Блог компании DayTraderClub | Америка сегодня. Вторичный рынок жилья.

Asian Markets Nikkei...18788...-103.00...-0.60%. Hang Seng...22950...+51.30...+0.20%.

 European MarketsFTSE...7164.80...+13.60...+0.20%.  DAX...11577.11...+31.40...+0.30%.

 Silgan Holdings upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at BMO Capital  (57.40)

Hill-Rom initiation details — Buy at Stifel; tgt $70  (58.52)Stifel initiates HRC with a Buy and price target of $70 noting co's now clearly higher margin portfolio, together with a burgeoning innovation pipeline, should in turn provide ongoing opportunities to drive what firm believes could be F2020 EPS of $6+ (vs. Stifel F2020E: $5.26). Key drivers of their "$6+ EPS upside scenario" might include: sales growth and margin-enhancing portfolio optimization, balance sheet de-leveraging, and possibly lowering a now out-sized tax rate. At 13x their 2018E EPS (peers: 18x), shares appear undervalued. Still, firm acknowledges several real and perceived headwinds that have and are likely to continue to be debated and reflected in HRC's current below-peer multiple: (1) Capital Exposure (2) Recent OUS Sales Headwinds.

 NantKwest downgraded to Hold from Buy at Jefferies  (6.38)

 Overnight Summary — World markets signaling modestly higher start for Tuesday

• The global equity markets are generally higher this morning, although net changes are marginal. S&P futures are up just a fraction of a point thus far with trading fairly subdued for the bulk of the overnight session.
• The news flow out of Asian was light, with Japan releasing the most significant economic data point from the region. The Preliminary Manufacturing PMI for January saw a MoM increase to 52.8 (up from 52.4 in Dec). The recent strength in the yen plagued the Nikkei, with the index losing 0.6%. However, the USD/JPY hit multi-month lows near the mid-way point of the trading day, helping the Japanese also pull off session lows. Although the Cash market closed down for the day, the Nikkei futures have managed to claw its way back to unchanged on the day (current levels). The Shanghai saw another lack-luster campaign, with traders seemingly looking forward to the start of Golden Week, just a few days away.
• European bourses are stronger, but also somewhat uneventful. The biggest news out of the region came from the UK where the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament must vote on start of Brexit negotiations, which means the Article 50 may end up taking longer to implement than previously proposed. With that said, this was generally expected. One more notable item from the announcement declared the UK does not need to consult with Scotland, which would have likely stymied the process even longer. The release caused some volatility in the Pound, but the currency quickly moved back to where it started following an initial knee jerk downward. The Stock markets saw little reaction to the news.

Market updates:

• S&P Futures vs Fair Value: +0.5
• 10 yr Note: 2.4284%
• USD/JPY: 113.33 +0.63
• EUR/USD: 1.0740 -0.0023 
• Europe: FTSE +0.2% DAX +0.2% CAC +0.1% 
• Asia: Hang Seng +0.2% Shanghai +0.2% Nikkei +0.4% 
• Commodities: Gold (1212.60 -3.00) Silver (17.13 -0.06) crude (52.78 +0.03) 

US Econ Data

• December Existing Home Sales (10am)
• 2-year Bond Auction (1pm)

 Tallgrass Energy Partners increases quarterly dividend to $0.815/share from $0.795/share; Tallgrass Energy GP (TEGP) increases quarterly dividend to $0.2775 per class A share from $0.2625 per class A share  (48.50)

 On The Wires

• ReneSola Ltd (SOL) announced that it formed a strategic partnership with China Resources Leasing Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Resources (Holdings) Co., a conglomerate registered in Hong Kong with seven key strategic business units and over 1,900 business entities.  Under the terms of the partnership agreement, China Resources Leasing will provide ReneSola with an annual credit facility of no less than RMB 1 billion for the Company's solar downstream project development.
• Eurasian Minerals Inc. (EMX) announced initial results from the fall-winter drill program at the Malmyzh copper-gold porphyry project, including the longest mineralized intercept drilled to date on the property. Drill hole AMM-213 intersected 747.4 meters (108.7-856.1 m) averaging 0.49% copper equivalent (0.41% copper and 0.17 g/t gold) principally hosted in phreatomagmatic breccias and diorite porphyries at the Freedom Northwest prospect. The hole doubled the drilled vertical extent of the Freedom Northwest system, while bottoming in mineralization. In addition, reconnaissance drilling at the Sleeper West prospect intersected a shallow zone of 109 meters averaging 0.58% copper equivalent (0.53% copper and 0.09 g/t gold) starting at 13.5 meters in hole AMM-210. Freedom Northwest and Sleeper West are not included in the current Malmyzh resource estimate, which underscores the project's additional exploration upside.
• Genmab A/S (GMXAY) announced today that worldwide net sales of DARZALEX (daratumumab) as reported by Johnson & Johnson were USD 572 million in 2016. Net sales were USD 471 million in the U.S. and net sales in the rest of the world were USD 101 million. Genmab will receive royalties on the worldwide net sales of DARZALEX under the exclusive worldwide license to Janssen Biotech, Inc. to develop, manufacture and commercialize DARZALEX.
• Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (PBR) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Petrobras Global Finance B.V. has increased the tender cap in its previously announced cash tender offers  from $4.0 billion to $6.0 billion. The early tender date for the Tender Offers has been extended to 5:00pm ET on January 25, 2017. The expiration date for the Tender Offers has also been extended to 11:59pm ET on February 8, 2017. The withdrawal date (January 23, 2017) for the Tender Offers has now passed and will not be extended.

 

Asian Markets Close: Nikkei -0.6%, Hang Seng +0.2%, Shanghai +0.2% Equity indices in the Asia-Pacific region ended Tuesday on a mostly higher note while Japan's Nikkei (-0.6%) underperformed. Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso said his country is prepared to cooperate with the new US administration at various levels. Elsewhere, the progress towards inclusion of Chinese equities in MSCI may be halted if the country continues cracking down on capital outflows, according to the head of MSCI. Economic data was limited: Japan's January Manufacturing PMI 52.8 (expected 52.3; last 52.4) South Korea's January Consumer Confidence 93 (last 94) ---Equity Markets--- Japan's Nikkei lost 0.6% with more than half of its components ending in the red. DeNA, Mitsbushi Motors, Fast Retailing, Sony Financial Holdings, Mazda Motor, Yamaha Motor, SUMCO, and Honda lost between 1.7% and 3.6%. On the upside, Alps Electric, Asahi Group Holdings, and Mitsubishi gained between 1.2% and 2.0%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.2% with most energy names finishing among the leaders. China Shenhua Energy, China Petrol & Chemical, and PetroChina gained between 1.5% and 2.6%. Select financials and property names also displayed strength with Bank of East Asia, Sino Land, SHK Properties, and China Life Insurance rising between 0.7% and 2.5%. China's Shanghai Composite slipped from its high into the close, but still added 0.2%. YTO Express Group, Anhui Conch Cement, Tiandi Science & Technology, and Huaxin Cement gained between 3.9% and 4.9%. India's Sensex climbed 1.0% amid broad strength. Bajaj Auto, Mahindra&Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Power Grid posted gains between 1.6% and 3.4%. Financials were mixed with HDFC Bank and AXIS Bank rising 1.8% and 1.4%, respectively, while SBI added 0.2% and ICICI Bank shed 0.1%. ---FX--- USDJPY +0.5% to 113.29 USDCNY +0.1% to 6.8593 USDINR +0.1% to 68.130

 Overseas Research Calls

Upgrades: 

• Nordea Bank (NRBAY) upgraded to Outperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital Mkts
• Beiersdorf AG (BDRFF) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Natixis
• Grupo Televisa (TV) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BofA/Merrill
• Volvo (VLVLY) upgraded to Neutral from Sell at Goldman
• Grupo Aeroportuario (OMAB) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup

Downgrades: 

• Remy Cointreau (REMYF) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Goldman
• Sage plc (SGPYY) downgraded to Sell from Hold at Canaccord Genuity
• Standard Life (SLFPF) downgraded to Sell from Neutral at UBS
• William Hill PLC (WIMHY) downgraded to Sell from Neutral at UBS
• Drax Group (DRXGY) downgraded to Buy from Strong Buy at S&P Global

Miscellaneous: 

• None of note

 Agrium upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at Cowen  (105.15)

 Mosaic, CF Industries (CF), Potash (POT) upgraded to Market Perform ratings from Underperform at Cowen  (31.55)

 

Deere initiated with a Sell at Berenberg; tgt $90  (107.12)

 

FS Investment initiated with a Neutral at Janney; $10 tgt  (10.35)

 

Almost Family initiated with a Neutral at BofA/Merrill; tgt $49  (46.75)

 Rice Energy upgraded to Buy at Williams Capital Group; tgt raised to $27  (20.47)Williams Capital Group upgrades RICE to Buy from Hold and raises their tgt to $27 from $25 as shares now present a more attractive risk/reward profile. Firm believes a better entry point has emerged with RICE shares offering an attractive valuation relative to their 2018 EBITDA generation and RNAV analysis. While the natural gas forward curve backwardation into 2018 and beyond has firm concerned, they believe there is support for higher prices ahead with the increasing industrial/export demand and recent domestic storage drawdowns. Further, RICE is well positioned to execute on its growth strategy with its strong balance sheet (~$1.6 billion of liquidity), hedge book (~93.1% and ~78.0% of its 2017 and 2018 natural gas is hedged, respectively) and firm takeaway/sales portfolio. Additionally, they see the planned drop downs of its retained midstream assets as catalysts.

 

Pioneer Natural Resources downgraded to Hold at Williams Capital Group; tgt lowered to $206  (182.90)Williams Capital Group downgrades PXD to Hold from Buy and lowers their tgt to $206 from $226. After revisiting their production and RNAV models for a more consistent growth trajectory going forward, PXD presents a less attractive risk/reward proposition. While PXD is tracking to move away from outspending internally generated cash flow, it will sacrifice production and cash flow growth, which may drive a potential multiple contraction. Firm has also reduced their RNAV on a reduced rig cadence. Despite the upside to their revised price target, which is based on a 10.5x 2018 EBITDA multiple (the highest in our coverage) and a 20% discount to their RNAV, firm's Hold-rated is on a relative basis and they continue to prefer cos with more than 20% upside to tgts.

 AGCO Corp initiated with a Buy at Berenberg; tgt $72  (62.24)

 Alliant Energy downgraded to Neutral from Outperform at Macquarie  (37.03)

 SCANA Corp downgraded to Neutral from Outperform at Macquarie  (70.30)

 Early premarket gappersGapping up: MRCY +8.9%, SYNC +6.5%, REXX +6.1%, RMD +6%, BABA +4.9%, MRUS +4.7%, RIO +4.2%, YHOO +4%, BBL +3.5%, BHP +3.4%, GLDD +3.3%, DATA +3.2%, VALE +2.7%, CLF +2.6%, FCX +2.5%, SIGM +2.4%, JD +2.2%, DHI +2.1%, RAD +1.7%, FITB +1.5%, SAN +1.3%, MS +1.1%, PSO +1.1%, STO +1%, OSG +0.9%, PBR +0.9%, DD +0.9%, TRV +0.8%

Gapping down: BT -18.6%, BIOA -12.2%, PLG -9.2%, GLOP -8.6%, GLOP -8.6%, OCUL -7.9%, SIMO -7.2%, PII -5.8%, STRP -4.8%, FSM -3.6%, PHG -3.5%, CASC -2.7%, VZ -2.7%, JNJ -1.7%, PNFP -1.5%, GOLD -1.5%, GFI -1.4%, USFD -1%, T -1%, IGLD -0.9%, HMY -0.8%, SLW -0.8%, ENBL -0.7%, ABX -0.7%, AAPL -0.6%, BRKR -0.6%, HUM -0.5%, FBC -0.5%

 On The Wires

• Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) has decided to transfer 285,900 ordinary shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Investor Services & Banking (Luxembourg) S.A., which MUFG will receive from the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. by means of a dividend in kind on May 31, 2017, to wholly-owned subsidiary Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation by means of a company split, effective from May 31, 2017.
• OncoCyte Corporation (OCX) announced that its abstract on interim data from the Company's lung cancer diagnostic test study has been selected for presentation in a poster discussion session at the 2017 American Thoracic Society International Conference in Washington, D.C.
• WPP's (WPPGY) global media investment arm GroupM has agreed to increase its holding in MediaCom India to become a majority stakeholder. The move allows MediaCom India to access and tap into the global reach and infrastructure of GroupM. As a Content + Connection agency, MediaCom India specialises in media buying and planning across channels.
• Medtronic plc (MDT) announced today that the first procedure using the Visualase MRI-Guided Laser Ablation System has been performed in the pivotal Stereotactic Laser Ablation for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy clinical trial at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The SLATE clinical trial is designed to support the expanded indication of the currently marketed Visualase system for treatment of patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common form of partial or localization-related epilepsy.

 European Markets Update: CAC +0.1%, DAX +0.2%, FTSE +0.2%

Major European indices trade just above their flat lines while Italy's MIB (+1.4%) outperforms after two consecutive down days. In the UK, the Supreme Court ruled that a Parliamentary vote must be allowed before article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is triggered. Also of note, Reuters reported that EU finance ministers will not sign off on Thursday's Greek bailout review, but they remain hopeful that the review will be completed soon.

• In economic data:
  • Eurozone January Manufacturing PMI 55.1 (expected 54.8; last 54.9) and January Services PMI 53.6 (consensus 53.9; previous 53.7)
  • Germany's January Manufacturing PMI 56.5 (consensus 55.4; last 55.6) and January Services PMI 53.2 (consensus 54.5; previous 54.3)
  • France's January Manufacturing PMI 53.4, as expected (prior 53.5) and January Services PMI 53.9 (consensus 53.2; last 52.9)
  • UK's December Public Sector Net Borrowing GBP6.42 billion (expected GBP7.00 billion; last GBP10.83 billion)

---Equity Markets---

• France's CAC hovers just above its flat line, trading in the neighborhood of levels from late December. Roughly half of its components hold gains with financials Societe Generale, Credit Agricole, and BNP Paribas rising between 0.9% and 1.5%. Automakers Peugeot and Renault show respective gains of 1.4% and 0.5%. On the downside, Nokia, Engie, and AXA are all down near 1.0%.
• Germany's DAX is higher by 0.2%, which leaves the index inside a 300-point range that dates back to the second half of December. Deutsche Bank is the top performer, climbing 1.3%, while other heavyweights like Siemens, Daimler, BMW, and Volkswagen show gains between 0.4% and 1.1%. Software publisher SAP has added 0.5% after beating earnings expectations.
• UK's FTSE is higher by 0.2%, looking to snap its three-day skid. The index hovers near levels from the start of 2017 with miners and select financials in the lead. Anglo American, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Antofagasta, Glencore, Barclays, Standard Chartered, and Prudential are up between 1.0% and 5.1%. On the downside, BT Group has plunged 17.9% after revealing the scope of an accounting scandal in the company's Italian business.
• Italy's MIB has jumped 1.4% to trade within 20 points of its 2016 high. Generali has surged 10.2% amid reports Intesa Sanpaolo may make a bid for the insurer. Intesa Sanpaolo is down 4.7% while other financials like Mediobanca, Banca Mediolanum, UniCredit, UBI Banca, and Banca Pop Emilia Romagna show gains between 1.9% and 8.9%.

 Aetna downgraded to Mkt Perform from Outperform at Leerink Partners  (119.20)

 Overnight Treasury Summary

Treasuries Pull Back as Stocks and Dollar Steady

• The U.S. Treasury market is losing significant ground this morning as U.S. equities and the dollar have recovered from their Monday afternoon lows. The S&P 500 is set to open up 0.04% to 2,266.1 and the U.S. Dollar Index is adding 0.17% to 100.33. Earlier this morning, the U.K.'s Supreme Court ruled that Prime Minister May must get Parliament's approval to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which would begin the two-year countdown for her country to leave the European Union. The vote was 8-3. GBP/USD is down 0.56% to 1.2445. The eurozone's Markit composite purchasing managers' index fell by one tenth of a point to 54.3 for January, missing expectations for improvement of the same magnitude. Survey data in the single-currency bloc still shows improving growth trends on a medium-term basis. Today's U.S. economic calendar features existing home sales data and the Treasury will auction $26 bln of 2-year notes. WTI crude is gaining 0.15% to $52.83/bbl. and gold is down 0.23% to $1,212.8/troy oz.
• Yield Check:
  
  • 2-yr: +2 bps to 1.16%
  • 5-yr: +3 bps to 1.89%
  • 10-yr: +4 bps to 2.43%
  • 30-yr: +3 bps to 3.02%

• International News:
  
  • Japan's manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 52.8 for January from 52.4 for December, matching a two-year high and beating forecasts
  • An index of consumer confidence in Korea slipped to 93 in January from 94 in December
  • Turkey's central bank kept its benchmark repo rate at 8.00% but hiked its overnight lending rate by 75 basis points to 9.25%
    
    • While the action sorely disappointed economists' more hawkish forecasts, USD/TRY is up just 0.36% to 3.769 after trading as high as 3.83
  • The eurozone's manufacturing PMI rose to 55.1 for January from 54.9 for December, according to preliminary estimates. January's reading beat estimates
    
    • The eurozone's services PMI unexpectedly fell to 53.6 from 53.7
  • Germany's manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose to match its five-year high at 56.5, up from 55.6 in December
    
    • The services gauge for Germany missed estimates, falling to 53.2 from 54.3
  • France's manufacturing PMI ticked down to 53.4 for January, as expected, from 53.5 in December
    
    • France's services PMI rose more than expected to 53.9 from 52.9
  • The U.K.'s public sector net borrowing fell more than expected to GBP6.42 bln in December from GBP10.83 bln in November
  • Brazil's current account deficit widened more than expected in December to $5.88 bln from $0.88bln in November

• Data out Tuesday:
  
  • December Existing Home Sales (10:00 ET)
• Treasury Auction:
  
  • $26 bln 2-year Treasury auction (results at 13:00 ET)

 ResMed upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at JP Morgan  (63.60)

 Imperial Oil, Cenovus Energy (CVE) downgraded to Underperform from Neutral at Macquarie  (33.02)

 Encana upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Macquarie  (13.08)

 Suncor Energy downgraded to Neutral from Outperform at Macquarie  (31.28)

 Douglas Dynamics initiated with a Buy at Craig Hallum; tgt $42  (32.15)

 

On The Wires Prospect Capital Corporation (PSEC) announced that Prospect has purchased an additional $16.0 million of first lien senior secured floating rate notes issued by Mity to Prospect for Mity's acquisition of Holsag Canada.  Ecoark Holdings announced a service partnership with Sunworks (SUNW). The partnership will include Sunworks within Ecoark's suite of sustainable technologies, allowing the Company to broaden its offerings portfolio with innovative solar products suited for large-scale, retail clients. AerCap Holdings N.V. (AER) announced that it has amended and extended two term loan facilities for the total amount of $2.25 billion.  AerCap's $0.75 billion term loan facility, originally put in place by ILFC in February 2012, was amended and extended in December 2016. The maturity of the term loan was extended from April 2020 to October 2022. On January 23, 2017, pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 26, 2016, Edwards Lifesciences (EW) completed the previously announced acquisition of Valtech Cardio. Prior to the Merger, Valtech spun off its early-stage transseptal mitral valve replacement technology program. Concurrently with the Merger, the Company entered into an option agreement pursuant to which the Company has the option to purchase the Miraltech Program. The Option Agreement provides that the Company may exercise the Option within two years of the closing of the Merger for $200 million plus up to $50 million in contingent consideration, both payable in cash and Company common stock.

 Gapping up

Gapping up
In reaction to strong earnings/guidance:

• MRCY +8.9%, RMD +7.7%, ATI +4.8%, BABA +4.5%, YHOO +3.7%, DHI +2.1%, LPL +1.7%, FITB +1.5%, TRV +0.8%, PTEN +0.4%

M&A news:

• MPSX +24.1% (to be acquired by WestRock (WRK) for $18.00/share)
• RIO +4% (divests its Coal & Allied Industries unit to Yancoal (YACRF) for up to $2.45 bln), . 

Select financial related names showing strength:

• BBVA +1.5%, SAN +1.3%, PSO +1.1%, DB +1%

Select metals/mining stocks trading higher:

• BBL +3.8%, BHP +3.3%, FCX +3.1%, VALE +2.8%, CLF +2.5%, . 

Other news:

• NAK +13.2% (ticking higher pre-market with continued momentum following report yesterday afternoon that Trump adminstration supports Pebble project permit)
• SYNC +8.1% (thinly traded, extends Google Services Agreement)
• REXX +6.1% (Rex Energy reports Q4 and full-year 2016 production and estimated pricing and provided an operational update; Q4 production growth of 12% year-over-year)
• PLUG +6.1% (announces that for FY16 it deployed 4,010 GenDrive fuel cell units)
• MRUS +4.7% (closed research collaboration with Incyte utilizing Merus' proprietary Biclonics technology platform)
• GLDD +3.3% (confirmed receipt of $88 million award for coastal restoration on the Gulf Coast)
• SIGM +2.4% (Soros increases passive stake)
• JD +2% (in sympathy with BABA)
• RAD +1.7% (modestly rebounding after closing near lows)
• SRLP +1.5% (signs a definitive agreement to purchase the Springfield, Massachusetts refined product terminal assets)
• OSG +0.9% (confirmed SEC agreement resolving previously disclosed investigation into the failure of OSG to record certain tax liabilities)

Analyst comments:

• GPRO +6.2% (hearing estimates raised at Pac Crest)
• DATA +3.2% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup)
• ALSN +0.9% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup)

 

Popular increases quarterly dividend to $0.25/share from $0.15/share & announces Board approval of up to $75 mln in stock repurchases  (44.17)

 S&P futures vs fair value: -0.50. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +5.60.

U.S. stock futures are relatively flat this morning as investors digest a slew of earnings reports before Tuesday's opening bell. The S&P 500 futures trade one point below fair value.  

The Treasury market is under pressure early after a big advance on Monday. The benchmark 10-yr yield is up three basis points at 2.43%.

Crude oil has returned to its flat line in recent action, coming down from its overnight high. The commodity is up a modest 0.1% at $52.70/bbl as reports of lower production from key exporters have been balanced by an uptick in U.S. drilling. 

Today's economic data will be limited to December Existing Home Sales (Briefing.com consensus 5.55 million), which will cross the wires at 10:00 am ET.

In U.S. corporate news:

• Alibaba (BABA 102.89, +4.48): +4.5% after the company beat on the top and bottom lines and issued positive guidance. 
• DR Horton (DHI 29.75, +1.01): +3.5% after reporting better-than-expected earnings and revenues.
• DuPont (DD 73.40, +0.62): +0.9% after beating earnings estimates. Also of note, the company sees its merger with Dow Chemical (DOW 57.14, 0.00) closing in the first half of 2017.
• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ 112.50, -1.41): -1.2% after issuing disappointing guidance. 
• Travelers (TRV 119.00, +0.96): +0.8% after beating on the top and bottom lines.
• Verizon (VZ 51.40, -1.01): -1.9% after missing earnings estimates.
• Yahoo! (YHOO 43.90, +1.50): +3.5% after beating on the top and bottom lines. The company hopes to complete the sale of its core business to Verizon by the end of the second quarter.
• Lockheed Martin (LMT 253.29, -4.19): -1.6% after disappointing guidance overshadowed better-than-expected top and bottom lines.

Reviewing overnight developments:

• Equity indices in the Asia-Pacific region ended Tuesday on a mostly higher note while Japan's Nikkei underperformed. Japan's Nikkei -0.6%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng +0.2%, China's Shanghai Composite +0.2%, India's Sensex +1.0%.
  •   In economic data:
    • Japan's January Manufacturing PMI 52.8 (expected 52.3; last 52.4) South Korea's January Consumer Confidence 93 (last 94)
  • In news:
    • Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso said his country is prepared to cooperate with the new US administration at various levels.
    • According to the head of MSCI, the progress towards inclusion of Chinese equities in MSCI may be halted if the country continues cracking down on capital outflows.

• Major European indices trade just above their flat lines while Italy's MIB outperforms after two consecutive down days. France's CAC unch, Germany's DAX +0.2%, UK's FTSE +0.2%, Italy's MIB +1.4%.
  • In economic data:
    • Eurozone January Manufacturing PMI 55.1 (expected 54.8; last 54.9) and January Services PMI 53.6 (consensus 53.9; previous 53.7)
    • Germany's January Manufacturing PMI 56.5 (consensus 55.4; last 55.6) and January Services PMI 53.2 (consensus 54.5; previous 54.3)
    • France's January Manufacturing PMI 53.4, as expected (prior 53.5) and January Services PMI 53.9 (consensus 53.2; last 52.9)
    • UK's December Public Sector Net Borrowing GBP6.42 billion (expected GBP7.00 billion; last GBP10.83 billion)
  • In news:
    • In the UK, the Supreme Court ruled that a Parliamentary vote must be allowed before article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is triggered.
    • Reuters reported that EU finance ministers will not sign off on Thursday's Greek bailout review, but they remain hopeful that the review will be completed soon.

 Gapping down

Gapping down
In reaction to disappointing earnings/guidance:

• SIMO -7.2%, PII -5.8%, PHG -3.5%, VZ -2.7%, LMT -1.9%, JNJ -1.7%, BRKR -0.6%, FBC -0.5%

Select metals/mining stocks trading lower:

• GFI -1.4%, GOLD -1.4%, IGLD -0.9%, HMY -0.8%, SLW -0.8%, ABX -0.6%

Other news:

• BT -19.4% (provides update on investigation on Italian business; raises adjustments following review; lowers Group outlook for H2)
• BIOA -15.4% (increases the size of previously announced offering of common stock and warrants by 75% for aggregate gross proceeds of $17.5 mln)
• GLOP -9.3% (commences public offering of 3.75 mln common units)
• GLOP -9.3% (prices 3.75 mln common units offering at $20.50/unit)
• PLG -9.2% (announces $25 million bought deal financing)
• OCUL -7.9% (commences registered underwritten public offering of $25 mln of shares of its common stock)
• STRP -4.8% (files shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, may from time to time issue up to an aggregate 1.25 mln shares of its Class B common stock)
• FSM -3.6% (prices about a 10 mln share bought deal financing at $6.30/share for proceeds of about $65 mln )
• CASC -2.7% (to offer and sell shares of its common stock and Series E convertible preferred stock in concurrent but separate underwritten public offerings; Mark Lampert resigns from the Board as a result of his disagreement with decisions made by the Board related to the recently announced public offering)
• DRYS -1.9% (following 30%+ move lower)
• PNFP -1.6% (prices 2.8 mln shares of common stock at $62.50)
• USFD -1.4% (commences common stock offering of 30 mln shares by selling stockholders), .

Analyst comments:

• WATT -2.6% (downgraded to Perform from Outperform at Oppenheimer)
• AMN -1.5% (downgraded to Mkt Perform from Mkt Outperform at Avondale)
• AAPL -0.6% (downgraded to Equal Weight from Overweight at Barclays)
• HUM -0.5% (downgraded to Hold from Buy at Stifel)

 Gapping up/down RMD +8%, BABA +5%, YHOO +4% after earnings, MPSX +24% after M&A news, BT -19%, PII -6%, VZ -3%, LMT -2% and JNJ -2% after earnings/guidance, AAPL -0.6% after dg

Gapping up
In reaction to strong earnings/guidance:

• MRCY +8.9%, RMD +7.7%, ATI +4.8%, BABA +4.5%, YHOO +3.7%, DHI +2.1%, LPL +1.7%, FITB +1.5%, TRV +0.8%, PTEN +0.4%

M&A news:

• MPSX +24.1% (to be acquired by WestRock (WRK) for $18.00/share)
• RIO +4% (divests its Coal & Allied Industries unit to Yancoal (YACRF) for up to $2.45 bln), . 

Select financial related names showing strength:

• BBVA +1.5%, SAN +1.3%, PSO +1.1%, DB +1%

Select metals/mining stocks trading higher:

• BBL +3.8%, BHP +3.3%, FCX +3.1%, VALE +2.8%, CLF +2.5%, . 

Other news:

• NAK +13.2% (ticking higher pre-market with continued momentum following report yesterday afternoon that Trump adminstration supports Pebble project permit)
• SYNC +8.1% (thinly traded, extends Google Services Agreement)
• REXX +6.1% (Rex Energy reports Q4 and full-year 2016 production and estimated pricing and provided an operational update; Q4 production growth of 12% year-over-year)
• PLUG +6.1% (announces that for FY16 it deployed 4,010 GenDrive fuel cell units)
• MRUS +4.7% (closed research collaboration with Incyte utilizing Merus' proprietary Biclonics technology platform)
• GLDD +3.3% (confirmed receipt of $88 million award for coastal restoration on the Gulf Coast)
• SIGM +2.4% (Soros increases passive stake)
• JD +2% (in sympathy with BABA)
• RAD +1.7% (modestly rebounding after closing near lows)
• SRLP +1.5% (signs a definitive agreement to purchase the Springfield, Massachusetts refined product terminal assets)
• OSG +0.9% (confirmed SEC agreement resolving previously disclosed investigation into the failure of OSG to record certain tax liabilities)

Analyst comments:

• GPRO +6.2% (hearing estimates raised at Pac Crest)
• DATA +3.2% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup)
• ALSN +0.9% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup)

Gapping down
In reaction to disappointing earnings/guidance:

• SIMO -7.2%, PII -5.8%, PHG -3.5%, VZ -2.7%, LMT -1.9%, JNJ -1.7%, BRKR -0.6%, FBC -0.5%

Select metals/mining stocks trading lower:

• GFI -1.4%, GOLD -1.4%, IGLD -0.9%, HMY -0.8%, SLW -0.8%, ABX -0.6%

Other news:

• BT -19.4% (provides update on investigation on Italian business; raises adjustments following review; lowers Group outlook for H2)
• BIOA -15.4% (increases the size of previously announced offering of common stock and warrants by 75% for aggregate gross proceeds of $17.5 mln)
• GLOP -9.3% (commences public offering of 3.75 mln common units)
• GLOP -9.3% (prices 3.75 mln common units offering at $20.50/unit)
• PLG -9.2% (announces $25 million bought deal financing)
• OCUL -7.9% (commences registered underwritten public offering of $25 mln of shares of its common stock)
• STRP -4.8% (files shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, may from time to time issue up to an aggregate 1.25 mln shares of its Class B common stock)
• FSM -3.6% (prices about a 10 mln share bought deal financing at $6.30/share for proceeds of about $65 mln )
• CASC -2.7% (to offer and sell shares of its common stock and Series E convertible preferred stock in concurrent but separate underwritten public offerings; Mark Lampert resigns from the Board as a result of his disagreement with decisions made by the Board related to the recently announced public offering)
• DRYS -1.9% (following 30%+ move lower)
• PNFP -1.6% (prices 2.8 mln shares of common stock at $62.50)
• USFD -1.4% (commences common stock offering of 30 mln shares by selling stockholders), .

Analyst comments:

• WATT -2.6% (downgraded to Perform from Outperform at Oppenheimer)
• AMN -1.5% (downgraded to Mkt Perform from Mkt Outperform at Avondale)
• AAPL -0.6% (downgraded to Equal Weight from Overweight at Barclays)
• HUM -0.5% (downgraded to Hold from Buy at Stifel)

 

Ionis Pharma: Color on Spinraza launch/reimbursement  (43.94) Chardan notes Anthem (ANTM) guidelines may suggest caution on Spinraza efficacy and safety beyond SMA type 1. As part of the reimbursement guidelines, Anthem made clear that "[t]o date, there is no evaluable published data on the safety and efficacy of nusinersen in individuals with more than two copies of SMN2 or symptom onset after 6 months of age." Beyond the lack of efficacy signal, they believe such caution on safety potentially reflects the platform safety risk of platelet loss (thrombocytopenia), particularly considering the first adverse event warning listed is «Thrombocytopenia and Coagulation Abnormalities.» They would further emphasize that in SMA types 2 and 3, which are longer-term progressive neurodegenerative disorders than SMA type 1, the risk-benefit decision calculus is different, especially in terms of chronic safety risks like thrombocytopenia. As such, it is possible that ongoing clinical studies of Spinraza in SMA type 2 and 3 might reveal significant adverse events related to platelet loss that serve to limit their adoption and reimbursement by payers. Jefferies reiterated Hold on BIIB — who markets Spinraza for IONS. RBC notes Anthem recently posted «mixed» initial reimbursement coverage for new FDA-approved Spinraza which consensus has around $150-190M WW sales for 2017 and which they think is achievable (<2% of 2017 BIIB sales). Regardless of whether sales this year specifically hits this range or beats it is a bit early to tell but they think their **NUSI-APP** model which attempts to model the launch by month using estimated 10-25+ patients coming on per month — suggests this range should be doable this year; Outperform on BIIB. IONS broke support near 45 while BIIB broke support near 280 yersterday.

 SAP AG On Call  (89.30)

• +2% in share of revs that is more predictable
• Increased cloud share of total revs by 3% to 14% of total revs
• Cloud backlog +47%
• 8% growth in software and cloud revenue for the full year
• Strong performance in EMEA +10%
• Cloud revs +2% in Americas
• Says it ‘Significantly outpaced its main competitor' in cloud/overall growth
• Raise in 2017 outlook is based on continuing strength in cloud business

Peers: ADBE, ORCL, CRM, IBM

 

European Summary U.K. Supreme Court Says Triggering Article 50 Requires Act of Parliament European sovereign debt yields are moving broadly higher this morning despite modestly disappointing purchasing managers' index data for the eurozone. The eurozone's Markit composite purchasing managers' index fell by one tenth of a point to 54.3 for January, missing expectations for improvement of the same magnitude. Various parts of the report did beat estimates, such as the manufacturing PMI for both the whole eurozone and France's services sector. Data for the other countries in the eurozone will be released later this month, at which time French and German data will be revised. The survey data for January is consistent with 0.4% q/q growth in Q1 2017, according to Markit The U.K.'s highest court ruled 8-3 today that Parliament would have to pass legislation to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, initiating the two-year countdown for the U.K. to leave the European Union. A spokesman from PM Theresa May's government said that it still plans to trigger Article 50 by the end of March European Economic Data: The eurozone's manufacturing PMI rose to 55.1 for January from 54.9 for December, according to preliminary estimates. January's reading beat estimates. Most heartening, according to Markit Chief Economist Chris Williamson, was the best monthly gain for hiring in the factory sector since the global financial crisis  The eurozone's services PMI unexpectedly fell to 53.6 from 53.7 Germany's manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose to match its five-year high at 56.5, up from 55.6 in December The services gauge for Germany missed estimates, falling to 53.2 from 54.3 France's manufacturing PMI ticked down to 53.4 for January, as expected, from 53.5 in December France's services PMI rose more than expected to 53.9 from 52.9 The U.K.'s public sector net borrowing fell more than expected to GBP6.42 bln in December from GBP10.83 bln in November Yield Check: France, 10-yr OAT: +1 bp to 0.88% Germany, 10-yr Bund: +3 bps to 0.40% Greece, 10-yr note: -4 bps to 6.91% Italy, 10-yr BTP: unch at 2.00% Portugal, 10-yr PGB: unch at 3.77% Spain, 10-yr ODE: unch at 1.45% U.K., 10-yr Gilt: +3 bps to 1.40%

 S&P futures vs fair value: -0.50. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +5.30.

The equity market is on track to open Tuesday flat as the S&P 500 futures trade one point below fair value.

The morning has been all about earnings reports with a batch of high-profile companies reporting results between yesterday's close and today's open. Some of the most notable movers thus far have been Alibaba (BABA 102.40, +3.88), Yahoo! (YHOO 43.85, +1.45), and DR Horton (DHI 29.50, +0.76), all up between 2.7% and 3.9% in pre-market trade. All three companies beat top and bottom line estimates, with Alibaba also issuing positive guidance.

Influential earnings reports due after the close today include Capital One (COF 86.87, 0.00), Texas Instruments (TXN 75.95, +0.22), Canadian National Railway (CNI 70.28, 0.00), Stryker (SYK 121.41, 0.00), Seagate Technology (STX 36.37, 0.00) and Alcoa (AA 36.65, +0.36), among many others.

 On The Wires

• MagneGas Corporation (MNGA) announced today that it has expanded into the Indiana market with direct sales of industrial gases, welding supplies, and MagneGas2 as a result of recurring sales to a Fortune 100 top U.S. automaker in the region.
• Omnicell (OMCL) announced that WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia, has selected the company's automated medication management solutions and analytics tools for its hospital floors, central pharmacy, and operating rooms across the system. The technology, including Omnicell's recently introduced XT Series automated medication dispensing system, will help to streamline provider workflows while ensuring the highest level of safety for the communities WellStar serves.
• ClearSign Combustion (CLIR) confirms that the warrants offered in the rights offering the Company announced on December 7, 2016 have been approved for trading; warrants will trade under the symbol CLIRW. 
• Semtech Corporation (SMTC) announced that its LoRa wireless platform is being used in Australia's first Internet of Things (IoT) LPWAN network. The first deployment of the IoT LPWAN network is in Launceston, Tasmania, and is expected to enable a host of smart, innovative applications involving real-time transportation monitoring, inventory control, healthcare, and many other IoT applications.
• Alliance MMA (AMMA) announced that James Byrne, a veteran of arena sports marketing, has been hired as its Chief Marketing Officer. 
• Pareteum Corporation (TEUM) received a new technology development contract from Vodafone Enabler S.L..

 Filings, Offerings and Pricings

Filings:

• Enable Midstream Partners (ENBL) files for $200 mln offering of common units representing limited partner interests
• Imprimis Pharma (IMMY) files for 10,725,969 share common stock by selling stockholders
• RenovaCare (RCAR) files for 1,956,000 share common stock offering by holders (includes 1.01 mln shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding Series D Warrants)
• RMG Networks Holding (RMGN) files for offering of ~17 mln shares of common stock and ~2.5 mln warrants/underlying shares by the selling securityholders
• Straight Path Comms (STRP) files shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, may from time to time issue up to an aggregate 1.25 mln shares of its Class B common stock
• VistaGen (VTGN) files for $100 mln mixed securities shelf offering

Offerings:

• Cascadian Therapeutics (CASC) to offer and sell shares of its common stock and Series E convertible preferred stock in concurrent but separate underwritten public offerings
• First Hawaiian (FHB) to conduct a registered public secondary offering of shares of its common stock; all shares will be sold by BancWest Corporation
• Manitex Intl (MNTX) enters into $20 mln controlled equity offering sales agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald
• US Foods (USFD) commences common stock offering of 30 mln shares by selling stockholders Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR)

Pricings:

• Ares Capital (ARCC 16.86) prices an upsized offering of $350 mln of its 3.75% Convertible Notes due 2022
• BioAmber (BIOA 5.26) increases the size of previously announced offering of common stock and warrants by 75% for aggregate gross proceeds of $17.5 mln; offering consists of 3,684,212 shares of common stock of the Company, together with warrants to purchase 1,842,106 shares of common stock of the Company with an exercise price of $5.50 per share of common stock, at $4.75 per share and associated warrant.
• Fortuna Silver Mines (FSM 6.85) prices 10.33 mln share bought deal financing at $6.30/share
• GasLog Partners (GLOP 22.05) prices 3.75 mln common units offering at $20.50/unit
• Ocular Therapeutix (OCUL 7.55) prices registered underwritten public offering of 3,571,429 shares of its common stock at $7.00/share
• Pinnacle Finl (PNFP 64.25) prices 2.8 mln shares of common stock at $62.50
• Platinum Group Metals (PLG 1.63) announces $25 mln bought deal financing at $1.46/share

 GenVec shares halted for news pending

 

IPO Radar: No IPOs Opening Today; Cloud Software Developer AppDynamics (APPD) Raises Price Range; Flurry of IPOs Opening Thurs & FridayIPOs Opening Today: No IPOs Opening Today. Upcoming IPOs: January 26: AnaptysBio (ANAB) — The biotech developing first-in-class antibody product candidates focused on unmet medical needs in inflammation and immuno-oncology is expected to price its 4.0 million share IPO within a range of $14-$16. January 26: AppDynanics (APPD) — The developer of an enterprise-grade application intelligence software platform raised the proposed price range for its 12.0 million share IPO to $12-$14 from $10-$12. January 26: ObsEva (OBSV) — The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for conditions that compromise a woman's reproductive health is expected to price its 6.5 million share IPO within a range of $14-$16. January 27: JELD-WEN (JELD) — The leading door and window manufacturer is expected to price its 25.0 million share IPO within a range of $16-$18. January 27: Jagged Peak Energy (JAG) — The oil & natural gas company focused on acquiring & developing unconventional assets in Southern Delaware Basin is expected to price its 38.2 million share IPO within a range of 16-$18. January 27: REV Group (REVG) — The designer, manufacturer, and distributor of specialty vehicles & aftermarket parts is expected to price its 12.5 million share IPO within a range of $19-$21. January 27: Jounce Therapeutics (JNCE) — The clinical stage immunotherapy focused on transforming treatment of cancer by enabling immune system to attack tumors is expected to price its 5.4 million share IPO within a range of $13-$15. January 27: Visterra (VIST) — The clinical-stage biopharma focused on designing anti-body-based therapies intended to be as effective as single-dose administration is expected to price its 3.9 million share IPO within a range of $12-$14.

 S&P futures vs fair value: +1.00. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +7.40.

The S&P 500 futures trade one point above fair value.

Equity indices in the Asia-Pacific region ended Tuesday on a mostly higher note while Japan's Nikkei (-0.6%) underperformed. Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso said his country is prepared to cooperate with the new US administration at various levels. Elsewhere, the progress towards inclusion of Chinese equities in MSCI may be halted if the country continues cracking down on capital outflows, according to the head of MSCI.

Economic data was limited:

• Japan's January Manufacturing PMI 52.8 (expected 52.3; last 52.4) South Korea's January Consumer Confidence 93 (last 94)

---Equity Markets---

• Japan's Nikkei lost 0.6% with more than half of its components ending in the red. DeNA, Mitsbushi Motors, Fast Retailing, Sony Financial Holdings, Mazda Motor, Yamaha Motor, SUMCO, and Honda lost between 1.7% and 3.6%. On the upside, Alps Electric, Asahi Group Holdings, and Mitsubishi gained between 1.2% and 2.0%.
• Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.2% with most energy names finishing among the leaders. China Shenhua Energy, China Petrol & Chemical, and PetroChina gained between 1.5% and 2.6%. Select financials and property names also displayed strength with Bank of East Asia, Sino Land, SHK Properties, and China Life Insurance rising between 0.7% and 2.5%.
• China's Shanghai Composite slipped from its high into the close, but still added 0.2%. YTO Express Group, Anhui Conch Cement, Tiandi Science & Technology, and Huaxin Cement gained between 3.9% and 4.9%.
• India's Sensex climbed 1.0% amid broad strength. Bajaj Auto, Mahindra&Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Power Grid posted gains between 1.6% and 3.4%. Financials were mixed with HDFC Bank and AXIS Bank rising 1.8% and 1.4%, respectively, while SBI added 0.2% and ICICI Bank shed 0.1%.

Major European indices trade just above their flat lines while Italy's MIB (+1.2%) outperforms after two consecutive down days. In the UK, the Supreme Court ruled that a Parliamentary vote must be allowed before article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is triggered. Also of note, Reuters reported that EU finance ministers will not sign off on Thursday's Greek bailout review, but they remain hopeful that the review will be completed soon.

• In economic data:
  • Eurozone January Manufacturing PMI 55.1 (expected 54.8; last 54.9) and January Services PMI 53.6 (consensus 53.9; previous 53.7)
  • Germany's January Manufacturing PMI 56.5 (consensus 55.4; last 55.6) and January Services PMI 53.2 (consensus 54.5; previous 54.3)
  • France's January Manufacturing PMI 53.4, as expected (prior 53.5) and January Services PMI 53.9 (consensus 53.2; last 52.9)
  • UK's December Public Sector Net Borrowing GBP6.42 billion (expected GBP7.00 billion; last GBP10.83 billion)

---Equity Markets---

• France's CAC hovers just above its flat line, trading in the neighborhood of levels from late December. Roughly half of its components hold gains with financials Societe Generale, Credit Agricole, and BNP Paribas rising between 0.9% and 1.5%. Automakers Peugeot and Renault show respective gains of 2.2% and 0.2%. On the downside, Nokia, Engie, and AXA are all down between 0.4% and 1.1%.
• Germany's DAX is higher by 0.2%, which leaves the index inside a 300-point range that dates back to the second half of December. Deutsche Bank is the top performer, climbing 1.1%, while other heavyweights like Siemens, Daimler, and BMW show gains around 1.0%. Software publisher SAP has added 0.4% after beating earnings expectations.
• UK's FTSE is higher by 0.1%, looking to snap its three-day skid. The index hovers near levels from the start of 2017 with miners and select financials in the lead. Anglo American, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Antofagasta, Glencore, Barclays, Standard Chartered, and Prudential are up between 0.9% and 5.3%. On the downside, BT Group has plunged 18.8% after revealing the scope of an accounting scandal in the company's Italian business.
• Italy's MIB has jumped 1.2% as the index approaches its 2016 high. Generali has surged 9.8% amid reports Intesa Sanpaolo may make a bid for the insurer. Intesa Sanpaolo is down 4.7% while other financials like Mediobanca, Banca Mediolanum, UniCredit, UBI Banca, and Banca Pop Emilia Romagna show gains between 1.4% and 7.9%.

 On The Wires

• Vonage (VG) was recently granted 13 new patents by the USPTO. Vonage ended 2016 with 40 patents for the year, a new record. As of Dec 31, 2016, the Company owned 146 U.S. patents, with nearly 200 U.S. patent applications pending, along with many foreign patents and pending applications in jurisdictions worldwide.
• China Jo-Jo Drugstores (CJJD) disclosed in a regulatory filing that on January 18, 2017, Hangzhou Jiuzhou Grand Pharmacy Chain Co., Ltd., a company organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China, a variable interest entity of the Company, entered into a joint venture agreement with the Investor's designated entity, CareRetail (HK) Holdings Limited pursuant to which CareRetail HK shall have 51% equity interests of the JV and Jiuzhou shall have the remaining 49% equity interests. The total registered capital of the JV is $1,600,000, to be contributed by both parties based on their ownership percentages in the JV by December 31, 2019. The JV is in the business of management and consulting in the industry of non-medical care management and consulting, wholesale and retail of certain categories of medical devices and others subject to the scope to be set forth in its business license.
• Telephonics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Griffon Corporation (GFF), announced that it has received production orders for thirty-four Common Terminal Digitizer systems from the Federal Aviation Administration. CTD supports the FAAs Next Gen initiative so that Airport Surveillance Radar, Air Traffic Control Beacon Interrogator and Mode S radar systems can interface to the modernized Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) Air Traffic Control Systems installed in TRACON facilities and control towers throughout the U.S. This production order contract, along with the development program, has a funded value of $22.7 million to date. The FAA awarded the CTD program to Telephonics in 2014 as a multi-year contract that includes four future ordering periods and supports the agency's Terminal Automation Modernization Replacement program.
• Toshiba's Client Solutions Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems (TOSBF, TOSYY), announced the addition of the 7th Generation Intel (INTC) Core processors to its line of mobile computing devices.

 GenVec to resume trading at 09:50

 Sanchez Energy upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Seaport Global Securities; tgt raised to $17 from $9  (13.03)

 S&P futures vs fair value: +2.00. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +9.60.

The stock market is on track to open Tuesday slightly higher as the S&P 500 futures trade two points above fair value.

Earnings reports have been the focal point of pre-market action, with a bundle of companies reporting between yesterday's close and today's open. Thus far, the most notable losers have been, Verizon (VZ 50.54, -1.87), Lockheed Martin (LMT 248.44, -8.98), and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ 111.87, -2.02), while the most notable winners have been DR Horton (DHI 29.75, +1.01) and Yahoo! (YHOO 43.90, +1.50).

Crude oil has ticked up in recent action as the latest narrative for the commodity suggests that reports of lower production from key exporters have been offset by an uptick in U.S. drilling. The energy component is up 0.5%, near its overnight high, trading at $53.09/bbl.

Conversely, Treasuries are under pressure this morning after a big Monday advance. With the 10-yr yield up three basis point at 1.4% and the U.S. Dollar Index (100.16, +0.21) adding 0.2%, early-morning action suggests investors have somewhat of a risk-on attitude to start the day.

Today's economic data will be limited to December Existing Home Sales (Briefing.com consensus 5.55 million), which will cross the wires at 10:00 am ET.

 Mercury upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BofA/Merrill following earnings  (31.44)

 Home Bancshares upgraded to Buy from Hold at Sandler O'Neill  (26.06)

 

VistaGen: Sphera Funds Management increases passive stake to 10.52% (Prior 7.63%)  (3.17)

 On The Wires

• Aerohive Networks (HIVE), announced today that Emmet County selected Aerohive, in partnership with Dell, to improve the networking experience across the entire county in order to enable efficiency and mobility at its 12 locations stretching across 35 miles.
• Celgene (CELG) announced that Health Canada has expanded the indication for REVLIMID(lenalidomide capsules), in multiple myeloma. REVLIMID in combination with dexamethasone, is indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients who are not eligible for stem cell transplant.
• Evident LLC, a subsidiary of CPSI (CPSI) and a leading provider of healthcare technology systems and services, announced that Ballinger Memorial Hospital in Ballinger, Texas, has selected Evident for its Electronic Health Records (EHR) solution. Ballinger Memorial is a Critical Access Hospital that has a service area of more than 630 square miles and serves approximately 8,500 citizens.
• TapImmune (TPIV) announced that Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center completed the first safety cohort in its Phase 2 ovarian cancer study. The study is designed to examine the efficacy of the TapImmune lead investigational product candidate, TPIV 200, in combination with AstraZeneca's (AZN) investigational checkpoint inhibitor, durvalumab.
• A recent reorganization plan by Linn Energy (LINEQ) has shareholders objecting, believing the plan undervalues shareholder equity by at least $4.7 Billion. In court documents filed with the Houston Bankruptcy Court, a group of equity holders of Linn Energy stock have asked the court to appoint an official committee to represent equity holders' interests, and to not confirm the Plan of Reorganization. The shareholders allege that certain assets are not being revalued at current price levels, thereby severely undervaluing their equity.

 CF Industries: Hearing OTR Global out positive on nitrogen producers this morning  (36.24 +0.99)Other nitrogen names: AGU, TNH, UAN, YARIY

 Opening Market Summary: Averages Open Tuesday Slightly Higher

The S&P 500 (+0.1%) opened Tuesday just above its flat line, while the Nasdaq is sporting a 0.3% gain. 

Cyclical sectors have had the upper hand in early action, with all six posting gains. The advance has been led by materials (+1.3%), with energy (+0.6%), technology (+0.4%), and consumer discretionary (+0.3%) also outperforming the broader market.

On the non-cyclical side, telecom services are at the bottom of today's leaderboard, plunging 2.7%. Verizon (VZ 50.29, -2.11) has led the sector's decline, losing 4.2% after reporting worse-than-expected earnings results earlier this morning.

 

Sector Summary: Technology (XLK +0.06%) trading higher today, slightly behind the broader market The tech sector — XLK — trades slightly behind the broader market. Semiconductors, meanwhile, display relative strength as the SOX index trades +1.18%. Within the SOX index, MU (+4.36%) outperforms, while SIMO (-2.86%) lags. Among other major indices, the SPY is trading 0.14% higher, while the QQQ +0.14% and the NASDAQ +0.19% also trade modestly higher on the session. Among tech bellwethers, JD (+2.20%) is showing relative strength, while T (-1.57%) lags. Notable gainers following earnings: YHOO (+3.4%) reported worse than expected Q4 EPS and in-line revs; guided FY17 revs and EPS fairly consistent with 2016, GLW (+0.7%) reported better than expected Q4 EPS and revs, SAP (+0.4%) reported better than expected Q4 EPS and in-line revs Notable laggards following earnings: VZ (-4.4%), SPIL (-0.1%) Gainers on news: ASYS (+8.0%) co announced fiscal year 2017 year-to-date order bookings through January 20, 2017 are approximately $84 million. RP (+2.3%) co to acquire substantially all of the assets of Axiometrics for about $75 mln in cash. CIEN (+0.8%) co's COO François Locoh-Donou will step down effective on or about March 23, 2017. BAH (+0.1%) co exploring a possible repricing for its existing Term Loan B credit facility. Laggards on news: BT (-21.6%) co provided an update on investigation on Italian business; raised adjustments following review; lowered Group outlook for H2. GRPN (-0.4%) co provided a derivative litigation update. LOGM (-0.1%) co and Citrix (CTXS) expect additional time will be required to obtain CPUC approval for transfer of control of GetGo and Grasshopper Group; not expected to delay closing of the Merger. Among notable analyst upgrades: MRCY (+6.8%) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BofA/Merrill DATA (+2.1%) to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup MKSI (+2.5%) to Buy from Neutral at Dougherty Among notable analyst downgrades: AAPL (-0.1%) downgraded to Equal Weight from Overweight at Barclays WATT (-10.3%) to Perform from Outperform at Oppenheimer MSTR (-2.2%) to Neutral from Buy at Citigroup Scheduled to report earnings after the bell: CA, CREE, LOGI, STX, TXN, TSS Scheduled to report earnings tomorrow morning: APH, CVLT, OIIM, TEL, WIT

 Morning Commodities: Crude erases nearly all of yesterday's losses ahead of tonight's API; gold holds firm near yesterday's 2-month high as the dollar index trades flat

• Crude oil erased nearly all of yesterday's losses ahead of tonight's API; EIA on tap for tomorrow at 10:30 am ET
  • Mar 2017 crude oil futures were up $0.41 (+0.8%) around the $53.16/barrel level
  • Contributing factors affecting the price of oil include:
    • Earlier this morning, Iraq stated they were close to complying with an agreed cut allocation of 210k barrels/day.
    • A report this morning from Bernstein Energy circulating noted that global oil inventories declined by 24 mln barrels to 5.7 bln barrels in Q4 of 2016 vs. the previous quarter.
    • Reminder: OPEC ministers and producers outside the group said on Sunday that of the almost 1.8 mln bpd they had agreed to remove from the market starting on Jan 1, 1.5 mln bpd had already been cut.
    • Reminder: Baker Hughes rig count data released last Friday showed the biggest single weekly oil rig count increase in 4 years. The U.S. oil rig count increased by 29 to 551 rigs last week. It is worth noting that this pick-up in US activity could potentially cap oil price gains in the future.
  • Upcoming data reminders:
    • Weekly API data will be released today after the bell.
    • Weekly EIA petroleum data will be released this Wed at 10:30 am ET.
    • Weekly Baker Hughes rig count data will be released this Friday at 1 pm ET.
• Natural gas rallied off of yesterday's 2-week low ahead of Thurday's EIA
  • Feb 2017 natural gas futures were up $0.07 (+2.1%) around the $3.33/MMBtu level
  • Weekly EIA natural gas inventory data will be released on Thursday at 10:30 am ET.
• In precious metals, gold held firm near yesterday's 2-month high & silver traded nearly flat
• The dollar index was nearly flat around the 100.13 level
  • Commodities, as measured by the Bloomberg Commodity Index, were +0.7% around the 88.14 level

 Notable movers of interest: BT -20.2% on lower outlook for H2 following investigation of Italian business

The following are some of today's most notable movers of interest, categorized by market capitalization (large cap over $10 billion and mid cap between $2-10 billion) and ranked by % change (all stocks over 100K average daily volume).

Large Cap Gainers

• DHI (30.34 +5.55%): Reports Q1 EPS and revenue beats, reaffirms FY17 guidance.
• FCAU (10.84 +5.45%): Shares higher by 5% and outperforming other auto makers following meeting with President Trump (GM, F).
• YHOO (43.95 +3.66%): Shares rise on Q4 EPS and revenue beats.

Large Cap Losers

• BT (19.49 -20.24%): Provides update on investigation on Italian business; raises adjustments following review; lowers Group outlook for H2.
• LMT (251.25 -2.42%): Shares drop after co guides FY17 EPS below consesnus.
• MMM (175.83 -1.5%): Shares drop despite Q4 EPS beat, revenues in-line, co reaffirms FY17 guidance.

Mid Cap Gainers

• RMD (68.71 +8.03%): Shares rise on Q2 EPS and revenue beats.
• AKS (9.97 +7.27%): Reports Q4 EPS beat.
• WWD (69 +4.86%): Reports Q1 EPS beat, misses on revenues, reaffirms FY17 guidance.

Mid Cap Losers

• PII (84.56 -3.42%): Shares drop after co guides FY17 EPS below conesnsus.
• ENDP (11.87 -2.44%): Confirms agreement to resolve FTC investigation & litigation through a 10-year stipulated order for permanent injunction; no monetary payment & no admission of wrongdoing by Endo.
• ONB (17.1 -2.01%): Reports Q4 EPS miss.

 Intevac shares seeing notable strength on volume in recent trading; currently up 10%  (9.10 +0.80)

 Early Options Activity

Taking an early look at the options market, we found the following names that may be worth watching throughout the day for further indication of investor expectations given their options volume and implied volatility movement.

Stocks seeing volatility buying (bullish call buying/bearish put buying):

Calls:

• CENX Mar 15 calls are seeing interest with 3310 contracts trading vs. open int of 8360, pushing implied vol up around 5 points to ~74% — co is expected to report earnings mid-February.

Puts:

• VALE Feb 10.5 puts are seeing interest are seeing interest following Samarco venture lawsuit report with 3500 contracts trading vs. open int of 2630, pushing implied vol up around 5 points to ~55% — co is expected to report earnings late February (likely outside of expiration).

Stocks seeing volatility selling:

• DHI, JNJ, PII, PLD implied vol is lower following earnings/guidance

Sentiment: The CBOE Put/Call ratio is currently: 0.97… VIX: (11.47, -0.30, -2.6%).
February 17 is options expiration — the last day to trade February equity options.
*Please use the Talk to Us link at the top of the page to provide feedback on this comment as well as the OPTNX comments.

 Economic Summary: Existing Home Sales slightly missed expectations

Economic Data Summary:

• December Existing Home Sales 5.49 M vs Briefing.com consensus of 5.55 M; November was revised to 5.65 M from 5.61 M
  • The key takeaway from the report is that inventory constraints, rising prices, and higher mortgage rates remain a key obstacle to stronger sales activity. At the current sales pace, the inventory of unsold homes stands at a 3.6-months' supply, which is the lowest level since January 2005 Home sales declined in all regions, with the exception of the South, which was flat: Northeast (-6.2%), Midwest (-3.8%), and West (-4.8%)

Upcoming Economic Data:

• Weekly MBA Mortgage Applications due out Wednesday at 7:00 (Last Week was 0.8%)
• November FHFA Housing Price Index due out Wednesday at 9:00 (October was 0.4%)

Upcoming Fed/Treasury Events:

• The Treasury is scheduled to auction off new debt this week.
  • $26 bln in 2 Year Treasury Notes — Tuesday at 13:00 ET
  • $34 bln in 5 Year Treasury Notes — Wednesday at 13:00 ET
  • $28 bln in 7 Year Treasury Notes — Thursday at 13:00 ET

Other International Events of Interest

• Eurozone January Manufacturing PMI 55.1 (expected 54.8; last 54.9) and January Services PMI 53.6 (consensus 53.9; previous 53.7)

 

EnteroMedics: CVI Investments increases passive stake to 9.99% (Prior 0.3%)  (7.08 -0.67)

 

Hill-Rom: Dennis C. Brown lowers passive stake to 0.5% (Prior 9.0%)  (59.14 +0.62)

 II-VI (+11%) breaks out to all time high, leading fiber optics stocks to the upside following beat and raise results  (34.75 +3.35)IIVI +10.19% LITE +7.70% OCLR +6.23% ACIA +5.06% FNSR +3.55% FN +3.36% AAOI +2.49% NPTN +2.03% CIEN +2.21% INFN +1.58% IPHI +1.26% ADTN +0.68%

 

Sector Summary: S&P Consumer Discretionary Index +0.3%, in-line with the broader marketThe consumer discretionary group is in-line with the broader market. The retail group is in the green with the Retail HOLDRS Trust (RTH) 0.2% and the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) 0.5%. Notable earnings/guidance:  Trading higher following earnings/guidance: HZO +17.3%, DHI +5.3%, JJSF +1.9% Trading lower following earnings/guidance: PII -3.7% Earnings/guidance secondary plays:  DR Horton (DHI +5%) following earnings — leading homebuilders higher (XHB +2%, ITB +2.9%): LEN +5%, WLH +4.9%, HOV +4.1%, TPH +4.1%, PHM +4.1%, TMHC +4.1%, BZH +3.8%, MTH +3.3%, MHO +3.1%, CAA +3%, TOL +3%, MDC +3%, LGIH +2.6%, CSTE +1.6%, UCP +1.3%, KBH +1.1% (higher despite being downgraded to Underperform from Mkt Perform at Raymond James) ACAT -2.4% following PII earnings/guidance In the news: Leaders: FCAU 5.9%, F +1.6%, GM 1.1% (following meeting with President Trump), JCP 1.5% (extended its existing stockholder rights plan for an additional three years to continue protecting the valuable net operating loss carryforwards), APOL 0.5% (Higher Learning Commission approves change of control applications; expects to consummate the Merger on February 1, 2017),  SUP 1.3% (GAMCO Investors lowers active stake), WHR 0.6% (began consultations with certain works councils and other regulatory agencies in connection wih its proposal to restructure its EMEA dryer manufacturing operations) Nearly unchanged:  AMZN (European Commission seeks feedback on commitments offered by Amazon in e-book investigation), SVU (amended and restated bylaws to implement proxy access) Other notable trends: Several restaurant/QSR names are trading lower:  DIN -4.7% (downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Instinet), RT -1.5%, TXRH -1.2%, RRGB -1.1%, BLMN -1.1%, HABT -1%, TAST -1%, PLKI -0.7%, CAKE -0.6%, ZOES -0.6%, PNRA -0.5%, LOCO -0.4%, JACK -0.4%, BJRI -0.1%, EAT -0.2%, FRGI -0.2%, MCD -0.2% (reported earnings yesterday)... BWLD  1.4% higher (Buffalo Wild Wings increases its share repurchase program by $400 million bringing the cumulative authorizations to $900 mln; also announces it is speeding up its achievement of leverage ratio target) Looking ahead: On the earnings front: EAT, ITW, MKC, MDP, NVR report Wed before the open.

 

New Treasury Supply Treasury Auction Preview $26 bln 2-year Treasury auction (results at 13:00 ET) Prior auction results: High yield: 1.280% Bid-to-cover: 2.44 Indirect bid: 32.7% Direct bid: 9.3% Average results of prior 12 auctions: High yield: 0.874% Bid-to-cover: 2.73 Indirect bid: 43.3% Direct bid: 15.2%

 Stocks/ETFs that traded to new 52 week highs/lows this session — New highs (173) outpacing new lows (44)Stocks that traded to 52 week highs: AA, AAOI, ABB, ABY, ADBE, AFI, AGC, AGCO, AJG, ANTM, APOL, ARDC, ARES, ATI, AVGO, AVHI, AVX, AXTI, BBL, BCX, BERY, BGB, BHP, BSRR, BWXT, BXMT, CACQ, CBA, CBT, CCS, CDI, CE, CENX, CHKP, CHTR, CIM, CLC, CLCD, CMP, CNHI, CNV, COHR, CPA, CRUS, CSX, DE, DIAX, DSCI, EGHT, EGP, EVR, EXP, FCX, FEM, FMC, FSD, GEO, GER, GGAL, GGG, GLW, GNTX, GOOG, GOOGL, GWW, HBM, HEES, HEOP, HPP, HQY, HRI, HUN, HYB, IBM, IFV, IIVI, IP, IPGP, IR, IVAC, IVH, KIO, KLXI, KMX, KN, KS, LAMR, LBRDK, LBTYK, LECO, LUNA, LYB, MAGS, MCHP, MCY, MHG, MKSI, MO, MOS, MPLX, MPSX, MPWR, MRCY, MSM, MTOR, MTW, NCR, NGL, NOA, NS, NXRT, OFC, ON, ORBK, OUT, PACE, PAH, PAM, PFBC, PKG, PME, PPBI, PSTB, PZE, QQQX, QTEC, RACE, RAI, RIO, ROBO, RYAM, SAN, SCCO, SGMS, SHLO, SID, SKYY, SLGN, SNOW, SNP, SODA, SQM, STM, SUM, SWKS, SYMC, TDIV, TGP, TPVG, TRP, TSEM, TTC, TTWO, TXN, UBNT, UNVR, URI, UTHR, UVV, VALE, VEDL, VIAV, VIDI, VMW, VNTV, VSH, VTA, WDC, WEX, WHF, WLK, WRK, YPF

Stocks that traded to 52 week lows: ABUS, AEZS, ANTH, AOBC, AVGR, BT, CASC, CERS, COYN, DIN, DRNA, DRYS, DXLG, ECYT, EMG, EVC, EYES, FCEL, GILD, GNC, HOTR, ICLD, IFON, IPWR, ITEK, JMBA, NH, OMED, OPHT, PRGO, QURE, RNVA, RT, SCON, SSI, TGTX, TUES, TVIX, TWER, VICL, VMEMQ, WKHS, XCOMQ, XON

Thinly-Traded Stocks (ADV below 45k) that traded to 52 week highs on High Volume: ACH, BBDO, ECT, ESLT, FBZ, FLN, GFY, GSH, GULF, KEN, KFS, MILN, MMAC, NVEC, NWFL, OTEL, PBNC, PNQI, PNTR, QCLN, SPLP, TLP, TWIN

Thinly-Traded Stocks (ADV below 45k) that traded to 52 week lows on High Volume: ISIG, SPI

ETFs that traded to 52 week highs: CUT, EEB, EWG, EWO, FDN, GULF, IGV, IYM, MOO, REMX, SKYY, URA, UYM, XLB, XLK, XME

ETFs that traded to 52 week lows: SMN, VXX, VXZ

 

Today's biggest % gainers/losersThe following are today's top 20 percentage gainers and top 20 percentage losers, categorized by sectors (over $300 mln market cap and 100K average daily volume). Today's top 20 % gainers Healthcare: RMD (69.2 +8.81%) Materials: ATI (21.1 +24.19%), LXU (7.99 +7.1%), HBM (7.45 +6.43%), CLF (9.33 +6.26%), CENX (15.19 +6.19%), TCK (25.62 +6.17%), AKS (9.85 +6.03%) Industrials: MRCY (34.75 +10.52%), GRAM (4.93 +9.56%), MTZ (39.06 +7.31%), TGH (12.45 +6.87%) Consumer Discretionary: HZO (21.3 +17.03%), GPRO (10.17 +8.14%), FCAU (10.93 +6.27%) Information Technology: IIVI (34.83 +10.91%), LITE (37.13 +7.92%), OLED (65.98 +7.1%), OCLR (9.95 +6.82%) Financials: PPBI (38.6 +7.22%) Today's top 20 % losers Healthcare: NK (5.77 -9.57%), SAGE (48.12 -8.08%), IONS (41.2 -6.24%), KERX (4.91 -6.12%), INSM (14.53 -5.77%), MGNX (18.4 -5.23%), EDIT (17.62 -4.97%), SGYP (5.49 -4.69%), RDUS (40.56 -4.63%), HQY (45.84 -4.63%), PACB (4.54 -4.53%), AHS (34.95 -4.38%), MNKD (0.66 -4.36%) Materials: FSM (6.21 -9.42%) Industrials: CECE (12.44 -9.46%) Consumer Discretionary: KNDI (4.45 -7.34%), DIN (69.08 -4.43%) Information Technology: SIMO (41.27 -4.78%) Financials: GNW (3.48 -7.69%) Telecommunication Services: BT (19.41 -20.57%)

 

Today's most active stocksThe following are today's most active stocks ranked by volume and relative volume, categorized by sectors (over $300 mln market cap and 100K average daily volume). Today's top 20 volume Healthcare: PFE (10.83 mln -1.43%) Materials: FCX (19.15 mln +5.47%), AKS (17.73 mln +6.03%), VALE (14.63 mln +2.62%), ABX (11.07 mln +1.85%), MT (11.01 mln +1.4%), X (9.08 mln +4.27%) Industrials: GE (10.04 mln +0.81%) Consumer Discretionary: F (11.86 mln +1.71%) Information Technology: BABA (20.95 mln +2.31%), AMD (15.44 mln +1.72%), QCOM (14.88 mln +1.25%), MU (13.16 mln +4.46%), YHOO (12.96 mln +3.53%), NOK (9.15 mln -0.43%) Financials: BAC (33 mln +1.73%) Energy: CHK (11.11 mln +2.25%) Consumer Staples: RAD (10.87 mln +0.72%) Telecommunication Services: VZ (19.1 mln -4.36%), T (10 mln -2.01%) Today's top relative volume (current volume to 1-month average daily volume) Healthcare: RMD (3.45x +8.81%), WAT (2.26x -3.33%) Materials: ATI (4.26x +24.19%), FSM (2.01x -9.42%) Industrials: MRCY (3.6x +10.52%), CECE (1.91x -9.46%), GRAM (1.79x +9.56%) Consumer Discretionary: IHG (2.02x +0.24%), HZO (1.8x +17.03%), GPRO (1.71x +8.14%) Information Technology: SIMO (3.41x -4.78%), IIVI (2.8x +10.91%), BABA (2.13x +2.31%), VIAV (1.51x +2.11%) Financials: PNFP (7.02x +0.66%), MCR (2.78x +0.12%), PPT (2.37x +0%), AWF (2.13x -2.5%) Energy: SU (1.67x +2.14%) Telecommunication Services: BT (8.09x -20.57%)

 

Sector Summary: The Healthcare sector (-0.98%) is trading lower today, lagging the S&P 500 (+0.34%)General Commentary: Genvec (GNVC) shares are up ~40% after news that the co will be acquired by Intrexon (XON). GenVec stockholders will receive 0.297 of a share of Intrexon Common Stock in exchange for each share of GenVec common stock. This exchange ratio represents $7.00 per share of GenVec's common stock based on Intrexon's 5-day volume weighted average price as of January 23, 2017. In conjunction, Intrexon (XON) shares are down ~3% following the news. Gainers on news: GenVec (GNVC +40.53%) to be acquired by Intrexon (XON) for $7.00/share in stock + CVR Cellectar Biosciences (CLRB +15.94%) USPTO has granted patent covering method of use for its lead compound, CLR 131, as well as CLR 125, for the treatment of cancer InVivo Therapeutics (NVIV +16.67%) announces that the patient enrolled in the Inspire study of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold has improved from a complete AIS A spinal cord injury to an incomplete AIS B spinal cord injury in the time between discharge and the one-month evaluation Decliners on news: Ocular Therapeutix (OCUL -12.52%) prices registered underwritten public offering of 3,571,429 shares of its common stock at $7.00/share Aseterias Biotherapeutics (AST -4.17%) announces 'positive' efficacy results from its SCiStar Phase 1/2a clinical trial that showed additional motor function improvement at 6 to 9 months; expects to report 12-month data during 3Q17 Intrexon (XON -3.12%) to Acquire GenVec Gainers on earnings: ResMed (RMD +9.65%) beats by $0.03, beats on revs Decliners on earnings: Waters (WAT -3.62%) beats by $0.08, beats on revs Johnson & Johnson (JNJ -2.33%) sees FY17 $6.93-7.08 vs $7.12 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees revs $74.1-74.8 bln vs $75.13 bln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate Upgrades/Downgrades: Calithera Biosciences (CALA +4.55%) upgraded to Neutral from Sell at Citigroup Hill-Rom (HRC +1.74%) initiated with a Buy at Stifel NantKwest (NK -9.42%) downgraded to Hold from Buy at Jefferies AMN Healthcare (AMN -4.04%) downgraded to Mkt Perform from Mkt Outperform at Avondale Cross Country (CCRN -2.59%) downgraded to Mkt Perform from Mkt Outperform at Avondale

 Stone Energy: Thomas A. Satterfield, Jr lowers passive stake to 8.1% (Prior 8.96%)  (8.90 +0.76)

 Today's biggest point gainers/losersBiggest point gainers: RMD 69.34(5.74), AVGO 196.49(5.49), MLM 232.09(4.73), TSLA 253.47(4.55), KMB 121.04(4.06), ATI 20.93(3.94), AGU 109.07(3.92), IIVI 35.25(3.85), LYB 94.92(3.76), IBM 174.69(3.66), MHK 213.08(3.56), MPSX 17.79(3.4), FDX 188.73(3.27), ACIA 65.96(3.08), OLED 64.5(2.9), LITE 37.25(2.85), PKG 91.15(2.82), HZO 21(2.8), MRCY 34.15(2.71), WDC 75.35(2.7), WLK 63.71(2.68), DD 75.45(2.67), MTZ 39.05(2.65), EXP 103.73(2.61), WWD 68.32(2.52)

Biggest point losers: REGN 347.64(-6.72), LMT 251.69(-5.79), WAT 140.19(-5.09), BT 19.41(-5.02), SAGE 47.79(-4.56), ADS 225.05(-3.51), HUM 201.64(-3.38), PII 84.25(-3.3), IBB 267.56(-3.29), DXCM 76.88(-3.1), MMM 175.64(-2.87), BIIB 273.4(-2.62), TMO 140.39(-2.4), VZ 50.02(-2.39), WATT 15.4(-2.31), JNJ 111.61(-2.3), SHW 281.74(-2.26), IONS 41.86(-2.09), AET 117.13(-2.07), LLY 74.29(-2.03), SIMO 41.31(-2.03), ALXN 129.59(-1.9), AMGN 150.94(-1.78), ILMN 159.16(-1.73), HQY 46.45(-1.61)

 

President Trump signs executive orders to move forward with Keystone & Dakota Pipelines, with the caveat of using American-made steel/pipes for the pipelines  (33.77 +0.13)Pipeline-related names such as KMI, PAA, ENB, OKE/OKS, ETE, ETP not seeing much of a response, but generally higher today. Steel stocks such as AKS, X are trading lower, but it's worth noting that AKS is currently on their earnings call.

 European Markets Closing PricesEuropean markets are now closed; stock markets across Europe performed as follows:

• UK's FTSE: 0.0%
• Germany's DAX: + 0.4%
• France's CAC: + 0.2%
• Spain's IBEX: + 0.8%
• Portugal's PSI: + 0.4%
• Italy's MIB Index: + 0.9%
• Irish Ovrl Index: -1.6%
• Greece ASE General Index: + 1.1%

 Rumor Round Up

Rumor Activity was slow today.

• WSJ discussed disagreements that Autoliv's (ALV 113.80 +1.64) has regarding information on potential Takata (TKTDY 8.20 +1.00) bid.
• Standard UK discussed renewed takeover speculation in ITV (ITVPY 28.14 +0.83).
• Reuters detailed that Toshiba (TOSBF 2.35 +0.03) plans to approve split of chip unit on Friday.

While many rumors circulate during the day, and the validity of the source of these rumors can be questionable, the speculation may increase volatility in the near term.

 Market Internals

The broader market is near highs at the moment, led by the Dow Jones Industrial Average which gains about 93 points (+0.47%) to 19892, the S&P 500 adds about 10 (+0.44%) to 2275, and the Nasdaq Composite climbs about 23 (+0.42%) to 5576. Action has come on lower than average volume (NYSE 317 vs. avg. of 343; NASDAQ 729 mln vs. avg. of 801), with advancers outpacing decliners (NYSE 2101/850, NASDAQ 1652/1047) and new highs outpacing new lows (NYSE 131/10, NASDAQ 85/29).

Relative Strength:

Copper Miners-COPX +4.3%, US Home Constr.-ITB +3.4%, Metals&Mining-XME +3.0%, Coal-KOL +2.9%, Copper-JJC +2.5%, Homebuilders-XHB +2.5%, Materials-XLB +2.1%, Greece-GREK +1.9%, Peru-EPU +1.9%, Mexico-EWW +1.8%, Saudi Arabia-KSA +1.7%, Russia-RSX +1.6%, S. Africa-EZA +1.6%, Canada-EWC +1.6%.

Relative Weakness:

Short-Term Futures-VXX -3.4%, Cotton-BAL -2.2%, Corn-CORN -1.5%, US Telecoms-IYZ -1.2%, Pharma-PPH -1.0%, Biotech-IBB -1.0%, Grains-JJG -1.0%, Japanese Yen-FXY -0.4%, Egypt-EGPT -0.3%, Belgium-EWK -0.2%, Japan-EWJ -0.2%, France-EWQ -0.1%, Switzerland-EWL -0.1%, Swiss Franc-FXF -0.1%.

 Southern National Banc. of Virginia: Corbyn Investment Management discloses 5% passive stake  (16.14 0.00)

 

Sector Summary: Industrials trade higher than the broader market; II-VI (IIVI +11.8%) hits an all time high following Q2 earnings The Industrials sector (XLI) is trading +0.8% today, higher than the broader market (SPY +0.5%). In the Industrial Sector earnings kick off with big names like 3M (MMM -1.1%), Lockheed (LMT -2.3%), and Philips (PHG -2%) reporting earnings. Additionally, II-VI (IIVI +11.8%) shares hit an all-time high following the co's Q2 earnings beat.   Earnings/Guidance 3M (MMM -1.1%) reports Q4 earnings of $1.88 per share, $0.01 better than the consensus of $1.87; revenues rose 0.4% year/year to $7.33 bln vs the $7.34 bln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY17, sees EPS of $8.45-8.80, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $8.62 consensus; organic sales ex-FX +1-3%; FCF conversion 95-105%. Lockheed (LMT -2.3%) reports Q4 earnings of $3.25 per share,$0.21 better than the consensus of $3.04; revenues rose 19.4% year/year to $13.75 bln vs the $12.99 bln Capital IQ Consensus. Co issues guidance for FY17, sees EPS of $12.25-12.55, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $12.72 consensus; sees FY17 revs of $49.4-50.6 bln vs. $49.39 bln consensus. Backlog of $96.2 billion at the end of 2016. The Co is completing its assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of Dec. 31, 2016. However, the Co expects to report a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting at its Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) business in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016. Philips (PHG -2%) reports Q4 GAAP earnings of €0.67 per share, €0.11 better than the consensus of €0.56; revenues rose 2.0% year/year to €7.24 bln vs the €7.27 bln consensus. Woodward (WWD %) reports Q1 GAAP earnings of $0.73 per share, $0.20 better than the consensus of $0.53; revenues fell 0.4% year/year to $443 mln vs the $450.56 mln Capital IQ Consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY17, sees EPS of $2.95-3.25 vs. $3.16 consensus; sees FY17 revs increase to between 4 to 6% to $2.10-2.14 bln, vs. $2.1 bln consensus. II-VI (IIVI +11.8%) reports Q2 earnings of $0.49 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.23 better than the two analyst estimate of $0.26; revenues rose 21.0% year/year to $231.8 mln vs the $221.48 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.31-0.36 vs. $0.26 single analyst estimate; sees Q3 revs of $234-244 mln vs. $225.49 mln consensus. Notable fiber optic names related to II-VI (IIVI +11.8%) showing notable strength: LITE +8.4%, OCLR +7.8%, ACIA +5.5%, FNSR +3.5%, FN +3.9%, AAOI +3.3%, NPTN +2.9%, CIEN +2.7% News Avianca Holdings (AVH +4%) reports December 2016. The subsidiary companies of Avianca Holdings transported 2,629,433 passengers, an increase of 4.9% compared to December 2015. Capacity, measured in ASKs (available seat kilometers), increased 5.7%, while passenger traffic, measured in RPKs (revenue passenger kilometers), increased 10.2%. Broker Research FBR designates AerCap (AER +1.9%) as their Alpha Generator as they see earnings headwinds receding in 2017; reiterate $53 target. Deere (DE +0.2%) initiated with a Sell at Berenberg; tgt $90. AGCO Corp (AGCO +1.8%) initiated with a Buy at Berenberg; tgt $72. Douglas Dynamics (PLOW +4.2%) initiated with a Buy at Craig Hallum; tgt $42.

 Wix.com: Mangrove II Investments lowers passive stake to 13.8% (Prior 20.8%)  (54.05 +0.30)

 

Earnings Calendar for Tuesday, January 24th Today after the close look for the following companies to report: COF, TXN, CNI, SYK, STX, AA, DFS, STLD, TSS, CA, ISRG, LOGI, HA, NAVI, CREE, UMBF, TRMK, HOPE, FMBI, WSBC, LTXB, UBNK, OKSB Tomorrow before the open look for the following companies to report: WIT, BA, UTX, NVS, ABT, PGR, FCX, TXT, ITW, TEL, STT, NSC, GWW, NVR, APH, ROK, HES, MKC, SC, HBAN, EAT, MDP, ROL,  BOKF, NYCB, CFR, BKU, RES, VLY, PB, CVLT, UCBI, MKTX, VRTS, FCF, VIVO, CPF, NAP, OIIM, SMED

 Midday Market Summary: Averages Near Session Highs at Midday

A risk-on tone has been underlying today's session as the major averages have advanced steadily since the opening bell. All three have hit fresh session highs in recent action, and currently hold gains around 0.5% apiece.

Sector standings tell the same story as investors have favored growth-sensitive sectors over their safer, non-cyclical counterparts. All six cyclical sectors are in the green, with materials (+2.3%) pacing the advance. DuPont (DD 75.93, +3.14) set the sector's tone earlier this morning, beating earnings estimates and announcing that its merger with Dow Chemical (DOW 59.11, +1.97) is expected to close in the first half of 2017. In addition, Alcoa (AA 38.07, +1.78) has jumped 4.9% ahead of its quarterly report, which will be released after today's closing bell. 

Sitting just below the top of the leaderboard are the financial (+1.2%) and energy (+1.1%) sectors. The financial sector has returned into the green for the year while energy has narrowed its January loss to 1.2%. Energy has moved in tandem with crude oil, which has added 1.3% as reports of lower production from key exporters have outweighed an uptick in U.S. drilling. Information technology has also contributed to the strong showing from the cyclical side, adding 0.7% on a big day from chipmakers; the PHLX Semiconductor Index is up 1.4%.

On the non-cyclical side, telecom services (-3.2%), health care (-0.9%), and real estate (-0.2%) are all posting losses. However, the consumer staples sector has been able to resist the trend, outperforming the broader market with a 0.5% gain. The space's uptick has stemmed from an upbeat response to Kimberly Clark's (KMB 121.37, +4.39) better than expected earnings report. 

Also on the earnings front, DR Horton (DHI 29.75, +1.01) has jumped 5.5% after reporting better-than-expected earnings and revenues this morning. The name has given a boost to its homebuilding peers, evidenced by the 3.5% increase in the iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB 28.89, +0.98).

The Treasury market is the last piece to the risk-on narrative, hitting a fresh session low in recent action. The benchmark 10-yr yield is up five basis points at 2.45%.

Today's economic data was limited to December Existing Home Sales:

• Existing home sales for December decreased 2.8% from November to an annualized rate of 5.49 million units while the Briefing.com consensus expected a reading of 5.55 million.
  • The key takeaway from the report is that inventory constraints, rising prices, and higher mortgage rates remain a key obstacle to stronger sales activity.

SPY up 0.6%; Materials are the best performing sector and Healthcare and Telecom are lagging

Sector	Ticker	% Change	YTD % Change
Materials	XLB	2.5%	6%
Financials	XLF	1.3%	0%
Energy	XLE	1.2%	-1%
Industrials	XLI	1.0%	2%
Cons. Disc.	XLY	0.6%	4%
Cons. Staples	XLP	0.4%	2%
Technology	XLK	0.3%	3%
Utilities	XLU	0.1%	0%
Real Estate	XLRE	-0.1%	1%
Healthcare	XLV	-0.8%	0%
Telecom	IYZ	-0.9%	1%

 Unusual Options Activity

The following options are exhibiting notable trading, potentially indicating changing sentiment toward the underlying stocks, and/or potentially representing positioning for increased volatility.

Bullish Call Activity:

• CENX Mar 15 calls (volume: 3750, open int: 8360, implied vol: ~76%, prev day implied vol: 68%)  — co is expected to report earnings mid-February.
• BX Jun 30 calls are seeing interest ahead of earnings Thursday, January 26 before the open (volume: 10.4K, open int: 4.0K, implied vol: ~28%, prev day implied vol: 26%)
• CA Feb 32 calls are seeing interest ahead of earnings tonight after the close (volume: 2160, open int: 3860, implied vol: ~28%, prev day implied vol: 2%)

Bearish Put Activity:

• MTW Feb 6 puts (volume: 2010, open int: 30, implied vol: ~59%, prev day implied vol: 55%) — President Trump signed orders to approve Keystone Pipeline & Dakota Access Pipeline (MTW is a possible pipeline infrastructure play).  Co is confirmed to report earnings February 1 after the close.
• GS Weekly Jan27 235 puts (volume: 3550, open int: 460, implied vol: ~23%, prev day implied vol: 21%) -- Reuters discussed that reducing limits on Volcker Rule might be top priority from Trump's Treasury Department.  Co reported earnings earlier this month and is expected to report its next quarterly earnings report mid-April.

Sentiment: The CBOE Put/Call ratio is currently: 0.88… VIX: (11.31, -0.46, -3.9%).
February 17 is options expiration — the last day to trade February equity options.
*Please use the Talk to Us link at the top of the page to provide feedback on this comment as well as the OPTNX comments.

 Uranium stocks (URA +7%) hit eighteen month high  (17.91 +1.12)

• UEC +11.32% UUUU +7.66% URG +7.02% DNN +6.77% URA +6.61% CCJ +5.96% URRE +5.44%
• Spot uranium futures are ~flat over the last two weeks at $23/lb since they spiked ~10% to $24/lb on January 10 following the production cut from Kazakhstan.
• A warning from Cameco (CCJ) took the space down last week.
• The uranium market remains in oversupply.
• However, a tweet from President Trump on December 22: 'The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability...' is seemingly bullish for the space.

 Hess Q4 earnings preview  (57.65 +0.50)

Hess Energy is scheduled to report Q4 earnings tomorrow pre-market with a conference call to follow at 10:00 am ET the same day.

• Capital IQ Consensus calls for Q4 EPS of ($1.08) & a rev decline of about 18.3% to $1.38 bln, compared to EPS of ($ 1.40) on rev of $1.69 bln in the same quarter last year.

FY17 production/capex guidance:

• Net 2017 production is forecast to avg between 300k-310k boepd, excluding Libya. Production is expected to increase 8-12% from the beginning of 2017 to the end of the year as a result of additional rigs in the Bakken, restart of drilling at Valhall, and the start-up of North Malay Basin in Q3.
  • Bakken net production in 2017 is forecast to average between 95k-105k boepd.
• The co's FY17 capex budget is $2.25 bln, vs. $1.9 bln of actual capex in 2016.
  • $700 mln (31%) for unconventional shale resources, $375 mln (17%) for production, $825 mln (37%) for developments, and $350 mln (15%) for exploration and appraisal activities.

Q3 recap

• Co reported a Q3 loss of $1.12 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.12 better than the Capital IQ Consensus of ($1.24); revenues fell 29.2% year/year to $1.20 bln vs the $1.21 bln Capital IQ Consensus.
• The co reduced E&P capital and exploratory expenditures by 49% to $435 mln from $849 mln in the prior-year quarter.
• Oil & gas production was 314k boepd; Bakken net production was 107k boepd.
• «Our co continues to take steps to maintain a strong balance sheet and materially reduce our spending. We also are investing in growth projects including the world-class Liza oil discovery in Guyana that we believe will create significant value for our shareholders. Based on the positive results of the Liza-3 well, we now expect Liza to be at the upper end of the previously announced estimated recoverable resources range of 800 million to 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent.»

Company Background

Hess is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. Their portfolio is evenly split between unconventionals and conventionals; U.S. and international; and onshore and offshore. Three quarters of their production is liquids versus gas.

The co's portfolio is focused in five strategic areas: the Bakken Shale in North Dakota and the Utica Shale in Ohio; the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico; Valhall Field in Norway and South Arne Field in Denmark; offshore West Africa — Equatorial Guinea and Ghana; and offshore Malaysia in the Gulf of Thailand. These specific areas represent 83% of reserves and 95% of production.

Technical Perspective

Technically, HES has been in a slump over the last 2-years, but recently emerged with some strength into the end of 2016. It's been giving back some of its December gains here to start a new year, but appears to be finding support around its 200-day and 50-day moving averages in the 56/58 vicinity. In response to earnings, Buyers are looking to resume the trend off the Nov/Dec lows with a push back over $60. Sellers will likely be quick to press back below the 54/56 zone in favor of the bigger picture slump.

Options Activity

Based on HES options, the current implied volatility stands at ~ 32%, which is 27% higher than historical volatility (over the past 30 days). Based on the HES Weekly Jan27 $58 straddle, the options market is currently pricing in a move of ~3% in either direction by weekly expiration (Friday).

Peers include: CEO, SNP, OXY, SU, EPD, CNQ, APA, CLR, CHK, CIE, DNR, KOS, STR, LPI, OAS, HK, GTE, GPOR, EEQ, CRZO, CRK, BCEI, TGA, MCF, PBT, SN, GBR, WPX, ROYL, FPP, MPET, USEG, EAC, GST

Shares of HES +1.0% ahead of tomorrow's earnings release.

 Norfolk Southern increases quarterly dividend to $0.61/share from $0.59/share  (116.51 +2.96)

 Metals Closing Prices

• Feb 2017 gold ended today's session down $4.70 (-0.4%) to $1210.80/oz
• Mar 2017 silver closed today's session flat at $17.18/oz
• Mar 2017 copper closed $0.06 higher (+2.3%) at $2.71/lb

 Peabody Energy: Discovery Capital Management liquidates 8.6% active stake  (2.20 +0.42)

 Acacia Communications ticking lower while Adient (ADNT) ticking higher in recent trade; moves attributed to short and long position respectively taken by Lakewood Capital  (65.43 +2.55)

 General Finance Corp: Gagnon Securities discloses a 19.9% passive stake  (5.20 +0.05)

 Hearing First Solar was downgraded to Mkt Underperform from Mkt Perform at JMP Securities  (32.82 -0.84)

 Charter Finl increases quarterly dividend to $0.06/share from $0.05/share  (16.46 +0.03)

 Hearing eMagin was initiated with a Buy at Craig Hallum; tgt $6  (2.65 +0.30)

 Agriculture Closing Prices

• Mar 2017 corn closed $0.07 lower (-1.9%) at $3.63/bushel
• Mar 2017 wheat closed $0.07 lower (-1.6%) at $4.26/bushel
• Mar 2017 soybeans closed $0.03 lower (-0.3%) at $10.57/bushel

 Currency Market Summary

Dollar Rallies as Treasury Yields Climb

• The U.S. Dollar Index climbed 0.18% to 100.34 today as the greenback rallied against the Japanese yen but lost ground against the Canadian dollar and kiwi. Both the Australian and kiwi dollars traded to two-month highs against the buck before reversing as the global stock rally pushed Treasury yields higher. The British pound was volatile this morning after the U.K.'s highest court ruled 8-3 that Parliament would have to pass legislation to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, initiating the two-year countdown for the U.K. to leave the European Union. A spokesman from PM Theresa May's government said that it still plans to trigger Article 50 by the end of March. Germany's Ifo survey is due out on Wednesday as is Australia's CPI data
• EUR/USD: -0.27% to 1.0729
  
  • The eurozone's manufacturing PMI rose to 55.1 for January from 54.9 for December, according to preliminary estimates. January's reading beat estimates
  • The eurozone's services PMI unexpectedly fell to 53.6 from 53.7
• GBP/USD: -0.07% to 1.2506
  
  • The U.K.'s public sector net borrowing fell more than expected to GBP6.42 bln in December from GBP10.83 bln in November
• USD/CHF: +0.36% to 1.0013
  
• USD/JPY: +0.86% to 113.86
  
  • Japan's manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 52.8 for January from 52.4 for December, matching a two-year high and beating forecasts
• USD/CNY: +0.07% to 6.859
  
• USD/TRY: +0.9% to 3.785
  
  • Turkey's central bank kept its benchmark repo rate at 8.00% but hiked its overnight lending rate by 75 basis points to 9.25%
• USD/BRL: +0.25% to 3.171
  
  • Brazil's current account deficit widened more than expected in December to $5.88 bln from $0.88bln in November
• USD/CAD: -0.62% to 1.3157
• AUD/USD: -0.05% to 0.7577
  
  • Australia's CB Leading Index rose to +0.5% in November from -0.4% in October
• NZD/USD: +0.18% to 0.7247

 Eastman Chemical downgraded to Hold from Buy at Standpoint Research  (78.43 +1.66)

 Energy Closing Prices: Crude rallies ahead of this afternoon's API; EIA on tap tomorrow at 10:30 am ET

• Mar crude oil futures rose $0.40 (+0.8%) to $53.15/barrel
• Feb natural gas closed $0.05 higher (+1.5%) at $3.3/MMBtu
• Mar RBOB gasoline closed $0.01 higher (+0.6%) at $1.60/gallon
• Mar heating oil futures closed $0.01 higher (+0.6%) at $1.66/gallon