COMMERZBANK LIKELY TO PAY ABOUT $1.4 BILLION TO SETTLE ALLEGATIONS IN U.S. 

German lender Commerzbank AG is likely to pay about $1.4 billion to settle U.S. allegations of sanction and money-laundering violations, though no deal is yet complete, a person familiar with the matter said Thursday. (published 2330 GMT Thursday)

 
 
SOMPO JAPAN NIPPONKOA: CONSIDERING BUYING STAKE IN FRANCE'S SCOR 

Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Holdings Inc. said it is considering buying a stake in French reinsurance giant Scor SE, in a deal that could reportedly be worth over $900 million. (published 0043 GMT)

 
 
APPLE PAY STUNG BYLOW-TECHFRAUDSTERS 

Apple Inc.'s new mobile-payment system has been hit by a wave of fraudulent transactions using credit-card data stolen in recent breaches of big retailers, including Home Depot Inc. and Target Corp., people familiar with the matter said. (published 0050 GMT)

 
 
BANCO BPI TELLS HOLDERS TO REJECT CAIXABANK OFFER --UPDATE 

Banco BPI SA's board on Thursday shot down a EUR1.09 billion takeover offer from its largest shareholder, Spain's Caixabank SA, saying it undervalues the company. (published 2032 GMT Thursday)

 
 
DIAMOND FOODS SWINGS TO A PROFIT IN 2Q AS U.S. SALES OFFSET DECLINES IN THE U.K. 

Diamond Foods Inc. swung to a profit in the second quarter on improved sales in the U.S. that offset lower sales in the U.K. and the impact of a stronger dollar. (published 2142 GMT Thursday)

 
 
HI SUN TECHNOLOGY 2014 NET PROFIT JUMPS TO HK$397.07 MILLION 

Hi Sun Technology Ltd. posted strong growth for its 2014 net profit thanks to disposal gains and higher revenue. (published 0038 GMT)

 
 
MAN WAH HOLDINGS REPURCHASES HK$32.22 MILLION WORTH OF SHARES ON MARCH 5 

Man Wah Holdings Ltd. repurchased 32.22 million Hong Kong dollars worth of shares in the stock market in a bid to improve returns to shareholders. (published 0017 GMT)

 
 
TAP OIL REVIEW CONSIDERING SALE OF ASSETS 

Tap Oil Ltd. said it would consider selling assets including its flagship Manora Oil development, as well as any bids for the entire company, as it steers through the sharp fall in energy prices. (published 2331 GMT Thursday)

 
 
U.S. SANCTIONS OVER UKRAINE HIT TWO RUSSIAN BANKS HARDEST 

Banks controlled by three billionaire friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin have seen about $640 million of assets frozen in the U.S. as retaliation for the Kremlin's actions in Ukraine, according to U.S. government records. (published 2309 GMT Thursday)

 
 
BANK OF AMERICA EXCEEDS FED MINIMUM CAPITAL LEVEL UNDER STRESS SCENARIO--UPDATE 

Bank of America Corp. has the capital to keep lending in a severe economic downturn, the Federal Reserve said Thursday in the first stage of its annual stress tests. (published 2227 GMT Thursday)

 
 
CITI EXCEEDS FED MINIMUM CAPITAL LEVEL UNDER STRESS SCENARIO -- UPDATE 

Citigroup Inc. has the capital to keep lending in a severe economic downturn, the Federal Reserve said Thursday in the first stage of its annual stress tests. (published 2220 GMT Thursday)

 
 
GAP POSTS SURPRISE FEBRUARY SALES DECLINE -- UPDATE 

Gap Inc. posted a surprise drop in February same-store sales as its Gap Global and Banana Republic divisions both reported declines. (published 2202 GMT Thursday)

 
 
FANNIE, FREDDIE RECAPITALIZATION REJECTED--2ND UPDATE 

A top U.S. Treasury Department official suggested the White House wouldn't allow mortgage titans Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to rebuild capital, rejecting some advocates' wishes that the companies would move past being government wards. (published 2029 GMT Thursday)

 
 
ELAINE WYNN LAUNCHES BID FOR BOARD SEAT -- 3RD UPDATE 

Wynn Resorts Ltd. co-founder Elaine Wynn has launched a bid for a director's seat, saying she brings an independent and diverse voice to the board. (published 0008 GMT)