Thursday, July 28, 2016
Today's Research Daily write-up features reports on 16 stocks, including DuPont (NYSE:DD) (DD), Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) (FB) and Gilead (GILD). These 16 research reports have been hand-picked from the more than 80 reports issued by our analyst team today.
Facebook’s blowout quarterly numbers should help sustain the stock's positive momentum in the coming days. This report reconfirmed the company's status as a technology powerhouse with an enviable future earnings potential. The analyst likes the company’s huge user and advertiser base, higher engagement levels along with monetization opportunities presented by the Instagram, Oculus, Messenger and WhatsApp properties. (You can read the full research report on FB here.)
Buy-rated DuPont shares have outperformed the broader market lately, with the stock up more than 8% in the last four weeks. The chemical and life-sciences giant, which remains in the midst of a transformational match-up with Dow Chemicals, came out strong Q2 results and guided higher. The analyst likes the company’s new product launches and productivity actions. The planned mega-merger with Dow is also expected to create significant synergies. DuPont's committment to shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks remains another major positive. (You can read the full research report on DD here.)
Gilead remains in a tough spot, with investors increasingly becoming doubtful about its near-term growth outlook following competitive challenges to its hepatitis C franchise and limited oncology success. No doubt the stock is down almost 20% year to date. These questions notwithstanding, the analyst likes the drugmaker’s strong HIV and HCV portfolio and pipeline products that will help diversify its business beyond antivirals into other therapeutic areas. (You can read the full research report on GILD here.)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) (GS), Analog Devices (ADI) and Macy’s (M).
- Goldman (GS) Beats on Q2 Earnings
- Analog Devices (ADI) to Buy Linear
- Macy’s (M) Upgraded to Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy)
- BCE (BCE) Downgraded to Zacks Rank # 4 (Sell)
You can find all of today's stock research reports here.
Sheraz Mian
Director of Research
Note: Sheraz Mian regularly provides earnings analysis on Zacks.com and appears frequently in the print and electronic media. His weekly earnings related articles include Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview. He also provides weekly commentary to Zacks Premium subscribers and manages the Zacks Focus List and Top 10 portfolios.
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Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Analog Devices (ADI) to Acquire Chipmaker Linear for $14.8B
The deal will expand its total addressable market to $14 billion from $8 billion.
Goldman (GS) Beats on Q2 Earnings
The Zacks analyst thinks Goldman's effective cost control and strong capital position remained major tailwinds in Q2.
Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) Tops Q2 Earnings, Opex Continues to Rise
Illumina raised its FY16 EPS outlook buoyed by better-than-expected Q2 results. The covering analyst thinks rising operating cost and fierce competition continue to pose a threat to the stock.
LabCorp (LH) FY16 View up, Sequenom Buyout Ahead
The Zacks analyst thinks LabCorp's strong Q2 momentum will continue through 2016. The impending Sequenom merger should complement its women's health test menu
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB) Tops Q2 Earnings on Cost Savings Initiatives
The covering analyst is impressed with Kimberly-Clark's upbeat Q2 results and expects higher profits on the back of cost savings as well as new product launches.
Baxter's (BAX) FY16 View Encouraging, Portfolio Key Catalyst
An expanding product portfolio and growing total addressable market following recent regulatory approvals will help the company achieve its FY16 target.
Waste Connections (WCN) Poised for Healthy Inorganic Growth
The merger of WCN with Progressive Waste Solutions has created an industry leader with complementary footprints, enhanced scale and a stronger financial profile.
New Upgrades
Macy's (NYSE:M) to Propel Growth via Strategic Endeavors
The covering analyst believes that Macy's sustained focus on price optimization, inventory management, merchandise planning, and private label offerings are the primary catalysts.
Edwards (EW) Hikes FY16 View on Strong Q2 Results
The Zacks analyst is impressed with Edwards' better-than-expected Q2 results, which in turn will expand the company's footprint in the TAVR market. The raised FY16 outlook also buoys optimism.
Linear (LLTC) Q4 Earnings Beat, Merges with Analog Devices
With Linear delivering strong Q4 results, the Zacks analyst sees prospects in the company's auto and industrial areas. Moreover, its acquisition by Analog Devices is a big positive.
New Downgrades
Dr. Reddy's (RDY) Q1 Results Hit by Weak Generics
The Zacks analyst is disappointed with Dr. Reddy's Q1 results and believes that macroeconomic instability will continue to be a major hindrance to the company's growth.
BCE (BCE) Down to Sell, Wireline Revenue Declines a Concern
The covering analyst believes that continuous decline in wireline revenues is a serious concern for BCE Inc.
Telus (TU) Downgraded to Sell on High Competitive Pressures
Intensifying competitive threat arising from small regional carriers like MTS and SaskTel is a concern for Telus, according to the Zacks analyst.
MACYS INC (M): Free Stock Analysis Report
GOLDMAN SACHS (GS): Free Stock Analysis Report
GILEAD SCIENCES (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report
FACEBOOK INC-A (FB): Free Stock Analysis Report
DU PONT (EI) DE (DD): Free Stock Analysis Report
BCE INC (BCE): Free Stock Analysis Report
ANALOG DEVICES (ADI): Free Stock Analysis Report
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