The PBR1000 May 2016 Breaking News Recap

June 6, 2016 by

May 2016: Time to Heat Up?

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Summer Is Coming! Temperatures are Rising, The Presidential Race is Heating Up, What will Business Do?

By Larry C. Paxton

The business mood in the U.S. didn’t make any dramatic shifts in May 2016. There was the usual mix of mergers/acquisitions, deals that broke up, executive leadership changes, and mixed economic data not only in the U.S., but in the world.

Oil prices were up again, but production and policies continued to be unpredictable.

In the last half of May there was a lot of speculation on whether or not the Fed would raise the funds interest rate in June with a prevailing sense that economic data is showing enough strength to justify such an action.

The Presidential Race Primaries Season is coming to an end. At this time it looks like it will be a very volatile general campaign, with neither candidate having a favorable rating by the public and it is difficult to know how business in the U.S. and globally will react.

With that it is appropriate to note that June is the month when summer officially starts and temperatures rise. Let’s see if business heats up as well.

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

Tuesday, May 31:

The PBR1000 End of May US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends May at 17,787.20, -0.48% from last Friday, +0.08% MTD, +0.58% QTD, +2.08% YTD, -2.87% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends May at 4,948.05, +0.29% from last Friday, +3.62% MTD, +1.61% QTD, -1.19% YTD, -5.19% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends May at 2,096.06, -0.10% from last Friday, +1.53% MTD, +1.81% QTD, +2.59% YTD, -1.59% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

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

Whirlpool(PBR138) launches Vessi Fermentor home beer system exclusively through Indiegogo crowdfunding. $WHR PR link.

Viacom(PBR212 $VIA) board is ready to fight off Redstone family. MarketWatch PR link.

MGM Resorts(PBR273) to acquire Boyd Gaming(PBR727 $BYD) 50% ownership in Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, for $900 milllion. $MGM PR link.

Office Depot(PBR182) authorizes 12 month up to $100 million shares buyback program. $ODP PR link.

Coca-Cola Enterprises(PBR327) combines with CCIP & CCEAG, now Coca-Cola European Partners, creates largest Coca-Cola bottler in the world. $CCE PR link.

Ashland(PBR407) to spinoff Valvoline as separate public company, then reorganize as Ashland Global Holdings. $ASH PR link.

Cliffs Natural Resources(PBR518) gets new deal to supply ArcelorMittal USA tailor-made iron ore pellets through 2026. $CLF PR link.

Great Plains Energy(PBR757) to acquire Westar Energy(PBR747 $WR) in $60.00/share, $12.2 bllion cash/stock deal. $GXP PR link.

SemGroup(PBR866) to acquire Rose Rock Midstream(NYSE: RRMS) in all stock deal. $SEMG PR link.

Staples(PBR122) CEO Ron Sargent stepping down on 06/14/16, Shira Goodman, president N American Operations to be interim CEO. $SPLS PR link.

Newell Brands(PBR434) hires Fiona Laird as EVP & Chief Human Relations & Communications Officer. $NWL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates April Total Personal Income Annual Rate at $15.859 trillion, personal savings rate at 5.4%, March was 5.9%. USDOC PR link.

The S&P/Case-Shiller March National Home Price Index at 176.91, up from February’s 175.64(2000=100). SP/CS PR link.

The May MNI Chicago PMI at 49.3, down from April’s 50.4. MNI/ISM PR link.

The Conference Board says May Consumer Confidence Index is 92.6, April was 94.7(1985=100). TCB PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) in May Insight discusses Price-To-Income in light of 5.6% avg annual house price increases. $FMCC PR link.

Monday, May 30:
***Memorial Day***
***US Stock Markets Closed***
***Remember and Honor
our Fallen Heroes.***

Friday, May 27:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,873.22, +2.13% from last week, +0.56% MTD, +1.06% QTD, +2.75% YTD, -2.40% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,933.50, +3.44% from last week, +3.31% MTD, +1.31% QTD, -1.48% YTD, -5.47% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,099.06, +2.28% from last week, +1.63% MTD, +1.91% QTD, +2.70% YTD, -1.49% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Thermo Fisher Scientific(PBR175) to acquire high performance electron microscopy provider FEI Company(NASDAQ: FEIC) for $107.50/share, $4.2 billion cash. $TMO PR link.

Terex(PBR357) terminates acquisition by Zoomlion, MHPS sale to Konecranes to proceed. $TEX PR link.

NCR(PBR383) completes first phase of sale of Interactive Printer Solutions Division, to be called Iconex, to Atlas Holdings. $NCR PR link.

Graham Holdings(PBR615) to acquire Jacksonville, FL, CW TV affiliate WCWJ & Roanoke, VA, NBC TV affiliate WSLS for $60 million. $GHC PR link.

ON Semiconductor(PBR656) extends $20/share, $2.4 billion cash tender offer for Fairchild Semiconductor(PBR1000 $FCS) to 06/09/16, currently has commitment of 36.4% of shares. http://bit.ly/1TMU2RI$ON PR link.

PC Connection(PBR786) acquires 200+ employees, $200 million/yr Philadelphia based global IT & services solutions provider Softmart. $PCCC PR link.

Brocade Communications(PBR845) completes $14.43/share, $1.5 billion cash/stock acquisition of Ruckus Wireless(NYSE: $RKUS). $BRCD PR link.

BB&T(PBR277) Crump Life Insurance unit to promote Rob Carney to president 07/01/16, succeeds leaving Brian Winikoff. $BBT PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says 1Q16 Gross Domestic Product Annual Rate revised from 0.5% to 0.8%, $18.230 trillion. USDOC PR link.

The University of Michigan Final May Index of Consumer Sentiment at 94.7, up from April’s 89.0. UMich PR link.

Thursday, May 26:

Microsoft(PBR31 $MSFT) & Facebook(PBR228) to build an innovative new subsea cable across the Atlantic Ocean. $FB PR link.

Alphabet(PBR44 $GOOG)’s Google beats Oracle(PBR78 $ORCL) in landmark case over use of Java APIs in Android. MarketWatch PR link.

Energy Transfer Equity(PBR52) files counterclaims to Williams Cos(PBR348 $WMB), seeks court ruling allowing $37.6 billion merger termination. $ETE PR link.

Sears Holdings(PBR93) exploring alternatives to expand its brands; CFO to leave when successor named. $SHLD PR link.

Global Partners(PBR169) to sell 31 non-strategic gasoline stations/convenience stores in NY & Pennsylvania to Mirabito Holdings. $GLP PR link.

Core-Mark(PBR271) to do 2:1 stock split on 06/27/16. $CORE PR link.

Brown-Forman(PBR563) to do 2:1 stock split around 08/08/16 assuming stockholder approval. $BF PR link.

Pinnacle Entertainment(PBR844) EVP/General Counsel & Secretary John Godfrey tor retire 06/30/16, Donna Negrotto is successor. $PNK PR link.

Wendy’s(PBR877) appoints Todd Penegor as president/CEO, succeeds retiring Emil Brolick. $WEN PR link.

Deckers Outdoors(PBR929) to promote Dave Powers to CEO, effective 05/31/16, succeeds Angel Martinez who will remain chairman. $DECK PR link.

Rackspace(PBR935) promotes Carla Sublett to SVP & Chief Marketing Officer. $RAX PR link.

New York Times(PBR971) hires Ellen Shultz as EVP, Talent & Inclusion. $NYT PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says Initial Unemployment Insurance Claims for week ending 05/21/16 was 268,000, -10,000 from 05/14/16 USDOL PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Average Rate at 3.64%, 15 Year 2.89%, 5/1 Year ARM 2.87%. $FMCC PR link.

Investing: Five principles for strategic investment planning. MarketWatch PR link.

Wednesday, May 25:

Amazon(PBR29) to open 2nd fulfillment center in Joliet, IL, add 2,000 fulltime jobs. $AMZN PR link.

Amazon(PBR29) to add fulfillment centers in Tracy & Eastvale, CA, add 1,500 fulltime jobs. $AMZN PR link.

Microsoft(PBR31) to restructure smartphone business, includes 1,350 workforce reduction in Finland, 500 more globally. $MSFT PR link.

Baker Hughes(PBR108) announces simplified organization restructuring plans & several leadership changes. $BHI PR link.

Madison Square Garden(NYSE: MSG) & Las Vegas Sands(PBR197) & others to develop a 400,000 sf 17,500 seat Las Vegas music venue. $LVS PR link.

Travelers Cos(PBR104) promotes Greg Toczydlowski to president, Business Insurance; longtime executive Doreen Spadorcia to retire 09/01/16. $TRV PR link.

Sumner Redstone’s refusal to cede control has left Viacom(PBR212 $VIA) with an uncertain future. MarketWatch PR link.

Edison International(PBR216) chairman/president/CEO Theodore Craver, Jr, to retire 09/30/16, Pedro Pizarro to be CEO; CFO to retire, other leadership changes announced. $EIX PR link.

Economy: These are the states that are suffering while most of the U.S. booms. MarketWatch PR link.

Tuesday, May 24:

AIG(PBR46) launches a new equity crowdfunding insurance product to protect investors. $AIG PR link.

Carnival Corp(PBR184) consolidates $100+ million/yr media planning & buying with Omnicom(PBR192 $OMC) PHD. $CCL PR link.

Monsanto(PBR187) says Bayer AG(XETRA: BAY) $122/share, $62 billion offer is incomplete & financially inadequate, open for further discussion. $MON PR link.

Computer Sciences(PBR237) to acquire Enterprise Services segment of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, creates $26 billion/yr global IT services company. $CSC PR link.

TreeHouse Foods(PBR690) to close 660 employee Azusa, CA, plant in 2017, 60 employee Ripon, WI, plant in late 2016.$THS PR link.

Devry Education(PBR905) subsidiary Becker Professional Education to acquire anti-money laundering/financial crime prevention international membership organization ACAMS for $330 million. $DV PR link.

GoPro(PBR1010) to be Red Bull’s exclusive point of view camera & content provider through exclusive global partnership. $GPRO PR link.

Best Buy(PBR73) CAO/CFO Sharon McCollam stepping down 06/14/16, Corie Barry to be CFO, other promotions announced. $BBY PR link.

Gilead Sciences(PBR107) names Kevin Young CBE as COO, Martin Silverstein, MD, as EVP-Strategy. $GILD PR link.

ConAgra(PBR166) EVP/CFO John Gehring is retiring after 14 years with company, will stay until successor on board. $CAG PR link.

YRC Worldwide(PBR472) hires Justin Hall as Chief Customer Officer, reports to CEO. $YRCW PR link.

Devry Education(PBR905) names Lisa Wardell president/CEO, succeeds leaving Daniel Hamburger. $DV PR link.

The US Dept of HUD estimates April Single-Family Houses Sales at a 619,000 annual rate, +16.6% from March, +23.8% from April 2015. HUD PR link.

Monday, May 23:

GE(PBR9 $GE) to invest $1.4 billion in Saudi Arabia. MarketWatch PR link.

Boeing(PBR27) & Vietnam’s VietJet close $11.3 billion deal for 100 737 MAX 200 airplanes. $BA PR link.

DuPont(PBR82) & Dow Chemical(PBR48 $DOW) announce senior leadership appointments for merged DowDupont, expected to close 2H2016. $DD PR link.

ConAgra(PBR166) selling its Spicetec Favors & Seasonings business to Givaudan for $340 million. $CAG PR link.

Germany based Bayer AG(XETRA: BAY) confirms cash offer for Monsanto(PBR187 $MON), $122/share, $62 billion. $BAY PR link.

Viacom(PBR212) CEO, director file suit to block changes to Redstone trust. MarketWatch PR link.

Computer Sciences(PBR237) to acquire Europe technology services company Aspediens. $CSC PR link.

KBR(PBR395) to acquire government services technology company Wyle for $570 million cash. $KBR PR link.

Tribune Publishing rejects Gannett(PBR414) $15/share offer, gets $70.5 million investment from Nant Capital. $TPUB PR link.

Airgas(PBR461) $143/share, $13.4 billion cash acquisition by France based Air Liquide(Euronext Paris: AI) is completed. $ARG PR link.

LINN Energy(PBR484) & LINNCo to be delisted by NASDAQ on 05/24/16, to continue on OTC as LINEQ & LNCOQ. $LINE PR link.

CF Industries(PBR502) & Netherlands based OCI terminate $8 billion merger agreement, new U.S. Treasury policies cancel out synergies. $CF PR link.

Varian Medical(PBR678) to spin off imaging components business as an independent public company by end of 2016. $VAR PR link.

American Capital Agency(PBR992) to acquire its external manager, American Capital Mortgage Management, for $562 million cash. $AGNCP PR link.

CSX(PBR226) announces 4 senior operations executives promotions. $CSX PR link.

Abercrombie & Fitch(PBR595) hires Stacia Andersen as Brand President of A&F and abercrombie kids, Kristin Scott as Brand President of Hollister, both report to A&F Chief Merchandising Officer. $ANF PR link.

Alliant Energy(PBR634) hires Dirk Mahling as VP of Technology. $LNT PR link.

Rent A Center(PBR657) hires Angela Yochem as SVP/IT & CIO. $RCII PR link.

Investing: 7 unmistakable signs that a bear market is approaching. MarketWatch PR link.

Consumerism: Overconsumption is biggest threat to the American Dream. MarketWatch PR link.

Auto Loans: Second credit-ratings agency flags increased stress in auto-loan market. MarketWatch PR link.

Eurozone PMIs show economic activity slowing. MarketWatch PR link.

Friday, May 20:

The PBR1000 Week Ending 05/20/16 US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,500.94, -0.20% from last week, -1.53% MTD, -1.04% QTD, +0.44% YTD, -4.43% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,769.56, +1.10% from last week, -0.12% MTD, -2.06% QTD, -4.75% YTD, -8.61% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,052.32, +0.28% from last week, -0.63% MTD, -0.36% QTD, +0.41% YTD, -3.68% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

SunEdison(PBR782 $SUNE) creditors to conduct bankruptcy probe. MarketWatch PR link.

Lowe’s(PBR50) completes $2.4 billion acquisition of 496 corporate/dealer owned locations Canadian home improvement retailer/distributor RONA. $LOW PR link.

Stepan(PBR904) to close 30 employee Longford Mills, Canada, location by end of 2016. $SCL PR link.

Knowles Corp(PBR1048) to sell its mobile consumer electronics speaker and receiver product line to Loyal Valley Innovation Capital. $KNL PR link.

Berkshire Hathaway(PBR4 $BRKA) names Kara Raiguel to lead General Re unit. MarketWatch PR link.

CSX(PBR226) VP Cressie Brown to be SVP/Chief Admin Officer & Kathleen Brandt to be SVP/CIO, effective 07/01/16. $CSX PR link.

Carlisle Cos(PBR650) promotes Kevin Zdimal to VP of Business Development. $CSL PR link.

Gross Domestic Product: Moody’s downgrades U.S. 2016 growth forecast to 2% from 2.3%. MarketWatch PR link.

The Natl Assn of Realtors estimates April Median House Price at $232,500, +5.0% from March, +6.3% from April 2015 NAR PR link.

Innovation: The fix for secular stagnation is innovation — not tax cuts or fiscal spending. MarketWatch PR link.

Retirement: Here’s where the most retirees are moving — and why . MarketWatch PR link.

Retail: These retailers are profiting off the ‘Amazon effect.’ MarketWatch PR link.

Retail: Since no one is buying clothes, here’s what stores are selling instead. MarketWatch PR link.

New food labels: This could make you care more about the calories in your food. MarketWatch PR link.

Thursday, May 19:

Gap Inc(PBR179) to close 53 Old Navy stores in Japan & 22 Banana Republic stores globally. $GPS PR link.

FMC Technologies(PBR334) and France based Technip(Euronext: TEC) to merge as oil services TechnipFMC with equity value of $13 billion. $FTI PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Charlotte, NC, Eastern US hospital/healthcare retail insurance broker McNeary. $AJG PR link.

Panera Bread(PBR768 $PNRA) authorizes $600 million over 3 years shares repurchase program.

Advance Auto Parts(PBR279) CFO Mike Norona to leave upon hiring of a successor. $AAP PR link.

Pioneer Natural Resources(PBR476) president/COO Timothy Love to become president/CEO on 12/31/16, chairman/CEO Scott Sheffield to be executive chairman. $PXD PR link.

Economy: Moody’s downgrades U.S. 2016 growth forecast to 2% from 2.3%. MarketWatch PR link.

Philadelphia Fed says May Manufacturing Diffusion Index at -1.8, April was -1.6, but outlook is positive. PhillyFed PR link.

The Conference Board estimates April Leading Economic Index at 123.9, March was 123.1. TCB PR link.

Retail-Food: Does Wal-Mart(PBR1) have a buffer against Amazon(PBR29) in food? MarketWatch PR link.

International Trade: Obama-backed trade deal would give U.S. economy modest boost, study finds. MarketWatch PR link.

Investing: Four reasons for investors to buy biotechnology stocks now. MarketWatch PR link.

The Dollar: 5 reasons the dollar will get stronger. MarketWatch PR link.

Gasoline Prices: Gasoline eyes lowest Memorial Day weekend prices in over a decade. MarketWatch PR link.

Housing: The zombie mortgage apocalypse recedes as housing regroups. MarketWatch PR link.

Wednesday, May 18:

General Motors(PBR8 $GM) ends production of Cadillac electric coupe. MarketWatch PR link.

Microsoft(PBR31) selling feature phone business to FIH Mobile Ltd. and HMD Global, Oy for $350 million. $MSFT PR link.

FedEx(PBR65) meets all conditions for $4.8 billion cash acquisition of Netherlands based TNT Express, to close 05/25/16. $FDX PR link.

TJX Cos(PBR96) wants to open thousands more stores. $TJX PR link.

Medtronic(PBR133) to expand minimally invasive therapy portfolio with $350 million acquisition of gynecology business from Smith & Nephew. $MDT PR link.

Monsanto(PBR187) confirms it is reviewing unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Bayer AG. $MON PR link.

Liberty Interactive(PBR263) completes $2.4 billion investment in Liberty Broadband(NASDAQ: LBRDA) in support of Charter(PBR297)-Time Warner Cable(PBR119) merger. $QVCA PR link.

Hormel Foods(PBR293) to acquire nut butter-based snacks provider Justin’s, terms not disclosed. $HRL PR link.

Charter Communications(PBR297) completes $78.7 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable(PBR119) & Bright House Networks. $CHTR PR link.

CBRE(PBR301) to acquire 49% of leading Malayasia real estate services firm C H Williams & Wong Malaysia. $CBG PR link.

The Andersons(PBR525) rejects as undervalued unsolicited $35, then $37/share offer from HC2. $ANDE PR link.

Tesla(PBR651) to sell 8.2 million shares of common stock @$204/share to accelerate production of Model 3. $TSLA PR link.

Federal Reserve releases FOMC minutes from 04/26-27/16 meeting, funds rate remains 0.25-0.50%, increase open for June meeting. FRB PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) in May Outlook says low mortgage rates keep housing on track during rapidly rising house prices. $FMCC PR link.

Compensation: New overtime rules will help workers, their families, and the economy. MarketWatch PR link.

Investing: This market is under long-term distribution, not consolidation. MarketWatch PR link.

Investing: Believe it or not, investing has never been so simple. MarketWatch PR link.

Housing: The minimum salary you need to afford the rent in these 15 cities. MarketWatch PR link.

Tuesday, May 17:

Alphabet(PBR44) unveils program for carpooling via app Waze, fraying ties with Uber. MarketWatch PR link.

Peabody Energy(PBR372) receives final approval from US Bankruptcy Court for $800 million Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing facility. $BTUUQ PR link.

Target(PBR40) hires Mark Tritton as EVP/Chief Merchandising Officer, promotes Jason Goldberger as Chief Digital Officer and president of Target.com. $TGT PR link.

The US Dept of Labor estimates April Current Average Weekly Earnings at $880.79, +0.61% from March, +2.5% from April 2015 USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor estimates April Consumer Price Index was +0.4% from March, +1.1% over last 12 months. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of HUD estimates April Private Housing Building Permits Issued Annual Rate was 1,116,000, +3.6% from March, -5.3% from April 2015. HUD PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Bank estimates April Industrial Production Index(2012=100) at 104.1, +0.7% from March, -1.1% from April 2015. FRB PR link.

Adobe(PBR557) says its April Consumer Goods Digital Price Index was -0.2% to -2.4% from March, except for hotels. $ADBE PR link.

Housing: Millennials and retirees drawn to luxury rentals, and developers respond. MarketWatch PR link.

Financial Planning: This is No. 1 financial regret of older Americans. MarketWatch PR link.

Transportation: Why cities aren’t ready for the driverless car. MarketWatch PR link.

Investing: Investors throw in the towel on stocks. MarketWatch PR link.

The Dollar: 5 reasons the dollar will get stronger. MarketWatch PR link.

Monday, May 16:

McKesson(PBR6) and Walmart(PBR1 $WMT) announce sourcing agreement for generic pharmaceuticals. $MCK PR link.

Energy Transfer Equity(PBR52) responds to 3rd Williams Cos(PBR348 $WMB) lawsuit that might delay $37.6 billion merger. $ETE PR link.

Pfizer(PBR56) to acquire inflammation/immunology providor Anacor Pharmaceuticals(NASDAQ: ANAC) for $99.25/share, $5.2 billion cash. $PFE PR link.

Terex(PBR357) to sell Material Handling/Port Solutions business to Finland based Konecranes for $1.3 billion cash/stock. $TEX PR link.

Gannett(PBR414) ups bid for Tribune Publishing(NYSE: TPUB) from $12.25/share to $15.00/share. $GCI PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Westlake Village, CA, retail insurance broker Hogan Insurance Services, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Range Resources(PBR726) to acquire N. Louisiana natural gas/oil company Memorial Resource Development Corp(NASDAQ: MRD) for $15.75/share, $4.4 billion cash. RRC PR link.

Equinix(PBR793) to divest eight European assets to Digital Realty Trust(NYSE: DLR) for $874.4 million. $EQIX PR link.

Brown & Brown(PBR972) to acquire assets of $34 million/year insurance products provider Morstan General Agency. $BRO PR link.

Empire State Manufacturing Survey, May 2016: Business activity declined; May index -9.0. NYFRB PR link.

NAHB/Wells Fargo May National Housing Market Index at 58, 4th straight month. NAHB PR link.

Investing: A new class of investor can now invest in startups. MarketWatch PR link.

Home Loans: HELOC values soar as equity rebounds and move-up options dwindle. MarketWatch PR link.

Retirement Investing: The inventor of the 401(k) says he created a ‘monster’. MarketWatch PR link.

Friday, May 13:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,535.32, -1.16% from last week, -1.34% MTD, -0.85% QTD, +0.63% YTD, -4.24% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,717.68, -0.39% from last week, -1.21% MTD, -3.12% QTD, -5.79% YTD, -9.60% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,046.61, -0.51% from last week, -0.90% MTD, -0.64% QTD, +0.13% YTD, -3.95% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

The PBR1000 Preliminary New Annual Rankings
Following are the top 10 of the new anticipated rankings, by last fiscal year revenues reported through April, 2016(revenues rounded to nearest billion, previous annual ranking in parentheses). Rankings are updated monthly, the Annual Rankings are used for news items references.

1, Walmart, $482B(1)
2. ExxonMobil, $269B(2)
3. Apple, $234B(5)
4. Berkshire Hathaway, $211B(4)
5. McKesson Corp, $179B(6)
6. UnitedHealth Group, $157B(14)
7. CVS Health, $153B(11)
8. General Motors, $152B(8)
9. Ford Motor, $150B(10)
10. AT&T, $147B(12)

The preliminary rankings will be in the The PBR1000 April Snapshots, which will be released during the week of May 16th.

Apple(PBR5) makes $1 billion investment in Chinese Uber rival Didi Chuxing. MarketWatch PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) to acquire the non-sterile, topicals-focused specialty and generics business of Renaissance Acquisition Holdings for $950 million cash. $MYL PR link.

Williams Cos(PBR348) files lawsuit to prevent Energy Transfer Equity(PBR52 $ETE) from avoiding its obligations under the $37.6 billion merger agreement. $WMB PR link.

Newell Brands(PBR434) opening new global headquarters in Hoboken, NJ, in the fall 2016. $NWL PR link.

Albemarle(PBR792) promotes Karen Narwold to EVP/Chief Administrative Officer. $ALB PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says April Final Demand Producer Price Index was +0.2% from March, 12 month change is 0.0%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates March Total Value of Distributive Trade Sales at $1.289.2 trillion, +0.3% from February, -1.7% from March 2015. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says April Advance Estimates of US Retail & Food Services Sales were $453.4 billion, +1.3% from March, +3.0% from April 2015. USDOC PR link.

The U of Michigan Preliminary May Surveys of Consumer Index is at 95.8, April Final was 89.0. UMich PR link.

Healthcare: Drug prices rising at fastest pace since Viagra’s introduction, PPI shows. MarketWatch PR link.

Commerce: Monopolies once again dominate our weak and unequal economy. MarketWatch PR link.

Oil: OPEC sees rival oil production declining as markets rebalance. MarketWatch PR link.

Eurozone economy growing slower than thought. MarketWatch PR link.

Retail: Traditional retailers stumble in their efforts to compete with Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN). MarketWatch PR link.

Thursday, May 12:

Honeywell(PBR74) to spinoff $1.3 billion/year resins & chemicals business to shareholders as independent public company named AdvanSix by early 2017. $HON PR link.

Charter Communications(PBR297) gets final regulatory approval for $78.7 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable(PBR119 $TWC) & Bright House Networks, to close 05/18/16. $CHTR PR link.

Starwood Hotels(PBR417) completes sale of Vistana Signatures Experiences to Interval Leisure Group in stock/cash deal. $HOT PR link.

KB Home(PBR802) to exit metro Washington, DC, market. $KBH PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) promotes Karl Tragl to group president, Engineered Products & Solutions, succeeds leaving Olivier Jarrault. $AA PR link.

Progressive Corp(PBR145) to promote Tricia Griffith to president/CEO, effective 07/01/16, succeeds retiring Glenn Renwick who remains executive chairman. $PGR PR link.

Genesco(PBR702) hires David Baxter as SVP & president/CEO of Lids Sports Group, effective 06/01/16. $GCO PR link.

HCP(PBR831) hires Tom Herzog as EVP & CFO, effective 06/27/16, succeeds leaving Tim Schoen. $HCP PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says US Imports Prices Index was +0.3% in April, same as in March, -5.7% for past 12 months. USDOL PR link.

Retail: Traditional retailers stumble in their efforts to compete with Amazon(PBR29). MarketWatch PR link.

Wednesday, May 11:

LINN Energy(PBR484) & affiliates file Chapter 11 bankruptcy, to continue business as usual during restructuring. $LINE PR link.

Jack in the Box(PBR987) promotes Keith Guilbault to brand president at Qdoba Mexican Eats subsidiary, succeeds leaving Tim Casey. $JACK PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says April Receipts/Outlays at $438.4 billion/$332.0 billion, Surplus $106.5 billion, Fiscal YTD Deficit is $354.6 billion. Treasury PR link.

The PBR1000 April Stock Index is 69,006.43, +0.58% from March, +2.39% YTD.

Investing: Why a merely good portfolio beats the perfect portfolio. MarketWatch PR link.

Tuesday, May 10:

Staples(PBR122) to pay $250 million break up fee to Office Depot(PBR182 $ODP) to terminate $6.3 billion acquisition per FTC action to block the deal. Also cancels $550 million deal with Essendant(PBR458 $ESND). $SPLS PR link.

Allergan(PBR219) authorizes up to $10 billion share repurchase program. $AGN PR link.

Salesforce(PBR453) to use Amazon(PBR29) for new cloud service. MarketWatch PR link.

Pentair(PBR363) hires Karen Keegans as SVP/Chief Human Resources Officer, effective 06/01/16. $PNR PR link.

Restoration Hardware(PBR915) appoints 3 co-presidents: Eri Chaya, Chief Creative/Merchandising Officer, Karen Boone, Chief Financial/Admin Officer, & DeMonty Price, Chief Operating, Service and Values Officer. $RH PR link.

The US Dept of Labor estimates March US Job Hires were 5.292 million, -3.97% from February, +3.54% from March 2015. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates March US Trade Wholesale Sales at $430.7 billion, +0.72% from February, -2.02% from March 2015. USDOC PR link.

CoreLogic estimates March US Housing Payments Serious Delinguency at 1.2 million, -1.7% from February, -19.1% from March 2015. CoreLogic PR link.

Monday, May 9:

Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) to sell mining interests in TF Holdings to China Molybdenum for $2.65 billion. $FCX PR link.

Southern Co(PBR155) completes $18.75/share, $425 million acquisition of electric utilities technologies provider PowerSecure Intl(NYSE: POWR). $SO PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) expands major appliances to jcp.com & 500 stores nationwide. $JCP PR link.

Dick’s Sporting Goods(PBR367 $DKS) could get 180 stores out of Sports Authority auction: Canaccord. MarketWatch PR link.

Abercrombie & Fitch(PBR595) to open up retail outlets in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, & Oman through expanded master franchise agreement. $ANF PR link.

First Solar(PBR630) appoints Georges Antoun as Chief Commercial Officer to oversee global project and business development. $FSLR PR link.

HCP(PBR831) to spinoff in 2nd half of 2016 the HCP ManorCare portfolio into separate independent public company. $HCP PR link.

FMC Technologies(PBR334) promotes Doug Pferdehirt as president/CEO, effective 09/01/16, John Gremp keeps chairman role. $FTI PR link.

Jobs: Two more signs U.S. jobs market is slowing. MarketWatch PR link.

Friday, May 6:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,740.63, -0.19% from last week/MTD, +0.31% QTD, +1.81% YTD, -3.12% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,736.16, -0.82% from last week/MTD, -2.75% QTD, -5.42% YTD, -9.25% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,057.14, -0.40% from last week/MTD, -0.13% QTD, +0.65% YTD, -3.46% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Air Products(PBR267) to sell Performance Materials unit to Germany based Evonik for $3.8 billion cash. To spinoff Electronic Materials unit as independent public company called Versum Materials. $APD PR link.

Charter Communications(PBR297) gets FCC approval for $78.7 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable(PBR119 $TWC) & Bright House Networks. $CHTR PR link.

GoPro(PBR1010 $GPRO) bets it all on a holiday miracle. MarketWatch PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says April US Employment Situation was 151.0 million employed, 7.9 million unemployed, 5.0% unemployment rate. USDOL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve estimates April US Total Consumer Credit at $3.592 trillion, +0.83% from March, +1.61% YTD, +6.80% from April 2015. FRB PR link.

Retail Industry: Teen retailers are caught in a ‘perfect bankruptcy storm. MarketWatch PR link.

Thursday, May 5:

FannieMae(PBR17) CEO says it’s not sustainable to operate without capital. $FNMA PR link.

Chesapeake Energy(PBR131) selling 42,000 acres of Oklahoma STACK play for $470 million. $CHK PR link.

Omnicom(PBR192) Health Group unit to acquire BioPharm Communications. $OMC PR link.

Computer Sciences(PBR237) completes $720 million acquisition of UK based commercial insurance industry software developer Xchanging. $CSC PR link.

ITT Corp(PBR735) to form new parent holding company mid 05/16, reorganize its structure. $ITT PR link.

Kellogg(PBR198) CFO Ron Dissinger to retire at the end of 2016. New CFO search starts. $K PR link.

HARMAN Intl(PBR456) hires Henry Tirri as Chief Technology Officer, reports to chairman/president/CEO. $HAR PR link.

Abercrombie & Fitch(PBR595) EVP/COO Jonathan Ramsden leaving after 7 years, effective 06/15/16. $ANF PR link.

Brink’s(PBR613) names George Stoeckert as interim CEO. $BCO PR link.

American Eagle Outfitters(PBR640) hires Peter Horvath as Chief Global Commercial/Administrative Officer. $AEO PR link.

Endo International(PBR700) president, US Branded Pharmaceuticals, Brian Lortie, is stepping down upon appointment of successor. $ENDP PR link.

Teradata(PBR724) elects board director Victor Lund as president/CEO, succeeds Mike Koehler, who has left. $TDC PR link.

Wednesday, May 4:

AT&T(PBR12 $T) dumps Yahoo!(PBR519 $YHOO) after 15-year partnership. MarketWatch PR link.

Danaher(PBR137) to spinoff Fortive Corporation professional instrumentation/industrial technologies unit as separate public company on 07/02/16. $DHR PR link.

CDW(PBR239) adds $750 million to share repurchase program, balance is $891 million. $CDW PR link.

Tribune Publishing sends letter to Gannett(PBR414 $GCI) rejecting $815 million unsolicited acquisition offer as undervalued. $TPUB PR link.

Intercontinental Exchange(PBR556) issues statement saying will not pursue acquisition of London Stock Exchange Group. $ICE PR link.

Elon Musk: ‘High quality’ at Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA) will continue despite executive departure. MarketWatch PR link.

Aeropostale(PBR924) files Chapter 11 bankruptcy, to close 113 US stores, all 41 Canada stores, gets $160 million in DIP financing, expects to emerge from bankruptcy within 6 months. $AROP PR link.

Aéropostale(PBR924 $AROP) accuses lender of pushing it into bankruptcy. MarketWatch PR link.

Anthem(PBR38) hires John Gallina as CFO, effective 06/01/16, succeeds leaving Wayne DeVeydt. $ANTM PR link.

Medtronic(PBR133) hires Karen Parkhill as EVP/CFO, effective 06/20/16. $MDT PR link.

ADP(PBR235) says April Nonfarm Private Sector Employment was +156,000 over March. $ADP PR link.

The US Dept of Labor estimates 1Q2016 Nonfarm Labor Productivity Annual Rate was -1.0%, Output +0.4%, Hours Worked +1.5%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says March US International Trade Exports YTD at $531.1 billion, Imports $664.4 billion, Deficit $133.3 billion. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates March US Manufacturing New Orders were $458.4 billion, +1.13% from February. USDOC PR link.

Markit says April US Composite PMI Output Index at 52.4, up from 51.3 in March. Markit PR link.

The ISM April Non-Manufacturing Report On Business® NMI Index at 55.7%, up from 54.7% in March. ISM PR link.

Housing: The seeds of the next housing crisis have been planted. MarketWatch PR link.

Mortgages: Fannie Mae(PBR17) less likely than Freddie Mac(PBR41) to need Treasury draw, analyst says. MarketWatch PR link.

Tuesday, May 3:

Wal-Mart(PBR1 $WMT)’s massive size may be an obstacle for further growth, analyst says. MarketWatch PR link.

Estee Lauder(PBR255) launches multi-year initiative, Leading Beauty Forward, includes net reduction of 900-1,200 positions globally. $EL PR link.

Biogen(PBR282) to spin off its hemophilia business as an independent public company late 2016/early 2017. $BIIB PR link.

Clorox(PBR442) acquires digestive probiotics developer Renew Life for $290 million cash. $CLX PR link.

Adobe Systems(PBR557) to acquire private content curation/audience engagement company Livefyre, terms not disclosed. $ADBE PR link.

Dynegy(PBR777) to shut down multiple central & southern Illinois coal-fueled units. $DYN PR link.

Arrow Electronics(PBR120) promotes Chris Stansbury to SVP & CFO, succeeds retiring Paul Reilly. $ARW PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) hires Kenneth Parks as CFO, effective 06/06/16. $MYL PR link.

Manitowoc(PBR579) hires David Antoniuk as VP/CFO, effective 05/31/16, succeeds leaving Carl Laurino. $MTW PR link.

CIT Group(PBR608) hires Denise Menelly as EVP, Head of Technology & Operations, effective 06/29/16. $CIT PR link.

Under Armour(PBR668) appoints Kip Fulks interim Chief Merchandising Officer with leaving of Henry Stafford. SVP Michael Lee to assume Chief Digital Officer responsibilities with leaving of Robin Thurston. $UA PR link.

Comerica(PBR740) names David Duprey CFO, effective immediately, succeeds leaving Karen Parkhill. $CMA PR link.

TrueCar estimates Total April US Car Sales at $49.7B, +5.6% from April 2015. TrueCar PR link.

AutoNews says Total April US Car Sales Units at 1,506,431, +3.50% from April 2015. AutoNews PR link.

eCommerce/Retail: Amazon(PBR29) accounted for 60% of U.S. online sales growth in 2015. MarketWatch PR link.

Investing: Despite bear concerns, odds still favor the bulls. MarketWatch PR link.

Monday, May 2:

Oracle(PBR78) to acquire energy utilities cloud services developer Opower(NYSE: OPWR) for $532 million. $ORCL PR link.

Halliburton(PBR90) $34.6 billion acquisition of Baker Hughes(PBR108 $BHI) terminated due to regulatory issues. $HAL PR link.

Baker Hughes(PBR108) to do $1.5 billion shares buyback program, $1 billion to reduce debt, from $3.5 billion received from Halliburton(PBR90 $HAL) as merger breakup fee. $BHI PR link.

International Paper(PBR117) to acquire Weyerhauser(PBR355 $WY)’s pulp business for $2.2 billion. $IP PR link.

Carnival Corp(PBR184) Adonia passenger ship arrives in Havana, first US to Cuba cruise in over 50 years. $CCL PR link.

Grain traders rejecting new soybeans from Monsanto(PBR187). MarketWatch PR link.

Gannett(PBR414) solicits “withhold” votes related to board elections for Tribune Publishing(NYSE: TPUB), which is being acquired for $815 million. $GCI PR link.

The Andersons(PBR525) completes sale of 8 grain & plant nutrients facilities in Iowa to MaxYield Cooperative. $ANDE PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) completes $200 million acquisition of 10,000 clients board portal solution Boardvantage. $NDAQ PR link.

Iron Mountain(PBR663) completes $2 billion acquisition of Australian based digital/physical document information management firm Recall Holdings. $IRM PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Little Rock, AR, based southern/central states retail insurance broker Hagan Newkirk Financial Services. $AJG PR link.

GNC(PBR743) starts strategic/financial review to increase shareholder value, including potential sale of company. $GNC PR link.

Beacon Roofing(PBR818) buys Lansing, MI, based 4 locations, roofing, siding, windows, & doors distributor Fox Brothers Co. $BECN PR link.

Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR906 $APO) Protection 1 affiliate completes $42/share cash acquisition of ADT(PBR627). $ADT PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782) hires John Dubel as Chief Restructuring Officer. $SUNEQ PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates March Construction Spending Annual Rate at $1.138 trillion, +0.3% from February, +8.0% from March 2015. USDOC PR link.

ISM Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® says April PMI at 50.8%, March PMI was 51.8%. ISM PR link.

Markit April US Manufacturing PMI at 50.8, down from 51.5 in March, output close to stagnation. Markit PR link.

Stock Market: Lousy stock sentiment suggests there’s more wall for worry to climb. MarketWatch PR link.

Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico misses payment as debt crisis escalates. MarketWatch PR link.

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Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

The PBR1000 April 2016 Breaking News Recap

May 2, 2016 by

April 2016: 2nd Quarter Starts A New Direction?

hand working business

Is the Business Compass Functioning Properly?

 

By Larry C. Paxton

Oil prices rose, the meeting in Doha resulted in no change in global oil production policy, oil companies continue to adjust by selling off assets, the world economy indicates weak growth, The US GDP disappointed, the Federal Reserve made no change in the funds rate, annual and quarterly corporate earnings were mixed, with the tech sector getting hit hard by Apple and IBM results, but Amazon finally had an amazing report. There were some major mergers and acquisitions announced and the US presidential race continues to provide some scary entertainment value.

And so the second quarter of 2016 has started, with a fragile slow growth direction, with some volatility mixed in, and the bulls and bears still making their less than convincing cases for short and long term outlooks.

We at PBRMarketTools.com continue to not reveal our predictions  so that we can say we told you so later on.

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

Friday, April 29:

The PBR1000 End of April US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,773.64, -1.28% from last week, +0.50% MTD/QTD, +2.00% YTD, -2.94% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,775.36, -2.67% from last week, -1.94% MTD/QTD, -4.63% YTD, -8.50% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,065.30, -1.26% from last week, +0.27% MTD/QTD, +1.05% YTD, -3.07% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN) wows Wall Street analysts; $900-a-share here we come. MarketWatch PR link.

Community Health System(PBR125) completes spin-off of public Quorum Health Corp(NYSE: $QHC) with 38 hospitals in 16 states. $CYH PR link.

Occidental Petroleum(PBR123) president/COO Vicki Hollub now president/CEO, succeeds Steve Chazen who remains on the board. $OXY PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says 1Q16 Employee Cost Index(2005=100) was 126.0, +0.6 from 4Q15, +1.9 from 1Q15. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates March Personal Income Annual Rate at $15.734 trillion, +0.4% from February, +4.2% from March 2015. USDOC PR link.

The U of Michigan says April Consumer Sentiment at 89.0, -2.2% from March, -7.2% from April 2015. UMich PR link.

MNI/ISM says the April Chicago PMI at 50.4, -3.2 from March, new orders fell, sharp drop in orders backlogs MNI/ISM PR link.

Global Economy: The global economy’s wild ride is being fueled by too much debt. MarketWatch PR link.

Thursday, April 28:

Comcast(PBR42) NBC Universal unit to acquire DreamWorks Animation(NASDAQ: $DWA) for $41/share, $3.8 billion cash. $CMCSA PR link.

Oracle(PBR78) to acquire construction contracts/payment management cloud services provider Textura(NYSE: TXTR) for $26.00/share, $663 million cash. $ORCL PR link.

Abbott Labs(PBR134) to acquire cardiovascular medical devices developer St Jude Medical(PBR440 $STJ) for $85/share, $25 billion cash/stock. $ABT PR link.

AbbVie(PBR136) to expand oncology presence with acquisition of Stemcentrx for $5.8 billion cash/stock. $ABBV PR link.

Carnival Corp(PBR184) takes delivery of its largest ship, 133,500 ton 3,954 passenger Carnival Vista. $CCL PR link.

Level 3 Communications(PBR375) issues statement on FCC action to unlock $45 billion business data services market. $LVLT PR link.

Graphic Packaging(PBR553) completes acquisition of Australian based 3 locations folding carton manufacturer Colorpak(ASX: CKL). $GPK PR link.

Priceline(PBR319) CEO Darren Huston resigns after internal investigation, chairman Jeffrey Boyd now also interim CEO, Gillian Tans promoted to CEO of booking.com. $PCLN PR link.

Groupon(PBR652) hires Mike Randolfi as CFO. $GRPN PR link.

Symantec(PBR384) president/CEO Mike Brown to step down after successor found, company to focus on cybersecurity. $SYMC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce in 1st Quarter Advance Estimate says Gross Domestic Product(GDP) growing at a 0.5% annual rate, $18.2 trillion. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says Unemployment Initial Claims 4 Week Average at 256,000, lowest since 12/08/1973. USDOL PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says Average 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate at 3.66%, -0.05% from mo ago, -0.02% from yr ago. $FMCC PR link.

Housing: Homeownership rate falls to third lowest on record. MarketWatch PR link.

Economy: What’s concerning about the GDP numbers — economist reactions. MarketWatch PR link.

Stocks Investing: Finra issues report cards on superfast traders in effort to stop manipulation. MarketWatch PR link.

Investment Fees: A catastrophe looms over high-fee mutual funds and investment advisers. MarketWatch PR link.

Retirement: The typical American couple has only $5,000 saved for retirement. MarketWatch PR link.

Retail: This is how the retail industry is dying. MarketWatch PR link.

Eurozone: Pro-Brexit economists make case for U.K. departure. MarketWatch PR link.

Wednesday, April 27:

Here’s what Apple(PBR5 $AAPL)’s horrible quarter means for the company in the long term. MarketWatch PR link.

Comcast(PBR42) Q1 video customers increase by 53,000, best Q1 in 9 years, high-speed internet customers increase 438,000, best Q1 in 4 years. $CMCSA PR link.

Backlash leads Comcast(PBR42 $CMCSA) to boost broadband data limits to 1 terabyte. MarketWatch PR link.

United Technologies(PBR45) to do $3 billion in share repurchases beyond $6 billion accelerated share repurchases, sets aside $1-2 billion for acquisitions. $UTX PR link.

Facebook(PBR228) founder Mark Zuckerberg announces proposal for new class of stock. $FB PR link.

Avery Dennison(PBR396) to acquire $170 million/year pressure sensitive labels manufacturer Mactac Europe for $226 million. $AVY PR link.

Murphy Oil(PBR448) to sell its 5% interest in Syncrude Canada to Suncor Energy for $750 million. $MUR PR link.

HanesBrands(PBR459) authorizes 40 million shares repurchase program, $1 billion. $HBI PR link.

HanesBrands(PBR459) to acquire Australia based underwear/intimate apparel company Pacific Brands for $800 million. $HBI PR link.

McGraw Hill(PBR477) changing its name to S&P Global, symbol NYSE: $SPGI. $SPGI PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) announces board changes and agreement with Starboard. $YHOO PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561 $CMG) just hit a ‘fundamental bottom’ after rocky quarter. MarketWatch PR link.

Brown-Forman(PBR563) to acquire for $400 million the BenRiach Distillery Co with GlenDronach, BenRiach, & Glenglassaugh single malt Scotch whisky brands. $BF PR link.

YUM!(PBR217) promotes David Gibbs to president/CFO, effective 05/02/16. $YUM PR link.

Biogen(PBR282) hires Michael Ehlers, PhD, as EVP-Research/Development, effective late 05/16. $BIIB PR link.

Barnes & Noble(PBR408) founder/chairman Leonard Riggio to retire in 09/16, to remain on board, Paul Guenther to become non-executive chairman. $BKS PR link.

First Solar(PBR630) CFO Mark Widmar to become CEO on 07/01/16, succeeds Jim Hughes who remains on board. $FSLR PR link.

Pinnacle Foods(PBR751) hires Mark Clouse as CEO, effective 05/23/16. $PF PR link.

Federal Open Market Committee 04/26-27/16 Meeting Statement: Labor market improves, economic growth slows, no funds rate change. FRB PR link.

Compensation: Right out of college, women already earn $9,000 a year less than men. MarketWatch PR link.

Housing: Here’s what’s behind America’s renewed mania for home renovation. MarketWatch PR link.

The American Dream: We’re going broke chasing the American Dream. MarketWatch PR link.

Global Economy: The world’s debt problem is really an investment problem. MarketWatch PR link.

US/China Trade: Apple(PBR5) is failing in China, while many others are starting to succeed. MarketWatch PR link.

Investing: Five steps to beating the market. MarketWatch PR link.

Tuesday, April 26:

Regulators block Walt Disney(PBR57 $DIS) from entering China online video market. MarketWatch PR link.

Laclede Group(PBR967) to acquire equity in EnergySouth, parent company of Mobile Gas and Willmut Gas, for $344 million. $LG PR link.

Markit April Flash US Composite PMI Output Index at 51.7, up from 51.3 in March, increase from services. Markit PR link.

ConferenceBoard says April Consumer Confidence Index at 94.2, down from March’s 96.1. CB PR link.

S&P/Case-Shiller February US Home Price Index at 175.61, continued slow growth from Jan 175.26. S&P/C-S PR link.

Economy: Cars no longer providing spark to economy. MarketWatch PR link.

Investing: Chart watchers say the stock market is stalling and exhausted, others are bullish. MarketWatch PR link.

Oil: World Bank lifts oil-price forecast, sees supply glut subsiding. MarketWatch PR link.

Corporate Ratings: Exxon Mobil(PBR2)’s downgrade leaves just two AAA-rated companies in the US. MarketWatch PR link.

Monday, April 25:

Honeywell(PBR74) announces $5 billion share repurchase program. $HON PR link.

Allergan(PBR219) breaks ground on $200 million Waco facility expansion, to add 100 fulltime jobs. $AGN PR link.

US Justice Department Allows Charter Communications(PBR297)’s Acquisition of Time Warner CablePBR119) and Bright House Networks to Proceed with Conditions. $HON PR link.

Ball Corp(PBR312) to sell select metal beverage can assets for $3.42 billion to meet regulatory requirements for purchase of Rexam plc. $BLL PR link.

Gannett(PBR414) proposes to acquire Tribune Publishing Company(NYSE: TPUB) for $12.25/share in cash, $815 million. $GCI PR link.

Boyd Gaming(PBR727) to acquire Las Vegas assets of Cannery Casino Resorts for $230 million cash. $BYD PR link.

Global Payments(PBR762) completes $4.3 billion acquisition of Heartland Payment Systems(PBR821 $HPY). $GPN PR link.

Bob Evans(PBR1020) to close 27 restaurants. $BOBE PR link.

Community Health System(PBR125) promotes Tim Hingtgen EVP-Operations, & John McClellan president, Division IV Operations. $CYH PR link.

Perrigo(PBR565) Chairman/CEO Joseph Papa resigns, president John Hendrickson adds CEO title, effective immediately. $PRGO PR link.

CIT Group(PBR608) hires John C Erickson as president of Consumer Banking, & president, California, reports to CEO. $CIT PR link.

The US Dept of HUD says March New Single-Family Houses Sold at a 511,000 annual rate, -1.5% from February, +5.4% from March 2015. HUD PR link.

Retail: Retail layoffs in 2016 could be highest since 2010. MarketWatch PR link.

Retail: More department stores should close, study says. MarketWatch PR link.

Trade Deficit: America’s trade deficit begins at home. MarketWatch PR link.

Share buybacks delivering more bang for the buck. MarketWatch PR link.

Friday, April 22:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 18,003.75, +0.59% from last week, +1.80% MTD/QTD, +3.32% YTD, -1.69% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,906.23, -0.65% from last week, +0.75% MTD/QTD, -2.02% YTD, -5.99% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,091.58, +0.52% from last week, +1.55% MTD/QTD, +2.33% YTD, -1.84% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

China suspends Apple(PBR5 $AAPL)‘s online book, movie services. MarketWatch PR link.

For McDonald’s(PBR101 $MCD), breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. MarketWatch PR link.

ADT(PBR627) stockholders approve $42.00/share cash acquisition by Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR906 $APO), to close 05/02/16. $ADT PR link.

Under Armour(PBR668) to be exclusive performance footwear & apparel supplier for UC Berkeley Golden Bear athletic teams through 2027. $UA PR link.

AmerisourceBergen(PBR16) EVP Retail Strategy & president, Good Neighbor Pharmacy David Neu to retire in summer 2016. $ABC PR link.

Economy: FreddieMac(PBR41) April Outlook: Economic outlook darkens, but housing remains bright spot $FMCC PR link.

Economy: On the U.S. economy, is the glass half full, or half empty? MarketWatch PR link.

Mortgage delinquencies fall to lowest in at least 16 years. MarketWatch PR link.

Markit Flash US Manufacturing PMI drops to 50.8 in April, lowest level in over 6.5 years Markit PR link.

Executive Compensation: Tesla(PBR651)’s Elon Musk is doing for executive compensation what he did for electric #cars. MarketWatch PR link.

Investing: Investors are ‘really overpaying’ for stocks, by this measure. MarketWatch PR link.

The Eurozone economy mired in low growth, no inflation. MarketWatch PR link.

Thursday, April 21:

Johnson Controls(PBR68) expects merger with Tyco plc(NYSE $TYC) to be completed on 10/01/16 with global headquarters in Cork, Ireland. $JCI PR link.

Sears Holding(PBR93) to close 68 KMarts & 10 Sears stores this summer to accelerate profitability effort. $SHLD PR link.

Starbucks(PBR178) adds 900,000 Rewards Loyalty Members in US in Q2, adds 100 million shares to repurchase authorization. $SBUX PR link.

DISH Network(PBR196) & Viacom(PBR212 $VIA) issue joint statement confirming multi-year contract agreed to. $DISH PR link.

AMD(PBR446) gets $293 million plus royalties in IP high performance processor/SoC licensing agreement in Chinese joint venture. $AMD PR link.

Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA)’s Musk says has almost 400,000 orders for Model 3. MarketWatch PR link.

Boyd Gaming(PBR727) to acquire Aliante Casino Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas for $380 million cash. $BYD PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782) undertakes Chapter 11 Reorganization, secures $300 million in new DIP financing. $SUNE PR link.

Heartland Payment Systems(PBR821 $HPY) stockholders approve $4.3 billion acquisition by Global Payments(PBR762), to close within 3 business days. $GPN PR link.

Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) hires Robert Webb as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective 05/16/16. $THC PR link.

The Philadelphia Fed says April General Activity Indicator at -1.6, was +12.4 in March, cites employment weakness. PhillyFed PR link.

The Conference Board says the March US Leading Economic Index at 123.4, +0.2% from February, 2010=100. CB PR link.

Jobs: Robots at work will mean higher pay and more skills for you. MarketWatch PR link.

Wednesday, April 20:

Amazon(PBR29) to open 6th fulfillment center in Texas, creates 1,000 new fulltime jobs, in Haslet near Dallas/Ft Worth. $AMZN PR link.

Comcast(PBR42) launches Xfinity TV Partner Program for apps independent of set-top boxes, Samsung is first partner. $CMCSA PR link.

McDonald’s(PBR101 $MCD) is testing new Big Macs and analysts want fries with that. MarketWatch PR link.

Devon Energy(PBR143) to sell non-core Mississippian assets for $200 million to White Star Petroleum, part of 2016 plan to sell $2-3 billion in assets. $DVN PR link.

Assurant(PBR268) hires Ajay Waghray as Chief Technology Officer, reports to president/CEO. $AIZ PR link.

Alliant Energy(PBR634) to do 2:1 stock split after close of business on 05/04/16. $LNT PR link.

Lincoln Electric(PBR710) adds 10 million shares to 2.8 million available for repurchase program. $LECO PR link.

Plexus(PBR807) EVP/COO Todd Kelsey to become president/CEO on 10/02/16, succeeds retiring Dean Foate. $PLXS PR link.

Rowan Cos(PBR925) appoints executives in finance, marketing, & investor relations in reorganization. $RDC PR link.

Natl Assn Realtors says March Existing Home Sales Annual Rate at 5.33 million, Median price $222,700 NAR PR link.

Jobs: Most new obs in U.S. are not crummy. MarketWatch PR link.

Compensation: These are the highest paying companies in the U.S. MarketWatch PR link.

Healthcare: Here’s how UnitedHealth(PBR14 $UNH)’s Obamacare retreat does — or doesn’t — affect you. MarketWatch PR link.

Infrastructure-Water: America’s water crisis is way bigger than Flint. MarketWatch PR link.

Investing: Hedge funds suffer biggest outflows since the Great Recession. MarketWatch PR link.

Tuesday, April 19:

CVS Health(PBR11) partners & invests in Curbside mobile app for customer orders pickup in an hour. $CVS PR link.

United Health(PBR14 $UNH) will exit most Obamacare state exchanges in 2017. MarketWatch PR link.

Intel(PBR51) to reduce global workforce by up to 12,000, 11%, through mid 2017. $INTC PR link.

Harley-Davidson(PBR400) in Q1 report says it expects to ship 269,000-274,000 motorcycles in 2016. $HOG PR link.

Netflix(PBR447 $NFLX) expects subscriber growth to slow as price, competition increases. MarketWatch PR link.

McCormick(PBR552) buys Australia based private global chilled packaged herbs Gourmet Garden brand provider Botanical Food Co for $114 million cash. $MKC PR link.

AmTrust Financial(PBR564) to acquire ANV Holdings from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan for $218.7 million cash. $AFSI PR link.

Allscripts Healthcare(PBR1014) completes joint venture deal to acquire private Netsmart Technologies to combine with Homecare unit to create largest technology company exclusively dedicated to human services and post acute care. $MDRX PR link.

SuperValu(PBR164) hires James Weidenheimer to new position of EVP, Corporate Development & Chief Innovation Director. $SVU PR link.

Rockwell Automation(PBR380) to promote Blake Moret to president/CEO, effective 07/01/16, Keith Nosbusch to remain chairman. $ROK PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates March New Residential Building Permits annual rate at 1,086,000, -7.7% from February, +4.6% from March 2015. USDOC PR link.

Economy: There’s no secret U.S.-China pact, economists say after IMF meeting. MarketWatch PR link.

Monday, April 18:

Whirlpool(PBR138) announces $1 billion share repurchase program. $WHR PR link.

Nordstrom(PBR214) changing operating model, to phase out up to 400 jobs in corporate/regional support teams. $JWN PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Las Vegas, NV, based managing general insurance agent KDC Associates, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Colfax(PBR517) hires Shyam Kambeyanda as SVP & President, ESAB, effective 05/16/16, reports to president/CEO. $CFX PR link.

AmTrust Financial(PBR564) completes purchase of Texas based property/casualty insurance provider Republic Cos for $233 million. $AFSI PR link.

Nortek(PBR763) hires Bruno Biasiotta as COO, Air Management, reports to Nortek president/CEO. $NTK PR link.

Bristow Group(PBR919) promotes Chet Akiri to acting SVP operations & Chief Commercial Officer, 3 executive positions eliminated in restructuring. $BRS PR link.

Housing: Natl Assn of Home Builders says April Homebuilder Confidence remains at 58 for 3rd consecutive month, indicates slow but steady growth. NAHB PR link.

Tax Day-Opinion: Here’s how to fix the IRS and end America’s Tax Day mess. MarketWatch PR link.

Taxes: Compared to most countries, we’re undertaxed. MarketWatch PR link.

Friday, April 15:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,897.46, +1.82% from last week, +1.20% MTD/QTD, +2.71% YTD, -2.27% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,938.22, +1.80% from last week, +1.40% MTD/QTD, -1.38% YTD, -5.38% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,080.73, +1.62% from last week, +1.02% MTD/QTD, +1.80% YTD, -2.35% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

MGM Resorts(PBR273) & partner Infinity World complete $1.1 billion sale of Las Vegas CityCenter The Shops at Crystals Mall to Invesco & Simon Property(PBR494 $SPG). $MGM PR link.

EMCOR(PBR392) completes $205 million cash acquisition of electrical/instrumentation services providers Ardent Services and Rabalais Constructors. $EME PR link.

Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) completes $60/share cash/stock acquisition of Jarden(PBR324 $JAH), now called Newell Brands, to be a $16 billion/year consumer products company. $NWL PR link.

McGraw Hill(PBR477) to Sell J.D. Power for $1.1 billion to investments firm XIO Group. $MHFI PR link.

Liberty Media(PBR534) completes recapitalization into three tracking stocks. $LMCA PR link.

ON Semiconductor(PBR656) extends $20.00/share, $2.4 billion cash tender offer for Fairchild Semiconductor(PBR1000) to 04/28/16. $ON PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says March Industrial Production Total Index at 103.4, -0.6 from February, -2.0 from March 2015. FRB PR link.

The U of Michigan says Preliminary March Consumer Sentiment Index at 89.7, -1.4% from February, -6.5% from March 2015. UMich PR link.

Thursday, April 14:

Berkshire Hathaway(PBR4) owned utility plans $3.5 billion for additional 2,000 megawatts Iowa wind farm. MarketWatch article link.

Microsoft(PBR31 $MSFT) sues US government over secret customer data searches. MarketWatch article link.

McDonald’s(PBR101 $MCD) pulls wraps from most menus. MarketWatch article link.

Gannett(PBR414), Tribune, McClatchy, & Hearst newspaper chains form advertising network. MarketWatch article link.

Chipotle(PBR561 $CMG) illness outbreaks cost it three years of earnings, but there is hope. MarketWatch article link.

EnerSys(PBR776) acquires advanced industrial applications lithium battery developer Enser, terms not disclosed. $ENS article link.

SunEdison(PBR782 $SUNE) internal investigation finds accounting issues but no fraud. MarketWatch article link.

Verisk Analytics(PBR943) acquires insurance automation provider Risk Intelligence Ireland, terms not disclosed. $VRSK article link.

Estee Lauder(PBR255) makes global leadership changes for EMEA, promotes Nancy Mahon to SVP/Global Corporate Citizenship/Sustainability & Maria Cristina Gonzalez Noguera to SVP/Global Public Affairs. $EL article link.

Southwest Gas(PBR867) hires Paul Daily as CEO of subsidiary Centuri Construction Group. $SWX article link.

The US Dept of Labor says March Current Average Earnings/Hour at $25.43, +0.28% from February, +2.3% from March 2015. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says March Consumer Price Index was +0.1% over Feb, +0.9% over past 12 mos. USDOL PR link.

The PBR1000 Fun Fact: The PBR1000 March Market Capitalization was at $20.312 trillion, +6.40% from February, +0.29% YTD, -1.80% from December 2014.

Housing: Foreclosures fall to pre-crisis lows, RealtyTrac says. MarketWatch article link.

Housing/Pay: Americans are spending almost all of their pay raises on rent. MarketWatch article link.

Food: Americans are paying less for groceries amid global glut of crops. MarketWatch article link.

Personal Finance: Why Americans are some of the world’s worst savers. MarketWatch article link.

Retirement Planning: Don’t rely on the 4% rule for your retirement. MarketWatch article link.

International Economy: China’s giant bonfire of #debt needs one spark to become an inferno. MarketWatch article link.

Wednesday, April 13:

Nearly 40,000 Verizon(PBR15 $VZ) workers go on strike. MarketWatch article link.

Amazon(PBR29) introduces Kindle Oasis, thinner/lighter than previous versions, priced at $289.99. $AMZN article link.

PVH(PBR328) completes acquisition of balance of Tommy Hilfiger China joint venture, will add $100 million in revenues. $PVH article link.

Peabody Energy(PBR372) files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, coal industry related, will continue to operate as usual during reorganization. $BTU article link.

McCormick(PBR552) announces that it does not intend to make an offer for Premier Foods plc. $MKC article link.

Legg Mason(PBR709) completes $585 million acquisition of 82% majority interest in real estate investment & $40 billion portfolio management firm Clarion Partners. $LM article link.

Gap Inc(PBR179) promotes Sonia Syngal to global president, Old Navy unit, reports to Gap CEO. $GPS article link.

Level 3 Communications(PBR375) CEO Jeff Storey returns after temporary medical leave from heart surgery. $LVLT article link.

GoPro(PBR1010) hires Danny Coster as VP of Design, reports to CEO. $GPRO article link.

The US Dept of Labor says March Final Demand Producer Price Index was -0.1%. Final demand index was -0.1% for 12 months. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says February Total Trade Sales/Manufacturers’ Shipments are estimated at $1,284.4 billion, -0.4% from January, -1.4% from February 2015. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates March Total US Retail/Food Services Sales at $446.9 billion, -0.3% from February, +1.7% from March 2015. USDOC PR link.

The US Federal Reserve releases the Beige Book, says economy growing at modest/moderate rate, expects trend to continue. USDOC document link.

Investing: These 12 U.S. companies have increased sales for at least 60 straight quarters. MarketWatch article link.

Taxes: Americans pay more in taxes than for housing, food, clothes combined. MarketWatch article link.

Banking: Regulators reject ‘living wills’ of five huge U.S. banks. MarketWatch article link.

Infrastructure: Our crumbling infrastructure is hurting U.S. competitiveness. MarketWatch article link.

Housing: The mortgage interest tax deduction may fuel inequality, researchers suggest. MarketWatch article link.

Healthcare: Yes, you are paying more for your health insurance. MarketWatch article link.

Student Loans: Why Obama is forgiving the student loans of nearly 400,000 people. MarketWatch article link.

Gas Prices: Drivers rev up for the cheapest summer gasoline prices in 12 years. MarketWatch article link.

Entertainment: The movie theater business is in panic mode over this. MarketWatch article link.

Tuesday, April 12:

Penske Automotive(PBR170) acquires Ontario, Canada, based Harper Truck Centres, to add $130 million revenues/year. $PAG PR link.

Facebook(PBR228) provides update on popular Messenger Platform at F8 Conference. $FB PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires S Barrington, IL, based national retail insurance broker Insurance Plans Agency. $AJG PR link.

Activision Blizzard(PBR540) sets new CS:GO major esports records with 45 million hours watched, 1.6 million concurrent viewers 03/31-04/03/16. $ATVI PR link.

Triumph Group(PBR578) to reorganize from 6 to 4 business units, announces executive leadership changes. $TGI PR link.

Scotts Miracle-Gro(PBR705) to eliminate neonicotinoid-based pesticides from all its outdoor products. $SMG PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) Chief Marketing Officer Martine Reardon leaving 05/13/16 after 32 years of service. $M PR link.

Abercrombie & Fitch(PBR595) hires Ashley Sargent Price as SVP & Creative Director of Marketing, reports to Chief Merchandising Officer. $ANF PR link.

Cracker Barrel(PBR729) hires Jill Golder as its next CFO. $CBRL PR link.

Revlon(PBR900) hires Juan Figuereo as EVP/CFO. $REV PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says US March Receipts were $227.8 billion, Outlays $335.9 billion, Deficit -$108.0 billion, Fiscal YTD Deficit $461.0 billion. Treasury PR link.

Housing: CoreLogic says February Houses in Serious Delinquency at 1.252 million, -19.9% from February 2015. CoreLogic document link.

The US Dept of Labor says March US Import Prices were +0.2% compared to -0.4% in February, Exports were 0.0% after -0.5% in February. USDOL PR link.

Investing-Stocks: Why some analysts are nearly throwing in the towel on the S&P 500 this year. MarketWatch article link.

Wages: IWPR says gender wage gap widened in 2015. IWPR article link.

Monday, April 11:

Lockheed Martin(PBR64) delivers 150,000th Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round. $LMT PR link.

Goldman Sachs(PBR76 $GS) completes $5 billion deal to settle mortgage securities claims. MarketWatch PR link.

Chesapeake Energy(PBR131) has amended its $4.0 billion secured revolving credit facility agreement. $CHK PR link.

Marathon Oil(PBR250) to divest $950 million of non-core assets. $MRO PR link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) founder makes another plea for immediate removal of CEO. MarketWatch article link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) responds to latest letter from founder Bill Pulte. $PHM article link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) buys Minnesota based Midwest retail insurance broker Charles Allen Agency. $AJM PR link.

England’s Daily Mail confirms it’s exploring bid for Yahoo!(PBR519 $YHOO). MarketWatch article link.

Liberty Media(PBR534 $LMCA) Sirius XM($SIRI) unit adds 465,000 new subscribers in the first quarter. MarketWatch article link.

CNO Financial(PBR559) hires Gary Bhojwani as President, promotes Erik Helding to EVP/CFO. $CNO PR link.

Cabot Corp(PBR607) promotes Hobart Kalkstein to SVP & president, Reinforcement Materials & Jay Doubman to SVP-corporate strategy/development. $CBT PR link.

The PBR1000 FYI: March Stock Index was 68,902.18, +6.60% from February, +1.74% YTD, -3.48% from 12/31/14.

Company defaults headed for largest cyclical rise since recession. MarketWatch article link.

Investing: Forget flipping houses-these retail investors flip mortgages. MarketWatch article link.

Pharmaceuticals: Walgreens(PBR36 $WBA), CVS(PBR11 $CVS) are taking this big step to fight the opioids epidemic. MarketWatch article link.

Computer Industry: IDC says PC shipment decline continued in 1st quarter with hopes for improvement. IDC article link.

Economy-Inflation: Consumer inflation expectations retreat, even as gasoline climbs, survey finds. MarketWatch article link.

China: China’s grand strategy: Use the world as one large supply chain. MarketWatch article link.

Oil: 5 reasons #oil is trading above $40 a barrel again. MarketWatch article link.

OECD sees weaker global growth; China will steady. MarketWatch article link.

Friday, April 8:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,576.96, -1.21% from last week, -0.61% MTD/QTD, +0.87% YTD, -4.02% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,850.69, -1.30% from last week, -0.39% MTD/QTD, -3.13% YTD, -7.05% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,047.60, -1.21% from last week, -0.59% MTD/QTD, +0.18% YTD, -3.91% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Marriott Intl(PBR211 $MAR) $77.94/share, $13.3 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels(PBR417) gets okay at both shareholder meetings, to close mid 2016. $HOT article link.

Gannett(PBR414) completes $12/share, $280 million acquisition of Journal Media Group(NYSE: JMG). $GCI article link.

Crown Castle(PBR603) has acquired 336 towers in US & Puerto Rico Tower Development Corp for $461 million cash. $CCI article link.

HB Fuller(PBR870) hires John Corkrean as EVP/CFO, effective 05/17/16, succeeds Jim Giertz who is now EVP-Strategy. $FUL article link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates February US Wholesale Trade Sales at $427.6 billion, -0.19% from January, -3.10% from February 2015. USDOC article link.

Economy: Why poor first-quarter GDP is nothing to worry about. MarketWatch article link.

Jobs: Millennials are in the driver’s seat as companies ramp up hiring. MarketWatch article link.

Housing: Is there a place for micro apartments & micro hotels in a country notorious for macro tastes? MarketWatch article link.

Auto Industry: Americans have fallen out of love with small cars. MarketWatch article link.

Taxes(Opinion): Inherited money doesn’t do much for the economy, so let’s spread it around. MarketWatch article link.

Thursday, April 7:

Alcoa(PBR115) to supply 3D printed titanium fuselage & engine pylon parts for Airbus aircraft. $AA PR link.

L Brands(PBR247) restructuring Victoria’s Secret into 3 business units, to lay off 200 workers in Columbus & New York. $LB PR link.

Barnes & Noble(PBR408) outsourcing certain NOOK technology functions, closing Santa Clara & Taiwan offices. $BKS PR link.

HanesBrands(PBR459) to acquire $210 million/2016 Champion Europe, uniting Champion brand globally. $HBI PR link.

Tesla(PBR651) says in the first week since the Model 3 announcement it has received 325,000 reservations at $1,000 each, representing $14 billion in future sales. $TSLA PR link.

Ruby Tuesday(PBR1041) hires Tom Williams as Chief People Officer. $RT PR link.

Ruby Tuesday(PBR1041) EVP/CFO Jill Golder is leaving, effective 04/11/16. $RT PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says February Total Consumer Credit at $3.568 trillion, +0.49% from January, +6.73% from February 2015. FRB PR link.

Housing: First-time buyers are skipping the starter home and saving for the big house in the suburbs. MarketWatch article link.

Wealth Management: America’s super-rich are hiding trillions of dollars in plain sight. MarketWatch article link.

Oil: What OPEC’s political agenda means for oil prices. MarketWatch article link.

Consumerism: The real reason Wal-Mart(PBR1 $WMT) and Starbucks(PBR178 $SBUX) want you to get their rewards cards. MarketWatch article link.

Wednesday, April 6:

Verizon(PBR15) acquires 24.5% equity in AwesomenessTV, to create short-form mobile video service. $VZ PR link.

Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN): 5 key lines from Jeff Bezos’s latest letter to shareholders. MarketWatch PR link.

Pfizer(PBR56) terminates $150 billion acquisition of Allergan(PBR219 $AGN), cites new US Treasury policies regarding inversions. $PFE PR link.

Sprint(PBR86) signs $2.2 billion deal for the sale and lease-back of certain existing network assets. $S PR link.

Halliburton(PBR90) & Baker Hughes(PBR108 $BHI) to contest US Dept of Justice antitrust suit against merger. $HAL PR link.

Medtronic(PBR133) gets FDA approval for world’s smallest pacemaker for US patients. $MDT PR link.

Monsanto(PBR187 $MON) swears off blockbuster deals. MarketWatch article link.

Allergan(PBR219) reiterates strong standalone growth profile and strategy following termination of Pfizer(PBR56 $PFE) $150 billion acquisition transaction. $AGN PR link.

Constellation Brands(PBR377) enhances fine wine portfolio with The Prisoner Wine Company Brands acquisition, terms not disclosed. $STZ PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) promotes Smith’s VP-Operations Kenny Kimball to president of the division, effective 04/30/16, succeeds retiring Jay Cummins. $KR PR link.

McDonald’s(PBR101) Andrew McKenna retiring after 12 years as chairman, 25 years as a director. $MCD PR link.

Pentair(PBR363) hires Dennis Cassidy as president, Valves & Controls segment. $PNR PR link.

JM Smucker(PBR437) SVP Supply Chain/Operations Dennis Armstrong retiring 09/30/16, promotes Randal Day to SVP Operations & Robert Ferguson to SVP Supply Chain. $SJM PR link.

The US Federal Reserve releases March 15-16 minutes, moderate growth, keeps federal funds rate at 1//4-1/2%. FOMC PR link.

Financial Advisers: Obama administration targets financial advisers better at enriching themselves than clients. MarketWatch PR link.

Tuesday, April 5:

Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) reorganizes leadership structure in Oil & Gas subsidiary to reduce costs. $FCX PR link.

NextEra Energy(PBR173) completes $1.55 billion sale of 2 Texas fossil generating assets to Energy Future Holdings affiliate. $NEE PR link.

Stryker Corp(PBR283) completes $1.28 billion cash acquisition of defibrillators provider Physio-Control Intl from Bain Capital. $SYK PR link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) responds to founder Bill Pulte’s letter, summarizes events, supports CEO. $PHM PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Oklahoma City, OK, based employee benefits insurance broker Capital Benefits Group. $AJG PR link.

Lumber Liquidators(PBR1061) wins Proposition 65 lawsuit, judge rules in company’s favor. $LL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says February US Hires were 5.422 million, +5.82% from Jan, +8.20% from February 2015. USDOL article link.

The US Dept of Commerce says March Exports estimated at $178.1 billion, Imports $225.1 billion, Deficit $47.0 billion, -2.4% from February. USDOC article link.

Markit says Final March US Services PMI at 51.3, up from 49.7 in February. Markit article link.

ISM says March Non-Manufacturing NMI at 54.5, up 1.1 from February, ISM article link.

Investment Strategies: Earnings don’t matter—until they do. MarketWatch article link.

Investment Strategies: ‘Seinfeld,’ mean reversion and the best time to rebalance your portfolio. MarketWatch article link.

Auto Industry: Why Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA)’s Model 3 could mean better, cheaper cars from other luxury brands MarketWatch article link.

Monday, April 4:

McKesson(PBR6) completes total of $1.2 billion for acquisitions of Vantage Oncology & of Biologics. $MCK PR link.

Gilead Sciences(PBR107) to acquire ACC inhibitor NASH developer Nimbus Apollo from Nimbus Therapeutics for $400 million plus $800 million future incentives. $GILD PR link.

Staples(PBR122) and Workbar offer full service coworking spaces in retail locations, initially in Boston area. $SPLS PR link.

Air Products(PBR267) to exit Energy-from-Waste business, take up to $1 billion discontinued operations write-off. $APD PR link.

BB&T(PBR277) complete $1.8 billion acquisition of National Penn Bancshares. $BBT PR link.

Blackstone(PBR352) to acquire majority interest in India based IT services provider Mphasis for $825 million-$1.1 billion. $BX PR link.

Axiall(PBR521) rejects revised $23.12/share cash/stock offer from Westlake Chemical(NYSE: WLK). $AXLL PR link.

Tesla(PBR651) delivers 14,820 vehicles in Q1 2016, some Model X parts supply issues, Model S orders +45% from Q1 2015. $TSLA PR link.

Groupon(PBR652) gets $250 million investment from Atairos, who gets board seat, includes possible collaboration with Comcast(PBR42 $CMCSA). $GRPN PR link.

Armstrong World(PBR772) completes spin-off of $1.2 billion/2015 Armstrong Flooring as separate public company(NYSE: AFI). $AWI PR link.

Brocade Communications(PBR845) to acquire Ruckus Wireless(NYSE: $RKUS) for $14.43/share, $1.5 billion cash/stock. $BRCD PR link.

Charles River Labs(PBR1025) completes $585 million cash acquisition of biopharma/ag/industrial chemicals CDMO co WIL Research. $CRL PR link.

Walt Disney(PBR57 $DIS) COO Thomas Staggs stepping down on 05/06/16, will be a special advisor to the CEO through fiscal year. MarketWatch article link.

Honeywell(PBR74) promotes Darius Adamczyk president/COO, other promotions announced. $HON PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) hires Douglas Sesler as EVP-Real Estate. $M PR link.

Advance Auto Parts(PBR279) hires Thomas Greco as CEO, effective 04/11/16, interim George Sherman to remain president. $AAP PR link.

Owens & Minor(PBR292) hires Rony Kordahl as EVP, N American Operations, reports to president/CEO. $OMI PR link.

PulteGroup(PBR428) Chairman/CEO Richard Dugas to retire in May 2017, in part due to recent suggestion for CEO change. $PHM PR link.

Alaska Air(PBR454) to acquire Virgin America(NASDAQ: $VA) for $57/share, $4.0 billion cash. includes debt. $ALK PR link.

Triumph Group(PBR578) SVP/CFO Jeffrey McRae leaving after 10-K filing in May, search for new CFO starts. $TGI PR link.

Brunswick(PBR584) promotes Huw Bower to president, Boat Group, continues to report to chairman/CEO. $BC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates Total February US Manufacturing New Orders at $453.9B, -1.73% from January, -3.03% from February 2015. USDOC PR link.

Retirement: New conflict-of-interest rule will protect retirement investors. MarketWatch article link.

Global Economy: IMF says insurers pose risks to the global economy MarketWatch article link.

Healthcare: America’s facing a shortage of primary-care doctors. MarketWatch article link.

Banking: Regulators seen as exhausted in effort to end too-big-to-fail banks. MarketWatch article link.

Energy: Stress in oil credit market hits record level MarketWatch article link.

Housing: A tale of two housing markets is playing out in home equity MarketWatch article link.

Inflation: Why inflation expectations have fallen and won’t get up. MarketWatch article link.

Corporate Regulations: Treasury takes new steps to limit tax inversions. MarketWatch article link.

Friday, April 1:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,792.75, +1.58% from last week, +0.61% MTD/QTD, +2.11% YTD, -2.84% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,914.54, +2.95% from last week, +0.92% MTD/QTD, -1.85% YTD, -5.83% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,072.78, +1.81% from last week, +0.63% MTD/QTD, +1.41% YTD, -2.72% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

General Electric(PBR9 $GE) to sell stake in Poland’s Bank BPH’s Core Bank in $2.1 billion deal. MarketWatch article link.

Community Health System(PBR125) to spinoff public Quorum Health Corp on 04/29/16, will have 38 hospitals in 16 states. $CYH PR link.

Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) completes $575 million sale of Atlanta area 5 hospitals, 26 physician clinics to regional network WellStar Health. $THC PR link.

Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR185) completes up to $600 million acquisition of private biotech autoimmune diseases therapies developer Padlock Therapeutics. $BMY PR link.

BB&T(PBR277) completes $500 million acquisition of $200 million revenues/year commercial wholesale insurance provider Swett & Crawford. $BBT PR link.

Stryker Corp(PBR283) completes $2.775 billion cash acquisition of medical disposable products provider Sage Products from Madison Dearborn Partners. $SYK PR link.

Frontier Communications(PBR501) completes $10.54 billion acquisition of Verizon(PBR15 $VZ) Wireline Operations in California, Texas & Florida. $FTR PR link.

The Andersons(PBR525) to sell 8 grain & plant nutrients facilities in Iowa to MaxYield Cooperative. $ANDE PR link.

Tesla(PBR651) starts accepting $1,000 to reserve newly announced 215 miles range, starting at $35,000 Model 3. $TSLA PR link.

Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA) Model 3 electric sedan reservations of nearly 200,000 on first day top total of all US 2015 plug-in car sales. MarketWatch article link.

ON Semiconductor(PBR656) extends $20.00/share, $2.4 billion cash tender offer for Fairchild Semiconductor(PBR1000 $FCS) to 04/14/16. $ON PR link.

Beacon Roofing(PBR818) buys Philadelphia, PA, building products distributor Atlantic Building Products. $BECN PR link.

Beacon Roofing(PBR818) buys N Carolina based Lyf-Tym Building Products. $BECN PR link.

Hub Group(PBR611) EVP-Sales Jim Gaw to retire on 06/30/16, Steve Rand being promoted to succeed him. $HUBG PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says March US Employment at 151.3 million, 8.0 million unemployed, 5.0% unemployment rate. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says February Construction Spending at a $1,144.0 billion annual rate, -0.5% from January, +10.3% from February 2015. USDOC PR link.

Manufacturing: ISM says March PMI at 51.8, up from February’s 49.5. ISM PR link.

Consumer Index: March Consumer Sentiment Index at 91.0, -0.7 from February. U of Michigan article link.

Healthcare: America’s 1 million-doctor shortage is right upon us. MarketWatch article link.

Auto Industry: March Total US Auto Sales were $54.691 billion, Average Vehicle Price $32,887, Average Unit Spending $3,005. TrueCar article link.

Auto Industry: Total March US Vehicle Units Sold were 1,595,065, +3.1% from March 2015. Automotive News article link.

Employment: Part-timers might account for labor-force surge. MarketWatch article link.

Minimum Wage: California, New York pass $15 minimum-wage laws MarketWatch article link.

Corporate: Companies with unequal voting rights underperform shareholder friendly ones, study finds. MarketWatch article link.

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(The PBR1000 is the premiere business intelligence service covering over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administration headquarters in the US. These companies generate nearly $14 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to The PBR1000 subscribers. Users include C-level executives, entrepreneurs,  sales/marketing/advertising professionals, investors/investment advisors, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just go to the PBRMarketTools.com Subscribe page.)

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Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

The PBR1000 March 2016 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots

May 1, 2016 by

March 2016: The Bull Looks Good as Stocks Rally

Business Bull-ddpavumba ID-100185941

March Was A Good Month For The Bull.

By Larry C. Paxton

In March oil prices rose and stocks followed accordingly.

In terms of volatility, for the S&P500 stocks, out of the 22 trading days in March 2016, 15 of them were positive, 1 was greater than 2%, 0 were less than -2%. 

So, the Bull won March.  But the overall US and world economies continue to send mixed signals, still showing more anxious fragility than comforting stability. The second quarter starts. The question is, can the Bull continue its run?

If you are not a current Subscriber to highly acclaimed The PBR1000 Snapshots  just click here to get your 13 month subscription and automatically download the March 2016 edition.

The following partial tables are excerpts from The PBR1000 March Snapshots. The stock price is for the close of trading on March 31st, Month % Chg is compared to February 29th, YTD % Chg is compared to December 31, 2015, and the 15 Mos % Chg is compared to December 31, 2014.

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

Table 1 Summary: The range was +209.57% to -72.72%. 915 out of 1,023 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 89.44% of the companies tracked. The median was a gain of 7.91%.

Company PBR
Rank		 Symbol Price
03/31/16		 Mo
% Chg		 YTD
% Chg		 15 Mos
% Chg
Republic Airways
 1015 RJETQ 1.95 +209.57 -50.38 -86.63
SM Energy
 769 SM 18.74 +107.30 -4.68 -51.43
Whiting Petroleum
 667 WLL 7.98 +99.00 -15.47 -75.82
US Steel 167 X 16.05 +75.99 +101.13 -39.98
Denbury Resources
 796 DNR 2.22 +73.44 +9.90 -72.69

 

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

Table 2 Summary: The range was +101.13% to -89.39%. 623 out of 1,023 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 60.90% of the companies tracked. The median was a gain of 3.82%.

Company PBR
Rank		 Symbol Price
03/31/16		 Mo
% Chg		 YTD
% Chg		 15 Mos
% Chg
US Steel
 167 X 16.05 +75.99 +101.13 -39.98
Cliffs Natural Resources
 518 CLF 3.00 +38.89 +89.87 -57.98
SunCoke Energy
 991 SXC 6.50 +37.42 +87.32 -66.39
AK Steel
 386 AKS 4.13 +44.41 +84.38 -30.47
Alpha Natural Resources
 548 ANRZQ 0.02 +23.03 +70.00 -98.88

 

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

Table 3 Summary: Range was +109.49% to -98.88%. 435 out of 1,019 stock prices were up 0.00% or more, or 42.69% of the companies tracked. The median was a loss of -5.51%.

Company PBR
Rank		 Symbol Price
03/31/15		 Mo
% Chg		 YTD
% Chg		 15 Mos
% Chg
Netflix
 438 NFLX 102.23 +9.44 -10.62 +109.49
A-Mark Precious Metals
 419 AMRK 19.90 -8.42 +5.57 +99.60
Amazon.com
 29 AMZN 593.64 +7.44 -12.17 +91.28
Hawaiian Holdings
 820 HA 47.19 +9.69 +33.57 +81.15
Heartland Payment Systems
 821 HPY 96.57 +3.26 +1.85 +79.00

 

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

Table 4 Summary: Range was $604.30 billion to $0.00 billion. The average is $19.84 billion, median is $6.21 billion, out of 1,023 companies tracked.

Company PBR
Rank		 Symbol Market Cap($B)
03/31/16		 Mo
% Chg		 YTD
% Chg		 15 Mos
% Chg
Apple
 3 AAPL 604.30 +12.72 +2.97 -6.66
Alphabet
 44 GOOGL 512.76 +6.76 -1.75 +43.59
Microsoft
 27 MSFT 436.83 +8.55 -1.43 +14.08
Berkshire Hathaway
 5 BRK.A 351.43 +5.99 +7.97 -2.81
ExxonMobil
 2 XOM 347.13 +4.21 +6.97 -11.33
The PBR1000
   20,299.43 +6.41 +0.29 -1.82

 

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

Company Price
03/31/16		 Mo
% Chg		 YTD
% Chg		 15 Mos
% Chg
The PBR1000 68,835.23 +6.59 +1.80 -3.43
DJIA 17,685.09 +7.08 +1.49 -0.77%
NASDAQ 4,869.86 +6.84 -2.75 +2.83
S&P500 2,059.74 +6.60 +0.77 +0.04
Gold 1,235.60 -0.74 +16.54 +4.28
Silver 15.46 +3.48 +12.03 -0.90
Oil 38.34 +13.57 +3.51 -28.03

 

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

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

(The PBR1000 provides astute investors and business professionals with the data, news, and analysis for taking higher probability of success actions. The PBR1000 covers over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administrative headquarters in the US. These companies generate nearly $14 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to Subscribers of The PBR1000. Subscribers include C-level executives, entrepreneurs, sales/marketing/advertising professionals, investors/investment advisers, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just click here to go to the PBRMarketTools.com Order page.)

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Filed Under: Snapshots Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The PBR1000 March 2016 Breaking News Recap

April 8, 2016 by

March 2016: Are We Working Together Yet?

Human Gears-Feelart ID-100158068

It Would Be Boring If Someday We Achieved Working Together As A Perfectly Organized Team.

By Larry C. Paxton

The 1st Quarter of 2016 ended with a lot of unresolved issues and unsure directions.

Most of the breaking news continued to revolve around oil and energy. Prices and supply fluctuated and productivity decisions were left hanging. There is still a lot of confusion around the many facets of this  major commodity that has a great effect on the world economically and politically.

Annual earnings reports continued to flow in with mixed results, but mostly down for corporations with international operations. 

US economic data continues to show mostly moderate growth, with a feeling of fragility. Jobs reports are encouraging, but wage growth still lags. The Federal Reserve continues to take a cautious approach to federal funds rates increases because of the data, especially because of lower than desired inflation rate.

All these issues are compounded by the international continuing war on ISIS and other extremist groups. The attack in Brussels reminds us of how serious this is, as well as the ongoing large immigration of citizens fleeing from war zones in the Middle East.

Finally, there is  the US Presidential election. The turmoil caused by unconventional candidates, the sometimes bizarre caucuses and primary elections processes, continued influx and use of money by the candidates, their superpacks, and by special interest groups would have the Founding Fathers shaking their heads.

The 2nd Quarter is starting, make your predictions and let’s see how it unfolds!

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

Thursday, March 31:

The PBR1000 End of Month US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends March at 17,685.09, +0.97% from last week, +7.08% MTD, +1.49% QTD/YTD, -3.43% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends March at 4,869.85, +2.02% from last week, +6.84 MTD, -2.75% QTD/YTD, -6.69% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends trading week at 2,059.74, +1.17% from last week, +6.60% MTD, +0.77% QTD/YTD, -3.34% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

General Electric(PBR9)’s GE Capital Files Request for Rescission of Status as a Systemically Important Financial Institution. $GE PR link.

Amazon(PBR29)’s Twitch to launch league for popular iOS esports game ‘Vainglory.’ MarketWatch article link.

Thermo Fisher Scientific(PBR175) completes $14/share, $1.3 billion cash acquisition of cellular/genetic analysis products provider Affymetrix(NASDAQ: AFFX). $TMO PR link.

Starwood Hotels(PBR417) reaffirms to merge with Marriott Intl(PBR211 $MAR) for $77.94/share, $13.3 billion after Anbang Insurance consortium withdraws offer. $HOT PR link.

Boise Cascade(PBR610) completes $215 million acquisition of 270 employees Engineered Lumber unit from Georgia-Pacific. $BCC PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782) confirms subpoena, SEC investigation. MarketWatch article link.

Visteon(PBR351) names VP/Corporate Controller William Robertson to interim CFO, succeeds Jeff Stafeil who is leaving. $VC PR link.

Molson Coors(PBR558) hires Mauricio Restrepo as CFO, effective 05/02/16. $TAP PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says on 03/26/16 Weekly Initial Unemployment Claims at 276,000, insured unemployment rate at 1.6%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says 4th Quarter US International Investment Position was Assets $23.2T, Liabilities $30.6T, Bal -$7.4T. USDOC PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says on 03/31/16 Average Weekly 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate was at 4.71% with 0.5 points/fees. $FMCC PR link.

Housing: FreddieMac(PBR41) predicts housing will have its best year in a decade. $FMCC PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says on 03/30/16 the US National Debt for Public at $13.9 trillion, Intragovernmental holdings $5.3 trillion, total $19.2 trillion. Treas PR link.

Jobs Growth-Healthcare: Sick people are keeping job growth healthy MarketWatch article link.

Manufacturing-Chicago PMI: ISM says March Chicago PMI at 53.6, +6.0 from February. ISM article link.

Business: IMF says it’s new business, not smaller ones, that needs cultivation. MarketWatch article link.

Millennials: Why millennials are such tough customers. MarketWatch article link.

Wednesday, March 30:

IBM(PBR25 $IBM) to buy Salesforce(PBR453 $CRM) consultant Bluewolf Group. MarketWatch article link.

Amazon(PBR29) to open 7th fulfillment center in California in San Bernardino, to create 1,000+ fulltime hourly jobs. $AMZN PR link.

MetLife(PBR39) SIFI ‘to big to fail’ designation rescinded by US District Court, CEO issues statement regarding positive decision. $MET PR link.

No longer ‘too big to fail,’ MetLife(PBR39 $MET) proceeds with breakup plans. MarketWatch article link.

BlackRock(PBR252 $BLK), money-management giant, to cut about 400 jobs. MarketWatch article link.

CBRE(PBR301) to acquire affiliate Atrium AS in Norway, terms not disclosed. $CBG PR link.

Gannet(PBR414) says $12/share, $280 million acquisition of Journal Media Group(NYSE: JMG) delayed, working with Dept of Justice to resolve issues. $GCI PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Farmington, CT, wholesale insurance broker Joseph & Distel, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561 $CMG) is developing a burger chain. MarketWatch PR link.

Sandridge Energy(PBR975 $SDOC) warns of possible bankruptcy filing. MarketWatch PR link.

PepsiCo(PBR43 $PEP) Frito-Lay N America CEO Tom Greco leaves, Al Carey promoted to CEO of consolidated 3 N America Divisions. MarketWatch article link.

Biogen(PBR282) hires Michel Vounatsos as EVP/Chief Commercial Officer, effective 04/18/16, reports to CEO. $BIIB PR link.

CEO of SunEdison(PBR782 $SUNE)’s two spinoffs abruptly leaves. MarketWatch article link.

Donaldson Co(PBR783) promotes Jeffrey Spethmann to SVP/Industrial Products, effective 04/04/16, reports to president/CEO. $DCI PR link.

Domino’s Pizza(PBR889) promotes Tim McIntyre to EVP/Communications, Investor Relations & Legislative Affairs, succeeds retiring Lynn Liddle, effective early May, reports to CEO. $DPZ PR link.

The US Energy Info Administration says on 03/25/16 the Average Regular Gasoline Price was $2.066/gal, Diesel $2.121, Heating Oil $2.131, Propane $2.008. EIA PR link.

ADP(PBR235) says March Employment up 200,000, 86,000 from small businesses, 75,000 midsized, 39,000 large. $ADP article link.

Venture Capital: Venture-capital firms raising money at highest rate in more than 15 years. MarketWatch article link.

Personal Finance: When it comes to saving money, millennials are killing it. MarketWatch article link.

Economy: Why cheaper imports aren’t giving Americans much relief. MarketWatch article link.

Economy: Here’s why the Fed doesn’t know if inflation is a problem. MarketWatch article link.

Minimum Wage-Opinion: A higher minimum wage is no way to solve the problem of poverty. MarketWatch article link.

Investing: The emotional and psychological risks of investing. MarketWatch article link.

Tuesday, March 29:

Boeing(PBR27) to cut more than 4,500 jobs by June in accelerated cost cutting. MarketWatch article link.

Comcast(PBR42)’s NBC Olympics Surpasses $1 Billion In National Advertising Sales For Rio 2016. $CMSCA article link.

Ross Stores(PBR253) opens 28 new locations, on track to open 90 in 2016. $ROST article link.

Diebold(PBR676) reaches minimum tender condition for $1.8 billion acquisition of Wincor Nixdorf, transaction close expected summer 2016. $DBD PR link.

International Game Technology(PBR878) signs 7 year contract with Virginia Lottery to provide new lottery technologies and services. $IGT PR link.

Investing: The U.S. IPO market is looking like 2009. MarketWatch PR link.

Unions: Supreme Court’s 4-4 decision preserves compulsory union dues MarketWatch article link.

Consumer Survey: Consumer confidence rebounds in March – Conference Board. MarketWatch article link.

Investing: The 3 most valuable indicators for do-it-yourself investors. MarketWatch article link.

Monday, March 28:

Avon(PBR303) & 3% stakeholder group led by Barington Capital Group reach agreement, avoid proxy contest. $AVP PR link.

Marriott Intl(PBR211) reaffirms commitment to acquire Starwood Hotels(PBR417 $HOT), says longterm value is $92.36-$103.46/share. $MAR PR link.

Starwood Hotels(PBR417) says revised $88.66/share cash proposal from Anbang Insurance led investor consortium is superior, working on details. $HOT PR link.

Colgate-Palmolive(PBR168) promotes Justin Skala, Noel Wallace to COO posts, Franck Moison to vice chairman. $CL PR link.

HCP(PBR831) EVP/CFO Timothy Schoen leaving to be president of BioMed Realty, effective 05/22/16, CFO seach initiated. $HCP PR link.

Revlon(PBR900) hires Fabian Garcia as president/CEO, effective 04/15/16. $REV PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says February US Personal Income Annual Rate at $15.7 trillion, +0.2% from January, Personal Savings at 5.4%, +0.1% from January. USDOC article link.

Economy: Consumer spending off to weak start in 2016. MarketWatch article link.

US Manufacturing: U.S. manufacturing dead? Output has doubled in three decades. MarketWatch article link.

Transportation Stocks: Dow transports on track for worst losing streak since August swoon. MarketWatch article link.

International Economy-China: China’s identity crisis: Is it supply or demand? MarketWatch article link.

Friday, March 25:

***Good Friday Observed.***
***US Stock Markets Closed.***

Citigroup(PBR28 $C)’s new Costco(PBR18 $COST) cards coming in May with more benefits. MarketWatch news link.

VF Corp(PBR232) exploring strategic alternatives for its supplies, apparel, and fanware Licensed Sports Group. $VFC PR link.

RR Donnelley(PBR243) announces CEOs/boards for planned separation in 10/2016 into 3 independent public companies. $RRD PR link.

Cameron Intl(PBR269) $66.86/share, $14.8 billion cash/stock acquisition by Schlumberger(NYSE: SLB) to close on 04/01/16, has received Chinese antitrust approval. $CAM PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce in 3rd Est says 4th Quarter Gross Domestic Product was at a +1.4% annual rate. 2015 GDP was +2.4%. USDOC PR link.

Corporate Financial Results: Corporate profits fall in 2015 for first time since Great Recession. MarketWatch article link.

Thursday, March 24:

The PBR1000 End of Trading Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends trading week at 17,515.73, -0.49% from last week, +6.05% MTD, +0.52% QTD/YTD, -4.35% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends trading week at 4,773.50, -0.46% from last week, +4.73 MTD, -4.67% QTD/YTD, -8.53% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends trading week at 2,035.94, -0.67% from last week, +5.37% MTD, -0.39% QTD/YTD, -4.45% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Amazon(PBR29) to open 800,000 sf fulfillment center in Edgerton, KS, will create 1,000 fulltime hourly jobs plus managers. $AMZN letter link.

American Airlines(PBR69) files SEC 8-K announcing 6% pay increase for mainline flight attendants effective 04/01/16. $AAL letter link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) is sent letter by investor Starboard Value expressing concerns and nominating 9 candidates for board. Starboard letter link.

Netflix(PBR447) admits throttling itself on AT&T(PBR12), Verizon(PBR15) wireless networks. MarketWatch news link.

Wednesday, March 23:

American Airlines(PBR69) announces new profit sharing program. $AAL PR link.

Bristol-Myers Squibb(PBR185) to acquire private biotech autoimmune diseases therapies developer Padlock Therapeutics for up to $600 million. $BMY PR link.

Terex(PBR357) in negotiations with Zoomlion to be acquired for $31.00/share cash. $TEX PR link.

Fifth Third Bancorp(PBR387) creates 100 new tech jobs with salary packages worth more than $100,000 each. $FITB PR link.

TeamHealth(PBR498) now 8.0% owned by JANA Partners per agreement. $TMH PR link.

KeyCorp(PBR544) & First Niagara Financial(PBR980 $FNFG) shareholders approve $4.1 billion merger, expects to close in 3Q2016. $KEY PR link.

Allscripts Healthcare(PBR1014) in joint venture to acquire private Netsmart Technologies to combine with Homecare unit to create largest technology company exclusively dedicated to human services and post acute care. $MDRX PR link.

Pinnacle Foods(PBR751) CEO Robert Gamgort leaving by 04/30/16 to become CEO of Keurig(PBR507 $GMCR). $PF PR link.

The US Dept of HUD says February New Family Home Sales at a 512,000 annual rate, +2.0% from January, -6.1% from February 2015. HUD PR link.

Tuesday, March 22:

How GE(PBR9) Exorcised the Ghost of Jack Welch to Become a 124-Year-Old Startup. Bloomberg Business article link.

Southern Co(PBR155) gets California regulators approval for $12 billion acquisition of AGL Resources(PBR452 $GAS), still expected to close 2H2016. $SO PR link.

AutoZone(PBR290) authorizes additional $750 million for ongoing share repurchase program. $AZO PR link.

Lumber Liquidators(PBR1061) resolves California Air Resources Board inquiry. $LL PR link.

Tenet Healthcare(PBR161) promotes Eric Evans to president, Hospital Operations, succeeds leaving Britt Reynolds. $THC PR link.

Newell rubbermaid(PBR434) hires Russ Torres to new position of Chief Transformation Officer. $NWL PR link.

Human Resources: Below the Surface – Emerging Global Motivators & Job Search Preferences. Manpower(PBR132) article link.

Monday, March 21:

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) announces iPhone SE, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, lower watch prices MarketWatch PR link.

Anthem(PBR38) files suit against Express Scripts(PBR22 $ESRX) to recover damages for pricing & operations issues. $ANTM PR link.

Cisco(PBR60) completes $1.4 billion acquisition of private IoT services platform provider Jasper Technologies. $CSCO PR link.

Marriott Intl(PBR211) to acquire Starwood Hotels(PBR417 $HOT) for $79.53/share, $13.6 billion, in revised agreement. $MAR PR link.

Sherwin-Williams(PBR251) to acquire Valspar(PBR526 $VAL) for $113.00/share, $11.3 billion. $SHW PR link.

EMCOR(PBR392) to acquire electrical/instrumentation services providers Ardent Services and Rabalais Constructors for $205 million cash. $EME PR link.

Western Union(PBR441) to be first to offer Cubans & other worldwide citizens remittances services to Cuba in 2H2016. $WU PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) to acquire global insurance management operations of Kane Group, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) to acquire 10,000 clients board portal solution Boardvantage for $200 million. $NDAQ PR link.

Olin Corp(PBR838) to reduce chlor alkali production. $OLN PR link.

Red Robin(PBR1046) acquires 13 franchised restaurants with almost 800 employees in Texas. $RRGB PR link.

Visteon(PBR351) hires Markus Schupfner as Chief Technology Officer, effective 04/01/16. $VC PR link.

General Cable(PBR418) EVP/CFO Brian Robinson to leave pending identification of successor and transition period. $BGC PR link.

Griffon Corp(PBR890) Telephonics subsidiary president Joseph Battaglia to retire 09/30/16, COO Kevin McSweeney to become president. $GFF PR link.

Mattress Firm(PBR932) president Ken Murphy adds CEO title, Steve Stagner becomes Executive Chairman. $MFRM PR link.

The National Assn of Realtors says February Existing Home Sales at a 5.08 million annual rate, -7.1% from January, +2.2% from February 2015. NAR PR link.

Battery Technologies: Big battery breakthroughs are coming, thanks to taxpayers’ investments. MarketWatch article link.

Friday, March 18:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,602.30, +2.26% from last week, +6.57% MTD, +1.02% QTD/YTD, -3.88% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,795.65, +0.99% from last week, +5.22 MTD, -4.23% QTD/YTD, -8.11% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,049.58, +1.35% from last week, +6.07% MTD, +0.28% QTD/YTD, -3.81% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Bank of America(PBR24) adds $800 million to $4.0 billion share repurchase program authorized in 2015. $BAC PR link.

Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36) exercises warrants to purchase $1.17 billion & 14.97% of AmerisourceBergen(PBR16 $ABC) common shares. $WBA PR link.

Staples(PBR122) & Office Depot(PBR182 $ODP) send letter to customers regarding the upcoming hearing in US District Court per lawsuit by FTC regarding the proposed merger. $SPLS PR link.

US Steel(PBR167) to idle plants, lay off workers. $X PR link.

MGM Resorts(PBR273) & partner Infinity World to sell their Las Vegas CityCenter The Shops at Crystals mall to Invesco & Simon Property(PBR494) for $1.1 billion. $MGM PR link.

Airbus plans defense-unit sale to KKR(PBR332) for $1.2 billion. $KKR PR link.

Starwood Hotels(PBR417) determines Anbang Insurance & partners $76/share offer is superior to the Marriott Intl(PBR211 $MAR) offer & to terminate that agreement. $HOT PR link.

Starwood Hotels(PBR417) gives details for spin-off completion & merger of its vacation ownership business. $HOT PR link.

ON Semiconductor(PBR656) extends $20.00/share, $2.4 billion cash tender offer for Fairchild Semiconductor(PBR1000 $FCS) to 03/31/16. $ON PR link.

Thursday, March 17:

McKesson(PBR6) to cut 1,600 jobs in US. $MCK PR link.

JPMorgan Chase(PBR21) authorizes $1.88 billion increase to $6.4 billion equity repurchase program. $JPM PR link.

Ingram Micro(PBR62) to acquire $125 million/yr unified communications/collaboration value added distributor NETXUSA. $IM PR link.

Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) to sell its Levolor & Kirsch window coverings business to Hunter Douglas for $270 million. $NWL PR link.

IDEX(PBR861) completes $224.2 million cash acquisition of $120 million/yr safety/emergency response equipment manufacturer Akron Brass. $IEX PR link.

Aeropostale(PBR924) in 10-K report says evaluating strategic alternatives, including sale or restructuring of company. $ARO PR link.

SeaWorld(PBR1013) announces last generation of orcas in its care. $SEAS PR link.

American Capital Agency(PBR992) promotes Gary Kain to CEO, Alvin Puryear as non-executive chair. $AGNCP PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says that January Job Openings were at a historical high of 5.541 million, Hires 5.030 million, Separations 4.903 million. USDOL PR link.

Technology/Wearables: Apple(PBR5) will lead surge in #wearable shipments through 2020. MarketWatch PR link.

Wednesday, March 16:

Peabody Energy(PBR372) in 2015 10-K report indicates it may have to file for bankruptcy. $BTU PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561 $CMG) is giving away millions of free burritos to lure back wary customers. MarketWatch article link.

SunEdison(PBR782) delays filing of 10-K report, has identified material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting. $SUNE PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) promotes Mary Ellen Adcock to Group VP-Retail Operations, effective 05/16/16, succeeds retiring Marnette Perry. $KR PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says February Average Employee Current Earnings at $25.35/hour, -0.12% from January, +2.2% from February 2015. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says February Consumer Price Index was -0.2% from January, +1.0 over last 12 mos. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of HUD says February Privately-Owned Housing Units Building Permits were at a 1,167,000 annual rate, -3.1% from January, +6.3% from February 2015. HUD PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says February US Total Industrial Production was -0.5% from January, -1.0% from February 2015. FRB PR link.

The US Federal Reserve in March meeting maintains 0.25-0.50 federal funds rate at this time. FRB PR link.

Gambling: This is how much Americans will spend betting on March Madness games. MarketWatch article link.

Global Economy: 59% of fund managers see an economy in its final innings — highest percent since 2008. MarketWatch article link.

Housing: FreddieMac(PBR41) survey shows more than half of renters plan to continue renting. $FMCC PR link.

Tuesday, March 15:

UPS(PBR47) to invest $100 million in compressed natural gas, CNG vehicles, & related infrastructure. $UPS PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) precision engineering/advanced manufacturing public spinoff to be named Arconic, separation planned for 2H2016. $AA PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Oklanoma based retail insurance broker Bomford, Couch & Wilson, terms not disclosed. $AA PR link.

CME Group(PBR664) to sell Aurora, IL, data center to CyrusOne(NASDAQ: CONE) for $130 million, then do 15 year lease back. $CME PR link.

Eastman Kodak(PBR871) talking to prospective buyers of its PROSPER Inkjet busness. $KODK PR link.

CBRE(PBR301) Global Investors CEO Matt Khourie to be CEO of Trammell Crow Co unit, succeeds Danny Queenan who remains COO Global Investors; CEO CBRE Clarion Securities Ritson Ferguson to add CEO Global Investors title. $CBG PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says February Total Producer Price Index for Final Demand at -0.2%, with Goods at -0.6%, Services 0.0%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says January Total Trade Sales & Mfrs Shipments were at $1.296 trillion, -0.4% from December, -1.1% from January 2015. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says February Total US Retail & Food Services Sales were $447.3 billion, -0.1% from January, +3.1% from February 2015 USDOC PR link.

Monday, March 14:

International Paper(PBR117) to sell Asia based 18 factories, 3,000 employees, corrugated packaging business for $150 million. $IP PR link.

Avon(PBR303) to reduce workforce worldwide by 2,500 under 3 year plan, 1,700 in 2016. $AVP PR link.

Starwood Hotels(PBR417) receives unsolicited $76.00/share cash offer, has $63.74/share agreement with Marriott Intl(PBR211 $MAR). $HOT PR link.

Fresh Market(PBR942) to be acquired by Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR906) for $28.50/share, $1.36 billion cash. $TFM PR link.

Cabot Corp(PBR607) President/CEO Patrick Prevost resigns for health reasons, remains on board. EVP Sean Keohane promoted to president/CEO. $CBT PR link.

New York Times(PBR971) Andy Rosenthal steps down as Editorial Page Editor, to be a columnist, James Bennet rejoins to succeed him. $NYT PR link.

Auto Loans: Auto sales at risk as defaults of subprime loans rise. MarketWatch PR link.

Economy: Morgan Stanley(PBR79) cuts S&P 500 target as recession fears rise. MarketWatch PR link.

Jobs: There’s little slack left in the jobs market, former Obama adviser says. MarketWatch PR link.

World Economy: Chinese economic data paint a gloomy picture. MarketWatch PR link.

Oil: OPEC stands pat on 2016 global oil demand estimate. MarketWatch PR link.

Friday, March 11:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,213.31, +1.21% from last week, +4.22% MTD, -1.22% QTD/YTD, -6.00% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,748.47, +0.67% from last week, +4.18 MTD, -5.17% QTD/YTD, -9.01% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 2,022.19, +1.11% from last week, +4.66% MTD, -1.06% QTD/YTD, -5.10% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Ford(PBR10) forms Ford Smart Mobility LLC subsidiary to develop, invest in mobility services, Jim Hackett is chairman. $F PR link.

HARMAN Intl(PBR456) completes acquisition of global automotive cyber security provider TowerSec, terms not disclosed. $HAR PR link.

Armstrong World(PBR772) to spin-off $1.2 billion/2015 Armstrong Flooring as separate public company with 04/01/16 distribution date. $AWI PR link.

IGT(PBR878) signs 10+ year agreement with N. Carolina Education Lottery to provide lottery technologies & services. $IGT PR link.

Boeing(PBR27) CTO/SVP Engineering John Tracy to retire late summer; Colbert, Fancher, Hyslop, Shanahan named to new SVP roles. $BA PR link.

Polaris Industries(PBR531) hires Robert Mack as SVP-Corporate Development/Strategy & president, Adjacent Markets, effective 04/01/16. $PII PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782) hires Ilan Daskal as CFO Designee, by 04/04/16. $SUNE PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says February Import Prices Index was -0.3% from January, -6.1% between February 2015 & February 2016. USDOL PR link.

Thursday, March 10:

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires Arlington Hts, IL, Midwest retail insurance broker Vincent L Braband Insurance, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) Sports unit partners with NHL to bring fans free, live out-of-market games & on-demand premium content. $YHOO PR link.

Iron Mountain(PBR663) acquires Baltics’ leading doc storage/archiving company Archyyvu Sistemos, terms not disclosed. $IRM PR link.

PolyOne(PBR586) promotes Michael Garratt as SVP/Chief Commercial Officer & Donald Wiseman SVP & president, Performance Products & Solutions. $POL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says Total 4th Quarter US Domestic Nonfinancial Debt was at $45.1 trillion, with $14.1 trillion from Household Debt, $12.8 trillion from Business Debt, & $18.1 trillion from Government Debt. FRB PR link.

The US Dept of Treasury says February Receipts at $169.1 billion, Outlays $361.8 billion, Deficit $192.6 billion, fiscal YTD(5 mos) Deficit $353.0 billion. Treasury PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says December Employee Costs for Employee Compensation averaged Wages $23.06/hr, Benefits $10.52/hr, Total $33.58/hr. USDOL PR link.

Personal Finance: Consumers Are Still Lagging in Savings Despite Cheaper Gas and Lower Mortgage Rates. MainStreet article link.

Housing: Another 1 million homes regained positive equity in 2015, CoreLogic says. MarketWatch article link.

Wednesday, March 9:

Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN) to be provided air cargo services by Air Transport Services Group. $ATSG PR link.

Pfizer(PBR56) commences $5 billion accelerated share repurchase program. $PFE PR link.

NASDAQ(PBR618) to acquire International Securities Exchange from Deutsche Borse Group for $1.1 billion. $NDAQ PR link.

ADT(PBR627) acquisition by Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR906 $APO) affiliate expected to close before June 2016. $ADT PR link.

Tailored Brands(PBR643) to close around 250 Jos Banks/Mens Wearhouse stores during fiscal year 2016. $TLRD PR link.

Visteon(PBR351) hires Brett Pynnonen as VP & General Counsel, effective 03/14/16, succeeds leaving Peter Ziparo. $VC PR link.

Dana Holding(PBR382) hires Jonathan Collins as CFO, effective 03/28/16. $DAN PR link.

Darden Restaurants(PBR398) appoints Ricardo Cardenas to CFO, replaces Jeffrey Davis who has left. $DRI PR link.

Crown Castle(PBR603) hires Daniel Schlanger as SVP, to be CFO on 06/01/16. $CCI PR link.

American Eagle Outfitters(PBR640) Chief Financial & Admin Officer Mary Boland to retire on 04/01/16. $AEO PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says January Wholesale Sales were at $433.1 billion, -1.3% from December, -3.1% from January 2015. USDOC PR link.

Advertising Industry: Advertisers taking money out of TV, moving more to digital in 2017 MarketWatch article link.

Tuesday, March 8:

Intel(PBR51) acquires Israeli virtual reality startup Replay Technologies for immersive sports, terms not disclosed. $INTC PR link.

Lockheed Martin(PBR64) Aeronautics unit announces voluntary layoff program to reduce employment by 1,000 positions in the US. $LMT PR link.

Whole Foods Market(PBR203 $WFM) and NRG(PBR186) to plan large scale commercial solar project portfolio with 84 stores. $NRG PR link.

CarMax(PBR202) hiring more than 1,600 positions nationwide. $KMX PR link.

AutoZone(PBR290) is hiring 10,000 full-time/part-time AutoZoners for its 5,100+ stores. $AZO PR link.

Intuit(PBR529 $INTU) sheds QuickBase in plan to pare down. MarketWatch article link.

Cerner(PBR628) authorizes up to $300 million share repurchase program, no time limit. $CERN PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782 $SUNE) sent letter by Vivant Solar(NYSE: VSLR) terminating merger agreement, plans to seek legal remedies for willful breach. $VSLR PR link.

Calpine Corp(PBR330) hires Charlie Gates as EVP-Power Operations, effective 04/01/16. $CPN PR link.

American Axle & Mfg(PBR602) VP-Driveline Product Engineering Philip Guys now also Chief Technology Officer. $AAM PR link.

Mortgages: Equifax(PBR795) says January Total Balance of First Mortgages was $8.3 trillion, +2.1% from January 2015. $EFX PR link.

Corporate Finance: U.S. companies have enough liquidity for next 12 months, but face risk after that. MarketWatch PR link.

Employment: Manpower(PBR132) releases Q2 2016 hiring outlook. $MAN infographic link.

Housing/Foreclosures: 38,000 completed foreclosures in January, down 16.2% YOY. CoreLogic article link.

Monday, March 7:

US Supreme Court turns away Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) appeal in e-books antitrust case, expected to pay $450 million as part of settlement. MarketWatch PR link.

United Continental(PBR77) president/CEO Oscar Munoz to return to duties full time on 03/14/16 after heart transplant recovery. $UAL PR link.

Southern Co(PBR155) Power subsidiary acquires 120 megawatt East Pecos Solar Facility, terms not disclosed. $SO PR link.

Pepco(PBR493 $POM) and Exelon(PBR102) revise filing to provide several pathways to secure merger’s significant benefits for Pepco customers. $EXC PR link.

AMC Networks(PBR851) announces up to $500 million share repurchase program, no deadline set. $AMCX PR link.

JM Smucker(PBR437) to promote Mark Smucker to President/CEO on 05/01/16, Richard Smucker to be Executive Chairman, Timothy Smucker to be Chairman Emeritus. $SJM PR link.

United Rentals(PBR438) hires Chris Hummel as SVP-Chief Marketing Officer. $URI PR link.

Xylem(PBR575) hires Mark Rajkowski to be SVP-CFO starting 03/28/16. $XYL PR link.

CME Group(PBR664) announces 4 Managing Director promotions. $CME PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says January Consumer Debt is at $3.533 trillion, +0.30% from December, +6.48% from January 2015. FRB PR link.

Inflation: Fed’s Fischer and Brainard disagree on inflation threat. MarketWatch article link.

Wages/Jobs: ‘Silver tsunami’ is holding down wage growth, says Fed study. MarketWatch article link.

Friday, March 4:

The PBR1000 End of Week US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA ends week at 17,006.77, +2.20% from last week, +2.97% MTD, -2.40% QTD/YTD, -7.13% from record 18,312.39 on 05/19/15.
NASDAQ ends week at 4,717.02, +2.76% from last week, +3.49 MTD, -5.80% QTD/YTD, -9.62% from record 5,218.86 on 07/20/15.
SPX ends week at 1,999.99, +2.67% from last week, +3.51% MTD, -2.15% QTD/YTD, -6.14% from record 2,130.82 on 05/21/15.

Intuit(PBR529) selling its Quicken unit to HIG Capital, expected to close in April, terms not disclosed. $INTU PR link.

Manitowoc(PBR579) completes spinoff of independent public company Manitowoc Foodservices(NYSE: MFS). $MTW PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782) & TerraForm Power settle & terminate Latin America Power acquisition. $SUNE PR link.

Republic Airways(PBR1015) VP-Finance & Treasurer Jason Secore has resigned effective 03/24/16, taking position at AAR Corp(PBR883). $RJET PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says 158.9 million people employed in February, 7.816 million unemployed, 4.9% unemployment rate. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says January Exports were $176.5 billion, Imports $222.1 billion, for Deficit of $45.6 billion, Deficit was $44.7 billion in December. USDOC PR link.

Thursday, March 3:

AT&T(PBR12) plans to sell linear TV ads using Web-like methods. MarketWatch article link.

Verizon(PBR15 $VZ) & Hearst Corp form joint venture Verizon Hearst Media Partners to create new digital video content brands for mobile obsessed millenials. MarketWatch article link.

Barnes & Noble(PBR408) to open 4 new stores in fiscal year 2017 using a new concept. $BKS PR link.

Lithia Motors(PBR451) authorizes $250 million Class A shares repurchase program. $LAD PR link.

Fiserv(PBR474) completes $200 million cash acquisition of ACI Worldwide(NASDAQ: ACIW)‘s digital banking/electronics payments provider unit Community Financial Services. $FISV PR link.

Herbalife(PBR487) files SEC Form 8-K, corrects ‘Active New Member’ metrics for 2015. $HLF PR link.

AMC Entertainment(PBR728) to acquire Carmike Cinemas(NASDAQ: CKEC) for $30/share, $1.1 billion cash, creates largest movie theater chain in the US & world. $AMC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says 4Q2015 Business Sector Labor Productivity changed at a -2.2% annual rate, output +1.0%, hrs worked +3.2%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says January New Orders-Manufactured Durable Goods at $237.1 million, Non-Durable at $226.8 million, total $463.9 million, +1.6% from December. USDOC PR link.

Wednesday, March 2:

ExxonMobil(PBR2) adjusts capital expenditures to $23 billion in 2016, down 25% from 2015. $XOM PR link.

McKesson(PBR6) to acquire Canada based 8,600 employees 470+ retail pharmacies Rexall Health from Katz Group for $2.2 billion. $MCK PR link.

AT&T(PBR12 $T) prepping DirecTV unit to enter crowded online video marketplace. MarketWatch article link.

Target(PBR40 $TGT) partners with Finnish design house Marimekko for next ‘capsule collection,’ 200 items available 04/17/16. MarketWatch article link.

Prudential Financial(PBR55) completes $529 million purchase from partner ILC for 40% ownership stake in Chile based retirement services provider AFP Habitat. $PRU PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) launches new experience dedicated to esports, names Yahoo Esports leadership team. $YHOO PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782 $SUNE) buyout of Vivint Solar in jeopardy. MarketWatch article link.

Sprint(PBR86) hires Robert Hackl to be Chief Experience Officer/President-National Sales on 04/01/16. $S PR link.

Chesapeake Energy(PBR131 $CHK) former CEO Aubrey McClendon, shale pioneer, dead after car crash. MarketWatch article link.

Huntsman Corp(PBR244) promotes Scott Wright to president, Advanced Materials division, effective 06/01/16, succeeds James Huntsman. $HUN PR link.

Hess Corp(PBR248) elects James Quigley as chairman, succeeds Mark Williams who has retired for health reasons. $HES PR link.

The US Federal Reserve releases Beige Book, says business contacts generally optimistic about future economic growth. FRB PR link.

Jobs: ADP(PBR235)’s February National Employment Report says small businesses added 76,000 jobs, midsized 62,000, large 76,000, total 214,000. $ADP article link.

Economy Opinion: 7 big risks are now plaguing the U.S. and global economies. MarketWatch article link.

Energy Opinion: Why OPEC will never cut production again. MarketWatch article link.

Tuesday, March 1:

Cisco(PBR60) to expand data center portfolio technologies with acquisition of private CliQr for $260 million cash, to close in 3Q2016. $CSCO PR link.

Honeywell(PBR74) no longer pursuing combination with United Technologies(PBR45 $UTX). $HON PR link.

EMC Corp(PBR111 $EMC) $59 billion acquisition by Dell is on track, says Michael Dell. http://on.mktw.net/1Y0h31HMarketWatch article link.

Anadarko Petroleum(PBR154) to cut capital expenditures by almost 50%, sell $3 billion in assets in 2016. $APC PR link.

Assurant(PBR268) completes $940 million sale of employee benefits business to Canada’s Sun Life Financial. $AIZ PR link.

Avon(PBR303) gets $435 million investment from Cerberus Capital Management for 16.6% stake; N American business split off as a separate private company. $AVP PR link.

McGraw Hill(PBR477) selling 2 assets from S&P Global Market Intelligence division, SPSE & CMA, to Intercontinental Exchange(PBR556 $ICE), terms not disclosed. $MHFI PR link.

NextEra Energy(PBR173) promotes John Ketchum to EVP/Finance & CFO, succeeds retiring Moray Dewhurst. $NEE PR link.

CF Industries(PBR502) hires Tom Grooms as Chief Information Officer. $CF PR link.

Brinker Intl(PBR697) hires John Cywinski as EVP-Strategic Innovation. $EAT PR link.

Barnes Group(PBR1030) hires Michael Beck as company SVP & president of Aerospace unit. $B PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says January Construction Spending Annual Rate at $1.141 trillion, +1.5% from December, +10.4% from January 2015. USDOC PR link.

Auto Industry: Automakers to see $44 billion in revenue on solid new vehicle sales growth in February. TrueCar PR link.

Auto Industry: February Auto Sales were at 1,343,922 units, +6.8% from February 2015. Automotive News PR link.

Click here to follow The PBR1000 on Twitter!

(The PBR1000 is the premiere business intelligence service covering over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administration headquarters in the US. These companies generate nearly $14 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to The PBR1000 subscribers. Users include C-level executives, entrepreneurs,  sales/marketing/advertising professionals, investors/investment advisors, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just go to the PBRMarketTools.com Subscribe page.)

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, Feelart.)

Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

The PBR1000 February 2016 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots

March 12, 2016 by

February 2016: Which Direction Are The Markets Heading?

Increase Decrease Chart-hywards ID-100395866

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

 

By Larry C. Paxton

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

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

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

If you are not a current Subscriber to The PBR1000  just click here to get your 13 month subscription and automatically download the current 2016 edition of The PBR1000 Snapshots.

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

(The PBR1000 provides astute investors and business professionals with the data, news, and analysis for taking higher probability of success actions. The PBR1000 covers over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administrative headquarters in the US. These companies generate nearly $14 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to Subscribers of The PBR1000. Subscribers include C-level executives, entrepreneurs, sales/marketing/advertising professionals, investors/investment advisers, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just click here to go to the PBRMarketTools.com Order page.)

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Filed Under: Snapshots Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The PBR1000 January 2016 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots

February 22, 2016 by

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

Bear with Money ID-100188038 ddpavumba

Who Invited The Bear?

 

By Larry C. Paxton

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

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

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

Current The PBR1000 Subscribers should have already received the MS Excel workbook. If you are not a current Subscriber just click here to get your 13 month subscription and automatically download the January 2016 edition of The PBR1000 Snapshots.

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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The PBR1000 January 2016 Breaking News Recap

February 1, 2016 by
ID-10035635 Statue of Liberty Storm-Damian Brandon

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

 

January 2016: A Stormy Start

By Larry C. Paxton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Click here to follow The PBR1000 on Twitter!

(The PBR1000 is the premiere business intelligence service covering over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administration headquarters in the US. These companies generate nearly $14 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to The PBR1000 subscribers. Users include C-level executives, entrepreneurs,  sales/marketing/advertising professionals, investors/investment advisors, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just go to the PBRMarketTools.com Subscribe page.)

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

Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The PBR1000 December 2015 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots

January 23, 2016 by
ID-10094980 Order Chaos Buttons-Stuart Miles

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

 

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

By Larry C. Paxton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

(The PBR1000 provides astute investors and business professionals with the data, news, and analysis for taking higher probability of success actions. The PBR1000 covers over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administrative headquarters in the US. These companies generate nearly $14 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to Subscribers of The PBR1000. Subscribers include C-level executives, entrepreneurs, sales/marketing/advertising professionals, investors/investment advisers, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just click here to go to the PBRMarketTools.com Order page.)

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

Filed Under: Snapshots Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The PBR1000 September 2015 Breaking News Recap

October 1, 2015 by
ID-10088157 Plan ABC Signpost-Stuart Miles

Slowing Global Growth.
Uncertain Economies.
Volatile Stock Markets.
Which Plan Will You Use?

 

By Larry C. Paxton

The Fall season has started early.  This is not only a reference to the tilting of the Earth, but also the dramatic descent of the stock markets worldwide. The major US stock markets went into YTD negative territory in early August and continued their plummet through September 2015.

Major energy related The PBR1000 companies continue to adjust based on the low prices for oil and an uncertain future. There is selling off of assets, restructuring, workforce reductions, and other necessary actions taking place.

China’s slower growth has affected US international companies who are starting to take similar type steps.

The holiday season is approaching. Retailers are announcing their intention for hiring seasonal workers, with numbers staying about the same as last year.

The US modest/moderate growth and somewhat fragile economy, along with China’s slowdown, has delayed the Federal Reserve’s intention to do a small increase in interest rates, but it seems they are committed to such a raise before the end of the year. If they do that, there is a big question mark about the responses of companies, governments, and the markets. On which plans will they decide?

The US Congress can’t get off the dime to renew the Export Bank. Some international US companies are going offshore for financing and committing workforces to those countries as part of their agreements.

On a more positive note, the US Football Season is in full swing. Even though there have been some surprises, it has been more predictable.

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

Wednesday, September 30:
The PBR1000 September US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes month at 16,284.70, -0.18% from last Friday, -1.47% MTD, -7.58% QTD, -8.63% YTD.
NASDAQ closes month at 4,620.16, -1.42% from last Friday, -3.27% MTD, -7.35% QTD, -2.45% YTD.
SPX closes month at 1,920.03, -0.59% from last Friday, -2.64% MTD, -6.94% QTD, -6.74% YTD.

General Motors(PBR8) & Navistar(PBR258 $NAV) agree to develop/assemble medium duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicles in 2018. $GM PR link.

General Electric(PBR9) to sell its tank car fleet assets/railcar repair facilities to Marmon Holdings, its remaining railcar leasing business to Wells Fargo(PBR30 $WFC). $GE PR link.

Microsoft(PBR31 $MSFT), Google(PBR44 $GOOGL) agree to dismiss all pending patent infringement lawsuits. MarketWatch article link.

PBF Energy(PBR139) to purchase the Torrance Refinery & related logistics assets from ExxonMobil(PBR2) for $537.5 million plus working capital; announces senior management changes. $PBF PR link.

Western Digital(PBR194) to get $3.775 billion at $92.50/share investment from China based Unisplendour, represents a 15% equity stake. $WDC PR link.

Reynolds American(PBR317) companies to consolidate manufacturing operations for VUSE Digital Vapor Cigarette to Tobaccoville, NC.$RAI PR link.

Fifth Third Bancorp(PBR387) sells retail operations in St. Louis; keeps wholesale and institutional services. $FITB PR link.

M&T Bank(PBR504) receives approval from Federal Reserve for Hudson City Bancorp(PBR1042) acquisition. Expects to close around 11/01/15. $MTB PR link.

Crestwood Equity(PBR574) completes merger with Crestwood Midstream Partners(NYSE CMLP), which will be delisted. $CEQP PR link.

C.R. Bard(PBR637) to acquire Japan based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s 50% share of their joint venture in Medicon. $BCR PR link.

Brocade Communication(PBR845) adds $700 million to share buyback program, balance over $1.0 billion. $BRCD PR link.

Macerich(PBR1055) authorizes $1.2 billion share buyback program over 24 months. $MAC PR link.

Macerich(PBR1055) announces commercial real estate joint ventures on assets valued at $5.4 billion. $MAC PR link.

Aetna(PBR49) hires Gary Loveman as EVP & president of Healthagen unit; hires Rick Jelinek as EVP for strategy & the Aetna-Humana(PBR58) integration. Both report to Chairman/CEO. $AET PR link.

Tenneco(PBR321) promotes Josep Fornos to newly created position of EVP, enterprise business initiatives. $TEN PR link.

SunCoke Energy(PBR991) promotes Katherine Gates to SVP, General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer, reports to CEO. $SXC PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) releases September Insights & Outlook newsletter. Comments on student loans/home ownership. $FMCC article link.

Tuesday, September 29:
Google(PBR44) announces Nexus 5X & 6P smartphones, $14.99/mo Google Play Music family plan. $GOOGL PR link.

Chesapeake Energy(PBR131 $CHK) to cut 15% of workforce. MarketWatch PR link.

GameStop(PBR294) to hire 28,000 seasonal associates nationwide, 12% more than 2014. $GME PR link.

Avis Budget(PBR316) reaches 3,000 dealers for its Avis Direct used-car sales program. $CAR PR link.

Reynolds American(PBR317) announces sale of Natural American Spirit international businesses to Japan Tobacco Group for $5.0 billion. $RAI PR link.

AGL Resources(PBR452) sets special stockholders meeting for 11/19/15 to vote on $12 billion acquisition by Southern Co(PBR155 $SO). $GAS PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) throws caution to wind with Alibaba spinoff. $YHOO PR link.

Carlyle Group(PBR578) to acquire 51% of London based consulting, technology, & innovation firm PA Consulting Group, values company at $1 billion. $CG PR link.

Aeropostale(PBR924) stock price below $1 for 30 consecutive days, gets NYSE compliance letter, plans to be in compliance, possibly with reverse stock split. $ARO PR link.

ConAgra Foods(PBR166) hires David Biegger as Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective 10/05/15. $CAG PR link.

Gap Inc(PBR179) Old Navy unit president Stefan Larsson leaving effective 10/02/15, EVP Jill Stanton to also be interim president. $GPS PR link.

Ralph Lauren(PBR349) hires Stefan Larsson as CEO, effective in November. Ralph Lauren remains executive chairman/chief creative officer. $RL PR link.

AAR Corp(PBR883) promotes Michael Sharp to CFO. $AIR PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says 2nd Quarter US Net International Investment Position was -$6.7 trillion with $24.5 trillion in assets, $31.2 trillion in liabilities USDOC PR link.

Monday, September 28:
IBM(PBR25) to acquire Meteorix, a 200+ person Workday financial/HR services partner. $IBM PR link.

Comcast(PBR42) NBC Universal to purchase 51% ownership in Universal Studios Japan for $1.5 billion. $CMCSA PR link.

Energy transfer Equity(PBR52) to acquire Williams Cos(PBR348 $WMB) for $43.50/share, $37.7 billion, creates 3rd largest energy franchise in North America. $ETE PR link.

Halliburton(PBR90) & Baker Hughes(PBR108) announce additional divestiture proposals per Dept of Justice(DOJ) requirements, extend closing date to 12/15/15. $HAL PR link.

Exelon(PBR102) & Pepco(PBR493 $POM) file a petition with the DC Commission for reconsideration of their $6.83 billion merger. $EXC PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) to separate into two independent public companies, an Upstream company, and a Value-Add company. $AA PR link.

Medtronic(PBR133) gets big cut in repatriation taxes after move to Ireland. $MDT PR link.

Medtronic(PBR133) acquires acute ischemic stroke products medical device developer Lazarus Effect for $100 million cash. $MDT PR link.

Kellogg(PBR198) has acquired Egypt based leading cereal company Mass Food Group for $50 million. $K PR link.

Whole Foods(PBR203 $WFM) to cut 1,500 jobs over next 2 months. MarketWatch article link.

Parker-Hannifin(PBR218) acquires UK based $29 million/yr 120 employee cryogenic valves manufacturer President Engineering Group. $PH PR link.

Chipotle(PBR561) gets new pork supplier, to return carnitas to its menu in all restaurants by end of November. $CMG PR link.

Endo International(PBR700) completes $8.05 billion acquisition of private generics company Par Pharmaceutical from TPG. $ENDP PR link.

IGT(PBR878) mints its 1,000th Wheel of Fortune® Slot Millionaire at Golden Nugget Lake Charles in Louisiana. $IGT PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says that US August Personal Income was $15.404 trillion, +0.3% from July, Personal Savings rate at 4.6%. USDOC PR link.

The National Assn of Realtors says its August Pending Home Sales Index at 109.4, -1.4% from July, +6.1% from August 2014. NAR PR link.

Friday, September 25:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 16,314.67, -0.43% from last Friday, -1.29% MTD, -7.41% QTD, -8.46% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,686.50, -2.92% from last Friday, -1.88% MTD, -6.02% QTD, -1.05% YTD.
SPX closes week at 1,931.34, -1.37% from last Friday, -2.07% MTD, -6.39% QTD, -6.20% YTD.

Johnson & Johnson(PBR37) Consumer unit completes sale of $370 million in 2014 sales SPLENDA® Brand to Heartland Food Products Group, terms not disclosed. $JNJ PR link.

Computer Sciences(PBR237) completes acquisition of front-office management trading solutions provider Fixnetix, terms not disclosed. $CSC PR link.

Gartner(PBR885) acquires business software consulting provider Capterra, terms not disclosed. $IT PR link.

Donaldson Co(PBR783) hires Sheila Kramer as VP, Human Resources, effective 10/12/15. $DCI PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says in 3rd Estimate that 2nd Quarter GDP was at a 3.9% annual rate, $17.914 trillion. USDOC PR link.

University of Michigan September Surveys of Consumers shows Consumer Sentiment is at 87.2, the lowest level in 11 months. UMich article link.

Other News: John Boehner announces he will resign as Speaker of the House and his Representative seat from Ohio, effective 10/30/15.

Thursday, September 24:
General Electric(PBR9) enters into a $12 billion export financing agreement with the UK Government; could create up to 1000 new jobs in the UK. $GE PR link.

Caterpillar(PBR54) restructuring, to reduce workforce by up to 10,000, close some facilities by end of 2018. $CAT PR link.

Caterpillar(PBR54) announces new organizational structure for Mining, Customer, & Dealer-facing divisions. $CAT PR link.

Coca-Cola(PBR63) forms new National Product Supply System (“NPSS”) to facilitate optimal operation of the US product supply system for Coca-Cola bottlers. $KO PR link.

Lockheed Martin(PBR64) increases share repurchase authority by $3.0 billion. $LMT PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) completes $300 milliion automotive expansion in Tennessee. $AA PR link.

CarMax(PBR202) hiring more than 2,000 for full/part-time positions nationwide. $KMX PR link.

Autodesk(PBR773) to acquire Germany based industrial additive design & manufacturing software developer netfabb & take stake in parent FIT Technology. $ADSK PR link.

McDonald’s(PBR101) promotes David Fairhurst to EVP, Chief People Officer, effective 10/01/15, & hires Chris Kempczinski as EVP, Strategy, Business Development, & Innovation, effective 10/26/15. $MCD PR link.

Assurant(PBR268) makes executive changes for CFO, risk management, strategy & business development, communications/marketing, & technology. $AIZ PR link.

Ingredion(PBR415) promotes Martin Sonntag SVP, Strategy & Global Development. $INGR PR link.

Carlisle Cos(PBR650) hires Ted Messmer as President, Carlisle Brake & Friction, succeeds Matt Dietrich, who has left. $CSL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Bank chairperson’s Yellen says it is appropriate to raise interest rates this year MarketWatch article link.

The Dept of HUD says that August Sales of New Single-Family Houses were at a 552,000 annual rate, +5.7% from July, +21.6% from August 2014. HUD PR link.

Other News: Pope Francis is the first pontiff to give a speech to a joint meeting of the US Congress.

Wednesday, September 23:
Amazon.com(PBR29) announces 6 new TV shows for the fall pilot season. $AMZN PR link.

JCPenney(PBR234) promotes John Tighe to EVP, Chief Merchant, effective 10/01/15, other merchandising unit appointments named. $JCP PR link.

Public Service Enterprise(PBR257) promotes Daniel Cregg to EVP/CFO, effective 10/08/15, succeeds retiring Caroline Dorsa. $PEG PR link.

BB&T(PBR277) Insurance Holdings unit Chairman/CEO Wade Reece retiring effective 12/31/15, John Howard is successor. $BBT PR link.

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) will have more people working on cars than Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA) had at time of IPO. MarketWatch article link.

Flash US Markit Manufacturing Index flat in September. MarketWatch article link.

Third-quarter GDP tracking below 2%, complicating Fed decision MarketWatch article link.

Tuesday, September 22:
Apple(PBR5) widens gap between iOS, Android use in US. $AAPL article link.

MetLife(PBR39) increases share repurchase authorization to $1 billion. $MET article link.

Walt Disney(PBR57) ESPN unit to cut hundreds of jobs: report. MarketWatch article link.

Facebook(PBR228)’s Instagram unit celebrates 400+ million users mark, 75% outside US. Instagram blog link.

Ashland(PBR407) to split into two independent public companies, a specialty chemicals company and Valvoline. $ASH PR link.

Groupon(PBR652 $GRPN) to cut 1,100 jobs, 10% of workforce, & pull out of 7 countries. Chicago Tribune article link.

hhgregg(PBR864) celebrates 60 years as an appliances and electronics retailer. $HGG PR link.

Norfolk Southern(PBR242) names Mike Wheeler EVP/COO effective 02/01/16, upon retirement of Mark Manion, promotes Cindy Earhart to EVP, Admin & CIO, effective 10/01/15. $NSC PR link.

Ball Corp(PBR312) SVP/COO metal food & household products packaging Mike Feldser retiring 12/31/15, Jim Peterson to succeed him. $BLL PR link.

EnerSys(PBR776) CEO John Craig retiring 03/31/16, President/COO David Shaffer to become CEO 04/01/16. $ENS PR link.

Clearwater Paper(PBR898) president of consumer products division Pat Burke to also assume leadership of pulp & paperboard division per retirement of Dan Johansen. $CLW PR link.

Monday, September 21:
Apple(PBR5)’s iPhone installed base could surpass 500 million this year. MarketWatch article link.

Apple(PBR5) electric car targets 2019 rollout, Wall Street Journal sources say. MarketWatch article link.

AmerisourceBergen(PBR16) authorizes $2.4 billion share repurchase program to support warrant hedging strategy. $ABC PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) to hire 85,000 seasonal associates in 2015. $M PR link.

Time Warner(PBR103) HBO unit is the biggest Emmys winner with 43 total awards received. $TWX PR link.

Computer Sciences(PBR237) completes acquisition of cloud-based service management solutions provider Fruition Partners, terms not disclosed. $CSC PR link.

Pentair(PBR363) completes $1.8 billion cash acquisition of electrical & fastening products manufacturer ERICO Global. $PNR PR link.

Jack in the Box(PBR987) announces new $200 million share repurchase program. $JACK PR link.

Atmel(PBR1004) to be acquired by UK based Dialog Semiconductor(XTRA: DLG) for $4.6 billion cash/stock. $ATML PR link.

Mattel(PBR412) hires Richard Gros as Chief Human Resources Officer, announces 3 other executive management changes. $MAT PR link.

Equifax(PBR795) reports that there were 3.26 million first mortgages originated YTD through 05/31/15. $EFX PR link.

The National Assn of Realtors says August Existing Home Sales are at a 5.31 million annual rate, -4.8% from July, +6.2% from August 2014. NAR article link.

Harvard University study says number of households spending >50% of income on rent expected to rise to 13.1 million by 2025. Harvard article link.

The Brookings Institution reports that the typical male U.S. worker earned less in 2014 than in 1973. BI article link.

Friday, September 18:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 16,384.79, -0.29% from last Friday, -0.87% MTD, -7.01% QTD, -8.07% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,827.33, +0.10% from last Friday, +1.06% MTD, -3.20% QTD, +1.93% YTD.
SPX closes week at 1,958.08, -0.15% from last Friday, -0.71% MTD, -5.09% QTD, -4.90% YTD.

McKesson(PBR6) to acquire pharmaceutical distribution division of Northern Ireland based UDG Healthcare for $461 million. $MCK PR link.

Home Depot(PBR32) opens 3rd fulfillment center, 1.6 million sq ft, in Troy Township, Ohio, to employ 500. $HD PR link.

Coca-Cola(PBR63 $KO) owes $3.3 billion in taxes over transfer pricing. MarketWatch article link.

Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) completes $1 billion at-the-market equity offering and files prospectus supplement for up to $1 billion in additional at-the-market sales of common stock. $FCX PR link.

Norfolk Southern(PBR242) completes $214.5 million acquisition of 282 miles of the Delaware & Hudson Railway line between Sunbury, PA, & Schenectday, NY. $NSC PR link.

Norfolk Southern(PBR242) to focus on automobile parts transportation, restructuring $350 million revenues/year subsidiary Triple Crown Services, downsize workforce of 240 by 200. $NSC PR link.

Universal Health(PBR305) to acquire 4 facilities & 8 outpatient addiction treatment centers Foundations Recover Network for $350 million. $UHS PR link.

Windstream(PBR426) adopts shareholder plan to protect $1.2 billion of net operating loss carryforwards. $WIN PR link.

Arthur J Gallagher(PBR515) acquires managing general agent/wholesale insurance broker North Alabama Insurance, terms not disclosed. $AJG PR link.

Equifax(PBR795) confirms proposal to acquire Australia’s leading credit bureau Veda Group(ASX: VED) for $1.6 billion cash. $EFX PR link.

Brown & Brown(PBR972) realigns insurance Retail Division, overseen by President/CEO, 6 Regional Presidents appointed. $BRO PR link.

Plum Creek Timber(PBR989) completes $120 million sale of 98,000 acres of timberland in west-central Florida to Hancock Timber. $PCL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve reports that businesses racked up new debt at the fastest rate in seven years with total US debt at $43.98 trillion. MarketWatch article link.

Thursday, September 17:
Walmart(PBR1) plans to hire 60,000 seasonal associates for the holidays. $WMT PR link.

General Motors(PBR8) reaches agreement with U.S Attorney’s Office on ignition switch recalls, to pay $900 million fine. $GM PR link.

General Electric(PBR9) Aviation unit to create European Turboprop Center of Excellence to pursue non-US options to secure export credit financing for customers. $GE PR link.

Amazon.com(PBR29) announces new Fire HD tablet designed for entertainment, from $149.99. $AMZN PR link.

Cablevision(PBR390) to be acquired by Netherlands based Altice NV(Euronext: ATC) for $34.90/share, $17.7 billion enterprise value, creates 4th largest cable TV operator in the US. $ATC PR link.

Expedia(PBR433) completes $1.6 billion cash acquisition of global online travel company Orbitz. $EXPE PR link.

Activision(PBR540) announces record-breaking day-one PlayStation game downloads for Destiny: The Taken King. $ATVI PR link.

Perrigo(PBR565) board rejects the Mylan(PBR346) unsolicited $75/share +2.3 Mylan shares offer as inadequate. $PRGO PR link.

Oshkosh(PBR368) CEO Charles Szews to retire 12/31/15, President/COO Wilson Jones named successor. $OSK PR link.

Adobe Systems(PBR557) SVP David Wahdwani leaving, Bryan Lamkin to lead Digital Media business, other executive changes announced. $ADBE PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says August Private Housing Units Bldg Permits were at a 1,170,000 annual rate, +3.5% from July, 12.5% from August 2014 USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says that the US Current Account Deficit narrows to $109.7 billion in second quarter. MarketWatch article link.

The American Petroleum Institute says August Demand for Petroleum rose to 5 year highs, averaged 19.6 million barrels/day. API article link.

Wednesday, September 16:
General Electric(PBR9) completes sales of $2 billion European Sponsor Finance business & $3.7 billion portfolio of home loans. Real estate closings reach $30 billion. $GE PR link.

Northrop Grumman(PBR113) announces new $4 billion shares repurchase authorization. $NOC PR link.

Amgen(PBR135) to pay Xencor(NASDAQ: XNCR) up to $1.7 billion in strategic collaboration In cancer immuno and inflammation therapies. $AMGN PR link.

Amgen(PBR135) to acquire Netherlands based privately held biotech company Dezima Pharma for $300 million plus up to $1.25 billion based on milestones achieved. $AMGN PR link.

Kohl’s(PBR149) anticipates hiring more than 69,000 associates nationwide this holiday season. $KSS PR link.

Air Products(PBR267) to fully separate its Materials Technologies business via a tax-free spinoff before 09/16. $APD PR link.

Assurant(PBR268) Solutions unit to acquire Canadian auto services contracts provider Coast To Coast Dealer Services. $AIZ PR link.

Peabody Energy(PBR372) announces 1-for-15 reverse stock split following shareholder approval, to be effective 10/01/15. $BTU PR link.

The US Justice Dept says it will not challenge the Expedia(PBR433) acquisition of Orbitz. USJD PR link.

BE Aerospace(PBR748) to close several facilities, consolidate product lines, reduce headcount by 450. $BEAV PR link.

Avis Budget(PBR316) promotes Larry De Shon to President/COO, effective 10/01/15, to become CEO on 01/01/16. $CAR PR link.

Hub Group(PBR611) appoints Donald Maltby as President/COO. $HUBG PR link.

Crocs(PBR1037) promotes Terence Reilly to Chief Marketing Officer. $CROX PR link.

The National Assn of Homebuilders says homebuilder confidence is at 62, projects 1.1 million single family home starts in 2015. NAHB PR link.

The US Census Bureau says the 2014 poverty level remains at 14.8%, 46.7M people; median household income at $53,657 USCB PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says August Current Earnings averaged $25.09/hour, +0.3% over July, +2.2% from Aug 2014. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says August Consumer Price Index was -0.1% from July, +0.2% over the past 12 mos. USDOL PR link.

Tuesday, September 15:

Who were the Top 5 Monthly The PBR1000 Stock Market Gainers in August and YTD? Check it out here: Blog PR link.

Future public Hewlett-Packard(PBR19) Enterprise company provides fiscal 2016 outlook, includes 25,000+ people leaving. $HPQ PR link.

Future public Hewlett-Packard(PBR19) Inc company provides fiscal 2016 outlook, plans for printing & personal systems businesses. $HPQ PR link.

Sysco(PBR61) announces 3 year plan to create $1 billion in free cash flow per year. $SYY PR link.

YUM!(PBR217) Taco Bell unit introducing new urban fast food concept in Chicago & San Francisco, includes shared appetizers/alcohol. $YUM PR link.

Praxair(PBR233) to acquire Yara International’s European CO2 gas business for $352 million. $PX PR link.

The US Dept of Food & Drug Administration issues orders that will stop further U.S. sale and distribution of Reynolds American(PBR317) four R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company cigarette products. FDA PR link.

Reynolds American(PBR317) – R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company disagrees with FDA ruling on four of its cigarette brands. $RAI PR link.

DENTSPLY(PBR694) and Sirona Dental(NASDAQ: SIRO) announce combination to create the dental solutions company in $13 billion merger of equals. $XRAY PR link.

Olin Corp(PBR838) shareholders approve steps to merge with Dow Chemical(PBR48) separated chlor-alkali business for $5 billion, to close in Oct. $OLN PR link.

INTL FCStone(PBR88) CEO Sean O’Connor to also be President, Xuong Nguyen to be COO, & Trish Harrod to be Chief Risk Officer on 10/01/15. $INTL PR link.

CBS(PBR210) Entertainment unit chairman Nina Tassler stepping down end of 2015, serve in an advisory role, Glenn Geller to be promoted to president. $CBS PR link.

St Jude Medical(PBR440) incoming President/CEO Mike Rousseau announces executive leadership team, effective 01/01/16. $STJ PR link.

Xylem(PBR575) promotes Colin Sabol to SVP/President, Analytics & Treatment, and David Flinton to SVP/President, Dewatering, both report to President/CEO. $XYL PR link.

Hillenbrand(PBR962) names former Batesville unit president Kim Ryan as president of Coperion unit, Chris Traynor promoted to Batesville president. $HI PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says that at 107.1% of 2012 average, August Total Industrial Production was +0.9% from August 2014. USFR PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says July Trade Sales/Manufacturers’ Shipments are estimated at $1,328.0 billion, +0.1% from June, -2.7% from July 2014. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says that August US Retail/Food Services Sales are estimated at $447.7 billion, +0.2% from July, +2.2% from August 2014 USDOC PR link.

Monday, September 14:
Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) TV streaming service still to come and could cost $40 a month MarketWatch article link.

Kroger(PBR20) unit Ralphs Grocery to hold open interviews 09/15/15 for military veterans & family members, hopes to fill 1,000 positions across its 209 stores. $KR PR link.

Google(PBR44) found guilty of ‘abusing dominant market position’ in Russia. MarketWatch article link.

Mylan(PBR346) offers Perrigo(PBR565) shareholders $75/share + 2.3 Mylan shares to acquire Perrigo. $MYL PR link.

Flowers Foods(PBR591) completes $275 million cash acquisition of US best selling organic bread maker Dave’s Killer Bread. $FLO PR link.

NII Holdings(PBR604) selling Nextel Argentina to Argentina’s largest media company Grupo Clarin in 2 part deal for $178 million. $NIHD PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782) to partner with Tucson-based SOLON to add 5 megawatts of solar power across 11 projects for Pima County, Arizona, Government. $SUNE PR link.

Zebra Technologies(PBR961) tracking technology may change how NFL fans see the game and teams play it. $ZBRA PR link.

W.R. Grace(PBR645) hires Dean Freeman as VP/CFO of future spinoff GCP Applied Technologies. $GRA PR link.

Friday, September 11:
Patriot Day: 14th Anniversary of 9/11.

The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 16,433.09, +2.05% from last Friday, -0.57% MTD, -6.73% QTD, -7.80% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,822.34, +2.96% from last Friday, +0.96% MTD, -3.30% QTD, +1.82% YTD.
SPX closes week at 1,961.05, +2.07% from last Friday, -0.56% MTD, -4.95% QTD, -4.75% YTD.

AutoNation(PBR148) adds $250 million for shares repurchasing program, total available is now $338 million. $AN PR link.

Conn’s(PBR986) terminates Stockholders’ Rights Plan adopted in October 2014. $CONN PR link.

Microsoft(PBR31 $MSFT) promotes general counsel Brad Smith to President, first since 2002, & as Chief Legal Officer. MarketWatch article link.

Owens & Minor(PBR292) hires W. Marshall Simpson as EVP, Chief Commercial Officer, effective 10/04/15. $OMI PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519 $YHOO) media/marketing head Kathy Savitt leaving after 3 years. MarketWatch article link.

Mattress Firm(PBR932) promotes Ken Murphy to President, Robert Killgore to COO. $MFRM PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says that the August Final Demand Producer Price Index was unchanged, last 12 months final demand index is -0.8% USDOL PR link.

The US Treasury Dept says that Fiscal YTD Receipts through August are $2.883 trillion, Outlays $3.413 trillion, Deficit is $530 billion. USTD PR link.

The University of Michigan reports that the Consumer Sentiment Index tumbled from 91.9 in August to 85.7 in September. UMich article link.

Thursday, September 10:
Walmart(PBR1) division 650 locations Sam’s Club to start accepting American Express(PBR83) cards on 10/01/15. $AXP PR link.

Google(PBR44) announces Android Pay for the US. $GOOGL PR link.

3M(PBR92) to explore strategic alternatives for Its growing $730 million/yr Health Information Systems business. $MMM PR link.

Avon(PBR303 $AVP) climbs on stake sale talks with private-equity firms MarketWatch article link.

Perrigo(PBR565) responds to the Mylan(PBR346 $MYL) planned acquisition offer, says undervalued. $PRGO PR link.

Global Payments(PBR762) announces full support for Google(PBR44)’s Android Pay in the US. $GPN PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) names 4 new EVPs for Merchandising, CIO, Retail Operations, & CFO. $KR PR link.

Express Scripts(PBR22) hires Eric Slusser as EVP/CFO. $ESRX PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says July Wholesalers Sales were $449.5 billion, -0.3% from June, -4.2% from July 2014. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says August US Import Prices dropped 1.8%, primarily from lower fuel prices, US Export Prices dropped 1.4%. USDOL PR link.

Wednesday, September 9:
Apple(PBR5) introduces iPhone 6s & 6s Plus, new Apple TV, iPad Pro, watchOS 2 in a series of announcements. $AAPL PR link.

Here’s where Apple(PBR5) Pay stands after its first year. MarketWatch article link.

Amazon.com(PBR29) ends sales of its ‘Fire Phone’. MarketWatch article link.

Lockheed Martin(PBR64) to reduce its IT services business workforce by 500 by mid 11/15. $LMT PR link.

21st Century Fox(PBR91) acquires a 73% stake in non-profit National Geographic Society for $725 million. $FOX PR link.

McDonald’s(PBR101) to fully transition to cage-free eggs for all restaurants in the U.S. and Canada within 10 years. $MCD PR link.

Southern Co(PBR155) Power subsidiary to acquire 2nd wind project, surpassing 1,600 MW of renewable generation development. $SO PR link.

Assurant(PBR268) to sell employee benefits business to Sun Life Financial for $940 million, increases share repurchase program to $1 billion. $AIZ PR link.

Discover Financial(PBR286) to accept Apple(PBR5) Pay, offers 10% cashback bonus through end of year. $DFS PR link.

Agilent Technologies(PBR364) to acquire private tools for measuring cell metabolism developer Seahorse Bioscience for $235 million cash. $A PR link.

Con-Way(PBR430) to be acquired by XPO Logistics(NYSE: XPO) for $47.60/share, $3 billion. $CNW PR link.

Flowers Foods(PBR591) to acquire private organic & all natural breads provider Alpine Valley Bread Co for $120 million cash/stock. $FLO PR link.

Express Scripts(PBR22) to promote president Tim Wentworth to CEO, effective 05/16; George Paz to retire, remain Chairman. $ESRX PR link.

Fifth Third Bancorp(PBR387) promotes Teresa Tanner to EVP, Chief Administration Officer. $FITB PR link.

St Jude Medical(PBR440) to promote COO Michael Rousseau to President/CEO on 01/01/16, Daniel Starks to keep Chairman responsibilities. $STJ PR link.

The Andersons(PBR525) hires Patrick Bowe as President/CEO, effective 11/02/15, Mike Anderson remains Chairman. $ANDE PR link.

Conn’s(PBR986) hires Norman Miller as President/CEO. $CONN PR link.

US Dept of Labor says in the July Job Openings & Labor Turnover Report that over last 12 months hires were 60.6 million, separations 57.8 million, net employment gain was 2.7 million. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says that the June Total Compensation Costs for civilian workers from all categories averaged $33.19/hour. USDOL PR link.

US health spending accelerates, up 2.2% in second quarter MarketWatch article link.

Tuesday, September 8:
General Electric(PBR9) gets European Commission approval for $13.5 billion acquisition of France based Alstom, with conditions. $GE PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) to close 35-40 underperforming stores in early 2016. $M PR link.

Macy’s(PBR97) & Best Buy(PBR73, $BBY) partner to test consumer electronics departments in 10 Macy’s stores starting in November. $M PR link.

Praxair(PBR233) signs longterm agreement with Nacogdoches Oil & Gas for up to 100 million scf/year of helium. $PX PR link.

Dover(PBR343) to acquire dispenser & system businesses from France based Tokheim Group for $465 million. $DOV PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) to offer on 09/14/15 Perrigo(PBR565 $PRGO) shareholders a $75/share & 2.3 Mylan shares per Perrigo share acquisition offer. $MYL PR link.

Blackstone Group(PBR352) to acquire luxury hotels REIT Strategic Hotels(NYSE: BEE) for $14.25/share, $6 billion cash. $BX PR link.

Netflix(PBR447) to launch In South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong & Taiwan In early 2016. $NFLX PR link.

McGraw Hill(PBR477) completes $2.225 billion acquisition of SNL Financial, announces leadership changes. $MHFI PR link.

Cerner(PBR628) authorizes $245 million for shares repurchase program. $CERN PR link.

Meredith(PBR994) to be acquired by Media General(NYSE: MEG) for $2.4 billion cash/stock, to close by 06/30/16, creates 3rd largest owner of major TV networks affiliates. $MDP PR link.

Prudential Financial(PBR55) promotes Timothy Harris to EVP, General Counsel, effective 10/01/15, succeeds retiring Susan Blount. $PRU PR link.

United Continental(PBR77) hires Oscar Munoz to be President/CEO, succeeds Jeff Smisek who has stepped down. $UAL PR link.

CSX(PBR226) announces Oscar Munoz leaving to become President/CEO of United Continental(PBR77), 4 executive leadership changes made. $CSX PR link.

AECOM(PBR322) promotes W Troy Rudd to EVP/CFO, effective 10/05/15. $ACM PR link.

Fifth Third Bancorp(PBR387) hires Timothy Spence as EVP, Chief Strategy Officer, effective 09/11/15. Succeeds Dan Poston who is leaving to become EVP, Strategic Client Relations at Vantiv(PBR754). $FITB PR link.

Tempur Sealy(PBR687) hires Scott Thompson as Chairman/President/CEO, effective immediately. $TPX PR link.

Crocs(PBR1037) SVP/CFO Jeff Lasher leaving, SVP Finance Mike Smith named interim CFO effective 10/01/15. $CROX PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Bank says the July Consumer Credit was at a+6.75% annual rate, revolving credit +5.75%, nonrevolving credit +7.00%. FRB PR link.

Conference Board: US likely to keep pumping out steady flow of new jobs through end of year. MarketWatch article link.

Monday, September 7:
US Stock Markets Closed
in Observance of Labor Day.

Friday, September 4:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 16,102.38, -2.58% from last Friday/MTD, -8.61% QTD, -9.65% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,683.92, -1.94% from last Friday/MTD, -6.07% QTD, -1.10% YTD.
SPX closes week at 1,921.22, -2.58% from last Friday/MTD, -6.88% QTD, -6.69% YTD.

Community Health System(PBR125) files Form 10 for spinoff of 38 hospitals Quorum Health Resources as separate independent public company, announces key executives. $CYH article link.

SEC complaints against Navistar(PBR258) feature a who’s who of Chicago clout. MarketWatch article link.

TECO Energy(PBR758) to be acquired by energy company Emira(TSX: EMA) for $27.55/share, $10.4 billion. $TE PR link.

The solar-panel market is ready to heat up. MarketWatch article link.

Companies rush to borrow cash before Fed raises rates MarketWatch article link.

The US Dept of Labor says August Total Nonfarm Payroll Employment was up by 173,000, unemployment rate down to 5.1%. USDOL PR link.

Thursday, September 3:
Amazon(PBR29) Web Services unit to acquire video software/multiscreen content developer Elemental Technologies, terms not disclosed. $AMZN PR link.

Pfizer(PBR56) completes $90/share, $17 billion acquisition of injectable drugs, infusion technologies, and biosimilars company Hospira(PBR532 $HSP). $PFE PR link.

General Mills(PBR162) is selling its Green Giant and Le Sueur vegetable businesses to B&G Foods(NYSE: BGS) for $765 million cash. $GIS PR link.

Allergan(PBR219) to acquire private glaucoma treatment company AqueSys for $300 million cash. $AGN PR link.

Molina Healthcare(PBR284) to acquire Providence Human Services & Providence Community Services, the Behavioral & Mental Health Subsidiaries of the Providence Service Corporation(NASDAQ: PRSC) for $200 million. $MOH PR link.

Priceline(PBR319) has acquired Australian based restaurant table & reservation management solutions ResPAK provider AS Digital, terms not disclosed. $PCLN PR link.

PVH(PBR328) Calvin Klein unit to reacquire Calvin Klein Platinum Label Accessories License from CK21. $PVH PR link.

ABM Industries(PBR595) announces comprehensive strategy & transformation initiative, $200 million share repurchase program. $ABM PR link.

Tesla(PBR651) Model 3 to cost $35K, preorders start in March MarketWatch article link.

Facebook(PBR228 $FB) is most successful app, beating out Google(PBR44 $GOOGL), Apple(PBR5 $AAPL). MarketWatch article link.

Ciena Corp(PBR829) promotes François Locoh-Donou as COO, effective 11/01/15. $CIEN PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says that the July International Goods & Services deficit was $41.9 billion, down $3.3 billion from June, down $306.1 billion calendar YTD. USDOC PR link.

Wednesday, September 2:
Subscriber Alert: The PBR August US Indices Snapshot has been emailed to Subscribers. USI Info/Subscribe link.

Raytheon(PBR118) to hire up to 700 employees by end of 2016 in Colorado Springs area in support of $700 million NORAD contract. $RTN PR link.

Abbott Labs(PBR134) completes $250 million acquisition of private minimally invasive mitral valve medical device provider Tendyne. $ABT PR link.

Southern Co(PBR155) Power subsidiary acquires controlling interest in First Solar(PBR630) largest solar asset 300MW Desert Stateline Facility in California. $FSLR PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) completes acquisition of social shopping site Polyvore, terms not disclosed. $YHOO PR link.

Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA)’s Model X ‘Signature’ will set you back $132,000 MarketWatch article link.

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) set to join exclusve-content contest before Netflix(PBR447 $NFLX) & Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN) run away with it MarketWatch article link.

Juniper Networks(PBR516) hires Brian Martin as SVP, General Counsel, effective 10/05/15. $JNPR PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says from 2nd quarter 2014 to 2nd quarter 2015 Nonfarm Labor Productivity was +0.7%, output +3.3%, hours worked +2.6%. USDOL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says that the US economy continued modest-moderate growth across most regions/sectors during the July to mid-August period. FRB Beige Book PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says July New Orders for Manufactured Goods were $482.0 billion, +0.4% over June, which was +2.2% over May. USDOC PR link.

Study finds 14% of Americans were entrepreneurs in 2014 USDOCMarketWatch PR link.

Tuesday, September 1:
The PBR1000 August 2015 Breaking News Recap is published. Click here.

Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) talking to Hollywood execs about exclusive Apple TV content: reports MarketWatch article link.

General Electric(PBR9) gets over $1 billion in power generation & software sales from Asia Pacific customers. $GE PR link.

ConocoPhillips(PBR53, $COP) to cut global workforce by 10%, including more than 500 jobs in Houston. MarketWatch article link.

Sprint(PBR86) to add over 1,000 jobs & invest $150 million by the end of 2016 in the Chicago area. $S PR link.

McDonald’s(PBR101, $MCD) starts serving breakfast all day on 10/06/15. USAToday article link.

CBRE Group(PBR301) completes $1.475 billion acquisition of Johnson Controls(PBR68) Global Workplace Solutions unit. $CBG PR link.

Enbridge Energy(PBR333) completes transfer of $30.4 billion of Canadian pipelines & energy business to its Income Fund. $EEP PR link.

Manitowoc(PBR579) files Form 10 to separate into 2 public companies, one for Cranes, the other for Foodservices, on track for 1st quarter 2016. $MTW PR link.

Cabela’s(PBR606) authorizes an up to 2 year $500 million share repurchase program. $CAB PR link.

H&R Block(PBR669) completes divesture of BofI Federal Bank, to do $3.5 billion share repurchase program. $HRB PR link.

Synopsys(PBR879) replenishes stock repurchase authorization to $500 million. $SNPS PR link.

Bob Evans(PBR1020) to pursue a $200 million sale-leaseback transaction for a select portion of its restaurant properties. $BOBE PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) hires Jessica Adelman as Group VP of Corporate Affairs, effective 11/01/15. $KR PR link.

C.H. Robinson(PBR215) hires Jeroen Eijsink as President, European Operations, reports to President/CEO John Wiehoff. $CHRW PR link.

Fresh Market(PBR942) hires Rick Anicetti as President/CEO. $TFM PR link.

August US car sales are stronger than expected MarketWatch article link.

The US Dept of Commerce estimates July Construction Spending Annual Rate was at $1,083.4 billion, +0.7% from June, +13.7% from July 2014. USDOC PR link.

 

(The PBR1000 is the premiere comparative data and reporting service covering over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administration headquarters in the US. These companies generate nearly $14 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to The PBR1000 subscribers. Users include C-level executives, entrepreneurs,  sales/marketing/advertising professionals, investors/investment advisors, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just go to the PBRMarketTools.com Order page.)

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, Stuart Miles.)

Filed Under: Recaps Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

The PBR1000 July 2015 Breaking News Recap

August 3, 2015 by
ID-100335902 Business Word Head-Sujin Jetkasettakorn

As A Business Leader There Is A Lot To Think About.

 

By Larry C. Paxton

The PBR1000 in July 2015 had a lot of highlights in several areas.

Most of the mega deals involved the continuing consolidation of health related businesses. There were also some long awaited completion of deals like AT&T/DirecTV and Dollar Tree/Family Dollar.

More spinoffs occurred or were announced, with PayPal getting most of the press.

The US economy is still regarded as somewhat fragile but showing modest growth, enough to keep everyone guessing when the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates.

World issues had an affect as well. The stock markets displayed volatility based on the still unresolved Greece debt issues, the slowdown of the China economy and the dramatic downward dip in its markets towards the end of the month. Nevertheless, all US stock markets showed good increases over June with the NASDAQ hitting new highs. Other issues that didn’t seem to have a direct effect, but could have a longer range impact include the nuclear weapons negotiations with Iran, and the battles against extremist warring organizations like ISIL in the Middle East.

August has a history of volatility, let’s see if that’s true again in 2015.

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

Friday, July 31:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,689.86, +0.69% from last Friday, +0.40% MTD/QTD, -.75% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,128.28, +0.78% from last Friday, +2.84% MTD/QTD, +8.28% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,103.84, +1.16% from last Friday, +1.97% MTD/QTD, +2.18% YTD.

UPS(PBR47) to acquire truckload freight brokerage company Coyote Logistics for $1.8 billion. $UPS PR link.

Jarden(PBR324) completes $1.35 billion acquisition of disposable tableware manufacturer The Waddington Group from private equity firm Olympus Partners. $JAH PR link.

Berry Plastics(PBR488) to acquire specialty materials provider AVINTIV from Blackstone Group(PBR352) for $2.45 billion cash. $BERY PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) to acquire social shopping site Polyvore, terms not disclosed. $YHOO PR link.

Penn National Gaming(PBR750) to acquire Illinois 1,100 video gaming terminals operator Prairie State Gaming. $PENN PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the 2nd Quarter Employment Cost Index decelerated sharply to 0.2% from the 1st Quarter. MarketWatch article link.

Thursday, July 30:
MasterCard(PBR291) extends partnership with Samsung to deliver Samsung Pay in Europe. $MA PR link.

Intl Flavors & Fragrances(PBR666) completes $311 million acquisition of Lucas Meyer Cosmetics. $IFF PR link.

Ventas(PBR671) to spinoff of most of its post-acute/skilled nursing facility portfolio as an independent publicly held REIT called Care Capital Properties, NYSE: CCP, after 08/17/15. $VTR PR link.

Kroger(PBR20) 1st female corporate executive Group VP for Corporate Affairs Lynn Marmer retiring in early 2016. $KR PR link.

Raytheon(PBR118) promotes Wesley Kremer as President, Integrated Defense Systems. $RTN PR link.

Diebold(PBR676) EVP/COO George Mayes, Jr, leaving, position to be eliminated in streamlining effort. $DBD PR link.

Avista Corp(PBR990) announces 3 changes to its officer team in finance, strategy, & development. $AVA PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says that the 2nd Quarter Advance GDP estimate is at a 2.3%, $17.840 trillion, annual rate. USDOC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says for the week ending 07/18/15 the Total Insured Unemployment was at 2.266,000, 4 week moving average at 2,255,250. USDOL PR link.

FreddieMac(PBR41) says on 07/30/15 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate averaged 3.98% with 0.6 points/fees. $FMCC PR link.

Wednesday, July 29:
Mylan(PBR346) receives unconditional clearance by European Commission for purchase of Perrigo(PBR565). $MYL PR link.

Apollo Education Group(PBR681) files notice disclosing an FTC civil investigation on business practices. MarketWatch article link.

Cytec(PBR887) to be merged into Brussels based global chemical company Solvay for $75.25/share, $5.5 billion. $CYT PR link.

Manitowoc(PBR579) hires Hubertus Muelhaeuser as CEO for the Manitowoc Foodservice unit. $MTW PR link.

Tuesday, July 28:
AIG(PBR46) acquires private First Principles Capital Management, names its CEO Douglas Dachille as AIG’s next EVP/Chief Investment Officer, succeeds William Dooley, who is retiring. $AIG PR link.

Caterpillar(PBR54) to do $1.5 billion accelerated stock repurchase program by end of 3rd quarter. $CAT PR link.

Caterpillar(PBR54) announces new strategy for its vocational truck product family, to expand production at its Victoria, TX, facility. $CAT PR link.

Honeywell Intl(PBR74) to acquire gas heating, controls, metering, and advanced technologies provider Elster Division from Melrose Industries plc for $5.1 billion. $HON PR link.

SuperValu(PBR164) considering spinoff of its Save-A-Lot unit into a stand-alone publicly traded company. $SVU PR link.

Proctor & Gamble(PBR33) promotes David Taylor as President/CEO, effective 11/01/15, succeeds AG Lafley who becomes Executive Chairman. $PG PR link.

Citrix(PBR658) President/CEO Mark Templeton to retire when successor appointed, search firm retained. $CTXS PR link.

Scientific Games(PBR937) hires David Smail as EVP/Chief Legal Officer, effective 08/03/15. $SGMS PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says the 2nd Quarter Homeownership Rate was 63.4%, -1.3% from 2nd quarter 2014, -0.4% from 1st quarter 2015. USDOC PR link.

Monday, July 27:
Allergan(PBR219) selling its global generics business to Teva Pharmaceutical($TEVA) for $40.5 billion cash/stock. $AGN PR link.

Allergan(PBR219) to acquire depression therapies developer Naurex for $560 million cash. $AGN PR link.

Mylan(PBR346) comments on Israel based Teva Pharmaceuticals acquisition of generics business of Allergan(PBR219) & unsolicited offer withdrawal for Mylan. $MYL PR link.

McGraw Hill(PBR477) to acquire data, analytics, & research firm SNL Financial for $2.225 billion cash. $MHFI PR link.

Arch Coal(PBR691) postpones 1:10 reverse stock split from 07/27/15 close to 08/03/15 close. $ACI PR link.

Beacon Roofing(PBR818) to acquire roofing products distributor Roofing Supply Group for $1.1 billion cash/stock. $BECN PR link.

SandRidge Energy(PBR975) receives NYSE notice of potential delisting because share price less than $1.00 for 30 days, considering reverse stock split. $SD PR link.

Darden Restaurants(PBR398) announces Todd Burrowes is rejoining LongHorn Steakhouse unit as President, reports to CEO. $DRI PR link.

Friday, July 24:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,568.53, -2.86% from last Friday, -0.29% MTD/QTD, -1.43% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,088.83, -2.33% from last Friday, +2.04% MTD/QTD, +7.45% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,079.65, -2.21% from last Friday, +0.80% MTD/QTD, +1.01% YTD.

AT&T(PBR12) completes $67 billion acquisition of DirecTV(PBR89), now the largest pay TV provider in the US & world. $T PR link.

Anthem(PBR38) to acquire Cigna(PBR85) for $188/share, $54.2 billion, creates company with 53 million medical members, $115 billion revenues/year. $ANTM PR link.

Enterprise Products(PBR59) completes sale of its offshore Gulf of Mexico assets to Genesis Energy(PBR553) for $1.5 billion cash. $EPD PR link.

Cisco(PBR60) to stop selling flash memory data-storage business known as Invicta. MarketWatch article link.

Johnson Controls(PBR68) plans to spinoff $22 billion in 2014 revenues Automotive Experience business as an independent publicly traded company within 12 months. $JCI PR link.

American Airlines(PBR69) ups shares repurchase program to $4 billion. $AAL PR link.

Charles River Labs(PBR1025) completes acquisition of rapid bacterial detection equipment provider Celsis International for $212 million cash. $CRL PR link.

Public Service Enterprise(PBR257) EVP/CFO Caroline Dorsa to retire in 4th quarter, search firm retained for new CFO. $PEG PR link.

The US Dept of HUD says June New Single-Family Houses Sales were at a 482,000 annual rate, -6.8% from May, +18.1% over June 2014. HUD PR link.

Thursday, July 23:
Cisco(PBR60) to sell its set-top box business unit to France based Technicolor for $604 million. $CSCO PR link.

Alcoa(PBR115) completes acquisition of titanium & specialty metal products manufacturer RTI(NYSE: RTI) in $1.5 billion stock deal. $AA PR link.

Starbucks(PBR178) adds 50 million shares for repurchase to existing 11 million available. $SBUX PR link.

EnerSys(PBR776) completes acquisition of Australia based equipment facilities manufacturer ICS Industries. $ENS PR link.

DuPont(PBR82) promotes Marc Doyle to SVP-Safety/Protections unit upon resignation of Matthew Trerotola. $DD PR link.

Crown Holdings(PBR298) CEO John Conway retiring effective 01/01/16, Timothy Dunne elected to succeed him as President/CEO. $CCK PR link.

Celanese(PBR369) Interim CFO Chris Jensen officially named CFO. $CE PR link.

Colfax Corp(PBR517) hires Matt Trerotola as CEO, effective 07/24/15, succeeds retiring Steve Simms. $CFX PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR519) promotes Lisa Utzschneider to Chief Revenue Officer. $YHOO PR link.

CA Technologies(PBR550) hires Ayman Sayed as Chief Product Officer, reports to CEO Mike Gregoire. $CA PR link.

Graham Holdings(PBR615) Kaplan unit CEO Tom Leppert resigning effective 08/21/15, Chairman Andy Rosen to add CEO responsibilities. $GHC PR link.

Wednesday, July 22:
Home Depot(PBR32) to acquire national distributor/direct marketer of maintenance, repair & operational products Interline Brands for $1.625 billion cash. $HD PR link.

Genworth Financial(PBR287) in negotiations to sell its lifestyle protection insurance business to France based AXA SA for $510 million. $GNW PR link.

Discovery Communications(PBR399) to acquire full ownership of Europe/Asia sports channels group Eurosport from TFI Group for $535 million per 2012 agreement. $DISCA PR link.

St Jude Medical(PBR440) to acquire medical devices for heart failure developer Thoratec for $63.50/share, $3.4 billion cash. $STJ PR link.

Bank of America(PBR24) CFO Bruce Thompson stepping down, Paul Donofrio to become CFO on 08/01/15; other key management changes announced. $BAC PR link.

The National Assn of Realtors reports June Existing Home Sales at a 5.49 million annual rate, $236,400 median price. NAR PR link.

Tuesday, July 21:

KKR(PBR332) to acquire an 80% stake in $1 billion total enterprise valued photovoltaic developer/operator Gestamp Solar from Gestamp Renewables. $KKR PR link.

Lexmark(PBR601) to eliminate 500 positions worldwide as part of restructuring program. $LXK PR link.

CIT Group(PBR608) gets federal & states regulatory approval for $3.4 billion acquisition of OneWest Bank, expected to close 08/03/15. $CIT PR link.

Henry Schein(PBR270) promotes Peter McCarthy to President, Global Animal Health Group. $HSIC PR link.

Corning(PBR281) Vice Chairman/CFO Jim Flaws to retire on 11/30/15. $GLW PR link.

Corning(PBR281) elects Lawrence McRae as Vice Chairman & Corporate Development Officer, Tony Tripeny as SVP/CFO effective 09/01/15, & Dr. Jeffrey Evenson SVP/Chief Strategy Officer. $GLW PR link.

Royal Caribbean(PBR329) hires Jim Berra as Chief Marketing Officer, reports to President/CEO Michael Bayley. $RCL PR link.

HARMAN Intl(PBR456) promotes Phillip Eyler as EVP & President, Infotainment division, reports to Chairman/President/CEO Dinesh Paliwal. $HAR PR link.

Iron Mountain(PBR663) hires Deirdre Evens as Chief People Officer, reports to President/CEO William Meaney. $IRM PR link.

Bon-Ton Stores(PBR707) hires Bill Tracy as COO, effective 07/27/15. $BONT PR link.

AMC Entertainment(PBR728) President/CEO Gerry Lopez leaving, effective 08/06/15, CFO Craig Ramsey to become Interim President/CEO at that time. $AMC PR link.

Elizabeth Arden(PBR1043) hires JuE Wong as President, Elizabeth Arden Brand, effective 08/03/15. $RDEN PR link.

Monday, July 20:
United Technologies(PBR45) to do 75 million shares repurchase program, $8.3 billion, with sale of Sikorsky Aircraft unit to Lockheed Martin(PBR64) for $9 billion. $UTX PR link.

Lockheed Martin(PBR64) to acquire Sikorsky Aircraft unit from United Technologies(PBR45) for $9 billion. $LMT PR link.

Ross Stores(PBR253) to open 19 Ross Dress for Less and 8 dd’s Discount stores in July as part of plan for 90 new stores in 2015. $ROST PR link.

Caesars Entertainment(PBR314) reaches agreement on debt restructuring with a group of 2nd lien holders, makes changes to 01/14/15 Restructuring Support Agreement. $CZR PR link.

Calpine Corp(PBR330) to expand in Texas & NE US with acquisition of retail electric provider Champion Energy Marketing for $240 million. $CPN PR link.

CF Industries(PBR502) confirms it is in preliminary discussions with OCI NV regarding a potential combination involving certain of OCI’s businesses. $CF PR link.

Arch Coal(PBR691) announces 1:10 reverse stock split after 07/27/15 market close, will maintain listing status on NYSE. $ACI PR link.

SunEdison(PBR782) to acquire Vivint Solar(NYSE: VSLR) for $16.50/share, $2.2 billion in cash/stock/notes, to close in 4th quarter 2015. $SUNE PR link.

Synopsis(PBR879) completes acquisition of the Seeker security product and its R&D team from Quotium(NYSE Euronext: QTE).
$SNPS PR link.

eBay(PBR163) spinoff PayPal(NASDAQ: PYPL) in first day of public trading opens at $41.46, range $39.80-$42.55, closes at $40.47. MarketWatch PayPal stock info.

Adobe Systems(PBR557) hires Abhay Parasnis as Chief Technology Officer & SVP/platform technology and services. $ADBE PR link.

HealthSouth(PBR800) EVP/General Counsel & Secretary John Whittington retiring on 12/31/15. $HLS PR link.

Friday, July 17:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 18,086.54, +1.84% from last Friday, +2.65% MTD/QTD, +1.48% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,210.14(R), +4.25% from last Friday, +4.48% MTD/QTD, +10.01% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,126.64, +2.41% from last Friday, +3.08% MTD/QTD, +3.29% YTD.

GameStop(PBR287) completes acquisition of ThinkGeek retailer parent Geeknet(NASDAQ: GKNT) for $20/share, $140 million. $GME PR link.

Yahoo!(PBR500) files with SEC to spinoff remaining holdings in Alibaba Group into an independent, publicly traded, registered investment company, as announced on 01/27/15, to close in 4th quarter. $YHOO PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says June Employee Average Earnings were $24.95/hour, 34.5 hours/week, $860.78/week, +2.0% from June 2014. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the June Consumer Price Index for All Items was +0.3% over May, +0.1% over the last 12 months. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of HUD says the June Private Housing Units Building Permits were at a 1,343,000 annual rate, +7.4% over May, +30.0% over June 2014 HUD PR link.

Thursday, July 16:
Amazon’s(PBR37) first Prime Day sales exceed Black Friday 2014 by 18%, 34.4 million items sold. $AMZN PR link.

Enterprise Products(PBR56) to sell its offshore Gulf of Mexico assets to Genesis Energy(PBR553) for $1.5 billion cash. $EPD PR link.

Mondelez(PBR85) completes acquisition of 80% stake in Vietnam’s leading snacks business Kinh Do for $370 million. $MDLZ PR link.

Hertz(PBR249) completes restatements of annual reports, to separate its equipment rental business, implementing cost reduction program. $HTZ PR link.

McGraw Hill(PBR477) Platts division acquires shipping & oil industries news & analysis provider Petromedia. $MHFI PR link.

Groupon(PBR750) acquires OrderUp to power nationwide food ordering & delivery. $GRPN PR link.

Dollar Tree(PBR329) promotes Mike Witynski to COO. $DLTR PR link.

Fifth Third Bancorp(PBR345) hires Lars Anderson to be EVP/COO on 08/03/15. $FITB PR link.

Hershey Co(PBR347) hires Peter Horst as new Chief Marketing Officer, effective 07/27/15. Mike Wege now SVP/Chief Admin Officer. $HSY PR link.

Domino’s Pizza(PBR927) promotes Jeff Lawrence to EVP/CFO, succeeds Mike Lawton who is retiring at the end of August. $DPZ PR link.

Wednesday, July 15:
Amazon(PBR37) Studios announces Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq as first ever Amazon original movie. $AMZN PR link.

Nike(PBR98) gets $169 million apparel deal from 08/01/16 through 2027 with University of Michigan, MarketWatch article link.

Kinder Morgan(PBR198) to purchase 100% of Shell’s equity interest in the Elba LNG Liquefaction joint venture for $630 million. $KMI PR link.

Corning(PBR332) authorizes $2 billion shares repurchase program, expires 12/31/16. $GLW PR link.

Molina Healthcare(PBR375) to enter Chicago market with acquisition of Medicaid assets of 61,000 member MyCare Chicago. $MOH PR link.

Anixter(PBR398) to acquire the distributor Power Solutions segment of HD Supply for $825 million. $AXE PR link.

Netflix(PBR534) grows by 3.3 million subscribers in 2nd Quarter, now has over 65 million subscribers worldwide. $NFLX PR link.

Walter Energy(PBR920) reaches restructuring agreement with senior lendors, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. $WLTG PR link.

Gannett(PBR458) hires Kevin Gentzel as its first Chief Revenue Officer. $GCI PR link.

Juniper Networks(PBR501) hires Susan Lovegren as SVP/Human Resources, Bob Worrall as SVP/CIO. $JNPR PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says the June Producer Price Index for final demand was +0.4% over May, -0.7% for 12 months ended in June. USDOL PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Board in its G17 report says June Industrial Production was +0.3%, +1.5% over June 2014; Capacity Utilization was at 78.4% USFRB PR link.

The US Federal Reserve Board releases its latest Beige Book, overall districts are generally optimistic. USFRB PR link.

Tuesday, July 14:
Danaher(PBR139) completes $2.6 billion deal that combines its Communications unit with a subsidiary of NetScout Systems(NASDAQ: NTCT). $DHR PR link.

Molina Healthcare(PBR375) to acquire Medicaid assets of 25,000 member S. Florida firm Preferred Medical Plan. $MOH PR link.

Celgene(PBR381) to acquire immune/metabolics therapeutics developer Receptos(NASDAQ: RCPT) for $232/share, $7.2 billion. $CELG PR link.

Barnes & Noble(PBR388) approves publicly held Barnes & Noble Education spinoff, scheduled for 08/02/15, to start trading on 08/03/15 with symbol NYSE: BNED. $BKS PR link.

IAC(PBR669) soon to be spinoff The Match Group to acquire fellow dating site PlentyOfFish for $575 million. $IACI PR link.

WPX Energy(PBR713) to acquire privately held Permian Basin assets based RKI Exploration for $2.35 billion. $WPX PR link.

Guess?(PBR751) Co-Founder/CEO Paul Marciano announces that Victor Herroro to be new CEO in August. $GES PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce in advance report says June Retail & Food Sales were at $442.0 billion, -0.3% from May, +1.4% from June 2014. USDOC PR link.

Monday, July 13:
Valero Energy(PBR10) adds $2.5 billion to its available $400 million for stock repurchases. $VLO PR link.

Comcast(PBR44) to roll out $15/month TV streaming service across the US by the end of 2016, starting in Boston. $CMCSA PR link.

Medtronic(PBR161) to acquire detection/prevention of retained surgical items device company RF Surgical Systems for $235 million. $MDT PR link.

Computer Sciences(PBR209) files Form 10 for government services spinoff Computer Sciences GS, separation planned for October. $CSC PR link.

BorgWarner(PBR339) to acquire rotating electrical components producer Remy International for $29.50/share, $1.2 billion, to close in 4th quarter. $BWA PR link.

Jarden(PBR341) to acquire disposable tableware manufacturer The Waddington Group from private equity firm Olympus Partners for $1.35 billion. $JAH PR link.

PG&E(PBR175) announces promotion of several senior officers as part of restructuring program. $PCG PR link.

Jacobs Engineering(PBR213) hires Steven Demetriou as President/CEO, effective 08/17/15, to succeed retiring Craig Martin. $JEC PR link.

Dana Holding(PBR367) hires Jim Kamsickas as President/CEO, effective 08/11/15, succeeds retiring Roger Wood. $DAN PR link.

Xylem(PBR581) appoints Shashank Patel as Interim CFO upon resignation of Mike Speetzen, effective 07/30/15. $XYL PR link.

The US Dept of the Treasury says the June Surplus was $51.8B on Receipts of $342.9B. YTD Deficit is $313.4B. Treasury PR link.

Friday, July 10:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,760.41, +0.17% from last Thursday, +0.80% MTD/QTD, -0.35% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,997.70, -0.23% from last Thursday, +0.22% MTD/QTD, +5.52% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,076.62, -0.01% from last Thursday, +0.65% MTD/QTD, +0.86% YTD.

Halliburton(PBR94) $34.6 billion acquisition of Baker Hughes(PBR124) deadline extended to 12/01/15 for time to satisfy US Dept of Justice requirements. $BHI PR link.

Edwards Lifesciences(PBR879) to acquire CardiAQ Valve Technologies for up to $400 million. $EW PR link.

Biogen(PBR358) R&D leader Doug Williams, PhD, leaving to become CEO of a startup, new R&D co-leaders announced. $BIIB PR link.

Tesla(PBR887) hires Ganesh Srivats to be in charge of North American Sales. $TSLA PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says that May Merchant Wholesalers Sales were $449.8 billion, +0.3% from April, -3.8% from May 2014. USDOC PR link.

Thursday, July 9:
T-Mobile US(PBR115) adds 2.1 million customers in 2nd quarter, up 41% over previous year. $TMUS PR link.

eBay(PBR170) trying to sell e-commerce Enterprise unit, losing Toys R Us as a major client who plans to do its own e-commerce. MarketWatch article link.

Avon(PBR267) sells its UK based natural skincare line Liz Earle to Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36) for $215 million cash. $AVP PR link.

Coty(PBR524) to merge Proctor & Gamble’s(PBR32) Beauty Business into Coty in deal valued at $12.5 billion. $COTY PR link.

Charles River Labs(PBR1058) to acquire rapid bacterial detection equipment provider Celsis International for $212 million cash. $CRL PR link.

Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36) Interim CEO Stefano Pessina named CEO. $WBA PR link.

Conn’s(PBR1052) hires Thomas Moran as CFO, effective 07/27/15. $CONN PR link.

Wednesday, July 8:
The PBR1000 June 2015 Stocks/Commodities Snapshots summary is posted. Blog post.

Microsoft(PBR30) restructuring phone hardware business, to reduce staff by up to 7,800. $MSFT PR link.

Enterprise Products(PBR56) completes purchase of all Eagle Ford Shale member interests of EFS Midstream for $2.15 billion. $EPD PR link.

Ingredion(PBR371) to acquire privately held natural fruits and vegetables concentrates producer Kerr Concentrates for $100 million. $INGR PR link.

CA Technologies(PBR520) completes $480 million acquisition of Agile software development & services provider Rally Software(NYSE: RALY). $CA PR link.

Curtiss-Wright(PBR771) expands stock repurchase program to $300 million. $CW PR link.

Walter Energy(PBR920) gets delisting notice from NYSE because of stock price non-compliance. $WLT PR link.

Micron Technology(PBR166) hires Trevor Schulze as Chief Information Officer. $MU PR link.

Fifth Third Bancorp(PBR345) President/COO Greg Carmichael to become President/CEO on 11/01/15, will succeed retiring Kevin Kabat. $FITB PR link.

Darden Restaurants(PBR393) hires Jeff Davis as SVP/CFO, effective 07/16/15, reports to CEO Gene Lee. $DRI PR link.

Sprouts Farmers Market(PBR789) hires Shawn Gensch as Chief Marketing Officer, Dan Sanders as EVP of store operations. $SFM PR link.

Acxiom(PBR1073) hires Jeremy Allen as President of $445 million Marketing Services Division. $ACXM PR link.

The US Federal Reserve says May Consumer Credit increased at 5.75% annual rate, Revolving Credit 2%, Nonrevolving Credit 7%. FRB PR link.

The US Federal Reserve in its Federal Open Market Committee minutes of its 06/16-17/15 meeting says that economic activity is expanding moderately after little 1st quarter change. FRB PR link.

Tuesday, July 7:
Cisco(PBR58) to acquire private cloud based service renewals firm MaintenanceNet for $139 million. $CSCO PR link.

Carnival Corp(PBR176) gets US approval for travel to Cuba, expects to start in May, 2016. $CCL PR link.

Allergan(PBR297) gets exclusive worldwide rights licensing agreement for Merck(PBR63) CGRP migraine development program for $250 million plus incentives. $MRK PR link.

Frontier Communications(PBR497) hires Kathleen Weslock as EVP/Chief People Officer, effective 07/13/15, reports to President/CEO Daniel McCarthy. $FTR PR link.

Xylem(PBR581) hires Kairus Tarapore as SVP/Chief Human Resources Officer, effective 07/27/15, reports to President/CEO Patrick Decker. $XYL PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says May Job Openings were at 5.4 million, hires at 5.0 million, separations at 4.7 million. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says May International Trade deficit was -$41.9 billion on exports of $188.6 billion, imports of $230.5 billion. USDOC PR link.

Monday, July 6:
Cardinal Health(PBR27) completes acquisition of generics/OTC medications distributor The Harvard Drug Group for $1.115 billion. $CAH PR link.

Dollar Tree(PBR329) completes $9.2 billion cash/stock acquisition of discount retailer Family Dollar(PBR252). $DLTR PR link.

Advance Auto Parts(PBR382) to replace recently acquired Family Dollar on the S&P500 on 07/08/15. $AAP PR link.

LINN Energy(PBR810) sells remaining Permian Basin Wolfcamp acreage for $281 million. $LINE PR link.

SunEdison(PBR888) and spinoff TerraForm Power to acquire 930 megawatt contracted wind portfolio from Invenergy for $2 billion. $SUNE PR link.

JPMorgan Chase(PBR20) Stacey Friedman to succeed Steve Cutler next year as General Counsel; Cutler to be appointed Vice Chairman. $JPM PR link.

Axiall(PBR503) EVP Timothy Mann appointed Interim President/CEO upon immediate retirement of Paul Carrico, new CEO search starts. $AXLL PR link.

Friday, July 3:
US Stock Markets Closed
in Observance of Independence Day.
Give Thanks & Celebrate
Our History and Freedoms.

Humana(PBR71) to be acquired by Aetna(PBR57) for $230/share, $37 billion cash/stock. $HUM PR link.

Thursday, July 2:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,730.11, -1.21% from last Friday, +0.63% MTD/QTD, -0.52% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,009.21, -1.40% from last Friday, +0.45% MTD/QTD, +5.77% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,076.78, -1.18% from last Friday, +0.66% MTD/QTD, +0.87% YTD.

Kraft Foods(PBR145) & HJ Heinz complete merger, new company is Kraft Heinz Co, to start trading as NASDAQ: KHC on 07/06/15. $KRFT PR link.

Centene(PBR244) to acquire health care plans provider Health Net(PBR239) for $6.8 billion cash/stock, to close in early 2016. $CNC PR link.

Biogen(PBR358) & AGTC(NASDAQ: AGTC) enter collaboration to develop gene therapies in ophthalmology, Biogen payments could exceed $1 billion. $BIIB PR link.

Barnes & Noble(PBR388) names Ron Boire CEO of Retail, effective 09/08/15; spinoff of College unit planned for August. $BKS PR link.

Freescale Semiconductor(PBR548) & Netherlands based NXP Semiconductor(NASDAQ: NXPI) stockholders approve $11.8 billion merger, to close 2nd half 2015. $FSL PR link.

Aeropostale(PBR868) continues aggressive expansion in Asia with new licensing agreements in India & Indonesia. $ARO PR link.

SunEdison(PBR888) & Gamesa(BME: GAM) form joint venture to develop 1 gigawatt of wind power plants by 2018. $SUNE PR link.

Intel(PBR52) President Renee James leaving, other executive leadership changes announced. $INTC PR link.

The US Dept of Labor says Total June Nonfarm Employment rose by 223,000, compared with an average monthly gain of 250,000 over the prior 12 months. June Unemployment Rate drops 0.2% to 5.3%. USDOL PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce says May New Manufactured Goods Orders were down $4.5 billion, -1.0%, to $470.5 billion, down 9 of last 10 months. USDOC PR link.

Wednesday, July 1:
General Electric(PBR9) $3.3 billion sale of Appliances unit dened by US Dept of Justice; Swedish based Electrolux to fight decision. Electrolux PR link.

Hewlett-Packard(PBR19) Enterprise files Form 10 to become a separate publicly traded company, planned for November. $HPQ PR link.

INTL FCStone(PBR64) merges 3 US subsidiaries into INTL FCStone Financial Inc. $INTL PR link.

DuPont(PBR83) completes spinoff of its Performance Chemicals unit as The Chemours Company, trading as NYSE: CC. $DD PR link.

Hess Corp(PBR114) completes $2.675 billion sale of Bakken midstream assets, establishes Bakken Midstream joint venture with Global Infrastructure Partners valued at $5.35 billion. $HES PR link.

eBay(PBR170) PayPal unit buying international money transfers/remittances processor Xoom(NASDAQ: XOOM) for $25/share, $890 million. $EBAY PR link.

Baxter Intl(PBR179) spinoff Baxalta starts 1st day as biopharmaceutical with base of $6 billion in annual sales. $BXLT PR link.

Chubb Corp(PBR200) to be acquired by Ace Ltd(NYSE: ACE) for $28.3 billion cash/stock, expects to close in 1st quarter 2016. $CB PR link.

MeadWestvaco(PBR439) & Rock-Tenn(PBR278) complete merger, name combined company WestRock(NYSE: WRK)(PBR278). $WRK PR link.

CF Industries(PBR438) to acquire remaining 50% in UK based nitrogen production company GrowHow from Yara Intl for $580 million. $CF PR link.

McGraw Hill(PBR477) JD Power division acquires NADA Used Car Guide. $MHFI PR link.

Constellation Brands(PBR483) to acquire Napa Valley wine brand Meiomi from Copper Cane for $315 million. $STZ PR link.

Energizer Holdings(PBR527) completes spinoff of Household Products division, changes name to Edgewell Personal Care Company, now trading as NYSE: EPC. $EPC PR link.

Energizer Holdings(PBR527) completes spinoff as a public company from parent Edgewell Personal Care Co. $ENR PR link.

Apollo Global Mgmt(PBR531) acquires 2 million clients business/home security firm Protection 1 & also ASG Security. $APO PR link.

Patterson Cos(PBR563) to sell its medical business to Madison Dearborn Ptnrs for $715 million cash. $PDCO PR link.

Graham Holdings(PBR610) completes spin-off of separate publicly traded company Cable ONE(NYSE: CABO). $GHC PR link.

American Tower(PBR625) closes acquisition of 4,700 communication sites in Nigeria from Bharti Airtel. $AMT PR link.

Caesars Entertainment(PBR301) announces Mark Frissora has assumed role of President/CEO. $CZR PR link.

Peabody Energy(PBR355) promotes Amy Schwetz to EVP/CFO, upon resignation of Michael Crews. $BTU PR link.

Men’s Wearhouse(PBR781) hires Bruce Thorn as COO, reports to CEO Doug Ewert. $MW PR link.

The US Dept of Commerce reports that May Construction Spending was at a $1,035.8 billion annual rate, +0.8% from April, +8.2% from May 2014. USDOC PR link.

The PBR1000 June 2015 Breaking News Recap is posted on the BLOG page. You can also click here.

(The PBR1000 is the premiere comparative data and reporting service covering over 1,000 of the largest publicly held companies with principle or administration headquarters in the US. These companies generate over $13 trillion in annual worldwide revenues, more than all other companies in the US combined. These are the key drivers in the US and world economies. On a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis several analytical reports in customizable Microsoft Excel format are provided to The PBR1000 subscribers. Users include C-level executives, entrepreneurs,  sales/marketing/advertising professionals, investors/investment advisers, business professors/students, career counselors/job seekers, to name just a few. To order your annual subscription, just go to the PBRMarketTools.com Order page.)

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, Sujin Jetkasettakorn.)

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