Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Pepsi (PEP), Philip Morris (PM) and Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW).
Buy rated Pepsi shares have benefited from the beverage giant's reported better-than-expected quarterly results last week, where it beat on the top- and bottom-lines and raised guidance. Drivng the momentum is the company's Frito-Lay North America and North American beverages businesses, but the company's new product line-up, aggressive marketing, productivity improvement and cost-saving initiatives are also helping. The company is on track to deliver $1 billion in productivity savings in 2016 and $7 billion in free cash flow. (You can read the full research report on Pepsi here>>)
Philip Morris shares have outperformed the peer group this year on the back of strong momentum in its unconventional tobacco products portfolio. The analyst likes the Buy-rated stock’s strong brand portfolio which is crucial in helping it command a leading market share in the tobacco industry. Additionally, the company's efforts to launch new products to cater to changing consumer tastes are also encouraging. The company has also done an excellent job of maintaining margins through effective cost controls despite continued volume pressures. (You can read the full research report on Philip Morris here>>)
Dow Chemical shares have been laggards lately, reflecting global macro uncertainties about the economically sensitive chemicals space as a whole. Estimates have been moving up lately, largely reflecting improvements in productivity, aggressive portfolio management actions as well as strategic investments. This has pushed the stock to a Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy). The DuPont (NYSE:DD) merger is expected to create significant synergies and free cash flows in the long run. (You can read the full research report on Dow Chemical here>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Priceline (PCLN), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) and 3M (MMM).
Today's Private Buys & Sells from Zacks Research
While we share the above news with the public, our sensitive recommendations are hidden from everyone but selected members. Would you like to peek behind the curtain and view them? Starting today, for the next month, you can follow all Zacks' private buys and sells in real time from value to momentum . . . from stocks under $10 to ETF and option moves . . . from insider trades to companies that are about to report positive earnings surprises (we've called them with 80%+ accuracy). You can even look inside portfolios so exclusive that they are normally closed to new investors. Click here for Zacks' secret trades >>
You can find all of today's stock research reports here>>>
Sheraz Mian
Director of Research
Note: If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Agilent's (A) Innovative Products Continue to Drive Growth
The Zacks analyst believes that Agilent's broad-based portfolio and innovative high-margin products offer higher growth potential.
HCP (HCP) Strong on Diverse Portfolio and Accretive Acquisition
The covering analyst believes HCP's diversified, high-quality and well-balanced portfolios allows it to explore the opportunities available in various areas, based on individual market dynamics.
EOG Resources' (NYSE:EOG) $2.5B Deal with Yates Holds Promise
The Zacks analyst appreciates EOG Resources' decision to buy Yates Petroleum as the deal will add quality acreage in the Delaware and Powder River basins.
3M (MMM) Shows Long-Term Promise Despite Niggling Concerns
The covering analyst thinks 3M remains vulnerable to risks related to high pension expenses, commodity price volatility and U.S. dollar strength.
Priceline (PCLN) Faces Headwinds Despite Overseas Strength
The Zacks analyst believes that weaker ADR, increasing advertising spend and occupancy tax-related litigation remain overhangs.
Valero's (VLO) $2.6B Investment Plan to Fuel Growth
The covering analyst believes that Valero's $2.6 billion investment plan for this year will help it to significantly improve its operations.
Express Scripts (ESRX) To Benefit From Generic Utilization
The Zacks analyst thinks Express Scripts stands to benefit from increased generic utilization, shift toward mail orders, and strong specialty growth.
New Upgrades
Cintas (NASDAQ:CTAS) Remains Poised for Healthy Holistic Growth
Cintas recorded solid 1Q results with adjusted earnings beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.03. The accretive acquisition of G&K Services and bullish fiscal 2017 guidance remain tailwinds.
ConAgra (CAG) Upgraded to Buy on Strong Q1 Earnings
ConAgra's robust first-quarter fiscal 2017 earnings were driven by restructuring benefits. The company aims to divest the Lamb Weston trade by fiscal 2017-end and form two separate public companies.
Analog Devices (ADI) To Gain From Auto Market; Merger Synergies
The Zacks analyst believes that Analog Devices' strength in the emerging automotive market and Linear acquisition remain growth catalysts going forward.
New Downgrades
Diageo (LON:DGE)'s (DEO) Growth Limited by Low Volume, Stringent Rules
The Zacks analyst notes that unfavorable currency and lower volumes in North America and Europe continue to affect Diageo. Restrictions on alcohol consumption across the world have also hurt revenues.
BofA (BAC) Profits under Pressure on Margins & Oil Concerns
The covering analyst believes that without any further rise in interest rates, BofA's margins are likely to remain under pressure. Also, stressed energy sector will hurt its financials in near-term.
Energy Transfer Partners' (ETP) Low Coverage Ratio a Concern
The covering analyst has turned bearish on Energy Transfer Partners considering its lofty yield and concerns over the partnership's ability to maintain current distribution.
PHILIP MORRIS (PM): Free Stock Analysis Report
PEPSICO INC (PEP): Free Stock Analysis Report
PRICELINE.COM (PCLN): Free Stock Analysis Report
3M CO (MMM): Free Stock Analysis Report
DOW CHEMICAL (DOW): Free Stock Analysis Report
BANK OF AMER CP (BAC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post
Zacks Investment Research