Northland analyst Tim Klasell has heard from a "few industry sources" that Splunk (SPLK) and IBM (IBM) are "moving closer together" and could agree to meaningful partnership over time. The analyst tells investors in a research note that IBM is getting close to a "big move to improve its ties" with Splunk. While Klasell does not know the financial details, he believes such a partnership could be a "nice tailwind" for Splunk to sign larger deals. The analyst has an Outperform rating on Splunk with an $80 price target.

Notable companies reporting after the market close, with earnings consensus, include Meta Plataforms (META), consensus $4.32... IBM (IBM), consensus $1.60... ServiceNow (NOW), consensus $3.14... Lam Research (LRCX), consensus $7.30... Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), consensus $11.68... O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY), consensus $9.26... Ford Motor (F), consensus 42c... United Rentals (URI), consensus $8.32... Align Technology (ALGN), consensus $1.97... Molina Healthcare (MOH), consensus $5.59... Teradyne (TER), consensus 33c... Universa Health Services (UHS), consensus $3.16... Western Union (WU), consensus 41c.

Pre-earnings options volume in IBM is 1.3x normal with calls leading puts 9:4. Implied volatility suggests the market is anticipating a move near 5.0%, or $9.21, after results are released. Median move over the past eight quarters is 4.8%.

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

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

New option listings for April 23rd include Express Inc (EXPRQ). Option delistings effective April 23rd include PGT Innovations Inc (PGTI), NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc (NGM), Karuna Therapeutics Inc (KRTX), KINNATE BIOPHARMA INC (KNTE), Daseke Inc (DSKE), Tritium Dcfc Ltd (DCFC), Xtrackers MSCI All China Equity ETF (CN), CymaBay Therapeutics Inc (CBAY), Alteryx Inc (AYX), XTRACKERS MSCI CHINA A INCLUSION EQUITY ETF (ASHX), Recro Pharma, Inc. (SCTL), Splunk Inc (SPLK), and Textainer Group Holdings Limited (TGH).

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.