2015 Is Coming To An End.
Are The Puzzle Pieces Coming together
For Upcoming 2016?
By Larry C. Paxton
When October 2015 started there was a lot of concern, especially with the dramatic drop in the stock markets in September. But from a stock market perspective October ended up being a stellar month with a major recovery.
It is difficult to say what really caused the rebound. US and world economics indicators continue to be mixed, with overall moderate/modest growth in the US. You get a sense that while there is some strength, it is still a fragile situation. Third quarter corporate results were submitted with mixed results as well. Several of The PBR1000 announced restructuring plans, many included workforce reductions. Executive leadership changes had a pick up as well as the year ends. There were also a lot of share buyback programs being utilized. Activist investors continue to play a role as well. There were some major deals, mostly related to the healthcare business. This is true with the energy sector as well as it continues to adjust to lower oil prices.
So, what’s in store for November? The holiday season is already starting, retailers have announced seasonal hiring plans. E-commerce should have another big increase in activity and spending this year. With the new embedded chip cards, what form will cyber crime take and how successful will hackers be?
Another continuing big question is whether or not the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates.
The 2016 political season has already started. There is a new Speaker of the House. Republican and Democrat presidential debates are happening. The PACs should start their annoying advertising campaigns.
It’s an interesting time. There are still a lot of uncertainties, but that also means there are major opportunities available as well.
With all of that we at PBRMarketTools hope that The PBR1000 is helpful for full subscribers in making important and difficult decisions now and for the upcoming new year.
Following are The PBR1000 and economic related news items of note for October 2015, starting with the last active day.
Friday, October 30:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes month at 17,663.54, +0.10% from last Friday, +8.47% MTD/QTD, -0.90% YTD.
NASDAQ closes month at 5,053.75, +0.44% from last Friday, +9.38% MTD/QTD, +6.71% YTD.
SPX closes month at 2,079.36, +0.20% from last Friday, +8.30% MTD/QTD, +0.99% YTD.
Chevron(PBR3) announces 3rd quarter results, expects to reduce workforce by around 7,000. $CVX PR link.
Visteon(PBR351) sells it last non-core automotive interiors plant in Germany, to focus on automotive cockpit electronics business. $VC PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says 3rd Quarter Compensation Costs for Civilian Workers was +0.6% from 2nd Quarter, +2.0% over past 12 months. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says September US Total Personal Income at $15,421.7B, +0,1% from August, Personal Savings Rate at 4.8%, +0.1. USDOC PR link.
Thursday, October 29:
LPL Financial(PBR50) increases share buyback program authorization to $500 million. $LPLA PR link.
Pfizer(PBR56) confirms it is in talks with Allergan(PBR219 $AGN) regarding possible merger/acquisition. $PFE PR link.
Manpower(PBR132) authorizes 6 million share repurchase program. $MAN PR link.
General Mills(PBR162) to close Berwick, UK, 265 employee facility; also announces it will close a New Zealand plant. $GIS PR link.
Corning(PBR281) to return $10 billion to stockholders by 2019 end, adds $4 billion to share repurchase program. $GLW PR link.
KKR(PBR332) purchasing 343,000 sf, the top 10 office floors, at 30 Hudson Yards, in Manhattan, relocating corporate offices there in 2020. $KKR PR link.
Nu Skin(PBR756) adds $260 million to its share buyback program, now has $500 million available. $NUS PR link.
Manpower(PBR132) Executive Chairman Jeffrey A. Joerres to retire 12/30/15 after 22 Years; CEO Jonas Prising to add Chairman title on 12/31/15. $MAN PR link.
FreddieMac(PBR41) says 30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage averaged 3.76% with 0.6 points/fees for week ending 10/29/15. $FMCC PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says the 3rd Quarter Gross Domestic Product was at a +1.5% annual rate, was +3.9% in the 2nd quarter. USDOC PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says the Unemployment Insurance Weekly Initial Claims 4 week moving average was at 259,250, lowest level since 12/15/73. USDOL PR link.
The National Assn of Realtors says that the September Pending Homes Sales Index was at 106.8, -2.3% from August, +3.0% from September 2014. NAR PR link.
The AAII says Retail Investors are the most bullish, and least bearish, in 8 months MarketWatch article link.
US Politics Update: Republican Paul Ryan elected 62nd Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Wednesday, October 28:
IBM(PBR25) to acquire The Weather Company’s product & technology businesses, terms not disclosed. $IBM PR link.
Anthem(PBR38) sets 12/03/15 for special shareholders meeting to vote on acquisition of Cigna(PBR85 $CI). Cigna sets same date. $ANTM PR link.
American Express(PBR83) announces organizational & leadership changes in global consumer, commercial payments, & merchant services units. $AXP PR link.
Carl Icahn/Icahn Enterprises(PBR147) takes ‘large stake’ in AIG(PBR46). MarketWatch article link.
AutoNation(PBR148) to acquire 12 Texas stores with 31 franchises representing approximately $800 million in annual revenue. $AN PR link.
Baxter Intl(PBR176) hires Joe Almeida as chairman/CEO, effective 01/01/16, succeeds retiring Robert Parkinson, Jr. $BAX PR link.
Manitowoc(PBR579) appoints board member Kenneth Krueger as interim chairman/president/CEO, effective immediately. $MTW PR link.
Chico’s FAS(PBR730) hires Shelley Broader as president/CEO, effective 12/01/15, succeeds David Dyer who becomes vice chairman. $CHS PR link.
The Federal Reserve issues a statement on its 10/27-28/15 meeting, moderate economic progress, possible interest rate hike at next meeting. FOMC PR link.
Tuesday, October 27:
IBM(PBR25) adds $4 billion to stock buyback program, now has $6.4 billion available. $IBM PR link.
Microsoft(PBR31) releases Halo 5: Guardians globally, latest in $4.6 billion sci-fi franchise. $MSFT PR link.
Walgreens Boots Alliance(PBR36) to acquire US retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid(PBR105 $RAD) for $17.2 billion cash. $WBA PR link.
Cisco(PBR60) to acquire private network security company Lancope for $452.5 million. $CSCO PR link.
HCA(PBR75) adds $3 billion to share repurchase program, $3.235 billion available. $HCA PR link.
Northrop Grumman(PBR113) selected by US Air Force to deliver the new Long-Range Strike Bomber(LRS-B). $NOC PR link.
Cummins(PBR146) to layoff up to 2,000 professional workers because of global slowdown. $CMI PR link.
Core-Mark(PBR271) gets new 5 year supply agreement for 900 Western region 7-Eleven stores. $CORE PR link.
Ball Corp(PBR312) to acquire remaining 39.9% interest in Brazil based beverage can business Latapack-Ball for 6 million common shares, around $400 million. $BLL PR link.
HCC Insurance(PBR736) acquisition by Tokio Marine for $7.5 billion has been completed, to be delisted effective 10/28/15. $HCC PR link.
Domino’s Pizza(PBR889) completes recapitalization, authorizes $600 million accelerated share repurchase program. $DPZ PR link.
In one chart: How Microsoft(PBR31 $MSFT) has trumped Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) since Steve Jobs’s death MarketWatch article link.
The US Dept of Commerce says the 3rd Quarter Homeownership Rate was 63.7%, +0.3% from 2nd Quarter, – 0.7% from 3rd Quarter 2014. USDOC PR link.
Monday, October 26:
FedEx(PBR65) estimates 317 million packages to be delivered during the holiday season, +12.4% from 2014. $FDX PR link.
Duke Energy(PBR114) to acquire Piedmont Natural Gas(PBR993 $PNY) for $4.9 billion cash. $DUK PR link.
ABM Industries(PBR478) completes the sale of Its security business to Universal Services of America for $131 million. $ABM PR link.
TeamHealth(PBR498) has acquired 3 Las Vegas emergency dept medical groups with 120+ physicians serving 8 hospital emergency departments. $TMH PR link.
Yahoo!(PBR519) delivers over 33.6 million streams of the first free global live stream of an NFL game. $YHOO PR link.
Roper Technologies(PBR614) to acquire European based lab info management systems provider Clinisys Group for about $260 million. $ROP PR link.
Welltower(PBR635) joint venture with Canada’s Revera completes $623 million acquisition of 23 senior housing communities 3,600 units Canada based Regal Lifestyle Communities. $HCN PR link.
Diebold(PBR676) selling its North America electronic security business to Swedish based Securitas AB for $350 million. $DBD PR link.
Pep Boys(PBR872) to be acquired by Japan based tire/rubber company Bridgestone for $15.00/share, $835 million. $PBY PR link.
Yahoo!(PBR510) hires Bob Lord as Chief Information Security Officer. $YHOO PR link.
IDEX(PBR861) hires Denise Cade as SVP/General Counsel. $IEX PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says September New Single-Family Home Sales were at a 468,000 annual rate, -11.5% from August, +2.0% from September 2014 USDOC PR link.
Friday, October 23:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,646.70, +2.50% from last Friday, +8.36% MTD/QTD, -0.99% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 5,031.86, +2.97% from last Friday, +8.91% MTD/QTD, +6.25% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,075.15, +2.07% from last Friday, +8.08% MTD/QTD, +0.79% YTD.
American Airlines(PBR69) adds $2.0 billion to current $4.0 billion share buyback program, to be used by end of 2016. $AAL PR link.
Tenneco(PBR321) adds $200 million to its $350 million share repurchase program, to be used by end of 2017. $TEN PR link.
Royal Caribbean(PBR329) enters $200 million accelerated stock repurchase program with Morgan Stanley(PBR79). $RCL PR link.
LabCorp(PBR413) has acquired Safe Foods International, to operate under Covance unit, terms not disclosed. $LH PR link.
Thursday, October 22:
Alphabet(PBR44), now parent of Google, announces $5.1 billion stock repurchase program. $GOOGL PR link.
Dow Chemical(PBR48) outlines next 24-36 months of targeted action, reorganizes executive team. $DOW PR link.
3M(PBR92) announces restructuring plan, to eliminate 1,500 positions. $MMM PR link.
AbbVie(PBR136 $ABBV)‘s stock tumbles after FDA warns on company’s Hep C treatments. MarketWatch article link.
Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) completes $600 million acquisition of $240 million/2015 revenues adhesive & cutting products provider Elmer’s Products. $NWL PR link.
Perrigo(PBR565) announces $2.0 billion share repurchase program, promotes John Hendrickson to president, to reduce workforce by 6%, around 800 employees. $PRGO PR link.
NASDAQ(PBR618 $NDAQ) acquires SecondMarket, profit up 12%. MarketWatch article link.
GNC(PBR743) disputes and responds to suit filed by Oregon attorney general about selling illegal ingredients. $GNC article link.
Greenbrier Cos(PBR846) names Victoria McManus as EVP, Chief Strategy Officer, reports to chairman/CEO William Furman. $GBX PR link.
The Natl Assn of Realtors says September Total Existing Home Sales were at a 5.55 million annual rate, +4.7% from August, +8.8% from September 2014 NAR article link.
FreddieMac(PBR41) says 30 yr Fixed Rate Mortgages averaged 3.79% with 0.6 points/fees for the week ending 10/22/15. $FMCC PR link.
Housing Construction: Labor shortages trip up big home builders http://on.mktw.net/1M8Ft0JMarketWatch article link.
Wednesday, October 21:
Walt Disney(PBR57 $DIS) ESPN unit to lay off about 300 employees. MarketWatch article link.
Carnival Corp(PBR184) forms joint venture in China to launch domestic Chinese cruise brand, to have 6 ships in 2016. $CCL PR link.
Western Digital(PBR194) to acquire flash storage developer SanDisk(PBR379 $SNDK) for $86.50/share, $19 billion cash/stock. $WDC PR link.
RR Donnelley(PBR243) acquires 34 locations in Eastern/Midwest US logistics company Courier Advisory Group. $RRD PR link.
Biogen(PBR282) revenues increase 11% in 3rd quarter, to layoff 11% of workforce by end of 2015. $BIIB PR link.
Netflix(PBR447 $NFLX) chief Reed Hastings needs loads of cash to feed his growing empire. MarketWatch article link.
LAM Research(PBR520) to acquire products/services for the semiconductor, LED, & nanoelectronics provider KLA-Tencor(PBR692) for $67.02/share, $10.6 billion cash/stock. $LCRX PR link.
American Tower(PBR562) to acquire 51% in India’s 42,200 wireless communications towers company Viom for $1.2 billion. $AMT PR link.
Aeropostale(PBR924) to open 10 retail stores in 5 years in Ireland through licensing agreement with Shuz 4 U International. $ARO PR link.
Whirlpool(PBR138) promotes Marc Bitzer to president/COO. $WHR PR link.
PG&E(PBR172) CFO Kent Harvey to retire in 1st half of 2016. $PCG PR link.
Hormel Foods(PBR293) promotes Jim Snee to president/COO, Jeffrey Ettinger to continue to be chairman/CEO. $HRL PR link.
CIT Group(PBR608) CEO John Thain to retire 03/31/15, stay chairman, board member Ellen Alemany to become CEO 04/01/15. $CIT PR link.
Citrix(PBR658) executive chairman Robert Calderoni to also be interim president/CEO as CEO search continues. $CTXS PR link.
Tuesday, October 20:
Apple(PBR5 $AMZN) CEO Tim Cook says Apple Music has 6.5 million paying subscribers, 8.5 million on free 3 month trial; also talks about other areas. MarketWatch article link.
Amazon(PBR29 $AMZN) now has around 47 million paying Prime members, average member spending is $1,200/year. MarketWatch article link.
Comcast(PBR42 $CMCSA) Fandango unit sells record 8 times more advance tickets than ‘Hunger Games’ for upcoming Walt Disney(PBR57 $DIS) ‘Star Wars’ movie. MarketWatch article link.
United Technologies(PBR45) authorizes additional $12 billion share repurchase plan, $16 billion expected for 2015-2017. $UTX PR link.
Ingram Micro(PBR62) to acquire Brazil based IT value-added $300 million revenues/year ACAO. $IM PR link.
YUM!(PBR217) to create a separate publicly held China focused company. $YUM PR link.
Dover(PBR343) to acquire Italy based textile inks provider JK Group & plastics compounding company Gala Industries for $520 million. $DOV PR link.
Cabot Corp(PBR607) to restructure, includes 300 positions reduction globally. $CBT PR link.
Tesla(PBR651 $TSLA) Model S dropped from top 10 Consumer Reports list for reliability issues, gets positive remarks for customer service response. MarketWatch article link.
Sigma-Aldrich(PBR716) to sell its solvents & inorganics business in the EEA to Honeywell(PBR74 $HON) to satisfy requirement to be acquired by Germany’s Merck. $SIAL PR link.
PharMerica(PBR911) has acquired Buffalo-Niagara Falls area long-term care pharmacy services McGuire Group Pharmacy. $PMC PR link.
Fresh Market(PBR942) conducting strategic/financial review to operate as a standalone company, capital structure optimization, & sale of company. $TFM PR link.
AmSurg(PBR945) proposes merger with physicians services provider TeamHealth(PBR498) for $71.47/share, $7.8 billion. $AMSG PR link.
TeamHealth(PBR498) rejects unsolicited $71.47/share, $7.8 billion offer from AmSurg(PBR945), says undervalues company. $TMH PR link.
Ford Motor(PBR10) makes 7 executive changes for corporate, Europe, and Asian operations. $F PR link.
Community Health System(PBR125) names Martin Smith as EVP/Operations, for future spinoff Quorum Health Corp. $CYH PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says September New Residential Building Permits were at a 1,103,000 annual rate, -5% from August, +4.7% from September 2014. USDOC article link.
Monday, October 19:
Walmart(PBR1 $WMT)’s Asda delays London store expansion. MarketWatch article link.
Amazon.com(PBR29) has recently hired 25,000 fulltime associates, to hire 100,000 seasonal workers. $AMZN PR link.
Amazon.com(PBR29 $AMZN) sues 1,000 people for writing fake reviews. MarketWatch article link.
Freddie Mac(PBR41) & 2nd largest mortgage lender Quicken Loans enter partnership to make home financing accessible for new buyers. $FMCC PR link.
Humana(PBR58) shareholders approve acquisition by Aetna(PBR49), closing in 2nd half 2016. $HUM PR link.
ConAgra Foods(PBR166) Marie Callender’s unit continues Comforts From Home partnership with USO to US troops globally. $CAG PR link.
Starbucks(PBR178) to open coffee shops in 2016 in larger stores of Germany based 3,000 stores retailer REWE. $SBUX PR link.
Allergan(PBR219) completes $300 million acquisition of private glaucoma treatment company AqueSys. $AGN PR link.
Gannett(PBR414) sites reach more than 100 million unique visitors in September 2015. $GCI PR link.
Windstream(PBR426) to sell its data center business to TierPoint for $575 million cash. $WIN PR link.
Weight Watchers(PBR988) partners with Oprah Winfrey as member, board member, and who now has a 10% company stake, with additional 5% option. $WTW PR link.
United Continental(PBR77) President/CEO Oscar Munoz on medical leave, EVP/General Counsel Brett Hart named Acting CEO. $UAL PR link.
Sherwin-Williams(PBR251) to promote EVP/COO John Morikis to CEO on 01/01/16. $SHW PR link.
FMC Technologies(PBR334) names Nicholas Pfeiffer VP, promotes Eric Norris to President of Health and Nutrition business. $FTI PR link.
CIT Group(PBR608) CFO Scott Parker is leaving in 11/15, to be EVP/CFO for Springleaf Holdings(NYSE $LEAF). $CIT PR link.
W.R.Grace(PBR625) hires Naren Srinivasan as VP, Strategy & Development, of planned spinoff GCP Applied Technologies. $GRA PR link.
Friday, October 16:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,215.97, +0.77% from last Friday, +5.72% MTD/QTD, -3.41% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,886.69, +1.16% from last Friday, +5.77% MTD/QTD, +3.18% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,033.11, +0.90% from last Friday, +5.89% MTD/QTD, -1.25% YTD.
Archer-Daniels-Midland(PBR34) completes $1.2 billion sale of its 1,500 employee global cocoa business to Olam International. $ADM PR link.
New United Continental(PBR77) CEO Oscar Munoz suffers heart attack MarketWatch article link.
Carpenter Technology(PBR856) hires Damon Audia as CFO. $CRS PR link.
US Dept of Labor says end of August Job Openings at 5.4 million, hires at 5.1 million, separations at 4.8 million. PR link.
The US Federal Reserve says September Industrial Production was -0.2% from August, +0.4% from September 2014. FRB PR link.
Thursday, October 15:
CSX(PBR226) to cut 300 jobs in Tennessee as it reduces train operations. $CSX article link.
Genworth Financial(PBR287) promotes Kelly Groh as CFO, succeeds Martin Klein who has resigned. $GNW PR link.
SunTrust Bank(PBR307) appoints execs for Consumer Banking, Risk, & Mortgage segments. $STI PR link.
Terex(PBR357) hires John Garrison as President/CEO, effective 11/02/15. $TEX PR link.
US Dept of Labor says September Current Average Earnings/Hour at $25.09, -0.04% from August, +2.2% from September 2014. USDOL PR link.
US Dept of Labor says the September Consumer Price Index was -0.2% from August, unchanged over last 12 mos. USDOL PR link.
US Treasury Dept says FY2015 Receipts at $3.249 trillion, Outlays $3.688 trillion, Deficit $0.439 trillion. Treasury PR link.
Wednesday, October 14:
Walmart(PBR1) strategy drives growth and sustainable returns, plans $20 billion share repurchase program over two years. $WMT PR link.
Microsoft(PBR31 $MSFT)’s Surface Book sells out in 5 days. MarketWatch PR link.
Northrop Grumman(PBR113) to reorganize structure, to promote Gloria Flach to COO, effective 01/01/16. $NOC PR link.
Priceline(PBR319) to add global hotel inventory to TripAdvisor(NASDAQ: $TRIP) instant booking platform in strategic partnership. $PCLN PR link.
Jarden(PBR324) to acquire school yearbooks, rings, caps/gowns supplier Jostens for $1.5 billion. $JAH PR link.
Hershey Co(PBR354) announces 5-year partnership with the US Olympic Committee, & will support the US Olympic & Paralympic teams through the Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018 & Tokyo 2020 Games. $HSY PR link.
Lithia Motors(PBR451) acquires Crown Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat in Concord, California, & Bennett Motors in Great Falls, Montana. Will add $75 million in revenues. $LAD PR link.
Iron Mountain(PBR663) to acquire international arts storage, logistics & transportation company Crozier Fine Arts. $IRM PR link.
Tetra Tech(PBR781) to acquire Australian based $407 million revenues/2015 geoservices/project management co Coffey Intl. $TTEK PR link.
Coach(PBR496) hires Caroline Deroche Pasquier as SVP, Global Public Relations & Communications, in early 2016, and Jo Baldwin as VP, Global Head of Creative Studio. $COH PR link.
Equifax(PBR795) announces 5 key executive leadership promotions for Workforce Solutions, Personal Solutions, USIS, International, & Corporate Development. $EFX PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says the September Producer Price Index for Final Demand was -1.1% for the past 12 months, the 8th straight 12-month decline. $USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says August Total Trade Sales & Mfrs’ Shipments are estimated at $1,320.5 billion, -0.6% from July, -3.1% from August 2014. $USDOC PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says the Advance Estimate of September US Retail & Food Services Sales were $447.7B, +0.1% from August, +2.4% from September 2014. $USDOC PR link.
The Federal Reserve releases the Beige Book, reports modest/moderate growth, strong dollar restraining economy. $USFRB PR link.
Tuesday, October 13:
General Electric(PBR9) to sell $30 billion commercial lending and leasing businesses, with 3,000 employees, to Wells Fargo(PBR30 $WFC). $GE PR link.
Johnson & Johnson(PBR37) announces $10 billion share repurchase program. $JNJ PR link.
Ingram Micro(PBR62) to acquire DOCdata, the e-commerce fulfillment business of public Netherlands based DOCDATA for $175 million. $IM PR link.
Dollar General(PBR151) eliminating 255 positions in restructuring. $DG PR link.
PG&E(PBR172) leads the nation with 200,000 solar customers. $PCG PR link.
DISH Network(PBR196) petitions FCC to deny Charter Communications(PBR297 $CHTR)/Time Warner Cable(PBR119 $TWC) merger. $DISH PR link.
Calpine Corp(PBR330) to acquire 745 megawatt power plant New Hampshire based Granite Ridge Energy Center for $500 million. $CPN PR link.
Flowers Foods(PBR591) completes $120 million acquisition of private organic & all natural breads provider Alpine Valley Bread Co. $FLO PR link.
Greif(PBR554) President/CEO David Fischer resigning effective 10/31/15, COO Pete Wilson to be President/CEO on 11/01/15. $GEF PR link.
Under Armour(PBR668) COO/CFO Brad Dickerson leaving by 02/01/16. $UA PR link.
Monday, October 12:
***Columbus Day***
Federal Holiday.
Stock Markets Open,
Bond Markets Closed.
EMC Corp(PBR111) to be acquired by Dell through Michael Dell group of investors for $33.15/share, $67 billion cash/stock. $EMC PR link.
CDW(PBR239) to expand its offering of Dell products and services in the U.S. and Canada. $CDW PR link.
Ross Stores(PBR253) adds 26 more stores, achieves planned 90 stores opened in 2015. $ROST PR link.
Coca-Cola Enterprises(PBR327) announces Damian Gammell has joined as COO as planned. $CCE PR link.
Visteon(PBR351) hires David Pettyes as VP, Chief Human Resources Officer. $VC PR link.
Darden Restaurants(PBR398) hires Matt Broad as SVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. $DRI PR link.
Chipotle(PBR561) hires its first Chief Information Officer, Curt Garner. $CMG PR link.
Friday, October 9:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 17,084.49, +3.72% from last Friday, +4.91% MTD/QTD, -4.14% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,830.47, +2.61% from last Friday, +4.55% MTD/QTD, +1.99% YTD.
SPX closes week at 2,014.89, +3.26% from last Friday, +4.94% MTD/QTD, -2.14% YTD.
The US military bars Apollo Education Group(PBR681) flagship unit University of Phoenix recruiting. MarketWatch article link.
Walmart(PBR1) promotes Brett Biggs to CFO, succeeds retiring Charles Holley. $WMT PR link.
Biogen(PBR282) EVP of Global Commercial Operations, Tony Kingsley, is leaving. $BIIB PR link.
Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) promotes Joe Arcuri to newly created position of Chief Commercial Officer; Chief Marketing & Insights Officer Richard Davies to add Chief Development Officer role. $NWL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says August 2015 Merchant Wholesalers Sales were $445.4B, -1.0% from July, -4.7% from August 2014. USDOC PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says that the US Imports Prices Index was -10.7% between September 2014 & September 2015. USDOL PR link.
US consumers splurged with gas savings after all, study finds MarketWatch article link.
Thursday, October 8:
Jacobs Engineering(PBR225) reorganizes into 4 global units, names executive leadership. $JEC PR link.
Entergy(PBR227) to sell its 583 megawatt Rhode Island State Energy Center to Carlyle Power Partners for $490 million. $ETR PR link.
Roper Technologies(PBR614) to acquire legal industry business management software developer Aderant for $675 million. $ROP PR link.
Bon-Ton Stores(PBR707) plans to hire 13,000 seasonal associates for the holidays. $BONT PR link.
Aeropostale(PBR924) signs license agreement with Himatsingka America for home textiles, to be available during Back to School 2016 season. $ARO PR link.
Pinnacle Foods(PBR751) hires D Michael Wittman as EVP, Chief Supply Officer, reports to CEO. $PF PR link.
Itron(PBR896) hires Tom Dietrich as COO. $ITRI PR link.
Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) shines in otherwise dismal PC market. MarketWatch article link.
Hewlett-Packard(PBR19 $HPQ)/SanDisk(PBR379 $SNDK) partner on new memory chips, counters Intel(PBR51 $INTC)/Micron(PBR180 $MU) alliance. MarketWatch article link.
The Netflix(PBR447 $NFLX) effect: North American bandwidth dominance in one chart. MarketWatch article link.
The US Federal Reserve releases the Federal Open Market Committee 09/16-17/15 minutes, no interest rate increase, continued modest/moderate economic growth, with uncertainties. FOMC PR link.
Wednesday, October 7:
Hewlett-Packard(PBR19) releases new pc and notebook lines. $HPQ PR link.
Alcoa(PBR115) wins $1.1 billion titanium contract with Lockheed Martin(PBR64 $LMT) for F-35 joint strike fighter. $AA PR link.
Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) appoints 2 new board directors from Icahn Enterprises(PBR147 $IEP) which owns 8.8% of the company. $FCX PR link.
Monsanto(PBR187) announces new $3 billion share repurchase program. $MON PR link.
Core-Mark(PBR271) gets 5 year, $1.7 billion/yr deal to be primary wholesale distributor of merchandise to Murphy USA(NYSE: MUSA) retail stores. $CORE PR link.
AutoZone(PBR290) authorizes an additional $750 million for its share repurchase program. $AZO PR link.
Liberty Media(PBR534) Sirius XM public unit & NFL agree to 6 year broadcasting & marketing extension. $SIRI PR link.
Lumber Liquidators(PBR1061) announces settlement with US Dept of Justice for Lacey Act infractions. $LL PR link.
3M(PBR92) promotes Jim Bauman to EVP, Electronics & Energy Business Group, succeeds retiring Michael Kelly. $MMM PR link.
TJX Cos(PBR96) to elect Ernie Herrman to CEO 01/31/16, chairman/CEO Carol Meyrowitz to become Executive Chairman. $TJX PR link.
AutoZone(PBR290) announces 3 SVP to EVP promotions for merchandising, Brazil/Mexico stores, & store operations. $AZO PR link.
Ascena Retail(PBR499) ANN unit president/CEO Kay Krill to transition to board, Gary Muto to be president/CEO of ANN. $ASNA PR link.
Allscripts Healthcare(PBR1014) promotes CFO Rick Poulton to President, extends president/CEO Paul Black’s contract to 2018 as CEO. $MDTX PR link.
The US Federal Reserve says August Consumer Credit was at a +5.5% annual rate, revolving credit +5.25%, nonrevolving credit +5.75%. FRB PR link.
Tuesday, October 6:
strong>AmerisourceBergen(PBR16) to acquire private outsourced compounded sterile preparations for acute care hospitals provider PharMEDium Healthcare for $2.575 billion cash. $ABC PR link.
Freeport-McMoRan(PBR128) announces new board structure & review of strategic alternatives for Its oil & gas business. $FCX PR link.
US Steel(PBR167)‘s Illinois plant idling could affect up to 2,000 workers. MarketWatch article link.
Marriott Intl(PBR211) plans to open 60 new hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America by 2018. $MAR PR link.
SunEdison(PBR782 $SUNE) files SEC Form 8-K regarding its plans to reduce its global workforce by 15% in line with current market conditions. SEC document link.
Universal Corp(PBR833) announces agreement with Philip Morris Intl(PBR35 $PM) to process Polish tobaccos. $UVV PR link.
Altera(PBR903) shareholders overwhelming approve merger with Intel(PBR51 $INTC). $ALTR PR link.
Here’s how Apple(PBR5), Nike(PBR98) and others avoided $620 billion in taxes MarketWatch article link.
Alcoa(PBR115) promotes EVP/HR Roy Harvey to President, Global Primary Products. $AA PR link.
Alcoa(PBR115) promotes Vas Nair to EVP, Human Resources and Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, succeeds Roy Harvey. $AA PR link.
Starbucks(PBR178) hires Gerri Martin-Flickinger as Chief Technology Officer. $SBUX PR link.
CrossAmerica Partners(PBR731) CEO Joe Topper has stepped down, president Jeremy Bergeron to take over leadership role. $CAPL PR link.
SunEdison(PBR782) hires Stephen Cerrone as Chief Human Resources Officer. $SUNE PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says August Total Exports were $185.1 billion, Imports $233.4 billion, Deficit $48.3B, was $41.8 billion in July. USDOC PR link.
The International Monetary Fund says global growth moderate & uneven, forecast at 3.1% this year, 3.6% in 2016. IMF PR link.
Monday, October 5:
General Electric(PBR9 $GE) to sell corporate aircraft portfolio in $2.5 billion deal. MarketWatch article link.
Cardinal Health(PBR26) completes $1.944 billion cash acquisition of Johnson & Johnson’s(PBR39) cardiac/endovascular medical products unit Cordis. $CAH PR link.
Anixter(PBR391) completes $825 million acquisition of $1.9 billion/2014 in revenues distributor Power Solutions segment of HD Supply. $AXE PR link.
Newell Rubbermaid(PBR434) to acquire $240 million/2015 revenues adhesive & cutting products provider Elmer’s Products for $600 milliion. $NWL PR link.
Brink’s(PBR613) gets letter from 12.4% stakeholder Starboard Value proposing ways to increase value. MarketWatch article link.
Olin Corp(PBR838) completes $5 billion acquisition of Dow Chemical(PBR48) chlor-alkali business. $OLN PR link.
Domino’s Pizza(PBR889) opens first store in Italy through its master franchise operator, emphasis on use of local products. $DPZ PR link.
Scientific Games(PBR937) wins new 8 year lottery retail technology contract in Germany, supplies products to all 16 German state lotteries. $SGMS PR link.
DuPont(PBR82) chairman/CEO Ellen Kullman retiring on 10/16/15, board member Edward Breen to be Interim chair/CEO. $DD PR link.
Cameron Intl(PBR269) Pres/COO R Scott Rowe is now President/CEO as planned. $CAM PR link.
Charter Communications(PBR297) hires David Kline as EVP, President of Media Sales, reports to president/CEO. $CHTR PR link.
Wendy’s(PBR877) pres/CEO Emil Brolick retiring in May, 2016, CFO Todd Penegor expected to be successor. $WEN PR link.
Friday, October 2:
The PBR1000 Weekly US Stock Exchanges Snapshot:
DJIA closes week at 16,472,37, +0.97% from last Friday, +1.15% MTD/QTD, -7.58% YTD.
NASDAQ closes week at 4,707.78, +0.45% from last Friday, +1.90% MTD/QTD, -0.60% YTD.
SPX closes week at 1,951.36, +1.04% from last Friday, +1.63% MTD/QTD, -5.22% YTD.
Walmart(PBR1 $WMT) to cut 450 jobs at its headquarters. MarketWatch article link.
Apple(PBR5 $AAPL) looks to improve Siri with artificial-intelligence acquisition MarketWatch article link.
Google(PBR44) files Form 8-K to reorganize as previously stated, to be called Alphabet, stock symbols do not change. $GOOGL PR link.
Sprint(PBR86 $S) gets ready to ax jobs in $2.5 billion cost-cutting push MarketWatch article link.
Medtronic(PBR133) completes acquisition of privately-held transcatheter mitral valve replacement device developer Twelve, Inc., for up to $458 million. $MDT PR link.
JCPenney(PBR234) to reduce $5 billion pension obligation by 25-35%. $JCP PR link.
Tesla(PBR651) delivers 11,580 vehicles in 3rd quarter, +49% over 3rd quarter 2014. $TSLA PR link.
Applied Industrial Technologies(PBR787) acquires fluid power components/engineered fluid power systems provider 68 employees SG Morris, terms not disclosed. $AIT PR link.
The US Dept of Labor says September Total Nonfarm Payroll Employment was +142,000 from August, Unemployment Rate unchanged at 5.1%. USDOL PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says August New Orders for Manufactured Goods were at $473.0 billion, -1.7% from July. USDOC PR link.
Thursday, October 1:
The PBR1000 September 2015 Breaking News Recap is published. Click here.
The PBR September US Economic Indices Snapshot has been released. Click here for a 13 month subscription.
Amazon.com(PBR29) gets new agreement to make Prime Video the exclusive subscription streaming home for three new CBS(PBR210 $CBS) summer series through 2018. $AMZN PR link.
ConAgra Foods(PBR166) to restructure, reduce workforce by 1,500, move headquarters from Omaha to Chicago in summer of 2016. $CAG PR link.
American Electric Power(PBR174) to sell inland barge unit AEP River Operations to American Commercial Lines for $550 million. $AEP PR link.
PNC Financial(PBR189) moves into new 33 stories headquarters LEED building for 2,200 employees. $PNC PR link.
Nordstrom(PBR214) sells credit card portfolio for $2.2 billion, announces special dividend of $4.85/share, $1 billion share buyback program. $JWN PR link.
Allergan(PBR219) completes $2.1 billion cash acquisition of facial aesthetics developer KYTHERA Pharmaceuticals. $AGN PR link.
Mosaic Co(PBR300) fertilizer subsidiary reaches $800 million regulatory settlement in Florida & Louisiana. $MOS PR link.
Calpine Corp(PBR330) completes $240 million acquisition of retail electric provider Champion Energy Marketing. $CPN PR link.
Blackstone Group(PBR352) completes spinoff of financial advisory services with PJT Capital to form public PJT Partners(NYSE: PJT). $BX PR link.
AMD(PBR446) announces restructuring program, to reduce workforce by 5%. $AMD PR link.
Netflix(PBR447) adds 7 new original series for older kids, now has 35 series for kids of all ages. $NFLX PR link.
Berry Plastics(PBR488) completes $2.45 billion cash acquisition of specialty materials provider AVINTIV from Blackstone Group(PBR352 $BX). $BERY PR link.
HealthSouth(PBR800) completes $730 million buy of Reliant Hospital Partners inpatient rehab operations. $HLS PR link.
Beacon Roofing(PBR818) completes $1.1 billion cash/stock acquisition of roofing products distributor Roofing Supply Group. $BECN PR link.
SuperValu(PBR164) President/CEO Sam Duncan retiring on 02/29/16. Bruce Besanko promoted to EVP/COO, Susan Grafton to EVP/CFO. $SVU PR link.
The US Dept of Commerce says August Construction Spending was at an annual rate of $1,086.2 billion, +0.7% over July, +13.7% from August 2014. USDOC PR link.
Secretary of the US Treasury Lew says U.S. will reach debt limit by Nov. 5 MarketWatch article link.
The PNC Financial(PBR189) bi-annual small/mid-sized businesses survey says 1 in 4 to hire more employees within the next 6 mos. $PNC PR link.
U.S. auto sales in August reached 10-year high of 18.2 million MarketWatch article link.
(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 Order page.)
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, ddpavumba.)
