The PBR1000 April 2019 Breaking News Recap

The PBR1000 Continues to Thrive Amid Uncertainty

By Larry C. Paxton

April 2019 News Recap: The US news was dominated by illegal immigration concerns, the release of the controversial Mueller report, good news on jobs and a better than expected 3.2% GDP, but otherwise mixed results for the economy, continued US/China trade negotiations, Boeing’s 737 MAX 8 airplane issues, and ending the month with President Trump and Democratic leaders agreeing to work on a $2 trillion infrastructure program. On an international basis there are concerns for a slowing global economy and the UK withdrawal from the European Union, Brexit, is still unresolved. It was a good month for The Stock Market Bull as the NASDAQ and S&P500 both hit new records with the DJIA closing in on its record.

Here are The PBR1000 corporate, stock market, and economic related breaking news items of interest with hotlinks to the sources for April 2019, starting with the last active business day:

***Tuesday, April 30:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for April 2019 ending 04/30/19:

DJIA ends April at 26,592.91, +0.19% from last Friday, +2.56% MTD/QTD, +14.00% YTD, -0.88% from record 26,828.39 set 10/03/18.

NASDAQ ends April at 8,095.39, -0.63% from last Friday, +4.74% MTD/QTD, +22.01% YTD, -0.81% from record 8,161.85 set 04/29/19.

SPX ends April at record 2,945.83, +0.20% from last Friday, +3.93% MTD/QTD, +17.51% YTD, +0.0% from record 2,945.83 set 04/30/19.

The Month 4 YTD tally is:
The Stock Market Bull: 4 months
The Stock Market Bear: 0 months
Mixed Results: 0 months

Apple(PBR3) releases 2Q19 earnings report, adds $75 billion to share repurchase program. $AAPL PR link.

Amazon(PBR5) to expand its Denver Tech Huband create 400 new software and hardware engineering, cloud computing, and advertising high tech jobs, will open a new office in downtown Denver to accommodate expansion, will more than double its tech workforce in the Denver area. $AMZN PR link.

Marriott Intl(PBR146) announces Homes & Villas by Marriott International, a home rental initiative offering 2,000 premium and luxury homes located in over 100 destinations throughout the US, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. $MAR PR link.

Occidental Petroleum(PBR158) gets commitment from Berkshire Hathaway(PBR4)for $10 billion equity investment towards its $38 billion acquisition of Anararko(PBR231). $OXY PR link.

Ingersoll-Rand(PBR196) to spinoff its Industrial segment to IR shareholders, combine it with Gardner Denver(PBR758), will be be called Ingersoll-Rand, retain IR ticker; remainder of IR Climate company to be renamed, receive $1.9 billion, to close by early 2020. $IR PR link.

VF Corp(PBR253) spin-off of independent public company Kontoor Brands, Inc, which will hold VF’s Jeans(Wrangler® and Lee® brands) and VF Outlet businesses in the denim category, to be effective 05/23/19 with distribution of shares on 05/22/19, ticker will be NYSE: KTB. $VFC PR link.

PVH(PBR307) has entered into a licensing agreement with NIKE(PBR84) for the design, sourcing, marketing and worldwide distribution of NIKE-branded men’s underwear. $PVH PR link.

Altice USA(PBR310) to acquire digital-first, live business, general news and college network focused on young professional and millennial audiences with over 400 million video views a month company Cheddar for $200 million, to close within 2 months. $ATUS PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says US 04/26/19 National Debt-Public is at $16.168 trillion, Intragovernmental Holdings $5.859 trillion, Total National Debt $22.057 trillion, was $21.068 trillion on 04/30/18. USTreasury PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US 1Q19 Total Employee Cost Index-All(12/2005=100) is at 136.2, 4Q18 was at 135.2, 1Q18 132.5. USDOL PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago says the US 7th District Preliminary March 2019 Midwest Economic Index is at +0.22, February 2019 was at +0.29. ChiFed PR link.

The Conference Board says the US Preliminary April 2019 Consumer Confidence Index(1985=100) is at 129.2, March 2019 was at 124.2. “Overall, consumers expect the economy to continue growing at a solid pace into the summer months. These strong confidence levels should continue to support consumer spending in the near-term.” TCB PR link.

The April 2019 MNI Chicago Business Barometer is at 52.6, March 2019 was at 58.7, February 2019 64.7, April 2018 57.6. “This was a disappointing start to the second quarter, with more firms cutting back on both production and employment against a backdrop of softer domestic demand and the global slowdown …”MNI PR link.

The February 2019 S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller US Natl Home Price NSA Index(Jan2000=1000) is at 212.70, January 2019 was at 212.27, December 2018 212.80, February 2018 206.51. Case-Shiller PR link.

The American Automobile Assn says the US 04/30/19 Natl Average for a Gallon of Regular Gas is at $2.882, +7.1% from 03/29/19, +2.5% from 04/30/18. AAA PR link.

***Monday, April 29:

Amazon(PBR5) leases space in Arlington, VA, to hire 400 in 2019, open first building in fall 2019, 25,000 in future for its HQ2 location. $AMZN PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) completes $215 million sale of its 800 employees Turkey Hillmanufacturing/distribution business producing popular iced teas, fruit drinks, milk, frozen dairy treats and a variety of ice creams to private equity firm Peak Rock Capital. $KR PR link.

Jacobs Engineering(PBR203) completes $3.3 billion sale of its Energy, Chemicals and Resources (ECR) segment to WorleyParsons Limited (ASX: WOR). $JEC PR link.

Parker Hannifin(PBR212) to acquire privately-held Cary, NC-based $1.1 billion in annual sales, 3,100 employees broad array of advanced adhesives, coatings and specialty materials as well as vibration and motion control technologies global provider LORD Corporation for $3.675 billion cash, to close in 4-6 months. $PH PR link.

Anadarko(PBR231) resuming its negotiations with Occidental Petroleum(PBR158), Board has unanimously determined that the Occidental Proposal of $76.00/share in shares/cash $37 billion deal could reasonably be expected to result in a “Superior Proposal” as defined in the $65/share $33 billion Chevron(PBR11) Merger Agreement. $APC PR link.

Coty(PBR304) partial tender offer for up to 150 million Class A shares at $11.65/share, a premium of approximately 38% to the 90-day volume-weighted average share price as of 02/11/19, from JAB Cosmetics NV, has expired, JAB to own 450+ million shares, have 60% stake in Coty, which will continue as a public company. $COTY PR link.

Genworth Financial(PBR339) sale to China Oceanwide for $5.43/share, $2.7 billion cash close extended from 04/30/19 to 06/30/19 to get additional US, China, Canada and other regulatory approvals, is 10th waiver. $GNW PR link.

Charles River Labs(PBR893) completes $500 million acquisition of Europe based with operations in N America non-clinical contract research organization, specializing in regulated safety assessment services, non-regulated discovery services, and medical device testing, Citoxlab. $CRL PR link.

DaVita Healthcare(PBR264) Chairman/CEO Kent Thiry to become Executive Chairman, DaVita Kidney Care CEO Javier J. Rodriguez to become CEO, both effective 06/01/19. $DVA PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/BEA says US Preliminary March 2019 Total Personal Income Annual Rate is at $18.053 trillion, +0.1% from February 2019, +3.9% from March 2018. USDOC PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR39) forecasts US 2019 30 year fixed mortgage rates to average 4.3%, down from 4.6% in 2018, “… wage growth has accelerated and is finally growing at the same rate as home prices for the first time in seven years. We expect to see the result of these low mortgage rates and stronger wage growth translate into better home sales in the coming months, along with better than expected refinance activity for the year.” $FMCC PR link.

***Friday, April 26:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for Week 17 of 2019 ending 04/26/19:

DJIA ends the week at 26,543.33, -0.06% from last Friday, +2.37% MTD/QTD, +13.79% YTD, -1.06% from record 26,828.39 set 10/03/18.

NASDAQ ends the week at record 8,146.40, +1.85% from last Friday, +5.40% MTD/QTD, +22.77% YTD, +0.00%% from record 8,146.40 set 04/26/19.

SPX ends the week at record 2,939.88, +1.20% from last Friday, +3.72% MTD/QTD, +17.27% YTD, +0.00% from record 2,939.88 set 04/26/19.

The Week 17 News Summary: It was a big week for corporate earnings which were overall mixed, with tech stocks doing well on the NASDAQ, the DJIA taking a loss for the week from the expected losses from Boeing, but surprise losses from 3M. Economic indiceswere also a little mixed, but with an unexpected +3.2% GDP annual rate in 1Q19. US/China trade negotiations continue with little additional information. The NASDAQ and S&P500 ended the week at records but the DJIA finished down just enough to make Week 17 a mixed 2-1 result for the third week in a row for The Stock Market Bull.

The Week 17 YTD tally is:
The Stock Market Bull: 10 weeks
The Stock Market Bear: 2 weeks
Mixed Results: 5 weeks

Alphabet(PBR15 $GOOG)’s Google’s Wing Aviation unit awarded the first FAA air carrier certification for a drone delivery company, approved for use in Blacksburg, VA. FAA PR link.

Bed Bath & Beyond(PBR245 $BBBY) group of three activist investors submit letter outlining plans to increase value of the company, includes replacing CEO immediately. Legion Partners Holdings PR link.

Bed Bath & Beyond(PBR245) issues statement responding to activist investors, says it’s “… multi-year transformation plan to strengthen its position as the expert for the home and heart-felt life events … is well underway and delivering results.” $BBBY PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/BEA says US 1Q19 Advance Estimate Gross Domestic Product Annual Growth Rate is at +3.2%, $21.063 trillion, +1.0% from 4Q18, +5.1% from 1Q18. USDOC PR link.

The U of Michigan US Final April 2019 Consumer Sentiment Index is at 97.2, March 2019 was at 98.4, February 2019 93.8, April 2018 98.8. “… when asked about longer term financial prospects, 60% reported in the April survey that they expected to be better off financially over the next five years … the highest proportion ever recorded ….” UMichigan PR link.

***Thursday, April 25:

Walmart(PBR1) says because of UK prohibition of merger between its UK ASDA unit and UK based Sainsbury, merger has been terminated, will continue to focus on ASDA. $WMT PR link.

3M(PBR89) says 1Q19 was disappointing, will continue restructuring program, expects reduction of 2,000 positions worldwide. $MMM PR link.

Amgen(PBR122 $AMGN) and Astellas Pharma US agree to pay $125 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by illegally paying the Medicare co-pays for their own high-priced drugs. USDOJ PR link.

BB&T(PBR237) and SunTrust Banks(PBR287)discuss merger of equals per agreement announced on 02/07/19. $BBT PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Initial Unemployment Claims 4 Week Moving Average for the Week Ending 04/20/19 was at 206,000, -5.2% from 03/23/19, -10.1% from 04/21/18; Total Insured Unemployment 4 Week Moving Average for the Week Ending 04/13/19 was at 1,687,750, -3.6% from 03/16/19, -13.4% from 04/14/18; Uninsured Employment Rate at 1.2%, was 1.4% for Week Ending 03/16/19, 1.3% for 04/14/18. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US 1Q19 Total Housing Units were at 139,131,000, Rental Vacancy Rate was 7.0%, Homeowner Vacancy Rate 1.4%, Homeownership Rate64.2%, was 64.8% in 4Q18, 64.2% 1Q18. USDOL PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR39) says the US Average 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate on 04/25/19 was at 4.20% with 0.5 points/fees, was 4.06% on 03/28/19, 4.35% on 02/28/19, 4.58% on 04/26/19. “… both existing and new home sales continue to show strength – indicating the lagged effect of lower rates on housing demand. This, along with improved affordability, should push housing activity higher in the coming months.” $FMCC PR link.

***Wednesday, April 24:

Ford(PBR12) makes minority $500 million equity investment in Rivian, companies to develop an all-new, next-generation battery electric vehicle for Ford’s growing EV portfolio using Rivian’s skateboard platform. $F PR link.

Facebook(PBR55) has record 1Q with over $15 billion in revenues, expenses include $3.0 billion fine anticipated from the US FTC for FB’s platform and user data practices. $FB PR link.

Occidental Petroleum(PBR158) proposes to acquire Anadarko(PBR231) for $76.00/share in shares & cash deal, values transaction at around $57 billion. $OXY PR link.

Anadarko(PBR231) confirms receipt of unsolicited $76.00/share in shares/cash deal, $57 billion transaction value, from Occidental Petroleum(PBR158), will review and compare to current $65/share $33 billion deal with Chevron(PBR11). $APC PR link.

USG Corp(PBR680) $44/share, $7.7 billion cash acquisition by Germany based Gebr. Knauf KGis completed. $USG PR link.

Ryman Hospitality(PBR993) enters into joint venture with Gray Television(NYSE:GTN) to create and distribute a premier linear multicast and OTT (over-the-top) channel dedicated to the country lifestyle. $RHP PR link.

Chico’s FAS(PBR829) President/CEO/Board member Shelley Broader resigns from all roles, Board member Bonnie Brooks appointed Interim CEO effective immediately, search firm hired to search for new permanent President/CEO. $CHS PR link.

The US Energy Information Administrationsays US Millions of Barrels of Crude Oil Stocks on 04/19/19 were at 460.6, 03/22/19was at 442.3, 02/22/19 445.9, 04/20/18 429.7. EIA PR link.

ADP(PBR233) says that US 1Q19 Workforce Wage Growth was at +3.8%, $28.40/hour, 4Q18was +3.4%, 3Q18 +3.5%, 1Q18 +2.9%. $ADP PR link.

***Tuesday, April 23:

Murphy Oil(PBR844) to acquire deep water Gulf of Mexico 38,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day net assets from LLOG Exploration Offshore and affiliate for $1.375 billion, to close in 2Q19 with effective date of 01/01/19. $MUR PR link.

CBS(PBR211) President/Acting CEO Joseph Ianniello agrees to extension of his contract through 12/31/19, new CEO search suspended. $CBS PR link.

Asbury Automotive(PBR417) Non-Executive Chairman Thomas C. DeLoach, Jr., steps down, remains a member of the Board, Thomas J. Reddin named successor in planned rotation. $ABG PR link.

Burlington Stores(PBR449)Chairman/President/CEO Thomas Kingsbury to step down as CEO around 09/16/19, to hire Michael O’Sullivan as CEO effective 09/16/19, Chief Merchandising Officer Jennifer Vecchio appointed President/Chief Merchandising Officer effective immediately. $BURL PR link.

Comerica(PBR671) CEO Ralph W. Babb Jr named Executive Chairman, President/Comerica Inc and Comerica Bank Curtis Farmer named CEO. $CMA PR link.

H&R Block(PBR685) co-founder Henry W Bloch dies at age 96, visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, co-founded HRB with brother Richard in 1955. $HRB PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/HUD says US Preliminary March 2019 New Family Home Sales Annual Rate is at 692,000, +4.5% from February 2019, +3.0% from March 2018; Median Sales Price is $302,700, -4.0% from February 2019, -9.7% from March 2018. USDOC PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond says the US 5th District April 2019 Manufacturing Index(Annualized) is at +3%, March 2019 was at +10%, February 2019 +16%, April 2018 -3%. “Firms were optimistic, expecting conditions to improve in the next six months.” RichmondFed PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond says the US 5th District April 2019 Service Sector Revenue Index(Annualized) is at +26%, March 2019 was at +5%, February 2019 +17%, April 2018 +2%. “Respondents were optimistic that conditions would remain strong in the coming months.” RichmondFed PR link.

***Monday, April 22:

Sempra Energy(PBR250) completes sale of its remaining ownership interests in operating and development-stage wind assets to American Electric Power(PBR186 $AEP) for $584 million in cash, last of $2.5 billion divestiture of US renewables and non-utility natural gas storage assets. $SRE PR link.

Bemis(PBR579) $57.75/share, $6.8 billion all stock transaction acquisition by Australia based Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC) on track to close around 05/15/19 after Amcor agrees to sell some US assets. $BMS PR link.

Rent-A-Center(PBR756) to receive $92.5 million in settlement deal from Vintage Capital and B Riley for termination of acquisition proposal. RCII PR link.

Kraft Heinz(PBR107) CEO Bernardo Hees to leave effective 06/30/19, Miguel Patricio appointed to be CEO effective 07/01/19. $KHC PR link.

Bed Bath & Beyond(PBR237) appoints 5 new directors to 10 directors Board, Co-Founders Warren Eisenberg and Leonard Feinstein have transitioned to the role of Co-Founders, Co-Chairmen Emeriti and will retire from the Board, Board names Patrick Gaston as Independent Chairman, effective immediately. $BBBY PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago says the US Preliminary March 2029 National Activity Index is at -0.15, February 2019 was -0.31, January 2019 -0.24, March 2018 +0.32. ChiFed PR link.

The Natl Assn of Realtors says US Preliminary March 2019 Existing Home Sales Annual Rate is at 5,210,000 units, -4.9% from February 2019, -5.4% from March 2018; the Median Price was $259,400, +4.0% from February 2019, +3.8% from March 2018. NAR PR link.

***Friday, April 19:

***Good Friday.
***US Stock Exchanges Closed.

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for Week 16 of 2019 ending 04/19/19:

DJIA ends the week at 26,559.54, +0.56% from last Friday, +2.43% MTD/QTD, +13.86% YTD, -1.00% from record 26,828.39 set 10/03/18.

NASDAQ ends the week at 7,998.06, +0.17% from last Friday, +3.48% MTD/QTD, +20.54% YTD, -1.38% from record 8,109.69 set 08/29/18.

SPX ends the week at 2,905.03, -0.08% from last Friday, +2.49% MTD/QTD, +15.88% YTD, -0.88% from record 2,930.75 set 09/20/18.

The Week 16 News Summary: The top news for the week was the release on Thursday of the Mueller Report, which didn’t seem to affect the stock markets other than perhaps keeping trading volumes low throughout the week which was shortened by the observance of Good Friday. Corporate earnings were mostly mixed. The Federal Reserve released the Beige Bookwhich indicated slight-to-moderate US growth. There appears to be significant progress in US/China trade negotiations with indications that a signing by leaders is being considered in late May. The Stock Market Bull and Bear each won two days of the week, but The Stock Market Bull won Week 16 in a 2-1 mixed result.

The Week 16 YTD tally is:
The Stock Market Bull: 10 weeks
The Stock Market Bear: 2 weeks
Mixed Results: 4 weeks

The US Dept of Commerce/HUD says US Preliminary March 2019 New Residential Construction Building Permits Issued Annual Rate is at 1,269,000, February 2019 was at 1,291,000, January 2019 1,317,000, March 2018 1,377,000. USDOC PR link.

***Thursday, April 18:

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary February 2019 Sales-Manufacturers were at $505.5 billion, Retailwas $445.5 billion, Wholesalers $495.9 billion, Total $1.447 trillion, +0.1% from January 2019, +2.5% from February 2018. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Advance March 2019 Sales-Retail is at $453.0 billion, Food Services & Drinking Places was $61,1 billion, Total Sales $514.1 billion, +1.6% from February 2019, +3.6% from March 2018. USDOC PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphiasays the 3rd District April 2019 Manufacturing General Activity Indicator is at 8.5, March 2019 was at 13.7, February 2019 -4.1, April 2018 23.4. PhillyFed PR link.

The Conference Board says US Preliminary March 2019 Leading Economic Index(2016=100) is at 111.9, February 2019was at 111.5, January 2019 111.4, March 2018108.9. TCB PR link.

***Wednesday, April 17:

Lear Corp(PBR137) completes $320 million acquisition of Seattle, WA-based 300 employees automotive software supplier that develops solutions for cloud, car, and mobile devices, installed in over 25 million vehicles, Xevo Inc. $LEA PR link.

PPG(PBR200) completes acquisition of Klingenberg, Germany based global automotive coatings manufacturer with 450 employees Hemmelrath, terms not disclosed. $PPG PR link.

Pier 1 Imports(PBR904) closes 30 stores in fiscal year 2019, considering closing an additional up to 45 of its 970 stores as leases expire in 2020, could increase up to 15% of stores. $PIR PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary February 2019 Wholesale Sales-Durable Goods is at $242.6 billion, Non-Durable Goods $253.3 billion, Total $495.9 billion, +0.3% from January 2019, +2.1% from February 2018. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary February 2019 Exports-Goodswere $139.5 billion, Services $70.1 billion, Total$209.6 billion; Imports-Goods were at $211.6 billion, Services $47.5 billion, Total $259.1 billion, Trade Deficit is $49.5 billion, Total Deficit YTD(2 months) is $100.7 billion, February 2018 Total Deficit YTD was $108.8 billion. USDOC PR link.

The US Federal Reserve releases the Beige Book, says, “Economic activity expanded at a slight-to-moderate pace in March and early April…” USFed PR link.

***Tuesday, April 16:

AT&T(PBR9) 9.5% minority stake in streaming service Hulu, valued at $1.43 billion, is acquired by Hulu. $T PR link.

Intel(PBR44) acquires Basingstoke, England based optimized video and vision FPGA IP solutions provider Omnitek, terms not disclosed. $INTC PR link.

Qualcomm(PBR122) and Apple(PBR3 $AAPL)agree to drop all litigation, including with Apple’s contract manufacturers, Apple to make onetime payment to Qualcomm, reach a 6 year with 2 year extension global patent license agreement with Apple paying royalties, and a multi-year chipset supply agreement. $QCOM PR link.

MasterCard(PBR233) acquires cloud-based financing technology company for retailers Vyze, terms not disclosed. $MA PR link.

Expedia(PBR286) to acquire Liberty Expedia(NASDAQ: LEXEA, LEXEB) in an all-stock transaction, Chairman/Sr Executive Barry Diller will own approximately 29% of the voting power of the company, and Expedia Group will no longer be a controlled company under applicable NASDAQ rules. $EXPE PR link.

Smart & Final(PBR532) to be acquired by Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR772) for $6.50/share cash in a tender offer, around $500 million, to close by 3Q19. $SFS PR link.

WW(PBR974)(fka Weight Watchers) to change stock ticker symbol from NASDAQ: WTW to NASDAQ: WW, effective 04/22/19. $WTW PR link.

Caesars Entertainment(PBR517) appoints Tony Rodio as CEO, to be effective within 30 days; also announces the creation of a Transaction Committee to oversee the Company’s evaluation of ongoing efforts in creating additional shareholder value. $CZR PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says US Preliminary March 2019 Industrial Production % of Capacity is at 78.8%, February 2019 was at 79.0%, January 2019 79.1%, March 201878.2%. USFed PR link.

The Natl Assn of Home Builders Preliminary April 2019 Housing Market Composite Indexis at 63, March 2019 was at 62, February 201962, April 2018 68. “Builders report solid demand for new single-family homes but they are also grappling with affordability concerns stemming from a chronic shortage of construction workers and buildable lots …” NAHB PR link.

***Monday, April 15:

Waste Management(PBR199) to acquire Ponte Vedra, FL-based 6,000 employees $1.56 billion in 2018 revenues Advanced Disposal Services(NYSE: ADSW) for $33.15/share, $4.9 billion cash, includes $1.9 billion in debt, to close by 1Q20. $WM PR link.

Salesforce(PBR273) to acquire Salesforce.orgfor $300 million, will create a new nonprofit and education vertical. $CRM PR link.

Alliance Data(PBR358) to sell its 8,000 associates in 87 offices worldwide brand marketing Epsilon business to France based global marketing, communication, and digital transformation provider Publicis Groupe for $4.4 billion cash, to close in 3Q19. $ADS PR link.

Sears Hometown(PBR917) majority stock holder ESL Holdings and affiliates remove 2 directors from Board, appoint 2 new members, Board evaluating options including being acquired, going private, or liquidating. $SHOS PR link.

Adtalem Education(PBR983) to acquire the financial services division of compliance training, licensure preparation, continuing education and professional development across the US Brookfield, WI-based provider OnCourse Learning for around $121 million cash, to close in fiscal 4Q19. $ATGE PR link.

Best Buy(PBR69) CEO Hubert Joly to become Executive Chairman, CFO/Chief Transformation Officer Corie Barry to become CEO, Mike Mohan to become President/COO, to be effective following the 06/11/19 annual meeting. $BBY PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York says the US Empire State April 2019 Manufacturing General Business Conditions Index is at 10.1, March 2019 was at 3.7, February 2019 8.8, April 2018 17.9. “The headline general business conditions index rose six points to 10.1, indicating that growth picked up somewhat but remained fairly subdued.” NYFed PR link.

***Friday, April 12:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for Week 15 of 2019 ending 04/12/19:

DJIA ends the week at 26,412.30, -0.05% from last Friday, +1.87% MTD/QTD, +13.22% YTD, -1.55% from record 26,828.39 set 10/03/18.

NASDAQ ends the week at 7,984.16, +0.57% from last Friday, +3.30% MTD/QTD, +20.33% YTD, -1.55% from record 8,109.69 set 08/29/18.

SPX ends the week at 2,907.41, +0.51% from last Friday, +2.58% MTD/QTD, +15.98% YTD, -0.80% from record 2,930.75 set 09/20/18.

The Week 15 News Summary: The word continues to be that US/China trade negotiations are going well, US President Trump threatened new tariffs on the European Union, 1Q19 corporate earnings started to be released with generally positive results, and global and US economic reports continued to indicate a slower growth but not recession in 2019. The Stock Market Bear had a strong start to the week, but The Stock Market Bull butted back with a strong finish on Friday to take Week 15 in a mixed 2-1 result.

The Week 15 YTD tally is:
The Stock Market Bull: 10 weeks
The Stock Market Bear: 2 weeks
Mixed Results: 3 weeks

Chevron(PBR11) to acquire Anadarko(PBR246) with its 1.47 billion barrels-equivalent of proved reserves for $65/share, $33 billion in stock and cash, to close in 2H19. $CVX PR link.

GE(PBR19 $GE) in agreement with the US Dept of Justice to pay a civil penalty of $1.5 billion to resolve claims involving subprime residential mortgage loans originated by WMC Mortgage, a GE subsidiary, during 2005-2007. USDOJ PR link.

Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR140) shareholders approve $74 billion acquisition of global biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases Celgene(PBR220), to close in 3Q19. $BMY PR link.

Campbell Soup(PBR328) to sell its producer of organic beverages, dressings and carrots Bolthouse Farms to a Butterfly Equity affiliate, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in the food sector, for $510 million, to close by 07/31/19. $CPB PR link.

PG&E(PBR166) appoints Nora Mead Brownell as new Chairman, Bill Johnson to become President/CEO on 05/01/19. $PCG PR link.

NiSource(PBR516) elects Vice Chairman Kevin T. Kabat as Chairman, effective 05/07/19, to succeed retiring Richard Thompson. $NI PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary March 2019 Import Prices were +0.6%, Export Prices +0.7%, Year-to-Year Imports +0.0%, Year-to-Year Exports +0.6%. USDOL PR link.

The U of Michigan Preliminary April 2019 Consumer Sentiment Index is at 96.9, March 2019 was at 98.4, February 2019 93.8, April 2018 98.8. “Overall, the level of the Sentiment Index during the past 30 months was higher than any other time since 1997 to 2000, the final phase of the record 10-year expansion…” UMichigan PR link.

***Thursday, April 11:

Fred’s(PBR903) liquidations sales at 159 underperforming and unprofitable stores starts, to close these stores by end of 05/19, other 398 stores to remain open, firm retained to review strategic alternatives. $FRED PR link.

Rowan Cos(PBR978) $12 billion all-stock merger with UK based Ensco plc(NYSE: ESV)is completed, now called EnscoRowan plc(NYSE: ESV), headquarters in London, UK, US headquarters in Houston, TX. $RDC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US March 2019 Producer Price Index-Goods were +1.0%, Services +0.3%, Total Goods & Services+0.6%, Last 12 Months +2.0%, February 2019was +2.3%, January 2019 +2.5%, March 2018+2.9%. USDOL PR link.

***Wednesday, April 10:

Crestwood Equity(PBR597) acquires a 50% interest in Jackalope Gas Gathering Servicesfrom Williams Cos(PBR343) for approximately $485 million, positions Crestwood for long-term growth in the prolific Powder River Basin by supporting Chesapeake Energy(PBR302)’s and other producer customers’ long-term development plans. $CEQP PR link.

Qorvo(PBR711) to acquire private fabless supplier of programmable analog power solutions Active-Semi International, creates new opportunities for growth in 5G, industrial, data center, automotive and smart home markets, to close by 06/30/19, terms not disclosed. $QRVO PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says US March 2019 Federal Government Receipts were $228.8 billion, Outlays $375.8 billion, for a Deficit of $146.9 billion, March 2018 Deficit was $208.7 billion; YTD(6 months) Receipts are $1.507 trillion, YTD Outlays $2.198 trillion, YTD Deficit$691.1 billion, March 2018 YTD Deficit was $599.7 billion. USTreasury PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the US March 2019 Consumer Price Index-All Items was at +0.4%, February 2019 was at +0.2%, January 2019+0.0%, March 2018 -0.1%, Last 12 Months(Unadjusted) is at +1.9%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary March 2019 Average Current Earnings/Hour is at $27.70, Average Hours/Week at 34.5, Total Weekly Average Earnings at $955.65, +0.4% from February 2019, +3.2% from March 2018. USDOL PR link.

The Federal Open Market Committee releases the minutes from its 03/19-20/10 meeting, which kept the short term federal funds rate at 2.25-2.50% and indicated using “patience” in future meetings regarding the funds rate. FOMC PR link.

***Tuesday, April 9:

Principal Financial(PBR209) to acquire the $827 billion in assets under administration and 2,500 employees Wells Fargo(PBR28) Institutional Retirement & Trust business for $1.2 billion plus an earnout of up to $150 million tied to better than expected revenue retention, payable two years post-closing, to close in 3Q19. $PFG PR link.

A.O. Smith(PBR706) has acquired family owned 90 employees $60 million in annual sales Appleton, WI-based water treatment solutions provider Water-Right for $107 million cash. $AOS PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary February 2019 Job Openings-Private were at 6,406,000, Government 681,000, Total Job Openings 7,087,000, -7.1% from January 2019, +8.5% from February 2018. USDOL PR link.

CoreLogic says the US January 2019 Percent of Home Mortgages 30 or More Days Delinquent is at 4.0%, January 2018 was at 4.9%, January 2019 Total Percent of Homes in Foreclosure were at 0.4%, January 2018 was at 0.6%. “The 30-plus delinquency rate … is at an over 10-year low… The continued improvement in mortgage performance bodes well for the health of the U.S. market in 2019.” CoreLogic PR link.

The International Monetary Fund says the World Economic Output Growth in 2018 was at 3.6%, projects 2019 at 3.3%, 2020 at 3.6%; says the US Growth Output in 2018 was at 2.9%, projects 2019 at 2.3%, 2020 at 1.9%. IMF PR link.

***Monday, April 8:

Sears Hometown(PBR917) receives proposal to be acquired by an ESL Investments affiliate for $2.25/share, special Board committee concludes offer not in best interest of shareholders, discussions to continue. $SHOS PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary February 2019 Manufacturing New Orders-Durable Goods was at $250.5 billion, Non-Durable Goods $247.0 billion, Total New Orders $497.5 billion, -0.5% from January 2019, +1.5% from February 2018. USDOC PR link.

The Fannie Mae(PBR21) US March 2019 Home Purchase Sentiment Index is at 89.8, February 2019 was at 84.3, January 2019 84.7, March 2018 88.3. “Continuing a five-month trend, the net share of consumers who believe mortgage rates will go down increased 7 percentage points amid a 35 basis-point drop in mortgage rates in March alone….” $FNMA PR link.

***Friday, April 5:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for Week 14 of 2019 ending 04/05/19:

DJIA ends the week at 26,424.99, +1.91% from last Friday/MTD/QTD, +13.28 YTD, -1.50% from record 26,828.39 set 10/03/18.

NASDAQ ends the week at 7,938.69, +2.71% from last Friday/MTD/QTD, +19.64 YTD, -2.11% from record 8,109.69 set 08/29/18.

SPX ends the week at 2,892.74, +2.06% from last Friday/MTD/QTD, -1.30% from record 2,930.75 set 09/20/18.

The Week 14 News Summary: The news continues to be focused on the status of the US/China trade negotiations, with both leaders now optimistically saying a deal is coming together. President Trump has threatened to close the US Southern border with Mexicobecause of the significant increase in illegal immigrants. The UK is still struggling with how to proceed with Brexit. The global economyappears to be slowing but many prominent economists say it is a slowdown only, not a recession. The week ended with a positive employment report and a low 3.8% unemployment rate. The Stock Market Bullremained in control for another week and easily won Week 14 3-0, with all 3 major US stock exchanges starting to close in on new records.

The Week 14 YTD tally is:
The Stock Market Bull: 10 weeks
The Stock Market Bear: 2 weeks
Mixed Results: 2 weeks

The US Dept of Labor says US March 2019 Number of Employed is at 156,748,000, -201,000 from February 2019, +1,588,000 from March 2018; Number of Unemployed is at 6,211,000, -24,000 from February 2019, -274,000 from March 2018, Unemployment Rate is at 3.8%, same as February 2019, was 4.0% in March 2018. USDOL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says US Preliminary February 2019 Consumer Credit Outstanding-Revolving is at $1.061 trillion, Non-Revolvingat $2.985 trillion, Total $4.046 trillion, +0.4% from January 2019, +0.8% from December 2018, +4.8% from February 2018. USFed PR link.

***Thursday, April 4:

***Wednesday, April 3:

Targa Resources(PBR323) completes $1.6 billion sale of its 45% interest in Targa Badlands, the entity that holds all of Targa’s assets in N Dakota, to Blackstone(PBR386)and affiliates. $TRGP PR link.

PG&E(PBR166) hires Bill Johnson as President/CEO, 10 new directors to be appointed, 7 current directors stepping down. $PCG PR link.

Red Robin(PBR965) President/CEO Denny Marie Post has chosen to retire after discussions with the Board, new CEO search committee formed, Chairman Pattye Moore appointed interim CEO. $RRGB PR link.

ADP(PBR218) says the US Preliminary March 2019 Change in Private Sector Employmentwas +129,000, -34.5% from February 2019, -39.4% from March 2018, Small Businesseswere +6,000, Mid-Sized Businesses +63,000, Large Businesses +60,000; Goods Producing Sector -6,000, Services Sector +135,000. $ADP PR link.

The Institute for Supply Management US March 2019 Non-Manufacturing Index(>50%=economy growing) is at 56.1%, February 2019 was at 59.7%, January 201956.7%, March 2018 58.7%. “This represents continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector, at a slower rate….” ISM PR link.

The IHS Markit US March 2019 Composite PMI Output Index is at 54.6, February 2019 was at 55.5, January 2019 54.4, March 2018 54.2. “Another solid service sector performance helped offset a deteriorating trend in manufacturing to leave the PMI surveys indicative of robust economic growth in March….” IHS Markit PR link.

***Tuesday, April 2:

Lear Corp(PBR146) to acquire Seattle, WA-based 300 employees automotive software supplier that develops solutions for cloud, car, and mobile devices, installed in over 25 million vehicles, Xevo Inc, for $320 million, to close in 2Q19. $LEA PR link.

UGI Corp(PBR365) to acquire the remaining 74% of shares it does not own of largest US retail propane marketer AmeriGas Partners(NYSE: APU) for $35.33/share, $2.45 billion, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of UGI. $UGI PR link.

Automotive News reports that US March 2019 Estimated Number of Light Vehicle Saleswere at 1,605,715, -3.1% from March 2018, Average Transaction Price was $36,733, +2.3% from March 2018, Average Incentive Outlay $3,604, YTD Units Sold(3 Months)3,989,468, -3.2% from March 2018, Annual Rate of Light Vehicle Sales are at 17,420,000. Automotive News PR link.

Edmunds reports that the average interest rate on a new vehicle loan hit its highest level in a decade with the annual percentage rate (APR) on new financed vehicles expected to average 6.36% in March, compared to 5.66% last yearand 4.44% five years ago. Edmunds PR link.

The PurdueU/CME Group US March 2019 Ag Barometer is at 133, February 2019 was at 136, January 2019 143, March 2018 135. PurdueU/CME Group PR link.

International Monetary Fund‘s Managing Director Christine Lagarde says global growth is slowing, but does not see a recession in the near term, expects some pickup in growth in 2H19 and into 2020. IMF PR link.

***Monday, April 1:

Johnson & Johnson(PBR34) completes $3.4 billion cash acquisition with additional contingent payments of up to $2.35 billion payable upon reaching certain predetermined milestones of privately held developer of robotic technologies Auris Health. $JNJ PR link.

Merck(PBR71) completes $2.4 billion cash acquisition of France based around $410 million in global revenue digital animal identification, traceability and monitoring solutions provider Antelliq Group, becomes wholly owned subsidiary with the Animal Health Division. $MRK PR link.

Kellogg(PBR224) to sell Keebler Cookies and related businesses to Italy based global confectionary group Ferrero for $1.3 billion cash, to close by 07/31/19. $K PR link.

Fortive(PBR406) completes $2.7 billion cash acquistion of Johnson & Johnson(PBR34)’s Ethicon subsidiary $775 million in revenues in 2017 Advanced Sterilization Products unit. $FTV PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary February 2019 Private Construction Spending was at $994.5 billion, Public Construction Spending $325.8 billion, Total Construction Spending $1.320 trillion, +1.0% from January 2019, +1.1% from February 2018. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary January 2019 Sales for Manufacturers was at $503.1 billion, Retailers$446.7 billion, Wholesalers $499.8 billion, Total Sales $1.450 trillion, +0.3% from December 2018, +2.8% from January 2018. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Advance February 2019 Sales-Retail were at $445.7 billion, Food Svcs/Drinking Places$60.3 billion, Total Sales $506.0 billion, -0.2% from January 2019, +2.2% from February 2018. USDOC PR link.

The Institute for Supply Management says the US March 2019 Manufacturing PMI Index(>50=economy expanding) is at 55.1%, February 2019 was at 54.2%, January 201956.6%, March 2018 59.3%. “Comments from the panel reflect continued expanding business strength….” ISM PR link.

IHS Markit says the US March 2019 Manufacturing PMI is at 52.4, February 2019was at 53.0, January 2019 54.9, March 201855.6. “The moderate improvement in the
health of the manufacturing sector was the weakest since June 2017 and notably softer than the trend seen for 2018.”IHS Markit PR link.

***Friday, March 29:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for March 2019 ending 03/29/19:

DJIA ends March at 25,928.68, +1.67% from last Friday, +0.05% MTD, +11.15% QTD/YTD, -3.35% from record 26,743.50 set 09/21/18.

NASDAQ ends March at 7,729.32, +1.13% from last Friday, +2.61% MTD, +16.49% QTD/YTD, -4.69% from record 8,109.69 set 08/29/18.

SPX ends March at 2,834.40, +1.20% from last Friday, +1.79% MTD, +13.07% QTD/YTD, -3.29% from record 2,930.75 set 09/20/18.

The Week 13 YTD tally is:
The Stock Market Bull: 9 weeks
The Stock Market Bear: 2 weeks
Mixed Results: 2 weeks

The Month 3 YTD tally is:
The Stock Market Bull: 3 months
The Stock Market Bear: 0 months
Mixed Results: 0 months

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