In the Digital Age We Still Shake Hands When Making the Big Deal.
By Larry C. Paxton
There were the usual number of interesting acquisitions/mergers among The PBR1000 during June 2015. The energy sector saw some activity as well with the companies continuing to adjust to lower oil prices, which look like they might be here to stay.
Spin-offs were a major theme as well, with several scheduled to be concluded during the second half of the year.
The US economy continues to send mixed signals, but overall it continues to show moderate growth, and appears to be not quite as fragile. The Federal Reserve seems to indicate that if the numbers continue to show some growth that there will most likely be a very modest increase or two in interest rates in 2015.
However, on the international scene the Greece/Eurozone drama continues. It will be difficult for all parties involved, whatever the resolution.
The revelation late in the month that the US territory of Puerto Rico also has severe economic issues was a surprise for most of us. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
Following are The PBR1000 and economic related news items of note for June 2015, starting with the last active day.
Tuesday, June 30:
The PBR1000 June 2015 Monthend US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes month at 17,619.51, -1.82% from last Friday, -2.17% MTD, -0.88% QTD, -1.14% YTD.
NASDAQ closes month at 4,986.87, -1.84% from last Friday, -1.64% MTD, +1.75% QTD, +5.30% YTD.
SPX closes month at 2,060.36, -1.96% from last Friday, -2.23% MTD, -0.36% QTD, +0.07% YTD.
Apple(PBR4) launches Apple Music streaming service, men most likely to try it. $AAPL PR link.
General Electric(PBR9) selling its European Sponsor Finance unit to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking for $2.2 billion. $GE PR link.
Cisco(PBR58) announces intent to acquire privately held advanced threat protection provider OpenDNS for $635 million. $CSCO PR link.
Emerson Electric(PBR112) to spinoff Network Power as a separate public company, exploring other strategic actions. $EMR PR link.
ConAgra Foods(PBR149) announces plan to exit Private Brands operations. $CAG PR link.
Blackstone Group(PBR374) selling security services provider AlliedBarton unit to Wendel SE for $1.67 billion. $BX PR link.
JetBlue(PBR441) starts charging baggage fees, $20-35/bag. $JBLU PR link.
Asbury Automotive(PBR449) acquires Jacksonville, FL, $90 million/yr Mike Davidson Ford, to be renamed Coggin Ford. $ABG PR link.
Towers Watson(PBR613) & Willis to merge by year end in stock transaction valued at $18 billion. $TW PR link.
Brookdale Senior Living(PBR692) & HCP(PBR866) complete acquisition of 35 private pay senior living communities from Chartwell Retirement Residences for $847 million. $BKD PR link.
Nortek(PBR822) acquires private Numera’s mobile personal emergency response system/ telehealth assets. $NTK PR link.
Pep Boys(PBR874) board reviewing strategic alternatives, including sale, merger, or other plan. $PBY PR link.
Hewlett-Packard(PBR19) Enterprise Group EVP Bill Veghte leaving this summer, Antonio Neri to be EVP/GM, Chris Hsu COO upon separation from HP. $HPQ PR link.
Kroger(PBR25) President/COO Mike Ellis has retired, no successor named. $KR PR link.
Walt Disney(PBR54) promotes treasurer Christine McCarthy to CFO, Kevin Mayer named SVP/Chief Strategy Officer. $DIS PR link.
Nike(PBR98) & Chairman Phil Knight announce start of succession plan, President/CEO Mark Parker recommended. $NKE PR link.
Cummins(PBR157) Chief Technical Officer John Wall is retiring, Jennifer Rumsey is successor. $CMI PR link.
Domino’s Pizza(PBR927) hires Troy Ellis as EVP/Supply Chain, reports to CEO, succeeds retiring John Macksood. $DPZ PR link.
Pier 1 Imports(PBR933) hires Jeff Boyer as EVP/CFO, effective 07/27/15. $PIR PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says that at the end of the 1st quarter the US Net International Investment Position was -$6,794.0 billion, 4th quarter 2014 was -$7,019.7 billion. USDOC PR link.
Monday, June 29:
General Electric(PBR9) selling its US, Mexico, Australia, & New Zealand fleet businesses to Canada based Element Financial for $6.9 billion. $GE PR link.
Microsoft(PBR30) selling its mapping assets & making available employees to ridesharing company Uber. MarketWatch article link.
Comcast(44) NBC Universal unit reports it has terminated its business arrangements with business man/presidential candidate Donald Trump because of his derogatory statements on immigrants. $CMCSA article link.
Sysco(PBR60) terminates $8.2 billion merger agreement with US Foods(NR), announces $3 billion shares repurchase program. $SYY PR link.
Kraft Foods(PBR145) announces executive leadership team for upcoming $10 billion Kraft Heinz merger. $KRFT PR link.
Campbell Soup(PBR315) completes $231 million acquisition of salsa and organic foods company Garden Fresh. $CPB PR link.
Celgene(PBR381) makes $1 billion initial $93/share investment in Juno Therapeutics(NASDAQ: JUNO) for immunotherapeutics collaboration. $CELG PR link.
Gannett(PBR458) completes TEGNA spinoff, new Gannett focus is now being largest local-to-national media company, flagship unit is USA Today. Robert Dickey is CEO. $GE PR link.
TEGNA announces completion of spinoff from Gannett(PBR458), trading as NYSE: TGNA.
$TGNA PR link.
Dresser-Rand(PBR664) gets approval by European Commission to be acquired by Germany’s Siemens AG for $7.6 billion, to close 06/30/15. $DRC PR link.
Friday, June 26:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,946.68, -0.38% from last Friday, -0.36% MTD, +0.96% QTD, +0.69% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,080.51, -0.71% from last Friday, +0.21% MTD, +3.67% QTD, +7.27% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,101.49, -0.40% from last Friday, -0.28% MTD, +1.62% QTD, +2.07% YTD.
eBay(PBR170) sets 07/17/15 for spinoff of independent publicly traded PayPal, to start trading on 07/20/15, symbol PYPL. $EBAY PR link.
NII Holdings(PBR495) has emerged from Chapter 11 Reorganization, soon to be traded on NASDAQ, symbol NIHD. $NIHDQ PR link.
Thursday, June 25:
Kroger(PBR25) increases quarterly dividend, to do 2:1 stock split 07/13/15, approves new $500 million share repurchase program. $KR PR link.
General Mills(PBR148) plans to cut up to 725 jobs as part of a restructuring. MarketWatch article link.
Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR165) to expand R&D with opening/closing of facilities. $BMY PR link.
Rumor: Valeant Pharmaceuticals has made preliminary approach to buy Zoetis(PBR514). MarketWatch article link.
IAC(PBR669) to pursue an IPO for its dating industry The Match Group unit. Also promotes Joey Levin as IAC CEO; CFO Jeff Kip resigning, will continue to serve on interim basis. $IACI PR link.
Brinker Intl(PBR688) acquires franchisee Pepper Dining with its 103 Chili’s Grill & Bar Restaurants for $106.5 million. $EAT PR link.
Target(PBR38) EVP/Chief Merchandising Officer Kathee Tesija to move to advisory role effective 07/06/15, internal/external search to start for position. $TGT PR link.
Dollar General(PBR153) appoints John Garratt as Interim CFO, effective 07/01/15, replaces retiring David Tehle. $DG PR link.
Medtronic(PBR161) promotes Geoff Martha to EVP & President, Restorative Therapies Group & Bill Burke as Chief Integration Officer for Covidien unit, both report to Chairman/CEO Omar Ishrak. $MDT PR link.
Donaldson Co(PBR780) VP/Global Operations Joe Lehman retiring 08/01/15, Rich Lewis to take role at that time. $DCI PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce reports that the May Total Personal Income was at a $15.307 trillion annual rate, +0.5% over April, Personal Savings at 5.1% rate. USDOC PR link.
Wednesday, June 24:
IBM(PBR24) & Box(NYSE: BOX) form global partnership to integrate their products & services in a cloud based environment. $IBM PR link.
Zimmer(PBR506) completes $14 billion acquisition of Biomet, renamed Zimmer Biomet, to start trading as NYSE: ZBH on 06/29/15. $ZMH PR link.
Ferrellgas(BR791) completes acquisition of integrated crude oil midstream services company Bridger Logistics for $837 million. $FGP PR link.
Cree(PBR965) to restructure LED business, authorizes $500 million buyback program. $CREE PR link.
AFLAC(PBR117) hires Fred Crawford as EVP/CFO, effective 06/30/15, reports to Chairman/CEO Daniel Amos. $AFL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce in 3rd estimate says 1st Quarter 2015 Gross Domestic Product was revised from -0.7% to -0.2%, $17.693 trillion. USDOC PR link.
Tuesday, June 23:
Fun Fact: In 2014 The PBR1000 employed 33.7 million people worldwide, up 2.68% from 2013.
Verizon(PBR15) completes $50/share, $4.4 billion acquisition of digital content/advertisiing company AOL(PBR812), which is now a wholly owned subsidiary. $ANTM PR link.
Canada based mobile communications company Blackberry(NASDAQ: BBRY) and Cisco(PBR58, NASDAQ: CSCO) sign broad patent cross-licensing agreement. BlackBerry PR link.
3M(PBR92) to acquire personal protective equipment provider Capital Safety from KKR(PBR272) for $2.5 billion. $MMM PR link.
Wholly owned subsidiary Freeport-McMoRan(PBR132) Oil & Gas files for IPO, requests trading symbol FMOG. $FCX PR link.
Darden Restaurants(PBR393) to spinoff 430 restaurants into a separate publicly held REIT. $DRI PR link.
Netflix(PBR534) to do 7:1 stock split on 07/14/15. $NFLX PR link.
Jordan Spieth(Pro Golfer): Under Armour(PBR809) took a chance on me MarketWatch article link.
Boeing(PBR31) President/COO Dennis Muilenberg to become President/CEO on 07/01/15, Jim McNerney to remain Chairman. $BA article link.
The Dept of HUD says that May New Single-Family Home Sales were at a 546,000 annual rate, 2.2% above April, 19.5% above May 2014. HUD PR link.
Monday, June 22:
Anthem(PBR40) offers to acquire fellow health benefits company Cigna(PBR88) for $184/share, $53.8 billion. $ANTM PR link.
Cigna(PBR88) says Anthem’s(PBR40) $184/share unsolicited offer is undervalued. $CI PR link.
Pfizer(PBR53) to acquire quadrivalent meningitis ACWY vaccines Nimenrix & Mencevax from GlaxoSmithKline for $130 million. $PFE PR link.
Energy Transfer Equity(PBR55) confirms $64/share, $53.1 billion unsolicited offer to acquire Williams Cos(PBR361). $ETE PR link.
Williams Cos(PBR361) advises stockholders that the Energy Transfer Equity(PBR55) $64/share offer is undervalued. $WMB PR link.
General Mills(PBR148) to remove artificial flavors & colors from remaining 40% of cereal products by the end of 2017. $GIS PR link.
Fifth Third Bancorp(PBR345) to consolidate/sell 100 branch offices to improve efficiency. $FITB PR link.
Gannett(PBR458) soon to be spinoff broadcasting/digital provider TEGNA to trade as NYSE:TGNA starting 06/29/15. $GCI PR link.
Gannett(PBR458) announces plans after TEGNA spinoff. $GCI PR link.
Arthur J Gallagher(PBR647) acquires California workers compensation insurer Monument. $AJG PR link.
Global Payments(PBR756) to roll out American Express(PBR86) OptBlue merchant program in Canada on 06/24/15. $GPN PR link.
Brookdale Senior Living(PBR692) President/CFO Mark Ohlendorf to focus on being President, COO Richard Gregory leaving 09/30/15. $BKD PR link.
The National Assn of Realtors reports that May Existing Home Sales were at a 5.35 million annual rate, +5.1% over April, median price at $228,700. NAR PR link.
Friday, June 19:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 18,015.95, +0.65% from last Friday, +0.03% MTD, +1.35% QTD, +1.08% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,117.00, +1.30% from last Friday, +0.93% MTD, +4.41% QTD, +8.04% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,109.00, +0.76% from last Friday, +0.12% MTD, +2.04% QTD, +2.48% YTD.
Medtronic(PBR161) has acquired assets of privately held medical device manufacturer Aptus Endosystems for $110 million. $MDT PR link.
Medtronic(PBR161) increases dividend payout, authorizes 80 million shares buyback program. $MDT PR link.
Medtronic(PBR161) acquires privately held medical device manufacturer CardioInsight Technologies for $93 million. $MDT PR link.
L Brands(PBR248) authorizes new $250 million shares buyback program. $LB PR link.
Hershey Co(PBR347) simplifies structure, makes executive leadership changes, 300 jobs to be cut. $HSY PR link.
Enbridge(PBR352) transfers $30.4 billion of Canadian pipelines & energy business to its Income Fund. $EEP PR link.
NII Holdings(PBR495) gets confirmation of Plan of Reorganization by Bankruptcy Court. $NIHDQ PR link.
Aeropostale(PBR868) EVP Design/Merchandising Emilia Fabricant is leaving, no replacement planned. $ARO PR link.
Apache Corp(PBR169) EVP/Executive Advisor to CEO Rod Eichler retiring at the end of June after 21 years with the company. $APA PR link.
Thursday, June 18:
Allstate(PBR87) pays out $178 million in May claims for 8 events. $ALL PR link.
PBF Energy(PBR138) to purchase New Orleans area 189,000 barrels/day Chalmette Refining for $322 million. $PBF PR link.
News Corp(PBR299) to cut jobs, shift resources to digital media $NWS PR link.
News Corp(PBR299) extends stockholder rights plan to 06/18/18. $NWS PR link.
Health Care REIT(PBR693) joint venture with Canada’s Revera to acquire 23 senior housing communities with 3,600 units Canada based Regal Lifestyle Communities for $623 million. $HCN PR link.
HCP(PBR866) EVP/Chief Investment Officer Paul Gallagher has resigned, effective 06/30/15. $HCP PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says May average earnings/hour was at $24.96, weekly earnings $861.12 for a 34.5 hour week. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Labor reports that the May Consumer Price Index was +0.4%, 0.0% over the last 12 months. USDOL PR link.
Wednesday, June 17:
The PBR1000 Fun Fact: Through May ThePBR1000 companies had $3.467 trillion in earnings per share over the past year, paid out $0.955 trillion in dividends, for a payout of 27.55%.
Marriott Intl(PBR210) global hotel portfolio added to TripAdvisor(NASDAQ: TRIP) Instant Booking platform in partnership. $MAR PR link.
Allergan(PBR297) to acquire facial aesthetics developer KYTHERA Pharmaceuticals(NASDAQ: KYTH) for $2.1 billion. $AGN PR link.
Celgene(PBR381) adds $4 billion to its $5.2 billion shares repurchase program. $CELG PR link.
Patterson Cos(PBR563) completes acquisition of production distribution company Animal Health International for $1.1 billion cash, will double revenues. $PDCO PR link.
Tesla(PBR887) partners with leading researcher to cut battery costs, report MarketWatch article link.
Hill-Rom(PBR954) to acquire privately held medical diagnostic equipment manufacturer Welch Allyn for $2.05 billion cash/stock. $HRC PR link.
Microsoft(PBR30) announces senior leadership changes to align engineering to corporate strategy. $MSFT PR link.
Priceline(PBR365) hires Maelle Gavet as EVP, Global Operation, reports to President/CEO Darren Huston. $PCLN PR link.
The US Federal Open Market Committee says the US economy is expanding moderately, anticipates small rate increase this year. FOMC PR link.
Tuesday, June 16:
Coty($COTY) buys 3 businesses from P&G(PBR32, $PG) for $12 billion. MarketWatch article link.
Starbucks(PBR164) Mobile Order & Pay service expands to 3,400 additional US stores. $SBUX PR link.
Starbucks(PBR164) to close all 23 La Boulange retail bakery locations & 2 manufacturing facilities by Sept. $SBUX PR link.
Discover Financial(PBR281) closing mortgage origination business, offer 460 employees severance packages. $DFS PR link.
Starwood Hotels(PBR405) files SEC Form 10 for publicly traded 4th quarter spinoff vacation ownership business named Vistana Signature Experiences. $HOT PR link.
Under Armour(PBR809) to issue Class C non-voting shares with 2:1 stock split effect. $UA PR link.
21st Century Fox(PBR89) Co-COO James Murdoch to become CEO on 07/01/15, Rupert Murdoch & Lachlan Murdoch to be Executive Co-Chairman, Chase Carey Executive Vice Chairman. $FOX PR link.
Magellan Health(PBR606) hires John Littel as SVP, Government Affairs & Communications. $MGLN PR link.
US Dept of HUD reports that May Private Housing Units Bldg Permits are at a 1,275,000 annual rate, +11.8% over April, +25.4% over May 2014. USHUD PR link.
Monday, June 15:
CVS Health(PBR13) to acquire Target’s(PBR38) 1, 660 locations pharmacy/clinical services businesses for $1.9 billion, rebrand. $CVS PR link.
United Technologies(PBR45) to decide by 3rd quarter end to sell or spinoff Sikorsky Aircraft unit. $UTX PR link.
Gap Inc(PBR168) to close 175 N. American stores, reduce headquarters staff by 250. $GPS PR link.
Arthur J Gallagher(PBR647) to acquire $50 million/yr Boston based William Gallagher Associates Insurance Brokers. $AJG PR link.
Standard Pacific(PBR908) and Ryland Group(PBR856) to merge, form 4th largest US homebuilder. $SPF PR link.
Constellation Brands(PBR483) CFO Bob Ryder is leaving, Beer Division CFO David Klein to succeed Ryder. $STZ PR link.
Pep Boys(PBR874) hires Scott Sider as CEO, effective immediately. $PBY PR link.
Lumber Liquidators(PBR1093) Chief Marketing Officer Marco Pescara given additional Merchandising responsibilities, William Schlegel employment being terminated. $LL PR link.
Friday, June 12:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,898.84, +0.28% from last Friday, -0.62% MTD, +0.69% QTD, +0.43% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,051.10, -0.34% from last Friday, -0.37% MTD, +3.06% QTD, +6.65% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,094.11, +0.06% from last Friday, -0.63% MTD, +1.27% QTD, +1.71% YTD.
FedEx(PBR61) to take a $2.2 billion charge in 4th quarter for change in pension accounting. $FDX PR link.
Reynolds American(PBR316) completes $27.4 billion acquisition of fellow cigarette manufacturer Lorillard(PBR357), British American Tobacco retains 42% ownership stake in RAI with $4.7 billion equity investment. $RAI PR link.
International Flavors & Fragrances(PBR677) to expand into cosmetics ingredients, to acquire Lucas Meyer Cosmetics for $311 million. $IFF PR link.
The US Dept of Labor reports that the US May Producer Price Index for final demand was +0.5%, -1.1% for 12 months. USDOL PR link.
Thursday, June 11:
Google’s(PBR46, $GOOGL) next project is fixing congested cities. MarketWatch article link.
Hess(PBR114, $HES) to net $3 billion in Bakken midstream joint venture deal MarketWatch article link.
PayPal gears up to tap global payments market after split from eBay(PBR170, $EBAY). MarketWatch article link.
Whole Foods(PBR195, $WFM) lower-cost stores to be named ‘365 by Whole Foods Market’. MarketWatch article link.
HealthSouth(PBR827, $HLS) to buy in patient rehab hospital operator for $730 million. MarketWatch article link.
Tesla(PBR887) snaps up former Solyndra plant: report. MarketWatch article link.
Rupert Murdoch to step down as CEO of 21st Century Fox(PBR89, $FOX) MarketWatch article link.
Kohl’s(PBR141) announces senior executive leadership changes for CFO, COO, Chief Admin Officer, Chief Merchandise/Customer Service Officer, structure. $KSS PR link.
Campbell Soup(PBR315) hires Adam Ciongoli as SVP/General Counsel, reports to president/CEO Denise Morrison. $CPB PR link.
Orbital ATK(PBR494) promotes Scott Lehr as president of Flight Systems Group, effective 07/01/15. $OA PR link.
Pep Boys(PBR874, $PBY) and GAMCO reach understanding. MarketWatch article link.
US retail sales jump 1.2% in May. MarketWatch article link.
US import prices surge 1.3% in May, flat minus fuel. MarketWatch article link.
Corporate debt continues to mount as household wealth climbs $1.3 trillion MarketWatch article link.
Wednesday, June 10:
Johnston Controls(PBR65) announces it is exploring strategic options for the separation of its automotive business. $JCI PR link.
Nike(PBR98) wins NBA sponsorship deal away from Adidas MarketWatch article link.
Visteon(PBR338) hires Sachin Lawande as president/CEO, effective 06/29/15. $VC PR link.
Netflix(PBR534) shares skyrocket with talk of looming stock split. MarketWatch article link.
Hawaiian Electric(PBR639) shareholders approve acquisition by NextEra Energy(PBR181), still need regulatory approvals. $HE PR link.
Men’s Wearhouse(PBR781) gets agreement to operate 300 Macy’s(PBR97) tuxedo shops & online rentals. $MW PR link.
Dollar General(PBR153) announces Jeff Owen rejoining as EVP Store Operations. $DG PR link.
Tesla(PBR887) annual stockholders meeting highlights; CFO Deepak Ahuja to retire. MarketWatch article link.
The US Dept of the Treasury reports am $82 billion budget deficit in May. MarketWatch article link.
US healthcare spending falls 0.4% in first quarter. MarketWatch article link.
Employee compensation grew 4.9% in first quarter. MarketWatch article link.
World Bank revises 2015 global growth, forecasts US at 2.0%. WorldBank PR link.
Tuesday, June 9:
General Motors(PBR7, $GM) says not interested in merger with FiatChrysler MarketWatch article link.
General Electric(PBR9, $GE) to sell buyout unit to Canada pension fund for $12 billion MarketWatch article link.
Commercial Int’l Bank buys CitiGroup’s(PBR26, $C) Egypt retail ops MarketWatch article link.
Amazon(PBR37, $AMZN) to open fulfillment center in #Dallas, create more than 1,500 #jobs MarketWatch article link.
Prudential Financial(PBR70) authorizes $1 billion shares repurchase program over next 12 months. $PRU PR link.
McDonald’s(PBR96, $MCD) names ex-Obama press secretary Robert Gibbs as global communications officer MarketWatch article link.
Kraft Foods(PBR145) special stockholders meeting set for 07/01/15 to vote on acquisition by HJ Heinz. $KRFT PR link.
Campbell Soup(PBR315, $CPB) to acquire salsa and organic foods company Garden Fresh for $231 million. MarketWatch article link.
Visteon(PBR338, $VC) completes $3.6B deal, to return up to $2.6B to shareholders MarketWatch article link.
WhiteWave Foods(PBR758) to acquire Canada based plant-based nutrition products provider Vega for $550 million. $WWAV PR link.
April job openings rise to record high of 5.38 million MarketWatch article link.
US wholesale inventories climb 0.4% in April MarketWatch article link.
Foreclosure inventory down by 25% over the last year, CoreLogic says MarketWatch article link.
Monday, June 8:
The PBR1000 May Snapshots Fact: The Market Capitalization for 05/29/15 was $21.622 trillion, the Top 10 companies totaled $3.527 trillion(16.31%), the median was $6.63 billion.
Humana(PBR71) mum on takeover talk, to stay quiet till July 29. MarketWatch article link.
Swiss based crop protection & seeds company Syngenta rejects Monsanto’s(PBR173) 2nd unsolicitied CHF449/share, $45 billion, offer. Syngenta PR link.
RR Donnelley(PBR253) completes acquisition of digital printing, publishing co Courier Corp(NASDAQ: CRRC) for $261 million. $RRD PR link.
Masco(PBR319) to spin-off Installation & Other Services assets & operations to TopBuild Corp(NYSE: BLD), to start regular trading on 07/01/15. $MAS PR link.
Starwood Hotels(PBR405) sells Scottsdale, AZ, luxury resort The Phoenician to Host Hotels(PBR456) for $400 million. $HOT PR link.
Host Hotels(PBR456) announces acquisition of The Phoenician, asset sales, stock repurchases, other strategic initiatives. $HST PR link.
Gannett(PBR458) board approves spin-off of TEGNA, to start trading as NYSE: TGNA on 06/29/15. $GCI PR link.
Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR531) acquiring worldwide France based glass bottles & jars manufacturer Verallia from Saint-Gobain for $3.24 billion. $APO PR link.
Babcock & Wilcox(PBR637) Power Generation publicly traded spinoff to be named Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises(NYSE: BW), remaining company BWX Technologies(NYSE: BWXT), to start trading 07/01/15. $BWC PR link.
Stifel Financial(PBR885) to acquire Barclays’ Wealth and Investment Management, Americas, with its 180 US advisers managing $56 billion in client assets, to close mid November. $SF PR link.
General Cable(PBR385) CEO Gregory Kenny retiring 07/01/15, Michael McDonnell hired to be president/CEO at that time. $BGC PR link.
Friday, June 5:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,849.46, -0.90% from last Friday & MTD, +0.41% QTD, +0.15% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,068.46, -0.03% from last Friday & MTD, +3.42% QTD, +7.02% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,092.83, -0.69% from last Friday & MTD, +1.21% QTD, +1.65% YTD.
Cardinal Health(PBR27) to acquire generics/OTC medications distributor The Harvard Drug Group for $1.115 billion, to close in beginning of 2016. $CAH PR link.
Comcast(PBR44) has agreed to acquire ad tech company Visible World. MarketWatch article link.
DuPont(PBR83) Performance Chemicals spin-off The Chemours Company to begin regular trading as a separate public company on 07/01/15 with symbol NYSE: CC. $DD PR link.
Apache Corp(PBR169) completes sale of Australian subsidiary Apache Energy Limited to a consortium of private equity funds managed by Macquarie Corporate Holdings Limited and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (NYSE: BAM) for $1.9 billion. $APA PR link.
Baxter Intl(PBR179) board approves spin-off of biopharmaceuticals unit Baxalta, to begin trading as a separate public company 07/01/15, symbol NYSE: BXLT. $BAX PR link.
Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR531) & Italy based insurance company Banca Carige sell Carige Vita Nuova & Carige Assicurazioni for $341 million, sign long term agreements. $APO PR link.
Arthur J Gallagher(PBR647) acquires national employee benefits brokerage & consulting firm Solid Benefit Guidance. $AJG PR link.
Walmart(PBR1): Rob Walton resigns as chairman, remains a director, Greg Penner elected new chairman. $WMT PR link.
Dick’s Sporting Goods(PBR400) hires Teri List-Stoll as EVP/CFO, starts in August. $DKS PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says in May Employment Situation that 280,000 new jobs were created, unemployment rate at 5.5%. USDOL PR link.
The US Federal Reserve in its April G19 report says consumer credit was up at a +7.25% annual rate, revolving credit +11.5%, nonrevolving credit +5.75%. USFRB PR link.
Thursday, June 4:
The PBR1000 Fun Fact: The PBR1000 End of May Market Capitalization Total was $21.622 trillion, +0.98% over April, +2.44% YTD, for 1,062 cos.
Amazon(PBR37) receives Most Reputable US Retailer for the 3rd year in a row by the Reputation Institute. MarketWatch article link.
Goodyear Tire(PBR137) & Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries dissolve global alliance of 4 joint ventures, provides details. $GT PR link.
Facebook(PBR327) to start rolling out Facebook Lite. $FB PR link.
CA Technologies(PBR520) acquires private test data management company Grid-Tools, terms not disclosed. $CA PR link.
Intuit’s(PBR521) QuickBooks Online passes 1 million paid subscribers. $INTU PR link.
Carlyle Group(PBR528) completes acquisition of public UK based 2,500 employee Nationwide Accident Repair Services. $CG PR link.
Magellan Health(PBR606) restructuring into 2 units, new CEO for Rx unit on 07/01/15. $MGLN PR link.
Graham Holdings(PBR610) to spin-off its Cable One subsidiary as a public company, effective 07/01/15, with symbol NYSE: CABO. $GHC PR link.
Cisco(PBR58) incoming CEO Chuck Robbins names 10 of the new executive management team. $CSCO PR link.
Delta Air Lines(PBR78) hires Peter Carter as EVP/Chief Legal Officer, reports to CEO Richard Anderson, effective 07/13/15. $DAL PR link.
Carnival Corp(PBR176) names Tara Russell to lead new ‘fathom’ brand for global sustained social impact travel. $CCL PR link.
The US Dept of Labor reports that Unemployment Claims for the Week Ending 05/30/15 were at 276,000, -8,000 from 05/23/15, was 314,000 a year ago. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Labor reports that the 1st Quarter Nonfarm Labor Productivity was at a -3.1% annual rate, output -1.6%, hrs worked +1.6%. USDOL PR link.
Wednesday, June 3:
CBS Corp(PBR178) SHOWTIME unit to launch a standalone internet streaming service in early July initially to Apple(PBR4) customers for $10.99/mo. $CBS PR link.
Yahoo!(PBR500) selected by National Footbal League to deliver first global live stream of an NFL football game 10/25/15. $YHOO PR link.
Wendy’s(PBR777) authorizes $1.4 billion shares buyback program, updates 2015 & long term outlook. $WEN PR link.
E*TRADE Financial(PBR947) exceeds $50 billion in retirement assets. $ETFC PR link.
Groupon(PBR750) promotes Rich Williams to COO; CFO Jason Child leaving 07/31/15, VP Bryan Kayman named Interim CFO. $GRPN PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce reports that the April International Goods and Services deficit was $40.9 billion, down $9.7 billion from March. USDOC PR link.
The US Federal Reserve Bank releases the Beige Book, outlook generally optimistic, economy expected to grow at a modest to moderate pace. FRB PR link.
Tuesday, June 2:
GameStop(PBR287) to acquire ThinkGeek retailer parent Geeknet(NASDAQ: GKNT) for $20/share, $140 million. $GME PR link.
Anixter(PBR398) completes sale of its OEM Supply-Fasteners segment to American Industrial Partners(NR) for $380 million cash. $AXE PR link.
Energizer Holdings(PBR527) doing 10 million shares, $1.4 billion stock buyback purchase program, to carry over to Edgewell Personal Care Company after spin-off completed on 07/01/15. $ENR PR link.
Wendy’s(PBR777) completes sale of bakery business to East Balt Bakeries. $WEN PR link.
AOL(PBR812) introduces new homepage with emphasis on mobile first, video-driven destination & content. $AOL PR link.
CNA Financial(PBR263) hires Kevin Leidwinger as President/COO CNA Commercial, reports to CNA Chairman/CEO Tom Motamed, effective 06/22/15. $CNA PR link.
Hershey Co(PBR347) International President Bert Alfonso retiring by 06/30/15. $HSY PR link.
Mattel(PBR383) CEO reshuffles top execs to jumpstart turnaround. MarketWatch article link.
Carpenter Technology(PBR842) promotes SVP/CFO Tony Thene to CEO, effective 07/01/15. $CRS article link.
Cimarex Energy(PBR890) CFO Paul Korus to retire by 09/01/15, VP Mark Burford to become CFO at that time. $XEC article link.
Griffon Corp(PBR891) promotes VP/Controller Brian Harris to SVP/CFO reporting to President/COO Robert Mehmel. $GFF article link.
The US Dept of Commerce reports that April New Orders for Manufactured Goods was -0.4% to $476.7 billion, was +2.2% in March. USDOC PR link.
Monday, June 1:
General Electric(PBR9) begins sale process for $40 billion chunk of U.S. lending unit. MarketWatch article link.
Microsoft(PBR30) making Windows 10 available as a free upgrade on 07/29/15. $MSFT PR link.
Intel(PBR52) to acquire field-programmable gate array technology company Altera(PBR942) for $54/share, $16.7 billion cash, to close in 6-9 months. $INTC PR link.
Enterprise Products(PBR56) to purchase all Eagle Ford Shale member interests of EFS Midstream for $2.15 billion. $EPD PR link.
Humana(PBR71) completes sale of wholly owned subsidiary Concentra to a joint venture of Select Medical & Welsh Carson for $1.055 billion cash. $HUM PR link.
Icahn Enterprises(PBR133) completes acquisition of nearly all assets of autoparts distributor Uni-Select USA. $IEP PR link.
Dollar General(PBR153) opens its 12,000th store. $DG PR link.
PPL Corp(PBR227) completes spinoff of energy business, now focused on utility business in US & UK. $PPL PR link.
BlackRock(PBR262) & Pemex sign agreement to accelerate development of energy infrastructure projects in Mexico. $BLK PR link.
Gannett(PBR458) acquires 11 media organizations in 3 states from Digital First Media. $GCI article link.
Energizer Holdings(PBR527) split into 2 public companies gets go ahead, should be trading on NYSE under symbols ENR & EPC on 07/01/15. $ENR PR link.
Apollo Global Management(PBR531) affiliates to acquire diversified technology company OM Group(PBR1060) for $34/share cash, to close by end of 2015. $APO PR link.
Curtiss-Wright(PBR771) sells off all assets & liabilities of downstream oil & gas businesses to Sun Capital Partners Group. $CW PR link.
A. Schulman(PBR787) completes acquisition of specialty engineered plastics company Citadel Plastics for $800 million. $SHLM PR link.
Ferrellgas(PBR791) to acquire integrated crude oil midstream services company Bridger Logistics for $837 million. $FGP PR link.
Zions Bancorp(PBR824) announces restructuring plan, key leadership changes. $ZION PR link.
Crestwood Equity(PBR1005) makes organizational changes, promotes several key executives. $CEQP PR link.
Lumber Liquidators(PBR1093) explains why it relabeled products; shares bounce. MarketWatch article link.
Walt Disney Company(PBR54): James A. Rasulo to step down as CFO, effective 06/30/15. Bloomberg article link.
Two Cisco(PBR58) presidents to depart on 07/25/15. MarketWatch article link.
Cisco(PBR58) CTO Padmasree Warrior planning to leave on 07/25/15. Re/Code article link.
Time Warner Cable(PBR125) CFO William Minson leaving; William Osbourn, Matthew Siegel to serve as Acting Co-CFOs. $TWC article link.
NetApp(389) Chairman/CEO Tom Georgens resigns, EVP George Kurian promoted to CEO, lead independent director Mike Nevens elected Chairman. $NTAP article link.
Advanced Micro Devices(PBR451) hires Jim Anderson as SVP/GM Computing & Graphics business, reports to CEO Dr. Lisa Su. http://bit.ly/1KAgBjE$AMD article link.
CA Technologies(PBR520) hires Otto Berkes as Chief Technology Officer, effective 06/15/15, reports to CEO Mike Gregoire. $CA PR link.
Men’s Wearhouse(PBR781) hires Ben Baum as Chief Digital Officer, reports to CEO Doug Ewert. $MW PR link.
E*Trade(PBR947) CFO Matt Audette leaving, Mike Pizzi promoted to CFO, reports to CEO Paul Idzik. $ETFC PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says April Personal Income was up $59.4B, +0.4% over March, Disposable Personal Income up +0.4%. USDOC PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says April Construction Spending was at a $1,006.1B annual rate, +2.2% over March. USDOC PR link.
The Institute for Supply Management says the May 2015 Manufacturing PMI was at 52.8%, +1.3% from April. ISM PR link.
The PBR1000 May Stocks Index ended at 76,157.82, +0.86% over April, +2.44% YTD, for 1,062 companies.
The PBR1000 May 2015 Breaking News Recap is posted on the BLOG page. You can also click here.
(The PBR1000 is the premiere comparative data and reporting service covering over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administration headquarters in the US. These companies generate over $13 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to The PBR1000 subscribers. Users include C-level executives, entrepreneurs, sales/marketing/advertising professionals, investors/investment advisers, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just go to the PBRMarketTools.com Order page.)
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, Stuart Miles.)
