Here’s Your Favorite Sign for the Season.
Make the Retailers Happy,
Spend in the Stores and Online.
Happy Holidays from PBRMarketTools.com!
By Larry C. Paxton
The first part of November 2015 saw quite a bit of activity. However, as the month progressed, especially during the normally slow Thanksgiving Week, there was a noticeable slowdown, almost a pause, as the business world anxiously awaits the Federal Reserve decision as to whether or not it will raise interest rates in December. Sometimes there is a sense that the Federal Reserve is rather tired, maybe fatigued might be a better word, of waiting for years and years to exercise this responsibility. Even though the economic indices are not perfectly aligned, they might proceed any way to take that action just to get some excitement going and a new round of second guessing.
There was significant merger/acquisitions activity in November 2015. There were 15 $1 billion or more deals initiated affecting 25 of The PBR1000 companies. The biggest deal by far is the Pfizer/Allergan deal with a record $160 billion transaction value. It is also controversial because it is one of those ghastly inversion deals which would create a major pharma company with jurisdiction outside the US, with primary operations in the US, to avoid taxes. It will be interesting to see how this all works out and if the current administration and legislative bodies make any changes to discourage such a move.
The stock markets ended the month a little up, except for the slightly down DJIA. Economic indices continue to be mixed, and corporate 3rd quarter reports results were lackluster overall.
But now we are into the Christmas season, there is some anxiety over how buyer behavior will be with more emphasis on online sales, but still a push to get the consumer into stores. Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber Monday initial results seem to indicate perhaps a slight gain in sales.
As the New Year approaches we can look forward to a lot of rhetoric and ads from the I-Wanna-Be-US President candidates about how they will solve all the problems of the US and the world.
The PBRMarketTools.com staff wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful and blessed holiday season, and look forward to providing you with even more services regarding The PBR1000 in the New Year!
Following are The PBR1000 and economic related news items of note for November 2015, starting with the last active day.
Monday, November 30:
The PBR1000 End of November US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes month at 17,719.92, -0.44% from last Friday, +0.32% MTD, +8.81% QTD, -0.58% YTD.
NASDAQ closes month at 5,108.67, -0.37% from last Friday, +1.09% MTD, +10.57% QTD, +7.87% YTD.
SPX closes month at 2,080.41, -0.46% from last Friday, +0.05% MTD, +8.35% QTD, +1.04% YTD.
General Electric(PBR9 $GE) & Alstom unit get $5.6 billion in locomotive orders from Indian Railways. MarketWatch article link.
Ford(PBR10) to make $9 billion investment in US plants, create/secure 8,500 jobs, US labor cost limited to less than 1.5%/year per agreement with UAW. $F PR link.
Ford(PBR10) to make $1.3 billion investment in new Ford F-Series Kentucky plant, to employ 2,000. $F PR link.
Microsoft(PBR31) introduces new Skype for Business service. $MSFT PR link.
Morgan Stanley(PBR79) to layoff up to 25% of fixed-income staff over next 2 weeks. Bloomberg PR link.
Deere & Co(PBR81) to layoff 220 workers at its Seeding and Cylinder unit in Moline, IL, effective 02/15/16. $DE PR link.
Lear Corp(PBR165) has acquired vehicle-to-vehicle & vehicle-to-infrastructure communications developer Arada Systems, terms not disclosed. http://bit.ly/1LKzQW1$LEA PR link.
Computer Sciences(PBR237) completes spinoff of 19,000 employee, $5.5 billion in pro forma revenues CSRA(NYSE: CSRA) as an independent public company. $CSC PR link.
Blackstone(PBR352) & KIRKBI have acquired 2,600 employee global manufacturer of flexible foam products Armacell, terms not disclosed. $BX PR link.
FIS(PBR394) completes $9.1 billion acquisition of 13,000 employee $2.8 billion/yr software/technology services company SunGard. $FIS PR link.
Mattress Firm(PBR932) to have nearly 3,500 US locations after it acquires privately held 1,050 stores Sleepy’s for $780 million. $MFRM PR link.
Kaman Corp(PBR934) completes acquisition of Germany based super precision miniature ball bearings designer/manufacturer GRW Bearing. $KAMN PR link.
Allscripts Healthcare(PBR1014) authorizes $150 million for share repurchase program through 12/31/18. $MDRX PR link.
The US Federal Reserve Board approves rule ending emergency lending for to-big-to-fail companies. FRB PR link.
Adobe Systems(PBR557) says there was a record $11 billion of online spending from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. $ADBE PR link.
Friday, November 27:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,798.49, -0.14% from last Friday, +0.76% MTD, +9.30% QTD, -0.14% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,127.52, +0.44% from last Friday, +1.46% MTD, +10.98% QTD, +8.27% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,090.11, +0.04% from last Friday, +0.52% MTD, +8.86% QTD, +1.52% YTD.
NextEra Energy(PBR173) to sell 2 Texas fossil generating assets to Energy Future Holdings affiliate for $1.59 billion, will have 17,000 MW of generating assets left. $NEE PR link.
Adobe Systems(PBR557) reports that $4.45 billion was spent online on Black Friday, Thanksgiving; mobile sets new record with 34% share in sales. $ADBE PR link.
Thursday, November 26:
Happy Thanksgiving!
US Stock Exchanges Closed.
Wednesday, November 25:
Netherlands based NXP Semiconductor gets FTC approval for $11.8 billion merger with Freescale Semiconductor(PBR514 $FSL), to close on 12/07/15. $NXPI PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says the October Personal Income Annual Rate was at $15.6 trillion, personal savings $761.9 billing, savings rate at 5.6%, was 5.3% in September. USDOC PR link.
The US Dept of HUD says the October New Family Homes Sold Annual Rate is at 495,000, median price $281,500, 5.5 months supply. HUD PR link.
FreddieMac(PBR41) says 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates averaged 3.95% with 0.7 points for week ending 11/25/15. $FMCC PR link.
Tuesday, November 24:
Carnival Corp(PBR184) initiates $1 billion share buyback program. $CCL PR link.
Computer Sciences(PBR237) to acquire Australia based 3,000 employee IT services company UXC(ASX: UXC) for $308 million, to close in 02/16. $CSC PR link.
Crestwood Equity(PBR574) completes 1:10 reverse stock split. $CEQP PR link.
Chico’s FAS(PBR730) authorizes new $300 million share repurchase program. $CHS PR link.
Pinnacle Foods(PBR751) to acquire health & wellness foods brands manufacturer Boulder Brands for $11.00/share, $975 million , to close in 1st quarter 2016. $PF PR link.
Cytec(PBR887) stockholders approve merger with Brussels based global chemical company Solvay for $75.25/share, $5.5 billion, to close in 12/15. $CYT PR link.
Alcoa(PBR115) announces post separation executive teams for its Upstream & Value-Add companies, scheduled for 2nd half 2016. $AA PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce in 2nd estimate says 3rd Quarter US Gross Domestic Product Annual Rate was +2.1%, was +1.5% in Advance estimate. USDOC PR link.
Monday, November 23:
General Electric(PBR9) to sell UK home lending portfolio with face value of $5.9 billion to Blackstone(PBR352), TSSP, & CarVal consortium, terms not disclosed. $GE PR link.
Omnicom(PBR192)’s DDB Worldwide unit acquires Grupo ABC, largest independent advertising/marketing communications company in Brazil. $OMC PR link.
Allergan(PBR219) to be acquired by Pfizer(PBR56 $PFE) for $363.63/share, $160 billion stock deal, to be completed in 2nd half 2016, to be called Pfizer Plc, headquarters in Ireland, global operations in NY. $AGN PR link.
TeamHealth(PBR498) completes $1.6 billion acquisition of national acute/post-acute provider IPC Healthcare(NASDAQ: IPCM). $TMH PR link.
Diebold(PBR676) to acquire Germany based 9,000 employee retail banks IT solutions/services provider Wincor Nixdorf(FWB: $WIN) for $1.8 billion cash/stock. $DBD PR link.
Equifax(PBR795) to acquire Australia based credit information company Veda Group for $1.8 billion. $EFX PR link.
Owens-Illinois(PBR373) hires Jan Bertsch as SVP/CFO, also leads IT. $OI PR link.
The National Assn of Realtors says October Existing Home Sales were at a 5.36 million annual rate, -3.4% from September, +3.9% from October 2014. NAR PR link.
FreddieMac(PBR41) releases its economic November outlook, +55 age group a special focus. $FMCC PR link.
Friday, November 20:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,823.81, +3.35% from last Friday, +0.91% MTD, +9.45% QTD, +0.00% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,104.92, +3.59% from last Friday, +1.01% MTD, +10.49% QTD, +7.79% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,089.17, +3.27% from last Friday, +0.47% MTD, +8.81% QTD, +1.47% YTD.
Cisco(PBR60) to acquire private London based collaboration infrastructure & conferencing software provider Acano for $700 million cash. $CSCO PR link.
Sprint(PBR86) signs $1.2 billion deal for the sale and lease-back of certain leased devices to newly formed Mobile Leasing Solutions. $S PR link.
Peabody Energy(PBR372) to sell New Mexico/Colorado coal assets to Bowie Resource Partners for $358 million cash. $BTU PR link.
Chipotle(PBR561) provides updates on E. coli investigation, especially with new cases identified. $CMG PR link.
Mylan(PBR618) completes acquisition of certain women’s healthcare businesses with 1,000 employees from Famy Care. $MYL PR link.
C.R. Bard(PBR637) to acquire durable medical equipment distributor Liberator Medical(NYSEMKT: LBMH) for $3.35/share, $181 million in stock. $BCR PR link.
Sprint(PBR86) promotes Jaime Jones to South area president, part of restructuring plan. $S PR link.
Sprint(PBR86) hires Annette Jacobs as president, Pacific Northwest region, part of restructuring plan. $S PR link.
Estee Lauder(PBR255) promotes John Demsey to executive group president, Jane Hertzmark-Hudis to group president. $EL PR link.
Owens-Illinois(PBR373) promotes CFO John Haudrich to Chief Strategy/Integration Officer. $OI PR link.
Opinion: The big hang-ups in Dell’s deal for EMC MarketWatch article link.
Thursday, November 19:
UnitedHealthcare(PBR14) to evaluate viability of the Affordable Care Act insurance exchange product segment in 1st half of 2016. $UNH PR link.
Nike(PBR98) new $12 billion class B share buyback program to start at completion of current $8 billion plan; 2:1 Class A & B stock split set for 12/23/15. $NKE PR link.
Kellogg(PBR198) to debut 40 new food products in early 2016, reflects new trends. $K PR link.
AGL Resources(PBR452) shareholders approve $12 billion acquisition by Southern Co(PBR155), expected to close in 2nd half 2016. $GAS PR link.
Skechers USA(PBR808) wins favorable ruling in Nike(PBR98 $NKE) lawsuit. $SKX PR link.
Edwards Lifesciences(PBR819) to do 2:1 stock split on 12/11/15. $EW PR link.
E*Trade(PBR930) authorizes $800 million share buyback program through 03/31/17. $ETFC PR link.
Graphic Packaging(PBR553) promotes president/COO Michael Doss to president/CEO, effective 01/01/16, succeeds David Scheible, who will be chairman through 05/16. $GPK PR link.
Wednesday, November 18:
Amazon(PBR29) to open 2 fulfillment centers in Ohio, total of 1.8+ million square feet, to employ 2,000+. $AMZN PR link.
Amazon(PBR29) : Martha Stewart American Made launches on Handmade at Amazon, features 200,000 items from 10,000 artisans. $AMZN PR link.
Raytheon(PBR118) authorizes an additional $2 billion for share repurchase program. $RTN PR link.
Medtronic(PBR133) acquires Scotland based private video laryngoscopes developer Aircraft Medical for $110 million cash. $MDT PR link.
Delta Air Lines(PBR72) intends to acquire 49% stake in Grupo Aeromexico. $DAL PR link.
ConAgra(PBR166) to split into 2 public companies, frozen potatoes related businesses to be called Lamb Weston. $CAG PR link.
CBRE Group(PBR301) has acquired Chicago based 20+ person retailers & restaurants analytics firm Forum Analytics, terms not disclosed. $CBG PR link.
Wynn Resorts(PBR427) says Macau Wynn Palace completion date has moved from 03/25/16 to 06/25/16. $WYNN PR link.
Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) completes sale of Endicia online shipping business to Stamps.com for $215 million. $NWL PR link.
Fiserv(PBR474) authorizes 15 million shares repurchase program. $FISV PR link.
ON Semiconductor(PBR656) to acquire Fairchild Semiconductor(PBR1000 $FCS) for $2.4 billion cash. $ON PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says October New Private Housing Bldg Permits were at an annual rate of 1,150,000, +4.1% from September, +2.7% from October 2014. USDOC PR link.
The US Federal Reserve releases minutes from the October 27-28 Federal Open Market Committee meeting, notes moderate US growth. USFRB PR link.
Housing: FreddieMac(PBR41) survey shows 66% of renters carry debt, saving for a home downpayment not a priority. $FMCC PR link.
Tuesday, November 17:
General Electric(PBR9) completes stock exchange for Synchrony Financial(NYSE: SYF) spinoff, nets $20.4 billion share buyback equivalent. $GE PR link.
Penske Automotive(PBR170) acquires Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, & Land Rover franchises in Monmouth County, NJ, represent $175 million annual revenues. $PAG PR link.
Norfolk Southern(PBR242) evaluating unsolicited, low-premium, highly conditional cash/stock offer from Canadian Pacific. $NSC PR link.
Airgas(PBR461) to be acquired by France based Air Liquide(Euronext Paris: AI) for $143/share, $13.4 billion cash. $ARG PR link.
Citrix(PBR658) to spin off GoTo family of products as a separate public company in 2nd half 2016. $CTXS PR link.
Angie’s List determines not to pursue IAC(PBR665) $8.75/share offer, says undervalued. $ANGI PR link.
Wells Fargo(PBR30) promotes Tim Sloan to president/COO. $WFC PR link.
Kohl’s(PBR149) hires Sona Chawla to be in new position of COO on 11/30/15. $KSS PR link.
Priceline(PBR319) promotes Christa Quarles to CEO of its OpenTable unit, reports to Priceline CEO. $PCLN PR link.
Colfax(PBR517) president/CEO Matt Trerotola to be interim president of ESAB unit with retirement of Clay Kiefaber on 12/31/15. $CFX PR link.
Axiall(PBR521) appoints Timothy Mann as president/CEO, had been an interim. $AXLL PR link.
Citrix(PBR658) hires Tim Minahan as Chief Marketing Officer, reports to CEO. $CTXS PR link.
Bob Evans(PBR1020) hires Saed Mohseni as president/CEO, effective 01/01/16. $BOBE PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says the October Consumer Price Index(CPI) was +0.2% from September, seasonally adjusted, and +0.2% over last 12 months, unadjusted. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says October Current Average Earnings was $25.20/hr, +0.36% from September, +2.5% from October 2014. USDOL PR link.
The US Federal Reserve says October Total Industry Capacity Utilization was at 77.5%, was 77.7% in September, 78.5% in October 2014. USFRB PR link.
Construction: NAHB/Wells Fargo says builders dial back confidence in November MarketWatch article link.
Consumer Credit: Default rates rise in October MarketWatch article link.
Jobs: Retail hiring for October strongest in 75 years (but the good news stops there) MarketWatch article link.
Monday, November 16:
Marriott Intl(PBR211) to acquire Starwood Hotels(PBR417 $HOT) for $79.88/share, $12.2 billion stock/cash, creates world’s largest hotel company. $MAR PR link.
Mylan(PBR346) authorizes $1 billion share buyback program through 08/27/16. $MYL PR link.
Blackstone(PBR352) buys 7 location independent jewelry retailer Diamonds Direct, terms not disclosed. $BX PR link.
Blackstone(PBR352) to sell 37,000 employees facility management services unit GCA, terms not disclosed. $BX PR link.
Constellation Brands(PBR377) to acquire 40+ beer styles craft brewer Ballast Point for $1 billion. $STZ PR link.
Intercontinental Exchange(PBR556) to acquire European OTC energy markets technology provider Trayport from BGC Partners & GFI for $650 million in Stock. $ICE PR link.
Urban Outfitters(PBR638) to acquire The Vetri Family of pizzeria restaurants, terms not disclosed. $URBN PR link.
Meredith(PBR994) comments on unsolicited offer by NextStar Broadcasting(NASDAQ: NXST) for Media General(NYSE: MEG), reiterates Meredith-Media General in best interests of all. $MDP PR link.
SuperValu(PBR164) president/Cub Foods unit Mike Stigers to be EVP/president of Independent Supply Chain upon retirement of Janel Haugarth on 12/26/15. $SVU PR link.
AutoZone(PBR290) to promote Rick Smith to SVP, Human Resources, in 01/16, succeeds leaving Mike Womack. $AZO PR link.
WhiteWave Foods(PBR624) leaders selected for COO, US Group President, & CFO. $WWAV PR link.
Scientific Games(PBR937) CFO Scott Schweinfurth retiring, effective after next 10-K filing. $SGMS PR link.
FHA meets minimum reserve requirement for first time since 2009 MarketWatch article link.
Friday, November 13:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,245.24, -3.71% from last Friday, -2.37% MTD, +5.40% QTD, -3.24% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,927.88, -4.26% from last Friday, -2.49% MTD, +6.66% QTD, +4.05% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,023.04, -3.63% from last Friday, -2.71% MTD, +5.37% QTD, -1.74% YTD.
Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) cancelling Beats Music subscriptions MarketWatch article link.
United Continental(PBR77) opens new clubs as part of $100 million investment to transform lounge experience. $UAL PR link.
Perrigo(PBR565) shareholders reject Mylan(PBR346 $MYL) unsolicited $75/share +2.3 Mylan shares tender offer. $PRGO PR link.
Graham Holdings(PBR615) acquires electrical solutions manufacturer Group Dekko, terms not disclosed. $GHC PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says that the October Producer Price Index was -0.4% from August, a record -1.6% for last 12 months. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce estimates September Trade Sales/Manufacturers’ Shipments at $1,320.3 billion, unchanged from August, -2.8% from September 2014. USDOC PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce advance estimate of October Retail & Food Services Sales were $447.3 billion, +0.1% from September, +1.7% from October 2014. USDOC PR link.
Opinion: ExxonMobil(PBR2 $XOM) cover-up case shows why energy investors need a new strategy MarketWatch PR link.
Terrorism: Terrorists launch several attacks in Paris, over 100 killed.
Thursday, November 12:
American Electric Power(PBR174) completes $550 million sale of inland barge unit AEP River Operations to American Commercial Lines. $AEP PR link.
DISH Network(PBR196) files reply with FCC on proposed Charter Communications(PBR297)/Time Warner Cable(PBR119) merger, says not in public interest. $DISH PR link.
Liberty Interactive(PBR263) to separately spin-off CommerceHub & Liberty Expedia Holdings in 1st half 2016. $QVCA PR link.
Blackstone(PBR352) fund to acquire $3 billion of secondary real estate interests from CalPERS. $BX PR link.
NCR(PBR383) to get $820 million equity investment from Blackstone(PBR352 $BX) in strategic partnership, will be used in $1 billion share buyback program. $NCR PR link.
Liberty Media(PBR534) to recapitalize into 3 tracking stock groups in 1st half 2016. $LMCA PR link.
Orbital ATK(PBR655) forms subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to serve defense customers. $OA PR link.
Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR906) to acquire 8 hospital system RegionalCare Hospital Partners. $APO PR link.
Conn’s(PBR986) opens 100th furniture & specialty home goods store in Las Vegas. $CONN PR link.
Bank of America(PBR24) hires David Leitch as global general counsel, effective 01/01/16, succeeds Gary Lynch who remains vice chairman. $BAC PR link.
Advance Auto Parts(PBR279) CEO Darren Jackson to retire 01/02/16, pres George Sherman to be interim CEO. $AAP PR link.
Graham Holdings(PBR615) promotes president Timothy O’Shaughnessy to president/CEO, Donald Graham remains chairman. $GHC PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says September Job Openings were 5.526 million, August was 5.377 million, September 2014 was 4.678 million. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Treasury says US Govt October Receipts were $211.0 billion, Outlays $347.6 billion, Deficit $136.5 billion, was $121.7 billion in October 2014. Treasury PR link.
Healthcare: 15 million Americans dodge steep hike in Medicare Part B premiums MarketWatch article link.
Wednesday, November 11:
Kroger(PBR20) to acquire 151 stores Roundy’s(PBR582 $RNDY) for $3.60/share, $800 million, includes debt. $KR PR link.
Express Scripts(PBR22 $ESRX) cuts off pharmacy that sold Horizon Pharma drugs. MarketWatch PR link.
Cisco(PBR60 $CSCO) CEO’s busy start: If you can’t buy ’em, join ’em. MarketWatch PR link.
Macy’s(PBR97) & Luxottica Group sign exclusive agreement to open LensCrafters licensed departments In up to 500 Macy’s Stores over three years. $M PR link.
Altria Group(PBR110) endorses AB InBev/SABMiller $107 billion stock/cash deal, would have a 10.5% stake, receive $2.5 billion cash. $MO PR link.
Anadarko Petroleum(PBR154) statement says unsolicited bid for Apache(PBR208) was rejected. $APC PR link.
Activision Blizzard(PBR540) launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops III does over record $550 million over 3 day weekend. $ATVI PR link.
IAC(PBR665 $IACI) bids more than $500 million for Angie’s List, no response yet. MarketWatch article link.
3M(PBR92) promotes Kimberly Price to SVP, Corporate Communications & Enterprise Services, effective 01/01/16, succeeds retiring Ian Hardgrove. $MMM PR link.
C.H. Robinson(PBR215) promotes Bob Biesterfeld to president, North American Surface Transportation division, effective 01/01/16, reports to CEO. $CHRW PR link.
AMD(PBR446) promotes Ruth Cotter to expanded role of SVP Human Relations, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations. $AMD PR link.
Analysis: Goldman Sachs(PBR76) says U.S. economic recovery has about 4 years before it ends. MarketWatch article link.
Investing: Foreign investors flock to U.S. Treasurys, betting on policy divergence MarketWatch article link.
Investing: When it comes to investing, it pays to keep it simple. MarketWatch article link.
Tuesday, November 10:
McDonald’s(PBR101) plans longterm goal of being 95% franchised; will not pursue REIT spinoff. $MCD PR link.
McDonald’s(PBR101 $MCD) credit downgraded to just 3 notches above junk at S&P. MarketWatch article link.
Cummins(PBR146) authorizes new $1 billion share buypack program. $CMI PR link.
Chipotle(PBR561) to reopen 43 stores in Seattle & Portland, e. coli tests negative, stocking with all new ingredients. $CMG PR link.
TD Ameritrade(PBR662) president/CEO Fred Tomczyk to retire on 09/30/16; Tim Hockey promoted to be president on 02/02/16, add CEO title on 10/01/16. $AMTD PR link.
Heartland Payment Systems(PBR821) promotes Christopher Sebes to EVP as head of commerce. $HPY PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says September Total Wholesale Sales were $448.0 billion, +0.5% from August, -3.9% from September 2014. USDOC PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says October US Import Prices were -0.5% from September, US Export Prices were -0.2%. USDOL PR link.
Monday, November 9:
Cisco(PBR60) to partner with Sweden’s Ericsson($ERIC) to create networks of the future worldwide. $CSCO PR link.
Community Health System(PBR125) authorizes 10 million share repurchase program, not to exceed $300 million. $CYH PR link.
DISH Network(PBR196) 3rd quarter revenues up over last year, has 13.909 million Pay-TV subscribers compared to 14.041 million same period last year. $DISH PR link.
Priceline(PBR319) Booking.com unit hits 1 billion guests since its start, has 21 million rooms available worldwide. $PCLN PR link.
Weyerhauser(PBR355) & Plum Creek Timber(PBR989 $PCL) to merge in all stock deal, then do $2.5 million share repurchase program. $WY PR link.
Darden Restaurants(PBR398) completes spinoff of independent public REIT Four Corners Property Trust(NYSE: $FCPT). $DRI PR link.
SeaWorld(PBR674) announces partnerships with Panasonic, Evans Hotel Group, change in orca show. $SEAS PR link.
Harsco(PBR876) to pursue strategic options for spinoff of Metals & Minerals segment. $HSC PR link.
DuPont(PBR82) names Edward Breen as chairman/CEO, had been the interim. $DD PR link.
Ashland(PBR407) hires Greg Elliott as VP/chief human resources & communications officer. $ASH PR link.
AGL Resources(PBR452) chairman/CEO John W. Somerhalder II to retire 12/31/15, president/COO Drew Evans to become president/CEO at that time. $GAS PR link.
Avista Corp(PBR990) Heather Rosentrater being promoted to VP-Energy Delivery/Customer Service upon retirement of Don Kopczynski on 12/01/15. $AVA PR link.
Jobs: New reports suggest October jobs blowout is an outlier. MarketWatch article link.
Banking: New ‘too big to fail’ rules could force banks to raise up to $1.19 trillion MarketWatch article link.
Holiday Shopping: Target(PBR40) to open stores on Thanksgiving Day, joining growing list of retailers. MarketWatch article link.
International Trade: China passes Canada to become U.S.’s largest trading partner MarketWatch article link.
OECD says emerging market slowdown & drop in trade is clouding global outlook, growth at +2.9% in 2015. OECD article link.
Friday, November 6:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,910.33, +1.40% from last Friday/MTD, +9.98% QTD, +0.49% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,147.12, +1.85% from last Friday/MTD, +11.41% QTD, +8.68% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,099.20, +0.95% from last Friday/MTD, +9.33% QTD, +1.96% YTD.
AmerisourceBergen(PBR16) completes $2.575 billion cash acquisition of private outsourced compounded sterile preparations for acute care hospitals provider PharMEDium Healthcare. $ABC PR link.
Wells Fargo(PBR30 $WFC) must issue about $40 billion in debt to meet requirement, says CFO. MarketWatch article link.
Lockheed Martin(PBR64) completes $9 billion acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft unit from United Technologies(PBR45 $UTX). $LMT PR link.
Carnival Corp(PBR184) divides into 2 sales regions, names regional vice presidents & other sales appointments. $CCL PR link.
PG&E(PBR172) to promote Jason Wells to SVP/CFO on 01/01/16, succeeds retiring Kent Harvey. $PCG PR link.
President Obama says Keystone XL wouldn’t serve U.S. interests MarketWatch article link.
The US Dept of Labor says October US Employed was at 149.1 million, was 147.3 million in October 2014, Unemployment Rate at 5.0%. USDOL PR link.
The US Federal Reserve says 3rd Quarter Consumer Credit grew at a +7.5% annual rate, was +10% in September. FRB article link.
Thursday, November 5:
Walt Disney(PBR57 $DIS), PlayStation just agreed to a major Internet-streaming deal. MarketWatch article link.
PharMerica(PBR911) acquires Texas based hospital pharmacy management services company Luker Pharmacy Management. $PMC PR link.
Scientific Games(PBR937) wins 5 year contract for Arizona Lottery’s integrated lottery system. $SGMS PR link.
Walter Energy(PBR1006) to sell its Alabama assets to a new company formed by its senior lender group. $WLTGQ PR link.
United Continental(PBR77) president/CEO Oscar Munoz in email to employees says doctors to clear him for return in 1st quarter 2016. $UAL PR link.
Ross Stores hires Brian Morrow as president/Chief Merchandising Officer of dd’s DISCOUNTS. $ROST PR link.
USPS to hire 30,000 employees for holiday season. MarketWatch article link.
The US Dept of Labor says 3rd Quarter Labor Productivity was at a +1.6% annual rate from previous quarter, output +1.2%, hours worked -0.5%. USDOL PR link.
Wednesday, November 4:
AutoNation(PBR148) reports retail new vehicle unit sales of 28,247 in October 2015, Up 14% versus October 2014. $AN PR link.
Expedia(PBR433) to acquire 1.2 million alternative accomodations space HomeAway for $38.31/share, $3.9 billion in cash/stock. $EXPE PR link.
Exterran(PBR698) completes spinoff of international services & fabrication businesses into new public company Exterran Partners, renames itself ArchRock(NYSE). $AROC PR link.
Community Health system(PBR125) division president Bill Hussey & CIO J Gary Seay to retire on 12/31/15. $CYH PR link.
Bon-Ton Stores(PBR707) hires Nancy Walsh as CFO, effective 11/09/15. $BONT PR link.
Lumber Liquidators(PBR1061) appoints independent chairman John Presley as CEO, effective 11/16/15. $LL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says the September US International Trade of Goods & Services Deficit was $40.8 billion, was $48.9 billion in August. USDOC PR link.
Federal Reserve: U.S. stocks end lower as Yellen hints December rate hike MarketWatch article link.
Tuesday, November 3:
Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN) to open its first bricks-and-mortar bookstore, will be in Seattle, WA. MarketWatch article link.
American Express(PBR83) to provide technical integration with sharing economy accommodations service Airbnb in partnership. $AXP article link.
JM Smucker(PBR437) to sell its $200 million/year US canned milk brands & operations to Eagle Family Foods Group. $SJM article link.
Coty(PBR524) to reorganize leadership team & functions upon completion of merger with Proctor & Gamble(PBR33 $PG) specialty beauty business, to relocate to London. $COTY article link.
Chipotle(PBR561) outlines aggressive actions taken regarding e. coli incident at 8 Oregon/Washington restaurants. $CMG PR link.
Range Resources(PBR726) to sell its southwest Virginia 3,500 wells, 460,000 acres, Nora assets for $876 million. $RRC PR link.
Aeropostale(PBR924) announces additional expansion plans in Asia & the EMEA areas, will be in Thailand & Egypt over the next 5 years. $ARO PR link.
MasterCard(PBR291) to promote Craig Vosburg to president, North America Markets, on 01/01/16, succeeds Chris McWilton, who is leaving. $MA PR link.
ABM Industries(PBR478) hires Anthony Piniella as Chief Communication Officer. $ABM PR link.
Tesla(PBR651) hires Jason Wheeler as next CFO, hires Jon McNeil as president, Global Sales & Service. $TSLA PR link.
Groupon(PBR652) promotes COO Rich Williams to CEO, co-founder Eric Lefkofsky becomes chairman again. $GRPN PR link.
DSW(PBR778) EVP Roger Rawlins to become CEO 01/01/16, succeeds retiring Mike MacDonald; authorizes new $200 million share repurchase program. $DSW PR link.
Fannie(PBR17), Freddie(PBR41) may need to tap Treasury, FHFA director says MarketWatch article link.
US auto sales jump by double-digits in 5 week October. MarketWatch article link.
Retail CMOs forecast 4.2% growth in holiday season sales MarketWatch article link.
The US Dept of Commerce says September New Orders for Manufactured Goods were $466.3 billion, -1.0% from August, -7.2% YTD. USDOC PR link.
Monday, November 2:
The PBR1000 October 2015 Breaking News Recap is published. Click here.
The PBR October US Economic Indices Snapshot has been released. Click here for a 13 month subscription.
General Electric(PBR9) completes $13.5 billion acquisition of Alstom, forms largest GE digital industrial business, GE Power. $GE PR link.
Hewlett-Packard(PBR19) re-launches as printing & personal systems company with completion of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Group spinoff. $HPQ PR link.
HCA(PBR75) acquires Urgent Care Extra’s Nevada operations, includes 14 Las Vegas urgent care centers. $HCA PR link.
PBF Energy(PBR139) completes $322 million acquisition of New Orleans area 189,000 barrels/day Chalmette Refining. $PBF PR link.
Bristol-Myers-Squibb(PBR185) to acquire private biotech company Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals for up to $2.1 billion. $BMY PR link.
VISA(PBR224) to acquire VISA Europe for up to $23+ billion. $V PR link.
Molina Healthcare(PBR284) completes $200 million acquisition of Providence Human Services & Providence Community Services, the behavioral & mental health subsidiaries of the Providence Service Corporation(NASDAQ: PRSC). $MOH PR link.
Dollar Tree(PBR309) completes divestiture of 330 Family Dollar Stores to Dollar Express. $DLTR PR link.
Jarden(PBR324) completes $1.5 billion acquisition of school yearbooks, rings, caps/gowns supplier Jostens. $JAH PR link.
Zoetis(PBR500) to acquire Norway based leading farmed fish vaccines provider PHARMAQ for $765 million. $ZTS PR link.
M&T Bank(PBR504) completes acquisition of $19 billion in loans 135 NJ/NY branches Hudson City Bancorp(PBR1042). $MTB PR link.
Activision Blizzard(PBR540) to acquire London based gaming developer King Digital Entertainment(NYSE: $KING) for $18.00/share, $5.9 billion. $ATVI PR link.
TreeHouse Foods(PBR690) to acquire ConAgra(PBR166 $CAG) private brands business for $2.7 billion. $THS PR link.
AMSURG(PBR945) withdraws unsolicited increased offer to acquire TeamHealth(PBR498 $TMH). $AMSG PR link.
Equifax(PBR795) to hire 400 people in Costa Rica for expansion in new business areas. $EFX PR link.
Anadarko Petroleum(PBR154) hires Mitch Ingram as EVP, Global LNG. $APC PR link.
Fidelity Natl Financial(PBR331) promotes Mike Nolan to president, Brent Bickett to EVP, Corporate Strategy, effective 01/01/16. $FNF PR link.
Brookdale Senior Living(PBR587) hires Labeed Diab as COO, Lucinda Baier as CFO, promotes Mary Sue Patchett to EVP-Community/Field Operations. $BKD PR link.
Dun & Bradstreet(PBR957) promotes Josh Peirez to president/COO, Curtis Brown to Chief Content/Technology Officer. $DNB PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says 2015 Construction Spending through September was $786.6 billion, +10.5% from same 2014 period. USDOC PR link.
U.S. manufacturers still struggling, ISM finds MarketWatch PR link.
(The PBR1000 is the premiere business intelligence service covering over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administration headquarters in the US. These companies generate nearly $14 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 advisors, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just go to the PBRMarketTools.com Subscribe page.)
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, Salvatore Vuono.)
