8:54 am S&P futures vs fair value: -2.20. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +4.20. (:WRAPX) : The S&P 500 futures hover two points below fair value.

Asian equity markets closed mostly higher this morning. The stand out among all the indices was the Nikkei, which was as much as 2% on the day. The catalyst was the prospects of more stimulus from the BOJ, after the Tankan Quarterly Report indicated large companies are forecasting inflation of +1.4% within 12 months and just +1.6% in the next 3 years (far below the 2% inflation target objective that the BOJ has set for FY16). In China, a similar theme helped to push stocks higher, with the Shanghai inching closer to 7 year highs again. Several analysts called for a fresh round of easing by the PBOC after a note from Fitch indicated that latest stimulus to help the property market may have a limited impact considering the glut of supply in the housing market.

• In economic data: 
  • Hong Kong's Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.6 from 50.7 
  • India's HSBC Markit Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.1 from 51.2 (expected 51.0) 
  • South Korea's Current Account surplus narrowed to KRW6.44 billion from KRW6.58 billion 
  • Australia's Trade Deficit widened to AUD1.26 billion from AUD1.00 billion (expected deficit of AUD1.30 billion) while March MI Inflation Gauge ticked up 0.4% month-over-month (prior 0.0%) 

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• Japan's Nikkei gained 1.5%. All sectors finished in positive territory with Financials and Consumer Discretionary both leading the way, up +1.8%. Notably, Mizuho traded higher by 1.8%, while Toshiba posted a 2.3% gain. 
• Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended +0.8% higher. Financials were on the move higher again with Bank of China and China Construction Bank both advancing by 1.1% 
• China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.4%. The volume was lighter than some of the most recent days, but shipbuilders saw some profit taking with the likes of China Shipbuilding Ind Co finishing 1% lower on the day. 

Major European indices trade near their flat lines amid light volume. European Central Bank member Sabine Lautenschlager voiced concerns over the QE program, saying low interest rates can lead to price bubbles among other assets.

• Economic data was limited: 
  • UK's Construction PMI fell to 57.8 from 60.1 (expected 59.5) 
  • Italy's Q4 Public Deficit came in at 2.3% (prior 3.0%) 

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• Germany's DAX is lower by 0.1% with heavyweights Bayer, Daimler, and Deutsche Lufthansa down between 1.2% and 3.0%. Select basic materials names outperform with K+S and ThyssenKrupp higher by 2.2% and 0.7%, respectively. 
• UK's FTSE has added 0.1%. Mining names like Anglo American, Antofagasta, BHP Billiton, and Glencore down between 1.2% and 2.3% while consumer names outperform. Marks & Spencer Group has jumped 5.6% after reporting strong quarterly sales. 
• In France, the CAC trades up 0.1%. Financials and discretionary names lead with L'Oreal, Danone, and BNP Paribas holding gains between 0.2% and 0.6%.

8:47 am Gapping down (:SCANX) : Gapping down
In reaction to disappointing earnings/guidance: SEAC -7.5%, EDAP -5.8%, SIGM -2.8%

Select oil/gas related names showing early weakness: RIG -1%, CHK -0.8%, OAS -0.6%, SDRL -0.6%, BP -0.5%

Other news: CNAT -8.7% (to offer shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering), NBG -4% (cont uncertaintly in Greece), VLTC -4% (modest pullback after yday's advance), RPTP -2.8% (priced 9.5 mln shares of its common stock at $9.00 per share), SHPG -2.5% (Hayman Capital through the entity "Coalition For Affordable Drugs" filed a petition for Inter Parties Review on a patent controlled by Shire), AXTA -1.7% (priced upsized secondary offering of 40 mln shares of common stock at $28 per share), ZIOP -1.5% (disclosed that on April 1, 2015, it filed a prospectus supplement covering the resale of 11,722,163 shares of its common stock that were originally issued to The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System)

Analyst comments: INFN -3.3% (downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Goldman), GRMN -1.8% (downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Goldman), NUVA -1% (downgraded to Underperform from Neutral at BofA/Merrill), COTY -1% (downgraded to Market Perform from Outperform at BMO Capital), SPB -0.8% (downgraded to Market Perform at BMO Capital).

8:46 am Ametek announces an increases in its share repurchase authorization by $350 mln; will be added to $20 mln existing authorization (AME) :  

8:44 am Gapping up (:SCANX) : Gapping up
In reaction to strong earnings/guidance: KMX +4.5%, PERY +4.3%, LL +2.1%, URBN +1.7%, (Urban Outfitters reports thus far 2016 Q1 comparable Retail segment net sales are mid single-digit positive), MU +1.2%, PRGS +1%, ELTK +0.9%

M&A news: LO +3.1% (moving higher in recent trade following speculation that LO / RAI deal will be approved by FTC),SOPW +2.5% (announces the acquisition of 'Aerojet' solar projects),RAI +2.4% (moving higher in recent trade following speculation that LO / RAI deal will be approved by FTC)

Other news: RPPX +19.1% (announced that the New Drug Application for its enclomiphene citrate product candidate, formerly known as Androxal, has been accepted by the FDA),WBAI +17.1% (attributed to speculation of potential restart of China online lottery),KEM +10.7% (purchased IntelliData, a developer of digital solutions; terms not disclosed),TCPI +10.4% (announces that its product validation review is proceeding as expected; discloses a delay in filing its Form 10-K ),HERO +8.8% (signed a five-year contract with a subsidiary of Eni S.p.A. (E) for use of the Hercules 260 in West Africa),FXCM +6.6% (announces it has repaid an additional $54 mln outstanding under credit agreement with Leucadia (LUK); avoids contingent financing fee of $30 mln),ZN +5.8% (co has closed a venture loan to Education Elements, a services and software solution provider that helps districts and schools develop and implement personalized learning strategies),CNDO +4.6% (forms new subsidiary, DiaVax Biosciences, to develop novel immunotherapies for Cytomegalovirus; DiaVax secures rights to two clinical-stage program),RICK +4% (announced an agreement to settle in full a New York based federal wage and hour class action case),CNO +3.7% (to replace SLXP in the S&P MidCap 400),AN +3.3% (reported retail sales of 77,242 new vehicles in the first quarter of 2015, an increase of 10%),TXMD +3.1% (favorable commentary on Wednesday's Mad Money),OMER +2.9% (announces the nationwide commercial availability of Omidria ),XON +2.4% (Intrexon signs cooperative Research and Development agreement with NCI),MDVN +2.4% (announced topline results from the Phase 2 STRIVE trial comparing enzalutamide with bicalutamide),GENE +2% (ongoing vol pre-mkt; rumor of partnership with JNJ yday),RCPT +1.5% (following late surge highs on M&A speculation),WWE +1.4% (reported that WrestleMania 31 broke records for viewership, attendance, social and digital media engagement and merchandise sales),FRPT +1.3% (favorable commentary on Wednesday's Mad Money),ALK +1.3% (provides March operational results),GZT +1.2% (still checking),HLF +1.2% (Pershing Square issues statement responding to WSJ article about Herbalife in China),ALV +1% (following monthly auto sales),HCA +0.9% (favorable commentary on Wednesday's Mad Money)

Analyst comments: WPT +1.8% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BofA/Merrill ),TSLA +1.8% (positive Credit Suisse note),FB +0.7% (target raised to $97 from $91 at Citigroup),DKS +0.5% (upgraded to Positive from Neutral at Susquehanna)

8:43 am European Markets Update: DAX -0.1%, FTSE +0.1%, CAC +0.1% (:SUMRX) : Major European indices trade near their flat lines amid light volume. European Central Bank member Sabine Lautenschlager voiced concerns over the QE program, saying low interest rates can lead to price bubbles among other assets.

• Economic data was limited: 
  • UK's Construction PMI fell to 57.8 from 60.1 (expected 59.5) 
  • Italy's Q4 Public Deficit came in at 2.3% (prior 3.0%) 

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• Germany's DAX is lower by 0.1% with heavyweights Bayer, Daimler, and Deutsche Lufthansa down between 1.2% and 3.0%. Select basic materials names outperform with K+S and ThyssenKrupp higher by 2.2% and 0.7%, respectively. 
• UK's FTSE has added 0.1%. Mining names like Anglo American, Antofagasta, BHP Billiton, and Glencore down between 1.2% and 2.3% while consumer names outperform. Marks & Spencer Group has jumped 5.6% after reporting strong quarterly sales. 
• In France, the CAC trades up 0.1%. Financials and discretionary names lead with L'Oreal, Danone, and BNP Paribas holding gains between 0.2% and 0.6%.

8:37 am Vapor announces restructuring following Vaporin merger (VPCO) : Co announced its recent organizational restructuring to further maintain the Company's competitiveness and establish its branded products and retail stores in an increasingly evolving e-cigarette and vaporizer market.

• Vapor Corp. has brought on several new members to its revamped mgmt team, including President and Director Gregory Brauser, Chief Financial Officer James Martin and new Board Member Robert Swayman. 
• The Company is poised to open an additional 20 to 30 branded retail "The Vape Stores" before the end of fiscal 2015.
  

8:31 am Capstone Turbine announces that it received an order for three C1000 microturbines to upgrade luxury resorts on the island of Maui, Hawaii (CPST) : Critchfield Pacific Inc., Capstone's new Hawaiian distributor, secured the order, which is expected to be commissioned in February 2016.

8:31 am TransCanada alters Quebec scope of energy east pipeline project; part of that altered scope includes the decision not to build a marine and associated tank terminals at Cacouna, Quebec (TRP) : Co announces it is altering the scope of the Energy East pipeline project in Quebec as part of its continued commitment to stakeholder consultation, environmental stewardship and community safety. Part of that altered scope includes the decision not to build a marine and associated tank terminals at Cacouna, Quebec. Potential alternative terminal options in Quebec are being reviewed.

• Energy East represents the opportunity to establish a reliable supply of primarily Western Canadian crude oil for refineries in Quebec and New Brunswick. In addition, the project will support 14,000 direct and indirect full-time jobs across Canada during development and construction, and generate more than $7 bln in additional tax revenues in the first 20 years of operation for local, provincial and federal governments, along with blns of dollars in economic activity across the country.
  
• "This decision is the result of the recommended change in status of the Beluga whales to endangered and ongoing discussions we have had with communities and key stakeholders. We have listened and our decision reflects that. Our goal has been to strike a balance between TransCanada's commitment to minimizing environmental impacts and the imperative to build modern infrastructure to safely transport the energy Canadians need and consume every day." 

8:31 am S&P futures vs fair value: -2.40. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +4.30. (:WRAPX) : The S&P 500 futures trade two points below fair value.

The latest weekly initial jobless claims count totaled 268,000 while the Briefing.com consensus expected a reading of 285,000. Today's tally was below the revised prior week count of 288,000 (from 282,000). As for continuing claims, they fell to 2.325 million from 2.413 million.

Separately, the February trade deficit narrowed to $35.40 billion from $42.70 billion while the Briefing.com consensus expected the deficit to come in at $42.00 billion.

8:31 am OncoMed Pharma and Eli Lilly (LLY) announce a clinical supply agreement regarding Demcizumab and Alimta to treat lung cancer (OMED) : Cos announced that they have entered into an agreement whereby Lilly will provide clinical supply of Alimta for OncoMed's ongoing Phase 2 DENALI trial

8:31 am Market View: Front-month Jun. stock-index futures little changed following the 8:30 am ET economic data points (:TECHX) :

• ESm5 now @ 2049.50 -3.50
  
  
• YMm5 now @ 17595 -20
  
  
• NQm5 now @ 4306.25 -6.75

8:31 am Female Health announces that it expects to report unit sales for the second quarter of FY2015 totaling approximately 20.8 million units (FHCO) : The co notes this achievement represents an increase of ~184% relative to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year and an increase of ~71% relative to the first quarter of FY2015.  It is also the largest quarterly unit sales in the Company's history.

8:23 am Furmanite announces that it will mail a letter to shareholders in connection with the Company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; unanimously recommends that shareholders vote the GOLD proxy card FOR all five of the Company's director nominees (FRM) :  

8:16 am CenterPoint announces that on April 6, its electric transmission and distribution business, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric plans to file an application for Distribution Cost Recovery Factorwith the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the cities in its service area (CNP) : DCRF is an interim rate adjustment that, if approved, permits an electric utility to implement new rates to account for changes in distribution invested capital since its last rate case. The application will seek to recover approximately $16.7 million in annual revenue attributable to certain capital investments the company has made in its electric distribution infrastructure since 2009. The estimated residential customer impact based on a monthly usage of 1,000 kilowatt hours is a $0.31 increase billed to the consumer's Retail Electric Provider. New rates are expected to go into effect by September 1.

8:07 am Heron Therapeutics reaches target patient enrollment in MAGIC Phase 3 study of SUSTOL -- top line results expected in May (HRTX) : Co has reached its enrollment target in MAGIC (Modified Absorption Granisetron In the Prevention of Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CIN.V)) and is in the process of closing enrollment of new patients at its clinical sites. MAGIC is Heron's Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy of SUSTOL (granisetron injection, extended release) in the prevention of delayed-onset CINV following administration of highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC.V) agents.

• Topline Results Expected in May 2015 
• NDA Resubmission Expected Mid-Year 2015
  

8:04 am CB&I has been awarded a contract valued at ~$50 million for the engineering, procurement, fabrication and construction of seven storage tanks near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada (CBI) :  

8:04 am EarthLink announces that Louis M. Alterman will succeed Mr. Ferguson in the position of Executive Vice President, CFO (ELNK) : Alterman has served the co in a variety of financial roles since 2003. Most recently he has served as Executive Vice President, Strategy, Operations and Transformation and from August 2012 to September 2014, he served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer.

8:04 am JA Solar announced that Yong Liu Chief Technology Officer resigned (JASO) : Liu has also relinquished his position on the Board of Directors, effective March 31, 2015. The Company appointed its current head of research and development, Dr. Wei Shan, as Chief Technology Officer to replace Mr. Liu. The Company also announced the appointment of Mr. Yuhong Fan to the Board of Directors effective March 31, 2015.

8:02 am Check Point Software announces its intention to acquire Lacoon Mobile Security; terms not disclosed (CHKP) :

• Co announced its intention to acquire Lacoon Mobile Security. Lacoon is leading the industry in providing a solution to secure the entire mobile device, with the best advanced threat catch-rate for enterprise-grade mobile security platforms.
• Lacoon not only provides the most comprehensive solution for iOS and Android, but also delivers real-time mobile security and intelligence to an organization's existing security and mobility infrastructures
  

8:02 am IPC Healthcare acquired Geriatrics Associates; no financial terms disclosed (IPCM) : The patient encounters for the practice are estimated at approximately 44,000 on a combined annualized basis.

8:02 am Iao Kun Group announces March Rolling Chip Turnover at co's VIP rooms in Macau was $0.76 bln, down 57% YoY (IKGH) : Co announced March 2015 unaudited Rolling Chip Turnover at the company's VIP rooms in Macau was US$0.76 billion, down 57% year-over-year. Win rate for the month of March 2015 was 4.51%.

8:02 am Netsol announces an update on its consolidated lawsuits (NTWK) : On March 19, 2015, the District Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint. As is common, the Court provided the lead plaintiff an opportunity to file an amended complaint. On March 31, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a First Amended Consolidated Complaint, which includes allegations similar to but more narrow than those in the dismissed complaint. The Company continues to believe that the claims are meritless and intends to continue to vigorously defend itself, including filing a motion to dismiss the amended complaint.

8:01 am Simon Properties announces $2 bln common stock repurchase program (SPG) :  

8:01 am Tempur Sealy Int'l: H Partners shareholder files proxy materials regarding Tempur Sealy 2015 Annual Meeting (TPX) : H Partners shareholder urges other shareholders to vote against: Mark Sarvary, CEO, P. Andrews McLane, Chairman of the Board,  Christopher A. Masto, Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

• Group stated: "Tempur Sealy's 140% stock underperformance over the last three years under CEO Mark Sarvary and the current Board is unacceptable, and we believe many other stockholders share our view. By voting against the election of Messrs. Sarvary, McLane and Masto, stockholders will send a strong message that they are dissatisfied with the Board's failure to hold CEO Sarvary accountable for Tempur Sealy's significant underperformance."
  

8:01 am Scorpio Tankers announces newbuilding vessel deliveries (STNG) :

• The Company recently took delivery of the following vessels: 
• STI Pontiac, an MR product tanker, was delivered from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard of South Korea in March 2015. Upon delivery, this vessel began a time charter for up to 120 days at approximately $18,200 per day. 
• STI Manhattan, an MR product tanker, was delivered from SPP Shipbuilding of South Korea in March 2015. Upon delivery, this vessel began a time charter for up to 120 days at approximately $19,600 per day. 
• STI Winnie, an LR2 product tanker, was delivered from Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering in March 2015. Upon delivery, this vessel began a voyage for 55 days at approximately $33,500 per day.

8:01 am Wal-Mart's Sam's Club expands generic prescription savings for Plus members (WMT) : New savings on generic prescriptions, some of which are available free of charge or at a discounted cost of $4 or $10 at specified quantities, are now available in all Sam's Club locations with pharmacies.

8:00 am Raytheon announces it was awarded a $212 mln contract to continue improvements to the combat-proven Patriot Air and Missile Defense System (RTN) : Under the contract, issued by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., RTN will provide software development, systems analysis, testing and logistics support, and other country-specific system requirements.

8:00 am Alaska Air provides March operational results (ALK) : Co reports March and YTD operational results for its subsidiaries (Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air). On a combined basis, March revenue passengers rose 11.1% YoY 2.71 mln. Revenue passenger miles RPM rose 11.2% YoY to 2.9 mln. Available seat miles rose 12.4% YoY to 3.365 mln.

8:00 am Baxter and Laboratoire Aguettant announce global collaboration for parenteral nutrition trace elements (BAX) :

• Co and Laboratoire Aguettant SAS, Lyon, France, announced they have signed an exclusive global licensing and distribution agreement for trace elements, which are essential micronutrients used in parenteral nutrition therapy. 
• The collaboration allows Baxter to augment its PN portfolio, currently available in more than 90 countries, with essential trace elements.
  

8:00 am Cleveland Biolabs announces new US composition of matter patent for CBLB612 (CBLI) : Co announces the allowance of a US patent application, to issue as US Patent No. 9,006,183, covering composition of matter for CBLB612, an investigational drug in development for mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. This new patent adds to the company's portfolio of 3 issued or allowed US patents covering CBLB612 and related agents.

7:59 am FXCM announces it has repaid an additional $54 mln outstanding under credit agreement with Leucadia (LUK); avoids contingent financing fee of $30 mln (FXCM) :

• The payment was funded in part with proceeds from the sale of FXCM Japan and the co has now repaid $66 million under the credit agreement.
• FXCM anticipates making an additional repayment of approximately $12 million towards the credit facility in the coming weeks.
  

7:56 am S&P futures vs fair value: -2.60. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +2.70. (:WRAPX) : U.S. equity futures trade modestly lower amid mixed action overseas. The S&P 500 futures have spent the entire night in the red and they currently hover three points below fair value.

Equity futures have not been able to draw support from modest dollar weakness that has the Dollar Index (97.83, -0.36) trading lower by 0.4%.

The recently-released Challenger Job Cuts report pointed to a 6.4% year-over-year increase in March.

Weekly Initial Claims (Briefing.com consensus 285K) and the February Trade Balance report (consensus -$42.00 billion) will cross the wires at 8:30 ET and the day's data will be topped off with the Factory Orders report for February (consensus -0.5%).

Treasuries have built on yesterday's gains with the 10-yr yield lower by a basis point at 1.85%.

In U.S. corporate news of note:

• Carmax (KMX 70.75, +2.36): +3.5% after beating earnings estimates. 
• Micron (MU 27.00, -0.13): -0.5% after reporting a bottom-line beat and issuing below-consensus revenue guidance. 
• Procter & Gamble (PG 81.94, -0.38): -0.5% after BMO Capital downgraded the stock to 'Market Perform.' 

Reviewing overnight developments:

• Asian markets ended higher. China's Shanghai Composite +0.4%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng +0.8%, and Japan's Nikkei +1.5% 
  • In economic data: 
    • Hong Kong's Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.6 from 50.7 
    • India's HSBC Markit Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.1 from 51.2 (expected 51.0) 
    • South Korea's Current Account surplus narrowed to KRW6.44 billion from KRW6.58 billion 
    • Australia's Trade Deficit widened to AUD1.26 billion from AUD1.00 billion (expected deficit of AUD1.30 billion) while March MI Inflation Gauge ticked up 0.4% month-over-month (prior 0.0%) 
  • In news: 
    • Hong Kong's PMI fell into contraction, fueled by a decline in the employment component

• Major European indices trade near their flat lines. Germany's DAX -0.1%, UK's FTSE -0.1%, and France's CAC +0.1%. Elsewhere, Italy's MIB -0.2% and Spain's IBEX +0.2% 
  • Economic data was limited: 
    • UK's Construction PMI fell to 57.8 from 60.1 (expected 59.5) 
    • Italy's Q4 Public Deficit came in at 2.3% (prior 3.0%) 
  • Among news of note: 
    • European Central Bank member Sabine Lautenschlager voiced concerns over the QE program, saying low interest rates can lead to asset price bubbles among other assets

7:55 am Huron Consulting Group announces amendments to its senior secured credit facility (HURN) : The amended and restated credit facility: Eliminates the term loan, and increases the revolving line of credit from $247.5 million to $500 million. It Increases the maximum permitted consolidated leverage ratio throughout the term and extends the maturity date from September 25, 2018 to March 31, 2020 and  owers the interest rate spread by 25 to 50 bp on pricing tiers for consolidated leverage ratios above 1

7:48 am AerCap has amended and extended its $1.1 bln term loan facility originally put in place by ILFC in March 2011 (AER) : The margin was reduced by 75bps and the maturity of the term loan was extended by three years from March 2018 to March 2021.

7:38 am Perry Ellis reports Q4 EPS above lowered expectations, rev in-line with preannouncement; reaffirms FY16 guidance (PERY) : Reports Q4 adj. EPS $0.07 vs. $0.03 consensus -- co guided EPS $0.01-0.04 vs. $0.43 consensus on Feb 17; rev $218 mln, in-line with Feb 17 preanouncement (consensus was $242 mln).

• Co reaffirms FY16 EBITDA and rev guidance; sees EPS $1.25-1.35 vs. $1.24 consensus; reaffirms rev $925-935 mln vs. $932 mln consensus. 
• Strategy:
• Ongoing strategic review of the Company's portfolio of brands as it exits underperforming, low growth brands and businesses. 
• Driving international and licensing growth through direct investment in North America and Europe as well as strategic partnerships with licensees and other partners.
• Expanding the Direct-to-Consumer channel

7:31 am ChinaNet Online announces strategic alliance with Gridsum Technology to develop an O2O internet and mobile SEM and SEO solution (CNET) : The exclusive strategic alliance represents the collaboration between ChinaNet and Gridsum in 5 areas for serving SMEs.

• the mutual development of search engine optimizing and analytical tools and products for SMEs
• establishing an internet and mobile development O2O solution
• provision of service and the architecture of a new value added service through Baidu Branding Zone and Baidu Forum 
• a 360 search engine marketing service and extended value added service 
• potential joint funding of an internet and mobile marketing and advertising technology research centre for SMEs in China. 

In addition, the two companies will also collaborate on using ChinaNet's cost per lead and cost per sales technologies to serve Gridsum's clientele

7:31 am BB&T Corp subsidiary CRC Insurance Services announces the acquisition of strategic assets from Napco; terms not disclosed (BBT) : Napco is a leading independent wholesale broker of commercial property catastrophe insurance coverage.

7:31 am Columbia Labs to become Juniper Pharmaceuticals (CBRX) : Co announced that it will adopt Juniper Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as its new corporate brand. The name change will become effective Friday, April 10, 2015, and the Company's common stock will begin trading on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the new ticker symbol - "JNP" - on Monday, April 13, 2015. The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Molecular Profiles Ltd. based in Nottingham, England, will also begin operating as Juniper Pharma Services on April 13, 2015

7:30 am Coronado Biosciences forms new subsidiary, DiaVax Biosciences, to develop novel immunotherapies for Cytomegalovirus; DiaVax secures rights to two clinical-stage program (CNDO) : The licensed immunotherapies were developed in the laboratory of Don J. Diamond, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California. Dr. Diamond will chair the Scientific Advisory Board of DiaVax. Under the agreement with City of Hope, DiaVax secured worldwide rights to two T-cell immunotherapeutic vaccines for controlling CMV in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (:HSCT) and solid organ transplant (:SOT) recipients.

• Known as Triplex and PepVax, the programs are expected to enter Phase II clinical studies later this year and are supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute. In connection with the licensing of Triplex and PepVax, DiaVax further entered into an option agreement with City of Hope for exclusive worldwide rights to Pentamer, a universal immunotherapeutic vaccine being developed for the prevention of CMV transmission in utero. If DiaVax exercises its option, and successfully develops and commercializes PepVax, Triplex and Pentamer, City of Hope could receive in excess of $100MM in upfront, milestone and other payments.
  

7:30 am Primoris Services announces underground awards valued at $218 mln; will be included in the first quarter backlog calculation (PRIM) : The contracts were secured by Rockford Corporation, part of the West Construction Services segment.

7:30 am Solar Power announces the acquisition of 'Aerojet' solar projects; terms not disclosed (SOPW) : Co announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the interest in the 6.02 MW solar projects known as "Aerojet" in Rancho Cordova, California

7:30 am Sealed Air has completed the sale of its North American foam trays and absorbent pads business to NOVIPAX; terms not disclosed (SEE) : In 2014, Sealed Air's North American foam tray and absorbent pads businesses generated approximately $214 million in sales to the Company's Food Care division.

7:30 am WTI crude oil prices are getting whacked this morning; May crude just hit a new LoD at $48.38/barrel and is now -3.3% at $48.44/barrel... looking for headlines (:COMDX) :  

7:28 am CarMax beats by $0.05, rev in-line (KMX) : Reports Q4 adj. EPS $0.65 (ex-$0.02 capitalized interest expense gain) vs. $0.60 Capital IQ consensus; rev +14% to $3.51 bln vs. $3.50 bln consensus.

• Used unit sales in comparable stores increased 7.0% in the fourth quarter and 4.4% in the fiscal year. 
• Total used unit sales rose 12.4% in the fourth quarter and 10.5% in the fiscal year.
  

7:07 am Lumber Liquidators reports Q1 sales $260 mln vs. $256.8 mln consensus; notes March was significantly weaker than trends in Jan and Feb due to allegations; March comps -17.8% (LL) :

• LL reports Q1 sales $260 mln vs. $256.8 mln consensus; +5.6% YoY; Q1 comparable store sales -1.8%
• March sales were $89.4 mln, -12.8% vs. March 2014; March comparable store sales -17.8%
  
• Consistent with company's expectations, net sales in March 2015 were significantly weaker than trends in January and February, as net sales were negatively impacted by unfavorable allegations surrounding the product quality of the Company's laminates sourced from China.
  
• The company's sales mix shifted when comparing the month of March to the first two months of 2015. Total laminate net sales, which were 21.2% of net sales through February 2015, fell 480 basis points to 16.4% in the month of March 2015, primarily due to a decrease in the sales mix of laminates sourced from China.
  

7:05 am Hershey Foods elected John Bilbrey as Chairman of the Board of Directors (HSY) : Bilbrey will continue to be President and Chief Executive Officer of the global confectionery company, a role he has held since May 2011. Bilbrey succeeds Chairman James E. Nevels who held the position since February 2009 and will now assume the role of Lead Independent Director.

7:03 am Omeros announces the nationwide commercial availability of Omidria (phenylephrine and ketorolac injection) 1%/0.3% (OMER) : Omidria is the first and only product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (:FDA) for intraocular administration during cataract surgery and other intraocular lens (:IOL) replacement procedures to prevent intraoperative miosis (pupil constriction) and to reduce postoperative ocular pain, providing consistent and predictable management of these problems for ophthalmic surgeons and their patients. CMS has set the reimbursement rate for Omidria under Medicare Part B at the product's wholesale acquisition cost of $465 plus six percent per single-use vial for the second and third quarters of 2015 after which the rate will be based on average selling price plus six percent.

7:02 am Alere announces receipt of FDA marketing clearance for its Alere i Strep A Rapid Molecular test (ALR) : Upon receipt of this clearance from the FDA, Alere submitted an application for CLIA waiver of the Alere i Strep A test

7:02 am Cliffs Natural Resources names Kelly Tompkins new CFO (CLF) :

• Co announced that it has named its current Executive Vice President of Business Development, Kelly Tompkins as the Company's new Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer effective April 1, 2015. Tompkins will replace Terrance Paradie, who announced his resignation to pursue an opportunity with another company. 
• Simultaneously with Tompkins's appointment as CFO, the Company's current Executive Vice President, Seaborne Iron Ore, Clifford Smith has been named Executive Vice President, Business Development. The position previously occupied by Smith has been eliminated.
  
• Prior to Smith's new appointment, he held the role of Executive Vice President, Seaborne Iron Ore.
  

7:02 am Mechel Steel announces extension until February 2016 of credit line to $30 mln (MTL) : According to the agreement, the outstanding debt will be converted into Russian rubles, pledges remain unchanged.

7:02 am Raptor Pharma priced 9.5 mln shares of its common stock at $9.00 per share (RPTP) :  

7:01 am Schneider Electric: Court orders Schneider Electric to pay Server Technology 15% royalty on future sales of infringing PDUs (SBGSY) : This order of the Court follows the May 29, 2014 jury verdict that awarded Server Technology damages totaling $10,787,634 for patent infringement by American Power Conversion Corporation for pre-trial sales of infringing products by APC.

7:01 am Roche Hldg's Ariosa's Harmony Prenatal Test shown to be superior to conventional pregnancy screening for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) in largest clinical trial (RHHBY) : The co announced that results from the largest clinical trial to date, comparing non-invasive prenatal testing (:NIPT) using the Harmony Prenatal Test with conventional first trimester combined screening in a general pregnancy population1 have been published online in The New England Journal of Medicine. The NEXT (Non-Invasive Examination of Trisomy) Study demonstrates statistically significant superiority of the Harmony Prenatal Test over FTS for accurately assessing the risk of Trisomy 21 which causes Down syndrome. The study, comprised of more than 18,500 expectant mothers, was sponsored by Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc.. Ariosa was acquired by Roche in January 2015. 

• The study was statistically designed for both sensitivity and specificity, with all patients receiving both NIPT and FTS in a blinded fashion. Each subject was followed through pregnancy and newborn outcomes were obtained. The Harmony test's false positive rate at 0.06% was more than 90 times lower than the FTS false positive rate of 5.4%. The Harmony test correctly identified 100% of Trisomy 21 cases compared to 79% with FTS. In a sub-analysis of over 11,000 low risk only pregnancies (maternal age

7:01 am Akers Biosciences has signed an exclusive Master Distributor Agreement with ADS Inc. for the marketing and supply of Akers' rapid diagnostic assays to U.S. Government agencies and departments (AKER) : The Agreement, which has an initial term of eighteen months, spans the entirety of Akers' product catalog but will focus initially on marketing the Company's rapid test for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia; the Company's rapid, light-weight test for determining blood type compatibility in remote locations; and the Company's range of rapid tests for infectious diseases including Malaria and Dengue Fever.

7:01 am Hercules Offshore signed a five-year contract with a subsidiary of Eni S.p.A. (E) for use of the Hercules 260 in West Africa (HERO) : The dayrate under the contract will range from a minimum of $75,000 per day when the price of Brent crude oil is $86 or less per barrel, to a maximum of $125,000 per day when the price of Brent crude oil is $125 or more per barrel. Contract commencement is expected in early April 2015. Costs for contract specific upgrades will be reimbursed by the operator.

7:00 am GTX provides update regarding the initiatives being taken to address the Company's continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market (GTXI) : On April 1, 2015, the Company was afforded an additional 180-day grace period, through September 28, 2015, to comply with the minimum $1.00 bid price requirement, by which date the Company's common stock must trade above $1.00 for at least ten consecutive business days. The Company has also provided written notice to NASDAQ of its intention to cure the minimum bid price deficiency during the additional 180-day grace period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.

7:00 am Medivation announced topline results from the Phase 2 STRIVE trial comparing enzalutamide with bicalutamide (MDVN) : The study achieved its primary endpoint demonstrating a statistically significant increase in progression-free survival (PFS) for enzalutamide compared with bicalutamide. Median PFS was 19.4 months in the enzalutamide group compared with 5.7 months in the bicalutamide group.

• Serious adverse events were reported in 29.4% of enzalutamide-treated patients and 28.3% of bicalutamide-treated patients. Grade 3 or higher cardiac adverse events were reported in 5.1% of enzalutamide-treated patients versus 4.0% of bicalutamide-treated patients. One seizure was reported in the trial in the enzalutamide-treated group and none in the bicalutamide-treated group. 
• The most common side effects noted more frequently in the enzalutamide-treated versus bicalutamide-treated patients included fatigue, back pain, hot flush, fall, hypertension, dizziness, and decreased appetite
  

6:59 am AutoNation announces that it reported to automotive manufacturers, based on their respective sales transaction reporting standards, retail sales of 77,242 new vehicles in the first quarter of 2015, an increase of 10% as compared to the first quarter of 2014 (AN) : On a same-store basis, reported retail new vehicle unit sales in the first quarter of 2015 were up 8% as compared to the first quarter of 2014. Reported retail new vehicle unit sales in March 2015 were 30,107, an increase of 5% as compared to March 2014. On a same-store basis, reported retail new vehicle unit sales in March 2015 were up 3% as compared to March 2014.

6:32 am Sequential Brands has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in the Jessica Simpson brand; terms not disclosed (SQBG) : Annual retail sales for the brand are approximately $1 Billion. Concurrently with the closing, Camuto Group's master license for the Jessica Simpson Collection will be replaced with a newly signed long-term license agreement to manufacture and distribute footwear.

• Post-closing, the Company is projecting forward 12-month royalty revenues of $88-90 million and $53.5-55 million of Adjusted EBITDA from the Company's total brand portfolio.  Further guidance related to the fiscal year 2015 will be provided upon closing of the acquisition.
  
• The acquisition is expected to close within 90 days and is expected to be immediately accretive. 

6:31 am SAGE Therapeutics announces positive end-of-Phase 2 meeting with FDA and planned initiation of SAGE-547 global Phase 3 trial (SAGE) : At a recent End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the U.S. FDA, there was general agreement on the design and key elements of a Phase 3 clinical program for SAGE-547. Co believes the results from the planned Phase 3 clinical trial, together with other clinical data obtained from the SAGE-547 development program, could form the basis of a New Drug Application submission for SAGE-547.

• Based on data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial, the planned Phase 3 clinical trial is designed to provide 90 percent statistical power. SAGE plans to begin enrollment of the Phase 3 clinical trial mid-year 
• The planned primary endpoint of the Phase 3 clinical trial will be successful resolution of status epilepticus after weaning the patient off all third-line anti-seizure agents, and SAGE-547 or placebo, without resumption of SE within 24 hours after completion of blinded SAGE-547 or placebo administration. 
• Secondary endpoints are expected to explore the rate of recovery, regaining of consciousness, mental status and functional outcome
  

6:24 am Fortum Oyj announced the appointment of Pekka Lundmark as CEO, to take effect in September 2015 (FOJCY) : Lundmark will transfer from Konecranes Plc, where he has been President and CEO for the past ten years

6:07 am Renren announces ADR dutch auction tender offer of up to $50 mln, at a price between $2.40-2.75/share (RENN) :  

6:04 am RCS Capital announces that its wholesale broker-dealer subsidiaries raised ~$476.3 mln of total equity capital in the month of March, an increase of 45.7% from the $326.8 mln raised in February 2015 (RCAP) : Total equity raised during the first quarter of 2015 was $1.1 billion.

6:02 am U.S. Concrete has completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Ferrara Bros. Building Materials (USCR) : This acquisition will significantly expand U.S. Concrete's footprint in the New York metropolitan market and will allow the company to more effectively serve construction projects in Manhattan.

• The co disclosed that the consideration for the purchase consisted of a cash payment of ~$45 million and the issuance of the number of shares of its common stock equal to $15 million.
  

5:53 am European Markets : FTSE...6812.05...+2.60...+0.00%.  DAX...11992.19...-9.20...-0.10%.

5:53 am Asian Markets : Nikkei...19312.79...+278.00...+1.50%.  Hang Seng...25275.64...+192.90...+0.80%.

5:52 am S&P futures vs fair value: -6.30. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -9.30. :

5:47 am Elbit Medical Imaging announces the appointment of its Chief Financial Officer Doron Mosh, as Acting CEO (EMITF) : Mr. Moshe will replace Mr. Ron Hadassi, who will continue to serve as the Company's Chairman of the Board. This appointment is effective as of April 1, 2015.

5:11 am On The Wires (:WIRES) :

• Ahold (AHONY) announced that Jan Hommen will resume his role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board with immediate effect after temporarily stepping down as Chairman on June 14, 2014. Upon resuming his role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Jan Hommen will chair the upcoming 2015 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 15.
• Amazon.com (AMZN) announced that Prime Now has expanded to Atlanta. The ultra-fast service, offered exclusively as a benefit to Prime members, provides one-hour delivery on tens of thousands of daily essentials through a mobile app.
• Honeywell (HON) Transportation Systems is providing its industry leading variable-geometry, diesel turbocharger technology to Volkswagen (VLKAY) for its new 1.5L TDI diesel engine designed and developed in India to meet the unique needs of the local automotive market in the newest versions of Volkswagen and SKODA.

3:55 am On The Wires (:WIRES) :

• Gra a y Montero S.A.A. (GRAM) announced that its subsidiary GMP S.A. has subscribed with PERUPETRO S.A. the public deed which contains the License Contract for Exploitation of Hydrocarbons in Blocks III and IV, located in the Talara basin, in the region of Piura for a period of 30 years. 
• TomTom (TMOAY) announced the acquisition of Location Navigation including the WhereIs map assets of Australia from Sensis. TomTom will acquire all business activities of Location Navigation including its mapping IP and customer database.

1:59 am On The Wires (:WIRES) :

• Bluerock Residential Growth REIT (BRG) announced that it has acquired through a joint venture a 288-unit Class A apartment community in Austin, Texas known as the Fox Hill Apartments. The Company made an equity investment of $10.16 million to acquire an aggregate 85.3% indirect interest in the joint venture, which acquired Fox Hill for a purchase price of $38.15 million. 
• Ciber (CBR) announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a plan to enhance the overall composition of the Board by seeking to add three new independent directors. The Board is actively recruiting new candidates and has engaged a leading executive search firm to help identify strong nominees.