admin, Author at PBR Market Tools

The PBR1000 February 2016 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots

March 12, 2016 by admin

February 2016: Which Direction Are The Markets Heading?

Increase Decrease Chart-hywards ID-100395866

Stock Market and Commodities Prices…
Which Direction Will They Go
Short Term and Long Term?

By Larry C. Paxton

Throughout February 2016 the stock markets bounced up and down almost in synch with the price of oil. Annual corporate earnings reports continued to be mixed, also affected by oil industry companies. The markets also seemed to fluctuate on conjecture and mixed messages from Federal Reserve governors on how many and when interest rates will climb again.

In terms of volatility, out of the 20 trading days in February 2016, 11 of them were positive, 2 were less than -2%, compared to 5 in January, for the NASDAQ.

Both bulls and bears continue to make their case for the future, but the feeling is that there is really no overwhelming and convincing evidence one way or the other. However, I am sure there will be in hindsight down the road.

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In the following tables the stock price is for the close of trading on February 29th, Month % Chg is compared to December 31st, YTD % Chg is compared to January 30, 2015, and the 14 Mos % Chg is compared to December 31, 2014.

Table 1(S11): The PBR1000 Top 5 Month Stock Price % Gainers

Table 1 Summary: The range was +75.74% to -70.43%. 619 out of 1,030 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 60.10% of the companies tracked. The median was a gain of 1.65%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 02/29/16	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	14 Mos % Chg
Groupon	640	GRPN	4.78	+75.74	+55.70	-42.13
Titan International	887	TWI	5.07	+69.00	+28.68	-52.30
Freeport McMoRan	126	FCX	7.63	+65.87	+12.70	-67.34
Modine Manufacturing	962	MOD	9.48	+47.66	+4.75	-30.29
NII Holdings	588	NIHD	5.31	+45.48	+5.15	n/a

Table 2(S12): The PBR1000 Top 5 Year-To-Date Stock Price % Gainers

Table 2 Summary: The range was +212.50% to -83.97%. 383 out of 1,030 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 37.18% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of 3.92%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 02/29/16	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	14 Mos % Chg
Walter Energy	984	WLTGQ	0.04	+12.90	+212.50	-97.46
Groupon	640	GRPN	4.78	+75.74	+55.70	-42.13
J.C. Penney	232	JCP	10.20	+40.50	+53.15	+57.41
Newmont Mining	354	NEM	25.83	+29.41	+43.58	+36.67
Alpha Natural Resources	536	ANRZQ	0.02	-3.18	+38.18	-99.09

Table 3(S13): The PBR1000 Top 5 13 Months Stock Price % Gainers

Table 3 Summary: Range was +117.95% to -99.09%. 340 out of 1,026 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 33.14% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of -12.66%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 02/29/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	14 Mos % Chg
A-Mark Precious Metals	410	AMRK	21.73	+28.35	+15.28	+117.95
Netflix	438	NFLX	93.41	+1.71	-18.33	+91.41
Skechers	527	SKX	32.92	+16.58	+8.97	+78.72
Amazon.com	31	AMZN	552.52	-5.87	-18.25	+78.03
Heartland Payment Systems	401	HPY	93.52	+1.56	-1.37	+73.35

Table 4(S15): The PBR1000 Top 5 Market Capitalization

Table 4 Summary: Range was $536.11 billion to $0.00 billion. The average is $18.56 billion, median is $5.71 billion, out of 1,030 companies tracked.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Market Cap($B) 02/29/16	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	14 Mos % Chg
Apple	3	AAPL	536.11	-1.21	-8.65	-17.19
Alphabet	44	GOOGL	480.29	-6.00	-7.97	+34.50
Microsoft	27	MSFT	402.43	-8.55	-9.19	+5.10
ExxonMobil	2	XOM	333.10	+2.78	+2.65	-14.92
Berkshire Hathaway	5	BRK.A	331.57	+6.95	+1.87	-8.30
The PBR1000			19,119.29	-0.54	-5.74	-7.73

Table 5: The PBR1000 Index & Selected Stock Exchanges/Commodities

Company	Price 02/29/16	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	14 Mos % Chg
The PBR1000	64,933.39	-0.28	-6.05	-7.47
DJIA	16,516.50	+0.30	-5.21	-7.33
NASDAQ	4,557.95	-1.21	-8.98	-3.76
S&P500	1,932.23	-0.41	-5.47	-6.15
Gold	1,244.80	+11.30	+17.41	+5.06
Silver	14.94	+4.77	+8.26	-4.23
Oil	33.76	+0.06	-8.86	-36.62

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The PBR1000 February 2016 Breaking News Recap

March 5, 2016 by admin

February 2016: Have You Checked Your Oil Levels Recently?

Hopefully Your Car Oil Levels
Are More Predictable
Than The Price Of Oil!

By Larry C. Paxton

In the office we try to summarize what were the big influences on news for that day. In February just about every day the top news event related to what was happening with oil. Were oil prices up or down? How were the major players adapting? Were they selling off or acquiring assets? Were they laying off people? What changes were they making for capital expenditures? On the world stage people were following OPEC decisions intently. Oil was the dominant theme by far in February, as it has been for some time now.

The other big influences were the earnings reports for 2015 which continued to flood in during February. Bottomline, the results were very mixed, not much to get excited about.

Jobs and wages had their few days of interest as well, once again not a big encouragement.

Perhaps the biggest entertainment value was watching the presidential debates, which continue to be mostly a lot of talk and not much substance, with a lot of focus on one candidate, Donald Trump, a capitalist icon for many, a member of the “One Percent Club” who seems to be having great appeal to a wide range of people who feel disenfranchised by the political system.

There were certainly other influences, like global growth concerns, shareholder activism, and mixed economic data. We will address these further in future blog posts.

Following are The PBR1000 and economic related news items of note for February 2016, starting with the last active day.

Monday, February 29:

The PBR1000 February US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends February at 16,516.50, -0.74% from last Friday, +0.30% MTD, -5.21% QTD/YTD, -9.81% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends February at 4,557.95, -0.71% from last Friday, -1.21% MTD, -8.98% QTD/YTD, -12.66% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends February at 1,932.23, -0.81% from last Friday, -0.41% MTD, -5.47% QTD/YTD, -9.32% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Berkshire Hathaway(PBR4)‘s Warren Buffett’s 2015 letter reflects his optimism about US business. $BRKA PR link.

Proctor & Gamble(PBR33) completes transfer of Duracell batteries unit to Berkshire Hathaway(PBR4 $BRKA), buys 52 million P&G shares from BH for $1.8 billion. $PG PR link.

MetLife(PBR39) 4,000 advisors Retail Advisor Force unit being acquired by MassMutual, to close by mid 2016, terms not disclosed. $MET PR link.

Sysco(PBR61) to reduce workforce by 2%, 1,200 people, within the next 15 months, part of 3 year plan. $SYY PR link.

American Express(PBR83) to sell its Costco(PBR18 $COST) US cobranded card portfolio to CitiGroup(PBR28 $C) for $1 billion. $AXP PR link.

Sprint(PBR86) to do joint venture with Europe’s Dixons Carphone wireless retailer, to open 500 Sprint stores in the U.S. $S PR link.

Icahn Enterprises(PBR147 $IEP) owns 82% of Federal-Mogul common shares, proposes $7.00/share buyout of remaining shares. $FDML PR link.

Computer Sciences(PBR237) completes acquisition of Australia based 3,000 employee IT services company UXC(ASX: UXC) for $308 million. $CSC PR link.

CONSOL Energy(PBR598) to sell SW Virginia Buchanan Mine and other assets to Coronado IV for $420 million. $CNX PR link.

DENTSPLY(PBR694) completes $14.5 billion acquisition of Sirona Dental(NASDAQ: SIRO), now DENTSPLY Sirona, now world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products. $XRAY PR link.

GoPro(PBR1010) acquires mobile editing apps Splice & Replay, terms not disclosed. $GPRO PR link.

Target(PBR40) hires Arthur Valdez as EVP-Chief Supply Chain & Logistics Officer, reports to EVP/COO John Mulligan. $TGT PR link.

Lockheed Martin(PBR64) promotes John Rood to SVP-International, succeeds retiring Pat Dewar. $LMT PR link.

Lockheed Martin(PBR64) promotes John Mollard to VP & Treasurer, effective 04/04/16, succeeds Ken Possenriede who will be VP Finance/Business Operations at Aeronautics unit. $LMT PR link.

Carlisle Cos(PBR650) appoints Amelia Murillo as VP-Human Resources. $CSL PR link.

Cinemark(PBR739) president/COO Robert Copple has resigned. $CNK PR link.

Lumber Liquidators(PBR1061) hires Dennis Knowles as COO. $LL PR link.

Housing: FreddieMac(PBR42) releases February Insight & Outlook. $FMCC PR link.

Friday, February 26:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 16,639.77, +1.51% from last week, +1.05% MTD, -4.51% QTD/YTD, -9.13% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,590.47, +1.91% from last week, -0.51 MTD, -8.33% QTD/YTD, -12.04% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 1,948.05, +1.58% from last week, +0.40% MTD, -4.69% QTD/YTD, -8.58% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) fires back in court that FBI seeks ‘dangerous power.’ MarketWatch article link.

Caterpillar(PBR54) to end production of on-highway vocational trucks, to impact about 70 positions. $CAT PR link.

Honeywell(PBR74) reveals offer for United Technologies(PBR45 $UTX), $108/share, $39 billion cash/stock. $HON PR link.

United Technologies(PBR45) says Honeywell(PBR74 $HON) $108/share, $39 billion cash/stock offer has regulatory challenges, customer concerns, and is grossly undervalued. $UTX PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) increases share repurchase program by $1.5 billion, new balance around $2 billion. $M PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234 $JCP) goes private (label) in fight to continue turnaround. MarketWatch article link.

Liberty Media(PBR534) settles litigation with Vivendi for $775 million, has $1.3 billion balance for share repurchase program. $LMCA PR link.

Groupon(PBR652) sells one billionth Groupon, first Groupon was sold in October 2008. $GRPN PR link.

Olin Corp(PBR838) president/COO John Fischer to become CEO on 05/01/16, succeeds retiring Joe Rupp. $OLN PR link.

Revlon(PBR900) president/CEO Lorenzo Delpani to step down effective 03/01/16, will remain on board; Gianni Pieraccioni appointed as new COO. $REV PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says January Personal Income Annual Rate at $15.691 trillion, +0.5% from December, Personal Savings Rate at 5.2%. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce restates 4th Quarter GDP Annual Rate from 0.7% to 1.0%, $18.148 trillion, 2015 GDP was 2.4%. USDOC PR link.

Energy: Energy companies’ latest move as oil prices slump? Sell, sell, sell. MarketWatch article link.

Consumer Credit: This is how many Americans have ‘great’ credit. MarketWatch article link.

Thursday, February 25:

McKesson(PBR6) making 2 acquisitions, Vantage Oncology & Biologics, for a total of $1.2 billion. $MCK PR link.

Best Buy(PBR73) authorizes new $1 billion share buyback program over 2 years. $BBY PR link.

Halliburton(PBR90 $HAL) to cut 5,000 jobs, 8% of workforce, had announced 22,000 job cuts previously. MarketWatch article link.

Kohl’s(PBR149) plans $600 million share buyback program with $50/share average. $KSS PR link.

Gap Inc(PBR179) authorizes $1 billion share buyback program, supersedes previous program. $GPS PR link.

Estee Lauder(PBR255) has acquired Paris-based global luxury fragrances provider By Kilian, terms not disclosed. $EL PR link.

Packaging Corp(PBR425) authorizes additional $200 million for share repurchase program. $PKG PR link.

Dynegy(PBR777) & Energy Capital Partners form joint venture to acquire ENGIE’s US fossil portfolio for $3.3 billion. $DYN PR link.

Equifax(PBR795) completes $1.9 billion acquisition of Australia based credit information company Veda Group. $EFX PR link.

Restoration Hardware(PBR915)’s new membership program gives analysts pause. $RH PR link.

Republic Airways(PBR1015) files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, appoints Lars Arnell as SVP/Chief Restructuring Officer. $RJET PR link.

Core-Mark(PBR271) SVP/CFO Stacy Lorentz-Congdon retiring at end of 2016, VP/Chief Accounting Officer Christopher Miller to be CFO on 05/01/16. $CORE PR link.

Ralph Lauren(PBR349) President-Global Brands Chris Peterson to leave on 05/31/16, position to be eliminated. $RL PR link.

Avery Dennison(PBR396) president/COO Mitchell Butier to be president/CEO on 05/01/16. CEO Dean Scarborough to become executive chairman. $AVY PR link.

Urban Outfitters(PBR638) promotes David McCreight to president. $URBN PR link.

Sprouts Farmers Market(PBR688) hires Brad Lukow as CFO, effective 03/04/16. $SFM PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US 02/20/16 Initial Unemployment Claims at 272,000, +10,000 from previous week, total at 2,253,000. USDOL PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR42) says US Average 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate at 3.62% with 0.6 points/fees. $FMCC PR link.

Wednesday, February 24:

Caterpillar(PBR54) VP Electric Power Division Steve Niehaus is retiring, division to be consolidated with Marine & Petroleum Power divisions. $CAT PR link.

TJX Cos(PBR96) adds $1.5-2.0 billion to share buyback pgm, current balance is $1.5 billion, expires 01/28/17. $TJX PR link.

Southern Co(PBR155) to acquire electric utilities technologies provider PowerSecure Intl(NYSE: POWR) for $18.75/share, $431 million cash, to close 2Q2016. $SO PR link.

BB&T(PBR277) to acquire $200 million revenues/year commercial wholesale insurance provider Swett & Crawford, terms not disclosed. $BBT PR link.

Marathon Petroleum(PBR23) chairman Thomas Usher to retire 04/27/16, president/CEO Gary Heminger to then add chairman title. $MPC PR link.

Boeing(PBR27) promotes Leanne Caret to president/CEO-Defense, Space, & Security, succeeds retiring Chris Chadwick. $BA PR link.

Level 3 Communications(PBR375) CEO Jeff Storey to take 2 month temporary medical leave for heart surgery, CFO Sunit Patel to also be Interim CEO. $LVLT PR link.

The US Dept of Housing & Urban Development says January New Single-Family Sales Annual Rate was at 494,000 units, -9.2% from December, -5.2% from January 2015. HUD PR link.

Taxes: 45% of Americans pay no federal income tax. MarketWatch article link.

Robotics: IDC Forecasts Worldwide Spending on Robotics to Reach $135 Billion in 2019. IDC PR link.

Opinion-US Economy: Markit’s PMI shows significant risk of US economy falling into contraction. Full analysis: Markit article link.

Tuesday, February 23:

Viacom(PBR212) to explore strategic investment partnership for Paramount Pictures. $VIA PR link.

Airgas(PBR461) stockholders approve acquisition by France based Air Liquide(Euronext Paris: AI) for $143/share, $13.4 billion cash, expected to close 2Q or 3Q2016. $ARG PR link.

Activision Blizzard(540) completes acquisition of London based gaming developer King Digital Entertainment(NYSE: KING) for $18.00/share, $5.9 billion, creating largest game network in the world with over 500 million users. $ATVI PR link.

Lexmark(PBR601) to eliminate 550 of 14,000 positions worldwide over next 12 months. $LXK PR link.

Cooper Tire & Rubber(PBR618) authorizes new $200 million share repurchase program through 12/31/17. $CTB PR link.

Monster Beverage(PBR785) to acquire American Fruits & Flavors for $690 million, to close 1Q2016. $MNST PR link.

Eastman Chemical(PBR288) retirements for COO Ron Lindsey, SVP Integrated Supply Chain Godefroy Motte; 5 promotions announced. $EMN PR link.

Discovery Communications(PBR399) CFO Andrew Warren to leave company at end of 2016. $DISCA PR link.

Toll Brothers(PBR577) Vice Chairman/Co-Founder Bruce Toll to retire on 03/08/16. $TOL PR link.

Cooper Tire & Rubber(PBR618) Chairman/CEO Roy Armes to retire on 08/31/16, COO Bradley Hughes to then become President/CEO. $CTB PR link.

The National Assn of Realtors says January Existing Home Sales was at a 5.47 million annual rate, median price $213,800. NAR PR link.

S&P/Case-Shiller December US National Home Prices Index was +0.1% from November, +5.4% from December 2014. C-S PR link.

Housing: What the shrinking amount of mortgage debt tells us about the housing market. MarketWatch article link.

Fashion: Wearable device sales soar, led by Fitbit MarketWatch article link.

Monday, February 22:

Verizon(PBR15) to acquire fiber-optic network business of XO Communications for about $1.8 billion, expected to close 1H2017. $VZ PR link.

United Technologies(PBR45) confirms it has been in talks with Honeywell(PBR74 $HON), has concerns about regulatory obstacles, customer concerns, & valuations issues. $UTX PR link.

Sysco(PBR61) to acquire European food services distributor Brakes Group for $3.1 billion, includes $2.3 billion of debt. $SYY PR link.

Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR185) completes sale of its HIV R&D portfolio to ViiV Healthcare for $350 million up front with $2.5 billion in future incentives. $BMY PR link.

Fortune Brands(PBR469) authorizes $400 million share repurchase program over next 2 years. $FBHS PR link.

Lumber Liquidators(PBR1061 $LL) wood flooring cancer risk greater than previously reported because of inaccurate calculation by CDC. MarketWatch PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) Smith’s division president Jay Cummins to retire on 04/29/16 after 44 years with company. $KR PR link.

Blackhawk Network(PBR998) president Talbott Roche now also CEO, succeeds William Tauscher who remains chairman. $HAWK PR link.

Markit February Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI of 51.0 flashes warning sign. MarketWatch PR link.

Friday, February 19:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 16,391.99, +2.62% from last week, -0.45% MTD, -5.93% QTD/YTD, -10.49% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,504.43, +3.85% from last week, -2.37 MTD, -10.04% QTD/YTD, -13.69% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 1,917.78, +2.84% from last week, -1.16% MTD, -6.17% QTD/YTD, -10.00% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) vs. the FBI: A complete guide regarding the phone encryption controversy. MarketWatch PR link.

Citigroup(PBR28) to sell consumer businesses in Brazil, Argentina, and Columbia. $C PR link.

Coca-Cola(PBR63) signs letter of intent to grant additional bottling territory to Swire Coca-Cola USA. $KO PR link.

AutoNation(PBR148) has $250 million available for share repurchase program. $AN PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) forms independent committee to explore strategic alternatives. $YHOO PR link.

Perrigo(PBR565) to relocate global investor relations, global treasury functions from US to Ireland headquarters. $PRGO PR link.

Intl Flavors & Fragrances(PBR666) promotes Dionisio Ferenc as VP, Global Fine Fragrances. $IFF PR link.

Mueller Industries(PBR812) to acquire 60% interest in S Korea based global copper-based pipe joining manufacturer Jungwoo Metal, terms not disclosed. $MLI PR link.

Booz Allen Hamilton(PBR466) CFO Kevin Cook to retire, EVP Lloyd Howell, Jr to be CFO on 07/01/16. $BAH PR link.

SeaWorld(PBR1013) promotes John Reilly to Chief Parks Operations Officer & Dr. Chris Dold to Chief Zoological Officer, effective 04/01/16; forms Resort Development Group. $SEAS PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the January Current Average Earnings/Hour was $25.39, +0.47% from December, +2.5% from January 2015. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the January Consumer Price Index was unchanged from December, +1.4% over the past 12 months, seasonally unadjusted. USDOL PR link.

Thursday, February 18:

IBM(PBR25) Watson Health unit to acquire Truven Health Analytics for $2.6 billion. strong>$IBM PR link.

Qualcomm(PBR106) & Lenova sign 3G/4G China patent license agreement. $QCOM PR link.

DISH Network(PBR196) ends 2015 with 13.897 million Pay-TV subscribers, ended 2014 with 13.978 million. $DISH PR link.

Alliance Data(PBR462) adds $500 million for new $1 billion balance available for 2016 share buyback program. $ADS PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Santa Monica, CA, based retail insurance broker White & Co Insurance, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Cabela’s(PBR606) EVP/COO Michael Copeland to transition to strategic advisory role over next month. $CAB PR link.

Wednesday, February 17:

Ingram Micro(PBR62) to be acquired by & become subsidiary of China based Tianjin Tianhai for $38.90/share, $6.0 billion cash, to close 2H2016. $IM PR link.

T-Mobile US(PBR95) reports 2.1 million net new adds to its wireless network in 4Q15, 8.3 million total in 2015. $TMUS PR link.

Capital One(PBR116) authorizes additional $300 billion for $3.125 billion share buyback program authorized in 2015. $COF PR link.

Devon Energy(PBR143) to offer 69,000,000 common shares at $18.75/share, proceeds to be used for a variety of financial purposes. $DVN PR link.

Targa Resources(PBR308) completes all equity acquisition of Targa Resources Partners. $TRGP PR link.

DSW(PBR778) to acquire e-commerce off-price footwear & accessories retailer eBuys for $62.5 million plus future performance payments. $DSW PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) SVP Retail Operations & Strategic Initiatives Marnette Perry retiring after 44 years with company, effective 04/29/16. $KR PR link.

Caterpillar(PBR54) announces new responsibilities for VPs Doug Hoerr, Greg Folley, & Tana Utley, effective 03/01/16. $CAT PR link.

Level 3 Communications(PBR375) makes EVP/Chief Admin Officer Laurinda Pang Regional President of N. America & Asia Pacific. $LVLT PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the January Producer Price Index for Final Demand was +0.1%, was -0.2% in Dec, -0.2% from January 2015. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the January Private Housing Units Building Permits Issued annual rate was at 1,202,000, -0.2% from December, +13.5% from January 2015. USDOC PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says January Total Industrial Production Capacity at 77.1%, December was 76.4%, January 2015 was 79.1% FRB PR link.

The US Federal Reserve releases January FOMC Statement, reviews economic situation, maintains 0.25-0.50% funds rate. FRB PR link.

Tuesday, February 16:

United Continental(PBR77) & PAFCA reach tentative agreement for its 420 dispatchers. $UAL PR link.

Upon merger completion Staples(PBR122) & Office Depot(PBR182 $ODP) to sell $550+ million revs/yr from Fortune 500 clients to Essendant(PBR458 $ESND) for $22.5 million. $SPLS PR link.

Stryker Corp(PBR283) to acquire defibrillators provider Physio-Control Intl from Bain Capital for $1.28 billion cash. $SYK PR link.

Graphic Packaging(PBR553) completes acquisition of 2 location folding carton manufacturer Walter G Anderson, terms not disclosed. $GPK PR link.

ADT(PBR627) to be acquired by affiliate of Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR906 $APO) for $42.00/share, a 56% premium on 02/12/16 closing price. $ADT PR link.

Devon Energy(PBR143) restructures senior leadership, EVP E&P Tony Vaughn promoted to COO; EVP-HR, EVP-Marketing to retire. $DVN PR link.

Steel Dynamics(PBR306) co-founder/EVP Steelmaking & president/COO Steel Operations Richard Teets, Jr. retiring, 3 SVP promotions announced. $STLD PR link.

Caesars Entertainment(PBR314) hires Les Ottolenghi as EVP-Chief Information Officer, reports to president/CEO. $CZR PR link.

Fiserv(PBR474) hires Robert Hau as CFO, effective 03/14/16. $FISV PR link.

hhgregg(PBR864) CFO Robert Riesbeck now also interim president/CEO, Dennis May has left. $HGG PR link.

Monday, February 15:

***U.S. Presidents’ Day***
***U.S. Stock Markets Closed.***

Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) sells 13% interest in Morenci Mine to Sumitoma Metal Mining for $1.0 billion cash. $FCX PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) Chief Merchant John Tighe to oversee product development and design within merchandising organization; Supply Chain SVP Mike Robbins assumes added responsibility for global sourcing. $JCP PR link.

Crown Holdings(PBR298) promotes Robert Bourque, Jr to President-Asia Pacific Division, effective 05/01/16, succeeds retiring Jozef Salaerts, reports to president/CEO. $CCK PR link.

Celanese(PBR369) promotes SVP-HR Lori Johnston to EVP-Chief Administrative Officer. $CE PR link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) promotes Ryan Marshall to president, Harmon Smith to COO. $PHM PR link.

Friday, February 12:
The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 15,973.84, -1.43% from last week, -2.99% MTD, -8.33% QTD/YTD, -12.77% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,337.51, -0.59% from last week, -5.99 MTD, -13.38% QTD/YTD, -16.89% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 1,864.78, -0.81% from last week, -3.89% MTD, -8.77% QTD/YTD, -12.49% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Lear Corp(PBR165) increases share buyback program to $1 billion, expires 12/31/17. $LEA PR link.

L Brands(PBR247 $LB) Victoria’s Secret CEO Sharen Turney resigns. MarketWatch article link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) to acquire 8,500 clients global news distributor & analytics provider MarketWired, terms not disclosed. $NDAQ PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says January Year to Year Import Price Index was -6.2%, lead by fuel at -34.5%, Exports at -5.7%, USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says December Manufacturing/Trade Sales were $1.3 trillion, -0.6% from November, -2.7% from December 2014. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says January Retail/Food Services Sales were $449.9 billion, +0.2% from December, +3.4% from January 2014. USDOC PR link.

Thursday, February 11:

AIG(PBR46) adds $5.0 billion to share repurchase program, balance is $5.8 billion. $AIG PR link.

Brunswick(PBR584) increases share repurchase program by $300 billion, balance is $360 billion. $BC PR link.

JetBlue(PBR429) promotes John Culp to VP-Inflight Experience & Rachel McCarthy to VP-Talent. $JBLU PR link.

Hyatt Hotels(PBR537) hires Patrick Grismer as CFO, effective 03/14/16. $H PR link.

Brunswick(PBR584) president/COO Mark Schwabero elected as chairman/CEO, succeeds retiring Dustan McCoy. Brenna Preisser promoted to VP-Chief Human Resources Officer, succeeds retiring Russell Lockridge. $BC PR link.

W.R. Grace(PBR625) hires Thomas Blaser to be SVP-Finance/CFO. $GRA PR link.

Wednesday, February 10:

Amazon(PBR29) replaces current $2 billion share repurchase program with a $5 billion one, no termination date. $AMZN PR link.

Caterpillar(PBR54) names Rimco, its dealer for Puerto Rico & Eastern Caribbean, as its Cuba dealer. $CAT PR link.

Cisco(PBR60) adds $15 billion to share repurchase program, balance is $16.9 billion, no termination date set. $CSCO PR link.

Pilgrim’s Pride(PBR310) increases share buyback program from $150 million to $300 million over next 12 months. $PPC PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) to acquire Sweden based 4,500 employee global pharmaceuticals provider Meda for $9.9 billion, includes debt. $MYL PR link.

Carlyle Group(PBR581) announces $200 million share repurchase program. $CG PR link.

IGT(PBR878) North American subsidiary gets multi-year licensing deal for Life is Good lottery products. $IGT PR link.

UPS(PBR47) CEO David Abney elected to also be chairman. $UPS PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says January Federal Government Receipts were $313.6 billion, Outlays $258.4 billion, Surplus $55.2 billion, Fiscal YTD Deficit is $160.4 billion. Treasury PR link.

The Natl Retail Federation forecasts 2016 Retail Sales to grow by 3.1%, non-store sales to grow 6-9%. NRF PR link.

Tuesday, February 9:

Amazon(PBR29) Web Services announces Amazon Lumberyard, a free cross-platform, 3D game engine integrated with AWS & Twitch. $AMZN PR link.

Cummins(PBR146) to do $500 million, 4 million shares, accelerated share repurchase deal with Goldman Sachs(PBR76 $GS). $CMI PR link.

Viacom(PBR212) and Snapchat enter into global content production and ad sales deal. $VIA PR link.

Cabela’s(PBR606) promotes EVP/Chief Commercial Officer Scott Williams to president. $CAB PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says December Job Openings at 5.6 million, Hires at 5.4 million, Separations at 5.1 millions. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says December US Wholesale Sales were $440.0 billion, -0.3% from November, -4.5% from December 2014. USDOC PR link.

Monday, February 8:

Pfizer(PBR56) names executive leadership team for combined organization upon close of proposed Allergan(PBR219 $AGN) transaction, expected in 2nd half of 2016. $PFE PR link.

Apollo Education(PBR681) to be taken private in $9.50/share, $1.1 billion cash transaction. $APOL PR link.

Sunday, February 7:

Super Bowl 50: The Denver Broncos win 24-10 against the Carolina Panthers in a defense dominated championship game.

Friday, February 5:
The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 16,204.97, -1.59% from last week/MTD, -7.00% QTD/YTD. Record: 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,363.14, -5.44% from last week/MTD, -12.87% QTD/YTD. Record: 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 1,880.05, -3.10% from last week/MTD, -8.02% QTD/YTD. Record: 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Calpine Corp(PBR330) completes $500 million acquisition of 745 megawatt power plan New Hampshire based Granite Ridge Energy Center. $CPN PR link.

Mattress Firm(PBR932) completes $780 million acquisition of 1,050 stores Sleepy’s, now has nearly 3,500 locations. $MFRM PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Number of Employed at 150.5 million, unemployed at 7.8 million, unemployment rate at 4.9%. USDOL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says December US Total Consumer Credit at $3.547 trillion, +0.60% from November, +6.92% from December 2014. FRB PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says 2015 US Total Exports were $2.230 trillion, Imports $2.762 trillion, Deficit $0.532 trillion. USDOC PR link.

Thursday, February 4:

Duke Energy(PBR114) considering sale of all or a portion of its International Energy business. $DUK PR link.

Icahn Enterprises(PBR147) completes $18.50/share, $1.03 billion acquisition of Pep Boys(PBR872). $IEP PR link.

Viacom(PBR212) names Sumner Redstone as chairman emeritus, president/CEO Phillipe Dauman elected executive chairman. $VIA PR link.

Genworth Financial(PBR287) to restructure, to separate longterm care business, suspend sales of traditional life & fixed annuity products. $GNW PR link.

Symantec(PBR384) gets $500 million from Silver Lake Partners, total capital return program increased to $5.5 billion. $SYMC PR link.

Group 1 Automotive(PBR276) acquires UK 12 dealerships Spire Automotive Group with $575 million annual revenues; divests 3 US dealerships with $160 million revenues/year; promotes Frank Grese, Jr, to SVP-Human Resources, Daryl Kenningham to Regional VP-West, David Fesmire Regional VP-East. $GPI PR link.

Bemis(PBR545) increases repurchase program by 20 million shares, balance is now 22.8 million shares. $BMS PR link.

TD Ameritrade(PBR662) acquires big data firm FA Insights, terms not disclosed. $AMTD PR link.

W.R. Grace(PBR625) promotes SVP/CFO Hudson La Force to president/COO. $GRA PR link.

Kennametal(PBR706) hires Ronald DeFeo as president/CEO, effective immediately, Donald Nolan has left. $KMT PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the 2015 Average Annual Labor Productivity was +0.6% from 2014. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the December US Shipments at $467.0 billion, -1.4% from November, 8th down month in last 9 months. USDOC PR link.

Wednesday, February 3:

Wells Fargo(PBR30 $WFC) reaches $1.2 billion settlement with the US Dept of Justice regarding 2001-2010 FHA loan issues. SEC filing link.

Home Depot(PBR32) hiring more than 80,000 for Spring. $HD PR link.

Comcast(PBR42) authorizes $10 billion share repurchase program, $5 billion to be spent in 2016. $CMCSA PR link.

Lowe’s(PBR50) to acquire Canadian home improvement retailer/distributor RONA for $2.3 billion cash. $LOW PR link.

Cisco(PBR60) to acquire private IoT services platform provider Jasper Technologies for $1.4 billion cash. $CSCO PR link.

W.R. Grace(PBR625) completes separation of GCP Applied Technologies(NYSE: GCP) into a separate public company. $GRA PR link.

Autodesk(PBR773) to restructure, reduce staff by 10%(925 positions), transition to cloud, focus on subscription business. $ADSK PR link.

GoPro(PBR1010) ships 6.6 million cameras in 2015, +27% from 2014, promotes Brian McGee to CFO, succeeds retirng Jack Lazar, effective 03/11/16. $GPRO PR link.

Delta Air Lines(PBR72) CEO Richard Anderson to become executive chairman on 05/02/16, president Ed Bastian to be CEO, Gil West is now SEVP/COO. $DAL PR link.

Manpower(PBR132) hires Jack McGinnis as CFO, Michael Van Handel to be Sr EVP, effective 02/15/16. $MAN PR link.

SuperValu(PBR164) hires Mark Gross as president/CEO, succeeds retiring Sam Duncan. $SVU PR link.

CBS(PBR210) president/CEO Leslie Moonves adds chairman title with resignation of Sumner Redstone who is now chairman emeritus. $CBS PR link.

Greenbrier Cos(PBR846) promotes CFO Mark Rittenbaum to EVP-Commercial, Leasing & Finance, Lorie Tekorius promoted to SVP-CFO & Treasurer. $GBX PR link.

ADP says the January Change in Non-Farm Private Sector Employment was +205,000 jobs, 192,000 were from services sector. $ADP PR link.

Institute for Supply Management says the January Non-Manufacturing Index was at 53.5%, down from 55.8% in December. $ISM PR link.

Tuesday, February 2:

Alphabet(PBR44 $GOOG) officially surpasses Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) as world’s most valuable company. MarketWatch PR link.

3M(PBR92) authorizes $10 billion share repurchase program with no completion date. $MMM PR link.

Staples(PBR122) and Office Depot(PBR182 $ODP) extend completion of merger from 02/04/16 to 05/16/16 for completion of FTC litigation. $SPLS PR link.

Lithia Motors(PBR451) acquires $65 million/year Toyota/Scion of Milford, MA. $LAD PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) announces 4 point strategic plan, includes 15% reduction in workforce. $YHOO PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561) opened 229 restaurants in 2015, has 2,010 stores, plans to add 220-235 in 2016. $CMG PR link.

Salesforce(PBR453) vice chairman/president Keith Block adds COO to responsibilities. $CRM PR link.

Hub Group(PBR611) hires Geoff DeMartino as VP Corporate Development. $HUBG PR link.

KB Home(PBR802) hires Jill Peters as SVP-Investor Relations. $KBH PR link.

Viavi Solutions(PBR944) hires Oleg Khaykin as president/CEO. $VIAV PR link.

Allscripts Healthcare(PBR1014) hires Melinda Whittington to be CFO. $MDRX PR link.

Mergers/Acquisitions: US retail, consumer M&A rose in value, declined in volume in 2015. MarketWatch article link.

Auto Industry: January US New Auto Sales at 1.148 million vehicles, -0.4% from January 2015, annual rate 17.55 million. Auto News article link.

Auto Industry: January US New Auto Sales Revenues at $38.052B, +1.4% from January 2015, avg trans price $33,155. TrueCar article link.

Monday, February 1:
Click here for The PBR1000 January 2016 Monthly Breaking News Recap.

Amazon(PBR29) inks production deal with Mattel(PBR412 $MAT) to greenlight American Girl specials for prime video. $AMZN PR link.

Abbott Labs(PBR134) to acquire global point of care diagnostics provider Alere(PBR752 $ALR) for $56/share, $5.8 billion. $ABT PR link.

Dominion Resources(PBR229) to combine with natural gas supplier Questar(NYSE: STR) for $25/share, $4.4 billion, includes debt assumption. $D PR link.

Stryker Corp(PBR283) to acquire medical disposable products provider Sage Products from Madison Dearborn Partners for $2.775 billion cash. $SYK PR link.

Ashland(PBR407) completes acquisition of 89 Oil Can Henry’s quick lube stores. $ASH PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561 $CMG) gets final report from Center for Disease Control regarding e. coli outbreaks, appears over. CDC PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) completes acquisition of alternate trading platform Chi-X Canada, terms not disclosed. $NDAQ PR link.

TreeHouse Foods(PBR690) completes $2.7 billion acquisition of ConAgra(PBR166 $CAG) Private Brands. $THS PR link.

Walter Energy(PBR1006) to sell remaining US assets to Seminole Coal Resources to satisfy bankruptcy restructuring program. $WLTGQ PR link.

TJX Cos(PBR96) president Ernie Herman now also CEO, chairman/CEO Carol Meyrowitz now executive chairman. $TJX PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) names Peter Sachse as Chief Growth Officer, hires Justin MacFarlane as Chief Strategy, Analytics & Innovations Officer, both report to president Jeff Gennette. $M PR link.

Medtronic(PBR133) acquires private Italy based hemodialysis treatment solutions provider Bellco, terms not disclosed. $MDT PR link.

Gilead Sciences(PBR107) promotes Katie Watson to EVP-Human Resources. $GILD PR link.

CarMax(PBR202) EVP-HR Bill Nash promoted to president, to become CEO upon retirement of Tom Follard by end of 2016, Cliff Wood promoted to COO. $KMX PR link.

Herbalife(PBR487) hires Dr. John Agwunobi as Chief Health and Nutrition Officer. $HLF PR link.

Patterson Cos(PBR542) hires Kelly Baker as Chief Human Resources Officer. $PDCO PR link.

Cabot Corp(PBR607) president/CEO Patrick Prevost continues to be on medical leave, working part-time from home, expects to return full-time soon. $CBT PR link.

Cooper-Standard(PBR644) promotes Sharon Wenzl to SVP-Corporate Communications/Community Affairs. $CPS PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says December Disposable Personal Income Annual Rate at $13.654 trillion, +0.3% from November, Personal Savings at 5.5%. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says December US Construction Spending at $1.117 trillion annual rate, +0.1% from November, +8.2% from December 2014. USDOC PR link.

The Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® January PMI at 48.2, up 0.2 from December. ISM PR link.

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Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: acquisitions, Business, business news, Commodities, DJIA, Economy, Investing, Leadership, mergers, NASDAQ, Rankings, S&P 500, Stock Market, The PBR1000

The PBR1000 January 2016 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots

February 22, 2016 by admin

January 2016: Did Climate Change Bring The Bears Out Of Hibernation Early?

Who Invited The Bear?

By Larry C. Paxton

The continued downward spiral of oil prices, the mixed corporate financial results from initial reports, and economic indices showing moderate growth at best made January 2016 one for the bears, and they came out hungry and growling, especially for technical stocks on the NASDAQ.

For example, out of the 19 trading days in January 2016, 12 of them were negative, with 5 being over -2% for the NASDAQ.

The questions now are if the bears really have come out of hibernation, and how long will the bulls stay away?

In the following tables the stock price is for the close of trading on January 29th, Month % Chg is compared to December 31st, YTD % Chg is compared to January 30, 2015, and the 13 Mos % Chg is compared to December 31, 2014.

Table 1(S11): The PBR1000 Top 5 Month Stock Price % Gainers

Table 1 Summary: The range was +176.79% to -85.00%. 241 out of 1,034 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 23.31% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of 6.09%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 01/29/16	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	13 Mos % Chg
Walter Energy	984	WLTGQ	0.03	+176.79	+176.79	-97.95
Alpha Natural Resources	536	ANRZQ	0.02	+42.73	+42.73	-99.06
Southwestern Energy	556	SWN	30.01	+25.04	+25.04	-67.42
Terex Corp	353	TEX	57.12	+21.21	+21.21	-19.66
Range Resources	714	RRC	18.85	+20.11	+20.11	-44.70

Table 2(S12): The PBR1000 Top 5 Year-To-Date Stock Price % Gainers

Table 2 Summary: The range was +176.79% to -85.00%. 241 out of 1,034 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 23.31% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of 6.09%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 01/29/16	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	13 Mos % Chg
Walter Energy	984	WLTGQ	0.03	+176.79	+176.79	-97.95
Alpha Natural Resources	536	ANRZQ	0.02	+42.73	+42.73	-99.06
Southwestern Energy	556	SWN	30.01	+25.04	+25.04	-67.42
Terex Corp	353	TEX	57.12	+21.21	+21.21	-19.66
Range Resources	714	RRC	18.85	+20.11	+20.11	-44.70

Table 3(S13): The PBR1000 Top 5 13 Months Stock Price % Gainers

Table 3 Summary: Range was +89.14% to -99.54%. 304 out of 1,030 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 29.51% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of -13.71%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 01/29/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	13 Mos % Chg
Amazon.com	31	AMZN	587.00	-13.15	-13.15	+89.14
Netflix	438	NFLX	91.84	-19.71	-19.71	+88.20
Activision Blizzard	527	ATVI	34.82	-10.05	-10.05	+72.80
Heartland Payment Sys	802	HPY	92.08	-2.89	-2.89	+70.68
A-Mark Precious Metals	401	AMRK	16.93	-10.19	-10.91	+69.81

Table 4(S15): The PBR1000 Top 5 Market Capitalization

Table 4 Summary: Range was $542.70 billion to $0.00 billion. The average is $18.63 billion, median is $5.46 billion, out of 1,034 companies tracked.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Market Cap($B) 12/31/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	13 Mos % Chg
Apple	3	AAPL	542.70	-7.52	-7.52	-16.17
Alphabet	44	GOOGL	510.95	-2.10	-2.10	+43.08
Microsoft	27	MSFT	440.05	-0.70	-0.70	+14.93
ExxonMobil	2	XOM	324.08	-0.13	-0.13	-17.22
Facebook	226	FB	317.33	+7.21	+7.21	+45.90
The PBR1000			19,267.33	-5.23	-5.23	-7.18

Table 5: The PBR1000 Index & Selected Stock Exchanges/Commodities

Company	Price 12/31/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	13 Mos % Chg
The PBR1000	64,355.38	-5.62	-5.62	-10.38
DJIA	16,466.30	-5.50	-5.50	-7.61
NASDAQ	4,613.95	-7.86	-7.86	-2.58
S&P500	1,940.24	-5.07	-5.07	-5.76
Gold	1,118.40	+5.49	+5.49	-5.61
Silver	14.26	+3.33	+3.33	-8.59
Oil	33.74	-8.91	-8.91	-36.66

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

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Filed Under: Snapshots Tagged With: Commodities, DJIA, Economy, Investing, Money, NASDAQ, Personal Finance, Rankings, Research, S&P 500, Stock Market, Stocks, The PBR1000, Trading

The PBR1000 January 2016 Breaking News Recap

February 1, 2016 by admin

ID-10035635 Statue of Liberty Storm-Damian Brandon

Lady Liberty Experienced
A Stormy Start To 2016.
When Will The Skies Start To Clear?

January 2016: A Stormy Start

By Larry C. Paxton

Many people were happy to see 2015 come to an end. Most experts were painting a cautious rosy picture for 2016.

But January 2016 turned out to be even more volatile than December.

Oil prices plummeted again, but did recover a little by month end. There are concerns about the collateral damage of lower and negative profits from major oil industry companies. Towards the end of the month 4th quarter earnings came in with mixed results across all business sectors.

Internationally the Bank of Japan surprised most by introducing a negative funds rate. China is experiencing much slower growth as it transitions into a more internal consumer based economy, and there is continuing concern about the numbers China provides. Europe growth is mostly flat.

While US economic indices indicate consumer confidence, other indices show moderate growth at best, and there still seems to be no sense of stability yet. As the year progresses the US Presidential Race might have an impact, especially if the attack ads are especially negative regarding the economy and how big business affects it.

So, what will happen in February? It’s anybody’s guess. A few of our feeble predictions are that the volatility will continue; mergers, acquisitions, and spinoffs will increase; there will be some layoffs; oil will recover a bit more, and; the initial caucuses and primary elections in the US Presidential Race will only confuse and anger voters.

Following are The PBR1000 and economic related news items of note for January 2016, starting with the last active day.

Friday, January 29:
The PBR1000 End of January US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes month at 16,466.30, +2.32% from last week, -5.50% MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ closes month at 4,613.95, +0.50% from last week, -7.86% MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX closes week at 1,940.24, +1.75% from last week, -5.07% MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) aims for virtual reality with Flyby acquisition, reported hiring. MarketWatch article link.

Xerox(PBR144) to split into 2 public companies, $11 billion Document Technology and a $7 billion Business Process Outsourcing, to be completed by end of 2016. $XRX PR link.

Axiall(PBR521) rejects as undervalued unsolicited $20.00/share offer from Westlake Chemical(NYSE: WLK). $AXLL PR link.

Men’s Wearhouse(PBR643) forming a holding company, Tailored Brands, Inc., to start trading on 02/01/16 as NYSE: TLRD. $MW PR link.

Gilead Sciences(PBR107) president/COO John Milligan, PhD, to become CEO on 03/10/16, John Martin to become executive chairman. $GILD PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US 4th Quarter Employment Cost Index at 125.2, +0.6% from 3rd Quarter, compensation +2.0% from 4th Quarter 2014. USDOL article link.

The US Dept of Commerce says US 4th Quarter Gross Domestic Product Advance Estimate at 0.7% annual rate, $18.128 billion, 2015 rate at 2.4%. USDOC article link.

The US Energy Information Administration says the Weekly Average Price/Gallon for gas at $1.856, diesel $2.071, heating oil $2.064, propane $2.024. USEIA article link.

The US Dept of Treasury says the US Total National Debt on 01/28/16 was $18.990 trillion. Treasury article link.

The FreddieMac releases its January Insight & Outlook, emphasis on housing buy-to-rent trends, economic headwinds $FMCC PR link.

ISM-Chicago says the January Chicago Business Barometer at 55.6, up 12.7 points from December. ISM-Chicago PR link.

U of Michigan says the January Survey of Consumers Confidence at 92.0, -0.6% from December, -6.2% from January 2015. UM PR link.

Opinion: US manufacturing teeters on the edge of recession. MarketWatch article link.

Thursday, January 28:
General Motors(PBR8 $GM) creates product team for autonomous vehicles. MarketWatch article link.

Hershey(PBR354) authorizes $500 million shares repurchase program. $HSY PR link.

Lithia Motors(PBR451) acquires $45 million/year Riverside Subaru in Riverside, CA. $LAD PR link.

Brown-Forman(PBR563) approves new 1 year $1 billion share repurchase program starting 04/01/16. $BF.B PR link.

NII Holdings(PBR604) completes $178 million sale of Nextel Argentina, to focus on Brazil operations. $NIHD PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) EVP-Corporate Strategy/CFO Lee Shavel to retire 03/31/16. $NDAQ PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates averaging 3.79%, -.02% from last wk, 0.6 points/fees unchanged. $FMCC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Initial Unemployment Insurance Claims for the week ending 01/23/16 were at 278,000, -16,000 from the previous week. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the US 4th Quarter Homeownership Rate at 63.8%, -0.2% from 4th Quarter 2014, +0.1% from 3rd Quarter. USDOC PR link.

The National Retail Federation says Super Bowl 50 Average Spending per Viewer/Partygoer at $82.19, up from $77.88 last year. NRF PR link.

Commentary: Earnings take a dark turn as profit warnings, sales misses mount. MarketWatch article link.

Opinion: Behind the puzzle of why companies aren’t firing. MarketWatch article link.

Wednesday, January 27:
Norfolk Southern(PBR242) to achieve $650 million in annual savings by 2020, includes reduction of workforce by 2,000. $NSC PR link.

Cognizant Technology(PBR272) acquires private global cloud consulting/technology services firm KBACE Technologies, terms not disclosed. $CTSH PR link.

Enbridge Energy(PBR333) acquires NE British Columbia Tupper Main & West gas plants from Murphy Oil(PBR448) Canadian subsidiary for $538 million. $EEP PR link.

DeVry(PBR905) to contest complaint filed by the Federal Trade Commission challenging employment and earnings outcomes of its graduates. $DV PR link.

Meredith Corp(PBR994) $2.4 billion acquisition by Media General(NYSE: MEG) has been terminated. $MDP PR link.

The Andersons(PBR525) SVP-Human Resources Arthur DePompei to retire, being succeeded by Val Blanchett, effective 02/15/16. $ANDE PR link.

The US Federal Reserve issues a statement from its 01/26-27/16 meeting, no change in funds rate because of mixed economic signals. FRB PR link.

The US Dept of HUD says December New Single Family House Sales Annual Rate at 544,000, +10.8% from November, +9.9% from December 2014. HUD PR link.

Tuesday, January 26:
Apple(PBR5) reports slowing growth in iPhone sales. MarketWatch article link.

AIG(46) to sell of some units, restructure into 9 business units, return at least $25 billion to shareholders over 2 years. $AIG PR link.

AIG(PBR46) to sell AIG Advisor Group to Lightyear Capital & PSP Investments, terms not disclosed. $AIG PR link.

Lockheed Martin(PBR64) to separate and combine IT and Technical Services with Leidos(PBR475 $LDOS) for $1.8 billion and 50.5% equity. $LMT PR link.

Praxair(PBR233) signs 15 year contract with energy producer Total, further expands pipeline network in the Port of Antwerp. $PX PR link.

Terex(PBR357) confirms receipt of unsolicited $30.00/share offer from Zoomlion. $TEX PR link.

Total System(PBR790) to acquire 1,000 employee, 235,000 merchant clients TransFirst for $2.35 billion cash. $TSS PR link.

Arrow Electronics(PBR120) COO Global Components/Enterprise Computing retiring effective 04/30/16. $ARW PR link.

The Conference Board says that the January Consumer Confidence Index was at 98.1, up from December’s 96.3. CB article link.

Monday, January 25:
Berkshire Hathaway(PBR4 $BRK.A) to complete $235/share, $37.2 billion acquisition of Precision Castparts(PBR274) on 01/29/16. $PCP PR link.

JPMorgan Chase(PBR21) to settle most of Lehman suit for $1.42 billion. MarketWatch article link.

Johnson Controls(PBR68) & Tyco plc(NYSE: $TYC) to merge, to be Johnson Controls plc with global headquarters in Cork, Ireland, stock symbol to be JCI. $JCI PR link.

Sprint(86 $S) Nextel Corp to cut up to 2,500 jobs, cut labor costs by $350 million/year. MarketWatch article link.

Under Armour(PBR668) announces global partnership with actor/producer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. $UA PR link.

Huntington Bancshares(PBR895) to acquire FirstMerit(NASDAQ: $FMER) for $3.4 billion, creates largest Ohio bank by deposit share, expands operations into Chicago & Wisconsin. $HBAN PR link.

Staples(PBR122) appoints Shira Goodman as president, N American Operations, John Wilson as president, International Operations & Transformation. $SPLS PR link.

Friday, January 22:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 16,093.51, +0.66% from last week, -7.64% MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,591.18, +2.29% from last week, -8.31% MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX closes week at 1,906.90, +1.41% from last week, -6.70% MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

United Continental(PBR77) 12,000+ pilots approve contract extension through 01/31/19. $UAL PR link.

Cigna(PBR85) says Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) intends to impose sanctions to suspend enrollment in its Medicare Advantage program because of Parts C & D discrepancies. $CI PR link.

Legg Mason(PBR709) acquires 83% majority interest in real estate investment & $40 billion portfolio management firm Clarion Partners for $585 million. $LM PR link.

Piedmont Natural Gas(PBR993) stockholders approve $4.9 billion acquisition by Duke Energy(PBR114 $DUK), to close by end of 2016. $PNY PR link.

The National Assn of Realtors says December Existing Home Sales at 5.46 million annual rate, +14.7% from November, median price $224,100. NAR PR link.

Thursday, January 21:
IBM(PBR25) acquires cloud based video streaming 80 million users/month service Ustream, terms not disclosed. $IBM PR link.

CBS(PBR210) and SKY announce long-term Pan-European agreement for Showtime portfolio of programming. $CBS PR link.

BB&T(PBR277) to complete $1.8 billion acquisition of National Penn Bancshares on or about 04/01/16. $BBT PR link.

Tiffany & Co(PBR551) authorizes new $500 million stock repurchase program, expires 01/31/19. $TIF PR link.

TD Ameritrade(PBR662) launches new investment services for AARP‘s 38 million members. $AMTD PR link.

IAC(PBR665) restructures into 5 segments, changes stock symbol from IACI to IAC. $IAC PR link.

H&R Block(PBR669) opens over 280 offices for its new brand Block Advisors providing tax services all year. $HRB PR link.

Wednesday, January 20:
Staples(PBR122) & Office Depot(PBR182 $ODP) extend merger termination date to 05/16/16 to satisfy FTC litigation & obtain financing. $SPLS PR link.

Fiserv(PBR474) to acquire for $200 million the assets of Community Financial Services unit of ACI Worldwide(NASDAQ $ACIW). $FISV PR link.

Brunswick(PBR584) has acquired commercial fitness equipment maker Cybex International for $195 million. $BC PR link.

Cenveo(PBR899) completes $105 million sale of Packaging Business to WestRock. $CVO PR link.

Citrix(PBR658) hires Kirill Tatarinov as president/CEO, effective 01/25/16. $CTXS PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says December Current Average Earnings at $25.24/hr, -0.04% from November, +2.5% from December 2014. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says December Consumer Price Index was -0.1% from December, +0.7% over last 12 months. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of HUD says the December Family Housing New Construction Permits Annual Rate at 1,232,000, -3.9% from November, +14.4% from December 2014. USHUD PR link.

Investing: BlackRock(PBR252) sponsored report says US institutional investors to increase & broaden use of ETFs in 2016. $BLK PR link.

Tuesday, January 19:
Johnson & Johnson(PBR37) to restructure Medical Devices to save around $1 billion, includes 4-6% reduction in global workforce over 2 years. $JNJ PR link.

AIG(PBR46) raises available global commercial property limits to $2.5 billion per occurrence. $AIG PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) introducing major appliances in 22 pilot stores starting 02/01/16. $JCP PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561) new food safety procedures iin place, to close all locations 11AM-3PM on 02/08/16 for all team meeting. $CMG PR link.

Genesco(PBR702) has sold its school/youth sports apparel& equipment Lids Team Sports unit to Varsity Sports subsidiary BSN Sports, terms not disclosed. $GCO PR link.

Chico’s FAS(PBR730) completes sale of its Boston Proper direct-to-consumer business. $CHS PR link.

Tetra Tech(PBR781) completes acquisition of Australian based $407 million revenues/2015 geoservices/project management co Coffey Intl. $TTEK PR link.

ABM Industries(PBR478) hires David Goodes as SVP-Chief Human Resources Officer. $ABM PR link.

The Andersons(PBR525) president Grain/Ethanol groups Neill McKinstray retiring, Corey Jorgenson to be president-Grain. $ANDE PR link.

Monday, January 18:
***Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
***US Stock Markets Closed.

Qualcomm(PBR106) & Guizhou Province form joint venture to design & sell server chipsets in China. $QCOM PR link.

CSX(PBR226) restructuring from 10 to 9 division, closing Huntington, WV, admin office. $CSX PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) hires Karl Tragl as president, Transportation/Construction Solutions, effective 02/15/16, succeeds leaving Jose Drummond. $AA PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) hires Joe McFarland as EVP-Stores, succeeds Tony Bartlett. $JCP PR link.

Friday, January 15:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 15,988.08, -2.19% from last week, -8.25% MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,488.42, -3.34% from last week, -10.36% MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX closes week at 1,880.33, -2.17% from last week, -8.00% MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Walmart(PBR1) to close 269 stores worldwide, affects 16,000 associates, to offer jobs assistance. $WMT PR link.

General Electric(PBR9) to sell Appliances business to Qingdao Haier Co for $5.4 billion. $GE PR link.

Genworth Financial(PBR287) closes sale of certain blocks of term life insurance policies to Protective Life Insurance Company. $GNW PR link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) completes $450 million acquisition of 7,400 controlled lots, 280 homes in backlog, from John Wieland Homes. $PHM PR link.

Intuit(PBR529) to sell its online marketing/communications software service Demandforce unit to Internet Brands. $INTU PR link.

Graphic Packaging(PBR553) to acquire 2 location folding carton manufacturer Walter G Anderson, terms not disclosed. $GPK PR link.

Pinnacle Foods(PBR751) completes $11.00/share, $975 million acquisition of health & wellness foods brands manufacturer Boulder Brands. $PF PR link.

Equinix(PBR793) completes $3.8 billion acquisition of UK based 40+ data centers services provider Telecity. $EQIX PR link.

Caterpillar(PBR54) promotes VP Denise Johnson to group president of Resources Industries unit, effective 04/01/16, succeeds retiring Ed Rapp. $CAT PR link.

Polaris Industries(PBR531) VP Corporate Development Todd Balan has left, Guido Neizert appointed interim. $PII PR link.

Cinemark(PBR739) hires Angelia Pelham as EVP-Chief Human Relations Officer. $CNK PR link.

US Federal Reserve says December Total US Industrial Production was at 106.0% of 2012 average, -1.8% from December 2014. FRB PR link.

US Dept of Labor says the December Producer Price Index was -0.2%, goods at -0.7%, services +0.1%, 2015 at -1.0%. USDOL PR link.

US Dept of Commerce says November Trade Sales/Manufacturers’ Shipments Value at $1.314 trillion, -0.2% from October, -2.8% from November 2014. USDOC PR link.

US Dept of Commerce says December US Retail/Food Services Sales were $448.1 billion, -0.1% from November, +2.2% from December 2014. USDOC PR link.

Energy: Obama halts most new coal-mining leases on public lands. MarketWatch article link.

Personal Finance: America’s growing student-loan-debt crisis, $1.2 trillion for 40 million students. MarketWatch article link.

Thursday, January 14:
Goldman Sachs(PBR76) agrees to $2.285 billion settlement regarding pre-recession mortgage securities. $GS PR link.

Brown-Forman(PBR563) to sell its Southern Comfort & Tuaca trademarks to Sazerac for $544 million. $BF PR link.

Orbital ATK(PBR655) gets new NASA contract to deliver cargo to the International Space Station. $OA PR link.

United Technologies(PBR45) appoints Robert Leduc as president, Pratt & Whitney unit, Paul Adams retiring. $UTX PR link.

Lowe’s Cos(PBR50) hires Jennifer Weber as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective 03/01/16, succeeds retiring Maureen Ausura. $LOW PR link.

MGM Resorts(PBR273) hires James Steward as CEO & Andy Chien as CFO for future REIT spinoff MGP. $MGM PR link.

Alaska Air(PBR454) promotes Kurt Kinder to VP, Maintenance and Engineering. $ALK PR link.

Fortune Brands(PBR569) hires Brett Finley as President of Therma-Tru Doors. $FBHS PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says December Import Prices were -1.2% from November, -8.2% from December 2014, driven mostly by fuel prices. USDOL PR link.

Apple(PBR5)‘s slowing iPhone sales weigh on suppliers. MarketWatch PR link.

Entertainment: 21st Century Fox(PBR91 $FOX) films prove dominant, racking up 26 Oscar nominations. MarketWatch article link.

The PBR1000 Fact: The PBR1000 Total Market Capitalization(1,036 companies) on 12/31/15 was $20.364 trillion, -2.08% from Nov, -2.06% for the year.

Wednesday, January 13:
General Motors(PBR8) adds $4 billion to shares repurchase program, $9 billion now available. $GM PR link.

General Electric(PBR9 $GE) to cut 6,500 jobs in Europe at ex-Alstom units. MarketWatch article link.

General Electric(PBR9) to move headquarters from Fairfield, CT, to Boston, MA, to be completed by end of 2018. $GE PR link.

World’s #1 golfer Jordan Spieth signs multi-year partnership deal with Coca-Cola(PBR63). $KO PR link.

Reynolds American(PBR317) completes $5.0 billion sale of Natural American Spirit international businesses. $RAI PR link.

TreeHouse Foods(PBR690) to hire additional Omaha-based ConAgra(PBR166 $CAG) Private Brands employees. $THS PR link.

Activision Blizzard(PBR540) hires Stacey Sher to be co-president with Nick van Dyk of television/films Studios unit. $ATVI PR link.

Boyd Gaming(PBR727) promotes Josh Hirsberg to EVP/CFO & treasurer, Steve Thompson to EVP-Operations, Nevada, & corporate procurement, admin, & slot operations, & Ted Bogich to EVP-Operations Midwest/South/Peninsula, & corporate marketing, design, & construction. $BYD PR link.

HCP(PBR831) promotes Troy McHenry to EVP-General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, succeeds retiring Jim Mercer. $HCP PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says US FY(3 mos) YTD Receipts through December were $765.645 billion, Outlays $981.190 billion, Deficit $215.546 billion. Treasury PR link.

The US Federal Reserve releases Beige Book. 12 Districts report overall flat to moderate growth since last release . FRB PR link.

Economy: So many jobs, so little growth. What gives? MarketWatch article link.

Auto Industry: Auto execs shrug off fears for global car sales. MarketWatch article link.

Tuesday, January 12:
Ford(PBR10) sells 1.3 million vehicles in Europe in 2015, +11% from 2014. $F PR link.

MetLife(PBR39) to pursue spinoff of US Retail Business into separate public company. $MET PR link.

Visteon(PBR351) to acquire India based 140 employee automotive multimedia systems supplier AllGo Systems. $VC PR link.

Graphic Packaging(PBR553) to acquire Australian based 3 locations folding carton manufacturer Colorpak(ASX: CKL) in 2Q2016. $GPK PR link.

W.R. Grace(PBR625) approves separation of GCP Applied Technologies, to be completed 02/03/16, to trade as NYSE: GCP. $GRA PR link.

Aeropostale(PBR924) has new cost reduction program, to eliminate 100 corporate positions. $ARO PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) Fred Meyer president Lynn Gust retiring, Jeff Burt promoted, takes over 01/31/16. $KR PR link.

Boyd Gaming(PBR727) 40 year employee EVP/Chief Business Development Officer Bob Boughner retiring this summer, will remain on board. $BYD PR link.

FTI Consulting(PBR941) CFO David Johnson leaving 02/29/16, joining an NGO. $FCN PR link.

The Dept of Labor says November Job Openings at 5.432 million, was 5.349 million in October, was 4.886 million in November 2014. USDOL PR link.

2016 Outlook: KKR(PBR332) releases its global Outlook 2016: Adult Swim Only. $KKR article link.

Computer Industry: 4Q2015 worldwide PC shipments were 75.7 million units, -8.3% from 4Q2014. Gartner article link.

CoreLogic says November Houses in Foreclosure at 448,000, 1.2% of all mortgages, -21.8% from November 2014. Corelogic article link.

Monday, January 11:
Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36) turning over ownership of the 56 Chicago-land area health care retail clinics to operator Advocate Health Care. $WBA article link.

Alcoa(PBR115) gets longterm $1.5 billion contract to supply jet engine components to General Electric(PBR9) Aviation unit. $AA article link.

Apollo Education(PBR681) to explore strategic alternatives, including change of ownership. $APOL article link.

Arch Coal(PBR691) files for Chapter 11 reorganization, to restructure $1.9 billion of debt, will stay open. $ACI article link.

DENTSPLY(PBR694) and Sirona Dental(NASDAQ: SIRO) shareholders approve $13 billion merger, to close 1Q2016. $XRAY article link.

Celgene(PBR347) Bob Hugin to be Executive Chairman, Pres/COO Mark Alles to be CEO, CFO Jacqualyn Fouse to be Pres/COO. $CELG article link.

Acxiom(PBR1062) promotes Dennis Self to president/general manager of Marketing Services. $ACXM article link.

Sports: Alabama wins the national college football championship 45-40 over Clemson. USA Today article link.

Friday, January 8:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 16,346.45, -6.19% from last week & MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,643.63, -7.26% from last week & MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX closes week at 1,922.03, -5.96% from last week & MTD/QTD/YTD. Record: 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Ford(PBR10) sets annual sales record in China, more than 1.1 million vehicles sold in 2015. $F PR link.

FedEx(PBR65) gets unconditional European Union approval for its $4.8 billion acquisition of Netherlands based TNT Express, to close in 1st half 2016. $FDX PR link.

Thermo Fisher Scientific(PBR175) to acquire cellular/genetic analysis products provider Affymetrix(NASDAQ: $AFFX) for $14.00/share, $1.3 billion cash. $TMO PR link.

Charter Communications(PBR297) gets NY approval for $78.7 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable(PBR119). $CHTR PR link.

Dollar Tree(PBR309) announces departure of Howard R. Levine, CEO of acquired Family Dollar. $DLTR PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says December Civilian Workforce at 157.8 million available, 149.9 million employed, 7.9 million unemployed for 5.0% unemployment rate. USDOL PR link.

The Federal Reserve says December Total Consumer Credit is at $3.526 trillion, +0.40% from November, +6.29% from December 2014. FRB PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says November US Wholesale Sales at $442.8 billion, -1.0% from October, -4.6% from November 2014. USDOC PR link.

Thursday, January 7:
Ford(PBR10) Adopts Mark-to-Market for Pension and OPEB Plans; Improves Transparency of Automotive Operating Performance. $F PR link.

Boeing(PBR27) delivers record 762 airplanes in 2015, 768 net orders booked. $BA PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) to close Indiana based Warrick Smelter and curtail remaining capacity at Pt. Comfort refinery in Texas. $AA PR link.

SuperValu(PBR164) files Form 10 for possible spin-off of its Save-A-Lot unit into a separate, publicly traded company. $SVU PR link.

Penske Automotive(PBR170) acquires 49% interest in interest in Japan based BMW/MINI/Rolls-Royce/Ferrari luxury dealerships Nicole Group. $PAG PR link.

Omnicon(PBR192) division BBDO Worldwide acquires majority stake in fashion/luxury brands creative agency 100+ employees Wednesday Agency Group. $OMC PR link.

Dover(PBR343) completes $465 million acquisition of dispenser & system businesses from France based Tokheim Group. $DOV PR link.

Constellation Brands(PBR377) To Build New 10 Million Hectoliter Brewery In Mexicali, Mexico And Further Expand Its Nava Brewery. $STZ PR link.

NCR(PBR383) to sell Interactive Printer Solutions Division to Atlas Holdings LLC, terms not disclosed. $NCR PR link.

Meredith Corp(PBR994) proposes amended $20+/share “merger of equals” with Media General(NYSE: MEG). $MDP PR link.

Charles River Labs(PBR1025) to acquire biopharma/ag/industrial chemicals CDMO company WIL Research for $585 million cash. $CRL PR link.

United Continental(PBR77) CEO Oscar Munoz recovering from heart transplant, expects to return late 1st/early 2nd quarter. $UAL PR link.

Time Warner(PBR103) extends chairman/CEO Jeff Bewkes contract through 2020. $TWX PR link.

Northrop Grumman(PBR113) promotes Lisa R. Davis to Corporate VP, Communications, effective 02/29/16; Darryl M. Fraser to retire. $NOC PR link.

Lincoln National(PBR213) promotes Ken Solon to SVP, Chief Information Officer, reports to president/CEO. $LNC PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) CFO John Sheehan to retire on 04/01/16. $MYL PR link.

EMCOR(PBR392) promotes Maxine Lum Mauricio general counsel, succeeds Sheldon Cammaker who is now vice chairman. $EME PR link.

The Andersons(PBR525) COO & a corporate VP to retire, positions to be eliminated. $ANDE PR link.

Domino’s Pizza(PBR889) promotes Eric Anderson to EVP-International Operations, reports to International unit president in the Netherlands. $DPZ PR link.

Verisk Analytics(PBR943) promotes Bill Churney to president of its catastropic modeling unit AIR Worldwide. $VRSK PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says 2015 US Jobless Claims finish at lowest level since 1973. MarketWatch article link.

Wednesday, January 6:
T-Mobile US(PBR95) has 63.3 million subscribers with net 8.3 million added in 2015. $TMUS PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) to reduce expenses by $400 million, eliminate 3,000 jobs, close 40 of 770 stores. $M PR link.

Carnival Corp(PBR184) to launch 4 new ships in 2016. $CCL PR link.

Monsanto(PBR187 $MON) to eliminate 1,000 more jobs on top of 2,600 annunced earlier. MarketWatch article link.

Facebook(PBR228) Oculus unit blogs that Oculus Rift pre-orders now open, $599 price, first shipments 03/28/16. $FB article link.

Netflix(PBR447) claims global presence after launching in 130 new countries. MarketWatch article link.

Alliance Data(PBR462) authorizes $500 million stock repurchase program for 2016. $ADS PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) receives letter from major stockholder Starboard Value suggesting management changes, new strategic directions. Starboard letter link.

Chipotle(PBR561) files SEC 8-K form regarding effects of recent health incidents on 4th quarter earnings & receipt of Federal Grand Jury Subpoena. $CMG PR link.

Amkor Technology(PBR659) now has 100% ownership in auto market OSAT $832 million/year J-Devices. $AMKR PR link.

Blackhawk Network(PBR998) acquires GiftCards.com & OmniCard.com for $120 million. $HAWK PR link.

Oshkosh(PBR368) Defense segment president John Urias retiring for health reasons, effective 02/06/16. $OSK PR link.

NetApp(PBR405) restructures, promotes Jeffrey Bergmann to interim CFO, succeeds leaving Nick Noviello. $NTAP PR link.

Clean Harbors(PBR629) promotes Michael Battles to EVP/CFO. $CLH PR link.

Fresh Market(PBR942) hires Pamela Kohn as EVP/Chief Merchandising Officer. $TFM PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says Total US Exports YTD(11 months) were at $2.049 trillion, Imports $2.537 trillion, Balance -$0.488 trillion. USDOC article link.

The US Dept of Commerce says November New Orders of Manufactured Goods was $472.2 billion, -0.2% from October, -3.2% from November 2014. USDOC article link.

The Federal Reserve releases the December Meeting Open Market Committee Minutes. FOMC article link.

Healthcare: Here’s how much government healthcare spending has ballooned over two decades. MarketWatch article link.

World Bank forecasts modest 2.9% global growth in 2016, up from 2.4% in 2015, advanced economies to gain speed. WB article link.

Tuesday, January 5:
Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) scaling back iPhone production. MarketWatch article link.

Ford(PBR10) tripling its fleet of Fusion Hybrid autonomous research vehicles, largest such fleet among all automakers. $F PR link.

Netflix(PBR447) and DreamWorks($DWA) are making the leap to global markets. $NFLX PR link.

Fairchild Semiconductor(PBR1000) says revised unsolicited $21.70 from China Resources is superior offer. $FCS PR link.

NVR(PBR533) promotes Jeffrey Martchek to president, Homebuilding Operations. $NVR PR link.

Magellan Health(PBR592) hires Srini Koushik as Chief Technology Officer. $MGLN PR link.

2015 US Auto Sales set record with 17.5 million sold, +5.7% from 2014. Auto News article link.

December US Auto Sales at $57.9 billion, average unit price was $34,081. TrueCar article link.

RealEstate: Median price for Manhattan apartment is at a record $1.15 million, +17.3% from 2014. MarketWatch article link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) Flurry Analytics unit in State of Mobile study says mobile use grew by 58% in 2015. $YHOO article link.

Monday, January 4:
General Motors(PBR8) to invest $500 million in ridesharing service Lyft. $GM article link.

Baylor Scott & White Health and Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) Complete Joint Venture to Own Five North Texas Hospitals. $THC article link.

CBRE Group(PBR301) acquires 100+ employee Memphis, TN, affiliate. $CBG article link.

LifePoint Hospitals(PBR463) completes acquisition of 376 bed, 2,800 employees, 300 physicians St. Francis Hospital. $LPNT PR link.

LifePoint Hospital(PBR463) Duke unit joined by former Tenet Healthcare(PBR161 $THC) NC based 137 bed Central Carolina Hospital & 355 bed Frye Regional, includes 19 regional physician practices. $LPNT PR link.

NVIDIA(PBR510) Boosts IQ of Self-Driving Cars With World’s First In-Car Artificial Intelligence Supercomputer. $NVDA PR link.

Polaris Industries(PBR531) acquires private aftermarket snowmobile helmets & goggles provider 509, terms not disclosed. $PII PR link.

Activision Blizzard(PBR540) acquires esports live streaming gaming & competitive leagues developer Major League Gaming. $ATVI PR link.

Brink’s(PBR613) to add 3 directors per agreement with 12.3% stakeholder Starboard Value; Chairman/President/CEO to retire by 2016 annual meeting. $BCO PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) leads exchanges with 275 new listings in 2015. $NDAQ PR link.

General Motors(PBR8) CEO Mary Barra adds Chairman title. $GM PR link.

Target(PBR40) promotes Janna Potts to EVP, Chief Stores Officer, oversees 1,805 US stores, reports to COO. $TGT PR link.

Micron Technology(PBR180) president Mark Adams resigns for personal health reasons effective 02/01/16. $MU PR link.

Pitney Bowes(PBR588) hires Bob Guidotti as EVP & president, Software Solutions. Mark Wright now EVP, Strategic Growth Initiatives. $PBI PR link.

Analog Devices(PBR701) hires Jean Philibert as SVP-Human Resources. $ADI PR link.

Domino’s Pizza(PBR889) hires Judy Werthauser as EVP-Chief People Officer. $DPZ PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says November Construction Spending is estimated at a $1.123 trillion annual rate, -0.4% from October, +10.5% from November 2014. USDOC PR link.

Economy: Here’s how the government miscalculated a decade’s worth of construction data. MarketWatch article link.

Opinion: Blackstone(PBR352)‘s Byron Wien Announces Predictions for Ten Surprises for 2016. $BX PR link.

Friday, January 1:
***Happy, Blessed, Peaceful, and Prosperous New Year!***
(Stock Markets Closed.)

Click here for The PBR1000 December 2015 Monthly Breaking News Recap.

Check out the BLOG page for the previous RECAPS and SNAPSHOTS posts.

Click here to follow The PBR1000 on Twitter!

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, Damian Brandon.)

Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: acquisitions, Business, business news, Commodities, DJIA, Economy, Investing, Leadership, mergers, NASDAQ, Personal Finance, Rankings, Research, S&P 500, Stock Market, The PBR1000

The PBR1000 December 2015 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots

January 23, 2016 by admin

ID-10094980 Order Chaos Buttons-Stuart Miles

When Did the ‘Chaos’ Button
Start Appearing,
and Who Pushed It?

December 2015: What’s Up, or Perhaps More Appropriate, What’s Not Down?

By Larry C. Paxton

December 2015 ended the year on a disappointing note with the major stock market indices dropping dramatically. These results did not offer much confidence as 2016 started. For the primary reasons we encourage you to read The PBR1000 December 2015 Breaking News Recap.

It is interesting to review how the indices behaved in December 2015. For example, for the 22 trading days the Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJIA) was up 10 days, down 12 days, and 9 of those days were up or down by at least 1%.

As we already know, January is showing similar characteristics, and there is a sense of chaos by many traders.

Sooner or later the markets will calm down, hopefully sooner. Then perhaps there will be a sense of order, or at least the stocks and commodities markets version of that.

Current The PBR1000 Subscribers should have already received the MS Excel workbook. If you are not a current Subscriber just click here to get your 13 month subscription and automatically download the December 2015 edition of The PBR1000 Snapshots. You will notice that we are offering a Happy New Year Special that extends the subscription to 19 months.

In the following tables the stock price is for the close of trading on December 31st, Month % Chg is compared to November 30th, YTD % Chg is compared to December 31, 2014, and the 24 Mos % Chg is compared to December 31, 2013.

Table 1(S11): The PBR1000 Top 5 Month Stock Price % Gainers

Table 1 Summary: The range was +71.72% to -62.54%. 284 out of 1,036 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 27.41% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of 4.03%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 12/31/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	24 Mos % Chg
Keurig Green Mountain	515	GMCR	89.98	+71.72	-32.04	+19.12
SunEdison	769	SUNE	5.09	+59.56	-73.91	-61.00
SunPower	680	SPWR	30.01	+25.25	+16.18	+0.67
Jarden	324	JAH	57.12	+22.37	+19.30	+39.66
A-Mark Precious Metals	419	AMRK	18.85	+21.61	+89.07	n/a

Table 2(S12): The PBR1000 Top 5 Year-To-Date Stock Price % Gainers

Table 2 Summary: The range was +134.39% to -99.44%. 384 out of 1,032 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 37.21% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of 7.38%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 12/31/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	24 Mos % Chg
Netflix	439	NFLX	114.38	-7.26	+134.39	+117.45
Amazon.com	31	AMZN	675.89	+1.67	+117.78	+69.49
Activision Blizzard	527	ATVI	38.71	+2.79	+92.11	+117.11
A-Mark Precious Metals	402	AMRK	18.85	+21.61	+89.07	n/a
Pep Boys	853	PBY	18.41	+18.54	+87.47	+51.65

Table 3(S13): The PBR1000 Top 5 24 Months Stock Price % Gainers

Table 3 Summary: Range was +266.87% to -99.93%. 511 out of 1,026 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 49.81% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of -0.13%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 12/31/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	24 Mos % Chg
Hawaiian Holdings	802	HA	35.33	-2.40	+35.62	+266.87
Electronic Arts	516	EA	68.72	+1.37	+46.17	+199.56
Skechers USA	791	SKX	30.21	+0.03	+64.01	+173.64
JetBlue	422	JBLU	22.65	-8.45	+42.81	+165.22
Edwards Lifesciences	801	EW	78.98	-3.09	+24.01	+140.21

Table 4(S15): The PBR1000 Top 5 Market Capitalization

Table 4 Summary: Range was $586.86 billion to $0.00 billion. The average is $19.66 billion, median is $5.86 billion, out of 1,036 companies tracked.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Market Cap($B) 12/31/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	24 Mos % Chg
Apple	3	AAPL	586.86	-11.02	-9.35	+16.26
Alphabet	44	GOOGL	521.90	+2.19	+46.15	+39.40
Microsoft	27	MSFT	443.17	+2.08	+15.74	+41.91
Berkshire Hathaway	5	BRK.B	325.49	-1.53	-9.99	+11.09
ExxonMobil	2	XOM	324.50	-4.54	-17.11	-26.60
The PBR1000			20,364.13	-2.08	-2.06	+6.86

Table 5: The PBR1000 Index & Selected Stock Exchanges/Commodities

Company	Price 12/31/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	24 Mos % Chg
The PBR1000	68,441.34	-3.72	-5.01	+4.75
DJIA	17,425.03	-1.66	-2.23	+5.12
NASDAQ	5,007.41	-1.98	+5.73	+19.89
S&P500	2,043.94	-1.75	-0.73	+10.58
Gold	1,060.20	-0.48	-10.52	-11.82
Silver	13.80	-2.06	-11.54	-28.76
Oil	37.04	-11.07	-30.47	-59.39

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

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @ThePBR1000.

(Photo made available through Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Filed Under: Snapshots Tagged With: Commodities, DJIA, Economy, Investing, Money, NASDAQ, Personal Finance, Research, S&P 500, Stock Market, Stocks, Trading

The PBR1000 December 2015 Breaking News Recap

January 3, 2016 by admin

December 2015: The End of a Volatile Year,
the Start of a _________ Year???

ID-100212664 Oil Refinery Night-Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee

The Oil industry had a big impact on us in 2015.
How will it affect 2016?

By Larry C. Paxton

The end of December 2015 finally came to an end and for many it was with a big sigh of relief. For everyone it left with big question marks about what lies ahead in 2016.

Economic indices showed moderate growth at best. But the Federal Reserve finally took the big step in December 2015 of doing its first minimal interest rate hike in several years. Now the big questions are what metrics will the Fed use in 2016, how many interest rate hikes are anticipated? Oil prices plummeted, but the OPEC nations plan to maintain production. After 40 years the U.S. ban on oil exports ended, and the first shipment left on the last day of the year. Predictions on oil in 2016 are all over the place. Which logic will prevail? U.S. car drivers have benefited from lower prices at the pump, but the expected increase in spending in other areas does not appear to have materialized. Will it in 2016? Because growth was moderate many companies found it necessary to either acquire or be acquired. Mergers and acquisitions were at a record level. Will this continue in 2016? A lot of leadership changes are scheduled for the beginning of 2016. What directions will we see from this new blood in 2016? Internationally results were mixed as well. China is experiencing less robust growth. The European economy was stagnant. The recent climate change treaty has implications for all countries involved, but what will be the level of follow up and what will be the real results? Most experts predict a rather flat year for 2016 internationally, with continued volatility. Are the assumptions used realistic or are they just being extra cautious? With 2015 behind us, there are an endless number of variables to consider when trying to make predictions for 2016. It is in our human nature, especially the competitive part of us, to publicly make projections, and get some recognition, especially if we have been right a few times in the past. It makes good press, but sometimes it does seem like a futile exercise in wishful thinking. As for me, I will keep my predictions private, hope for the best, but if you are more brave, let us know how you fill in the blank for yourself.

Happy New Year, let 2016 begin, let’s do our best, be optimistic, and let’s see how the year unfolds!

Following are The PBR1000 and economic related news items of note for December 2015, starting with the last active day.

Thursday, December 31:
The PBR1000 End of 2015 US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes 2015 at 17,425.03, -0.72% from last Friday, -1.66% MTD, +7.00% QTD, -2.23% YTD.
NASDAQ closes 2015 at 5,007.41, -0.81% from last Friday, -1.98% MTD, +8.38% QTD, +5.73% YTD.
SPX closes 2015 at 2,043.94, -0.83% from last Friday, -1.75% MTD, +6.45% QTD, -0.73% YTD.

EMC Corp(PBR111 $EMC) $850 million/year cost reduction plan includes job cuts, most by end of 1Q2016 at $250 million cost. SEC filing link.

The US Dept of Labor says 12/26/15 Initial Unemployment Claims was 287,000, +20,000 from previous week, insured unemployment rate at 1.6% USDOL PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates on 12/31/15 averaged 4.01%, +0.05% from previous week, 0.6 points/fees. $FMCC PR link.

NuStar(PBR673) & ConocoPhillips(PBR53 $COP) exporting US oil shipment from Corpus Christi, TX, first since 40 year ban lifted on 12/18/15. $NS PR link.

Housing: Why first-time home buyers are staying on the sidelines. MarketWatch article link.

Economy: December Chicago PMI falls to 42.9, -5.8 from November. MNI/ISM Chicago article link.

Entertainment: ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Jurassic World’ push box office to record-breaking year. MarketWatch article link.

Investing: 2015 year in review: The S&P 500’s winners and losers. MarketWatch article link.

Energy: 2015 Gas Prices Second-Cheapest in a Decade, ends year at $2.00/gal. AAA Year-End Gas Price Report. AAA article link.

Wednesday, December 30:
Icahn Enterprises(PBR147 $IEP) files SEC Form 8 regarding its planned acquisition of Pep Boys(PBR872 $PBY) for $18.50/share. SEC filing link.

Facebook(PBR228) Oculus unit blogs that every Oculus Rift will ship with VR adventure game Lucky’s Tale. $FB filing link.

Range Resources(PBR726) completes $865 million sale of its southwest Virginia 3,500 wells, 460,000 acres, Nora assets. $RRC PR link.

Opinion: And the award for the worst forecast of 2015 goes to… MarketWatch article link.

2016 predictions: The six tech trends that will rule. MarketWatch article link.

IMF head Lagarde warns of disappointing growth in 2016. MarketWatch article link.

Tuesday, December 29:
DuPont(PBR82) to cut 1,700 jobs in Delaware ahead of spinoffs. $DD PR link.

QUALCOMM(PBR106) signs 3G/4G Chinese patent agreements with Tianyu & Haier. $QCOM PR link. $QCOM PR link.

Community Health System(PBR125) to acquire 80% interest in Indiana University Health 227 bed & 50 bed hospitals. $CYH PR link.

Activision Blizzard(PBR540 $ATVI) named big winner this holiday, as ‘Call of Duty’ sales soar. MarketWatch PR link.

Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA) plans to hire thousands more as competition heats up. MarketWatch article link.

Beacon Roofing(PBR818) to acquire Denver based residential/commercial roofing supplies company Statewide Wholesale, terms not disclosed. $BECN PR link.

Japanese based Bridgestone says it will not counter Icahn Engerprises(PBR147) $18.50/share bid for Pep Boys(PBR872). Bridgestone PR link.

Fairchild Semiconductor(PBR1000) receives unsolicited $21.70/share offer from unnamed source, counters On Semiconductor $20.00/share bid. $FCS PR link.

Sysco(PBR61) promotes Tom Bené to president/COO effective 01/01/16. $SYY PR link.

Triumph Group(PBR578) hires Daniel Crowley as president/CEO, effective 01/04/16. Succeeds founder Richard Ill. $TGI PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the 3Q2015 US Net International Investment Position was $23.312 trillion in assets, $30.582 trillion in liabilities, for a -$7.270 trillion balance. USDOC PR link.

Sentier Research says November Median Household Income at $56,746, 1st time exceeds pre-recession level of December 2007. Sentier article link.

Consumer Confidence Improves Nearly Four Points to 96.5 in December. Conference Board article link.

S&P/Case-Shiller says the October US National Home Price Index was at 175.65, was 175.47 in September. S&P/C-S article link.

Opinion: 10 dividend stocks for safe income as interest rates rise in 2016. MarketWatch article link.

Monday, December 28:
Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) on track to to deliver about 75 million iPhones in 1Q2016. MarketWatch article link.

General Electric(PBR9 $GE) to acquire private precision cooling hole manufacturing NJ based company Metem, terms not disclosed, to close 1Q2016. MarketWatch article link.

Amazon(PBR29) says 3 million new Prime subscribers in 3rd week of December, other holiday records set. $AMZN PR link.

Intel(PBR51) completes $54/share, $16.7 billion acquisition of field-programmable gate array technology company Altera(PBR903 $ALTR). $INTC PR link.

Walt Disney(PBR57 $DIS)‘s ‘Star Wars’ the fastest to earn $1 billion at box office. MarketWatch PR link.

Willis Tower Watson to replace Fossil Group(PBR617 $FOSL) on S&P 500 on 01/04/16. MarketWatch PR link.

Pep Boys(PBR872) gets new $18.50/share bid from Icahn Enterprises(PBR147). $PBY PR link.

Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) Chairman/Co-Founder James Moffett stepping down, named Chairman Emeritus, director Gerald J Ford elected Non-Executive Chairman. $FCX PR link.

Manitowoc(PBR579) hires Barry Pennypacker as president/CEO of soon to be public spinoff Manitowoc Cranes. $MTW PR link.

MasterCard(PBR291) says US holiday retail sales rose 7.9%, eCommerce up 20% over 2014. $MA PR link.

Dealogic data shows 2015 M&A volume surpasses $5 trillion. PRNewswire PR link.

Friday, December 25:
***Christmas Day***
Let there be Peace on Earth.
Stock Markets Closed.

Thursday, December 24:
***Christmas Eve***
US Stock Markets close early for the week at 1PM Eastern.

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,552.17, +2.47% from last Friday, -0.95% MTD, +7.78% QTD, -1.52% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,048.49, +2.55% from last Friday, -1.18% MTD, +9.27% QTD, +6.60% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,060.99, +2.77% from last Friday, -0.93% MTD, +7.34% QTD, +0.10% YTD.

Nike(PBR98) 2:1 stock split in effect.

Pep Boys(PBR872) gets new $17/share offer from Japan’s Bridgestone, regarded as superior to Icahn Enterprises(PBR147) bid. MarketWatch article link.

Apparel retailers saw online sales spike on >strong>’Manic Monday.’ MarketWatch article link.

3 reasons U.S. oil is trading at premium to global benchmark MarketWatch article link.

Wednesday, December 23:
Norfolk Southern(PBR242) board unanimously rejects revised merger proposal from Canadian Pacific. $NSC PR link

BB&T(PBR277) receives federal regulatory approvals for $1.8 billion acquisition of National Penn Bancshares. To close in next few months. $BBT PR link

Salesforce(PBR453) to acquire quote-to-cash platform software developer SteelBrick for $360 million. http://1.usa.gov/1Ogjs5B$CRM SEC filing link

Hubbell(PBR632) shareholders approve consolidation of Class A & B stocks into one common stock, symbol now HUBB. $HUBB PR link

The US Housing and Urban Development estimates that November Sales of New Single-Family Houses were at a 490,000 annual rate, +4.3% from October, +9.1% from November, 2014. HUD PR link

The US Dept of Commerce says November Total Personal Income was at a $15.618 trillion annual rate, +0.3% from October, Personal Savings Rate was at 5.5%, -0.1% from October. USDOC PR link

Jobs/Housing: 15 cities with the best job and housing prospects. MarketWatch article link

The U of Michigan says the Final December Index of Consumer Sentiment was at 92.6, the highest level since July. UMich PR link.

Tuesday, December 22:
Cisco(PBR60) completes $452.5 million acquisition of private network security company Lancope. $CSCO PR link.

Celgene(PBR347) settles cancer treatment drug REVLIMID® patent litigation. $CELG PR link.

Cliffs Natural Resources(PBR518) completes sale of remaining N American coal business for $268 million. $CLF PR link.

Vornado Realty Trust(PBR738) sells leasehold interest in 473,000 sf Manhattan office building 20 Broad St for $200 million aggregate consideration. $VNO PR link.

Vornado Realty Trust(PBR738) completes $450 million financing of St. Regis Fifth Avenue Retail. $VNO PR link.

Penn Natl Gaming(PBR750) gets agreement with Scientific Games(PBR937 $SMGS) subsidiary Bally Gaming to provide Prairie State Gaming customers next-generation video gaming terminals and exclusive new game content. $PENN PR link.

Hillenbrand(PBR962) to acquire highly-engineered valves for water, power, & mining developer/manufacturer Red Valve for $131.9 million cash. $HI PR link.

Meredith Corp(PBR994) gets new 10 year licensing agreement for Martha Stewart Media Brands. $MDP PR link.

CF Industries(PBR502) promotes Terry Huch to VP-Supply Chain, succeeds Christopher Bonn who is now SVP-Manufacturing. $CF PR link.

Abercrombie & Fitch(PBR595) promotes Fran Horowitz to new position of President/Chief Merchandising Officer. $ANF PR link.

Under Armour(PBR668) hires Chip Molloy as CFO, effective 01/19/16. $UA PR link.

Bright Horizons(PBR1018) promotes chief development officer Stephen Kramer to president, effective 01/01/16. Other executive promotions announced. $BFAM PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the 3rd Quarter Gross Domestic Product 3rd Estimate was at a 2.0% annual rate, $18.060 trillion. USDOC PR link.

The National Assn of Realtors says November Existing Home Sales were at a 4.760 million annual rate, -10.5% from October, median price $220,300. NAR PR link.

Freddie Mac(PBR41) in its December Insight & Outlook forecasts 2016 2.5% GDP, drop in value of family mortgage originations. $FMCC PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) will account for more than half of 2015 e-commerce growth, says Macquarie. MarketWatch PR link.

Monday, December 21:
Apple(PBR5) CEO Tim Cook is interviewed on CBS’ 60 Minutes by Charlie Rose. CBS article/video link.

Walt Disney(PBR57) crosses $5 billion in global box office for 2015 as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” posts record $529 million global, $248 million domestic debut. $DIS PR link.

Ingram Micro(PBR62) completes $175 million acquisition of the e-commerce fulfillment business of public Netherlands based DOCdata. $IM PR link.

Staples(PBR122) offers $1.25 billion in divestitures for Office Depot(PBR182 $ODP) acquisition, rejected by FTC, litigation being pursued to get deal. $SPLS PR link.

Icahn Enterprises(PBR147 $IEP) raises offer for Pep Boys(PBR872 $PBY) to $16.50/share after Bridgestone matches previous $15.50/share bid. MarketWatch article link.

Marriott Intl(PBR211) announces closing of $500 million construction loan for 2 million sq ft, 1,500 room Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, to create 12,000 construction and hotel jobs. $MAR PR link.

NetApp(PBR405) to acquire SolidFire for $870 million cash, accelerates adoption of all-flash data centers. $NTAP PR link.

Lithia Motors(PBR451) acquires Spokane, WA, based $50 million/year Barton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Alpha Fiat. $LAD PR link.

CF Industries(PBR502) & Netherlands’ based OCI change jurisdiction of new company of $8 billion merger from the UK to the Netherlands. Close planned for mid 2016. $CF PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Midwest retail insurance provider Peoria, IL, based The Hawk Agency. $AJG PR link.

International Economy: China reveals focus of its 2016 economic plan. MarketWatch article link.

Money: Here’s all the money in the world, in one chart. MarketWatch article link.

Corporate Deals 2015: 10 most remarkable corporate deals of 2015. MarketWatch article link.

Friday, December 18:
The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,128.45, -0.79% from last Friday, -3.34% MTD, +5.18% QTD, -3.90% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,923.08, -0.21% from last Friday, -3.63% MTD, +6.56% QTD, +3.95% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,005.52, -0.34% from last Friday, -3.60% MTD, +4.45% QTD, -2.59% YTD.

Wells Fargo(PBR30) to sell crop insurance businesses to US subsidiary of Zurich Insurance for up to $1.05 billion. $WFC PR link.

Southern Co(PBR155) to acquire controlling interest in Kern County, CA, 200 megawatt solar facility from Canadian Solar subsidiary. $SO PR link.

Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) to provide healthcare services to Aetna(PBR49 $AET)‘s 8.5 million members in new 4 year agreement. $THC PR link.

Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR185) to sell its HIV R&D portfolio to ViiV Healthcare for $350 million up front with $2.5 billion in future incentives. $BMY PR link.

Air Products(PBR267) files initial SEC Form 10 for spinoff of Materials Technologies business as Versum Materials, scheduled for 09/16. $APD PR link.

Darden Restaurants(PBR398) authorizes new $500 million share repurchase program, increases dividend 14%. $DRI PR link.

Windstream(PBR426) begins ultra-fast 1 Gbps service in Lexington, KY, to launch in 5 markets in 1H2016. $WIN PR link.

Windstream(PBR426) completes $575 million cash sale of its data center business to TierPoint. $WIN PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Atlanta, GA, based Managed Healthcare Solutions. $AJG PR link.

Arthur J Gallgher(PBR515) acquires midwest retail insurance broker Brown Hobbs & McMurray. $AJG PR link.

Diebold(PBR676) forms new joint venture with China IT firm Inspur to provide ATMs & kiosks in Chinese market. $DBD PR link.

Beacon Roofing(PBR818) acquires 20 branch residential/commercial distributor Dallas based Roofing & Insulation Supply. $BECN PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) hires Therace Risch as EVP-Chief Information Officer, effective immediately. $JCP PR link.

Allison Transmission(PBR865) global sales, marketing & services SVP Mike Headly retiring, effective 03/31/16. $ALSN PR link.

Red Robin(PBR1046) hires Jonathan Muhtar as SVP-Chief Marketing Officer, reports to EVP-Chief Concept Officer Denny Marie Post. $RRGB PR link.

Thursday, December 17:

Cameron Intl(PBR269) stockholders approve $14.8 billion acquisition by Schlumberger, expected to close 1Q2016. $CAM PR link.

Avon(PBR303) gets $605 million equity investment from Cerberus, Avon North America to become separate private entity, quarterly dividends suspended. $AVP PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Australia based Strathearn Insurance Brokers. $AJG PR link.

Boston Properties(PBR803) completes sale of 26 acre, San Jose, CA, 4 office buildings Innovation Place for $207 million. $BXP PR link.

Corrections Corp(965) gets 10 year, 2 5 year renewable options, $25 million/year award for Red Rock, AZ, corrections center. $CCA PR link.

Apple(PBR5) promotes Jeff Williams to COO, Johny Srouji SVP-Hardware Technologies; Tor Myhren to join as VP Marketing Communications in 1Q2016. $AAPL PR link.

DeVry(PBR905) hires Joe Mozden as VP-Workforce Solutions. $DV PR link.

Society: 5 key takeaways about parenting in changing times. Pew Research article link.

Wednesday, December 16:
AIG(PBR46) adds $3.0 billion to share buyback program, balance now $4.3 billion. $AIG PR link.

Coca-Cola Enterprises(PBR327) files SEC registration to combine CCE, CCIP, & CCEAG into Coca-Cola European Partners, to close by 2Q2016. $CCE PR link.

Blackstone(PBR352) completes acquisition of leading global tier 1 engine component manufacturer MB Aerospace. $BX PR link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) to acquire 7,400 controlled lots, 280 homes in backlog, from from John Wieland Homes for up to $450 million. $PHM PR link.

Albemarle(PBR792) to sell its Mineral Flame Retardants and Specialty Chemicals businesses to Huber Engineered Materials. $ALB PR link.

AMSURG(PBR945) has acquired Atlanta area 60 physicians Northside Anesthesiology Consultants. $AMSG PR link.

Key Energy(PBR1001) to seek stockholder approval for reverse stock split with ratio exceeding 1:10 to regain NYSE listing requirement. $KEG PR link.

Carnival Corp(PBR184) SVP Heidi Capozzi to succeed retiring Tony Parasida as head of human resources, effective 03/01/16. $CCL PR link.

Genworth Financial(PBR287) promotes EVP Kevin Schneider to COO, effective 01/01/16. $GNW PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) promotes Adena Friedman to president/COO, effective immediately. $NDAQ PR link.

Avista Corp(PBR990) promotes Roger Woodworth to president, Avista Development division. $AVA PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Board votes 10-0 to a 0.25% increase in discount rate, eff 12/17/15. FRB PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the November New Private Housing Building Permits Issued Annual Rate was at 1,289,000, +11.0% from October, +19.5% from November 2014. USDOC PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says that November Industrial Capacity Utilization was -0.5% to 77.0%, -3.1% from long-run (1972–2014) average. FRB PR link.

Tuesday, December 15:
Halliburton(PBR90) & Baker Hughes(PBR108 $BHI) provide update on merger status, extending closing date to no later than 04/30/16 pending discussions with US Dept of Justice. $HAL PR link.

Expedia(PBR433) completes $3.9 billion acquisition of 1.2 million alternative accommodations space HomeAway. $EXPE PR link.

Ascena Retail(PBR499) authorizes $200 million share repurchase program. $ASNA PR link.

Activision Blizzard(PBR540) profits have helped fund 17,500 quality careers for veterans, goal is 25,000 by 2018. $ATVI PR link.

Global Payments(PBR762) to acquire Heartland Payment Systems(PBR821 $HPY) for $100/share, $4.3 billion. $GPN PR link.

Clearwater Paper(PBR898) announces $100 million stock repurchase program. $CLW PR link.

DeVry(PBR905) authorizes 9th share repurchase program, for $100 million through 12/31/17. $DV PR link.

DeVry(PBR905) Brasil has acquired 96.4% of Grupo Ibmec Educacional, has 15,000 students. $DV PR link.

PharMerica(PBR911) completes acquisition of 2 more healthcare companies, achieves 2015 goal of acquisitions with total of over $100 million in revenues. $PMC PR link.

Parker-Hannifin(PBR218) promotes Mark Hart to EVP, Human Resources & External Affairs, effective 01/01/16, succeeds retiring Dan Serbin. $PH PR link.

Starwood Hotels(PBR417) EVP/CFO Thomas Mangas to become CEO effective 12/31/15, Alan Schnaid being promoted to CFO. $HOT PR link.

JM Smucker(PBR437) names new president for Big Heart Pet Food and Snacks, for corporate strategy, expanded role for SVP/CFO. $SJM PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) promotes Michael Quartieri to EVP/CFO & Secretary. $SGMS PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says November Worker Current Earnings averaged $25.25/hr, 34.5 hrs/week, $871.13 weekly pay, -0.13% from October, +2.0% from November 2014. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says that the November All Urban Consumer Price Index was +0.0% from October, +0.5% over the last 12 months. USDOL PR link.

Monday, December 14:
The PBR1000 November Snapshots have been emailed to Subscribers. Not an Annual or Monthly Subscriber yet? Just click here!.

Boeing(PBR27) raises share repurchase authorization to $14 billion, ups dividend 20%. $BA PR link.

Micron Technology(PBR180) to acquire remaining 67% interest in Inotera Memories of Taiwan for $0.92/share, $3.2 billion. $MU PR link.

Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) to acquire Jarden(PBR324 $JAH) for $60/share cash/stock, to be called Newell Brands, be a $16 billion/year consumer products company, to close 2Q16. $NWL PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Western US retail insurance broker Colorado based Centennial Insurance Agency. $AJG PR link.

IGT(PBR878) gets agreement with Oklahoma’s Kaw Nation to provide casino management systems & games to its two locations. $IGT PR link.

BlueLinx(PBR892) to seek approval at annual stockholders meeting for 1:10 reverse stock split. $BXC PR link.

Fairchild Semiconductor(PBR1000) declines unsolicited $21.70/share offer, will proceed with $20.00/share buy offer from ON Semiconductor(PBR656 $ON). $FCS PR link.

DuPont(PBR82) announces some executive leadership retirements and promotions/re-assignments. $DD PR link.

Hershey(PBR354) hires Rob Gehrig as Global Chief Sales Officer, effective 01/18/16. $HSY PR link.

Barnes & Noble(PBR408) hires Bill Wood as Chief Information Officer, reports to CEO Ron Boire. $BKS PR link.

Black Hills(PBR1009) promotes Linn Evans to president/COO, effective 01/01/16. $BKH PR link.

Friday, December 11:
The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,265.21, -3.26% from last Friday, -2.57% MTD, +6.02% QTD, -3.13% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,933.47, -4.06% from last Friday, -3.43% MTD, +6.78% QTD, +4.17% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,012.37, -3.79% from last Friday, -3.27% MTD, +4.81% QTD, -2.26% YTD.

Ford(PBR10) had November European Sales of 101,500 vehicles, +20.5% from October, total Europe market share is 7.9%. $F PR link.

Lockheed Martin(PBR64) delivers 2,500th C-130 Hercules, 1st delivery was 12/09/56. $LMT PR link.

DuPont(PBR82) & Dow Chemical(PBR48 $DOW) to merge in all stock deal, form DowDuPont, then separate into 3 independent public companies. $DD PR link.

Atmel(PBR1004) confirms receipt of unsolicited $9.00 cash/share offer, already has $4.6 billion cash/stock offer from UK based Dialog Semiconductor. $ATML PR link.

Caterpillar(PBR54) Resource Industries group president Ed Rapp to retire; will turn his focus to fighting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). $CAT PR link.

DISH Network(PBR196) announces promotions to president/COO, EVP-Strategic Planning, Chief Accounting Officer, others. $DISH PR link.

Carlisle Cos(PBR650) to promote pres/COO D. Christian Koch to CEO effective 01/01/16; David A. Roberts continues as Chairman. $CSL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the November Producer Price Index Final Demand was +0.3% from October, with Goods at -0.1%, Services +0.5%, & 12 mos at -1.1%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says October Manufacturing & Trade Sales were $1.318 trillion, September was $1.320 trillion, Oct 2014 was $1.354 trillion. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce in Advance report says November Retail/Food Services Sales were at $448.1 billion, October was $447.1 billion, November 2014 was $442.1 billion. USDOC PR link.

Thursday, December 10:
Ford(PBR10) investing additional $4.5 billion by 2020 in electrified vehicle solutions. $F PR link.

Bank of America(PBR24) resubmitted capital plan accepted without objection by the Federal Reserve Board. $BAC PR link.

ConocoPhillips(PBR53) sets $7.7 billion capital expenditure plan for 2016, 25% less than 2015. $COP PR link.

YUM!(PBR217) to return up to $6.2 billion to stockholders before China spinoff as an independent public company. $YUM PR link.

Visteon(PBR351) announces $3.75 billion special cash distribution to shareholders, authorizes $500 million share buyback program. $VC PR link.

Herbalife(PBR487) chairman/CEO Michael Johnson does net transaction exercise involving 280,000 stock appreciation rights. $HLF PR link.

Electronics Arts(PBR527) starts EA Competitive Gaming Division, to be lead by EVP-Chief Competitive Officer Peter Moore. $EA PR link.

T Rowe Price(PBR570) appoints William Stromberg as president/CEO, effective 01/01/16, increases share buyback program to 20.9 million shares. $TROW PR link.

Arch Coal(PBR691) receives non-compliance notice from NYSE, capitlization under $50 million. $ACI PR link.

AIG(PBR46) announces new executive leadership structure, including new CFO. $AIG PR link.

Occidental Petroleum(PBR123) promotes Vicki Hollub to president/COO, to become CEO at 2016 annual meeting. $OXY PR link.

Whole Foods(PBR203) hires Tien Ho for new position of global VP of culinary & hospitality. $WFM PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) CEO Marissa Mayer announces birth of identical twin girls. $YHOO PR link.

Rackspace(PBR935) hires Alex Pinchev as EVP/president of global sales & marketing, effective 01/01/16. $RAX PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says November US Imports Prices were -0.4% from October. November Exports Prices were -0.6% from October. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury reports November Government Receipts of $205.0 billion, Outlays $270.0 billion, Deficit $65.0 billion. Fiscal YTD Deficit(2 months) is $201.1 billion, was $178.5 in November 2014. Treas PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Board says in 3rd Quarter Z1 Report that Household Debt was at $14.1 trillion, Business Debt $12.6 trillion, Government Debt $17.5 trillion, Total Nonfinancial Debt $44.2 trillion. FRB PR link.

Analysis: America’s middle class has lost nearly 30% of wealth. MarketWatch article link.

Wednesday, December 9:
Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) suspends dividend program, cutting oil & gas expenses. $FCX PR link.

CSX(PBR226) to move from NYSE to NASDAQ on 12/21/15, to keep CSX symbol. $CSX PR link.

Computer Sciences(PBR237) to acquire UK based commercial insurance industry software developer Xchanging for $720 million. $CSC PR link.

BlackRock(PBR252) Investment Institute releases 2016 Outlook. $BLK PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) suspends plan to spinoff Alibaba holdings, considering transfer of Yahoo! assets & liabilities to a new public company. $YHOO PR link.

Orbital ATK(PBR655) resupply mission Cygnus spacecraft berths with International Space Station. $OA PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782) acquisition of Vivint Solar amended, Blackstone(PBR352 $BX) to be key stakeholder, provide $250 million credit facility. $SUNE PR link.

Curtiss-Wright(PBR837) has new $200 million share repurchase program for 2016. $CW PR link.

Express(PBR860) authorizes up to $100 million for new share repurchase program. $EXPR PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says October Merchant Wholesalers Sales at $448.0 billion, -0.0% from September, -3.7% from October 2014. USDOC article link.

Tuesday, December 8:
Morgan Stanley(PBR79) to cut 1,200 jobs. MarketWatch article link.

QUALCOMM(PBR106) gets slapped with antitrust charges by the European Union. MarketWatch article link.

Icahn Enterprises(PBR147) & related entities boost stake in Hertz(PBR259) to 14.3%. MarketWatch article link.

Bristol-Myers-Squibb(PBR185) completes up to $2.1 billion acquisition of private biotech company Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals. $BMY PR link.

L-3 Communications(PBR238) selling its National Security Solutions business to CACI Intl(PBR612 $CACI) for $550 million cash. $LLL PR link.

Norfolk Southern(PBR242) says Canadian Pacific’s revised unsolicited $91.62/share offer is less than previous unacceptable offer. $NSC PR link.

MasterCard(PBR291) to start a $4 billion share repurchase program upon completion of $786 million remaining under current plan. $MA PR link.

Wynn Resorts(PBR427) chairman/CEO Stephen Wynn buys 1 million shares on the open market, now holds over 11 million shares. $WYNN PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Mississippi based McPherson Benefits Group, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Interactive Exchange(PBR556) to close $5.2 billion cash/stock deal for Interactive Data Corp on 12/14/15. $ICE PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) to acquire alternate trading platform Chi-X Canada, to close 1Q2016, terms not disclosed. $NDAQ PR link.

Pep Boys(PBR872) determines Icahn Enterprises(PBR147) $15.50/share bid is superior to Bridgestone’s $15.00/share. $PBY PR link.

Fairchild Semiconductor(PBR1000) receives unsolicited $21.70/share offer, has $20.00/share offer from ON Semiconductor(PBR656 $ON). $FCS PR link.

CIT Group(PBR608) appoints executive leaders for CIT Bank NA, Chief Risk Officer, Business Capital, & Treasurer. $CIT PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says October Private Job Openings at 4,887,000, was 5,041,000 in September, 4,440,000 in October 2014. USDOL PR link.

CoreLogic says October Homes in Foreclosure at 463,000, was 589,000 in October 2014. CoreLogic report download.

Manpower(PBR132) in employment outlook forecasts continued optimism for hiring, stable at start of 2016. $MAN article link.

Monday, December 7:
General Electric(PBR9) terminates its $3.3 billion appliances unit sale to Sweden based Electrolux. $GE PR link.

Staples(PBR122) $6.3 billion acquisition of Office Depot(PBR182 $ODP) being blocked by FTC, companies to contest decision. $SPLS PR link.

Omnicom(PBR192 $OMC) wins bulk of Proctor & Gamble(PBR33 $PG)’s North America business. MarketWatch article link.

CBRE Group(PBR301) acquires national services leader for Affordable Housing act, 50+ employee Tax Credit Group. $CBG article link.

Keurig Green Mountain(PBR507) to be acquired by JAB Holding for $92/share, $13.9 billion, expected to close 1Q2016. $GMCR PR link.

Keurig(PBR507)’s buyout turns Coca-Cola(PBR63)’s $1 billion loss into a profit. MarketWatch article link.

Carlyle Group(PBR581) acquires Toronto based displays & store fixtures for global prestige cosmetics industry provider Array, terms not disclosed. $CG article link.

Pep Boys(PBR872) gets $15.50/share offer from Icahn Enterprises(PBR147), already has $15.00/share bid from Japan’s Bridgestone. MarketWatch article link.

HollyFrontier(PBR140) promotes EVP/COO George Damiris to president/CEO effective 01/01/16. CEO Michael Jennings to be executive chairman. $HFC PR link.

Marriott Intl(PBR211) EVP/CFO Carl Berquist to retire 12/31/15, subsidiary Ritz-Carlton CFO Lenny Oberg to become CFO 01/01/16. $MAR PR link.

YUM!(PBR217) CFO Patrick Grismer resigning, effective 02/19/16. $YUM article link.

Gannett(PBR414) hires Joanne Lipman to new position of Chief Content Officer & Daniel Bernard to Chief Product Officer, both report to pres/CEO. $GCI article link.

American Axle & Mfg(PBR602) hires Timothy Bowes SVP-Corporate Planning. $AXL article link.

HealthSouth(PBR800) hires Patrick Darby as EVP-General Counsel/Corporate Secretary, effective mid 02/16. $HLS article link.

Energy: Oil settles at lowest levels since early 2009. MarketWatch article link.

The US Federal Reserve says October Consumer Total Credit Outstanding at $3.512 trillion, +0.46% from September, +5.89% YTD. FRB PR link.

Friday, December 4:
The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,847.63, +0.28% from last Friday, +0.72% MTD, +9.60% QTD, +0.14% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,142.27, +0.29% from last Friday, +0.66% MTD, +11.30% QTD, +8.58% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,091.69, +0.08% from last Friday, +0.54% MTD, +8.94% QTD, +1.59% YTD.

Norfolk Southern(PBR242) rejects unsolicited, low-premium, highly conditional cash/stock offer from Canadian Pacific. $NSC PR link.

NCR(PBR383) closes $820 million equity investment from Blackstone(PBR352), adds 2 members to the board. $NCR PR link.

Pep Boys(PBR872) shares surge as Carl Icahn(PBR147 $IEP) takes 12.12% stake. MarketWatch article link.

Groupon(PBR652) promotes Jay Sullivan to Chief Product Officer, makes leadership changes in North American segment. $GRPN PR link.

Donaldson Co(PBR783) hires Scott Robinson as VP/CFO. $DCI PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says November Available Workforce at 157.3 million, 149.4 million employed, unemployment rate stays at 5.0%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says October Total Exports at $184.1 billion, Imports $228.9 billion, deficit $43.9 billion, was $42.4 billion in September. USDOC PR link.

Thursday, December 3:
GE(PBR9) releases statement: 5 Things You Should Know About The GE/Alstom Deal. $GE PR link.

Express Scripts(PBR22) has 265 million shares available for buyback program after additional 60 million authorized. $ESRX PR link.

Anthem(PBR38) shareholders approve $54.2 billion acquisition of Cigna(PBR85), close planned for 2nd half 2016. Cigna shareholders also approve. $ANTM PR link.

Avon(PBR303) is sent letter by Barington Capital Group regarding several concerns about performance. $AVP PR link.

NRG Energy(PBR186) CEO Dave Crane steps down, EVP/COO Mauricio Gutierrez becomes president/CEO. $NRG PR link.

TECO Energy(PBR758) shareholders approve $10.4 billion acquisition by Emera, expected to close mid 2016. $TE PR link.

Windstream(PBR426) promotes Sarah Day to president, Consumer/Small Business, effective 01/01/16, reports to CEO. $WIN PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says October Manufacturing New Orders were at $473.9B, +1.5% from September, -7.1% YTD from 2014. USDOC PR link.

Wednesday, December 2:
General Dynamics(PBR94) authorizes 10 million shares for share buyback program. $GD PR link.

AutoNation(PBR148) reports retail new vehicle unit sales of 25,555 in November 2015, -6% from November 2014. $AN PR link.

Genworth Financial(PBR287) completes adjusted $490 million sale of its lifestyle protection insurance business to France based AXA SA. $GNW PR link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) has $305 million for share buyback program after adding $300 million. $PHM PR link.

Cabela’s(PBR606) announces it is exploring strategic alternatives, including possible sale of company. $CAB PR link.

SuperValu(PBR164) hires Eric Claus as CEO of its Save-A-Lot hard-discount grocery segment. $SVU PR link.

American Financial(PBR435) promotes John Rogers to divisional VP & Chief Information Security Officer. $AFG PR link.

Cabot Corp(PBR607) president/CEO Patrick Prevost to take medical leave of absence for minor stroke, expects to return 01/16. $CBT PR link.

American Eagle Outfitters(PBR640) Exec Chairman Jay Schottenstein also CEO, no longer interim. $AEO PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says 3rd Quarter 2015 Nonfarm Business Labor Productivity grew at a +2.2% annual rate, output +1.8%, hours worked -0.3% USDOL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Board releases Beige Book, says economic activity generally increased at a modest rate. FRB PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Board chairman Yellen moves Fed to brink of December rate hike. MarketWatch article link.

ADP(PBR235) says US Private Business Sector added 217,000 jobs in November. $ADP PR link.

Equifax(PBR795) says 3rd quarter US Consumer Debt grew to $10.5 trillion, +2.3% from 3rd quarter 2014. $EFX PR link.

Discover Financial(PBR286) says 2015 Holiday Consumer Spending to rise after 2014 dip. $DFS PR link.

Vanguard says bull market will keep sparkling in 2016 MarketWatch article link.

MasterCard(PBR291) says holiday season starting out strong, 4.6% US retail growth in November. $MA PR link.

News: 14 dead and many injured in San Bernardino shooting.

Tuesday, December 1:
Amazon(PBR29) says its Fire TV is #1 best seller streaming media player in US, sales up 6x year over year. $AMZN PR link.

Capital One(PBR116) completes acquisition of General Electric(PBR9) Capital’s Healthcare Financial Services business. $COF PR link.

Goodyear Tire(PBR157) combines N & S America units, names new leaders for American, EMEA regions. $GT PR link.

Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) to sell Atlanta area 5 hospitals, 26 physician clinics to regional network WellStar Health. $THC PR link.

Zuckerberg, wife pledge 99% of Facebook(PBR228 $FB) shares to charity to mark daughter’s birth. MarketWatch article link.

Henry Schein(PBR270) has $425 million share repurchase program balance after $400 million added. $HSIC PR link.

Systemax(PBR623) completes $14 million sale of certain of its North American Technology Group assets, including TigerDirect, to PCM, Inc. (NASDAQ: PCMI). $SYX PR link.

TD Ameritrade(PBR662) to move from NYSE to NASDAQ, effective 12/14/15, keeps AMTD symbol. $AMTD PR link.

Beacon Roofing(PBR818) acquires 5 branch residential/commercial distributor RCI Roofing Supply, terms not disclosed. $BECN PR link.

IDEX(PBR861) authorizes additional $300 million for share repurchase program. $IEX PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) gets new contract with West Virginia Lottery to supply its Connexus system to monitor 14,000 gaming machines in 1,350 locations. $SGMS PR link.

Ford(PBR10) announces senior leadership changes for some business units. $F PR link.

Alaska Air(PBR454) promotes Greg Mays to VP of Labor Relations. $ALK PR link.

Sonoco Products(PBR480) announces senior leadership changes for primary business units. $SON PR link.

Institute for Supply Management says November Manufacturing PMI at 48.6, -1.5 from October, 12 month average is 51.9. ISM article link.

November US New Vehicle Sales: 1,284,735 units, +1.6% from Nov 2014; YTD: 15,485,092 units, +5.4% from 2014. Automotive News article link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the October Annual Construction Spending Rate was at $1,107.4 billion, +1.0% from September, +13.0% from October 2014. USDOC PR link.

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Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: acquisitions, business news, Commodities, DJIA, Economy, Investing, Leadership, mergers, NASDAQ, Personal Finance, Rankings, S&P 500, Stock Market, Stocks, The PBR1000

The PBR1000 November 2015 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots

December 19, 2015 by admin

Wishing You The Best
During the Holiday Season,
and To Getting Your Piece of the Pie
in the New Year!

By Larry C. Paxton

November 2015 was a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde kind of month. To understand that it is a good idea to quickly review the end of October. Overall October ended with a very positive result for stocks and commodities. But the reality was that there was a bit of a downturn in the last week. In the first week of November Dr. Jekyll showed up and there was a nice gain. But the second week Mr. Hyde took over and there was a significant downturn. The third week Dr. Jekyll returned and there was a big jump back. In the final week and last day of the month Mr. Hyde reappeared for a dip, not a big one, but a noticeable one.

There seemed to be a lot of reasons for the swings. The economy appears to continue to grow at a modest rate, to the point where it is a foregone conclusion that the Federal Reserve will most likely finally make an almost minimal raise of the short term interest rate. But oil and minerals prices continue to fluctuate, there is uncertainty about global issues like immigration and refugees, much of it related to unrest in the Middle East. Climate change is becoming a bigger issue and getting more attention, and there are no easy answers, other than the fact there will be an unpredictable impact on economies worldwide.

What will happen in December? Once again, there are a lot of questions and very little consensus. For the holiday season what will be the growth of online sales, and what impact will that have on traditional retail storefronts? Will oil prices stabilize? What will it take to bring stability and peace to the Middle East? What will really happen if the Fed raises interest rates? There are a myriad of additional questions and the resulting complexities make just about any prediction both plausible and unlikely.

During this holiday season the staff of PBRMarketTools.com wishes you the very best as you celebrate through the traditions you cherish. May it be a season of peace and hope as we enter what will be an interesting New Year.

In the following tables the stock price is for the close of trading on November 30th, Month % Chg is compared to October 30th, YTD % Chg is compared to December 31, 2014, and the 23 Mos % Chg is compared to December 31, 2013.

Table 1(S11): The PBR1000 Top 5 Month Stock Price % Gainers

Table 1 Summary: The range was +259.28% to -62.16%. 543 out of 1,041 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 52.16% of the companies tracked. The median was a gain of 0.25%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 11/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	23 Mos % Chg
Education Management	816	EDMC	0.18	+259.28	+9.09	-98.22
Weight Watchers	972	WTW	26.38	+71.52	+6.20	-19.89
Roundy’s	574	RNDY	3.58	+66.51	-26.03	-63.69
Willbros Group	867	WG	2.97	+48.50	-52.63	-68.47
Airgas	455	ARG	138.20	+43.72	+19.99	+23.56

Table 2(S12): The PBR1000 Top 5 Year-To-Date Stock Price % Gainers

Table 2 Summary: The range was +152.73% to -99.43%. 439 out of 1,037 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 42.33% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of 4.15%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 11/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	23 Mos % Chg
Netflix	440	NFLX	123.33	+13.79	+152.73	+134.475
Amazon.com	31	AMZN	664.80	+6.22	+114.21	+66.70
Activision Blizzard	530	ATVI	37.66	+8.34	+86.90	+111.22
Global Payments	706	GPN	70.85	+3.87	+75.50	+118.00
INTL FCStone	88	INTL	35.58	+11.22	+72.97	+92.41

Table 3(S13): The PBR1000 Top 5 22 Months Stock Price % Gainers

Table 3 Summary: Range was +275.91% to -99.86%. 574 out of 1,031 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 55.67% of the companies tracked. The median was a gain of 3.96%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 11/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	23 Mos % Chg
Hawaiian Holdings	802	HA	36.20	+4.32	+38.96	+275.91
Electronic Arts	519	EA	67.79	-5.94	+44.19	+195.51
JetBlue	423	EA	24.74	-0.40	+55.99	+189.70
Skechers USA	791	SKX	30.20	-3.21	+63.95	+173.55
Edwards Lifesciences	801	EW	163.00	+3.72	+27.96	+147.87

Table 4(S15): The PBR1000 Top 5 Market Capitalization

Table 4 Summary: Range was $659.56 billion to $0.00 billion. The average is $20.02 billion, median is $6.17 billion, out of 1,041 companies tracked.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Market Cap($B) 11/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	23 Mos % Chg
Apple	3	AAPL	659.56	-1.07	+1.88	+30.66
Alphabet	44	GOOGL	510.70	+4.48	+43.01	+36.40
Microsoft	27	MSFT	434.14	+3.25	+13.38	+39.01
ExxonMobil	2	XOM	339.95	-1.46	-13.17	-23.11
Berkshire Hathaway	5	BRK.B	330.54	-1.94	-8.59	+12.81
The PBR1000			20,839.69	-0.48	+0.06	+9.19

Table 5: The PBR1000 Index & Selected Stock Exchanges/Commodities

Company	Price 11/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	23 Mos % Chg
The PBR1000	71,450.80	-0.12	-1.24	+8.95
DJIA	17,719.92	+0.32	-0.58	+6.90
NASDAQ	5,108.67	+1.09	+7.87	+22.32
S&P500	2,080.41	+0.05	+1.04	+12.55
Gold	1,065.30	-6.67	-10.09	-11.39
Silver	14.09	-9.51	-9.68	-27.26
Oil	41.65	-10.60	-21.81	-54.33

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

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @ThePBR1000.

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Filed Under: Snapshots Tagged With: Commodities, DJIA, Economy, Investing, Money, NASDAQ, Personal Finance, S&P 500, Stock Market, The PBR1000, Trading

The PBR1000 November 2015 Breaking News Recap

December 2, 2015 by admin

ID-10024082 Christmas SALE-Salvatore Vuono

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.

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, Salvatore Vuono.)

Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: acquisitions, business news, DJIA, Economy, Investing, Leadership, mergers, NASDAQ, Rankings, S&P 500, Stock Market, The PBR1000

The PBR1000 October 2015 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots

November 24, 2015 by admin

The End Of 2015 Is Near.
What is Your Investment Strategy?

By Larry C. Paxton

August and September experienced a downward trend for a variety of reasons(see previous editions of this blog). October 2015 saw a significant reverse, and at the end of the month the stock exchanges were back at their mid-August levels, and appearing ready to climb even more in the upcoming months, even though economic indices continue to be somewhat mixed, overall moderate, and feeling fragile. There is a sense that investors are weary of that same economic news over and over again, and they are ready to step out. For example, the concern over when the Federal Reserve will raise its base interest rate from 0%, the stock market showed negative volatility. Now it seems that even though the economics have not changed much the markets have still moved up anticipating the interest rate move up and now feeling it is a positive sign. It will be interesting to see if this thought has some truth to it in the coming months.

In the following tables the stock price is for the close of trading on October 30th, Month % Chg is compared to September 30th, YTD % Chg is compared to December 31, 2014, and the 22 Mos % Chg is compared to December 31, 2013.

Table 1(S11): The PBR1000 Top 5 Month Stock Price % Gainers

Table 1 Summary: The range was +141.07% to -54.55%. 844 out of 1,044 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 80.84% of the companies tracked. The median was a gain of 7.12%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 10/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	22 Mos % Chg
Weight Watchers	975	WTW	15.38	+141.07	-38.08	-53.29
Willbros Group	868	WG	2.00	+58.73	-68.10	-78.77
Denbury Resources	783	DNR	3.54	+45.08	-56.46	-78.45
Piedmont Natural Gas	981	PNY	57.31	+43.02	+45.42	+72.83
Tronox	929	TROX	6.21	+42.11	-73.99	-73.08

Table 2(S12): The PBR1000 Top 5 Year-To-Date Stock Price % Gainers

Table 2 Summary: The range was +122.09% to -99.43%. 427 out of 1,040 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 41.06% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of 4.22%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 10/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	22 Mos % Chg
Netflix	442	NFLX	108.38	+4.96	+122.09	+106.05
Amazon.com	30	AMZN	625.90	+22.27	+101.68	+56.95
Activision Blizzard	533	ATVI	34.76	+12.53	+72.51	+94.95
Skechers USA	793	SKX	31.20	-30.19	+69.38	+182.16
Global Payments	711	GPN	136.41	+18.90	+68.97	+109.89

Table 3(S13): The PBR1000 Top 5 22 Months Stock Price % Gainers

Table 3 Summary: Range was +260.33% to -99.86%. 574 out of 1,034 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 55.51% of the companies tracked. The median was a gain of 3.66%.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Price 10/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	22 Mos % Chg
Hawaiian Holdings	805	HA	34.70	+40.60	+33.21	+260.33
Electronic Arts	521	EA	72.07	+6.38	+62.48	+214.17
JetBlue	425	EA	24.84	-3.61	+56.62	+190.87
Skechers USA	793	SKX	31.20	-30.19	+69.38	+182.61
Southwest Airlines	151	LUV	46.29	+21.69	+9.38	+145.70

Table 4(S15): The PBR1000 Top 5 Market Capitalization

Table 4 Summary: Range was $666.66 billion to $0.00 billion. The average is $20.08 billion, median is $6.33 billion, out of 1,044 companies tracked.

Company	PBR Rank	Symbol	Market Cap($B) 10/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	22 Mos % Chg
Apple	5	AAPL	666.66	+5.99	+2.97	+32.06
Alphabet	44	GOOGL	488.82	+17.20	+36.89	+30.56
Microsoft	27	MSFT	420.48	+18.78	+9.81	+34.64
ExxonMobil	2	XOM	344.98	+11.28	-11.88	-21.97
Berkshire Hathaway	4	BRK.B	337.08	+4.31	-6.78	+15.04
The PBR1000			20,964.21	+7.74	+0.54	+9.74

Table 5: The PBR1000 Index & Selected Stock Exchanges/Commodities

Company	Price 10/30/15	Mo % Chg	YTD % Chg	22 Mos % Chg
The PBR1000	71,852.57	+6.94	-1.00	+9.36
DJIA	21,504.97	+7.74	+0.38	+10.78
NASDAQ	5,053.75	+9.38	+6.71	+21.00
S&P500	2,079.36	+8.30	+0.99	+12.50
Gold	1,141.40	+2.35	-3.67	-5.07
Silver	15.57	+7.23	-0.19	-19.62
Oil	46.59	+3.33	-12.54	-48.91

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

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @ThePBR1000.

(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 over $13 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to 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 annual subscription, just click here to go to the PBRMarketTools.com Order page.)

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Filed Under: Snapshots Tagged With: Commodities, DJIA, Economy, Investing, Money, NASDAQ, Personal Finance, S&P 500, Stock Market, Stocks, The PBR1000, Trading

The PBR1000 October 2015 Breaking News Recap

November 2, 2015 by admin

2015 Is Coming To An End.
Are The Puzzle Pieces Coming together
For Upcoming 2016?

By Larry C. Paxton

When October 2015 started there was a lot of concern, especially with the dramatic drop in the stock markets in September. But from a stock market perspective October ended up being a stellar month with a major recovery.

It is difficult to say what really caused the rebound. US and world economics indicators continue to be mixed, with overall moderate/modest growth in the US. You get a sense that while there is some strength, it is still a fragile situation. Third quarter corporate results were submitted with mixed results as well. Several of The PBR1000 announced restructuring plans, many included workforce reductions. Executive leadership changes had a pick up as well as the year ends. There were also a lot of share buyback programs being utilized. Activist investors continue to play a role as well. There were some major deals, mostly related to the healthcare business. This is true with the energy sector as well as it continues to adjust to lower oil prices.

So, what’s in store for November? The holiday season is already starting, retailers have announced seasonal hiring plans. E-commerce should have another big increase in activity and spending this year. With the new embedded chip cards, what form will cyber crime take and how successful will hackers be?

Another continuing big question is whether or not the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates.

The 2016 political season has already started. There is a new Speaker of the House. Republican and Democrat presidential debates are happening. The PACs should start their annoying advertising campaigns.

It’s an interesting time. There are still a lot of uncertainties, but that also means there are major opportunities available as well.

With all of that we at PBRMarketTools hope that The PBR1000 is helpful for full subscribers in making important and difficult decisions now and for the upcoming new year.

Following are The PBR1000 and economic related news items of note for October 2015, starting with the last active day.

Friday, October 30:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes month at 17,663.54, +0.10% from last Friday, +8.47% MTD/QTD, -0.90% YTD.
NASDAQ closes month at 5,053.75, +0.44% from last Friday, +9.38% MTD/QTD, +6.71% YTD.
SPX closes month at 2,079.36, +0.20% from last Friday, +8.30% MTD/QTD, +0.99% YTD.

Chevron(PBR3) announces 3rd quarter results, expects to reduce workforce by around 7,000. $CVX PR link.

Visteon(PBR351) sells it last non-core automotive interiors plant in Germany, to focus on automotive cockpit electronics business. $VC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says 3rd Quarter Compensation Costs for Civilian Workers was +0.6% from 2nd Quarter, +2.0% over past 12 months. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says September US Total Personal Income at $15,421.7B, +0,1% from August, Personal Savings Rate at 4.8%, +0.1. USDOC PR link.

Thursday, October 29:
LPL Financial(PBR50) increases share buyback program authorization to $500 million. $LPLA PR link.

Pfizer(PBR56) confirms it is in talks with Allergan(PBR219 $AGN) regarding possible merger/acquisition. $PFE PR link.

Manpower(PBR132) authorizes 6 million share repurchase program. $MAN PR link.

General Mills(PBR162) to close Berwick, UK, 265 employee facility; also announces it will close a New Zealand plant. $GIS PR link.

Corning(PBR281) to return $10 billion to stockholders by 2019 end, adds $4 billion to share repurchase program. $GLW PR link.

KKR(PBR332) purchasing 343,000 sf, the top 10 office floors, at 30 Hudson Yards, in Manhattan, relocating corporate offices there in 2020. $KKR PR link.

Nu Skin(PBR756) adds $260 million to its share buyback program, now has $500 million available. $NUS PR link.

Manpower(PBR132) Executive Chairman Jeffrey A. Joerres to retire 12/30/15 after 22 Years; CEO Jonas Prising to add Chairman title on 12/31/15. $MAN PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says 30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage averaged 3.76% with 0.6 points/fees for week ending 10/29/15. $FMCC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the 3rd Quarter Gross Domestic Product was at a +1.5% annual rate, was +3.9% in the 2nd quarter. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the Unemployment Insurance Weekly Initial Claims 4 week moving average was at 259,250, lowest level since 12/15/73. USDOL PR link.

The National Assn of Realtors says that the September Pending Homes Sales Index was at 106.8, -2.3% from August, +3.0% from September 2014. NAR PR link.

The AAII says Retail Investors are the most bullish, and least bearish, in 8 months MarketWatch article link.

US Politics Update: Republican Paul Ryan elected 62nd Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Wednesday, October 28:
IBM(PBR25) to acquire The Weather Company’s product & technology businesses, terms not disclosed. $IBM PR link.

Anthem(PBR38) sets 12/03/15 for special shareholders meeting to vote on acquisition of Cigna(PBR85 $CI). Cigna sets same date. $ANTM PR link.

American Express(PBR83) announces organizational & leadership changes in global consumer, commercial payments, & merchant services units. $AXP PR link.

Carl Icahn/Icahn Enterprises(PBR147) takes ‘large stake’ in AIG(PBR46). MarketWatch article link.

AutoNation(PBR148) to acquire 12 Texas stores with 31 franchises representing approximately $800 million in annual revenue. $AN PR link.

Baxter Intl(PBR176) hires Joe Almeida as chairman/CEO, effective 01/01/16, succeeds retiring Robert Parkinson, Jr. $BAX PR link.

Manitowoc(PBR579) appoints board member Kenneth Krueger as interim chairman/president/CEO, effective immediately. $MTW PR link.

Chico’s FAS(PBR730) hires Shelley Broader as president/CEO, effective 12/01/15, succeeds David Dyer who becomes vice chairman. $CHS PR link.

The Federal Reserve issues a statement on its 10/27-28/15 meeting, moderate economic progress, possible interest rate hike at next meeting. FOMC PR link.

Tuesday, October 27:
IBM(PBR25) adds $4 billion to stock buyback program, now has $6.4 billion available. $IBM PR link.

Microsoft(PBR31) releases Halo 5: Guardians globally, latest in $4.6 billion sci-fi franchise. $MSFT PR link.

Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36) to acquire US retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid(PBR105 $RAD) for $17.2 billion cash. $WBA PR link.

Cisco(PBR60) to acquire private network security company Lancope for $452.5 million. $CSCO PR link.

HCA(PBR75) adds $3 billion to share repurchase program, $3.235 billion available. $HCA PR link.

Northrop Grumman(PBR113) selected by US Air Force to deliver the new Long-Range Strike Bomber(LRS-B). $NOC PR link.

Cummins(PBR146) to layoff up to 2,000 professional workers because of global slowdown. $CMI PR link.

Core-Mark(PBR271) gets new 5 year supply agreement for 900 Western region 7-Eleven stores. $CORE PR link.

Ball Corp(PBR312) to acquire remaining 39.9% interest in Brazil based beverage can business Latapack-Ball for 6 million common shares, around $400 million. $BLL PR link.

HCC Insurance(PBR736) acquisition by Tokio Marine for $7.5 billion has been completed, to be delisted effective 10/28/15. $HCC PR link.

Domino’s Pizza(PBR889) completes recapitalization, authorizes $600 million accelerated share repurchase program. $DPZ PR link.

In one chart: How Microsoft(PBR31 $MSFT) has trumped Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) since Steve Jobs’s death MarketWatch article link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the 3rd Quarter Homeownership Rate was 63.7%, +0.3% from 2nd Quarter, – 0.7% from 3rd Quarter 2014. USDOC PR link.

Monday, October 26:
FedEx(PBR65) estimates 317 million packages to be delivered during the holiday season, +12.4% from 2014. $FDX PR link.

Duke Energy(PBR114) to acquire Piedmont Natural Gas(PBR993 $PNY) for $4.9 billion cash. $DUK PR link.

ABM Industries(PBR478) completes the sale of Its security business to Universal Services of America for $131 million. $ABM PR link.

TeamHealth(PBR498) has acquired 3 Las Vegas emergency dept medical groups with 120+ physicians serving 8 hospital emergency departments. $TMH PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) delivers over 33.6 million streams of the first free global live stream of an NFL game. $YHOO PR link.

Roper Technologies(PBR614) to acquire European based lab info management systems provider Clinisys Group for about $260 million. $ROP PR link.

Welltower(PBR635) joint venture with Canada’s Revera completes $623 million acquisition of 23 senior housing communities 3,600 units Canada based Regal Lifestyle Communities. $HCN PR link.

Diebold(PBR676) selling its North America electronic security business to Swedish based Securitas AB for $350 million. $DBD PR link.

Pep Boys(PBR872) to be acquired by Japan based tire/rubber company Bridgestone for $15.00/share, $835 million. $PBY PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR510) hires Bob Lord as Chief Information Security Officer. $YHOO PR link.

IDEX(PBR861) hires Denise Cade as SVP/General Counsel. $IEX PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says September New Single-Family Home Sales were at a 468,000 annual rate, -11.5% from August, +2.0% from September 2014 USDOC PR link.

Friday, October 23:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,646.70, +2.50% from last Friday, +8.36% MTD/QTD, -0.99% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,031.86, +2.97% from last Friday, +8.91% MTD/QTD, +6.25% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,075.15, +2.07% from last Friday, +8.08% MTD/QTD, +0.79% YTD.

American Airlines(PBR69) adds $2.0 billion to current $4.0 billion share buyback program, to be used by end of 2016. $AAL PR link.

Tenneco(PBR321) adds $200 million to its $350 million share repurchase program, to be used by end of 2017. $TEN PR link.

Royal Caribbean(PBR329) enters $200 million accelerated stock repurchase program with Morgan Stanley(PBR79). $RCL PR link.

LabCorp(PBR413) has acquired Safe Foods International, to operate under Covance unit, terms not disclosed. $LH PR link.

Thursday, October 22:
Alphabet(PBR44), now parent of Google, announces $5.1 billion stock repurchase program. $GOOGL PR link.

Dow Chemical(PBR48) outlines next 24-36 months of targeted action, reorganizes executive team. $DOW PR link.

3M(PBR92) announces restructuring plan, to eliminate 1,500 positions. $MMM PR link.

AbbVie(PBR136 $ABBV)‘s stock tumbles after FDA warns on company’s Hep C treatments. MarketWatch article link.

Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) completes $600 million acquisition of $240 million/2015 revenues adhesive & cutting products provider Elmer’s Products. $NWL PR link.

Perrigo(PBR565) announces $2.0 billion share repurchase program, promotes John Hendrickson to president, to reduce workforce by 6%, around 800 employees. $PRGO PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618 $NDAQ) acquires SecondMarket, profit up 12%. MarketWatch article link.

GNC(PBR743) disputes and responds to suit filed by Oregon attorney general about selling illegal ingredients. $GNC article link.

Greenbrier Cos(PBR846) names Victoria McManus as EVP, Chief Strategy Officer, reports to chairman/CEO William Furman. $GBX PR link.

The Natl Assn of Realtors says September Total Existing Home Sales were at a 5.55 million annual rate, +4.7% from August, +8.8% from September 2014 NAR article link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says 30 yr Fixed Rate Mortgages averaged 3.79% with 0.6 points/fees for the week ending 10/22/15. $FMCC PR link.

Housing Construction: Labor shortages trip up big home builders http://on.mktw.net/1M8Ft0JMarketWatch article link.

Wednesday, October 21:
Walt Disney(PBR57 $DIS) ESPN unit to lay off about 300 employees. MarketWatch article link.

Carnival Corp(PBR184) forms joint venture in China to launch domestic Chinese cruise brand, to have 6 ships in 2016. $CCL PR link.

Western Digital(PBR194) to acquire flash storage developer SanDisk(PBR379 $SNDK) for $86.50/share, $19 billion cash/stock. $WDC PR link.

RR Donnelley(PBR243) acquires 34 locations in Eastern/Midwest US logistics company Courier Advisory Group. $RRD PR link.

Biogen(PBR282) revenues increase 11% in 3rd quarter, to layoff 11% of workforce by end of 2015. $BIIB PR link.

Netflix(PBR447 $NFLX) chief Reed Hastings needs loads of cash to feed his growing empire. MarketWatch article link.

LAM Research(PBR520) to acquire products/services for the semiconductor, LED, & nanoelectronics provider KLA-Tencor(PBR692) for $67.02/share, $10.6 billion cash/stock. $LCRX PR link.

American Tower(PBR562) to acquire 51% in India’s 42,200 wireless communications towers company Viom for $1.2 billion. $AMT PR link.

Aeropostale(PBR924) to open 10 retail stores in 5 years in Ireland through licensing agreement with Shuz 4 U International. $ARO PR link.

Whirlpool(PBR138) promotes Marc Bitzer to president/COO. $WHR PR link.

PG&E(PBR172) CFO Kent Harvey to retire in 1st half of 2016. $PCG PR link.

Hormel Foods(PBR293) promotes Jim Snee to president/COO, Jeffrey Ettinger to continue to be chairman/CEO. $HRL PR link.

CIT Group(PBR608) CEO John Thain to retire 03/31/15, stay chairman, board member Ellen Alemany to become CEO 04/01/15. $CIT PR link.

Citrix(PBR658) executive chairman Robert Calderoni to also be interim president/CEO as CEO search continues. $CTXS PR link.

Tuesday, October 20:
Apple(PBR5 $AMZN) CEO Tim Cook says Apple Music has 6.5 million paying subscribers, 8.5 million on free 3 month trial; also talks about other areas. MarketWatch article link.

Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN) now has around 47 million paying Prime members, average member spending is $1,200/year. MarketWatch article link.

Comcast(PBR42 $CMCSA) Fandango unit sells record 8 times more advance tickets than ‘Hunger Games’ for upcoming Walt Disney(PBR57 $DIS) ‘Star Wars’ movie. MarketWatch article link.

United Technologies(PBR45) authorizes additional $12 billion share repurchase plan, $16 billion expected for 2015-2017. $UTX PR link.

Ingram Micro(PBR62) to acquire Brazil based IT value-added $300 million revenues/year ACAO. $IM PR link.

YUM!(PBR217) to create a separate publicly held China focused company. $YUM PR link.

Dover(PBR343) to acquire Italy based textile inks provider JK Group & plastics compounding company Gala Industries for $520 million. $DOV PR link.

Cabot Corp(PBR607) to restructure, includes 300 positions reduction globally. $CBT PR link.

Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA) Model S dropped from top 10 Consumer Reports list for reliability issues, gets positive remarks for customer service response. MarketWatch article link.

Sigma-Aldrich(PBR716) to sell its solvents & inorganics business in the EEA to Honeywell(PBR74 $HON) to satisfy requirement to be acquired by Germany’s Merck. $SIAL PR link.

PharMerica(PBR911) has acquired Buffalo-Niagara Falls area long-term care pharmacy services McGuire Group Pharmacy. $PMC PR link.

Fresh Market(PBR942) conducting strategic/financial review to operate as a standalone company, capital structure optimization, & sale of company. $TFM PR link.

AmSurg(PBR945) proposes merger with physicians services provider TeamHealth(PBR498) for $71.47/share, $7.8 billion. $AMSG PR link.

TeamHealth(PBR498) rejects unsolicited $71.47/share, $7.8 billion offer from AmSurg(PBR945), says undervalues company. $TMH PR link.

Ford Motor(PBR10) makes 7 executive changes for corporate, Europe, and Asian operations. $F PR link.

Community Health System(PBR125) names Martin Smith as EVP/Operations, for future spinoff Quorum Health Corp. $CYH PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says September New Residential Building Permits were at a 1,103,000 annual rate, -5% from August, +4.7% from September 2014. USDOC article link.

Monday, October 19:
Walmart(PBR1 $WMT)’s Asda delays London store expansion. MarketWatch article link.

Amazon.com(PBR29) has recently hired 25,000 fulltime associates, to hire 100,000 seasonal workers. $AMZN PR link.

Amazon.com(PBR29 $AMZN) sues 1,000 people for writing fake reviews. MarketWatch article link.

Freddie Mac(PBR41) & 2nd largest mortgage lender Quicken Loans enter partnership to make home financing accessible for new buyers. $FMCC PR link.

Humana(PBR58) shareholders approve acquisition by Aetna(PBR49), closing in 2nd half 2016. $HUM PR link.

ConAgra Foods(PBR166) Marie Callender’s unit continues Comforts From Home partnership with USO to US troops globally. $CAG PR link.

Starbucks(PBR178) to open coffee shops in 2016 in larger stores of Germany based 3,000 stores retailer REWE. $SBUX PR link.

Allergan(PBR219) completes $300 million acquisition of private glaucoma treatment company AqueSys. $AGN PR link.

Gannett(PBR414) sites reach more than 100 million unique visitors in September 2015. $GCI PR link.

Windstream(PBR426) to sell its data center business to TierPoint for $575 million cash. $WIN PR link.

Weight Watchers(PBR988) partners with Oprah Winfrey as member, board member, and who now has a 10% company stake, with additional 5% option. $WTW PR link.

United Continental(PBR77) President/CEO Oscar Munoz on medical leave, EVP/General Counsel Brett Hart named Acting CEO. $UAL PR link.

Sherwin-Williams(PBR251) to promote EVP/COO John Morikis to CEO on 01/01/16. $SHW PR link.

FMC Technologies(PBR334) names Nicholas Pfeiffer VP, promotes Eric Norris to President of Health and Nutrition business. $FTI PR link.

CIT Group(PBR608) CFO Scott Parker is leaving in 11/15, to be EVP/CFO for Springleaf Holdings(NYSE $LEAF). $CIT PR link.

W.R.Grace(PBR625) hires Naren Srinivasan as VP, Strategy & Development, of planned spinoff GCP Applied Technologies. $GRA PR link.

Friday, October 16:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,215.97, +0.77% from last Friday, +5.72% MTD/QTD, -3.41% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,886.69, +1.16% from last Friday, +5.77% MTD/QTD, +3.18% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,033.11, +0.90% from last Friday, +5.89% MTD/QTD, -1.25% YTD.

Archer-Daniels-Midland(PBR34) completes $1.2 billion sale of its 1,500 employee global cocoa business to Olam International. $ADM PR link.

New United Continental(PBR77) CEO Oscar Munoz suffers heart attack MarketWatch article link.

Carpenter Technology(PBR856) hires Damon Audia as CFO. $CRS PR link.

US Dept of Labor says end of August Job Openings at 5.4 million, hires at 5.1 million, separations at 4.8 million. PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says September Industrial Production was -0.2% from August, +0.4% from September 2014. FRB PR link.

Thursday, October 15:
CSX(PBR226) to cut 300 jobs in Tennessee as it reduces train operations. $CSX article link.

Genworth Financial(PBR287) promotes Kelly Groh as CFO, succeeds Martin Klein who has resigned. $GNW PR link.

SunTrust Bank(PBR307) appoints execs for Consumer Banking, Risk, & Mortgage segments. $STI PR link.

Terex(PBR357) hires John Garrison as President/CEO, effective 11/02/15. $TEX PR link.

US Dept of Labor says September Current Average Earnings/Hour at $25.09, -0.04% from August, +2.2% from September 2014. USDOL PR link.

US Dept of Labor says the September Consumer Price Index was -0.2% from August, unchanged over last 12 mos. USDOL PR link.

US Treasury Dept says FY2015 Receipts at $3.249 trillion, Outlays $3.688 trillion, Deficit $0.439 trillion. Treasury PR link.

Wednesday, October 14:
Walmart(PBR1) strategy drives growth and sustainable returns, plans $20 billion share repurchase program over two years. $WMT PR link.

Microsoft(PBR31 $MSFT)’s Surface Book sells out in 5 days. MarketWatch PR link.

Northrop Grumman(PBR113) to reorganize structure, to promote Gloria Flach to COO, effective 01/01/16. $NOC PR link.

Priceline(PBR319) to add global hotel inventory to TripAdvisor(NASDAQ: $TRIP) instant booking platform in strategic partnership. $PCLN PR link.

Jarden(PBR324) to acquire school yearbooks, rings, caps/gowns supplier Jostens for $1.5 billion. $JAH PR link.

Hershey Co(PBR354) announces 5-year partnership with the US Olympic Committee, & will support the US Olympic & Paralympic teams through the Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018 & Tokyo 2020 Games. $HSY PR link.

Lithia Motors(PBR451) acquires Crown Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat in Concord, California, & Bennett Motors in Great Falls, Montana. Will add $75 million in revenues. $LAD PR link.

Iron Mountain(PBR663) to acquire international arts storage, logistics & transportation company Crozier Fine Arts. $IRM PR link.

Tetra Tech(PBR781) to acquire Australian based $407 million revenues/2015 geoservices/project management co Coffey Intl. $TTEK PR link.

Coach(PBR496) hires Caroline Deroche Pasquier as SVP, Global Public Relations & Communications, in early 2016, and Jo Baldwin as VP, Global Head of Creative Studio. $COH PR link.

Equifax(PBR795) announces 5 key executive leadership promotions for Workforce Solutions, Personal Solutions, USIS, International, & Corporate Development. $EFX PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the September Producer Price Index for Final Demand was -1.1% for the past 12 months, the 8th straight 12-month decline. $USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says August Total Trade Sales & Mfrs’ Shipments are estimated at $1,320.5 billion, -0.6% from July, -3.1% from August 2014. $USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the Advance Estimate of September US Retail & Food Services Sales were $447.7B, +0.1% from August, +2.4% from September 2014. $USDOC PR link.

The Federal Reserve releases the Beige Book, reports modest/moderate growth, strong dollar restraining economy. $USFRB PR link.

Tuesday, October 13:
General Electric(PBR9) to sell $30 billion commercial lending and leasing businesses, with 3,000 employees, to Wells Fargo(PBR30 $WFC). $GE PR link.

Johnson & Johnson(PBR37) announces $10 billion share repurchase program. $JNJ PR link.

Ingram Micro(PBR62) to acquire DOCdata, the e-commerce fulfillment business of public Netherlands based DOCDATA for $175 million. $IM PR link.

Dollar General(PBR151) eliminating 255 positions in restructuring. $DG PR link.

PG&E(PBR172) leads the nation with 200,000 solar customers. $PCG PR link.

DISH Network(PBR196) petitions FCC to deny Charter Communications(PBR297 $CHTR)/Time Warner Cable(PBR119 $TWC) merger. $DISH PR link.

Calpine Corp(PBR330) to acquire 745 megawatt power plant New Hampshire based Granite Ridge Energy Center for $500 million. $CPN PR link.

Flowers Foods(PBR591) completes $120 million acquisition of private organic & all natural breads provider Alpine Valley Bread Co. $FLO PR link.

Greif(PBR554) President/CEO David Fischer resigning effective 10/31/15, COO Pete Wilson to be President/CEO on 11/01/15. $GEF PR link.

Under Armour(PBR668) COO/CFO Brad Dickerson leaving by 02/01/16. $UA PR link.

Monday, October 12:
***Columbus Day***
Federal Holiday.
Stock Markets Open,
Bond Markets Closed.

EMC Corp(PBR111) to be acquired by Dell through Michael Dell group of investors for $33.15/share, $67 billion cash/stock. $EMC PR link.

CDW(PBR239) to expand its offering of Dell products and services in the U.S. and Canada. $CDW PR link.

Ross Stores(PBR253) adds 26 more stores, achieves planned 90 stores opened in 2015. $ROST PR link.

Coca-Cola Enterprises(PBR327) announces Damian Gammell has joined as COO as planned. $CCE PR link.

Visteon(PBR351) hires David Pettyes as VP, Chief Human Resources Officer. $VC PR link.

Darden Restaurants(PBR398) hires Matt Broad as SVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. $DRI PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561) hires its first Chief Information Officer, Curt Garner. $CMG PR link.

Friday, October 9:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,084.49, +3.72% from last Friday, +4.91% MTD/QTD, -4.14% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,830.47, +2.61% from last Friday, +4.55% MTD/QTD, +1.99% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,014.89, +3.26% from last Friday, +4.94% MTD/QTD, -2.14% YTD.

The US military bars Apollo Education Group(PBR681) flagship unit University of Phoenix recruiting. MarketWatch article link.

Walmart(PBR1) promotes Brett Biggs to CFO, succeeds retiring Charles Holley. $WMT PR link.

Biogen(PBR282) EVP of Global Commercial Operations, Tony Kingsley, is leaving. $BIIB PR link.

Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) promotes Joe Arcuri to newly created position of Chief Commercial Officer; Chief Marketing & Insights Officer Richard Davies to add Chief Development Officer role. $NWL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says August 2015 Merchant Wholesalers Sales were $445.4B, -1.0% from July, -4.7% from August 2014. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says that the US Imports Prices Index was -10.7% between September 2014 & September 2015. USDOL PR link.

US consumers splurged with gas savings after all, study finds MarketWatch article link.

Thursday, October 8:
Jacobs Engineering(PBR225) reorganizes into 4 global units, names executive leadership. $JEC PR link.

Entergy(PBR227) to sell its 583 megawatt Rhode Island State Energy Center to Carlyle Power Partners for $490 million. $ETR PR link.

Roper Technologies(PBR614) to acquire legal industry business management software developer Aderant for $675 million. $ROP PR link.

Bon-Ton Stores(PBR707) plans to hire 13,000 seasonal associates for the holidays. $BONT PR link.

Aeropostale(PBR924) signs license agreement with Himatsingka America for home textiles, to be available during Back to School 2016 season. $ARO PR link.

Pinnacle Foods(PBR751) hires D Michael Wittman as EVP, Chief Supply Officer, reports to CEO. $PF PR link.

Itron(PBR896) hires Tom Dietrich as COO. $ITRI PR link.

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) shines in otherwise dismal PC market. MarketWatch article link.

Hewlett-Packard(PBR19 $HPQ)/SanDisk(PBR379 $SNDK) partner on new memory chips, counters Intel(PBR51 $INTC)/Micron(PBR180 $MU) alliance. MarketWatch article link.

The Netflix(PBR447 $NFLX) effect: North American bandwidth dominance in one chart. MarketWatch article link.

The US Federal Reserve releases the Federal Open Market Committee 09/16-17/15 minutes, no interest rate increase, continued modest/moderate economic growth, with uncertainties. FOMC PR link.

Wednesday, October 7:
Hewlett-Packard(PBR19) releases new pc and notebook lines. $HPQ PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) wins $1.1 billion titanium contract with Lockheed Martin(PBR64 $LMT) for F-35 joint strike fighter. $AA PR link.

Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) appoints 2 new board directors from Icahn Enterprises(PBR147 $IEP) which owns 8.8% of the company. $FCX PR link.

Monsanto(PBR187) announces new $3 billion share repurchase program. $MON PR link.

Core-Mark(PBR271) gets 5 year, $1.7 billion/yr deal to be primary wholesale distributor of merchandise to Murphy USA(NYSE: MUSA) retail stores. $CORE PR link.

AutoZone(PBR290) authorizes an additional $750 million for its share repurchase program. $AZO PR link.

Liberty Media(PBR534) Sirius XM public unit & NFL agree to 6 year broadcasting & marketing extension. $SIRI PR link.

Lumber Liquidators(PBR1061) announces settlement with US Dept of Justice for Lacey Act infractions. $LL PR link.

3M(PBR92) promotes Jim Bauman to EVP, Electronics & Energy Business Group, succeeds retiring Michael Kelly. $MMM PR link.

TJX Cos(PBR96) to elect Ernie Herrman to CEO 01/31/16, chairman/CEO Carol Meyrowitz to become Executive Chairman. $TJX PR link.

AutoZone(PBR290) announces 3 SVP to EVP promotions for merchandising, Brazil/Mexico stores, & store operations. $AZO PR link.

Ascena Retail(PBR499) ANN unit president/CEO Kay Krill to transition to board, Gary Muto to be president/CEO of ANN. $ASNA PR link.

Allscripts Healthcare(PBR1014) promotes CFO Rick Poulton to President, extends president/CEO Paul Black’s contract to 2018 as CEO. $MDTX PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says August Consumer Credit was at a +5.5% annual rate, revolving credit +5.25%, nonrevolving credit +5.75%. FRB PR link.

Tuesday, October 6:
strong>AmerisourceBergen(PBR16) to acquire private outsourced compounded sterile preparations for acute care hospitals provider PharMEDium Healthcare for $2.575 billion cash. $ABC PR link.

Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) announces new board structure & review of strategic alternatives for Its oil & gas business. $FCX PR link.

US Steel(PBR167)‘s Illinois plant idling could affect up to 2,000 workers. MarketWatch article link.

Marriott Intl(PBR211) plans to open 60 new hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America by 2018. $MAR PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782 $SUNE) files SEC Form 8-K regarding its plans to reduce its global workforce by 15% in line with current market conditions. SEC document link.

Universal Corp(PBR833) announces agreement with Philip Morris Intl(PBR35 $PM) to process Polish tobaccos. $UVV PR link.

Altera(PBR903) shareholders overwhelming approve merger with Intel(PBR51 $INTC). $ALTR PR link.

Here’s how Apple(PBR5), Nike(PBR98) and others avoided $620 billion in taxes MarketWatch article link.

Alcoa(PBR115) promotes EVP/HR Roy Harvey to President, Global Primary Products. $AA PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) promotes Vas Nair to EVP, Human Resources and Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, succeeds Roy Harvey. $AA PR link.

Starbucks(PBR178) hires Gerri Martin-Flickinger as Chief Technology Officer. $SBUX PR link.

CrossAmerica Partners(PBR731) CEO Joe Topper has stepped down, president Jeremy Bergeron to take over leadership role. $CAPL PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782) hires Stephen Cerrone as Chief Human Resources Officer. $SUNE PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says August Total Exports were $185.1 billion, Imports $233.4 billion, Deficit $48.3B, was $41.8 billion in July. USDOC PR link.

The International Monetary Fund says global growth moderate & uneven, forecast at 3.1% this year, 3.6% in 2016. IMF PR link.

Monday, October 5:
General Electric(PBR9 $GE) to sell corporate aircraft portfolio in $2.5 billion deal. MarketWatch article link.

Cardinal Health(PBR26) completes $1.944 billion cash acquisition of Johnson & Johnson’s(PBR39) cardiac/endovascular medical products unit Cordis. $CAH PR link.

Anixter(PBR391) completes $825 million acquisition of $1.9 billion/2014 in revenues distributor Power Solutions segment of HD Supply. $AXE PR link.

Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) to acquire $240 million/2015 revenues adhesive & cutting products provider Elmer’s Products for $600 milliion. $NWL PR link.

Brink’s(PBR613) gets letter from 12.4% stakeholder Starboard Value proposing ways to increase value. MarketWatch article link.

Olin Corp(PBR838) completes $5 billion acquisition of Dow Chemical(PBR48) chlor-alkali business. $OLN PR link.

Domino’s Pizza(PBR889) opens first store in Italy through its master franchise operator, emphasis on use of local products. $DPZ PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) wins new 8 year lottery retail technology contract in Germany, supplies products to all 16 German state lotteries. $SGMS PR link.

DuPont(PBR82) chairman/CEO Ellen Kullman retiring on 10/16/15, board member Edward Breen to be Interim chair/CEO. $DD PR link.

Cameron Intl(PBR269) Pres/COO R Scott Rowe is now President/CEO as planned. $CAM PR link.

Charter Communications(PBR297) hires David Kline as EVP, President of Media Sales, reports to president/CEO. $CHTR PR link.

Wendy’s(PBR877) pres/CEO Emil Brolick retiring in May, 2016, CFO Todd Penegor expected to be successor. $WEN PR link.

Friday, October 2:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 16,472,37, +0.97% from last Friday, +1.15% MTD/QTD, -7.58% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,707.78, +0.45% from last Friday, +1.90% MTD/QTD, -0.60% YTD.
SPX closes week at 1,951.36, +1.04% from last Friday, +1.63% MTD/QTD, -5.22% YTD.

Walmart(PBR1 $WMT) to cut 450 jobs at its headquarters. MarketWatch article link.

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) looks to improve Siri with artificial-intelligence acquisition MarketWatch article link.

Google(PBR44) files Form 8-K to reorganize as previously stated, to be called Alphabet, stock symbols do not change. $GOOGL PR link.

Sprint(PBR86 $S) gets ready to ax jobs in $2.5 billion cost-cutting push MarketWatch article link.

Medtronic(PBR133) completes acquisition of privately-held transcatheter mitral valve replacement device developer Twelve, Inc., for up to $458 million. $MDT PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) to reduce $5 billion pension obligation by 25-35%. $JCP PR link.

Tesla(PBR651) delivers 11,580 vehicles in 3rd quarter, +49% over 3rd quarter 2014. $TSLA PR link.

Applied Industrial Technologies(PBR787) acquires fluid power components/engineered fluid power systems provider 68 employees SG Morris, terms not disclosed. $AIT PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says September Total Nonfarm Payroll Employment was +142,000 from August, Unemployment Rate unchanged at 5.1%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says August New Orders for Manufactured Goods were at $473.0 billion, -1.7% from July. USDOC PR link.

Thursday, October 1:
The PBR1000 September 2015 Breaking News Recap is published. Click here.

The PBR September US Economic Indices Snapshot has been released. Click here for a 13 month subscription.

Amazon.com(PBR29) gets new agreement to make Prime Video the exclusive subscription streaming home for three new CBS(PBR210 $CBS) summer series through 2018. $AMZN PR link.

ConAgra Foods(PBR166) to restructure, reduce workforce by 1,500, move headquarters from Omaha to Chicago in summer of 2016. $CAG PR link.

American Electric Power(PBR174) to sell inland barge unit AEP River Operations to American Commercial Lines for $550 million. $AEP PR link.

PNC Financial(PBR189) moves into new 33 stories headquarters LEED building for 2,200 employees. $PNC PR link.

Nordstrom(PBR214) sells credit card portfolio for $2.2 billion, announces special dividend of $4.85/share, $1 billion share buyback program. $JWN PR link.

Allergan(PBR219) completes $2.1 billion cash acquisition of facial aesthetics developer KYTHERA Pharmaceuticals. $AGN PR link.

Mosaic Co(PBR300) fertilizer subsidiary reaches $800 million regulatory settlement in Florida & Louisiana. $MOS PR link.

Calpine Corp(PBR330) completes $240 million acquisition of retail electric provider Champion Energy Marketing. $CPN PR link.

Blackstone Group(PBR352) completes spinoff of financial advisory services with PJT Capital to form public PJT Partners(NYSE: PJT). $BX PR link.

AMD(PBR446) announces restructuring program, to reduce workforce by 5%. $AMD PR link.

Netflix(PBR447) adds 7 new original series for older kids, now has 35 series for kids of all ages. $NFLX PR link.

Berry Plastics(PBR488) completes $2.45 billion cash acquisition of specialty materials provider AVINTIV from Blackstone Group(PBR352 $BX). $BERY PR link.

HealthSouth(PBR800) completes $730 million buy of Reliant Hospital Partners inpatient rehab operations. $HLS PR link.

Beacon Roofing(PBR818) completes $1.1 billion cash/stock acquisition of roofing products distributor Roofing Supply Group. $BECN PR link.

SuperValu(PBR164) President/CEO Sam Duncan retiring on 02/29/16. Bruce Besanko promoted to EVP/COO, Susan Grafton to EVP/CFO. $SVU PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says August Construction Spending was at an annual rate of $1,086.2 billion, +0.7% over July, +13.7% from August 2014. USDOC PR link.

Secretary of the US Treasury Lew says U.S. will reach debt limit by Nov. 5 MarketWatch article link.

The PNC Financial(PBR189) bi-annual small/mid-sized businesses survey says 1 in 4 to hire more employees within the next 6 mos. $PNC PR link.

U.S. auto sales in August reached 10-year high of 18.2 million MarketWatch article link.

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, ddpavumba.)

Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: acquisitions, business news, Economy, Investing, Leadership, mergers, Rankings, The PBR1000

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The PBR1000 January 2016 Breaking News Recap

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February 2016: Which Direction Are The Markets Heading?

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January 2016: A Stormy Start

December 2015: What’s Up, or Perhaps More Appropriate, What’s Not Down?

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Using The PBR1000 Doubled My Business

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December 2015: The End of a Volatile Year,
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