The PBR1000 March 2018 Breaking News Recap

March 2018: International Trade Issues and Volatility for The PBR1000

March Key Influences/News Include:

• International trade deficit and proposed tariffs dominate the headlines
• Merkel retains leadership after Germany elections, Putin wins re-election in Russia
• N Korea signals a willingness to talk, disband its nuclear weapons program
• Revolving door stays in motion at the White House for key staff
• US economy continues to show moderate growth
• Gun control/2nd Amendment rights issues from recent shootings/bombings
• Dodd-Frank banking rules modified
• Sanctions imposed against Russia
• EU/UK agree on 2 year Brexit deal
• Access to Facebook user data and other social media controversies
• Investigation into Russia’s meddling in US elections continues
• FOMC raises short term federal funds interest rates to 1.50-1.75%, indicates 3-4 more raises in the year
• $1.3 trillion US Government spending bill approved
• All 3 major US stock exchanges get tagged by the Stock Market Bear, all down over 2.5%, Technology sector a main contributor
• Physicist Steven Hawking dies

The PBR1000 March 2018 Breaking News Items

Here are The PBR1000 corporate and economic related breaking news items of interest with hotlinks to the sources for March 2018, starting with the last active business day.

***Friday, March 30:

***US Stock Markets Closed
***In Observance of Good Friday.

Boeing(PBR27) and Saudi Arabian Military Industries form joint venture partnership targeting 55% localization, to employee 6,000+ and generate $22+ billion in revenues by 2030, to provide sustainment services for fixed- and rotary-wing military aircraft of the KSA ‎military fleet and will be the sole provider of these ‎services for all military aviation platforms of ‎the KSA military fleet. $BA PR link.

MetLife(PBR39 $MET) to partner with China’s TenCent’s WeSure digital insurance provider, will have access to WeSure’s 1 billion monthly active users on Tencent’s mobile social communications platform, WeChat. MarketWatch PR link.

NextEra Energy(PBR173) to be supplied by China based JinkoSolar with up to 2,750 megawatts of high-efficiency solar modules – roughly 7 million solar panels – over approximately four years; JinkoSolar to open manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, FL, as part of agreement. $NEE PR link.

DTE Energy(PBR230) submits 2018 Renewable Energy Plan to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) proposing approximately 1,000 additional megawatts from new wind/solar projects in Michigan scheduled to be completed by 2022, require $1.7+ billion investment in Michigan and double DTE’s renewable energy capacity from 1,000 megawatts to 2,000 megawatts, would power over 800,000 homes. $DTE PR link.

Bon-Ton Stores(PBR707) in discussions with interested parties for going-concern bid to acquire Company in a Bankruptcy Court-supervised sale process, gets approval from lenders to extend deadline for submitting qualified bids from 04/02/18 to 04/04/18. $BONT PR link.

Watts Water Technologies(PBR982) CFO Todd A. Trapp departing on 04/06/18, search begins, CEO is interim CFO. $WTS PR link.

Owens Corning(PBR465) promotes Marcio Sandri to President/Composites, succeeds retiring Arnaud Genis. $OC PR link.

VISA(PBR224) board member Gary Hoffman resigns to pursue other opportunities, will also be stepping down as Chairman of VISA Europe board on 06/30/18. $V PR link.

Macerich(PBR957) appoints Peggy Alford, former senior executive at PayPal(PBR253), to the Board, to take seat held by Fred Hubbell who is now running for Iowa governor. $MAC PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says Total US National Public Debt on 03/29/18 was $15.428 trillion, Intragovernmental Holdings $5.685 trillion, Total Debt $21.113 trillion, +1.2% from 02/28/18, +3.0% from 12/31/17, +6.4% from 03/31/17. USTreasury PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says US Preliminary 4Q17 Net International Investment Position is Assets $27.633 trillion, Liabilities $35.479 trillion, for a Balance Deficitof $7.846 trillion, +1.4% from 3Q17, -5.7% from 4Q16. USDOC PR link.

The Federal Bank of Chicago 7th District Preliminary February 2018 Midwest Economic Index is at +0.44, January 2018 was +0.34, December 2017 +0.31, February 2017 +0.08. ChiFed PR link.

The American Automobile Assn says the US National Average Price/Gallon of Regular Gas on 03/30/18 was $2.654, +4.9% from 02/28/18, +14.7% from 03/31/17. AAA PR link.

***Thursday, March 29:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week/Month/Quarter Ending 03/29/18

The business week comes to an end with the Stock Market Bull making a strong appearance after a few weeks of being a no-show. However, the Stock Market Bear dominated the monthso dramatically that it carried the quarter, and YTD with him. It really only took two or three weeks to do that, which is a little unsettling. What’s next? The predictions of expert prognosticators are all over the place and there is no clear direction. Let’s see what happens in April.

DJIA ends the week at 24,103.11, +2.42% from last Friday, -3.70% MTD, -2.49% QTD/YTD, -9.44% from record 26,616.71 set 01/26/18.

NASDAQ ends the week at 7,063.44, +1.01% from last Friday, -2.88% MTD, +2.32% QTD/YTD, -6.92% from record 7,588.32 set 03/12/18.

SPX ends the week at 2,640.87, +2.03% from last Friday, -2.69% MTD, -1.22% QTD/YTD, -8.08% from record 2,872.87 set 01/26/18.

ExxonMobil(PBR2) wins eight deepwater blocks in latest Brazil bid round, adds 640,000 net acres, has 2 million+ net acres now. $XOM PR link.

Microsoft(PBR31) CEO Satya Nadella announces formation of two new engineering teams, Experiences & Devices(includes Windows products) and Cloud + AI Platform, will continue third engineering team, AI + Research, announces leadership for each of the teams. $MSFT PR link.

Amgen(PBR135) gets US FDA approval for BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) to treat minimal residual disease-positive B-Cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia In adults and children. $AMGN PR link.

Dana(PBR382) issues statement expressing disappointment that GKN plc (LON: GKN)shareholders accepted proposal by Melrose Industries plc to acquire GKN, unlikely that Dana proposed combination with GKN Drivelinefor $6.1 billion will proceed. $DAN PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires San Diego, CA, based health benefits administrator McGregor & Associates, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Under Armour(PBR668) notifying 150 million users of its food and nutrition application and website MyFitnessPal of possible theft of usernames, email addresses, and hashed passwords that occurred in late 02/18, investigation continues. $UA PR link.

Penn Natl Gaming(PBR750) shareholders approve $32.47/share, $2.8 billion cash/stock acquisition of owner/operator of 16 gaming and entertainment facilities Pinnacle Entertainment(NASDAQ:PNK), whose shareholders have also voted to approve the deal, waiting for additional regulatory approvals, to close 2H18. $PENN PR link.

McDermott Intl(PBR825) and CB&I(NYSE: CBI)(Chicago Bridge & Iron) $6 billion merger to be voted on by shareholders at each company on 05/02/18, on track for 2Q18 close. $MDR PR link.

GoPro(PBR902) launches entry-level HEROcamera For $199 with 2 inch display screen, waterproof to 30 feet, joins $299 HERO5 and $399 HERO6. $GPRO PR link.

Meredith Corp(PBR994) to sell Meredith Xcelerated Marketing(MXM) to Accenture, decision based on recent acquisition of Time Inc, terms not disclosed. $MDP PR link.

Interpublic(PBR350) promotes Huge unit President/International Michael Koziol to Global CEO/Huge, succeeds departing Aaron Shapiro. $IPG PR link.

Vista Outdoor(PBR784) hires Miguel “Mick” Lopez as SVP/CFO, effective 04/16/18. $VSTO PR link.

State Street(PBR260) appoints Sara Mathew, most recentlyChairman/CEO of Dun & Bradstreet(PBR957), and William “Bill” Meaney, currently President/CEO of Iron Mountain(PBR663), to the Board. $STT PR link.

Continental Resources(PBR497) board member James L. “Jim” Gallogly to become President/U of Oklahoma, departing from Board effective 05/17/18 annual meeting. $CLR PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Initial Unemployment Claims for 03/24/18 were at 215,000, 02/22/18 was 222,000, 01/25/18233,000, 03/25/17 258,000. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/BEA says US Preliminary February 2018 Total Personal Income Annual Rate was at $16.861 trillion, +0.4% from January 2018, +3.7% from February 2017, Personal Savings Rate was at 3.4%, Effective Tax Rate 12.26%. USDOC PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says US Average 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate on 03/29/18 was 4.44% with 0.5 points/fees, 02/22/18 was 4.40%, 01/25/18 4.15%, 03/30/17 4.14%. $FMCC PR link.

The MNI March 2018 Chicago Business Barometer(>50 gaining) is at 57.4, February 2018 was 61.9, January 2018 65.7, March 201757.7. MNI/ISM PR link.

The U of Michigan US Final March 2018 Consumer Sentiment Index is at 101.4, February 2018 was 99.7, January 2018 95.7, March 2017 96.9. UMich PR link.

***Wednesday, March 28:

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) faces multiple lawsuits over throttled iPhones to save battery life. MarketWatch PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) Web Services announces that GoDaddy(PBR866 $GDDY) to migrate the vast majority of its infrastructure to AWS as part of a multi-year transition. $AMZN PR link.

Facebook(PBR228) issues statement on new privacy settings, announces plans to get feedback on terms of service. $FB PR link.

Facebook(PBR228 $FB) being sued by three users in class action over call and text history collection. MarketWatch PR link.

Boston Scientific(PBR356) gets UK appeals court to uphold prior decision that Edwards Lifesciences(PBR819)’s Sapien 3™ heart valve device infringes on Boston Scientific patent EP (UK) 2 926 766 and that all claims of that patent are valid. $BSX PR link.

Hanover Insurance(PBR473) reviewing strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, for London-based Chaucer, its international specialty insurance business. $THG PR link.

NVIDIA(PBR510) and Adobe Systems(PBR557) to expand strategic partnership, will work to optimize the Adobe Sensei AI and machine learning (ML) framework for NVIDIA® GPUs. $NVDA PR link.

CACI Intl(PBR612) withdraws proposal to acquire IT solutions and professional services to government organizations CSRA(NYSE: CSRA)for $44.00/share in cash/stock deal valued at $7.2 billion. $CACI PR link.

NTSB investigating fatal Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA)crash in California. MarketWatch PR link.

Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA) shareholders notch victory in ongoing suit over SolarCityacquisition. MarketWatch PR link.

DST Systems(PBR723) shareholders approve acquisition by SS&C Technologies(Nasdaq: SSNC) for $84/share, $5.4 billion, includes debt, to close 2Q18. $DST PR link.

Concho Resources(PBR734) to acquire RSP Permian(NYSE: RSPP) in all stock deal valued at around $9.5 billion, includes RSP debt, expands Concho’s strategic portfolio in the Permian Basin to approximately 640,000 net acres. $CXO PR link.

Brown & Brown(PBR972) completes 2:1 stock split announced 02/26/18. $BRO PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) testing its new SCiQ™ lottery instant game retail technologyin 8 states, starting with 7-Eleven stores, provides greater product security, inventory control, merchandising, speed-of-service and accounting for retailers, in an easy-to-use digital format. $SGMS PR link.

Equifax(PBR795) hires Mark Begor as CEO, effective 04/16/18, succeeds interim CEO Paulino do Rego Barros, Jr who will be retiring in early 2019. $EFX PR link.

Cisco(PBR60) hires Gerri Elliott as EVP/Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, effective 04/30/18, and Maria Martinez as EVP/Chief Customer Experience Officer, effective 04/16/18. $CSCO PR link.

VF Corp(PBR232) hires Steve Murray who rejoins in the new position of VP/Strategic Products. $VFC PR link.

CommScope(PBR482) hires Alexander W. Pease as EVP/CFO, succeeds retiring Mark Olson. $COMM PR link.

Netflix(PBR447) appoints Susan Rice, former US Ambassador to the UN and US National Security Advisor, to the Board. $NFLX PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says US 4Q17 3rd Estimate Gross Domestic Product Annual Rate was +2.9%, $19.754 trillion, +1.3% from 3Q17, +4.5% from 4Q16. USDOC PR link.

The US Energy Information Administrationsays US Crude Oil Stocks on 03/23/18 were at 429.9 millions of barrels, +1.5% from 02/23/18, -19.5% from 03/24/17. EIA PR link.

The US Trade Representative/Executive Office of the President issues statement on new trade agreement with S Korea to reduce the trade deficit($22.9 billion in 2017). USTrade Rep PR link.

***Tuesday, March 27:

Apple(PBR5) introduces new 9.7 inch iPad with Apple Pencil support, starts at $329, for schools from $299. $AAPL PR link.

Alphabet(PBR44)’ s Waymo unit partnering with Jaguar Range Rover, to design and engineer the world’s first premium electric fully self-driving vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE, to add up to 20,000 I-PACEs to Waymo’s fleet in the next few years. $GOOG PR link.

Aetna(PBR49) to automatically apply pharmacy rebates at the time of sale for its Commercial fully insured plan members starting in 2019, believes that greater transparency is needed throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain in response to the nearly 25 percent increase in drug prices between 2012 and 2016. $AET PR link.

Oracle(PBR78 $ORCL)’s multi-billion dollar JAVA copyright case against Alphabet(PBR44 $GOOG)’s Google revived by US Court of Appeals. MarketWatch PR link.

Tyson(PBR80) exploring sale of its non-core TNT Crust pizza crust business. $TSN PR link.

Starbucks(PBR178) extending Happy Hour, kicks off 03/29/18 at participating Starbucks stores in the US/Canada, with 50% off any espresso beverage from 3 p.m. to close, local time for customers who receive an invitation, requires opt in to engage with Starbucks digitally, free wi-fi to also require registration of email address starting 04/02/18. $SBUX PR link.

Facebook(PBR228) being sued by National Fair Housing Alliance and 3 of its members for discrimination in online housing advertisements. $FB PR link.

Ryder(PBR378) launches new asset sharing digital platform, called COOP by Ryder™, offers businesses the opportunity to list and rent underutilized commercial vehicles within a network of trusted peers, initially tested in Atlanta, GA, full Atlanta rollout to be in 04/18, to expand to other major metro areas in 2019. $R PR link.

Newell Brands(PBR434) newly reconstituted Board responds to activist investor Starboardcomments, says it is in agreement in principle with Starboard, expects new Board to implement transformation plan. $NWL PR link.

McCormick(PBR552) to use Tax Reform benefits to provide one time $1,000 bonus to eligible employees in May, to accelerate hourly employee wage increases. $MKC PR link.

Allegheny Technologies(PBR555) files for exclusion from newly imposed 25% tariffs on behalf of its recently formed Allegheny & Tsingshan Stainless joint venture which imports semi-finished stainless slab products from Indonesia. $ATI PR link.

Carlyle Group(PBR581 $CG) and GIC to acquire Netherlands based AkzoNobel NV Specialty Chemicals business for around $12 billion, to close by end of 2018. $AKZA PR link.

Cabot Corp(PBR607) celebrates 30 years of success and development in it specialty chemicals business in China, represents 20% of revenues. $CBT PR link.

Hologic(PBR767) gets US FDA approval for new innovations on its 3Dimensions™ Mammography System, now has over 5,000 3D Mammography™ Systems installed in the US. $HOLX PR link.

Owens & Minor(PBR292) hires Shana Neal as SVP/Chief Human Resources Officer. $OMI PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond says US Fifth District March 2018 Service Sector Revenue Index(Annualized) is at +25%, February 2018 was +27%, January 2018 +20%, March 2017 +10%. RichmondFed PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond says US Fifth District March 2018 Manufacturing Index(Annualized) is at +15%, February 2018was +28%, January 2018 +14%, March 2017+17%. RichmondFed PR link.

The Conference Board US March 2018 Consumer Confidence Index(1985=100) is at 127.7, February 2018 was 130.0. TCB PR link.

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller US January 2018 National Home Price NSA Index(01/2000=100) is at 196.31, December 2017 was 196.22, November 2017 195.82, January 2017 184.89. Case-Shiller PR link.

***Monday, March 26:

Pfizer(PBR56 $PFE) gets notice that GlaxoSmithKline(LSE/NYSE: GSK) has withdrawn from the process relating to acquisition of Pfizer’s Consumer Healthcarebusiness. $GSK PR link.

FedEx(PBR65) reserves 20 Tesla(PBR651) Semi fully electric trucks, production begins in 2019, will be operated by FedEx Freight, its less-than-truckload unit. $FDX PR link.

General Mills(PBR162) to make available $1 billion of common stock to help finance $40.00/share, $8.0 billion cash acquisition of Blue Buffalo Pet Products(NASDAQ: BUFF). $GIS PR link.

Facebook(PBR228 $FB) gets notice that the US Federal Trade Commission has opened a non-public investigation of FB’s user privacy promises in response to recent news about possible infractions. FTC PR link.

Campbell Soup(PBR326) completes $50.00/share, $4.87 billion cash acquisition of Charlotte, NC, based $2.2 billion/year 6,000 employees, 13 manufacturing facilities in US & UK snacks provider Snyder’s-Lance(NASDAQ: LNCE), to be integrated with Pepperidge Farmsto form new business unit called Campbell Snacks. $CPB PR link.

Dana(PBR382) ups offer by $140 million to combine with the Driveline division of GKN plc (LON: GKN) to create Dana plc, a $13.4 billion revenues/year global leader in vehicle driveline systems, for $1.77 billion cash to GKN, plus $1.0 billion of pension liabilities, plus 133 million new Dana plc shares, valued at $3.5 billion, issued to GKN’s shareholders, total $6.1 billion deal, Dana plc will be domiciled in the UK, keeps NYSE: DAN ticker. $DAN PR link.

Expedia(PBR433) changes name to Expedia Group, effective 03/26/18, keeps ticker symbol NASDAQ: EXPE. $EXPE PR link.

Adobe Systems(PBR557) and Microsoft(PBR31) to extend their global partnership into China, 60+ global brands already using their joint solutions. $ADBE PR link.

USG Corp(PBR599) rejects unsolicited proposal from Gebr. Knauf KG to be acquired for $42.00/share cash, says offer substantially undervalues USG. $USG PR link.

GGP(PBR765 $GGP) agrees to be acquired by Canadian based global commercial real estate company Brookfield Property(NYSE: BPY) for $23.50/share, $9.25 billion cash, stock option also available, to close early 3Q18. $BPY PR link.

Skechers(PBR808) extending its anime footwear collaboration in Asia to the US and Canada with launch of Skechers X One Piece, unites Toei Animation Inc’s popular anime series with Skechers D’Lites line. $SKX PR link.

The Finish Line(PBR927) to be acquired by European retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands JD Sports Fashion Plc (LSE: JD) for $13.50/share, a 28% premium on the 03/23/18 closing price, total of $558 million. $FINL PR link.

SM Energy(PBR978) completes $500 million sale of its core Powder River Basin assets of over 112,200 net acres in Wyoming to Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR906)’s Northwoods Energyunit. $SM PR link.

Jack in the Box(PBR987) and Postmatespartner to provide on-demand delivery of Jack in the Box’s entire menu to Postmates customers, any time of the day from 1,000+ Jack in the Box restaurants in 28 Postmates markets. $JACK PR link.

Meredith Corp(PBR994) forms new sales and marketing structure for its National Media Group, based on recent acquisition of Time Inc, announces leadership. $MDP PR link.

Lowe’s(PBR50) Chairman/President/CEO Robert Niblock to retire after 25 years with the company, 13 of those years as Chairman/CEO, upon appointment of successor. $LOW PR link.

Ventas(PBR671) hires Peter J. Bulgarelli as EVP/Office and President/CEO Lillibridge Healthcare Services effective 04/09/18. $VTR PR link.

Avon Products(PBR303) agrees to activist investor Barrington Capital request to nominate James A. Mitarotonda to be elected to the Board at the 2018 annual meeting. $AVP PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago says US Preliminary February 2018 National Activity Index is at +0.88, January 2018 was +0.02, December 2017 +0.22, February 2017+0.17. ChiFed PR link.

***Friday, March 23:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 03/23/18

It was a week of volatility which lately seems to have become the norm. Headlines included snow, wind, and cold in the northeast US, rains and potential mudslides in California, President Trump‘s “stormy” personal life, the revolving door of White House officials and advisers, the continuing probe into the Russian involvement in the US election process, Russia’s Putin winning re-election, revelations about Facebook and social media user data privacy policies, the Federal Reserve increasing the federal funds interest rate by 25 basis points, the city of Austin getting a scare from random mailed bombs ending with the bomber killing himself leaving no clear motivation for his actions, President Trump slapping controversial tariffs on China and then ending the week by signing a $1.3 billion spending bill that he doesn’t particularly like. With all that the Stock Market Bear viciously clawed out a totally dominating win for the week. The final week of the month and 1st quarter will be a short one with markets closed on Good Friday. Maybe it will a calmer week.

DJIA ends the week at 23,533.20, -5.67% from last Friday, -5.98% MTD, -4.80% QTD/YTD, -11.58% from record 26,616.71 set 01/26/18.

NASDAQ ends the week at 6,992.67, -6.54% from last Friday, -3.85% MTD, +1.29% QTD/YTD, -7.85% from record 7,588.32 set 03/12/18.

SPX ends the week at 2,588.26, -5.95% from last Friday, -4.63% MTD, -3.19% QTD/YTD, -9.91% from record 2,872.87 set 01/26/18.

Pfizer(PBR56) Phase 4 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of CHANTIX®/CHAMPIX® (varenicline) for smoking cessation in nicotine dependent adolescents 12-19 years of age did not meet its primary endpoint, says still an important treatment option for adults 18 and over. $PFE PR link.

Qualcomm(PBR106) extends $127.50/share tender offer for acquisition of NXP Semiconductors(NASDAQ: NXPI) to 04/02/18 5PM Eastern, 15.1% of the outstanding NXP common shares have been validly tendered. $QCOM PR link.

Par Pacific(PBR858) completes $70 million plus inventory value, and includes multi-year strategic fuel supply agreements, acquisition of 33 Cenex® Zip Trip convenience stores in eastern Washington and northwestern Idaho from CHS Inc. $PARR PR link.

Tapestry(PBR496) hires Anna Bakst as Kate Spade unit CEO/Brand President effective 03/26/18, succeeds departed Craig Leavitt. $TPR PR link.

Juniper Networks(PBR516) hires Manoj Leelanivas who returns to Juniper as EVP/Chief Product Officer on 03/26/18. $JNPR PR link.

Archer-Daniels-Midland(PBR34) nominates AECOM(PBR322) Chairman/CEO Michael S. Burke to the Board, election to be at 05/03/18 annual meeting. $ADM PR link.

Qualcomm(PBR106) says all 10 of its directors were re-elected to the Board during its annual meeting. $QCOM PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/HUD says US Preliminary February 2018 New Family Homes Sold/For Sale Annual Rate was at 618,000, -0.6% from January 2018, +0.5% from February 2017; February 2018 Median Pricewas $326,800, +0.6% from January 2018, +9.7% from February 2017. USDOC PR link.

***Thursday, March 22:

Comcast(PBR42 $CMCSA) with partners Blackstone(PBR352 $BX) and Bain Capital sell The Weather Channel for $300 million to comedian/entrepreneur Byron Allen‘s company which owns 8 other cable stations. MarketWatch PR link.

Pfizer(PBR56 $PFE) $20 billion sale of its consumer healthcare business falls apart when it is not willing to sell just a part of the business to Reckitt Benckiser, GlaxoSmithKline has also submitted a bid. The Telegraph PR link.

Nike(PBR98) acquires New York City and Philadelphia based consumer data analytics firm based Zodiac, terms not disclosed. $NKE PR link.

Duke Energy(PBR114) to invest $11 billion over 2017 to 2026 in new natural gas-fired, wind and solar generation, by 2030 expects more than 80% of its generation mix to come from zero and lower CO2-emitting sources. $DUK PR link.

YUM!(PBR217)’s Taco Bell unit to start roll out of Taco Bell Fire and Mild sauce packet flavors tortilla chips, as well as Classic, to grocery and convenience stores nationwide in 05/18. $YUM PR link.

Wynn Resorts(PBR427) to sell 5,300,000 newly issued shares of Company common stock for $175/share to Galaxy Entertainment Group; Steve Wynn & associates sold 4.1+ million shares for $180/share on the open market on 03/21/18, sold the rest of the stock, around 8 million shares, in privately negotiated transactions, no longer owns any Wynn Resorts shares. $WYNN PR link.

Sonoco Products(PBR480) to acquire privately owned producer of thermoformed plastic packaging for fresh produce and dairy products, Plant City, FL, based $90 million in sales/2017, 425 employees Highland Packaging Solutionsfor $150 million, to close 2Q18. $SON PR link.

Iron Mountain(PBR663)’s Crozier Fine Artsunit to acquire 5 facilities with 160,000 sf fine arts storage and logistics provider Artex Fine Arts Services, terms not disclosed. $IRM PR link.

NCR(PBR383) Chairman/CEO Bill Nuti to step down when CEO successor named, cites health issues; EVP/Software Paul Langenbahn promoted to COO, succeeds departed Mark Benjamin. $NCR PR link.

Best Buy(PBR73) appoints Richelle Parham, general partner at private equity firm Camden Partners Holdings, to the Board. $BBY PR link.

SuperValu(PBR164) gets list of 6 nominees for 9 board positions to be voted on at annual meeting from 2% activist investor Blackwells Capital, issues statement defending current board. $SVU PR link.

The Conference Board says US Preliminary February 2018 Leading Economic Index(2016=100) is at 108.7, January 2018 was 108.1, December 2017 107.3. TCB PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) March Outlook: An interesting look at who the homeowner winners and losers are in the current and forecasted economy, effect of new tax rules. $FMCC PR link.

***Wednesday, March 21:

Microsoft(PBR31) adds 315 megawatts of new solar power in Virginia in largest corporate solar agreement in the US. $MSFT PR link.

Philip Morris Intl(PBR35) shifts entire capacity of Its cigarette factory in Greece to exclusively producing HEETS, the tobacco units used with its IQOS smoke-free product. $PM PR link.

Sears(PBR93) reorganizes debt, saves $15 million, part of strategic transformation program. $SHLD PR link.

Starbucks(PBR178) announces 100% gender, racial pay equity in US, advancing program worldwide. $SBUX PR link.

Monsanto(PBR187 $MON) acquisition by Germany’s Bayer AG(XETRA: BAYN) gets European Commission approval with conditions to sell certain assets like its global field crop seeds business. $BAYN PR link.

Facebook(PBR228) Chairman/CEO Mark Zuckerberg issues statement on current actions regarding user data protection issues in light of Cambridge Analytica situation, provides update on current and future plans. Later appears on CNN and offers an apology, willing to go before Congress to testify. $FB PR link.

Boston Scientific(PBR356) to acquire privately held Maple Grove, MN, based the Rezūm® system enlarged prostrate therapy developer NxThera for $306 million up front plus up to $100 million for commercial milestone achievements. $BSX PR link.

Quad/Graphics(PBR495) acquires majority ownership in award-winning digital marketing agency Rise Interactive, terms not disclosed. $QUAD PR link.

Penn Natl Gaming(PBR750) gets Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and West Virginia Lottery Commission approval for $32.47/share, $2.8 billion cash/stock acquisition of owner/operator of 16 gaming and entertainment facilities Pinnacle Entertainment(NASDAQ:PNK), shareholders for both meeting on 03/29/18 to vote on acquisition, more regulatory agencies need to approve, on track to close 2H18. $PENN PR link.

Scholastic Corp(PBR926) authorizes additional $50 million for share repurchase program, balance is now $61.4 million. $SCHL PR link.

Jack in the Box(PBR987) completes $305 million cash sale of its wholly owned subsidiary Qdoba Restaurant, with its 700+ QDOBA MEXICAN EATS® company operated and franchisee restaurants, to Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR906). $JACK PR link.

Meredith Corp(PBR994) exploring sale of recently acquired Time Inc TIME, Sports Illustrated, Fortune, and Money brands, will soon unveil a new brand-centered sales organization and go-to-market strategy, has eliminated 200 employee positions & plans for 1,000 more over next 10 months. $MDP PR link.

Johnson & Johnson(PBR37) EVP/CFO Dominic J. Caruso to retire in 09/18, VP/Investor Relations Joseph Wolk to become EVP/CFO on 07/01/18. $JNJ PR link.

Campbell Soup(PBR326) elects Maria Teresa (Tessa) Hilado, recently retired EVP/CFO of global pharmaceutical company Allergan(PBR219), to the Board. $CPB PR link.

Brown-Forman(PBR563) elects Tracy Skeans, Chief Transformation and People Officer of Yum!(PBR217), to the Board. $BFB PR link.

Tesla(PBR651) shareholders approve 10 year 12 tranches no salary 100% at-risk performance awards for CEO Elon Musk. $TSLA PR link.

Stericycle(PBR761) elects Robert S. Murley to Chairman, succeeds Mark C. Miller who remains on the Board. $SRCL PR link.

Autodesk(PBR773) appoints Karen Blasing, most recently CFO of Guidewire Software, to the Board. $ADSK PR link.

The Federal Open Market Committee says the US labor market has continued to strengthen and that economic activity has been rising at a moderate rate, inflation remains below target 2%, decides to raise federal funds rate from 1.25-1.50% to 1.50-1.75%. FOMC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/BEA says US Preliminary 4Q17 International Current Account Balance-Total Exports is $878.8 billion, +1.9% from 3Q17, +8.8% from 4Q16, Total Imports is $1,006.9 billion, +4.5% from 3Q17, +9.2% from 4Q16, Total Deficit is $128.2 billion, +26.3% from 3Q17, +12.4% from 4Q16. USDOC PR link.

The Natl Assn of Realtors says US February 2018 Existing Home Sales Annual Rate is at 5,540,000, +3.0% from January 2018, +1.1% from February 2017, Median Home Price was $241,700, +0.5% from January 2018, +5.9% from February 2017. NAR PR link.

***Tuesday, March 20:

FedEx(PBR65) Office subsidiary to add 500 new locations over next 24 months in Walmart(PBR1) stores nationwide after completion of pilot in 47 stores across 6 states. $FDX PR link.

Sears(PBR93) Shop Your Way® simplifies members’ large item moving needs with new Truxx partnership. $SHLD PR link.

General Dynamics(PBR94) counters CACI(PBR612) proposal, amends bid to acquire CSRA(NYSE: CSRA) from $40.75/share to $41.25/share cash, $9.7 billion, includes $2.8 billion debt, starts tender offer, expires 04/02/18, CSRA says it is a superior offer to CACI’s. $GD PR link.

McDonald’s(PBR101) becomes first restaurant company to set approved science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expects to prevent 150 million metric tons of emissions by 2030. $MCD PR link.

AES Corp(PBR171) completes $1.05 billion sale of entire 51% equity interest in Masin-AES Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of AES that owns AES’ business interests in the Philippines, to SMC Global Power. $AES PR link.

Nordstrom(PBR214) special committee terminates discussions with Nordstrom Family Group regarding potential going private transaction, unable to reach an acceptable price. $JWN PR link.

AutoZone(PBR290) authorizes repurchase of an additional $1 billion of it’s common stock in connection with its ongoing share repurchase program. $AZO PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) does US launch of the oncology drug Mitomycin for Injection USP, a generic for Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR185)’s Mutamycin, used in combination with other cancer medicines in the treatment of stomach and pancreatic cancers. $MYL PR link.

Celgene(PBR347 $CELG) to make an upfront payment of $100 million plus a $50 million equity investment in Ireland based late-stage clinical biotechnology company Prothena(NASDAQ: PRTA) for development of therapies for certain neurodegenerative diseases. $PRTA PR link.

Ashland(PBR407) to explore strategic alternatives for Composites and for BDOmanufacturing facility in Marl, Germany; authorizes new $1 billion share repurchase program, replaces previous plan which had a $500 million balance. $ASH PR link.

Salesforce(PBR453) to acquire $296 million in sales/2017 1,200 customers MuleSoft(NYSE: MULE) for $44.89/share cash/stock, a 36% premium over 03/19/18 closing price, for an enterprise value of around $6.5 billion. $CRM PR link.

Carlisle Cos(PBR650) completes $750 million cash sale of Carlisle FoodService Products to The Jordan Company of New York, NY. $CSL PR link.

AMC Networks(PBR851) proposes to buy shares it does not own in digital channel company RLJ Entertainment(NASDAQ:RLJE)for $4.25/share, around $60 million cash. $AMC PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) wins new 5 year instant games contract with Germany’s Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz GmbH. $SGMS PR link.

The Children’s Place(PBR939) enters Chinamarket with 5 year exclusive license agreement with China’s largest children’s apparel retailer, Zhejiang Semir Garment Co. $PLCE PR link.

The Children’s Place(PBR939) to do accelerated $125 million share repurchase program with Goldman Sachs(PBR76), also authorizes new $250 million share repurchase program. $PLCE PR link.

Dover(PBR343) President/CEO Robert A. Livingston to retire effective 04/30/18, Board member Richard J. Tobin to be successor on 05/01/18. $DOV PR link.

Merck(PBR70) hires Jennifer Zachary as General Counsel, effective 04/16/18. $MRK PR link.

Simon Property(PBR494) EVP/CFO Andrew Juster to retire effective 12/31/18. $SPG PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561) hires Chris Brandt as Chief Marketing Officer effective 04/02/18. $CMG PR link.

JPMorgan Chase(PBR21) elects Mellody Hobson, President of Chicago-based investment management firm Ariel Investments, to the Board; Crandall C. Bowles, 70, has decided to retire from the Board. $JPM PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US 4Q17 Average Hourly Wages/Salaries-All Workers was $24.49, Benefits $11.38, Total $35.87, +0.7% from 3Q17, +2.8% from 4Q16. USDOL PR link.

***Monday, March 19:

Walmart(PBR1) partners with home services company Handy to provide installation and assembly services for televisions and furniture through 2,000+ stores. $WMT PR link.

Archer-Daniels-Midland(PBR34) reorganizes into 4 business segments, Carbohydrate Solutions, Nutrition, Oilseeds and Origination, leadership appointments announced. $ADM PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) introduces new app Mobile Checkout to speed the in-store checkout process, to be available in all stores by end of 2018, an augmented reality furniture shopping experience also slated for the app starting in 04/18; to add 60 locations to its current 3 for its Virtual Reality (VR) furniture pilot, allows customers to virtually design/experience interior of a room for which they are purchasing furnishings. $M PR link.

Facebook(PBR228) hires an independent forensic auditor to conduct a comprehensive audit of Cambridge Analytica to determine accuracy of claims that Facebook data it collected and was supposed to delete still exists. $FB PR link.

VF Corp(PBR232) to sell its Nautica® brand business to Authentic Brands Group in 1H18, terms not disclosed. $VFC PR link.

Becton Dickinson(PBR318) to divest its remaining, minority stake in Vyaire Medical to Apax Partners for $435 million cash. $BD PR link.

Royal Caribbean(PBR329) and Ctrip to end SkySea Cruise Line joint venture in China by end of 2018 with sale of Golden Era ship to TUI AG’s Marella Cruises, will remain largest cruise line in the region. $RCL PR link.

Fidelity Natl Financial(PBR331) to acquire title insurance company Stewart Information Services(PBR913) for $50.00/share in cash/stock, equity value of $1.2 billion, to close by end of 1H19. $FNF PR link.

Celanese(PBR369) and Blackstone(PBR352)proposed 70/30 joint venture in $1.3 billion/year 2,400 employee acetate tow business not able to meet European Commission conditions, application withdrawn and project abandoned. $CE PR link.

Newell Brands(PBR434) does a cooperation agreement with 6.9% ownership investor Carl C. Icahn, to appoint the following Icahn designated persons to the Board effective immediately: Patrick Campbell, Brett Icahn, Andrew Langham and Courtney Mather, with Mr. Campbell elected to serve as the new Chairman. Judith Sprieser and another independent director nominee to be designated by Mr. Icahn, and approved by the Board, will be nominated to stand for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting; expands its accelerated transformation plan, which remains focused on creating a company that is simpler, faster and stronger through accretive divestiture opportunities that will bring the total yield of the accelerated transformation plan to approximately $10 billion of after-tax proceeds. $NWL PR link.

CACI Intl(PBR612) proposes to acquire IT solutions and professional services to government organizations CSRA(NYSE: CSRA)for $44.00/share in cash/stock deal valued at $7.2 billion. $CACI PR link.

KLA-Tencor(PBR692) to acquire solutions for use in the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs), flat panel displays (FPDs), and semiconductor devices supplier Orbotech(NASDAQ: ORBK) for $69.02/share in cash/stock, an equity value at $3.4 billion; KLAC also authorizes $2 billion share repurchase program to be completed within 12 to 18 months following the close of this transaction. $KLAC PR link.

TransDigm(PBR810) to acquire Melbourne, FL, based $85 million/FY2018 proprietary aftermarket products and repair and overhaul services to the aerospace and defense end markets Extant Components Group from Warburg Pincus for $525 million. $TDG PR link.

Meredith Corp(PBR994) partners with eMealsto bring curated weekly meal plans through its online publications that can be delivered or gathered for pickup at Walmart(PBR1), Kroger(PBR20), Instacart, and Amazon(PBR29)Fresh, 14 day trial subscription, annual subscriptions from $5/month. $MDP PR link.

Meredith Corp(PBR994) completes sale of Time Inc UK, with its 50+ brands, to UK private equity firm Epiris per plan after recent acquisition of Time Inc. $MDP PR link.

Campbell Soup(PBR326) President/Americas Simple Meals and Beverages Mark Alexander to leave company effective 04/02/18. $CPB PR link.

Intel(PBR51) elects Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation PIK Professor of Population Health and Health Equity at the University of Pennsylvania, to the Board; extends Andy Bryant’s term as Chairman until 2019 annual meeting. $INTC PR link.

Royal Caribbean(PBR329) President/COO Adam Goldstein to become Vice Chairman in 05/18. $RCL PR link.

AMC Entertainment(PBR728) elects Zeng Maojun (John Zeng), President of Wanda Film Group, as non-executive Chairman, succeeds Lincoln Zhang, who has taken on a new senior position within AMC major stockholder Wanda Group. $AMC PR link.

MSCI(PBR986) directors Rodolphe (“Skip”) M. Vallee and Patrick Tierney to retire from the Board in 05/18, Robert G. Ashe elected Lead Director effective 04/30/18. $MSCI PR link.

***Friday, March 16:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 03/16/18

While this week’s economic news was generally positive, it was not enough to offset trade war fears, the firing of US Secretary of State Tillerson elevating concerns about foreign policy, and sanctions against the Russians for 2016 US elections meddling, and the turmoil that is the White House. With all that, the Stock Market Bear easily overwhelmed the Stock Market Bull:

DJIA ends the week at 24,946.51, -1.54% from last Friday, -0.33% MTD, +0.92% QTD/YTD, -6.28% from record 26,616.71 set 01/26/18.

NASDAQ ends the week at 7,481.99, -1.04% from last Friday, +2.87% MTD, +8.38% QTD/YTD, -1.40% from record 7,588.32 set 03/12/18.

SPX ends the week at 2,752.01, -1.24% from last Friday, +1.41% MTD, +2.93% QTD/YTD, -4.21% from record 2,872.87 set 01/26/18.

Johnson & Johnson(PBR37) to sell its blood glucose monitoring products $1.5 billion in sales/2017 LifeScan business to Platinum Equity for $2.1 billion. $JNJ PR link.

Columbia Sportswear(PBR768) in new collaboration to provide all 23 Major League Soccer teams with co-branded outerwear and apparel for men, women and children. $COLM PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) is exclusive supplier of all games, technology and services for Republic of Kazakhstan in Central Asiathrough JSC Satty Zhuldyz under 15 year contract. $SGMS PR link.

Boeing(PBR27) elects David L. Calhoun as Lead Director, effective 04/30/18 upon re-election to the Board at annual meeting, to succeed Kenneth M. Duberstein, who will be nominated with one-time waiver of its director retirement policy. $BA PR link.

Qualcomm(PBR106) former Chairman/CEO Dr. Paul Jacobs will not be re-nominated for the Board at 03/23/18 annual meeting per his decision to explore the possibility of making a proposal to acquire Qualcomm. $QCOM PR link.

Dollar Tree(PBR309) appoints Jeffrey Naylor, retired senior executive of The TJX Cos(PBR96), to the Board. $DLTR PR link.

Bemis(PBR545) announces agreement with 3.3% ownership investor Starboard Value, Guillermo Novo, Marran H. Ogilvie, George W. Wurtz III, and Robert H. Yanker to be new independent directors; Ronald J. Floto and William L. Mansfield to retire at 2018 annual meeting. $BMS PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary January 2018 Total Job Openings were at 6.312 million, December 2017 was 5.667 million, November 2017 5.933 million, January 20175.444 million. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/HUD says US Preliminary February 2018 Total Building Permits Issued-Private Housing Annual Rateis 1,298,000, -5.7% from December 2017, +6.5% from February 2017. USDOC PR link.

The Federal Reserve Board says US Preliminary February 2018 Total Industrial Production Index(2012=100) is at 108.2, January 2018 was 107.1, December 2017107.4, February 2017 103.7. USFed PR link.

The Natl Assn of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Preliminary March 2018 Composite Housing Market Index is at 70, February 2018 was 71, January 2018 was 72, March 2017 71. NAHB PR link.

The U of Michigan US Preliminary March 2018 Consumer Sentiment Index is at 102.0, February 2018 was 99.7, January 2018 95.7, March 2017 96.9. UMich PR link.

***Thursday, March 15:

Walmart(PBR1 $WMT) fired former business development director Tri Huynh says Walmart falsified e-commerce results, files whistle-blower lawsuit, Walmart says no merit to charges.Bloomberg PR link.

General Motors(PBR8) to build production versions of its first self-driving vehicle, the Cruise AV, at its Orion Township assembly plant in Michigan, plans to commercialize in 2019. $GM PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) authorizes incremental $1 billion share repurchase program, balance now $1.076 billion. $KR PR link.

Dollar General(PBR151) increases share repurchase program by $1.0 billion, $354 million was available at end of last fiscal year; plans to open around 900 new stores, remodel 1,000, and relocate 100 in fiscal 2018. $DG PR link.

iHeartMedia(PBR397) and certain subsidiaries, but not Clear Channel, file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. $IHRT PR link.

Wynn Resorts(PBR427) SEC filing says Stephen Wynn, former wife Elaine Wynn, and Aruze USA, agree Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated 01/06/10, is invalid, may seek to sell all or a portion of the Common Stock controlled in an orderly fashion. $WYNN PR link.

Nike(PBR98) announces Mark Palmer to remain Chairman/President/CEO beyond 2020, Elliott Hill moved to President/Consumer and Marketplace, Michael Spillane will continue to lead all Categories, Design, Product and Merchandising, and Trevor Edwards, Nike Brand President, has decided to step down from his position immediately, retire from Nike in 08/18. $NKE PR link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) promotes Michelle Hairston to SVP/Human Resources, succeeds retiring James Ellinghausen. $PHM PR link.

American Eagle Outfitters(PBR640) appoints Suja Chandrasekaran, currently Chief Information Officer of Kimberley-Clark(PBR141), to the Board effective 03/19/18. $AEO PR link.

BlackRock(PBR866) elected William E. Ford, CEO of General Atlantic, Margaret L. “Peggy” Johnson, EVP/Business Development at Microsoft(PBR31) and Mark Wilson, CEO of Aviva plc, to the Board as independent directors. $BLK PR link.

Fitbit(PBR870) appoints Matthew Bromberg, COO of mobile social game developer Zynga(NASDAQ: ZNGA), to the Board. $FIT PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary February 2018 All Imports Price Index was +0.4%, January 2018 was +0.8%, December 2017 +0.2%, February 2017 0.3%; US Preliminary February 2018 All Exports Price Index was +0.2%, January 2018 was +0.8%, December 2017 +0.1%; All Imports Last 12 Months were +4.7%, All Exports Last 12 Months were +3.2%. USDOL PR link.

The New York Federal Reserve Bank says the Empire State March 2018 Manufacturing General Business Conditions Index is at 22.5, February 2018 was 13.1, January 2018 17.7, March 2017 14.6. NYFed PR link.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphiasays the Philly Region March 2018 Manufacturing General Activity Indicator is at 22.3, February 2018 was 25.8, January 201822.2, March 2017 31.6. PhillyFed PR link.

***Wednesday, March 14:

Ford(PBR10) issues safety recall in N Americafor approximately 1.3 million 2014-18 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for potentially loose steering wheel bolts that could result in a steering wheel detaching from the steering column. $F PR link.

Walt Disney(PBR57) does strategic reorganization of its businesses into four segments: the newly-formed Direct-to-Consumer and International, Kevin Mayer appointed Chairman; the combined Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, Bob Chapek appointed Chairman; Media Networks, co-chaired by Ben Sherwood, President, Disney|ABC Television Group, and James Pitaro, who was recently named President/ESPN; and Studio Entertainment, led by Alan F. Horn, Chairman. $DIS PR link.

SuperValu(PBR164) to sell 21 of its 38 Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy (“Farm Fresh”)stores for approximately $43 million in cash to three different retailers: Harris Teeter, Kroger Mid-Atlantic Division, and Food Lion, in various stages for other 17 stores. $SVU PR link.

Signet Jewelers(PBR405) outlines transformation plan, includes closing 200 stores by end of FY2019, to enhance eCommerce and OmniChannel capabilities, to provide a one-time bonus to hourly non-management personnel. $SIG PR link.

Newell Brands(PBR434) independent directors issue open letter to shareholders regarding former CEO of acquired Jarden and former Board member Martin Franklin in partnership with activist hedge fund Starboard Value in their effort to take over the Board by nominating 12 new Board members. $NWL PR link.

Williams-Sonoma(PBR508) increases current stock repurchase program from $214 million available to $500 million. $WSM PR link.

Envision Healthcare(PBR581) completes $2.4 billion cash sale of medical transportation subsidiary, American Medical Response, to KKR(PBR332)’s Air Medical Group Holdingsunit. $EVHC PR link.

Lennox Intl(PBR631) to sell refrigeration businesses in Australia, Asia and South America, generated $187 million in revenues/2017, net proceeds to be around $110 million, to focus on Refrigeration business in North America & Europe. $LII PR link.

Varian Medical(PBR678) gets US and Germananti-trust clearances for $1.28 billion acquisition of Australian based interventional oncology radiation therapies provider Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX), waiting for additional clearances, to close in 05/18. $VAR PR link.

Sensient Technologies(PBR997) completes acquisition of Lima, Peru, based natural color business of GlobeNatural from Michell Group, terms not disclosed. $SXT PR link.

Starbucks(PBR178) hires Rachel Gonzalez as EVP/General Counsel and Secretary. $SBUX PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561) Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Mark Crumpacker resigns, departing terms provided. $CMG PR link.

MGM Resorts(PBR273) appoints Jan Swartz, Group President, Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia at Carnival Corp(PBR184), to the Board. $MGM PR link.

Signet Jewelers(PBR405) appoint Sharon L. McCollam, most recently EVP/Chief Administrative Officer and CFO of Best Buy(PBR73), and Nancy A. Reardon, most recently SVP/Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer for Campbell Soup(PBR326), to the Board. $SIG PR link.

Mattel(PBR412) selects R. Todd Bradley, global supply chain management and operating experience executive, Soren T. Laursen, global toy industry executive, and Rosa (“Rosie”) G. Rios, finance and business leadership executive and 43rd Treasurer of the US, to be director nominees at 2018 annual meeting. $MAT PR link.

Plexus(PBR807) appoints Karen Rapp, EVP/CFO and Treasurer of National Instruments (NASDAQ:NATI), to the Board. $PLXS PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary Estimate of February 2018 Producer Price Index Total Monthly Final Demand was at +0.2%, January 2018 was +0.4%, December 2017 +0.0%, February 2017 -0.1%; Last 12 Months was +2.8%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary Estimate of January 2018 Total Manufacturers’ Sales were $1.426 trillion, -0.2% from December 2017, +5.7% from January 2017. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Advance Estimate of February 2018 Total Retail Sales were at $492.0 billion, -0.1% from January 2018, +4.0% from February 2017. USDOC PR link.

***Tuesday, March 13:

CVS Health(PBR11) $207/share, $69 billion, stock/cash acquisition of Aetna(PBR49 $AET)gets approval at both special stockholder meetings, expects to close 2H18. $CVS PR link.

Boeing(PBR27) gets the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the most produced commercial jet aircraft model as the 10,000th 737 rolls off the assembly line in Renton, WA. $BA PR link.

Monsanto(PBR187 $MON) acquisition by Germany’s Bayer AG gets China approval, but Bayer must dispose of its global vegetable-seeds business and other seeds assets, two companies will also have to allow all Chinese agricultural-software developers to access their digital agricultural platforms in China. MarketWatch PR link.

Huntsman(PBR244) acquires N America $170 million annual revenues spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation systems for residential/commercial applications manufacturer/distributor Demilec from a Sun Capital Partners affiliate for $350 million cash. $HUN PR link.

Dick’s Sporting Goods(PBR367 $DKS) says its new firearms restrictions has turned away some customers, would devote less store space to selling electronic fitness trackers because of margins and lower sales. MarketWatch PR link.

Patterson Cos(PBR542) authorizes new up to $500 million share repurchase program, expires 03/13/21, replaces current authorization. $PDCO PR link.

Vectren(PBR764) selects First Solar(PBR630 $FSLR) to build the 50-megawatt (MW) solar array situated on approximately 300 acres in Spencer County in southwestern Indiana, will consist of about 150,000 solar panels, to be fully functional by fall 2020, will provide enough power to meet the needs of 11,000 households. $VVC PR link.

DSW(PBR778) to exit e-commerce off-price footwear & accessories retailer eBuys business acquired in 2016 for $62.5 million. $DSW PR link.

Fitbit(PBR870) launches Fitbit Ace for kids 8 and older, to inspire healthy habits and make fitness fun for the whole family, $99.95, in stores 2Q18. $FIT PR link.

Fitbit(PBR870) introduces Fitbit Versa, lightest metal smartwatch in the US market, available for presale at $199.95, global availability in 04/18; announces new female health tracking for Versa, Ionic, and app users in Spring 2018. $FIT PR link.

McDermott Intl(PBR825) and CB&I(NYSE: CBI)(Chicago Bridge & Iron) $6 billion merger on track for 2Q18, McDermott President/CEO David Dickson to be President/CEO of combined company, structural and other key executive leadership assignments announced. $MDR PR link.

Griffon Corp(PBR890) The AMES Company unit President Mark Traylor has departed, President/ClosetMaid unit Michael Sarrica named president of combined units. $GFF PR link.

American Express(PBR83) elects Christopher D. Young, CEO of cybersecurity firm McAfee, to the Board. $AXP PR link.

Raytheon(PBR118) elects Adriane M. Brown, previously President/COO of Intellectual Ventures and past senior executive at Honeywell(PBR74) and Corning(PBR281), to the Board. $RTN PR link.

Ameren(PBR410) elects Craig S. Ivey, retired president of Consolidated Edison Co of NY, to the Board. $AEE PR link.

Patterson Cos(PBR542) elects Robert C. Frenzel, EVP/CFO of Xcel Energy(PBR241), to the Board. $PDCO PR link.

UNISYS(PBR633) elects Regina M. Paolillo, EVP/CFO and Administrative Officer of TTEC Holdings, to the Board. $UIS PR link.

Watts Water Technologies(PBR982) elects Louise K. Goeser, currently President/CEO of Grupo Siemens SA de CV to the Board. $WTS PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary February 2018 Monthly Consumer Price Indexchanged +0.2%, was +0.5% in January 2018, +0.2% in December 2017, +0.1% in February 2017, Last 12 Months +2.2%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Preliminary February 2018 Current Average Earnings/Hour is at $26.75, Average Hours Worked Per Week at 34.5, Total Average Weekly Pay is at $922.88, +0.4% from January 2018, +2.9% from February 2017. USDOL PR link.

CoreLogic reports that US December 2017 Home Mortgage Loans 30 Or More Days Delinquent was at 5.3%, December 2016 was 5.1%, December 2017 Total Homes In Foreclosure was at 0.6%, December 20160.8%. CoreLogic PR link.

***Monday, March 12:

Apple(PBR5) to acquire digital subscription service for 200+ magazines Texture by Next Issue Media LLC, gives users unlimited access to their favorite titles for one monthly subscription fee, terms not disclosed. $AAPL PR link.

GE(PBR9) unveils its new grid-scale energy storage system GE Reservoir storage battery system for collecting and distributing electrical energy for large scale installations. $GE PR link.

DowDuPont(PBR48) Materials Science Division to spin-off as Dow by end of 1Q19, DWDP President/COO Jim Fitterling to become its CEO and DWDP CFO Howard Ungerleider to become its President/CFO. $DWDP PR link.

Johnson Controls(PBR68) to explore strategic alternatives for its battery solutions 15,000 employees $7.3 billion in revenues/FY2017 Power Solutions business. $JCI PR link.

US President Trump signs a Presidential Order disqualifying Broadcom(NASDAQ: AVGO) from acquiring Qualcomm(PBR106 $QCOM) for national security reasons. White House PR link.

Qualcomm(PBR106) receives Presidential Order prohibiting Broadcom(NASDAQ: AVGO)‘s proposed takeover, announces 2018 annual meeting of stockholders to reconvene on 03/23/18. $QCOM PR link.

Starbucks(PBR178) does agreement with leading multi-brand restaurant operator in Brazil SouthRock to fully license Starbucks retail operations in the country. $SBUX PR link.

Ross Stores(PBR253) on track to add around 75 Ross and 25 dd’s DISCOUNTS locations during fiscal 2018. $ROST PR link.

Cognizant(PBR272) to acquire privately held 2,400 employees, 1,400+ client locations revenue cycle management provider Bolder Healthcare Solutions, to close 2Q18, terms not disclosed. $CTSH PR link.

Biogen(PBR282) to acquire from Pfizer(PBR56) PF-04958242, a first-in-class, Phase 2b ready AMPA receptor potentiator for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS), includes upfront payment of $75 million with up to $515 million in additional milestone payments and tiered royalties. $BIIB PR link.

Clorox(PBR442) to acquire dietary supplement brands manufacturer and marketer $200 million revenues/2017 Nutranext for $700 million by 06/30/18. $CLX PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires New Brunswick, Canada, based retail property/casualty broker specializing in the transportation and logistics sector Palmer Atlantic, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Regeneron(PBR708) and Sanofi to provide a further reduced net price for cholesterol therapy Praluent® (alirocumab) Injection, in alignment with a new value assessment for high-risk patients from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). $REGN PR link.

Skechers(PBR808) introduces the popular Garfield character new women’s footwear collection within the BOBS from Skechersdivision, each sale to contribute to the BOBS for Dogs campaign in its partnership with Best Friends Animal Society. $SKX PR link.

BlueLinx(PBR892) to acquire building products wholesale distributor Cedar Creek, a portfolio company of Charlesbank Capital Partners, for $413 million, to close within 45 days. $BXC PR link.

Sempra Energy(PBR254)Chairman/President/CEO Debra Reed to retire 12/01/18, step down as President/CEO on 05/01/18; EVP/CFO Jeffrey Martin named CEO successor, Group President/Infrastructure Joseph Householder to become President. $SREPR link.

Marathon Petroleum(PBR23) hires Kristina A. Kazarian as VP/Investor Relations effective 04/02/18. $MPC PR link.

Goldman Sachs(PBR76) President/Co-COO Harvey Schwartz to retire effective 04/20/18, Co-COO David Solomon to become sole President/COO. $GS PR link.

Gilead Sciences(PBR107) EVP/R&D and Chief Scientific Officer Norbert Bischofberger, PhD, to step down on 04/30/18, EVP/Clinical Research John McHutchison, MD, to be successor, EVP/Clinical Research & Development Operations to become Chief Medical Officer. $GILD PR link.

JetBlue(PBR429) promotes Doug McGraw to VP/Corporate Communications and Elizabeth Windram to VP/Marketing. $JBLU PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) hires Robert O’Connor as SVP/Government Affairs. $SGMS PR link.

DowDuPont(PBR48) Executive Chairman Andrew Liveris to step down from role on 04/01/18, continue as a director until he retires on 07/01/18; co-Lead Independent Director Jeff Fettig to serve as a non-employee Executive Chairman. $DWDP PR link.

Huntsman(PBR244) appoints Daniele Ferrari, CEO of chemical manufacturer Versalis S.p.A., to the Board. $HUN PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says US February Federal Government Receipts were $155.6 billion, Outlays $370.9 billion, Deficit $215.2 billion, Deficit YTD(5 months) is $391.0 billion, Deficit YTD February 2017 was $350.6 billion. USTreasury PR link.

***Friday, March 9:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 03/09/18

It was a week of controversial steel/aluminum tariffs proclamations signed by President Trump, continued concerns over future federal interest rates, a surprising announcement that President Trump and N Korea’s Kim Jong Un will meet by the end of May, and finally some great news on jobs growth, which propelled the Stock Market Bull to a wide margin win:

DJIA ends the week at 25,335.74, +3.25% from last Friday, +1.22% MTD, +2.49% QTD/YTD, -4.81% from record 26,616.71 set 01/26/18.

NASDAQ ends the week at a record 7,560.81, +4.17% from last Friday, +3.96% MTD, +9.52% QTD/YTD, +0.00% from record 7,560.81 set 03/09/18.

SPX ends the week at 2,786.57, +3.54% from last Friday, +2.68% MTD, +4.22% QTD/YTD, -3.00% from record 2,872.87 set 01/26/18.

Kroger(PBR20) Cincinnati/Dayton associatesratify new contract with UFCW 75, first contract under Restock Kroger plan, covers 20,000 associates in 109 stores. $KR PR link.

Coca-Cola(PBR63) announces that Larry Tanenbaum O.C. and Junior Bridgeman have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to acquire the company’s Canadian bottling and distribution business, Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada, initiates the final step to complete the refranchising of all of The Coca-Cola Company’s company-owned bottling operations in N America. $KO PR link.

Broadcom(NASDAQ: AVGO) sends letter to members of the US Congress outlining several reasons why its acquisition of Qualcomm(PBR106 $QCOM) would create the leader in 5G technology. $AVGO PR link.

Capital One(PBR116) receives a non-objection from the Federal Reserve to the Company’s re-submitted 2017 capital plan in connection with the 2017 Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review process. $COF PR link.

Danaher(PBR137) to acquire privately held Skokie, IL, based 1,200+ employees with 100,000+ global customers high-quality, custom DNA and RNA oligonucleotides manufacturer Integrated DNA Technologies, to close mid-2018, terms not disclosed. $DHR PR link.

Facebook(PBR228) and Major League Baseball do expanded partnership for 2018 season, 25-game package of weekly broadcasts will be distributed exclusively on Facebook Watch in the US via the MLB Live show Page – marking MLB’s first digital-only national broadcasts. Every game to be available globally on the show Page, excluding select international markets. $FB PR link.

Liberty Interactive(PBR263), to be renamed Qurate Retail Group with ticker symbols NASDAQ: QRTEA/QRTEB effective 03/12/18, includes subsidiaries QVC, HSN, zulily, and other assets, completes split-off of independent public GCI Liberty(NASDAQ: GLIBA/GLIBP, and soon OTC: GLIBB). $QVCA PR link.

Dana(PBR382) to combine with the Driveline division of GKN plc (LON: GKN) to create Dana plc, a $13.4 billion revenues/year global leader in vehicle driveline systems, for $1.6 billion cash to GKN, plus $1.0 billion of pension liabilities, plus 133 million new Dana plc shares, valued at $3.5 billion, issued to GKN’s shareholders, total $6.1 billion deal, Dana plc will be domiciled in the UK, keeps NYSE: DANticker. $DAN PR link.

FMC Corp(PBR566) appoints EVP/CFO Paul Graves as CEO for lithium materials company to be spun-off in 2H18, Andrew Sandifer appointed FMC CFO/Treasurer, other key executive appointments named for lithium materials unit. $FMC PR link.

Albemarle(PBR792) receives production increase to 145,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually through 2043 for its Chile operations. $ALB PR link.

La Quinta(PBR998) sets special stockholders meeting for 04/26/18 to vote on acquisition by Wyndham Worldwide(PBR464) for $1.95 billion in cash after spin-off of La Quinta’s real estate assets into independent public company CorePoint Lodging. $LQ PR link.

Starbucks(PBR178) remembers Orin C. Smith, former CEO during a time of explosive growth. who has died of pancreatic cancer at age 75. $SBUX PR link.

WABCO(PBR704) hires Roberto Fioroni as CFO, effective 06/06/18. $WBC PR link.

Dun & Bradstreet(PBR957) President/COO Joshua L. Peirez resigns to pursue other opportunities, effective 03/15/18. $DNB PR link.

Qualcomm(PBR106) Executive Chairman Dr. Paul Jacobs steps down, position eliminated, will continue to serve on the Board, will no longer serve in an executive management capacity, independent director Jeffrey Henderson named Non-Executive Chairman, Tom Horton continues as Lead Director. $QCOM PR link.

Kelly Services(PBR443) elects Gerald Adolph, a retired Senior Partner with Booz & Company, to the Board. $KELYA PR link.

Berry Global(PBR488) elects Paula A. Sneed, retired General Foods/Kraft Foods senior executive, to the Board. $BERY PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US February 2018 Total Employed at 155,215,000, +785,000 from January 2018, +2,704,000 from February 2017, Total Unemployed at 6,706,000, Unemployment Rate stays at 4.1%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary January 2018 Total Wholesale Sales were $492.5 billion, -1.1% from December 2017, +6.7% from January 2017. USDOC PR link.

***Thursday, March 8:

***International Women’s Day.

Cigna(PBR85) to acquire integrated pharmacy benefit management services provider Express Scripts(PBR22 $ESRX) in $96.18/share equivalent, $67 billion cash/stock deal, includes $15 billion debt. $CI PR link.

Dollar General(PBR151) to provide eligible full and part time employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave for mothers, 2 weeks for other parents, and $4,000 financial assistance for adoptions. $DG PR link.

Las Vegas Sands(PBR197) to sell its Sands Bethlehem property in Pennsylvania to an affiliate of Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama for a total enterprise value of $1.30 billion. $LVS PR link.

Nordstrom(PBR214) acquires digital selling tools developer BevyUp and conversational commerce developer MessageYes as part of its efforts to create a seamless shopping experience for customers. $JWN PR link.

L Brands(PBR247) authorizes new $250 million share repurchase program, includes remaining $23.1 million outstanding under the previous program. $LB PR link.

Hess(PBR248) authorizes $1.0 billion share repurchase program through 12/31/18, is in addition to $500 million share repurchase program announced in late 2017. $HES PR link.

CBRE(PBR301) NYSE: CBG ticket symbol to change to NYSE: CBRE on 03/19/18. $CBG PR link.

Wynn Resorts(PBR427) concludes settlement agreement with Universal Entertainment and Aruze USA at an effective rate of $78/share per share held by Aruze USA, at 6% interest over previous six years, $2.4 billion total. $WYNN PR link.

Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA)’s new electric Semismake their first cargo deliveries from Reno Gigafactory to Bay Area auto plant. MarketWatch PR link.

Allison Transmission(PBR865) fully automatic transmission will come standard on Navistar(PBR258 $NAV)‘s new medium-duty vehicle, the International® MV Series. $ALSN PR link.

Cooper Cos(PBR950) President/CEO Robert Weiss to retire on 04/30/18, COO Albert White to be successor on 05/01/18. $COO PR link.

Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36) hires James Kehoe as EVP/Global CFO, effective 06/01/18, succeeds George Fairweather who will become a senior advisor to CEO Stefano Pessina for business development and finance. $WBA PR link.

United Rentals(PBR438) COO Matthew Flannery adds President role to his responsibilities, Michael Kneeland to continue to lead company as CEO. $URI PR link.

Meredith Corp(PBR994) promotes Bruce Gersh to EVP/President of the People, Entertainment Weekly and People en Español brands, effective immediately. $MDP PR link.

Walt Disney(PBR57) annual meeting elects 10 directors, non-binding advisory resolution on executive compensation for Chairman/CEO Bob Iger received 44% of the votes in favor, with 52% against and 4% abstaining which Board will take under advisement. $DIS PR link.

United Continental(PBR77) elects Michele J. Hooper, President and CEO of corporate governance advisory firm The Directors’ Council, to the Board. $UAL PR link.

Booking(PBR319) nominates Mirian Graddick-Weir, EVP/Human Resources of Merck(PBR70), and Nick Read, Group CFO of Vodafone Group Plc, for the Board at 06/18 annual meeting. Long-term Director Dr. Jan Docter not standing for reelection. $BKNG PR link.

Newell Brands(PBR434) board member Kevin Conroy for personal reasons. $NWL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says US Preliminary 4Q17 Total Networth of Households/Non-Profits was at $98.476 trillion, +1.9% from 3Q17, +7.5% from 4Q16. USFed PR link.

***Wednesday, March 7:

Snapshot 13 Summary: The PBR1000 February Top 5 Stock Performers YTD(Rank, Company, PBR Ranking by Revenues, Stock Symbol, 02/28/18 Stock Price, % Increase from 12/29/18):

1. Fossil, PBR668, FOSL, $13.36, +72%
2. Eastman Kodak, PBR924, KODK, $5.25, +69%
3. BlueLinx, PBR853, BXC, $15.12, +55%
4. Kapstone Paper, PBR662, KS, $34.89, +54%
5. Weight Watchers, PBR985, WTW, $67.62, +53%

Range: +72% to -39%
Number of Companies at 0% or Better:414/1,000
Average: -0.8%
Median: -2.1%

Not a The PBR1000 Snapshots Subscriber?Get your 12 month subscription with 15 Snapshots and 25 rankings by clicking here!

ExxonMobil(PBR2) outlines aggressive growth strategy to more than double earnings and cash flow from operations by 2025 at today’s oil prices. $XOM PR link.

AT&T(PBR12) opens new call center in Chicago, IL, has hired 300, expects to hire 200 more by end of 2018. $T PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) to open its first fulfillment center in Missouri, in St Peters, 800,000+ sf, will create 1,500+ fulltime jobs. $AMZN PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) Studios unit closes exclusive first-look deal with Oscar-winning filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan. The two-year deal for directing and writing will cover both film and television projects. $AMZN PR link.

Broadcom(NASDAQ: AVGO) says that when it acquires Qualcomm(PBR106 $QCOM) it will create a $1.5 billion fund to invest in the next generation of engineers to ensure US leadership in wireless technology. $AVGO PR link.

Devon Energy(PBR143) to sell the southern portion of its Barnett Shale position for $553 million, announces $1 billion share repurchase program. $DVN PR link.

GameStop(PBR294)’s gameinformermagazine celebrates 300th issue, has 7.5+ million paid subscribers, fourth-largest consumer magazine in the US. $GME PR link.

Agilent Technologies(PBR364) to acquire privately held Ankeny, IA, based 101 employees provider of fully-automated analysis of a range of biomolecules Advanced Analytical Technologies for $250 million cash. $A PR link.

Perrigo(PBR565) gets final US FDA approvaland plans launch for store brand OTC equivalent of Mucinex® DM Maximum Strength Extended Release Tablets, $128 million market in last 12 months. $PRGO PR link.

Rent A Center(PBR657) reducing corporate headcount by around 250, continuing its review of strategic and financial alternatives to maximize stockholder value, including evaluating a sale of the Company. $RCII PR link.

TSYS(PBR790) to provide its Advanced AuthControl(SM), that recognizes qualified purchases determined by a consumer’s healthcare plan, at Walmart(PBR1) and Sam’s Clubs locations nationwide. $TSS PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) gets new 5 year contract by the Arizona Lottery to provide administrative systems technology at the Lottery’s Phoenix, AZ, headquarters. $SGMS PR link.

Lands’ End(PBR976) Business Outfitters unit launches Outfitters Work. Life. Style. Collection aimed at millenials. $LE PR link.

NRG Energy(PBR186) board members Walt Young, Evan Silverstein and Barry Smitherman retire, Matthew Carter, former President/CEO of acquired Inteliquent, and Heather Cox, EVP/Chief Technology & Digital Officer of United Services Automobile Assn, appointed as new independent directors, in Board refresh. $NRG PR link.

PolyOne(PBR586) appoints Robert E. Abernathy, retired Chairman/CEO of medical technology company Halyard Health, to the Board. $POL PR link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) founder Bill Pulte passes away at age 85. PHM PR link.

The US Dept of Labor US 2017 Annual Labor Productivity Output/Hour was +1.2%, 2016was +0.1%, 2015 1.1%. USDOL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says US Preliminary January 2018 Total Consumer Credit Outstanding was at $3.855.0 trillion, +0.4% from December 2017, +5.3% from January 2017. USFed PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says US January 2018 Total Exports were $200.9 billion, Importswere $257.5 billion, Total Deficit $56.6 billion, Total Deficit January 2017 was $48.7 billion. USDOC PR link.

The US Federal Reserve releases the Beige Book, says economic activity expanded at a modest to moderate pace across the 12 Federal Reserve Districts in January and February. USFed PR link.

ADP(PBR235) says US Preliminary February Private Sector Total Change In Employmentwas +235,000, +68,000 from Small Businesses, +97,000 from Medsized Businesses, +70,000 from Large Businesses. $ADP PR link.

FannieMae(PBR17) says the US February 2018 Home Purchase Sentiment Index is at 85.8, January 2018 was at 89.5, December 201785.8, January 2017 82.7. $FNMA PR link.

***Tuesday, March 6:

CVS Health(PBR11 $CVS) borrows $40 billion for acquisition of Aetna(PBR49) in third-largest bond sale. Bloomberg PR link.

Target(PBR40) accelerates multi-year strategy like now offering free 2 day shipping hundreds of thousands of online items, raising minimum wage to $12/hour, to be $15/hr by 2020. $TGT PR link.

International Paper(PBR117) confirms it has made a proposal to acquire Smurfit Kappa Group plc for $45/share in stock/cash, around $10.6 billion. $IP PR link.

Abbott Labs(PBR134) gets US FDA approvalfor world’s smallest mechanical heart valve for pediatric patients with heart defects. $ABT PR link.

Ross Stores(PBR253) increases share buyback program from $875 million to $1.075 billion, raising its minimum wage to $11.00/hour. $ROST PR link.

Celgene(PBR347) completes $87/share, $9 billion acquisition of cellular immunotherapy developer Juno Therapeutics(NASDAQ: JUNO). $CELG PR link.

Discovery Communications(PBR399)completes $90/share, $14.6 billion cash/stock acquisition of lifestyle content in the home, food and travel categories for television, the Internet and emerging platforms developer Scripps Networks(PBR732), changes name to Discovery, Inc. $DISCA PR link.

JM Smucker(PBR437) terminates $285 million acquisition of Conagra Brands(PBR166)’s Wesson® Oil Brand by mutual agreement per US Federal Trade Commission complaint filing. $SJM PR link.

S&P Global(PBR477) to acquire Cambridge, MA, based provider of next-generation machine learning and analytics to the world’s premier financial institutions as well as the National Security community Kensho Technologies for $550 million cash/stock. $SPGI PR link.

S&P Global(PBR477) to do $1 billion accelerated share repurchase program with Morgan Stanley(PBR79), to be completed in 3Q18. $SPGI PR link.

Pitney Bowes(PBR588) says it has explored strategic alternatives, concluded that the continued execution of the Company’s strategic plan and transformation initiatives creates greater shareholder value than selling the company now. $PBI PR link.

Keysight Technologies(PBR660) authorizes new $350 million share repurchase program, replaces suspended 2016 plan. $KEYS PR link.

Cree(PBR964) acquires assets of Radio Frequency business of Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX)(OTCQX: IFNNY) for around $421 million. $CREE PR link.

CenturyLink(PBR160) CEO Glen Post to retire at 05/18 annual meeting, President/COO Jeff Storey to become President/CEO at that time. $CTL PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561) grants new CEO Brian Niccol inducement awards pursuant to NYSE Rule 303A.08. $CMG PR link.

UPS(PBR47) President/International Jim Barber appointed to be COO, Nando Cesarone becomes President/International. $UPS PR link.

VF Corp(PBR232) hires Velia Carboni for the new position of Chief Digital Officer. $VFC PR link.

US Foods(PBR118) appoints Sunil Gupta, the Edward W. Carter Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, to the Board. $USFD PR link.

Marathon Oil(PBR250) elects Douglas L. Foshee, founder and owner of Sallyport Investments, and M. Elise “Lisa” Hyland, most recently SVP of EQT(PBR784), to the Board, effective 04/01/18. $MRO PR link.

Fitbit(PBR870) appoints Brad Fluegel, recently retired SVP/Chief Healthcare Commercial Market Development Officer for Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36), to the Board. $FIT PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says US Preliminary January 2018 Manufacturers New Orders were at $491.7 billion, -1.4% from December 2017, +4.2% from January 2017. USDOC PR link.

The PurdueU/CME Group US February 2018 Ag Barometer Index is at 140, January 2018was 135, December 2017 126, February 2017134. PurdueU/CME Group PR link.

***Monday, March 5:

Snapshot 11 Summary: The PBR1000 February Top 5 Stock Performers(Rank, Company, PBR Ranking by Revenues, Stock Symbol, 02/28/18 Stock Price, % Increase from 01/31/18):

1. Fossil, PBR668, FOSL, $13.38, +68%
2. Alliance One, PBR891, AOI, $19.95, +52
3. UNISYS, PBR697, UIS, $11.20, +26%
4. Twitter, PBR738, TWTR, $31.86, +23%
5. Dillard’s, PBR398, DDS, $81.55, +21%

Range: +68% to -45%
Number of Companies at 0% or Better:207/1,000
Average: -4.6%
Median: -5.0%

Walmart(PBR1) to offer new meal kits set to roll out to more than 2,000 stores in 2018, already in 250+. The meals will also be available via Walmart’s Online Grocery Pickup. Meal options serve two people and range in price from $8 to $15. $WMT PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) celebrates 10,000+ full time jobs across 9 fulfillment centers in Illinois, plus 7,000 indirect jobs created. $AMZN PR link.

Broadcom(NASDAQ: AVGO) expresses disappointment that Qualcomm(PBR106 $QCOM) secretly filed a voluntary request with CFIUS(Committee on Foreign Investment in the US) to initiate an investigation, resulting in a delay of Qualcomm’s Annual Meeting 48 hours before it was to take place. Broadcom updates plan to redomicile from Singapore to the USeffective 05/06/18 per its commitment in 11/17. $AVGO PR link.

Qualcomm(PBR106) responds to Broadcom(NASDAQ: AVGO) statement, says it is misleading, CFIUS review is important, will delay annual meeting at least 30 days. $QCOM PR link.

Qualcomm(PBR106) to open stockholders annual meeting 03/06/18, then adjourn it to 04/05/18, per order by CFIUS. $QCOM PR link.

Nordstrom(PBR214) board special committee acknowledges receipt of proposal by the Nordstrom family group to acquire all common stock not owned by the group for $50/share, proposal is rejected as inadequate. $JWN PR link.

Nordstrom(PBR214) partners with Anthropologie (Nasdaq: URBN) to introduce more than 200 items from Anthropologie Homeat 15 select Nordstrom full-line stores and on Nordstrom.com, beginning 03/19/18. $JWN PR link.

PayPal(PBR252 $PYPL) files patent for system to speed up cryptocurrency transaction times. Reddit PR link.

HD Supply(PBR351) completes $380 million acquisition of 50 locations specialty construction distributor serving the Northeast, Mid- and South-Atlantic regions $380 million in revenues/last 12 months AH Harris Construction Supplies. $HDS PR link.

JM Smucker(PBR437) comments on the US Federal Trade Commission‘s filing of a complaint about the proposed $285 million acquisition of Wesson® Oil Brand from Conagra Brands(PBR166) creating a corn oil monopoly in the US. Conagra releases a similar statement. $SJM PR link.

HCP(PBR834) to transition management on a portfolio of 24 HCP-owned senior housing communities from Brookdale Senior Living(PBR587) to Atria Senior Living. $HCP PR link.

Domino’s(PBR889) to open its 15,000th store, to be celebrated at ribbon cutting ceremony in Lewisville, TX, on 03/07/18. $DPZ PR link.

Allscripts(PBR944) to incorporate rideshare company Lyft‘s API technology into its Sunrise electronic health records system to enable clinicians to order the Lyft non-emergency transportation service for patients. $MDRX PR link.

3M(PBR92) EVP/COO Michael Roman to become CEO, effective 07/01/18, succeeds Inge Thulin who has been appointed to the newly created position of Executive Chairman, also effective 07/01/18. $MMM PR link.

GameStop(PBR294) releases tribute statement about former CEO J Paul Raines passing away. $GME PR link.

TreeHouse Foods(PBR690) hires Steve Oakland as President/CEO, effective 03/26/18, succeeds Sam Reed who will serve as non-Executive Chairman through 07/01/18, at which time he will retire. $THS PR link.

Walt Disney(PBR57) names James Pitaro as President/ESPN and Co-Chair/Disney Media Networks. $DIS PR link.

Ameren(PBR410) hires Bhavani Amirthalingam as SVP/Chief Digital Information Officer. $AEE PR link.

Louisiana-Pacific Corp(PBR902) hires Timothy Mann Jr as EVP/General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. $LPX PR link.

Pfizer(PBR56) elects Dr. Dan R. Littman, the Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Professor of Molecular Immunology at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine of NYU Langone Medical Center and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, to the Board. $PFE PR link.

The Institute for Supply Management says US Preliminary February 2018 Non-Manufacturing Index(>50% economy growing>) is at 59.5%, January 2018 was 59.9%, December 2017 56.0%, February 201757.6%. ISM PR link.

IHS Markit says the US February 2018 Composite PMI Output Index is at 55.8, January 2018 was 53.8, December 2017 54.1, February 2017 54.1. ISM PR link.

***Friday, March 2:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Week Ending 03/02/18

With added volatility generated by concerns of trade wars precipitated by new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports the Stock Market Beareasily won the week and the first couple of days of March:

DJIA ends the week at 24,538.06, -3.05% from last Friday, -1.96% MTD, -0.73% QTD/YTD, -7.81% from record 26,616.71 set 01/26/18.

NASDAQ ends the week at 7,257.87, -1.08% from last Friday, -0.21% MTD, +5.13% QTD/YTD, -3.30% from record 7,505.77 set 01/26/18.

SPX ends the week at 2,691.25, -2.04% from last Friday, -0.83% MTD, +0.66% QTD/YTD, -6.32% from record 2,872.87 set 01/26/18.

AIG(PBR46) Travel unit selected by Expedia(PBR433) to be its global provider of travel insurance and assistance products. Aon Affinity Travel Practice, Expedia’s long-term US insurance partner, will continue to provide advisory services to Expedia and will deliver customer claim services in the US. $AIG PR link.

Georgia lawmakers kill jet-fuel tax break after Delta(PBR72 $DAL) drops NRA discount. MarketWatch PR link.

Best Buy(PBR73) to close all of its 257 remaining Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores in the US by 05/31/18 because of mobile industry changes, will focus on in-store departments and online channels. $BBY PR link.

Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) completes divestitures of MacNeal Hospital in Chicago-area and its hospitals in N Texas, has received $550 million cash from these and 2 hospital sales in the Philadelphia, PA, area. $THC PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) in restructuring eliminates 130 jobs in Home office, 230 jobs in Stores; Joe McFarland now in expanded role of EVP/Chief Customer Officer, Therace Risch assuming combined titles of Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer. $JCP PR link.

Marathon Oil(PBR250) exits Libya market with sale of its 16.33% stake in Waha concessions to a Total SA subsidiary for $450 million cash. $MRO PR link.

Biogen(PBR282) and AbbVie(PBR136) to do voluntary worldwide withdrawal of ZINBRYTA for relapsing multiple sclerosis because of risk/benefit profile that has developed. $BIIB PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) to launch in US lower cost HIV medications Symfi Lo™ and Cimduo™, were approved by US FDA in 02/18. $MYL PR link.

Vista Outdoor(PBR784 $VSTO) gets open letter from major outdoor activities retailer REI, which doesn’t sell firearms, applauding Dick’s Sporting Goods(PBR367) and Walmart(PBR1)for changing their policies on sales of firearms and ammo, notes VO not planning to make a statement, owns guns and modern sporting rifles manufacturer Savage Arms, REI placing a hold on future orders for other VO brands to do assessment on how VO proceeds. REI PR link.

Blackstone(PBR352 $BX) CEO Stephen Schwarzman earned whopping $800 million in 2017. MarketWatch PR link.

KKR(PBR332) appoints Xavier Niel, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Strategy Officer of Iliad SA, as a new independent director of the Board. $KKR PR link.

Cincinnati Bell(PBR988) Board director John M. Zrno will not seek re-election at 05/18 annual meeting, President/CEO Leigh R. Fox nominated to stand for Board election, Chairman Phil Cox to step down before 2019 annual meeting, expects to add two more Board members from Hawaiian Telecom(NASDAQ: HCOM) upon merger in 2H18. $CBB PR link.

The U of Michigan US Final February 2018 Consumer Sentiment Index is at 99.7, January 2018 was 95.7, December 2017 95.9, February 2017 96.3. UMich PR link.

***Thursday, March 1:

Kroger(PBR20) in a tweet says its Fred Meyerlocations selling firearms and ammo have raised the minimum purchase age to 21. $KR PR link.

Target(PBR40) announces 300 items limited-edition spring collaboration with British heritage brand Hunter, known for its iconic Original Wellington boot, protective outerwear, bags and accessories, $5-$80 with most items under $30, to be available in select stores and online 04/14/18. $TGT PR link.

Harley-Davidson(PBR400) makes equity investment in Alta Motors, a leader and innovator in lightweight electric vehicles, companies will collaborate on electric motorcycle technology and new product development. $HOG PR link.

Netflix(PBR447) and Sky, Europe’s leading entertainment company, serving 23 million customers across seven countries, form new partnership to bundle the full Netflix service into a brand new Sky TV subscription pack. $NFLX PR link.

Lithia(PBR451) acquires six marquee stores from Prestige Family of Fine Cars in Bergen County, NJ, including a BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Toyota and two Lexus stores, expected to add $900 million in annual revenues. $LAD PR link.

AmTrust Financial(PBR564) to be acquired by Stone Point Capital and the Karfunkel Familyfor $13.50/share, $2.7 billion, to close 2H18. $AFSI PR link.

Brunswick(PBR584) to spin-off its Fitness business by end of 1Q19 as an independent, standalone company, remain headquartered in Rosemont, IL, did $1.03 billion in 2017; Brunswick to remain a global leader in recreational marine products, remain headquartered in Mettawa, IL, did $3.5 billion in 2017, will retain NYSE: BC ticker. $BC PR link.

Microchip Technology(PBR804) to acquire Microsemi Corporation (NASDAQ: MSCC) for $68.78/share for a total enterprise value of $10.15 billion, to close 2Q18. $MCHP PR link.

Core-Mark(PBR271) CEO Thomas B. Perkins to retire on 06/30/18, President/COO Scott E. McPherson to become President/CEO and Board member at that time. $CORE PR link.

Southern Co(PBR155) Power unit Chairman/President/CEO Joseph “Buzz” Miller to retire, effective 04/01/18; Mark Lantrip, Southern Co Services unit Chairman/President/CEO, will serve as Interim Chairman/President/CEO. $SO PR link.

Lear Corp(PBR165) promotes Frank Orsini to EVP/Seating and Jeneanne M. Hanley as SVP and President/E-Systems. $LEA PR link.

Ryder(PBR378) hires Tim Fiore who rejoins as Chief Procurement Officer. $R PR link.

Murphy Oil(PBR448) promotes Louis W. Utsch to VP/Tax, succeeds retiring Tim Butler. $MUR PR link.

RPM Intl(PBR541) promotes Edward J. Voorhees III to President/CEO of the Rust-Oleum Group, succeeds Thomas Reed who becomes Chairman & will retire in 09/18. $RPM PR link.

Equity Residential(PBR741) EVP/COO David S. Santee to retire, effective 06/30/18, and retire by year end, EVP/Property Operations Michael L. Manelis to be successor on 07/01/18. $EQR PR link.

Wells Fargo(PBR30) continues Board refreshment as John S. Chen, Lloyd H. Dean, and Enrique Hernandez, Jr., currently the board’s longest serving directors, and Federico F. Peña, who was scheduled to retire from the board in 2019, have decided to retire at the company’s 04/24/18 Annual Meeting. $WFC PR link.

Capital One(PBR116) appoints Aparna Chennapragada, an executive and artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mobile strategy expert at Alphabet(PBR44)’s Google, to the Board. $COF PR link.

Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR185) elects José Baselga, MD, PhD, Physician-in-Chief at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, to the Board. $BMY PR link.

Newell Brands(PBR434) director Ros L’Esperance has resigned from the Board, was a Board member of acquired Jarden. $NWL PR link.

Clearwater Paper(PBR898) appoints Richard Peach, SVP/CFO, and Chief of Corporate Operations for Schnitzer Steel(PBR764), to the Board. $CLW PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/BEA says US Preliminary January 2018 Total Personal Income Annual Rate is at $16.784 trillion, +0.4% from December 2017, +3.8% from January 2017; January 2018 Personal Savings Rate is at 3.2%, December 2017 was 2.5%, January 2017 3.7%. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce/Census says US Preliminary January 2018 Total Construction Spending Annual Rate was at $1.263 trillion, +0.0% from December 2017, +3.2% from January 2017. USDOC PR link.

The Institute for Supply Management says the US February 2018 Manufacturing PMI Index(>50% economy growing) is at 60.8%, highest since 05/2004, January 2018 was 59.1%, December 2017 59.3%, February 2017 57.6%. ISM PR link.

IHS Markit says the US February 2018 Manufacturing PMI Index is at 55.3, January 2018 was 55.5, December 2017 55.1, February 2017 54.2. IHS Markit PR link.

Automotive News says US February 2018 Total Light Vehicle Sales were at 1,304,495 units, -2.3% from February 2017; February 2018 Average Vehicle Price was $35,444, +2.1% from February 2017. Automotive News PR link.

***Wednesday, February 28:

The PBRMarketTools US Stock Exchanges Recap for the Month of February Ending 02/28/18

The Stock Market Bear trounced the Stock Market Bull in a very volatile February, a consequence of robo-trading, profit taking, increasing federal interest rates concerns, a school massacre in Florida, and ongoing acrimony in national politics. However, for the optimists, Year-To-Date the Stock Market Bullstill has the edge:

DJIA ends February at 25,029.20, -1.11% from last Friday, -4.28% MTD, +1.25% QTD/YTD, -5.96% from record 26,616.71 set 01/26/18.
NASDAQ ends February at 7,273.01, -0.88% from last Friday, -1.87% MTD, +5.35% QTD/YTD, -3.10% from record 7,505.77 set 01/26/18.
SPX ends the week at 2,713.83, -1.22% from last Friday, -3.89% MTD, +1.50% QTD/YTD, -5.54% from record 2,872.87 set 01/26/18.

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