April 2017: Are We Having Fun Yet?
In these interesting times it is necessary for most of us to learn or enhance some critical skills.
By Larry C. Paxton
Business, economic, political, and just about any kind of news continues to swirl around decisions and activities, especially the interesting tweets, of US President Trump. April concluded with the first 100 days of the Trump presidency and there was a lot of action as indicated in the partial list in the National and International summaries below. A lot of balls are being juggled and up in the air. While this should not be unexpected with a new US presidency, this cycle is certainly more active and created more aggressive activism as controversial executive orders are signed, challenged, appointments made, and strong statements are made.
Business, political, economic, and key investment leaders around the world are still adjusting to this new way of doing and saying. They are urgently seeking predictability and stability so that they can make intelligent and coherent decisions. Realistically we are far more than another 100 days off for a less volatile environment and being more settled down. If you want a more stable situation perhaps spending a fun day taking roller coaster rides at a major theme park might give you some comfort.
Here’s a quick April 2017 summary on key activities that relate to The PBR1000:
Mergers & Acquisitions: 35 deals worth at least $1 billion initiated, closed, or updated. Total transaction value was $192 billion.
Spinoffs: 3
Share Repurchase Programs: 3 announced, total $2.2 billion.
Bankruptcies: 3 initiated or updated
CEO Changes: 10 announced.
Jobs: Modest growth.
US Economy: Modest/moderate growth continues, stable but fragile.
Federal Reserve Federal Funds Rate Changes: 0, remains 0.75-1.00%, more increases anticipated in 2017.
National: US House reactivates new healthcare plan effort, new tax plan introduced, Trump/China’s Xi meet, Neil Gorsuch confirmed for the Supreme Court, Russia vote meddling hearings continue, NAFTA to be renegotiated and not cancelled at this time, President Trump marks 1st 100 days on 04/29/17.
International: Brexit negotiations start, UK elections announced for June, France candidates campaigning for May election, oil price fluctuations, Middle East conflicts, refugee crisis, N Korea missile tests, climate change, US President Trump actions continue to be the headliners.
For more details here are The PBR1000 corporate and economic related breaking news items of interest with hotlinks to the sources for April 2017, starting with the last active business day.
***Friday, April 28:
The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 04/28/17:
DJIA ends week at 20,940.51, +1.91% from last Friday, +1.34% MTD/QTD, +5.96% YTD, -0.83% from record 21,115.55 set 03/01/17.
NASDAQ ends week at 6,047.61, +2.32% from last Friday, +2.30% MTD/QTD, +12.34% YTD, -0.02% from record 6,048.94 set 04/27/17.
SPX ends week at 2,384.20, +1.51% from last Friday, +0.91% MTD/QTD, +6.49% YTD, -0.49% from record 2,395.96 set 03/01/17.
Anthem(PBR38) responds to the US Court Appeals decision against its acquisition of Cigna(PBR85 $CI), is committed to closing the transaction, reviewing options. $ANTM PR link.
Enterprise Products(PBR59) completes $189 million bankruptcy acquisition of E Texas/N Louisiana midstream business and assets of Azure Midstream Partners. $EPD PR link.
Emerson Electric(PBR109) completes $3.15 billion acquisition of valves & controls business from Pentair(PBR363 $PNR). $EMR PR link.
Sunoco Logistics(PBR158 $SXL) completes $1.8 billion acquisition of Energy Transfer Equity(PBR52) Partner’s unit. $ETE PR link.
CenturyLink(PBR160) $66.50/share, $34 billion acquisition of Level 3 Communications(PBR375 $LVT) on track to close by 09/30/17, new management team of merger announced. $CTL PR link.
Lear Corp(PBR165) completes $308 million cash acquisition of France based $324 million/yr 2,273 employee/contract workers in 14 facilities Grupo Antolin‘s automotive seating business. $LEA PR link.
Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR185) gets China FDA approval for all-oral regimen for Chronic Hepatitis C, Daklinza® (daclatasvir) in combination with Sunvepra® (asunaprevir). $BMY PR link.
Allergan(PBR219) completes $56.50/share, $2.47 billion cash acquisition of proprietary controlled-cooling fat reducing treatment, CoolSculpting® developer ZELTIQ Aesthetics(NASDAQ: ZLTQ). $AGN PR link.
WellCare Health Plans(PBR221) completes $10.00/share, $600 million cash acquisition of Universal American(PBR882 $UAM). $WCG PR link.
Royal Caribbean(PBR329) authorizes up to $500 million share repurchase program. $RCL PR link.
Enbridge Energy Partners(PBR333) to sell its interest in Midcoast assets to Enbridge(NYSE: ENB) for $1.3 billion, finalizes Bakken Pipeline System joint funding agreement, repay $1.6 billion Series 1 Preferred Units obligations. $EEP PR link.
TimeInc(PBR631) decides not to sell itself, to pursue its strategic plan. $TIME PR link.
Hain Celestial(PBR712) completes acquisition of UK based premium soup brands producer The Yorkshire Provender. $HAIN PR link.
The US Dept of Treasury says US Total National Debt on 04/27/17 was $19.847 trillion, same as 03/31/17, -0.7% YTD, +3.4% from 04/29/16. Treasury PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says US 1Q17 Advance Estimate of Annual Gross Domestic Product Annual Rate at +0.7%, 4Q16 was +2.1%, 1Q16 +0.8%. Commerce PR link.
The US Dept of Labor US March Employment Cost Index(2005=100) is at 129.0, +0.9% from December, +2.4% from March 2016. USDOL PR link.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago estimates the March Midwest Economic Index at +0.60, February was +0.28, January +0.10. ChiFed PR link.
The U of Michigan US April Final Consumer Sentiment Index at 97.0, March was 96.9, April 2016 89.0. UMich PR link.
AAA says the US 04/28/17 National Average Price/Gallon of Gas-Regular at $2.398, +3.6% from 03/31/17, +9.2% from 04/29/16. AAA PR link.
The April MNI Chicago Business Barometer(50=Neutral) is at 58.3, March was 57.7, April 2016 50.4. MNI/ISM Chicago PR link.
***Thursday, April 27:
Micron Technology(PBR180) hires SanDisk co-founder and former president and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra as president/CEO, effective 05/08/17, succeeds retiring Mark Durcan. $MU PR link.
Barnes & Noble(PBR408) promotes COO Demos Parneros to CEO, succeeds Leonard Riggio who retains chairman role. $BKS PR link.
H&R Block(PBR669) Chief Innovation Officer Jason L. Houseworth leaving by mutual agreement on 04/30/17. $HRB PR link.
DSW(PBR778) hires Michele Love as EVP/COO, announces two other merchandising leadership appointments. $DSW PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says US 04/15/17 Total 4 Week Moving Average Total Insured Unemployed is 2,007,250, -1.2% from March, -7.0% from April 2016. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says US 1Q17 Total Housing Units at 136.1 million, 87.3% occupied, 63.6% home ownership rate. USDOC PR link.
The US Energy Information Administration says US Crude Oil Stocks on 04/21/17 were at 528.7 millions of barrels, -1.0% from 03/24/17, +3.8% from 04/22/16. EIA PR link.
FreddieMac(PBR41) says US Average 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate on 04/27/17 was 4.03%, 03/30/17 was 4.14%, 04/28/16 3.66%, 0.5 points/fees. $FMCC PR link.
***Wednesday, April 26:
Office Depot(PBR182) completes sale of its S Korea business, part of plan to focus on N America business.
$ODP PR link.
Charter Communications(PBR297) gets exclusive initial window in the US for co-produced and co-funded content developed by AMC Networks(PBR851 $AMCX) AMC Studio unit. $CHTR PR link.
NCR(PBR383) rolls out record 350,000th ATM from its Hungarian manufacturing facility. $NCR PR link.
Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Tulsa, OK, property/casual & employee benefit products and services provider Commercial Insurance Brokers, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.
HSN(PBR609) CEO Mindy Grossman leaving effective 05/24/17, interim Office of the CEO formed from current management team as CEO search starts. $HSNI PR link.
Weight Watchers(PBR988) hires Mindy Grossman to be President/CEO, starts in 07/17. $WTW PR link.
***Tuesday, April 25:
AT&T(PBR12) had 2.7 million wireless net new adds in 1Q17, revenues were $39.4 billion with record low wireless equipment sales, 1Q16 was $40.5 billion. $T PR link.
Tyson Foods(PBR80) to acquire Cincinnati, OH, based $1.6 billion/2016, national sandwich maker AdvancePierre Foods Holdings(NYSE:APFH) for $40.25/share, $4.2 billion cash, includes $1.1 billion of debt. $TSN PR link.
Rite Aid(PBR105) in 4Q17 report says merger with Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36) moved to 07/31/17 because of remaining FTC issues. $RAD PR link.
Allergan(PBR219) gets FDA marketing authorization for TrueTear™, the first intranasal neurostimulating device proven to temporarily increase tear production. $AGN PR link.
Noble Energy(PBR471) completes $2.7 billion cash/stock acquisition of Clayton Williams Energy(NYSE: CWEI), includes 71,000 net contiguous acres in the Delaware Basin & 100,000 acres in the Permian Basin. $NBL PR link.
Perrigo(PBR565) to restate 10-Ks and 10-Qs statements, some dating back to 2013. $PRGO PR link.
TreeHouse Foods(PBR690) to sell its $210 million/yr Soup and Infant Feeding business to affiliate of Insight Equity, terms not disclosed. $THS PR link.
Regeneron(PBR708) and Sanofi get FDA approval for monthly Praluent® (alirocumab) Injection for the treatment of adults with high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. $REGN PR link.
UPS(PBR47) Chief Marketing/Business Services Officer Teresa Finley to retire, a UPS employee for 34 years. $UPS PR link.
Popular(PBR886) appoints Richard Carrión as Executive Chairman and Ignacio Alvarez as CEO, effective 07/01/17. $BPOP PR link.
The US Department of Commerce/HUD estimates US March New Homes Sold Annual Rate at 621,000, +5.8% from February, +15.6% from March 2016, Median Price $315,100, 5.2 months supply available. HUD PR link.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond says the April 5th District Annualized Manufacturing Index at 20%, March was 22%, February 17%. RichmondFed PR link.
The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller US February National Home Price Index at 185.56, January was 185.11, February 2016 175.46(01/2000=100). CoreLogic PR link.
The Conference Board US April Consumer Confidence Index at 120.3, March was 124.9, April 2016 94.7(1985=100). TCB PR link.
***Monday, April 24:
GE(PBR9) gets $3 billion upgrades/training over 20 years deal with Algerian power company Sonelgaz. $GE PR link.
Express Scripts(PBR22) releases 1Q17 results, says that based on current negotiations Anthem(PBR38 $ANTM) might not renew its contract after current expiration in 2019 for pharmacy benefits management. $ESRX PR link.
Amazon(PBR29) launches self-service marketplace for subscription providers called Subscribe with Amazon. $AMZN PR link.
Tyson Foods(PBR80) exploring the sale of three non-protein businesses, Sara Lee® Frozen Bakery, the Kettle, and Van’s®, to focus on core protein businesses. $TSN PR link.
Sprint(PBR86) to add 79 retail locations, create 550+ jobs, by end of 2017 in Texas. $S PR link.
Conagra Brands(PBR166) completes acquisition of protein-based snacking businesses Thanasi Foods, maker of Duke’s® meat snacks, and BIGS LLC, maker of BIGS® seeds, terms not disclosed. $CAG PR link.
PPG Industries(PBR190) revises proposal from $96.61/share to $105.50/share $28.8 billion cash/stock for European based specialty paints, coatings and chemicals provider AkzoNobel. $PPG PR link.
Arconic(PBR215) postponing 05/16/17 annual meeting date to later in the month as it resolves proxy issues with activist investor Elliott Management. $ARNC PR link.
Ameriprise(PBR231) to acquire San Antonio, TX, based 200 financial advisors in 29 states 8+ billion in assets independent broker-dealer for financial institutions Investment Professionals, terms not disclosed. $AMP PR link.
JCPenney(PBR234) partners with SEPHORA to expand beauty retail offerings with 70 new locations and 32 expansions nationwide, to hire over 800 beauty consultants. $JCP PR link.
Becton Dickinson(PBR318) to acquire medical technologies developer CR Bard(PBR637) for $317/share, $24 billion cash/stock. $BDX PR link.
Darden Restaurants(PBR398) completes $780 million cash acquisition of 165 casual dining locations averaging $4.4 million/year each Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. $DRI PR link.
Becton Dickinson(PBR318) promotes Tom Polen to President, to oversee all operating units. $BDX PR link.
Pinnacle Foods(PBR751) promotes Mark Schiller to EVP and new role of Chief Commercial Officer, Michael Barkley to EVP & President/Boulder who succeeds leaving Michael Allen. $PF PR link.
Aerojet Rocketdyne(PBR969) hires Mohammed Khan as SVP of the Defense Business unit, reports to CEO Eileen Drake. $AJRD PR link.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago March National Activity Index is +0.08, February was +0.27, March 2016 -0.50. Chicago Fed PR link.
***Friday, April 21:
The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 04/21/17:
DJIA ends week at 20,547.76, +0.46% from last Friday, -0.56% MTD/QTD, +3.97% YTD, -2.69% from record 21,115.55 set 03/01/17.
NASDAQ ends week at 5,910.52, +1.82% from last Friday, -0.02% MTD/QTD, +9.80% YTD, -0.11% from record 5,916.78 set 04/20/17.
SPX ends week at 2,348.69, +0.85% from last Friday, -0.59% MTD/QTD, +4.91% YTD, -1.97% from record 2,395.96 set 03/01/17.
Amazon(PBR29) to open 3 additional fulfillment centers in New Jersey, to create 2,500+ full-time jobs. $AMZN PR link.
Wells Fargo(PBR30) expands class-action settlement for retail sales practices to $142 million, adds accounts as early as May 2002. $WFC PR link.
Johnson & Johnson(PBR37)’s DePuy Synthes unit acquires Tissue Regeneration System’s 3D printing technologies to treat bone defects, terms not disclosed. $JNJ PR link.
Dow Chemical(PBR48) releases statement on Associated Press story on pesticide chlorpyrifos, says EPA did not apply its own standards of data quality, nor did it follow its own procedures. $DOW PR link.
Macy’s(PBR97 $M) celebrates completion of 21 SunPower(PBR680) solar systems during Earth Week dedication events. $SPWR PR link.
iHeartMedia(PBR397 $IHRT) warns it may not survive another year. MarketWatch PR link.
Republic Airways(PBR951) Plan of Reorganization gets final approval, expects to emerge from Chapter 11 as a private company by 04/30/17. $RJETQ PR link.
Viacom(PBR212) promotes Julia Phelps to SVP/Communications & Culture. $VIA PR link.
The Natl Assn of Realtors US April Existing Home Sales Annual Rate at 5.71 million, +4.4% from March, +5.9% from April 2016, Median Price at $236,400. NAR PR link.
***Thursday, April 20:
GM(PBR8) ceases operations in Venezuela after seizure of its plant by authorities. $GM PR link.
GE(PBR9) completes $1.65 billion acquisition of Denmark’s global designer & manufacturer of wind turbine blades LM Wind Power. $GE PR link.
CVS Health(PBR11) going to new store format, adding hearing/optical centers in some stores, developing new standards for vitamins/supplements. $CVS PR link.
Verizon(PBR15) at 108.5 million retail postpaid connections, up 1.2% from 1Q16, net decline of 307,000 in 1Q17. $VZ PR link.
Allstate(PBR84) estimates 1Q17 catastrophic losses of $781 million pre-tax, $516 million from March alone. $ALL PR link.
CSX(PBR226) authorizes new $1 billion share repurchase program, expects to complete by 1Q18 end. $CSX PR link.
Gannett(PBR414) acquires Montreal based major brands location and reputation management software company SweetIQ Analytics, terms not disclosed. $GCI PR link.
Skechers(PBR808) announces its first $1 billion quarter, plans to open 50-75 new stores in 2017. $SKX PR link.
Ocwen Financial(PBR869) to vigorously defend itself against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau related to allegations concerning Ocwen’s mortgage servicing business. $OCN PR link.
Buffalo Wild Wings(PBR981) activist investor Marcato Capital Management files SEC document presenting case for change in executive management. $BWLD PR link.
Tyson Foods(PBR80) hires Justin Whitmore for newly created position Chief Sustainability Officer, effective 05/01/17. $TSN PR link.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia April Manufacturing General Activity Indicator at 22.0, March was 32.8, April 2016 -1.2. PhillyFed PR link.
The Conference Board US March Leading Economic Index(2010=100) at 126.7, February was 126.3, March 2016 123.1. TCB PR link.
AIG(PBR46) Global M&A Insurance Claims Study: 23 Percent of Deals over $1 Billion End in a Claim; Highest Severity Claim Payouts Average $22 Million. $AIG PR link.
***Wednesday, April 19:
Caterpillar(PBR54) names Deerfield, IL, as its new global headquarters. $CAT PR link.
Alcoa(PBR115) to consolidate admin locations, move global headquarters from NYC to existing Pittsburgh location by 09/01/17, close 7 more admin offices in US, Europe, Asia over next 18 months. $AA PR link.
PPG Industries(PBR190) issues statement regarding AkzoNobel‘s plan to split into 2 companies. $PPG PR link.
TripAdvisor(PBR928) reaches 500 million reviews and opinions. $TRIP PR link.
21st Century Fox(PBR91) issues statement saying popular commentator Bill O’Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel. $FOX PR link.
Devon Energy(PBR143) promotes Jeff Ritenour to EVP/CFO, succeeds leaving Tom Mitchell. $DVN PR link.
AutoNation(PBR148) promotes Coleman Edmunds to EVP/General Counsel & Secretary. $AN PR link.
Buffalo Wild Wings(PBR981) EVP/President N America Judy Shoulak to retire 06/30/17, position to then be eliminated. $BWLD PR link.
The US Federal Reserve Board releases Beige Book for data through 04/10/17, split on modest to moderate growth in the 12 districts. FRB PR link.
The ADP(PBR235) US 1Q17 Workforce Vitality Index at 113.5(3Q13=100), +3.4% from 1Q16. $ADP PR link.
The Natl Assn of Homebuilders US April Housing Market Index at 68, March was 71, April 2016 58. NAHB PR link.
***Tuesday, April 18:
Verizon(PBR15) agrees to $1.05 billion three-year 12.4 million miles of fibre optic cable/year minimum purchase agreement with Corning(PBR281 $GLW). $VZ PR link.
Cardinal Health(PBR26) to acquire Medtronic(PBR133)’s Patient Care, Deep Vein Thrombosis and Nutritional Insufficiency businesses for $6.1 billion cash. $CAH PR link.
Oracle(PBR78) acquires digital measurement cloud company Moat, terms not disclosed. $ORCL PR link.
CBRE(PBR301) acquires 90,000 users in 50 countries facilities management operations mobile & SaaS technologies provider Mainstream Software, terms not disclosed. $CBG PR link.
Charles Schwab(PBR409) adds 362,000 new accounts in 1Q17, most in 17 years. $SCHW PR link.
Post Holdings(PBR486) to acquire UK based global packaged ready-to-eat cereals producer Weetabix for $1.75 billion. $POST PR link.
Yahoo!(PBR519) $4.48 billion cash acquisition by Verizon(PBR15) on track for closing in 06/17. $YHOO PR link.
Keysight Technologies(PBR660) completes $19.65/share, $1.6 billion cash acquisition of networks services provider Ixia(NASDAQ: XXIA). $KEYS PR link.
Mondelez(PBR87) EVP & president/N America Roberto Marques will leave company, Chief Growth Officer Tim Cofer to also serve as interim president/N America until successor found. $MDLZ PR link.
Air Products(PBR267) hires Sean Major as EVP/General Counsel, effective 05/01/17. $APD PR link.
AAR Corp(PBR883) CFO/Vice Chairman Tim Romenesko to retire effective 12/31/17 after 36 years with the company. $AIR PR link.
AAR Corp(PBR883) promotes John Holmes to president/COO, effective 06/01/17. $AIR PR link.
Presidential Executive Order: President Trump signs “Buy American and Hire American” executive order. WhiteHouse PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce/HUD estimates US March Building Permits Annual Rate at 1.260 million, +3.6% from February, +17.0% from March 2016. USDOC PR link.
The US Federal Reserve Board estimates US March Industrial Production Capacity at 76.1%, February was 75.7%, March 2016 74.9%. FRB PR link.
FreddieMac(PBR41) April Outlook lowers 2017 home sales to 5.9 million due to low housing for sale inventory. $FMCC PR link.
FannieMae(PBR17) says US 2017 Growth Forecast remains at modest 2.0%. $FNMA PR link.
***Monday, April 17:
Williams Cos(PBR348) Partners unit(NYSE: WPZ) to sell its 88.46% interest in the Geismar, Louisiana, olefins facility to NOVA Chemicals for $2.1 billion cash; gets long-term feedstock supply/transportation agreements with NOVA Chemicals. $WMB PR link.
Blackstone(PBR352) Energy Partners unit to acquire EagleClaw Midstream Ventures, largest private operator in Permian’s Delaware Basin in W Texas, for $2 billion cash. $BX PR link.
Peabody Energy(PBR372) to retain 2 million ton/year Metropolitan hard coking coal mine In New South Wales Australia. $BTU PR link.
Ashland(PBR407) to acquire private New Jersey based $300 million/year custom/branded nutritional & fragrance products manufacturer Pharmachem Laboratories for $660 million cash. $ASH PR link.
Netflix(PBR447) says it added 5 million new subscribers worldwide in 1Q17. $NFLX PR link.
Crown Castle(PBR603) to acquire private S California 1,900 miles of fiber services provider Wilcon for $600 million. $CCI PR link.
Cabela’s(PBR606) revises transaction agreements. Synovus Financial(PBR972 $SNV) to acquire certain assets and liabilities for $1.2 billion, which will then sell credit card assets/related liabilities to Capital One(PBR116 $COF), which will become exclusive VISA(PBR224 $V) card provider. Acquisition by Bass Pro Shops amended to $61.50/share, $5 billion, expects to close in 3Q17. $CAB PR link.
Skechers(PBR808) launches new brand YOU by Skechers footwear collection. $SKX PR link.
Revlon(PBR900) hires Christopher Peterson as COO, Operations. $REV PR link.
Regis Corp(PBR912) hires Hugh Sawyer as president/CEO, succeeds leaving Dan Hanrahan. $RGS PR link.
The Federal Reserve Bank of NY April Empire State Manufacturing General Business Conditions Index at 5.2, March was 16.4, April 2016 8.4. NYFed PR link.
***Friday, April 14:
***US Stock Markets closed in observance of Good Friday.
Abbott Labs(PBR134) acquisition of Alere(PBR752) amended to $51/share, $5.3 billion, originally was $5.8 billion, expects to close by 09/30/17. $ABT PR link.
Eli Lilly(PBR142) and Incyte(NASDAQ: INCY) get US FDA Complete Response Letter for New Drug Application for baricitinib rheumatoid arthritis therapy, wants more data. $LLY PR link.
Baxter Intl(PBR176) gets grand jury subpoena requesting information on IV saline sales. $BAX PR link.
Finish Line(PBR927) gets SEC notice that UK based Sports Direct has acquired 7.9% of its stock. $FINL PR link.
Kelly Services(PBR443) President/CEO Carl Camden stepping down effective 05/10/17 to pursue public service opportunities, to be succeeded by EVP/COO George Corona. $KELYA PR link.
The US Dept of Labor estimates US March Average Current Weekly Earnings at $896.60, +0.2% from February, +2.4% from March 2016. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says US March Consumer Price Index was -0.3%, February was +0.1%, last 12 months +2.4%. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce estimates US February Total Manufacturer/Retail/Wholesale Sales at $1.361 trillion, +0.2% from January, +7.1% from February 2016. USDOC PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce advance estimate of US March Retail and Food Sales at $470.8 billion, -0.2% from February, +5.1% from March 2016. USDOC PR link.
Autonomous Vehicles: California has approved 30 vendors for autonomous vehicle testing. CADMV PR link.
***Thursday, April 13:
The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Trading Week Ending 04/13/17:
DJIA ends week at 20,453.25, -0.98% from last Friday, -1.02% MTD/QTD, +3.49% YTD, -3.14% from record 21,115.55 set 03/01/17.
NASDAQ ends week at 5,805.15, -0.24% from last Friday, -1.80% MTD/QTD, +7.84% YTD, -1.85% from record 5,914.34 set 03/30/17.
SPX ends week at 2,328.95, -1.13% from last Friday, -1.43% MTD/QTD, +4.03% YTD, -2.80% from record 2,395.96 set 03/01/17.
General Motors(PBR8) to add 1,100+ new jobs and invest $14 million in a new research and development facility for Cruise Automation in San Francisco. $GM PR link.
ConocoPhillips(PBR53) to sell San Juan Basin assets for $2.7 billion plus up to $0.3 billion contigent payment. $COP PR link.
Abbott Labs(PBR134 $ABT) gets FDA Warning Letter regarding cardiovascular medical devices manufacturing in Sylmar, CA, facility. FDA PR link.
Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR185) gets separate deals with Biogen(PBR282 $BIIB) and Roche to license Anti-eTau and Anti-Myostatin compounds, respectively, includes combined payments of $470 million upfront plus milestone and royalties payments. $BMY PR link.
PVH(PBR328) announces licensing agreement with USA Legwear for Warner’s Socks and Hosiery. $PVH PR link.
Windstream(PBR426) to acquire Rye Brook, NY, based cloud-based unified communications for small/medium sized businesses provider Broadview Networks for $227.5 million cash. $WIN PR link.
Salesforce(PBR453) opens 2nd data center in Japan, to serve Japan and broader Asia-Pacific market. $CRM PR link.
Polaris Industries(PBR531) voluntarily recalling 51,000 model year 2015 Ranger 900s due to faulty fasteners on a heat shield and 3,800 2017 Sportsman ATVs for potentially faulty power steering unit. $PII PR link.
CIT Group(PBR608) hires John Fawcett as EVP/CFO, effective early 05/17, succeeds leaving Carol Hayles. $CIT PR link.
La-Z-Boy(PBR918) SVP & President/Brands Mark Bacon, Sr, resigns, effective 04/30/17. $LZB PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says US March Producer Price Index was -0.1%, February was +0.3%, March 2016 -0.2%, last 12 months +2.3%. USDOL PR link.
The U of Michigan US April Preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index at 98.0, March was 96.9, April 2016 89.0. UMich PR link.
***Wednesday, April 12:
Walmart(PBR1) introduces Pickup Discount on 10,000 online items, expanding to over 1 million items by 06/30/17, offers discount on items and free pick up service or ship 2 day free, no membership required. $WMT PR link.
Lockheed(PBR64) gets US Air Force authorization extending service life of F-16’s from 8,000 to 12,000 equivalent flight hours, extends life of F-16 to at least 2048. $LMT PR link.
Qualcomm(PBR106) to refund $814.9 million plus interest and attorney fees to Blackberry related to royalties for certain past sales of subscriber units. $QCOM PR link.
NRG Energy(PBR186) begins deployment of 60 megawatts of commercial & industrial preferred resource programs in S California with its Ice Bear ice battery and NRG Lockheed(PBR64 $LMT) Martin Energy Efficiency Program. $NRG PR link.
Valspar(PBR526) to sell N American Industrial Wood Coatings business to Axalta Coating Systems(NYSE: AXTA) for $420 million, addresses US/Canadian regulatory concerns regarding $113.00/share, $11.3 billion acquisition by Sherwin-Williams(PBR251 $SHW). $VAL PR link.
CME Group(PBR664) intents to close CME Europe and CME Clearing Europe by end of 2017, clients prefer to use its US services. $CME PR link.
Domino’s(PBR889) opens store in Cyberjaya, Malaysia near capital Kuala Lumpur, 14,000th store worldwide. $DPZ PR link.
The US Dept of Treasury says US March Receipts were $216.6 billion, Outlays $392.8 billion, Deficit $176.2 billion, YTD(6 months) Deficit is $526.9 billion. Treasury PR link.
The US Dept of Labor estimates US March Import Prices were -0.2%, February was +0.4%, last 12 months +4.2%. USDOL PR link.
International Monetary Fund‘s Managing Director Christine Lagarde says world economy is up for both developed and emerging countries, warns of protectionism. IMF PR link.
E*Trade(PBR930) Streetwise quarterly tracking study says investor bullish sentiment is at 63%, -2% from 1Q17 highs. $ETFC PR link.
Investing: You’re not too busy and it’s not too complicated: 5 simple tips for investing. MarketWatch PR link.
***Tuesday, April 11:
United Continental(PBR77) CEO Oscar Munoz apologizes for the forced passenger removal incident on United Express Flight 3411, promises to do better. $UAL PR link.
Loews Corp(PBR200) to acquire Atlanta, GA, based rigid plastic packaging manufacturer Consolidated Container Co for $1.2 billion from Bain Capital. $L PR link.
MasterCard(PBR291) gets UK regulatory approval for $920 million acquisition of 92.4% of UK based payments provider VocaLink, expects to close in a few weeks. $MA PR link.
Mylan(PBR346 $MYL) gets US FDA warning letter about manufacturing facility in India. FDA PR link.
NuStar(PBR673) to acquire crude oil transportation, pipeline gathering and storage assets in the Midland Basin of W Texas holder Navigator Energy Services for $1.475 billion. $NS PR link.
Scientific Games(PBR937) acquires private mobile and social game developer Spicerack Media, creator of Bingo Showdown, terms not disclosed. $SGMS PR link.
CarMax(PBR202) promotes Diane Long Cafritz to SVP & newly created position of Chief Human Relations Officer. $KMX PR link.
Coty(PBR524) hires Sean Foster as Global SVP/eCommerce, to oversee digital marketing in all 3 divisions. $COTY PR link.
The US Dept of Labor estimates US February Non-Farm Labor Hires were at 5.314 million, -2.0% from January, -2.4% from February 2016. USDOL PR link.
The US Energy Information Agency says 2016 US Crude Oil Production averaged 8.9 million barrels/day(mb/d), forecasts 2017 to be 9.2 mb/d, 2018 9.9 mb/d. EIA PR link.
***Monday, April 10:
Ford(PBR10) to invest $4.5 billion globally on 13 new electric vehicles over next 5 years, reveals industry’s first pursuit-rated hybrid police car in New York and Los Angeles. $F PR link.
AT&T(PBR12) to acquire Straight Path Communications, with its nationwide portfolio of millimeter wave spectrum, for $95.63/share, $1.6 billion. $T PR link.
Hackers hit Amazon(PBR29)’s third-party sellers in fraud blitz. MarketWatch PR link.
Wells Fargo(PBR30) investigation into retail banking sales results in $180 million in clawbacks from previous executives. $WFC PR link.
Qualcomm(PBR106) files Answer and Counterclaims to Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) lawsuit. $QCOM PR link.
SuperValu(PBR164) to acquire $3.8 billion/yr 6 distribution centers Unified Grocers for $375 million, includes $261 million in debt. $SVU PR link.
Penske Automotive(PBR170) gets its 9th US Mercedes-Benz dealership with acquisition of $250 million/yr Phoenix, AZ, based Schumacher European. $PAG PR link.
JCPenney(PBR234) says 50 additional salon locations are rebranding to The Salon By InStyle® this year, part of reinvention of 750 salons in the US, rolling out an online salon scheduling system, and offering incentives to attract nearly 4,000 stylists. $JCP PR link.
Avis Budget(PBR316) completes transaction to operate Budget brand directly in Poland, Avis brand already directly operated, terms not disclosed. $CAR PR link.
Lennar(PBR340) plans to take an up to $140 million charge in settlement over dispute in a 2008 purchase of a Maryland property. $LEN PR link.
KBR(PBR395) gets $435 million settlement pertaining to EPC 1 construction project executed for Mexico based PEMEX. $KBR PR link.
Newell Brands(PBR434) to sell its $87 million/year Pine Mountain fire starters & Diamond matches related units to Royal Oak Enterprises, terms not disclosed. $NWL PR link.
Abercrombie & Fitch(PBR595) announces wholesale agreement with Asia 800+ million members online fashion destination ZALORA. $ANF PR link.
Intl Flavors & Fragrances(PBR666) acquires Oregon based PowderPure with its patented Infidri drying technology to create all-natural food ingredients, terms not disclosed. $IFF PR link.
Knight Transportation(PBR977) and Swift Transportation(PBR547) to merge in all stock deal valued at $6 billion, to be called Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, symbol KNX, companies to maintain distinct brands and operations. $SWFT PR link.
Parker Hannifin(PBR218) promotes VP/Controller & Acting CFO Catherine A. Suever to EVP/Finance & Admin/CFO, succeeds retiring Jon Marten. $PH PR link.
DaVita Healthcare(PBR302) hires hires Robert Lang as president/International. $DVA PR link.
AmTrust Financial(PBR564) hires and promotes several people to senior financial/treasury positions. $AFSI PR link.
Rent A Center(PBR657) chairman/founder/interim CEO Mark Speese now also CEO, had previously served as CEO from 10/01 until 01/14. $RCII PR link.
Jack in the Box(PBR987) CFO Jerry Rebel to retire in 2018, search for new CFO starts. $JACK PR link.
FreddieMac(PBR41) US March Renters Profile indicates that although their finances are better, renters are comfortable with continuing to rent. $FMCC PR link.
TD Ameritrade(PBR662) March Investor Movement Index(IMX) is 6.22, new high after February’s 6.15, investors continue to be actively engaged. $AMTD PR link.
***Friday, April 7:
The PBRMarketTools Week Ending 04/07/17 US Stock Exchanges Recap:
DJIA ends week at 20,656.10, -0.03% from last Friday/MTD/QTD, +4.52% YTD, -2.18% from record 21,115.55 set 03/01/17.
NASDAQ ends week at 5,877.81, -0.57% from last Friday/MTD/QTD, +9.19% YTD, -0.62% from record 5,914.34 set 03/30/17.
SPX ends week at 2,355.54, -0.30% from last Friday/MTD/QTD, +5.21% YTD, -1.69% fromrecord 2,395.96 set 03/01/17.
Merck(PBR70) receives Complete Response Letter from the US FDA for TECOS cardiovascular study with Sitagliptin. $MRK PR link.
21st Century Fox(PBR91) $14.8 billion cash acquisition of European entertainment 30,000 employee Sky plc gets European Union approval, needs UK approval to complete the deal. $FOX PR link.
Gilead Sciences(PBR107) gets US FDA approval for new indications for Harvoni® and Sovaldi® in pediatric patients 12 years and older with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection. $GILD PR link.
Carnival Corp(PBR184) authorizes an additional up to $1.0 billion share repurchase program. $CCL PR link.
Fifth Third Bancorp(PBR387) transfers EVP/Wealth & Asset Management Phil McHugh to EVP/Consumer Bank, succeeds leaving Chad Borton. $FITB PR link.
Netflix(PBR447) to promote Greg Peters to Chief Product Officer in 07/17, succeeds leaving Neil Hunt. Also, Chief Talent Officer Tawni Cranz is leaving. $NFLX PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says US March Civilians Employed at 153.0 million, +142,000 from February, +1.7 million from March 2016, Unemployment Rate at 4.5%, February was 4.7%. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce estimates US February Total Wholesale Sales at $464.9 billion, +0.6% from January, +9.9% from February 2016. USDOC PR link.
The US Federal Reserve Board estimates US February Total Outstanding Consumer Credit Outstanding at $3.792 trillion, +0.4% from January, +6.5% from February 2016. FRB PR link.
The Fannie Mae(PBR17) US March Home Purchase Sentiment Index at 84.5, February was 88.3, March 2016 80.2. $FNMA PR link.
FreddieMac says Total Multifamily Origination Volumes could increase by 3-6% this year, and even top $295 billion. $FMCC PR link.
***Thursday, April 6:
Amazon(PBR29) to create 5,000 new part-time, work-from-home Virtual Customer Service jobs over the next year, part of 30,000 part-time jobs plan over next year. $AMZN PR link.
Comcast(PBR42) announces Xfinity Mobile for its wifi customers. $CMCSA PR link.
Sprint(PBR86) introduces new unlimited data, talk, and text plans, $50/mo 1 line, 2 lines for $40 month/line, 4 lines for $30 month/line. $S PR link.
CarMax(PBR202) plans to open 15 new stores in fiscal 2018, 13-16 stores in fiscal 2019. $KMX PR link.
Allergan(PBR219) $56.50/share, $2.47 billion cash acquisition of ZELTIQ Aesthetics(NASDAQ: ZLTQ) expected to close soon after 04/27/17 ZELTIQ shareholders vote meeting. $AGN PR link.
VISA(PBR224) announces its VISA Checkout online service has 20 million enrolled customers. $V PR link.
WestRock(PBR278) completes $1.025 billion sale of its Home, Health and Beauty business to Silgan(PBR576 $SLGN). $WRK PR link.
Becton Dickinson(PBR318) gets FDA 510(k) clearance for BD FACSVia™ system flow cytometer system with Leucocount Reagent Assay used in residual white blood cell enumeration. $BDX PR link.
American Axle & Mfg(PBR602) completes $1.6 billion cash/stock acquisition of lightweight components for powertrain/suspensions manufacturer Metaldyne Performance Group(NYSE: MPG), assumes $1.7 billion in net debt. $AXL PR link.
HB Fuller(PBR870) authorizes up to $200 million share repurchase program for up to 5 years. $FUL PR link.
Gartner(PBR885) completes $77.25/share, $2.6 billion stock/cash acquisition of talent management insights provider CEB(NYSE: CEB). $IT PR link.
Coach(PBR496) moves Ian Bickley to newly created role of president, Global Business Development & Strategic Alliances, effective 07/02/17. $COH PR link.
Coach(PBR496) hires Joshua Schulman to newly created role of president/CEO of Coach Brand unit, effective 06/05/17. $COH PR link.
AAR Corp(PBR883) hires Dylan Wolin as VP, Strategy & Acquisitions. $AIR PR link.
Ruby Tuesday(PBR990) hires Jim F. Hyatt, II, as president/CEO. $RT PR link.
FDA allows marketing of first direct-to-consumer tests that provide genetic risk information for certain conditions. FDA PR link.
***Wednesday, April 5:
PPG Industries(PBR190) reiterates invitation to AkzoNobel to discuss combination of the two companies. $PPG PR link.
Joy Global(PBR590) $3.7 billion cash acquisition by Japan based Komatsu is completed. $JOY PR link.
SunPower(PBR680) evaluating strategic options for its joint venture 8point3 Energy Partners after partner First Solar(PBR630 $FSLR) says it is reviewing alternatives for the sale of its interest. $SPWR PR link.
Panera Bread(PBR768) to be acquired by JAB Holding for $315/share, $7.5 billion cash. $PNRA PR link.
Greenbrier Cos(PBR846) gets Tokyo based Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance deal for more than $1.0 billion in railcar business in N America. $GBX PR link.
Varian Medical(PBR678) hires Gary E. Bischoping, Jr, as CFO, effective 05/08/17, succeeds retiring Elisha Finney. $VAR PR link.
The US Federal Reserve releases it FOMC minutes from the 03/14-15/17 meeting. FOMC PR link.
ADP says US March Change In National Employment was +263,000, February was +298,000, March 2016 +200,000. $ADP PR link.
The ISM US March Non-Manufacturing Index(NMI) is 55.2%, February was 57.6%, March 2016 54.5%. ISM PR link.
***Tuesday, April 4:
Boeing(PBR27) gets $3 billion order for 30 737 MAXs from Iran Aseman Airlines, includes purchase rights for an additional 30 737 MAXs. $BA PR link.
VF Corp(PBR232) to sell its Licensed Sports Group business to Fanatics, terms not disclosed. $VFC PR link.
Computer Sciences(PBR237) & Enterprise Services business of Hewlett Packard Enterprise(PBR55) complete merger, now called DXC Technology(NYSE: DXC). $DXC PR link.
Liberty Interactive(PBR263) to acquire General Communication(NASDAQ: GNCMA) for $32.50/share, $2.68 billion enterprise value, then split-off as GCI Liberty. $QVCA PR link.
Becton Dickinson(PBR318) completes acquisition of Israel based infusion pump systems manufacturer Caesarea Medical Electronics, had 40% stake with acquisition of CareFusion. $BDX PR link.
Ralph Lauren(PBR349) to close its 711 Fifth Avenue store in NYC, move to an e-commerce platform, explore new retail concepts, develop new store formats. $RL PR link.
CIT Group(PBR608) completes $10.4 billion sale of CIT Commercial Air leasing unit to Avolon Holdings. $CIT PR link.
Brinker Intl(PBR697) EVP/CFO Tom Edwards resigns, VP Investor Relations/Treasurer Joe Taylor is interim CFO. $EAT PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce estimates US February International Trade Exports YTD at $385.4 billion, Imports $477.1 billion, Deficit $91.7 billion, February 2016 YTD Deficit was $88.8 billion. USDOC PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce estimates US February Manufactures New Orders were $476.5 billion, +1.0% from January, +2.5% from February 2016. USDOC PR link.
The PurdueU/CME US March Ag Barometer Composite Index at 124, February was 134, March 2016 85. PurdueU PR link.
International Economics: Rising energy prices continue to push OECD annual inflation upwards. OECD PR link.
***Monday, April 3:
McKesson(PBR6) completes $1.1 billion acquisition of private healthcare electronic prior authorization systems developer CoverMyMeds. $MCK PR link.
Amazon(PBR29) Web Services to open data centers in Sweden in 2018. $AMZN PR link.
UPS(PBR47) to offer Saturday pickup & delivery services to 4,700+ cities by holiday season, to hire 6,000 employees by end of 2018. $UPS PR link.
Intel(PBR51) completes spin-off of cybersecurity unit McAfee as a separate standalone company. $INTC PR link.
Peabody Energy(PBR372) has emerged from Chapter 11, to start trading on NYSE on 04/04/17 with stock symbol BTU. $BTUUQ PR link.
Avery Dennison(PBR396) gets global Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) partnership agreement with Target(PBR40 $TGT). $AVY PR link.
Newell Brands(PBR434) completes $470 million acquisition of New Zealand based food storage containers provider Sistema Plastics; completes sale of the Rubbermaid consumer storage business to United Solutions; to sell its small central European Teutonia baby stroller business to a private investor. $NWL PR link.
United Rentals(PBR438) completes $965 million cash acquisition of Chicago based 1,100 employee, 73 branches, $369 million/2016 general rental equipment company NES Rentals. $URI PR link.
Berry Plastics(PBR488) changing name to Berry Global on 04/13/17, new mission and values statement, keeps ticker symbol BERY. $BERY PR link.
Coty(PBR524) to acquire for around $160 million exclusive long-term global development, manufacturing, and distribution license for UK based Burberry Beauty luxury fragrances, cosmetics, and skincare products. $COTY PR link.
CA Technologies(PBR550) completes $614 million cash acquisition of private SaaS-based secure DevOps platform provider Veracode. $CA PR link.
Tesla(PBR651) delivers record 25,000+ vehicles in 1Q17, 69% over 1Q16. $TSLA PR link.
GoDaddy(PBR905) completes acquisition of European small business cloud services provider Host Europe Group. $GDDY PR link.
Group 1 Automotive(PBR276) promotes Daryl Kenningham to new position of president, US Operations, effective 05/01/17. $GPI PR link.
M&T Bank(PBR504) assigns additional duties held by deceased president Mark Czarnecki to vice chairmen Richard Gold, Rene Jones, & Kevin Pearson, promotions to EVP also named. $MTB PR link.
HCP(PBR834) president Justin Hutchens leaving 06/01/17 to be CEO of UK based Operator HC-One. $HCP PR link.
Griffon Corp(PBR890) Clopay Plastics subsidiary president Alan Koblin to retire on 09/30/17, its COO Ron Zinco to be successor. $GFF PR link.
Pier 1 Imports(PBR916) hires Alasdair James as president/CEO, effective 05/01/17. $PIR PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce estimates US February Total Construction Spending Annual Rate at $1.193 trillion, +0.8% from January, +3.0% from February 2016. USDOC PR link.
The ISM Report On Business US March Manufacturing PMI Index at 57.2%, February was 57.7%, March 2016 51.7%. ISM PR link.
The Markit US March Manufacturing PMI at 53.3, February was 54.2, March 2016 51.2. Markit PR link.
Automotive News estimates US March New Vehicle Sales at 1,554,998 units, -1.7% from March 2016, Annual Rate at 16,600,000 units. AutoNews PR link.
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