Annual Changes to the NASDAQ-100 Index NEW YORK,

NEW YORK, Dec. 09, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ ) today announced the results of the annual re-ranking of the NASDAQ-100 Index® (Nasdaq: NDX ), which will become effective prior to market open on Monday, December 19, 2016.

The following four companies will be added to the Index: Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS ), Hasbro, Inc. (Nasdaq: HAS ), Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX ), KLA-Tencor Corporation (Nasdaq: KLAC ).

The NASDAQ-100 Index is composed of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market® and dates to January 1985 when it was launched along with the NASDAQ Financial-100 Index®, which is comprised of the 100 largest financial stocks on NASDAQ®. These indexes act as benchmarks for financial products such as options, futures, and funds. The NASDAQ-100 is re-ranked each year in December, timed to coincide with the quadruple witch expiration Friday of the quarter.

On a cumulative price return basis, the NASDAQ-100 Index has returned almost 3,731% since inception, although past performance is not indicative of future performance.

The NASDAQ-100 Index is the basis of the PowerShares QQQ Trust (Nasdaq: QQQ ) which aims to provide investment results that, before expenses, correspond with the NASDAQ-100 Index performance. In addition, options, futures and structured products based on the NASDAQ-100 Index and the PowerShares QQQ Trust trade on various exchanges.

As a result of the re-ranking, the following four companies will be removed from the Index: Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBY ), NetApp, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTAP ), Stericycle, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRCL ), Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFM ).

About Nasdaq

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ ) is a leading provider of trading, clearing, exchange technology, listing, information and public company services across six continents. Through its diverse portfolio of solutions, Nasdaq enables customers to plan, optimize and execute their business vision with confidence, using proven technologies that provide transparency and insight for navigating today's global capital markets. As the creator of the world's first electronic stock market, its technology powers more than 70 marketplaces in 50 countries, and 1 in 10 of the world's securities transactions. Nasdaq is home to more than 3,700 listed companies with a market value of $10.0 trillion and approximately 18,000 corporate clients. To learn more, visit: nasdaq.com/ambition or business.nasdaq.com .

The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice, either on behalf of a particular financial product or an overall investment strategy. Neither The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any recommendation to buy or sell any financial product or any representation about the financial condition of any company or fund. Statements regarding Nasdaq’s proprietary indexes are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate companies before investing. ADVICE FROM A SECURITIES PROFESSIONAL IS STRONGLY ADVISED.

Company Briefs: The following is brief information about the four companies to be added to the NASDAQ-100 Index. 

Cintas Corporation provides corporate identity uniforms and related business services primarily in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Hasbro, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides children’s and family leisure time products and services worldwide.

Hologic, Inc. develops, manufactures, and supplies diagnostics products, medical imaging systems, and surgical products for women in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally.

KLA-Tencor Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets process control and yield management solutions worldwide.

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Media Contact: Peter Gau, Nasdaq (212) 231-5475 Issuer & Investor Contact: Carla Proto, Nasdaq (203) 926-3326