federal Reserve could begin raising rates as early as September.

The Dollar Index (98.31, +0.44) conveyed that expectation as the greenback rallied against other major currencies. The dollar has climbed 0.5% against the euro, sending the single currency down to 1.0865.

Meanwhile, Treasuries set new lows in reaction to the report, but they have returned to their previous levels. Currently, the 10-yr note is little changed with its yield at 2.22%.

On the earnings front, NVIDIA (NVDA 22.29, +1.84) is on course to open higher by 9.0% after reporting strong quarterly results.

9:11 am CatchMark Timber Trust announces a share repurchase plan for up to $30 million of its common stock (CTT) :  

9:02 am Paragon Offshore receives a notice of non-compliance from the NYSE, regarding non-compliance with the $1 minimum price bid standard (PGN) : Co intends to maintain the listing of its common shares on the NYSE and will consider all available options to regain compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards.

9:01 am Snap-On acquires Ecotechnics S.p.A. for $13 mln in cash (SNA) : Based in Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, Ecotechnics, with 2014 sales of 12.4 million, designs and manufactures automatic vehicle air conditioning maintenance equipment for OEM dealerships and the automotive aftermarket

9:00 am Marsh McLennan acquires Tequesta Insurance Advisors; terms not disclosed (MMC) :

• Co announced that it has acquired Tequesta Insurance Advisors. 
• Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
  

9:00 am Equity futures reverse initial losses, turn positive (SPY) :

• S&P futures just turned positive, reversing early losses. 
• This morning's employment data was roughly in-line with expectations, and likely good enough for a rate hike at the September FOMC meeting.
• Equity futures initially ticked to lows post-data, but have now reversed course and turned positive. 
• S&P are now +3.5 vs. fair value.
  

8:58 am Industrial Services announces the issuance of 50,670 common stock shares to Algar Inc. as satisfaction for unpaid bonus compensation (IDSA) :  

8:54 am S&P futures vs fair value: -1.80. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -9.70. (:WRAPX) : The S&P 500 futures trade two points below fair value.

Trading action was mixed in Asian-Pacific markets to end the week. China's Shanghai Composite surged 2.3% amid state-media reports suggesting China funds have a lot of yuan at the ready to deploy in the stock market; meanwhile, Australia slumped 2.4% in a broad-based selloff paced by its financial sector.

• In economic data: 
  • Australia's July AIG Construction Index 47.1 (prior 46.0) while June Home Loans +4.4% month-over-month (consensus 5.0%; last -7.3%) 

• Japan's Nikkei increased 0.3% and closed near its highs for the day after the Bank of Japan held its key lending rate unchanged at 0.10%, as expected. Leadership was provided by the consumer staples (+3.6%), materials (+2.1%), and industrials (+1.3%) sectors. Top gainers included Taiheiyo Cement (+4.8%), Nikon (+4.7%), and Daikin Industries (+4.1%). The biggest laggards were Mitsumi Electric (-8.6%), Konica Minolta (-8.5%), and Ricoh (-4.7%). Out of the 225 index members, 142 ended higher, 77 finished lower, and 6 were unchanged. For the week, the Nikkei was up 0.7%. 
• Hong Kong's Hang Seng increased 0.7%, following the favorable path traveled by mainland markets. China Shenhua Energy (+4.2%), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (+3.4%), and Galaxy Entertainment (+3.4%) topped the list of winners while Belle International Holdings (-2.2%), Cheung Kong Property Holdings (-1.4%), and Want Want China Holdings (-1.3%) were at the bottom of the barrel. Out of the 50 index members, 35 ended higher and 15 finished lower. For the week, the Hang Seng declined 0.3%. 
• China's Shanghai Composite jumped 2.3% on state media reports suggesting funds in China have a lot of yuan on the sidelines waiting to be deployed in the stock market. Friday's advance made the difference for the Shanghai Composite, which increased 2.2% for the week. 

• Investors received several data points: 
  • Germany's June Industrial Production -1.4% month-over-month (expected 0.3%; prior 0.2%). Separately, June trade surplus expanded to EUR24.00 billion from EUR19.50 billion (expected surplus of EUR21.50 billion) as imports fell 0.5% month-over-month (expected 0.5%; prior 0.7%) while exports declined 1.0% (consensus -0.5%; last 1.6%) 
  • UK's June trade deficit widened to GBP9.18 billion from GBP8.42 billion (expected deficit of GBP9.30 billion) 
  • France's June Industrial Production -0.1% month-over-month (expected 0.2%; last 0.4%) while June trade deficit narrowed to EUR2.70 billion from EUR4.00 billion (expected deficit of EUR3.70 billion) 
  • Spain's June Industrial Production +4.5% year-over-year (expected 3.9%; prior 3.4%) 
  • Swiss Unemployment Rate held at 3.3%, as expected 

• UK's FTSE is down 0.2% with miners showing relative strength while consumer names lag. Anglo American, Antofagasta, BHP Billiton, Glencore, and Rio Tinto are up between 1.0% and 3.5% while ITV, Persimmon, Barratt Developments, Next, and Tesco display losses between 1.1% and 3.1%. 
• In France, the CAC is lower by 0.3% with about 2/3 of index components trading in the red. Telecom services provider Orange is among the laggards, trading lower by 1.9%. Meanwhile, consumer names like Carrefour, Danone, LVMH, and L'Oreal hold losses between 0.8% and 1.3%. 
• Germany's DAX trades down 0.4% with Merck leading the decline. The stock has given up 3.1% while peer Bayer is down 0.9%. On the upside, exporters BMW and Volkswagen outperform with gains close to 0.7%.

8:53 am On the Wires (:WIRES) :

• Cantel Medical Corp (CMN) announced the appointment of David Rosen as President of Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets. Rosen will join Cantel on August 10, 2015
  
• Fleetmatics Group PLC (FLTX) announced it has exceeded a milestone of 625,000 active vehicles under subscription, adding more than 125,000 vehicles in the past year while expanding its global footprint
  

8:51 am European Markets Update: FTSE -0.2%, CAC -0.3%, DAX -0.4% (:SUMRX) : Major European indices trade mostly lower with Germany's DAX (-0.4%) trailing the region. Elsewhere, Bank of England Deputy Governor Ben Broadbent said that the central bank is nearing the time when interest rates may need to move higher, but that there is no urgency to do so at this time.

• Investors received several data points: 
• Germany's June Industrial Production -1.4% month-over-month (expected 0.3%; prior 0.2%). Separately, June trade surplus expanded to EUR24.00 billion from EUR19.50 billion (expected surplus of EUR21.50 billion) as imports fell 0.5% month-over-month (expected 0.5%; prior 0.7%) while exports declined 1.0% (consensus -0.5%; last 1.6%) 
• UK's June trade deficit widened to GBP9.18 billion from GBP8.42 billion (expected deficit of GBP9.30 billion) 
• France's June Industrial Production -0.1% month-over-month (expected 0.2%; last 0.4%) while June trade deficit narrowed to EUR2.70 billion from EUR4.00 billion (expected deficit of EUR3.70 billion) 
• Spain's June Industrial Production +4.5% year-over-year (expected 3.9%; prior 3.4%) 
• Swiss Unemployment Rate held at 3.3%, as expected 

• UK's FTSE is down 0.2% with miners showing relative strength while consumer names lag. Anglo American, Antofagasta, BHP Billiton, Glencore, and Rio Tinto are up between 1.0% and 3.5% while ITV, Persimmon, Barratt Developments, Next, and Tesco display losses between 1.1% and 3.1%. 
• In France, the CAC is lower by 0.3% with about 2/3 of index components trading in the red. Telecom services provider Orange is among the laggards, trading lower by 1.9%. Meanwhile, consumer names like Carrefour, Danone, LVMH, and L'Oreal hold losses between 0.8% and 1.3%. 
• Germany's DAX trades down 0.4% with Merck leading the decline. The stock has given up 3.1% while peer Bayer is down 0.9%. On the upside, exporters BMW and Volkswagen outperform with gains close to 0.7%.
  

8:46 am Lincoln Electric acquires specialty welding consumables provider, Specialised Welding Products; terms not disclosed (LECO) :  

8:46 am Collegium Pharmaceutical announces that the US FDA Advisory Committee is scheduled to review its NDA for Xtampza ER on September 11, 2015 (COLL) :  

8:40 am South Jersey Inds misses by $0.12; lowers FY15 guidance (SJI) :

• Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.03 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.12 worse than the Capital IQ Consensus of $0.15. 
• The write-down taken for the facility produced negative impacts on Economic Earnings of $11.1 million year-to-date, and $10.9 million for the second quarter. Excluding the impacts of this charge, operating results for the second quarter reflect positive performance from our key business lines, as compared to the prior year period.
• Co issues downside guidance for FY15, sees EPS of $1.49-1.54, excluding non-recurring items, from $1.60-1.69 vs. $1.66 Capital IQ Consensus, as a result of this write-down, and the lack of operating income previously associated with the facility

8:34 am Diamondrock Hospitality beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides FY15 FFO in-line (DRH) : Reports Q2 (Jun) adjusted FFO of $0.31 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.30; revenues rose 8.6% year/year to $249.8 mln vs the $251.6 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY15, sees FFO of $1.00-1.03, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.02 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate. This is up slightly from prior guidance of $1.00-1.02.

8:34 am William Lyon Homes beats by $0.01, misses on revs (WLH) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.32 per share, $0.01 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.31; revenues rose 41.7% year/year to $254.7 mln vs the $259.19 mln consensus.

• New home deliveries of 553 homes, up 65% ... Homebuilding gross margin of $47.5 million, up 19% ... Average sales price (:ASP) of new homes delivered of $448,000 ... Dollar value of homes in backlog of $471.5 million, up 55%.

8:33 am Futures remain lower following roughly in-line employment data; S&P futures vs fair value: -3.50, Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -10.90. (:WRAPX) : The S&P 500 futures trade four points below fair value.

July nonfarm payrolls came in at 215,000 while the Briefing.com consensus expected a reading of 229,000. The prior month's reading was revised up to 231,000 from 223,000. Nonfarm private payrolls added 210,000 against the 220,000 expected by the consensus. The unemployment rate held at 5.3%, which is what the Briefing.com consensus expected

Hourly earnings rose 0.2%, which is what the consensus expected. The average workweek was reported at 34.6, while the consensus expected a reading of 34.5.

8:33 am Marathon Patent Group's subsidiary Selene Communication Technologies receives an encouraging Markman ruling (MARA) : Co announced that the US District Court ofDelaware issued the claim construction order, in the litigation involving its subsidiary Selene Communication Technologies in its case against Fluke Electronics Corporation.

• In his opinion, Chief Judge Leonard P. Stark, addressed three disputed claim terms for U.S. Patent No. 7,143,444 ("the '444 patent"). For the three disputed claim terms, the court issued a favorable claim construction adopting the constructions (or minor variations thereof) proposed by Selene
  

8:32 am Horsehead Holding beats by $0.07, beats on revs (ZINC) : Reports Q2 (Jun) loss of $0.22 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.07 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of ($0.29); revenues fell 2.8% year/year to $122.8 mln vs the $102.02 mln consensus. 

• Outlook: "Based upon the expected rate of ramp-up at Mooresboro, we expect to continue to produce zinc calcine from excess waelz oxide during the third quarter. We had hedge positions for the second quarter of 2015 at an average LME price of $0.97/lb and currently have hedge positions for the second half of 2015 at $1.07/lb on more than half of our expected zinc shipments to reduce volatility in our cash flow during the continued ramp-up of the Mooresboro facility."
  

8:31 am Market View: Sep. eMini stock-index futures remain trading below fair values immediately following the 8:30 am ET Jul. Employment Report figures (:TECHX) :

• ESu5 now 2076.00 -3.50
  
  
• YMu5 now 17337 -38
  
  
• NQu5 now 4512.00 -12.75

8:27 am Gapping down (:SCANX) : Gapping down
In reaction to disappointing earnings/guidance: FLDM -33.5%, ANAD -29.8%, NPTN -24%, NDLS -18.8%, HNSN -13.1%, MIFI -11.8%, SFM -10.7%, UBNT -10.3%, UBNT -10.3%, TCX -9.4%, SWIR -6.7%, XOMA -6.4%, IMH -6%, CENX -5.7%, DRYS -5.5%, CAPN -5.1%, BITA -5%, BAGR -4.6%, WWAV -4.6%, BID -4.3%, ALNY -4%, GRPN -3.8%, TCPI -3.4%, OHRP -3.4%, LGF -3.1%, GALE -3.1%, HEAR -3.1%, RBCN -3%, CYTX -2.4%, HSY -2.4%, CLBS -2%, EGY -2%, NVRO -1.8%, IMI -1.8%, OLED -1.5%, HIMX -1.5%, SSL -1.3%, ESPR -1.1%, GXP -1%, PBA -1%, CVC -0.9%, DIOD -0.8%


Other news: PXLW -9.3% (announces public offering of common stock), CLBS -2% (files for $150 mln mixed securities shelf offering), AEL -1.5% (filed for $150 mln mixed securities shelf offering; co also reported earnings)

Analyst comments: SSTK -2.7% (downgraded to Market Perform from Outperform at William Blair), ACAD -2.2% (downgraded to Neutral from Overweight at Piper Jaffray), KORS -1.3% (downgraded to Underweight from Neutral at Piper Jaffray)

8:24 am Gapping up (:SCANX) : Gapping up
In reaction to strong earnings/guidance: ATHX +34.3%, ARP +22.7%, PLNR +20%, STMP +17.5%, PACD +13.5%, AQXP +13.4%, ( announced results from secondary endpoints from its Phase 2 LEADERSHIP trial of AQX-1125; showing consistently positive results from multiple secondary endpoints), ORIG +12.9%, CPST +12.9%, FXEN +12.7%, (to explore sale of company), NUS +10.3%, ERII +10%, NVDA +9.1%, AMRN +8.8%, BBG +7.5%, ABTL +7.5%, HUBS +6.9%, FLTX +6.4%, MHK +6.3%, TWOU +6.2%, BOJA +5.8%, CSOD +4.9%, MHR +4.9%, TEAR +4.4%, ANET +4.3%, ZNGA +4.1%, MNST +3.5%, TARO +3.5%, SPPI +3.2%, CTCM +3.2%, ALRM +3%, ITEK +3%, TRXC +2.9%, MDVN +2.5%, HTGC +2.5%, CTIC +2.2%, ANAC +1.8%, MAIN +1.3%, IRG +1.1%, RPTP +1.1%, BEAT +1%

M&A news: DEPO +5% (DepoMed sends an open letter to Horizon Pharmaceuticals (HZNP): confirms receipt of a proposal increase that includes a cash component),HZNP +3.1%

Other news: ELON +7.3% (announced it is seeking stockholder approval for a 1 for 10 reverse stock split, to regain compliance with the Nasdaq minimum price bid rule; co also reported earnings),LNG +5.7% (Icahn discloses 8.18% active stake in 13D filing; intends to have discussions with management and board ),MHR +4.9% (announced the appointment of Keith Yankowsky as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective September 1, 2015),SONC +3.1% (announced Board authorization of $145 mln share repurchase program; increases quarterly dividend 22% to $0.11 from $0.09 per share),MSI +0.8% (commences a dutch auction tender, to repurchase up to $2 bln of its common stock shares between $61 and $66.50/share)

Analyst comments: CC +2.9% (upgraded to Neutral from Underweight at JP Morgan),BOX +2.8% (upgraded to Outperform from Perform at Oppenheimer),ABUS +2.5% (initiated with a Outperform at Wedbush ; tgt $20 ),ABX +1.9% (upgraded to Equal Weight from Underweight at Barclays),COH +1.1% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at UBS)

8:15 am WhiteWave Foods reports Q2 EPS above guidance; raises FY15 EPS guidance; acquires Wallaby Yogurt (WWAV) :

• Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.24 per share, including Chinese JV and FX, vs. $0.21-0.23 guidance, may not be comparable to the Capital IQ Consensus of $0.25; revenues rose 10.3% year/year to $924 mln vs the $928.04 mln consensus. 
• Net sales for Plant-based Foods and Beverages increased 26 percent in second quarter 2015 compared to second quarter 2014. This growth was driven by the inclusion of So Delicious' results and strong organic volume growth.
• Co issues guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.27-0.29, including Chinese JV and FX, may not be comparable to $0.31 Capital IQ Consensus. 
• Co issues guidance for FY15, raises EPS to $1.07-1.10 from $1.03-1.07, including Chinese JV and FX, may not be comparable to $1.13 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate. 
• WhiteWave announced that it has agreed to acquire Wallaby Yogurt Company, Inc. for ~$125 million in cash. Founded in 1994 and based in American Canyon, California, Wallaby is a leading manufacturer and distributor of organic dairy yogurt products that include Greek and Australian yogurts and Kefir beverages. Wallaby had net sales of more than $45 million for the twelve months ended June 2015
• Mgmt expects Vega acquisition will be neutral to slightly accretive to WhiteWave's earnings in 2015 and expects it will be approximately $0.06 accretive to WhiteWave's adjusted earnings per share in 2016, excluding certain transaction and other related expenses, and approximately $0.09 accretive to adjusted cash earnings per share, when also excluding acquisition-related intangible amortization.

8:14 am European Yields (BONDX) : European Data Show Growth Shift

• Economic growth in the European periphery is gaining momentum relative to the European core, according to the Industrial Production data for June. This dynamic is also supported by recent survey data
• In Germany, Industrial Production unexpectedly dropped in June, falling by 1.4% m/m versus a 0.2% gain in May
• French Industrial Production fell 0.1% m/m in June, also worse than expectations
• Spanish Industrial Production jumped 4.5% in the year to June, better than expectations and the 3.4% growth seen in May
• According to Chris Williamson, Markit's chief economist, "Spain is the current star performer [in Europe], with the Purchasing Managers' Index signalling ongoing economic growth of approximately 1% at the start of the third quarter." He went on to say that Germany and Italy are growing at closer to 0.3-0.4% and France is trailing at 0.2%
• Williamson also noted that "the industrial sectors of Spain and Italy remain one-quarter smaller than their pre-crisis peaks"
• The German trade surplus widened to a greater-than-expected 24.0 bln euro in June from 19.5 bln in May
• Yield Check:
• France, 10-yr OAT: -1 bp to 1.01%
• Germany, 10-yr Bund: -1 bp to 0.66%
• Greece, 10-yr note: +3 bps to 11.61%
• Italy, 10-yr BTP: +1 bp to 1.88%
• Portugal, 10-yr note: +5 bps to 2.49%
• Spain, 10-yr ODE: +3 bps to 1.93%
• U.K., 10-yr Gilt: -6 bps to 1.94%

8:10 am On the Wires (:WIRES) :

• First Point Minerals Corp provided a corporate update on the status of its Decar nickel project. Pursuant to the option agreement between First Point and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (CLF), the structure of project ownership has converted to a contractual joint venture, on pre-agreed terms, with initial ownership interests fixed at the current levels of 60% for Cliffs and 40% for First Point
  
• Majesco Entertainment (COOL) announced that over the next two quarters, it expects to launch two new games: Glue and A Boy and His Blob. Co also stated that "We have taken significant steps to repurpose our assets and significantly reduce our liabilities that were established solely to support our presence as a distributor of retail games for systems sold by Microsoft, Sony and others. Now that we have elected to exit from that channel, these liabilities and the costs associated with retail products have diminished. Our cash position remains extremely strong with $8.5 million in cash and receivables on our balance sheet, and $9 million in escrow from our recent financings."
  

8:06 am Heron Therapeutics reports Q2 EPS of ($0.74) vs ($0.66) Capital IQ consensus estimate; co did not report any revs (HRTX) :

• In May 2015, the FDA accepted Heron's proposal to use the 505 regulatory pathway for HTX-019, Heron's proprietary intravenous formulation of the NK1 receptor antagonist aprepitant for the prevention of CINV. 
• Utilizing the 505 regulatory pathway to significantly reduce the costs and time required for development, Heron intends to file an NDA for HTX-019 in the second half of 2016.
  

8:04 am ManTech is awarded a 3 year, $174 mln prime contract from the US Navy (MANT) :

• The U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (:SSCPAC) has awarded ManTech International (MANT) a prime contract to provide a broad array of technical and professional services in support of unmanned maritime systems, both surface and subsurface, engaged in waterborne and underwater mine countermeasures.
• Under this contract, ManTech will provide full lifecycle services including specification and design, fabrication, installation, test and evaluation, fielding, maintenance, training, and configuration and program management of both hardware and software systems.
• The multiple-award, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract has a 3-year period of performance, with a potential value of $174 million.
  

8:04 am Physicians Realty Trust misses by $0.06, beats on revs (DOC) : Reports Q2 (Jun) funds from operations of $0.18 per share, $0.06 worse than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.24; revenues rose 160.5% year/year to $29.7 mln vs the $27.11 mln consensus.

Revised 2015 acquisition guidance:

• The Company expects to acquire between $700-900 million of real estate during 2015. This guidance is inclusive of the IMS Phoenix portfolio and any previously announced acquisitions.
  

8:02 am Scorpio Bulkers announces that Scorpio Services Holding Limited has purchased 500K of its common stock, at an average price of $1.78/share (SALT) :  

8:02 am Prudential reaches a definitive agreement to acquire Deutsche Bank's (DB) India asset management business ; terms not disclosed (PRU) :

• Co has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Deutsche Bank's India asset management business through its Mumbai-based affiliate, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.
• With $948 billion in assets under management, PIM ranks among the world's largest investment management companies.
  

8:02 am PharMerica beats by $0.04, reports revs in-line; reaffirms FY15 EPS guidance, revs guidance (PMC) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.37 per share, $0.04 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.33; revenues rose 10.9% year/year to $497.5 mln vs the $493.69 mln consensus. The increase in revenues was driven by recent acquisitions, growth in the Company's specialty pharmacy businesses, and branded drug inflation.

• Co reaffirms guidance for FY15, sees EPS of $1.55-1.65 vs. $1.63 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees FY15 revs of $1.950-2.050 bln vs. $2.02 bln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.
  

8:00 am Dollar General appoints Jim Thorpe as Chief Merchandising Officer, effective immediately (DG) : Co announced that David D'Arezzo, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, has departed effective August 6, 2015. Thorpe recently served as senior vice president and general merchandise manager from May 2006 until his retirement in July 2012.

7:58 am Pixelworks announces details on its public offering of common stock; will sell 3.25 mln shares at $4.75/share (PXLW) : Co intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, increasing our working capital, financing of ongoing operating expenses and overhead, and funding of capital expenditures, such as the continued development of solutions for the digital projector, digital television, and mobile device markets

7:58 am S&P futures vs fair value: -3.40. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -9.20. (:WRAPX) : U.S. equity futures trade modestly lower amid cautious action overseas. The S&P 500 futures hover three points below fair value, but some volatility is expected once the Nonfarm Payrolls report for July crosses the wires at 8:30 ET. The Briefing.com consensus expects a headline reading of 229,000, but the Hourly Earnings component will be the focal point considering strong wage growth would increase the likelihood of a rate hike as early as September.

In addition to the Employment Situation report, investors will receive the Consumer Credit report for June at 15:00 ET (Briefing.com consensus $17.00 billion).

Treasuries hold slim gains with the 10-yr yield at 2.22%.

In U.S. corporate news of note:

• JD.com (JD 33.70, +0.89): +2.7% in reaction to better than expected earnings on light revenue. 
• Monster Beverage (MNST 148.75, +3.88): +2.7% despite missing earnings and revenue expectations. 
• Noodles & Co (NDLS 12.51, -2.63): -17.4% after missing estimates and guiding lower. 
• NVIDIA (NVDA 22.47, +2.02): +9.9% after beating earnings and revenue estimates. 

• Asian markets ended mostly higher. Japan's Nikkei +0.3%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng +0.7%, and China's Shanghai Composite +2.3% 
  • In economic data: 
    • Australia's July AIG Construction Index 47.1 (prior 46.0) while June Home Loans +4.4% month-over-month (consensus 5.0%; last -7.3%) 
  • In news: 
    • The Bank of Japan made no changes to its policy stance, keeping its key interest rate at 0.10%, as expected. 

• Major European indices trade mostly lower. Germany's DAX -0.4%, France's CAC -0.3%, and UK's FTSE is flat. Elsewhere, Italy's MIB -0.1% and Spain's IBEX -0.4% 
  • Investors received several data points: 
    • Germany's June Industrial Production -1.4% month-over-month (expected 0.3%; prior 0.2%). Separately, June trade surplus expanded to EUR24.00 billion from EUR19.50 billion (expected surplus of EUR21.50 billion) as imports fell 0.5% month-over-month (expected 0.5%; prior 0.7%) while exports declined 1.0% (consensus -0.5%; last 1.6%) 
    • UK's June trade deficit widened to GBP9.18 billion from GBP8.42 billion (expected deficit of GBP9.30 billion) 
    • France's June Industrial Production -0.1% month-over-month (expected 0.2%; last 0.4%) while June trade deficit narrowed to EUR2.70 billion from EUR4.00 billion (expected deficit of EUR3.70 billion) 
    • Spain's June Industrial Production +4.5% year-over-year (expected 3.9%; prior 3.4%) 
    • Swiss Unemployment Rate held at 3.3%, as expected 
  • Among news of note: 
    • Bank of England Deputy Governor Ben Broadbent said that the central bank is nearing the time when interest rates may need to move higher, but that there is no urgency to do so at this time.

7:50 am Asian Markets Close: Japan's Nikkei +0.3%; Hong Kong's Hang Seng +0.7%; China's Shanghai Composite +2.3% (:SUMRX) : Trading action was mixed in Asian-Pacific markets to end the week. China's Shanghai Composite surged 2.3% amid state-media reports suggesting China funds have a lot of yuan at the ready to deploy in the stock market; meanwhile, Australia slumped 2.4% in a broad-based selloff paced by its financial sector.

Economic Data

• Japan
• Bank of Japan leaves key interest rate unchanged at 0.10%, as expected
• Australia
• June Home Loans +4.4% month-over-month (expected +5.0%; prior -7.3%)
• July AIG Construction Index 47.1 (prior 46.0)
• June Invest Housing Finance -0.7% month-over-month (prior -3.2%)

• Japan's Nikkei increased 0.3% and closed near its highs for the day after the Bank of Japan held its key lending rate unchanged at 0.10%, as expected. Leadership was provided by the consumer staples (+3.6%), materials (+2.1%), and industrials (+1.3%) sectors. Top gainers included Taiheiyo Cement (+4.8%), Nikon (+4.7%), and Daikin Industries (+4.1%). The biggest laggards were Mitsumi Electric (-8.6%), Konica Minolta (-8.5%), and Ricoh (-4.7%). Out of the 225 index members, 142 ended higher, 77 finished lower, and 6 were unchanged. For the week, the Nikkei was up 0.7%.
• Hong Kong's Hang Seng increased 0.7%, following the favorable path traveled by mainland markets. China Shenhua Energy (+4.2%), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (+3.4%), and Galaxy Entertainment (+3.4%) topped the list of winners while Belle International Holdings (-2.2%), Cheung Kong Property Holdings (-1.4%), and Want Want China Holdings (-1.3%) were at the bottom of the barrel. Out of the 50 index members, 35 ended higher and 15 finished lower. For the week, the Hang Seng declined 0.3%.
• China's Shanghai Composite jumped 2.3% on state media reports suggesting funds in China have a lot of yuan on the sidelines waiting to be deployed in the stock market. Friday's advance made the difference for the Shanghai Composite, which increased 2.2% for the week.
• India's Sensex declined 0.2%, ending the session on a soft note. Weakness in the industrials (-0.7%) and financials (-0.6%) sectors weighed on the index. Bharat Heavy Electricals (-5.8%), Coal India (-3.9%), and State Bank of India (-2.7%) were the worst-performing issues. Oil & Natural Gas Co. (+4.4%), Tata Motors (+2.7%), and Vedanta (+2.1%) topped the list of winners. Out of the 30 index members, 11 ended higher and 19 finished lower. For the week, the Sensex increased 0.4%.
• Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Index declined a hefty 2.4%, ending at its lows for the day. The weakness was attributed primarily to concerns about the need for banks to raise capital and continued weakness in resource plays. Separately, the Reserve bank of Australia tempered its economic outlook for 2016. The financials (-3.1%), materials (-2.8%), and gold (-2.6%) sectors led the way lower. Out of the 200 index members, 15 ended higher, 178 finished lower , and 7 were unchanged. For the week, the S&P/ASX 200 declined 3.9%.
• Regional advancers: Vietnam +0.5%
• Regional decliners: South Korea -0.2%, Taiwan -0.1%, Malaysia -0.7%, Indonesia -0.8%, Thailand -0.2%, Philippines -0.8%
• Closed for holiday: Singapore

• USD/CNY unch at 6.2097
• USD/INR +0.1% at 63.8150
• USD/JPY -0.1% at 124.67
  

7:44 am SouFun Holdings reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; raises FY15 revs guidance, above consensus (SFUN) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.04 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.04; revenues rose 25.4% year/year to $210.9 mln vs the $199.01 mln consensus.

• The increase in revenue was primarily driven by the growth in e-commerce services, partially offset by the decline in marketing services and listing services.
  
• Co raises guidance for FY15, sees FY15 revs of $843.4 mln vs. $832.26 mln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate, up from $808.3 mln.
  

7:41 am Overnight Treasury Summary (BONDX) : Treasuries Flat Ahead of Employment Report

• Treasury yields are mostly unchanged overnight as all eyes turn to the July Employment Situation Report. After the abysmal Employment Cost Index growth in the second quarter (+0.2% versus a Briefing.com consensus of +0.6%), the Hourly Earnings component of the report could be the most important. The FOMC is still unsure of what the non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment (:NAIRU) is after the structural damage to the U.S. economy from the financial crisis. There could be large reserves of disillusioned workers who are not actively job-hunting and therefore are not included in the unemployment rate. These workers would help keep a lid on wage growth as they reenter the workforce, allowing the Fed to delay interest rate policy normalization. That being the case, the FOMC is watching wage growth more closely than usual as an indicator of actual tightness in the job market rather than just assuming that an arbitrary unemployment rate foreshadows higher wage growth 
• After Atlanta Fed President Lockhart's remarks earlier this week (he said that he would need to see "significant deterioration" in the economic picture to oppose a September rate hike), the burden of proof appears to be on the doves. A small miss of the Briefing.com consensus for +235K nonfarm payrolls will not be enough to take a September rate hike off of the table
• Yield Check:
• 2-yr: unch at 0.70%
• 5-yr: -1 bp to 1.60%
• 10-yr: unch at 2.22%
• 30-yr: unch at 2.89%

• International News:
• The Bank of Japan met today and maintained its quantitative easing program which is adding 80 trillion yen annually to base money. The move was almost universally expected
• Germany's Industrial Production unexpectedly dropped in June, falling by 1.4% m/m versus a 0.2% gain in May
• The German trade surplus widened to a greater-than-expected 24.0 bln euro in June from 19.5 bln in May. Germany's trade surplus is a highly politicized issue in the single-currency bloc because many economists believe that Germany is not contributing enough to aggregate demand
• French Industrial Production fell 0.1% m/m in June, also worse than expectations
• The French trade deficit narrowed to 2.7 bln euro from -4.0 bln euro
• Spanish Industrial Production jumped 4.5% in the year to June, further demonstrating that the European periphery ex-Greece, and the Iberian Peninsula in particular, are gaining momentum relative to the core
• In the U.K., the trade deficit widened more than expected in June to 9.18 bln pounds from 8.42 bln in May
• The pound's strength was cited as the reason for declining exports

• Data out Today:
• July Employment Situation Report (08:30 ET)
• June Consumer Credit (15:00 ET)

7:41 am TETRA Tech beats by $0.15, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS above consensus (TTI) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.16 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.15 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.01; revenues rose 31.1% year/year to $315.9 mln vs the $270.29 mln consensus.

• "Our second quarter results were clearly exceptional in a very challenging market environment. I attribute these results to our diversification of our customer base and introduction of new products into the market, as well as our continued focus on cost reductions across the organization."
  
• Co issues upside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.07-0.09, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.02 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.
  

7:41 am Lindblad Expeditions reports Q2; provides outlook (LIND) :

• Lindblad generated tour revenue of $49.5 million in Q2 compared to $50.8 million in the prior year quarter. 
• Net Yield for Q2 was $963.10 compared to $1,020.45 in the prior year quarter. 
• Adj. EBITDA for the second quarter was $12.0 million, a 9.1% increase from $11.0 million in the prior year quarter.
  
• Revenue is projected to be $204 million and Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be $45 million for the full year of 2015. 
• Furthermore, the Company anticipates that it will enter into contracts to build two new coastal vessels in the third quarter of 2015 with expected deliveries on target for the second quarter of 2017 and 2018. 
• "Although it is too early to provide a detailed picture for 2016, bookings remain strong with 43% of ticket revenue for the 2016 financial year on the books, as at June 30, 2015, compared with 40% in 2014 for the 2015 financial year."
  

7:35 am Groupon reports EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides Q3 below consensus; reaffirms FY15 revs guidance, lowers FY15 EBITDA (GRPN) :

• Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.02 per share, in-line with the Capital IQ Consensus of $0.02; revenues rose 3.1% year/year to $738.4 mln vs the $740.26 mln consensus. Gross billings grew 2% globally, or 10% excluding the unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter. On this F/X neutral basis, North America billings increased 12%, EMEA increased 9% and Rest of World increased 6%. 
• Co issues downside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.00-0.02, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.03 Capital IQ Consensus; sees Q3 revs of $700-750 mln vs. $755.88 mln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate. 
• Co reaffirms rev guidance for FY15, sees FY15 revs of $3.15-3.30 bln vs. $3.21 bln Capital IQ Consensus, lowers FY15 EBITDA to $290 mln from greater than $315 mln.
  

7:34 am 58.com announces contributing 46.5 mln common shares and $272.4 mln in cash, to several private equity funds that invest in Chinese businesses (WUBA) :  

7:33 am Cablevision beats by $0.03, reports revs in-line (CVC) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.27 per share, $0.03 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.24; revenues rose 1.6% year/year to $1.65 bln vs the $1.65 bln consensus.

• Improved subscriber performance with largest quarterly gains in both customer relationships and high-speed data, in more than two years. 
• Average Monthly Cable Revenue per Customer of $158.52, an increase of $5.80 or 3.8%, compared with the prior year period.
  

7:33 am Ebix beats by $0.06, beats on revs (EBIX) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.54 per share, $0.06 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.48; revenues rose 25.7% year/year to $64.71 mln vs the $63.5 mln consensus.

7:32 am Blue Nile beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides FY15 EPS in-line, revs in-line (NILE) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.20 per share, $0.01 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.19; revenues rose 6.7% year/year to $113.7 mln vs the $111.41 mln consensus.

• Co issues in-line guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.14-0.17 vs. $0.16 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees Q3 revs of $109-112 vs. $110.44 mln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.
• Co issues in-line guidance for FY15, sees EPS of $0.83-0.93 vs. $0.89 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees FY15 revs of $488-505 mln vs. $492.44 mln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.
  
• "We remain committed to our strategy to further invest in marketing to drive greater awareness; to optimize analytics to refine pricing and grow our margins; and to leverage scale to source products in ways that provide exceptional quality and value to our customers. All of this drives to one goal: moving more consumers of diamonds and fine jewelry to purchase online."
  

7:31 am Potash reaffirms proposed price of EUR 41/share for K+S Aktiengesellschaft (KPLUF) (POT) :

• Today, POT again sent an unsolicited letter to the Board of Executive Directors and the Supervisory Board of K+S Aktiengesellschaft. 
• The proposal for a Business Combination Agreement is based on an unchanged price of EUR 41/share.
  

7:31 am SMTP announces an 800K share offering of common stock at $4.75/share (SMTP) : Co anticipates using its net proceeds from the offering primarily for working capital and general corporate purposes.

7:18 am CrossAmerica Partners reports Q2; reaffirms distributable cash flow/unit guidance (CAPL) :

• Q2 EPS ($0.01) vs $0.02 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; revs -15% to $647 mln vs $596.59 mln Capital IQ Consensus 
• Generated Record Distributable Cash Flow of $14.3 million and Distribution Coverage Ratio of 1.04X in the Second Quarter. 
• Maintains Guidance of 7% to 9% distributable cash flow per unit growth rate for 2015.
  

7:12 am CST Brands misses by $0.03, misses on revs (CST) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.31 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 worse than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.34; revenues fell 21.9% year/year to $2.55 bln vs the $2.66 bln consensus.

Q3 Guidance

U.S. Retail Segment: 

• Gallons Per Store Per Day 5,250 to 5,350 
• Merchandise Sales Per Store Per Day $4,100 to $4,200 
• Merchandise Gross Margin (%) 30.0% to 31.0% 

• Gallons Per Store Per Day 3,250 to 3,350 
• Merchandise Sales Per Store Per Day $2,350 to $2,450 
• Merchandise Gross Margin (%) 27.0% to 28.0%
  

7:11 am Broadridge Financial beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides FY16 (BR) : Reports Q4 (Jun) earnings of $1.40 per share, $0.02 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $1.38; revenues rose 4.9% year/year to $929.6 mln vs the $932.63 mln consensus.

• Co issues in-line guidance for FY16: 
• Expects recurring fee revenue growth in the range of 10% to 12% and total revenue growth in the range of 8% to 10%, equates to FY16 revs of $2.909-2.963 bln vs. $2.88 bln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.
• Sees Adjusted Diluted earnings per share growth in the range of 8% to 12%, equates to EPS of $2.67-2.77 vs. $2.77 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees 
  

7:11 am Horizon Pharma beats by $0.07, reports rev just above raised range; reaffirms FY15 guidance (raised in late July) (HZNP) :

• Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.39 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.07 better than the Capital IQ Consensus of $0.32; revenues rose 161.4% year/year to $172.8 mln vs the $170.88 mln consensus. This was driven by strong growth in each of Horizon's business units: primary care, orphan and specialty, as well as the addition of new medicines to the primary care and orphan business units.
• Co preannunced Q2 rev $170-172 mln and raised FY15 guidance on July 20.
• Co reaffirms guidance for FY15, sees FY15 revs of $660-680 mln vs. $682.70 mln Capital IQ Consensus; EBITDA $265-280 mln.
  

7:08 am On the Wires (:WIRES) :

• RadNet, Inc. (RDNT) and Barnabas Health announced that they have executed purchase agreements for a major expansion of their existing New Jersey Imaging Networks joint venture to include NJIN's acquisition of all of RadNet's 10 wholly owned New Jersey imaging centers and Barnabas Health's wholly owned outpatient imaging center in West Orange, New Jersey. Following the acquisitions, which are expected to close in the third quarter, NJIN will have 18 facilities in northern and central New Jersey. NJIN will continue to be owned 51% by an affiliate of Barnabas Health and 49% by RadNet
  
• Pattern Energy Group LP (PEGI) announced the completion of ~$205 million in project financing and the start of full construction on its Conejo Solar photovoltaic power project in Chile. The 122 MW Conejo Solar PV power project is being constructed 30 kilometers east of Taltal in Chile's Atacama Desert
  

7:06 am Essent Group beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line (ESNT) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.41 per share, $0.01 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.40; revenues rose 54.9% year/year to $84.1 mln vs the $84.48 mln consensus. 

• New insurance written for the second quarter was $7.3 billion, compared to $5.3 billion in the first quarter of 2015 and $5.9 billion in the second quarter of 2014. 
• Net premiums earned for the second quarter were $78.4 million, compared to $75.0 million in the first quarter of 2015 and $50.3 million in the second quarter of 2014.
  

7:05 am Sotheby's misses by $0.20, misses on revs; doubles buyback to $250 mln, will buyback $125 mln near term through ASR (BID) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $1.04 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.20 worse than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $1.24; revenues fell 1.1% year/year to $332 mln vs the $341.74 mln consensus. 

• This slight decline is largely due to a change in the timing of the summer evening sale of Contemporary Art in London, which was held in the third quarter in 2015 after being held in the second quarter in 2014, as well as unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates which contributed $12.4 million and $20.5 million to the overall decreases in total revenues for the second quarter and first half periods, respectively. 
• Sotheby's Board of Directors has approved an increase of $125 million to the Company's remaining share repurchase authorization of $125 million, resulting in a total share repurchase authorization of $250 million. The Board has concluded that this share repurchase program strikes a balance between preserving capital for growth, downside risk protection, and returning available capital to shareholders. Sotheby's intends to repurchase $125 million of its common stock from shareholders in the near term via an Accelerated Share Repurchase ("ASR") Program. The Company expects the balance of the share repurchase program will be executed in the next 12 - 18 months, via open market transactions and/or additional ASR Programs.
  

7:05 am Hershey Foods beats by $0.03, misses on revs; reaffirms FY15 EPS guidance (HSY) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.78 per share, $0.03 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.75; revenues were unchanged from the year-ago period at $1.58 bln.

• Co reaffirms guidance for FY15, sees EPS of $4.10-4.18 vs. $4.14 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate. Reaffirms full-year net sales expected to increase 1.5% to 2.5%, including a net benefit from acquisitions and divestitures of about 1 point and unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 1.5 points.
• "Over the remainder of the year, we expect that net sales will be driven by strong Halloween and Holiday seasonal programming and the continued rollout of new products in North America, including, Kit Kat White Minis, Hershey's Caramels and Ice Breakers Cool Blasts Chews."
  

7:02 am Healthways appoints Board Chairman Donato Tramuto as its new CEO, effective November 1, 2015 (HWAY) : Alfred Lumsdaine, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, who has been interim CEO since May 2015, will continue to serve as EVP and CFO. Current Director Kevin G. Wills has been elected to serve as the Company's independent Chairman of the Board upon the commencement of Mr. Tramuto's role as President and CEO

7:01 am Motorola Solutions commences a dutch auction tender, to repurchase up to $2 bln of its common stock shares between $61 and $66.50/share (MSI) : The company will fund the tender offer with a combination of existing cash on the company's balance sheet and proceeds from the previously announced $1 billion strategic investment from Silver Lake.

7:00 am Benefitfocus announces the pricing of its 2 mln share secondary offering of common stock, by funds affiliated with Goldman Sachs, at $36.75 (BNFT) :  

6:55 am BioCryst Pharm beats Q2 estimates including RAPIVAB licensing deal (BCRX) :

• Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.07 per share, $0.33 better than the Capital IQ Consensus of ($0.26); revenues rose 1620.0% year/year to $25.8 mln vs the $3.84 mln consensus. 
• Revenue in the quarter was primarily due to the partial recognition of the upfront payment to BioCryst resulting from the licensing of RAPIVAB (peramivir injection), as well as a significant increase in collaboration revenue associated with BCX4430 development as a medical countermeasure for Ebola virus and other filovirus diseases. 
• Update/Outlook: 
• The Phase 1 healthy volunteer study of BCX7353 initiated in May is continuing toward completion. In order to properly characterize the steady state pharmacokinetics of BCX7353, a 14 day treatment cohort will be added to this study. 
• As a consequence, final results of this study are now expected in the fourth quarter. BioCryst anticipates reporting results for safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. 
• The OPuS-2 (Oral ProphylaxiS-2) clinical trial is proceeding as planned, and BioCryst expects to report results at the end of 2015. Based upon development plans and assumptions and our awarded government contracts, 
• BioCryst expects its 2015 net operating cash use to be in the range of $18 to $28 million upon adjusting our previously predicted range for the first six month results, including the $33.7 million upfront payment from bioCSL, and expects its 2015 operating expenses to continue to be in the range of $75 to $95 million.

6:42 am New York REIT announced its support of the acquisition of AR Capital LLC, the parent of its sponsor, and Apollo Global Management (APO) (NYRT) :  

6:42 am LSB Industries misses by $0.35, misses on revs; LSB to implement strategic, operational and corporate governance enhancements (LXU) :

• Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.02 per share, $0.35 worse than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.37; revenues fell 9.4% year/year to $182.7 mln vs the $195.99 mln consensus. 
• As a result of the Strategic Committee's report, the Company's Board of Directors has determined the following: 
• LSB will establish an Operations Oversight Committee of the Board to foster more direct interaction between the members of the Board and senior management in management's execution of the Company's business strategy over the next 18 to 24 months. The committee will focus on management's execution of near-term business objectives and advise management on preserving strategic optionality to enhance shareholder value. 
• LSB will engage the services of an independent consultant to review the operations of the Climate Control business with a specific focus on driving higher margins.

6:35 am Enerplus reports Q2 (Jun) results (ERF) : Reports Q2 (Jun) loss of $1.52 per share, may not be comparable to the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.06. 

• Production volumes grew by 7% quarter over quarter to 107,429 BOE per day. This growth was primarily driven by increased activity in North Dakota, where production averaged approximately 27,100 BOE per day, up over 25% from the first quarter of 2015. 
• "We delivered another quarter of strong operating results. On the back of this operational momentum and improved cost efficiencies, we are increasing our 2015 production guidance and reducing our operating and G&A expense guidance.We continue to navigate through this challenging commodity price environment with a strong balance sheet and hedging program that will support our funds flow."
  

6:33 am Sirona Dental Systems beats by $0.01, beats on revs; reaffirms FY15 guidance (SIRO) : Reports Q3 (Jun) earnings of $1.16 per share, $0.01 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $1.15; revenues rose 2.1% year/year to $306.1 mln vs the $295.71 mln consensus.

•  Co reaffirms guidance for FY15, sees EPS of $3.95-4.05 vs. $3.99 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; reiterates guidance of FY15 organic local currency revenue growth of 6% to 8%.
  

6:31 am DepoMed sends an open letter to Horizon Pharmaceuticals (HZNP): confirms receipt of a proposal increase that includes a cash component (DEPO) : Co's letter stated:

• "In our conversation late last week, you stated that Horizon (HZNP) was prepared to increase its proposal and to include a cash component of up to 25%. This was confirmed in an email late Friday night from one of your Board members to our Board Chairman. Yet you still have not made a new proposal. Instead, you have insisted that we need to first make a counter-offer. It does not make any sense to engage with Horizon unless you make a sufficiently compelling and detailed proposal. 
• You continue to be wrongly focused on a "premium to unaffected price", when you know that our so-called "unaffected price" did not take account of our recent strong results. What matters is the intrinsic value of Depomed and the contribution Depomed would make to the combined company. 
• Our Board takes its fiduciary duties seriously and will always be open to any compelling proposal that creates value for its shareholders, but we are prepared and committed to take actions that we deem appropriate to protect our shareholders' interests, even if it involves protracted litigation and a proxy fight."
  

6:30 am Glori Energy reports in-line Q2 results (GLRI) :

• Adj. EBITDA for Q2 was a negative $1.5 mln, in-line with estimates, compared to a negative $857,000 for the second quarter of 2014. 
• Total revenues for the second quarter of 2015 were $2.6 mln vs. 2.6 mln single est, down from $5.6 million in the prior-year period due to the significant decline in oil prices and due to the completion, and recognition of revenues, on a large customer project that contributed $1.5 million in revenues in the second quarter of 2014. 
• "I am excited that implementation has now begun in the Coke Field. We expect to see a reversal of the natural production decline in the portion of the field affected by the first AERO injector over the next two to four months, followed by a gradual uplift in production over the next several months. We look forward to obtaining this important field and production data and communicating our results.
  

6:23 am Digirad reports Q2 EPS of $0.06 vs $0.06 year ago; revs 6.2% y/y to $15.5 mln (no estimates); Confirms financial guidance for 2015 (DRAD) :

• As previously announced, the Company's 2015 financial guidance is to generate revenues between $61.0 mln and $63.0 mln; non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share between $0.19 and $0.21; and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA between $6.5 mln and $6.9 mln.
  

6:20 am JD.com beats by RMB 0.12, beats on revs; guides Q3 revs in-line (JD) :

• Reports Q2 (Jun) loss of RMB 0.01 per share, excluding non-recurring items, RMB 0.12 better than the Capital IQ Consensus of (RMB 0.13); revenues rose 60.5% year/year to RMB 45.93 bln vs the RMB 44.43 bln consensus. 
• GMV for Q2 was RMB114.5 billion (US$18.5 billion), an increase of 82% compared with the second quarter of 2014. JD Mall GMV for the second quarter of 2015 increased by 92% year-over-year. 
• Co issues in-line guidance for Q3, sees Q3 revs of RMB 43.2-44.7 bln vs. RMB 44.14 bln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.
  

6:18 am Thompson Creek Metals last night reported Q2 results; misses on EPS by $0.04, misses on revs (TC) : Reports Q2 (Jun) loss of $0.06 per share, $0.05 worse than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of ($0.01); revenues fell 46.0% year/year to $134.1 mln vs the $137.8 mln consensus. 

• Sales volumes and average realized sales prices for copper and gold for the second quarter of 2015 were 21.2 million pounds of copper at an average realized price of $2.63 per pound and 57,920 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $975 per ounce.
  

6:13 am Hill-Rom beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q4 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (HRC) : Reports Q3 (Jun) earnings of $0.62 per share, $0.01 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.61; revenues rose 19.3% year/year to $474.5 mln vs the $451.63 mln consensus.

• Co issues guidance for Q4, sees EPS of $0.76-0.79 vs. $0.78 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees Q4 revs of +1-3% to ~$484.6-494.2 mln vs. $480.89 mln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate. 
• Hill-Rom now expects cash flow from operations for the full year to be ~$235 mln, compared to $250 mln previously. Capital expenditures are now expected to be $125 mln, compared to $140 mln previously.
  

6:11 am Telus reports EPS in-line, revs in-line; reaffirms FY15 EPS guidance (TU) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of CC$0.66 per share, in-line with the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of CC$0.66; revenues rose 5.1% year/year to CC$3.1 bln vs the CC$3.08 bln consensus.

• Wireless network revenues increased by $90 million or 6.1 per cent to $1.57 billion in the second quarter of 2015, when compared to the same period a year ago. 
• This growth was driven by an 18 per cent increase in data revenue, reflecting subscriber growth, increased proportion of higher-rate two-year plans in the subscriber mix, higher data usage from a continued adoption of smartphones and other data-centric devices, increased data roaming and the expansion of TELUS' LTE network coverage. 
• Blended ARPU increased by 2.9 per cent to $63.48, reflecting TELUS' nineteenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth.
  

• TELUS now anticipates full year consolidated capital expenditures of approximately $2.5 billion compared to its previously estimated 2015 target of 'similar to 2014' ($2.359 billion).
  

6:06 am Universal American Corp misses by $0.04, misses on revs (UAM) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.02 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.04 worse than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.06; revenues fell 9.8% year/year to $416.3 mln vs the $465.88 mln consensus.

6:05 am HMS Holdings reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (HMSY) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.13 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.13; revenues rose 3.8% year/year to $116.9 mln vs the $115.01 mln consensus. 

• Payment integrity revenue in 2q, excluding medicare RAC, increased 9% YoY
• Medicaid coordination of benefits revenue in Q2 increased 7% YoY
  

6:02 am Himax Tech reports EPS in-line, misses on revs; guides Q3 EPS below consensus, revs below consensus (HIMX) : Reports Q2 (Jun) Non-GAAP per ADS earnings of $0.05 per share, in-line with the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.05; revenues fell 13.8% year/year to $169.2 mln vs the $173.62 mln consensus.

• Co issues downside guidance for Q3, sees EPS Non-GAAP per ADS of $0.01-0.016 vs. $0.07 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees Q3 revs of decline of 5-9% QoQ to ~$153.9-160.7 mln vs. $205.28 mln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees gross margin down 1.5% from Q2.
• GAAP gross margin for the second quarter of 2015 was 23.8%, a 40 basis points decrease from 24.2% in the same period last year.

6:01 am Baker Hughes announces July 2015 rig counts with avg US rig count of 866 (BHI) : Co reported:

• The international rig count for July 2015 was 1,118, down 28 from 1,146 M/M
• The international offshore rig count for July 2015 was 264, down 13 from 277 M/M
• The average U.S. rig count for July 2015 was 866, up 5 from 861 M/M

6:00 am HMS Holdings announces Board authorization for a $75 million share repurchase program (HMSY) :  

5:59 am S&P futures vs fair value: -1.10. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -4.80. :

5:59 am European Markets : FTSE...6747.23...+0.10...0.00.  DAX...11571.44...-13.70...-0.10%.

5:59 am Asian Markets : Nikkei...20724.56...+60.10...+0.30%.  Hang Seng...24552.47...+177.20...+0.70%.

5:09 am Magna beats by $0.11, reports revs in-line; guides FY15 revs in-line (MGA) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $1.29 per share, $0.11 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $1.18; revenues fell 8.7% year/year to $8.13 bln vs the $8.07 bln consensus.

Guidance
Co issues in-line guidance for FY15, sees FY15 revs of $30.9-32.6 bln vs. $32.34 bln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.

• Co sess FY15 Capital Spending: $1.3-1.5 bln