The markets opened mixed with the Dow rising 21 points to 16,506 while Nasdaq lost 6 points to 4,536 as jobless claims rose more than expected.

On the upside

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) will pay a premium of approximately $431 million in cash to acquire PowerSecure International (NYSE: POWR).

NorthStar Realty Finance (NYSE: NRF) retained the services of UBS Investment Bank to explore a potential recombination transaction with NorthStar Asset Management Group.

Diamond Resorts International (NYSE: DRII) will explore strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value.

On the downside

Bankrate (NYSE: RATE) reported sharply lower fourth quarter earnings that fell short of expectations prompting downgrades.

Restoration Hardware (NYSE: RH) warned that fourth quarter results would miss estimates by a wide margin.

Fourth quarter revenue for Energy Transfer Equity (NYSE: ETE) tumbled.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 5 to 3 on the NYSE and by 7 to 5 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 edged up to 1,930. Bitcoin held steady at $423.