ADR Shares End Higher; Carnival Shares Rise

International stocks trading in New York closed higher on Monday. The BNY Mellon index of American depositary receipts rose 0.52% to 144.18. The European index increased 0.40% to 142.30, the Asian index improved 0.59% to 152.29, the Latin American index rose 1.42% to 206.76 and the emerging markets index increased 1.24% to 257.26. Among the companies with shares that actively traded was Carnival PLC (CUK, CCL.LN).

Numis upgraded Carnival PLC to add from hold and lifted its target price, saying the cruise ship company's recent quarterly results were better than expected and provided "clear evidence of improving industry fundamentals." Numis added Carnival's management is developing a track record of underpromising and overdelivering. Carnival shares rose 1.3% to $48.73.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA) has signed a digital music distribution deal in China with BMG, the music division of Germany-based Bertelsmann, as the e-commerce giant and its Chinese rivals race to beef up their online entertainment offerings. Alibaba shares fell 68 cents to $83.90.

Novartis AG (NVS, NOVN.VX) reached a collaboration deal with Aduro Biotech that moves the Swiss pharmaceutical giant further into the growing field of cancer immunotherapy. Basel-based Novartis said the deal includes a $200 million upfront payment to Aduro, taking a $25 million stake in the California-based company and committing to a further $25 million equity investment. Novartis shares rose 91 cents to $101.31.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA, TEVA.TV) agreed to acquire Auspex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ASPX) in a deal valued at roughly $3.2 billion, increasing the Israel-based drug maker's presence in the market for treatments for central nervous system disorders. Teva's shares rose 54 cents to $62.52.

Write to Tess Stynes at [e-mail]

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