Maxim analyst Nehal Chokshi said he views Nutanix' (NTNX) announcement of a multi-year initiative that will combine IBM's (IBM) P-series servers and Nutanix' Enterprise Cloud Platform as a "very significant mid-term positive." He believes the partnership gives IBM a powerful infrastructure software answer to VMware (VMW) and Microsoft (MSFT) and sees the relationship with the potential to be even more powerful than the Dell relationship that powered Nutanix' improving FY16 sales productivity and cash flow. Chokshi keeps a Buy rating on Nutanix but trimmed his price target to $41 from $42 to account for Dell siphoning Nutanix leads to VMware, as previously discussed.

IBM (IBM) is nearing a deal to acquire HashiCorp (HCP) for about $35 per share, Ryan Gould and Brody Ford of Bloomberg report, citing people with knowledge of the matter. IBM and HashiCorp could announce the deal as soon as Wednesday, sources told Bloomberg. Shares of HashiCorp are up 9% to $31.81 following the report.

IBM (IBM) is scheduled to report results of its fiscal first quarter after the market close on April 24, with a conference call scheduled for 5:00 pm ET. What to watch... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Captivision announced its collaboration with Activision's Call of Duty: Mobile and Framework for the recent installation at the Framework in the Desert afterparty in Coachella Valley. Through this collaboration, Captivision delivered a unique media glass installation over the course of the festival. The collaboration marked the inception of a new area of strategic focus for Captivision dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining the live entertainment experience. At Framework in the Desert, multiple freight container structures were unveiled that featured Captivision's media glass. This innovative installation served as the canvas for an inspiring display of imagery and content for all in attendance. The media presentation included assets from Activision's Call of Duty: Mobile and Framework, in addition to artwork and animations that enhanced the musical ambiance throughout the weekend.

BTIG downgraded HashiCorp (HCP) to Neutral from Buy without a price target. The analyst sees a balanced risk/reward after the stock's recent run following takeover speculation. The firm believes the potential takeover by IBM (IBM) has a "lot of merits." HashiCorp is a good strategic asset with strong product capabilities, and deal synergies with a large acquirer such as IBM would be substantial, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Given there is still some uncertainty on a deal being consummated and a typical closing process in the 6-9 month range, BTIG sees limited incremental upside to shares in the near term.

Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.  1... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

IBM (IBM) is nearing an acquisition of HashiCorp (HCP) and deal could come together in the coming days, Lauren Thomas and Laura Cooper of Wall Street Journal report, citing people familiar with the matter. A deal for HashiCorp would likely command a premium above where the stock is currently trading, the Journal says. Shares of HashiCorp jumped 7% to $26.37 following the report before halting for volatility. IBM is down 66c to $181.28 in afternoon trade. Reference Link

Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.  1... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Jefferies analyst Brent Thill lowered the firm's price target on IBM to $210 from $215 and keeps a Hold rating on the shares. IBM remains a "show me story" as the company looks to reposition itself around a software-led strategy, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm likes the company's initiatives to bolster its software growth and profitability profile, but thinks better execution on the new go-to-market strategy and further investments in the organic engine are necessary to drive long-term software growth higher. Until signs of a re-energized software business are seen, IBM's risk/reward "seems balanced," Jefferies contends.

UBS raised the firm's price target on IBM to $130 from $125 and keeps a Sell rating on the shares. The firm updated its model, noting that a gain on the sale of Weather Channel assets lifts its Q1 EPS, but it lowered its view on the rest of the year.