October 2017: The Last Quarter Starts

By Larry C. Paxton

The US economy showed no signs of letting up on its modest/moderate growth during October, though most of the data was prior to, or just after, the devastating hurricanes that hit the US and its territories in recent months. Nevertheless, economists seemed to be of the opinion that the rebuilding would mostly cancel out any temporary negative effects. The US stock exchanges had an excellent month, which perhaps helps validate that thought. The persistent question is how long can the run of the Stock Market Bull continue? 

The PBR1000 companies continued to plod ahead without too many surprises. Retailers are making final preparations for the holiday buying season. It will be interesting to see what the ‘Amazon Effect’ is this year, but there is a sense there are some retailers who are finding ways to compete.

It continues to be hard to gauge the effects of President Trump’s agenda and the related actions of Congress on critical items, but some key issues will become prominent, especially as we enter the season for mid-term elections. 

The world was relatively calm with fewer natural disasters, a toned down N Korea, and some key elections held in Japan and China that solidified leadership.

Here’s a quick October 2017 summary on items reported that relate to The PBR1000:

The PBR1000 Mergers & Acquisitions: 24 deals worth at least $1 billion initiated, closed, or updated. Total transaction value was $199 billion.

The PBR1000 Spinoffs: 4

The PBR1000 Share Repurchase Programs: 10 announcements, total $32.2 billion.

The PBR1000 Bankruptcies: 1 initiated or updated

The PBR1000 CEO Changes: 11 announced.

Jobs/Wages: 4.2% unemployment rate, modest wage growth.

US Economy: Modest/moderate growth continues, stable but fragile.

Federal Reserve Federal Funds Rate Changes: No change, remains 1.00-1.25%, an increase possible at FOMC meeting in December, 2017.

US Stock Market Exchanges: All three US major stock exchanges established new closing records during the month. The Stock Market Bull easily won October(See The PBR1000 October Stocks/Commodities Snapshots blog post.)

The PBR1000 Additions: 3, Chemours(PBR447 $CC), First Data Corp(PBR231 $FDC), Michael Kors(PBR519 $519).

The PBR1000 Removals: 1, West Corp(PBR787 $WSTC), acquired by Apollo Global Management(PBR843 $APO).

US News:  Las Vegas concert shooting; President Trump visits hurricane ravaged Puerto Rico, Las Vegas after shooting; House and Senate pass budget proposal; California wildfires; Hurricane Nate; Harvey Weinstein and other notables sexual harassment scandals; President Trump decertifies Iranian nuclear treaty; NAFTA talks pushed into 2018; President Trump declares opioid crisis; partial release of JFK assassination papers; Manhattans killed in truck incident; Russian involvement in US election investigation still in progress.

International News: Catalan votes for independence from Spain; Japan earthquake; Brexit issues; Japan snap election, Abe gets decisive win; China election, Xi extends powerbase; European Central Bank extends quantitative easing program by 9 months; Australian government loses majority.

The PBR1000 October Breaking News Items

Here are The PBR1000 corporate and economic related breaking news items of interest with hotlinks to the sources for October 2017, starting with the last active business day.

***Tuesday, October 31:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for October Ending 10/31/17:
DJIA ends at 23,377.24, -0.24% from last Friday, +4.34% MTD/QTD, +18.29% YTD, -0.28% from record 23,441.76 set 10/24/17.
NASDAQ ends at record 6,727.67, +0.39% from last Friday, +3.57% MTD/QTD, +24.98% YTD, +0.00% from record 6,727.67 set 10/31/17.
SPX ends at 2,575.26, -0.23% from last Friday, +2.22% MTD/QTD, +15.03% YTD, -0.23% from record 2,581.07 set 10/27/17.

IBM(PBR25) authorizes additional $3 billion for share repurchase program, balance is now $4.5 billion. $IBM PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) to open new fulfillment center in Macon, GA, to create 500+ fulltime positions. $AMZN PR link.

Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36) completes 10 year global agreement for Fareva to take ownership of BCM, Walgreens Boots Alliance’s contract manufacturing business, which operates factories in the UK, France and Germany, for the manufacture and supply of own beauty brands and private label products, including products for sale in the USA. $WBA PR link.

Energy Transfer Equity(PBR52) Partners unit completes $1.57 billion sale of its 32.44% stake in Rover Pipeline Project to Blackstone(PBR352) Energy Partners. $ETE PR link.

HCA(PBR75) authorizes additional up to $2 billion share repurchase program, balance now is $2.15 billion. $HCA PR link.

Amgen(PBR135) and Kirin Holdings joint venture Kirin-Amgen to become a wholly owned subsidiary of Amgen, $780 million payment to be funded from joint venture cash holdings. $AMGN PR link.

ADP(PBR235) to submit complaint to SEC claiming Pershing Square‘s Bill Ackman statements have been false and misleading during proxy battle for 11/07/17 annual meeting. $ADP PR link.

Stanley Black & Decker(PBR240) to open in early 2018 a new 300,000 sf manufacturing facility in Mission, TX, to create 450 jobs. $SWK PR link.

Hormel Foods(PBR293) to acquire premium deli meat and salami $300 million revenues/year company Columbus Manufacturing from Arbor Investments for $850 million. $HRL PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) responds to proposed amendments to civil complaint filed in US District Court against Mylan and 17 other pharmaceutical companies regarding price fixing, denies charges, plans to defend. $MYL PR link.

Symantec(PBR385) completes $950 million sale of its Website Security and related PKI solutions to Lehi, UT, based DigiCert, gets about a 30% equity stake in DigiCert common stock, part of Symantec plan to be focused on cloud generation Integrated Cyber Defense Platform. $SYMC PR link.

Netflix(PBR447 $NFLX) suspends production of its popular ‘House of Cards’ for season 6 amid a sexual assault allegation against its star Kevin Spacey. MarketWatch PR link.

Envision Healthcare(PBR581) 3Q17 report says operations disrupted by Hurricanes Harvey & Irma, initiates a full review of a broad range of alternatives. $EVHC PR link.

MRC Global(PBR664) elects Deborah Adams, former Phillips 66(PBR7) executive, to the Board. $MRC PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says US National Debt on 10/30/17 was $20.453 trillion, +1.0% from 09/29/17, +2.4% Calendar YTD, +3.3% from 10/31/16. Treasury PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US 3Q17 Employment Cost Index for All Civilian Laborers(2005=100) is at 130.6, 2Q17 was 129.7, 3Q16 127.4. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US 3Q17 Total Housing Units at 136.7 million, Occupied at 119.1 million, Occupancy Rate87.1%, Owner Occupied at 76.1 million, Renter Occupied 42.9 million, Home Ownership Rateat 63.9%, 2Q17 was 63.7%, 3Q16 63.5%. USDOL PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago says 7th District Preliminary September Midwest Economic Index is at +0.09, August was +0.08, July +0.28, September 2016 -0.05. ChiFed PR link.

The Conference Board US Preliminary October Consumer Confidence Index(1985=100) is at 125.9, highest since 12/2000, September was 120.6, October 2016100.8. TCB PR link.

The MNI Chicago October Business Barometer hits 66.2, highest since 03/11, September was 65.2, August 58.9, October 2016 50.6. MNI/ISM Chicago PR link.

The US August S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index(01/2000=100) is at 195.05, July was 194.01, June 192.66, August 2016 183.88. Case-Shiller PR link.

The American Automobile Assn says US Average Regular/Gallon Gas Price on 10/31/17 was $2.469, -3.9% from 09/29/17, +11.7% from 10/31/16. AAA PR link.

***Monday, October 30:

Amazon(PBR29) to move Amazon Studios, IMDb, Amazon Video and World Wide Advertising units into historic Hollywood location 280,000 sf The Culver Studios. $AMZN PR link.

Johnson & Johnson(PBR37)’s Janssen unit receives US FDA approval for new 10 mg dosing for XARELTO® (rivaroxaban) to reduce the continued risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). $JNJ PR link.

Andeavor(PBR71) completes incentive distribution rights for 59% buy-in after Andeavor Logistics(NYSE: ANDX) completes acquisition of Western Refining Logistics(NYSE: WNRL) for $1.7 billion(includes debt). $ANDV PR link.

CenturyLink(PBR160) gets last required regulatory approval for $66.50/share, $34 billion acquisition of Level 3 Communications(PBR375) from the US Federal Communications Commission, to close transaction on 11/01/17. $CTL PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) partners with LEGO to offer LEGO building bricks and playsets in 875 toy shops inside JCPenney stores starting in November and online in December. $JCP PR link.

Lennar(PBR340) to acquire CalAtlantic(PBR799) for $51.34/share, $9.3 billion cash/stock, includes $3.6 billion debt, will create the nation’s largest homebuilder, to close 1Q18. $LEN PR link.

Constellation Brands(PBR377) invests $300 million for 9.9% ownership stake in Ontario, CAN, based medicinal cannabis products provider Canopy Growth Corp. $STZ PR link.

Owens Corning(PBR465) to acquire $480 million revenues/2017 1,800+ employees mineral wool insulation for building and technical applications in Europe producer Paroc Groupfrom CVC Capital Partners for $1.05 billion, to close in early 2018. $OC PR link.

Rent A Center(PBR657) to explore strategic and financial alternatives, Steven Pepper resigns as Chairman & director as a result of decision. $RCII PR link.

Analog Devices(PBR701) and China Mobile Communications Corp IoT unit sign Memorandum Of Understanding to collaborate to develop IoT solutions for customers across industries from the sensor level through to the cloud. $ADI PR link.

Dynegy(PBR777) to merge into Vistra(NYSE: VST) for $13.24/share in all stock deal with enterprise value of $20 billion. $DYN PR link.

CarMax(PBR202) EVP/COO Cliff Woods to retire in summer 2018, to be succeeded by EVP/Strategy & Business Transformation Ed Hill. $KMX PR link.

Diplomat Pharmacy(PBR515) hires Robyn Peters as EVP/Sales & Payor Strategies. $DPLO PR link.

Scholastic Corp(PBR926) promotes Kenneth Cleary to CFO, succeeds terminated Maureen O’Connell. $SCHL PR link.

CoreCivic(PBR965) EVP/Chief Corrections Officer Harley Lappin to retire effective 01/01/18, to be succeeded by SVP/Operations Patrick Swindle. $CXW PR link.

GATX(PBR995) EVP & President/Rail International James Earl to retire effective 03/01/18, to be succeeded by N Gokce Tezel. $GATX PR link.

NCR(PBR383) elects Matt Thompson, EVP/Field Operations for Adobe Systems(PBR577), to the Board. $NCR PR link.

Noble Energy(PBR471) elects Holli Ladhani, Chairman/President/CEO of Rockwater Energy Solutions, to the Board. $NBL PR link.

Sprouts(PBR688) appoints Joe O’Leary, former PetSmart executive, to the Board. $SFM PR link.

PerkinElmer(PBR839) elects Pascale Witz, a widely experienced commercial healthcare executive, to the Board. $PKI PR link.

GoPro(PBR902) appoints Rick Welts, President/COO of the Golden State Warriors professional basketball team, to its Board. $GPRO PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the US Preliminary September Total Personal Income Annual Rate is $16.533 trillion, +0.4% from August, +2.3% from September 2016, Personal Savings Rate at 3.1%, Effective Tax Rate 12.5%. USDOC PR link.

***Friday, October 27:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 10/27/17:
DJIA ends at 23,434.19, +0.45% from last Friday, +4.59% MTD/QTD, +18.58% YTD, -0.03% from record 23,441.76 set 10/24/17.
NASDAQ ends at record 6,701.26, +1.09% from last Friday, +3.16% MTD/QTD, +24.49% YTD, +0.00% from record 6,701.26 set 10/27/17.
SPX ends at record 2,581.07, +0.23% from last Friday, +2.45% MTD/QTD, +15.29% YTD, +0.00% from record 2,581.07 set 10/27/17.

ExxonMobil(PBR2) with recent agreements now has 1.4+ million net acres offshore from Brazil, over 2 billion barrels of high quality oil reserves. $XOM PR link.

Amazon(PBR29)’s Whole Foods unit having a National Hiring Day on 11/02/17, looking to hire 6,000+ people for part/full time positions. $AMZN PR link.

Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) 3Q17 report says restructuring, $150 million cost reduction initiative to include laying off 1,300 positions, appoints James Bierman, former President/CEO of Owens & Minor(PBR292) to the Board. $THC PR link.

Huntsman(PBR244) and Swiss based Clariant (SIX: CLN) agree to abandon $20 billion merger of equals, based on activist investor opposition. $HUN PR link.

Mylan(PBR346)’s EpiPen4Schools® Program surpasses one million free Epinephrine Auto-Injector donations to US schools. $MYL PR link.

XCEL Energy(PBR241) EVP & Group President/Utilities and Chief Administrative Officer Marvin McDaniel Jr to retire 2Q18. $XEL PR link.

Delek US(PBR536) & Delek Logistics hires Melissa Buhrig as EVP/General Counsel & Secretary. $DK PR link.

Interpublic(PBR350) appoints Patrick Q. Moore, EVP/Strategy and Business Development of Carters(PBR699), to the Board, effective 01/01/18. $IPG PR link.

AMC Entertainment(PBR728) board member Jack Q. Gao resigns along with all other boards affiliated with parent Chinese private conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group. $AMC PR link.

Schnitzer Steel(PBR764) appoints Rhonda D. Hunter, SVP at Weyerhauser(PBR355), to the Board. $SCHN PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce US Advance Estimate 3Q17 Gross Domestic Product is +3.0%, $19,495.5 trillion, +1.3% from 2Q17, +4.1% from 3Q16. USDOC PR link.

The U of Michigan US Final October Consumer Sentiment Index is at 100.7, September was 95.1, August 96.8, October 2016 87.2. UMich PR link.

***Thursday, October 26:

Comcast(PBR42) in 3Q17 nets 115,000 new customer relationships, total is now 29.1 million, revenues through 9 months at $62.6 billion, +5.4% from 2016. $CMCSA PR link.

Cognizant(PBR272) to acquire London, UK, based 220 digital agency experts independent full-service digital agency firm Zone, to close in 4Q17, terms not disclosed. $CTSH PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) wins UK court ruling related to Copaxone® 40 mg/mL Patent. $MYL PR link.

Hershey(PBR354) authorizes additional $100 million share repurchase program, to start after current authorization is completed. $HSY PR link.

Intuit(PBR529) to acquire cloud-based SaaS technology provider of sales and use tax calculation and filing Exactor, to be integrated into Quickbooks Online, terms not disclosed. $INTU PR link.

Perrigo(PBR565) settles Hatch-Waxman litigation relating to Onexton® Gel (clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and benzoyl peroxide 3.75%) brought by Valeant Pharmaceuticals NA and Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences, details not disclosed. $PRGO PR link.

Twitter(PBR735) in 3Q17 report says Monthly Active Users were at 330 million, +4% from 3Q16, revenues were $590 million, -4% from 3Q16. $TWTR PR link.

Hologic(PBR767) gets US FDA clearance for Paraflu Assay on Panther Fusion® system. $HOLX PR link.

Equinix(PBR793) opening $98.5 million International Business Exchange™ (IBX®)data center, named DC12, at Ashburn campus in Virginia. Now operates 14 IBX data centers in the Washington, D.C. area. $EQIX PR link.

Deckers Outdoor(PBR929) in 2Q18 report says it has authorized an additional $335 million for share repurchase program, balance is now $400 million. Also states it is no longer actively pursuing a sale of its business. $DECK PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) gets new Kansas Lottery‘s 10 year systems contract, implementation planned for 07/18, will replace current supplier. $SGMS PR link.

Hewlett Packard Enterprises(PBR56) hires Archana “Archie” Deskus as Global Chief Information Officer. $HPE PR link.

Community Health Systems(PBR125) Division II President Michael Portacci to retire 12/01/17. $CYH PR link.

Netflix(PBR447) promotes Jessica Neal to Chief Talent Officer. $NFLX PR link.

Suburban Propane(PBR901) promotes SVP/Operations Steven C. Boyd to COO. $SPH PR link.

Chevron(PBR3) elects John B. Frank, Vice Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, to the Board. $CVX PR link.

Equifax(PBR795) appoints Scott A. McGregor, former CEO of Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), to the Board. $EFX PR link.

The US Dept of Labor reports that US Initial Unemployment Claims 4 Week Moving Average on 10/14/17 was 239,500, -13.8% from 09/16/17, -5.3% from 10/15/16. USDOL PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says US Average 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate on 10/26/17 was 3.94% with 0.5 points/fees, was 3.83% on 09/28/17, 3.47% on 10/27/16. $FMCC PR link.

***Wednesday, October 25:

Amazon(PBR29) launches Amazon Key for Prime members, initially in 37 cities, enables in-home delivery and secure home access for guests and service appointments, available starting 11/08/17. $AMZN PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) announces CloudCam security camera, works with Alexa, one for $119.99, 3 for $289.99, available 11/08/17. $AMZN PR link.

American Airlines(PBR69) Chairman/CEO Doug Parker responds to NAACP travel advisory in letter to employees. $AAL PR link.

Sprint(PBR86) total 3Q17 wireless net additions was 378,000, 54,027,000 total connections, 3Q16 was 53,962,000. $S PR link.

Sears(PBR93) releases reinvented 120 page 2017 Wish Book catalog for the holidays, first release since 2011. $SHLD PR link.

Nordstrom(PBR214) aiming to fill 13,650 positions before the holidays. $JWN PR link.

CSX(PBR226) authorizes new $1.5 billion share repurchase program. $CSX PR link.

Sanofi(EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) files suit against Mylan(PBR346 $MYL) in US District Court to defend 18 patent rights on Lantus® and Lantus® SoloStar®. $SNY PR link.

Orbital ATK(PBR655) delivers 100,000th Hellfire rocket motor. $OA PR link.

Intl Flavors & Fragrances(PBR666) commissioning a new fragrance ingredients 165,000 sq meters plant in Jiande, located in China’s Zhejiang Province. $IFF PR link.

Mondelez(PBR87) hires Glen Walter as EVP & President/N America. $MDLZ PR link.

CSX(PBR226) hires James Foote as COO, succeeds departing EVP/COO Cindy Sanborn and EVP/Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Fredrik Eliasson, effective 11/15/17. EVP/Law & Public Affairs, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary Ellen M. Fitzsimmons retiring effective 11/08/17, to be succeeded by Nathan Goldman. $CSX PR link.

Essendent(PBR458) interim President/CEO Richard Phillips elected President/CEO. $ESND PR link.

The Carlyle Group(PBR581) announces Kewsong Lee & Glenn Youngkin to become Co-CEOs, Peter Clare to join William Conway, Jr, as Co-Chief Investment Officer, Daniel A. D’Aniello to become Chairman Emeritus & remain on Board, current Co-CEOs David M. Rubenstein and William E. Conway, Jr. will become Co-Executive Chairmen, all effective 01/01/18. $CG PR link.

New York Times(PBR971) EVP/CFO James Follo to retire in early 2018. Successor search starts. $NYT PR link.

EMCOR(PBR392) elects William Reid, former CEO of EMCOR Industrial Services, to the Board. $EME PR link.

Olin Corp(PBR838) elects Earl L. Shipp, former Dow Chemical VP/US Gulf Coast Operations, to the Board. $OLN PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/HUD says US Preliminary September New Family Homes Sales Annual Rate is at 667,000 units, +18.9% from August, +17.0% from September 2016, Median Price $319,700, +5.2% from August, -1.2% from September 2016, New Houses Available at 279,000, 5.0 Months Supply. HUD PR link.

The US Energy Information Administrationsays US 10/20/17 Crude Oil Reserves were at 457.3 million barrels, -2.9% from 09/22/17, -2.3% from 10/21/16. EIA PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) Rental Housing Surveyfinds affordability driving demand for rental housing, highlights changing preferences towards renting among all demographics. $FMCC PR link.

***Tuesday, October 24:

AT&T(PBR12) 3Q17 report shows revenue decline primarily because of wireline declines, had 3.0 million net adds for wireless services, Nearly 300,000 DIRECTV NOW net adds balances traditional TV subscriber declines. $T PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) celebrates 10 years in Arizona, employs 6,000, to open a new center in Phoenix area, refurbish original Valley location, add 1,000+ more fulltime jobs. $AMZN PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) launches Business Prime Shipping, $499/10 users and other options annual subscription in the US and Germany, includes unlimited free 2 day shipping in the US. $AMZN PR link.

Anthem(PBR38) to acquire Florida based 130,000 members privately‐held for‐profit Medicare Advantage organization America’s 1st Choice, terms not disclosed, to close 1Q18. $ANTM PR link.

International Paper(PBR117) to sell majority interest in its N America Consumer Packaging business, with 3,900 employees in 10 locations in US and UK, to Graphic Packaging(PBR553) for $1.8 billion, will retain 20.5% stake. $IP PR link.

Eli Lilly(PBR142) in 3Q17 report says reviewing strategic alternatives for Elanco Animal Health unit, including an initial public offering, merger, sale, or retention of the business. $LLY PR link.

Cognizant(PBR272) to acquire Zurick, Switzerland, based 380 employees digital experience and marketing solutions provider Netcentric, terms not disclosed. $CTSH PR link.

Pentair(PBR363) to file Form 10 for spin-off Electrical business as a separate public company called nVent, remain a public Water company, still planned for 2Q18. $PNR PR link.

New York Times(PBR971) to transfer pension benefits and annuity administration for approximately $225 million in pension obligations in agreement with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. $NYT PR link.

AIG(PBR46) hires Thomas Leonardi as EVP/Government Affairs, Public Policy and Communications, effective 11/01/17. $AIG PR link.

Patterson Cos(PBR542) hires Mark Walchirk as President/CEO, effective 11/20/17, succeeds interim CEO Jim Wiltz who will remain on the Board. $PDCO PR link.

TriNet(PBR659) hires Barrett Boston as SVP/Chief Revenue Officer. $TNET PR link.

Whiting Petroleum(PBR667) hires Bradley Holly as President/CEO, effective 11/01/17, to succeed retiring James Volker. $WLL PR link.

Express Scripts(PBR860) moves EVP James M. Havel to EVP/CFO, succeeds Eric Slusser who will be leaving at end of 1Q18. $ESRX PR link.

Amgen(PBR135) appoints Dr. Wanda Austin, retired President/CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, to the Board, to be effective in 12/17. $AMGN PR link.

Ball Corp(PBR312) elects Cathy D. Ross, retired EVP/CFO of FedEx(PBR65) Express, and Pedro Henrique Mariani, Chairman of Banco BBM, to the Board. $BLL PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond 5th District September Manufacturing Index(Annualized) is at +12%, August was +19%, July +14%, September 2016 -6%; The September Service Sector Revenue Index is at +24%, August was +22%, July +22%, September 2016 +10%. RichmondFed PR link.

***Monday, October 23:

AT&T(PBR12) $85.4 billion cash/stock acquisition of Time Warner(PBR103) termination date extended for a short while to get US regulatory approval. $T PR link.

Johnson & Johnson(PBR37)’s Janssen unit receives 2 US FDA approvals for Simponi aria® (Golimumab) for treatment of adults with active Psoriatic Arthritis or active Ankylosing Spondylitis. $JNJ PR link.

Cisco(PBR60) to acquire cloud PBX, unified communications, team collaboration, and contact center solutions for businesses and service providers across 80 countries BroadSoft (NASDAQ: BSFT) for $55/share, $1.9 billion net of cash, to close 1Q18. $CSCO PR link.

Delta(PBR72) to hire 1,000 flight attendants in 2018, had 150,000 applicants in 2017. $DAL PR link.

T-Mobile(PBR95) 3Q17 report shows 1.3 million total net additions – 18 straight quarters of adding more than 1 million, ends with 70,731,000 total customers. $TMUS PR link.

Hartford Financial(PBR152) to acquire Aetna(PBR49)’s US Group Life and Disability business for $1.45 billion cash, expected to close early 11/17. $HIG PR link.

eBay(PBR163) StubHub unit gets multi-year agreement with Natl Football League to be its NFL Authorized Ticket Resale Marketplace starting with the 2018-2019 season. $EBAY PR link.

ConAgra(PBR166) completes acquisition of Angie’s Artisan Treats, the maker of Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP ready-to-eat popcorn, from TPG Growth, terms not disclosed. $CAG PR link.

CarMax(PBR202) to hire 2,000+ for long-term positions by 12/31/17. $KMX PR link.

Praxair(PBR233) merger with Germany based Linde AG(Xetra: LIN) to become a $30 billion/year Linde plc exchange offer minimum ratio changed from 75% to 60%, original acceptance period extended from 10/24/17 to 11/07/17 midnight. $PX PR link.

Hess(PBR248) to sell its oil and gas interests in Norway to Aker BP ASA for $2 billion; commences sale of Denmark assets. $HES PR link.

XPO Logistics(PBR321) to hire 6,000 seasonal workers in anticipation of expansion of e-commerce sales. $XPO PR link.

LKQ(PBR376) to acquire Dover(PBR343) subsidiary Warn Co, 350+ employees designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance vehicle equipment and accessories, terms not disclosed. $LKQ PR link.

Netflix(PBR447) to offer $1.6 billion for 4.875% senior notes, to close 10/26/17, 04/15/28 mature date, proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes. $NFLX PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) completes acquisition of global content and analytics for institutional investors provider eVestment, terms not disclosed. $NDAQ PR link.

HB Fuller(PBR870) completes $1.575 billion acquisition of South Bend, IN, based $650 million/year, 1,500 employees in 5 countries Royal Adhesives & Sealants. $FUL PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) EVP/Retail Operations Fred Morganthall to retire after 31 years of service, effective 11/30/17, EVP/Merchandising Mike Donnelly to assume responsibility for both operations as EVP/COO, effective 11/01/17. $KR PR link.

Coca-Cola(PBR63) President/N America J. Alexander “Sandy” Douglas Jr to retire on 03/01/18, will be succeeded by James L. “Jim” Dinkins who will assume new responsibilities on 01/01/18. $KO PR link.

Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) CEO Trevor Fetter steps down & resigns from Board as planned, Executive Chairman Ronald A. Rittenmeyer appointed CEO until permanent successor appointed. $THC PR link.

Arconic(PBR215) to hire Charles “Chip” Blankenship as CEO, effective 01/15/18, will succeed interim CEO and director David Hess, who will remain on the Board, director John Plant appointed Chairman, effective immediately. $ARNC PR link.

Arconic(PBR215) appoints Eric Roegner as EVP & Group President/Engineered Products and Solutions, succeeds leaving Karl Tragl, Tim Myers appointed EVP & Group President/Global Rolled Products and Transportation & Construction Solutions. $ARNC PR link.

Caesars Entertainment(PBR314) hires Chris Holdren as Chief Marketing Officer, effective 11/01/17. $CZR PR link.

Diebold Nixdorf(PBR676) promotes Patty Lang to VP/Chief People Officer. $DBD PR link.

Blackhawk Network(PBR998) hires Charles Garner as CFO, to succeed retiring Jerry Ulrich. $HAWK PR link.

Delta(PBR72) appoints former US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter to the Board. $DAL PR link.

Stanley Black & Decker(PBR249) elects Nike(PBR98) CIO Jim Scholefield to the Board. $SWK PR link.

Brink’s(PBR613) appoints Dan Henry, former CEO of Netspend Corp and Euronet co-founder, to the Board, Peter Feld to resign from Board effective 11/11/17. $BCO PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago US Preliminary September Federal National Activity Index is at +0.17, August was -0.37, July -0.27, September 2016 -0.04. ChiFed PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) October Outlookforecasts 4.4% average interest rate in 2018, 6.3 million homes sold, 4.9% house price growth, $1.695 trillion in total originations. Also assesses impact of recent hurricanes. $FMCC PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) Multifamily in Focusreport focuses on the worsening of rental affordability. $FMCC PR link.

***Friday, October 20:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 10/20/17:
DJIA ends at record 23,328.63, +2.00% from last Friday, +4.12% MTD/QTD, +18.04% YTD, +0.00% from record 23,328.63 set 10/20/17.
NASDAQ ends at record 6,629.05, +0.35% from last Friday, +2.05% MTD/QTD, +23.15% YTD, +0.00% from record 6,629.05 set 10/20/17.
SPX ends at record 2,575.21, +0.86% from last Friday, +2.22% MTD/QTD, +15.02% YTD, +0.00% from record 2,575.21 set 10/20/17.

Booz Allen Hamilton(PBR466) to acquire Cincinnati, OH, based 40 professionals platform for managed cyber threat detection and response services provider Morphick, terms not disclosed. $BAH PR link.

Merck(PBR70 $MRK) laying off around 1,800 US sales people from 3 sales teams, to focus on chronic care therapies with 960 sales people. MarketWatch PR link.

Sealed Air(PBR344) SVP/CFO Carol Lowe departing on 10/31/17, Chief Accounting Officer/Controller Bill Stiehl to add interim CFO role. $SEE PR link.

Domino’s(PBR889) 113 Chicagoland locations to hire 2,000 new team members. $DPZ PR link.

Blackstone(PBR352) Board member Richard Jenrette retires, Board size reduced from 12 to 11. $BX PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says US September Federal Government Receipts were $348.722 billion, Outlays $340.722 billion, Surplus $8.000 billion, Fiscal 2017 Year End Deficit at $665.712 billion, Fiscal 2016 Year End Deficitwas $585.6 billion. Treasury PR link.

The Natl Assn of Realtors says US September Total Existing Home Sales Annual Rate is at 5,390,000, +0.7% from August, -1.5% from September 2016, Median Price is $245,100, September 2016 $235,200. NAR PR link.

***Thursday, October 19:

Verizon(PBR15) adds 603,000 net retail postpaid net additions wireless subscribers in 3Q17, had 109.7 million retail postpaid connections and 5.6 million retail prepaid connections at the end of the quarter. $VZ PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) launches 18th wind farm, located in Scurry County, TX, has 100+ turbines, to generate 1,000,000+ MWh a year, 35 more Amazon wind farms scheduled. $AMZN PR link.

Alphabet(PBR44)’s CapitalG growth investment fund heads up $1 billion financing in ridesharing company Lyft. $GOOG PR link.

Genuine Parts(PBR191) to acquire Cedar Rapids, IA, based industrial applications company $100 million revenues/year Apache Hose & Belting, and Rochester, NY, based 17 stores regional automotive parts distributor $25 million revenues/year Monroe Motor Products, terms not disclosed. $GPC PR link.

CBS(PBR210) to split off CBS Radio which will combine with Entercom Communications(NYSE: ETM), will have 235 radio stations, including 22 in top 25 US markets. $CBS PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) introducing smartwatches in 245 stores and JCPenney.com starting 10/30/17, unveils new Modern Bride concept in its fine jewelry dept. $JCP PR link.

TechnipFMC(PBR334) to acquire Plexus’ Exploration Wellhead equipment and services business for jack up applications, terms not disclosed. $FTI PR link.

Celgene(PBR347) stops two Crohn’s disease studies, not initiating another related study due to results. $CELG PR link.

JetBlue(PBR429) ending ticket sales through more than 10 online travel agencies, will focus on direct bookings though jetblue.com and select third-party channels, to reduce costs. $JBLU PR link.

Under Armour(PBR668) introduces subscription service ArmourBox, sends 4-6 items, try for a week, send back unwanted items, 20% off if take all items. $UA PR link.

Nelnet(PBR972) to acquire Madison, WI, based student loan servicing company Great Lakes Educational Loan Services for $150 million cash. $NNI PR link.

Intuit(PBR529) board member Diane Greene, CEO of Alphabet(PBR44)’s Google cloud businesses, stepping down at annual shareholder meeting in 01/18, former Amazon(PBR29) CFO Thomas Szkutak nominated as successor. $INTU PR link.

Ferro Corp(PBR992) appoints Marran Ogilvie, who has more than 20 years of executive management and financial experience across a diverse set of business environments, to the Board. $FOE PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia 3rd District October Manufacturing General Activity Indicator is at 27.9, September was 23.8, August 18.9, October 2016 11.1. PhillyFed PR link.

The Conference Board US Preliminary September Leading Economic Index is at 128.6, August was 128.8, July 128.4, September 2016 123.8. TCB PR link.

***Wednesday, October 18:

ExxonMobil(PBR2) has acquired a crude oil terminal in Wink, TX, from Genesis Energy, permitted for 100,000 barrels of oil/day, located in Delaware Basin of the Permian Basin. $XOM PR link.

Apple(PBR5) & GE(PBR9) partner to bring predictive data and analytics from Predix, GE’s industrial Internet of Things (IoT) platform, to iPhone & iPad. $GE PR link.

AT&T(PBR12) gets Brazilian Antitrust Authority approval for $85.4 billion cash/stock acquisition of Time Warner(PBR103), US only regulatory agency left, expects to close by 12/31/17. $T PR link.

Anthem(PBR38) establishing a new pharmacy benefits manager to be named IngenioRx, to launch in 2020 upon expiration of current contract, gets 5 year deal to provide IngenioRx to CVS Health(PBR11) starting 01/01/2020. $ANTM PR link.

Hewlett Packard Enterprises(PBR55) to return $2.5 billion to shareholders in FY18, $500 million in dividends, $2 billion in share repurchases, increases share repurchase authorization by $5 billion. $HPE PR link.

Gilead Sciences(PBR107)’s Kite unit Yescarta™ (Axicabtagene Ciloleucel) becomes first CAR T Adult Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma therapy for certain situations approved by the US FDA. $GILD PR link.

SuperValu(PBR164) to acquire retailer owned cooperative, 650 employees, 1.5 million sf in real estate Affiliated Grocers of Florida for $180 million. $SVU PR link.

Micron Technology(PBR180) to retire $2.25 billion in debt. $MU PR link.

Assurant(PBR268) to acquire $1 billion revenues/2017 vehicle protection and financial services provider The Warranty Group for $2.5 billion, includes debt, to close in 1H18. $AIZ PR link.

CBRE(PBR301) acquires San Francisco, CA, based Custom Spaces, the Bay Area’s premier boutique real estate advisor to the tech sector. $CBG PR link.

Quest Diagnostics(PBR353) to acquire Cleveland HeartLab, form strategic collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, terms not disclosed. $DGX PR link.

SunPower(PBR680) gets 291 megawatts deal in 2nd Round CRE4 French Tenders for Solar Projects, will be supplying 505 megawatts in 1st/2nd Round of the French Tenders combined, more than any other solar panel brand. $SPWR PR link.

Universal Forest Products(PBR733) to do 3:1 stock split, effective 11/15/17. $UFPI PR link.

MEDNAX(PBR794) to acquire 90+ physicians serving 160 sites Houston metro based Synergy Radiology Associates, terms not disclosed, 10th acquisition in 2017. $MD PR link.

Adtalem Education(PBR905)’s DeVry University receives accreditation reaffirmation for it Engineering Technology classroom and online programs. $ATGE PR link.

American Express(PBR83) appoints Vice Chairman Stephen J. Squeri to succeed retiring Kenneth I. Chenault as Chairman/CEO on 02/01/18. $AXP PR link.

C.H. Robinson(PBR215) appoints Timothy C. Gokey, President/COO at Broadridge Financial(PBR533), to the Board. $CHRW PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/HUD says US Preliminary September Total Housing Permits Issued Annual Rate is at 1,215,000, -4.5% from August, -4.3% from September 2016. HUD PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Board releases Beige Book, based on data gathered through 10/06/17, says pace of growth split between modest and moderate. Fed PR link.

ADP(PBR237) says US 3Q17 Workforce Vitality Index(3Q13=100) is at 115.1, +3.5% from 3Q16. $ADP PR link.

***Tuesday, October 17:

Johnson & Johnson(PBR37) in 3Q17 report says it will not pursue global approvals of sirukumab for treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, to discontinue clinical trial for talacotuzumab, an investigational compound being studied in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. $JNJ PR link.

Fidelity Natl Financial(PBR331) FNFV Group unit completes $200 million cash acquisition of clinical documentation and coding solutions for healthcare facilities T-System Holdings. $FNF PR link.

Electronic Arts(PBR527) to ramp down and close Visceral studio, move its Star Wars project to EA Worldwide Studios, to launch new Star Wars Battlefront II in a few weeks. $EA PR link.

Tailored Brands(PBR643) enters 9th year in partnership with National Basketball Coaches Assn, providing 10 US made Joseph Abboud suits and 20 ties for 24 NBA coaches. $TLRD PR link.

Middleby(PBR865) acquires Dayton, OH, based $50 million/year slicers and mixers for the commercial foodservice industry provider Globe Food Equipment Co. $MIDD PR link.

Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN) Studios unit suspended for sexual harrassment allegations head Roy Price resigns. Deadline PR link.

World Fuel(PBR67) hires Jeff Smith as EVP/COO. $INT PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) hires Danielle Kirgan as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective 10/23/17. $M PR link.

DISH(PBR196) promotes SVP Tim Messner to General Counsel, effective 10/23/17, succeeds EVP R Stanton Dodge, who will be joining DraftKings as its chief legal officer. $DISH PR link.

TSYS(PBR790) elects Thaddeus Arroyo, CEO of AT&T(PBR12) Business unit, and Richard A. Smith, Chairman/President/CEO of Realogy Holdings Corp, to the Board. $TSS PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary September All Imports Prices were +0.7%, All Exports Prices +0.8%, Year-to-Date All Import Prices +2.7%, YTD All Export Prices +2.9%. USDOL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Board says US Preliminary September Industrial Production Total Index(2012=100) is at 104.6, August104.3, July 105.1, September 2016 104.1. USFed PR link.

The Natl Assn of Home Builders/Wells Fargo US Preliminary October Housing Market Index is at 68, September was 64, August 67, October 2016 63. NAHB PR link.

***Monday, October 16:

Johnson & Johnson(PBR37)’s Janssen unit gets US FDA approval for an expanded indication for STELARA® (ustekinumab) for the treatment of adolescents with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. $JNJ PR link.

Aramark(PBR184) to acquire N America hospitality procurement services provider Avendra for $1.35 billion from a consortium of 5 major hospitality companies. Also acquiring uniform and linen rental and supply company AmeriPride for $1 billion. Both transactions to close by 12/31/17. $AMRK PR link.

Nordstrom(PBR214) family suspends active exploration of taking the company private until after the start of 2018. $JWN PR link.

Facebook(PBR228 $FB) acquires recently launched app developer TBH, has quickly added 5 million subscribers, over 1 billion messages sent. TBH PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) says US District Court concludes that Allergan(PBR219)‘s patent protection for Restasis ended in 2014, not entitled to renewed patent rights for a second wave of patent protection, also binding against Allergan’s arrangement with Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. $MYL PR link.

Blackstone(PBR352) completes acquisition of Philadelphia, PA, area based independent investment management firm with over $10 billion in assets under management Harvest Fund Advisors, terms not disclosed. $BX PR link.

Cummins(PBR438) to acquire assets of Brammo, which designs and develops battery packs for mobile and stationary applications, terms not disclosed. $CMI PR link.

Netflix(PBR447) in 3Q17 reports net gain of 5.3 million subscribers, total now 109.25 million memberships, forecasts to grow by 6.3 million in 4Q17, continue to build its own content. $NFLX PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Santa Fe, NM, based commercial property/casualty and employee benefits coverages and services, and high-net-worth personal lines coverages provider Reynolds & Rodar Insurance Group, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

GE(PBR9) promotes Rafael Santana to CEO/GE Transportation, effective 11/01/17, succeeds Jamie Miller who is becoming GE CFO. $GE PR link.

Micron Technology(PBR180) hires Manish Bhatia as EVP/Global Operations. $MU PR link.

Dentsply Sirona(PBR694) hires Nick Alexos as EVP/Chief Administration Officer and Keith Ebling as EVP/General Counsel & Secretary. $XRAY PR link.

Woodward(PBR888) President/Airframe Systems Group Martin Glass to resign on 02/02/18 after 40 years with the company. $WWD PR link.

Microsoft(PBR29) proposes election of Penny Pritzker, former US Secretary of Commerce, and Arne Sorenson, President/CEO of Marriott Intl(PBR211), to the Board, at annual meeting set for 11/29/17. $MSFT PR link.

Proctor & Gamble(PBR33) provides preliminary voting results, indicates Trian‘s Nelson Peltz narrowly defeated for a Board position. $PG PR link.

Sears(PBR93) board member Bruce Berkowitz, Chief Investment Officer of Fairholme Capital Management, steps down. $SHLD PR link.

Vulcan Materials(PBR685) elects Kathleen Quirk, EVP/CFO of Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128), to the Board. $VMC PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York October Empire State Manufacturing Index is at 30.2, a 3 year high, September was 24.4, August 25.2, October 2016 -5.5. NYFed PR link.

***Friday, October 13:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 10/13/17:
DJIA ends week at 22,871.72, +0.43% from last Friday, +2.08% MTD/QTD, +15.73% YTD, -0.01% from record 22,872.89 set 10/11/17.
NASDAQ ends at record 6,605.80, +0.24% from last Friday, +1.69% MTD/QTD, +22.71% YTD, +0.00% from record 6,605.80 set 10/13/17.
SPX ends at 2,553.17, +0.15% from last Friday, +1.34% MTD/QTD, +14.04% YTD, -0.08% from record 2,555.24 set 10/11/17.

Comcast(PBR42 $CMCSA)’s Fandango unit to acquire MovieTickets.com, previously acquired Movieclips, Flixster, Rotten Tomatoes and a streaming platform it renamed Fandango Now. MarketWatch PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) pays $237.5 million and transfers 2,200 acres of land and assets to power provider Luminant Generation Companyto terminate electricity contract tied to Alcoa’s Rockdale Operations in Texas. $AA PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary September Current Average Earnings/Hourwas $26.55, Average Work Week Hours 34.4, Weekly Earnings $913.32, August was $909.19, July $910.46, September 2016$887.86. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US September Consumer Price Index(All Items) is at +0.5%, August was +0.4%, July +0.1%, Last 12 Months(Unadjusted) +2.2%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary August Trade Sales and Manufacturers’ Shipments were $1.369 trillion, +0.7% from July, +5.5% from August 2016. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Advance September Total Retail and Food Services/Drinking Places Revenues were $483.9 billion, +1.6% from August, +4.5% from September 2016. USDOC PR link.

The U of Michigan US Preliminary October Consumer Sentiment Index is at 101.1, September was 95.1, August 96.8, October 2016 87.2. UMich PR link.

***Thursday, October 12:

Amazon(PBR29) to hire for over 120,000 in the US for the 2017 holiday season. $AMZN PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) AWS unit and Microsoft(PBR31 $MSFT) announce Gluon, a new open source deep learning interface that allows developers to more easily and quickly build machine learning models. $AMZN PR link.

TimeInc(PBR631) partners with Alphabet(PBR44)’s Google to launch Adapt, leverages DoubleClick to deliver outstream native video ads. $TIME PR link.

Dynegy(PBR777) completes $180 million sale of its Lee Energy Facility to Rockland Capital, funds to be used for debt reduction. $DYN PR link.

Polaris Industries(PBR531) hires Chris Musso as President/Off-Road Vehicles, effective 11/06/17. $PII PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US September Producer Price Index for Total Final Demandwas +0.4%, August was +0.2%, July -0.1%, September 2016 +0.3%, Total Last 12 Months Total Demand at +2.1%. USDOL PR link.

***Wednesday, October 11:

Kroger(PBR20) announces Restock Kroger program, exploring strategic alternatives for its 784 stores, 11,000 associates, $4 billion/2016(includes $1.4 billion in inside sales) convenience store business, including possible sale. $KR PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) introduces Kindle Oasis, featuries 7-inch, 300 ppi display, waterproof design, and audible, $249.99, to start shipping 10/31/17. $AMZN PR link.

Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) to sell suburban Chicago based MacNeal Hospital and related operations, including an independent practice association of 1,000 physicians, to Trinity Health affilate Loyola Medicine regional healthcare system, to close 1Q18, terms not disclosed. $THC PR link.

Micron Technology(PBR180) reprices $1 billion common stock offering to $1.2 billion, for $41.00/share, to be used to pay down debt, expects to close by 10/16/17. $MU PR link.

Coach(PBR496) to change its name to Tapestry, Inc, stock trading symbol from COH to NYSE: TPR, effective 10/31/17. $COH PR link.

International Paper(PBR117) elects Jacqueline C. Hinman, Chairman/President/CEO of engineering firm CH2M Hill, and Clinton A. Lewis, Jr, EVP & President/International Operations of animal health medicines provider Zoetis(PBR500), to its Board. $IP PR link.

ITT Corp(PBR735) elects Mario Longhi, former President/CEO of US Steel(PBR167), to its Board. $ITT PR link.

TransDigm(PBR810) appoints Gary E. McCullough, investor/advisor to venture capital firm Abundant Venture Partners, and David A. Barr, most recently Managing Director of private equity fund Warburg Pincus, to its Board. $TDG PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary August Job Openings at 6,082,000, -0.9% from July, +10,7% from August 2016. USDOL PR link.

The Federal Open Market Committee releases 09/19-20/17 Meeting Minutes, says US economic activity rising moderately, inflation remains below 2% target, to start balance sheet normalization program in October, no change in federal funds rate. FOMC PR link.

The US Energy Information Administrationestimates Average 2017 WTI Oil Price Per Barrel to be $49.69, 2018 Forecast is $50.57, 2016 was $43.33, 2015 $48.67. EIA PR link.

***Tuesday, October 10:

Walmart(PBR1) authorizes new $20 billion share repurchase program, replaces existing program, to utilize over next 2 years. $WMT PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) introduces a new option for Prime Student, $5.49/month with no annual commitment. $AMZN PR link.

Pfizer(PBR56) reviewing strategic alternatives for its Consumer Healthcare business. $PFE PR link.

Honeywell(PBR74) to spinoff $4.5 billion/year 13,000 employees Homes and the ADI Global Distribution Business, and $3 billion/year 6,500 employees Transportation Systems, into two independent public companies by end of 2018, additional restructuring announced. $HON PR link.

Micron Technology(PBR180) launches $1 billion offering of common stock, to be used to pay down debts. $MU PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) introduces for the holiday season a limited collection of women’s apparel, accessories and home décor items created with award-winning actress and style icon Tracee Ellis Ross, available starting 11/12/17. $JCP PR link.

Henry Schein(PBR270) completes acquisition of independent family owned Columbia, SC, based $115 million/2016 animal health products supplier Merritt Veterinary Supplies, terms not disclosed. $HSIC PR link.

NVIDIA(PBR510) unveils NVIDIA DRIVE PX Pegasus, the world’s first artificial intelligence computer designed to drive fully autonomous robotaxis. $NVDA PR link.

Coty(PBR524) relaunches COVERGIRL brand to use makeup as a tool for self-expression and personal transformation. $COTY PR link.

Great Plains Energy(PBR757) & Westar Energy(PBR747) to hold special shareholder meetings on 11/21/17 to vote on merger of equals, on track for merger to close in 1H18. $GXP PR link.

Equinix(PBR795) completes $259 million acquisition of Itconic, a data center, connectivity and cloud infrastructure solutions provider in Spain and Portugal, from The Carlyle Group(PBR581). $EQIX PR link.

West Corp(PBR842), a global provider of communication and network infrastructure services, $23.50/share $5.1 billion cash acquisition by Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR906) is completed. $WSTC PR link.

Express Scripts(PBR860) to acquire privately-held evidence-based medical benefit management services provider eviCore healthcare for $3.6 billion, accelerates shift to being a patient benefit management company. $ESRX PR link.

CDW(PBR239) CFO Ann Zigler to retire on 12/31/17, Collin Kebo to be promoted to CFO on 01/01/18. $CDW PR link.

Molina Healthcare(PBR284) hires Joseph M. Zubretsky as President/CEO, effective 11/06/17. $MOH PR link.

MasterCard(PBR291) President/Global Products and Solutions Gary Flood leaving at end of 2017, operating units to then report to President/CEO Ajay Banga. $MA PR link.

MDU Resources(PBR513) promotes Trevor J. Hastings to President/CEO of WBI Holdings Inc., MDU’s pipeline and energy services business. $MDU PR link.

KB Home(PBR802) elects James C. (“Rad”) Weaver, CEO of McCombs Partners, the investment management division of McCombs Enterprises, to the Board. $KBH PR link.

CoreLogic reports that US July Housing Loans 30 Days Or More Delinquent were at 4.6%, June was 4.5%, May 4.5%, July 2016 5.5%, Total Houses In Foreclosure at 0.7%. CoreLogic PR link.

The International Monetary Fund October World Economic Outlook forecasts 3.6% global growth rate in 2017, 3.7% in 2018, mostly from emerging regions, and despite lower growth rates for the US and UK. IMF PR link.

***Monday, October 9:
***US Federal Holiday: Columbus Day.
***US Stock Markets: Open.

Phillips 66(PBR7) adds $3 billion to share repurchase program, balance is now $12 billion, from authorizations since 3Q2012. $PSX PR link.

Microsoft(PBR31) entering into a 15-year power purchase agreement with GE(PBR9) to purchase 100% of the wind energy from GE’s new, 37-megawatt Tullahennel wind farm in County Kerry, Ireland. $MSFT PR link.

AIG(PBR46) expects to report 3Q2017 pre-tax catastrophe losses net of reinsurance of $2.9 billion to $3.1 billion ($1.9 billion to $2.0 billion after-tax) from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Mexico earthquake. $AIG PR link.

Medtronic(PBR133) Endurant(TM) II/IIs stent graft system receives FDA approval to treat short neck anatomies when used with Heli-FX(TM) EndoAnchor(TM) System. $MDT PR link.

Ross Stores(PBR253) opens 40 stores in September/October, makes 96 stores in 2017, completes store growth plans for fiscal 2017. $ROST PR link.

Magellan Health(PBR592) gets all regulatory approvals to acquire Senior Whole Health, serves complex, high-risk populations, providing both Medicare and Medicaid dual-eligible benefits to 22,000+ members in Massachusetts/NY, anticipates $1 billion revenues in 2017, to close by 12/31/17. $MGLN PR link.

Keysight Technologies(PBR660) temporarily closing Santa Rosa corporate headquarters due to wildfires on the area. $KEYS PR link.

Equinix(PBR793) acquires $2.5 million/year Zenium data center in Istanbul, Turkey, for $92 million cash, to be renamed Equinix IS2, includes current 1,500 square meters fitted out data center, expandable to up to 12,000 square meters. $EQIX PR link.

Granite Construction(PBR831) promotes Kyle Larkin to SVP/California Group Manager, effective 10/16/17. $GVA PR link.

GE(PBR9) elects Ed Garden, Chief Investment Officer and a Founding Partner of Trian Fund Management, to the Board, replaces Robert Lane, former Chairman/CEO of Deere & Co(PBR81), who has retired for health reasons. $GE PR link.

Minerals Tech(PBR949) elects Franklin Feder, former senior executive at Alcoa(PBR115), to the Board. $MTX PR link.

FannieMae(PBR17) says US September Home Purchase Sentiment Index is at 88.3, Augustwas 88.0, July 86.8, September 2016 82.8. $FNMA PR link.

***Friday, October 6:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 10/06/17:
DJIA ends week at 22,773.67, +1.65% from last Friday/MTD/QTD, +15.24% YTD, -0.01% from record 22,775.39 set 10/05/17.
NASDAQ ends at record 6,590.18, +1.45% from last Friday/MTD/QTD, +22.42% YTD, +0.00% from record 6,590.18 set 10/06/17.
SPX ends at 2,549.33, +1.19% from last Friday/MTD/QTD, +13.87% YTD, -0.11% from record 2,552.07 set 10/05/17.

The PBR1000 Top 5 September by Market Capitalization(Company, Rank by Revenues, Stock Symbol, Market Cap, Stock Price 09/29/17, % Change from 12/31/16(YTD)) are:

1. Apple(PBR4), AAPL, $796B, $154.12, +33%
2. Alphabet(PBR27), GOOG, $665B, $959.11, +24%
3. Microsoft(PBR28), MSFT, $574B, $74.49, +20%
4. Facebook(PBR95), FB, $496B, $170.87, +49%
5. Amazon(PBR12), AMZN, $462B, $961.35, +28%
The PBR1000 Total Market Capitalization:$24.319 trillion
Average Market Capitalization Change YTD:+12.8%
Range: $797B to $0.00B
Average: $24.3B(1,001 companies); Median:$7.4B

To get the full Snapshot 15 report go to The PBR1000 Subscribe page.

Costco(PBR18) launches CostcoGrocery, offering free 2 day delivery of non-perishables on orders over $75, expanding InstaCart service for same day deliveries of perishables. $COST PR link.

Kellogg(PBR198) to acquire Chicago Bar Co, maker of clean-label protein nutrition bars RXBAR, for $600 million. $K PR link.

Caesars Entertainment(PBR314) announces new board of directors following completion of restructuring of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company. $CZR PR link.

Caesars Entertainment(PBR314) completes merger with Caesars Acquisition Companyand concludes restructuring of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, has an enterprise value of $20 billion, planning $1.5 billion in capital expenditures for property improvements. $CZR PR link.

United Natural Foods(PBR371) authorizes $200 million share repurchase program. $UNFI PR link.

CIT Group(PBR608) to sell Financial Freedom and reverse mortgage portfolio to an undisclosed buyer for $900 million, expects to close 2Q18. $CIT PR link.

ResMed(PBR977) provides status report on sleep-disordered breathing and respiratory care patent infringement lawsuits worldwide against Fisher & Paykel. $RMD PR link.

Apple(PBR5) hires Katherine Adams as General Counsel & SVP/Legal & Global Security, succeeds retiring General Counsel Bruce Sewell. $AAPL PR link.

GE(PBR9) CEO/Transportation Jamie Miller to be CFO, effective 11/01/17, succeeds departing Vice Chairman/CFO Jeff Bornstein, Vice Chairs Beth Comstock and John Rice to retire effective 12/31/17. $GE PR link.

Blackhawk Network(PBR998) board member Jeffrey Fox resigns to focus on recent appointment as CEO of Endurance International Group. $HAWK PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US September Non-Farm Employment was at 154,345,000, +906,000 from August, +2,419,000 from September 2016, Unemployed were at 6,801,000, Unemployment Rate is at 4.2%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary August Total Wholesale Saleswere $473.4 billion, +1.7% from July, +7.2% from August 2016. USDOC PR link.

The Federal Reserve Board says US Preliminary August Total Consumer Debt at $3.766 trillion, +0.4% from July, +3.3% YTD, +10.2% since 12/31/15(20 months). FED PR link.

***Thursday, October 5:

The PBR1000 Top 5 September Stock Price Gainers since 12/31/15(21 months)(Company, Rank by Revenues, Stock Symbol, Stock Price 09/29/17, % Change from 12/31/15) are:

1. NVIDIA(PBR363), NVDA, $178.77, +442%
2. Tronox(PBR819), TROX, $21.10, +440%
3. Scientific Games(PBR689), SGMS, $45.85, +411%
4. Navistar(PBR317), NAV, $44.07, +399%
5. Cleveland-Cliffs(PBR816), $7.15, +353%

Range: +442% to -96%
Number of Companies >0.0%: 860/997
Average: +26.1%; Median: +23.8%

To get the full Snapshot 13 report go to The PBR1000 Subscribe page.

Boeing(PBR27) to acquire Manassas, VA, based 550 employees across 6 states autonomous systems technologies to enable advanced robotic aircraft for future aerospace applications and vehicles developer Aurora Flight Sciences, terms not disclosed. $BA PR link.

Sears(PBR93) borrows $100 million at 11% interest from Chairman/CEO Eddie Lampert’s ESL Investments, can borrow up to $100 million before 12/01/17. $SHLD PR link.

Whirlpool(PBR138) gets unanimous US International Trade Commission safeguard ruling against Samsung and LG for washing machine imports, remedy hearing set for 10/19/17. $WHR PR link.

ADP(PBR235) acquires Irvine, CA, based digital payments processing platforms provider Global Cash Card, terms not disclosed. $ADP PR link.

MasterCard(PBR291) and PayPal(PBR252 $PYPL) expand digital partnership globally. $MA PR link.

DR Horton(PBR337) completes $17.75/share, $560 million cash 75% stake acquisition of Forestar Group(NYSE: FOR), will remain a public company. $DHI PR link.

Netflix(PBR447 $NFLX) raises subscription prices on premium services, plans to spend $7 billion on new content in 2018, up from $6 billion. MarketWatch PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Sudbury, Ontario, CAN, based human resources, employee benefits, wealth management and life insurance consulting and brokerage services area provider DiBrina Group, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Iron Mountain(PBR663) to acquire two Credit Suisse data centers in London and Singaporefor approximately $100 million, adds 273,000 sf to data center portfolio. $IRM PR link.

CME Group(PBR664) expands Asia Pacific footprint with opening of an office in Sydney, Australia. $CME PR link.

Regeneron(PBR708) and Sanofi to continue marketing, selling and manufacturing Praluent® (alirocumab) injection in the US per US Court of Appeals Amgen(PBR135 $AMGN) patent challenge decision, new trial to start in 2018, permanent injunction vacated. $REGN PR link.

Lennox Intl(PBR631) promotes Gary Bedard to EVP & President/COO of Worldwide Refrigeration, effective 10/16/17, succeeds departing David Moon. $LII PR link.

Vista Outdoor(PBR784) hires Christopher Metz as CEO, effective 10/09/17. $VSTO PR link.

ADP(PBR235) sends shareholders letter urging them to re-elect the 10 current directors, not for Pershing Square nominees, at 11/07/17 annual shareholders meeting. $ADP PR link.

Williams-Sonoma(PBR508) appoints Bob Lord, IBM(PBR25)‘s Chief Digital Officer, to the Board. $WSM PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census US Preliminary August Total Manufacturers New Orders was $471.7 billion, +1.2% from July, +3.9% from August 2016. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce US Preliminary August Total Exports were $195.3 billion, YTD(8 mos) $1.545 trillion, Total Imports were $237.7 billion, YTD $1.906 trillion; Deficit $42.4 billion, Deficit YTD $361.3 billion, August 2016 Deficit YTD was $332.2 billion. USDOC PR link.

***Wednesday, October 4:

The PBR1000 Top 5 September Stock Price Gainers YTD(Company, Rank by Revenues, Stock Symbol, Stock Price 09/29/17, % Change from 12/31/16) are:

1. Weight Watchers(PBR986), WTW, $43.55, +280%
2. Scientific Games(PBR689), SGMS, $45.85, +228%
3. Systemax(PBR899), SYX, $26.43, +201%
4. Restoration Hardware(PBR811), RH, $70.32, +129%
5. Conn’s(PBR912), CONN, $28.15, +123%

Range: +280% to -80%
Number of Companies >0.0%: 648/1,000
Average: +12.7%; Median: +9.1%

To get the full Snapshot 12 report go to The PBR1000 Subscribe page.

Amazon(PBR29) announces Alexa and the all-new Echo, Echo Plus, and Echo Dot now available in India, to be available in Japan later in the year. $AMZN PR link.

Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN) gets European Commission order to pay Luxembourg $294 million in back taxes. EC PR link.

Alphabet(PBR44 $GOOG)’s Google unit announces Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 LP smartphones, Home Mini speakers, Pixel Buds, Clips clip-on camera, Pixelbook & Pixelbook Pen. MarketWatch PR link.

World Fuel(PBR67) renews share repurchase program for up to $100 million, replaces 09/16 authorization. $INT PR link.

3M(PBR92) completes $2.0 billion acquisition of 1,500 employees worldwide safety devices provider Scott Safety from Johnson Controls(PBR68). $MMM PR link.

Gilead Sciences(PBR107) agreements with the Medicines Patent Pool and four manufacturers provides licenses for generic production of Bictegravir, for HIV treatments in low to middle income countries. $GILD PR link.

Kinder Morgan(PBR181), DCP Midstream(PBR929) and Targa Resources(PBR308) agree to jointly develop natural gas Gulf Coast Express Pipeline Project from Permian Basin to Texas coast. $KMI PR link.

Gannett(PBR414) acquires majority interest in Phoenix, AZ, based online media & publishing company with 8.5 million monthly food enthusiasts Grateful Ventures, terms not disclosed. $GCI PR link.

Navient(PBR443) to acquire financial technology and education finance company Earnest for $155 million cash. $NAVI PR link.

Tailored Brands(PBR643) Men’s Wearhouse to be NHL Coaches Assn official custom suit provider for 2 years, providing 10 American made Joseph Abboud custom suits and ties for participating coaches. $TLRD PR link.

Beacon Roofing(PBR818) $2.625 billion cash acquisition of East Rutherford, NJ, based 208 locations in 31 states exterior and interior building products distributor Allied Building Products Corp from Ireland based CRH plc(NYSE: CRH) expects to close 01/02/18. $BECN PR link.

Verizon(PBR15) EVP & President/Global Media Marni Walden to leave in 02/18. $VZ PR link.

Pitney Bowes(PBR588) EVP & President/SMB Solutions Mark Shearer to retire in 1Q18, Jason Dies is successor, Christopher Stehmann now EVP/International SMB Solutions, Lila Snyder named EVP & President/Global Ecommerce & Presort Services. $PBI PR link.

Diebold Nixdorf(PBR676) promotes Devon Watson to newly created position of VP/Chief Marketing Officer. $DBD PR link.

Hain Celestial(PBR712) hires Julie Bowerman as SVP/Digital Engagement & eCommerce. $HAIN PR link.

Cedar Fair(PBR977) President/COO Richard Zimmer to become CEO, effective 01/01/18, CEO Matt Ouimet to become Executive Chairman, Debra Smithart-Oglesby lead independent director. $FUN PR link.

World Fuel(PBR67) appoints Stephen Gold, EVP/Technology & Operations Innovation for CVS Health(PBR11), to the Board. $INT PR link.

ADP(PBR235) reports US Preliminary September Change In Private Sector National Employment(Non-Farm) was +135,000 jobs, -40.8% from August, -37.8% from September 2016, Goods Producing Sector was +48,000, Services +88,000. $ADP PR link.

The IHS Markit US September Composite PMI Output Index is at 54.8, August was 55.3, July54.6, September 2016 52.3. IHS Markit PR link.

The ISM US September Non-Manufacturing Index(>50 economy growing) is at 59.8%, August was 55.3%, July 53.9%, September 2016 57.1%. ISM PR link.

***Tuesday, October 3:

The PBR1000 Top 5 September Stock Price Gainers(Company, Rank by Revenues, Stock Symbol, Stock Price 08/31/17, % Change from 08/31/17) are:

1. Conn’s(PBR912), CONN, $28.15, +62%
2. Restoration Hardware(PBR811), RH, $70.32, +50%
3. Babcock & Wilcox(PBR914), BW, $3.33, +47%
4. Sears Hometown(PBR822), SHOS, $2.55, +46%
5. Revlon(PBR779), REV, $24.55, +45%

Range: +62% to -35%
Number of Companies >0.0%: 733/1,001
Average: +3.0%; Median: +4.4%

Not getting the monthly The PBR1000 with 15 analytical reports, 22 monthly rankings, and 200 data points/info per company? Subscribe here!

Walmart(PBR1) acquires New York City, NY, 24/7 operation that delivers packages the same-day, overnight and in scheduled two-hour windows provider Parcel, terms not disclosed. $WMT PR link.

Ford(PBR10) redeploying assets, to focus on smart cars, shift products emphasis to trucks, SUVs. $F PR link.

Verizon(PBR15)‘s recently acquired Yahoo unit reveals that all 3 billion accounts may have been hacked in 08/13, original estimate was 1 billion. $VZ PR link.

Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN) has acquired 3D body model startup, Body Labs, for $50M-$70M.TechCrunch PR link.

Microsoft(PBR31) unveils a Windows Mixed Reality headset from Samsung, the Samsung HMD Odyssey, which joins the family of Windows Mixed Reality headsets, to be available 10/17/17. $MSFT PR link.

Alphabet(PBR44 $GOOG)’s Google unit YouTube TV, $35/month service, to live stream Major League Baseball’s World Series in sponsorship agreement. MLB PR link.

3M(PBR92) completes $200 million sale of its $95 million/year electronic monitoring business used by correctional and law enforcement agencies around the world to an Apax Partnersaffiliate. $MMM PR link.

Gilead Sciences(PBR107) completes $180/share, $11.9 billion cash acquisition of engineered cell therapies developer Kite Pharma(NASDAQ: KITE). $GILD PR link.

Amgen(PBR135) and CytomX Therapeutics(NASDAQ:CTMX) to co-develop a CytomX Probody™ T-cell therapies for multiple human cancer types. $AMGN PR link.

Office Depot(PBR182) to enter business services sector with $1 billion acquisition of $1.1 billion/year 6,000 licensed technicians IT services, products and solutions provider CompuCom Systems. $ODP PR link.

Allergan(PBR219) gets US FDA approval for BOTOX® Cosmetic (OnabotulinumtoxinA) for temporary improvement in the appearance of some conditions of moderate to severe forehead lines. $AGN PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) gets US FDA approval for first generic for Teva Pharmaceutical’s Copaxone®, therapy for multiple sclerosis. $MYL PR link.

ARRIS Intl(PBR366) remains committed to $800 million cash acquisition of Brocade(PBR845)’s Ruckus Wireless and ICX Switch business from Singapore based Broadcom Ltd(NASDAQ: AVGO) once their merger is completed, which is being delayed. $ARRS PR link.

WABCO(PBR704) completes $250 million plus $225 million to $265 million over next 3 1/2 years based on earnings of the business acquisition of Meritor(PBR639) interest in Meritor WABCOjoint venture. $WBC PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) to acquire leading supplier of hole-card readers for blackjack provider Tech Art, to close in 1Q18, terms not disclosed. $SGMS PR link.

Mattel(PBR412) hires Joe Euteneuer as CFO, succeeds departed Kevin Farr. $MAT PR link.

Mattel(PBR412) hires Sven Gerjets as Chief Technology Officer, Amy Thompson as Chief People Officer, and Nancy Elder as Chief Communication Officer. $MAT PR link.

Welltower(PBR635) promotes John Goodey to EVP/CFO, succeeds departing Scott Estes. $HCN PR link.

Carlisle Cos(PBR650) hires Shelley Bausch as President/Carlisle Fluid Technologies. $CSL PR link.

Automotive News reports US September New Light Vehicle Sales were at 1,525,522 cars/trucks, +6.3% from September 2016, Annual Rate at 18.58 million units. Automotive News PR link.

TrueCar says US Estimated September Total New Vehicle Sales at $46 billion, -1.1% from September 2016, Average Transaction Price is $32,597, -1.1%, Incentive Per Unit Spending at $3,742. TrueCar PR link.

The Purdue/CME Group US September Ag Economy Barometer is at 132, August was also 132, July 139, September 2016 101, notes producers have waning optimism about US economy. Purdue/CME Group PR link.

Healthcare Study: Express Scripts(PBR860) analysis shows an estimated 870,000 Americans reached or exceeded a yearly medication cost threshold of $50,000 in 2016, up 35 percent from 2014. $ESRX PR link.

The National Retail Federation forecasts US 2017 Holiday Sales to grow 3.6-4.0%, $678.75 billion to $682 billion, up from $655.8 billion last year. NRF PR link.

***Monday, October 2:

GE(PBR9) completes $3.4 billion sale of Water & Process Technologies business to France based Suez and Canadian Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. $GE PR link.

Johnson & Johnson(PBR37) completes divestiture of its $371.5 million/2016 Codman Neurosurgery business to Integra LifeSciences for around $1.045 billion. $JNJ PR link.

International Paper(PBR117) to reduce pension liabilities by transferring $1.3 billion in pension benefits for 45,000 former employees to Prudential Financial(PBR55) through the purchase of a group annuity contract for pension benefits and annuity administration. $IP PR link.

CenturyLink(PBR160) gets US Dept of Justice approval, based on certain conditions, for $66.50/share, $34 billion acquistion of Level 3 Communications(PBR375), now waiting additional regulatory approvals. $CTL PR link.

VF Corp(PBR232) completes $820 million cash acquisition of Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co., a family-owned, private global workwear company, $875 million in revenues over the last 12 months. $VFC PR link.

Caesars Entertainment(PBR314) has approvals from all gaming authorities and stockholders, plans to complete merger with Caesars Acquisition and restructuring of Caesars Entertainment Operating Co on 10/06/17. $CZR PR link.

Fidelity Natl Financial(PBR331) completes spin-off of Black Knight(NYSE: BKI) as a separate public company. $FNF PR link.

Fidelity Natl Financial(PBR331) Group unit acquires majority interest in real estate digital transaction management and closing solutions SkySlope, used by 1,500 brokerages covering 5,000 offices, 140,000 agents to initiate 1.5 million real estate transactions/year. $FNF PR link.

Live Nation(PBR366) issues statement on Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting tragedy, pledges support and assistance for victims & employees. $LYV PR link.

Packaging Corp(PBR425) completes $265 million cash acquisition of Sacramento Container, Northern Sheets, and Central California Sheets. $PKG PR link.

Coty(PBR524) completes acquisition of exclusive long-term global license rights for Burberry Beauty luxury fragrances, cosmetics and skincare. $COTY PR link.

Pitney Bowes(PBR588) completes $475 million acquisition of private Austin, TX, based parcel delivery, returns, fulfillment and digital commerce solutions for retailers and ecommerce brands provider Newgistics. $PBI PR link.

Carlisle Cos(PBR650) to acquire Maryland Heights, MO, based $430 million revenues/year polyurethane products and solutions provider Accella Performance Materials from Arsenal Capital Partners for $670 million cash. $CSL PR link.

Tesla(PBR651) delivers 26,150 vehicles in 3Q17, 14,065 were Model S, 11,865 Model X, and 220 Model 3; expects to deliver 100,000 Model S & Model X’s in 2017, up 31% from 2016, removing bottlenecks for Model 3 production. $TSLA PR link.

Equifax(PBR795) says cybersecurity firm has concluded forensic investigation of cybersecurity event disclosed 09/07/17, raises total number of US consumers affected from 143 million to 145.5 million. $EFX PR link.

Griffon Corp(PBR890) completes $200 million acquisition of Emerson Electric(PBR109)‘s $300 million+ revenues/year 1,500 employees ClosetMaid unit. $GFF PR link.

Regis Corp(PBR912) completes sale and subsequent franchise of all mall-based salons and UK businesses, 1,108 salons with 9,800 stylists & managers, to Regent affiliate The Beautiful Group. $RGS PR link.

TeleFlex(PBR923) completes $725 million plus up to $375 million based on milestones achieved acquisition of private urology medical devices developer NeoTract. $TFX PR link.

Allscripts(PBR944) completes $185 million cash acquisition of McKesson(PBR6)‘s hospital/health system IT business, Enterprise Information Solutions. $MDRX PR link.

Vitamin Shoppe(PBR968) enters China marketvia digital platform in partnership with Macy’s(PBR97) China Limited using Alibaba‘s online Tmall Global service. $VSI PR link.

Cincinnati Bell(PBR988) completes $201 million cash acquisition of N America/UK technology services/solutions provider OnX Enterprise Solutions. $CBB PR link.

Principal Financial(PBR265) to promote Julia Lawler to Chief Risk Officer, effective 01/01/18, succeeds retiring Greg Elming. $PFG PR link.

CF Industries(PBR502) hires Susan Menzel as SVP/Human Resources, effective 10/05/17. $CF PR link.

Diplomat Pharmacy(PBR515) acquires Tennessee based product development, IT outsourcing, and consulting services provider 8th Day Software and Consulting, names its founder Dave Loschinskey as DPLO’s Chief Information Officer. $DPLO PR link.

Dentsply Sirona(PBR694) appoints Mark Thierer interim CEO, Bob Size interim President/COO, Eric Brandt Non-Executive Chairman, follows resignations of Jeffrey Slovin, Christopher Clark, and Bret Wise. $XRAY PR link.

ServiceMaster(PBR704) appoints Dion Persson to SVP/Business Development, to focus on spin-off of new stand-alone public company American Home Shield in 2018. $SERV PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) hires Shawn Dennis as EVP/Chief Marketing Officer. $SGMS PR link.

GE(PBR9) Chairman Jeff Immelt steps down per plan, CEO John Flannery elected to additional role of Chairman. $GE PR link.

Citigroup(PBR28) elects John C. Dugan, former Comptroller of the Currency, and S. Leslie Ireland, former Asst Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis for the US Treasury Dept, to the Board. $C PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary August Total Construction Spending Annual Rate is at $1.218 trillion, +0.5% from July, +2.50% from August 2016. USDOC PR link.

The ISM US September Manufacturing PMI Index is at 60.8%, August was 58.8%, July56.3%, September 2016 49.4%. ISM PR link.

The IHS Markit Final September Manufacturing PMI is at 53.1, August was 52.8, July 53.3, September 2016 51.5. IHS Markit PR link.

***Friday, September 29:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week and Month Ending 09/29/17:
DJIA ends at 22,405.09, +0.25% from last Friday, +2.08% MTD, +4.94% QTD, +13.37% YTD, -0.03% from record 22,412.59 set 09/20/17.
NASDAQ ends at record 6,495.96, +1.07% from last Friday, +1.05% MTD, +5.79% QTD, +20.67% YTD, +0.00% from record 6,495.96 set 09/29/17.
SPX ends at record 2,519.36, +0.68% from last Friday, +1.93% MTD, +3.96% QTD, +12.53% YTD, +0.00% from record 2,519.36 set 09/29/17.

Have questions on The PBR1000 or The PBR US Economic Indices Monthly Snapshots? Please contact us at Sales@PBRMarketTools.com or call us in the US at 520-282-4100.

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(The PBR1000 provides astute investors and business professionals with the data, news, and analysis for taking higher probability of success actions. The PBR1000 covers over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administrative headquarters in the US. These companies generate $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 Subscribers of The PBR1000. Subscribers 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 monthly or significantly discounted annual subscription, just click here to go to the PBRMarketTools.com Order page.)

(Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Stuart Miles.)