Monday, August 12, 2019
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features updated research reports on 16 major stocks, including Amgen (AMGN), Uber (UBER) and Mondelez (NASDAQ:MDLZ). These research reports have been hand-picked from roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Amgen’s shares have gained +0.8% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Biomedical and Genetics industry's decline of -1.3%. Amgen beat estimates for earnings and sales in the second quarter. The Zacks analyst thinks that while Amgen’s newer drugs — Prolia, Xgeva, Blincyto and Kyprolis — will drive sales, biosimilar and brand competition for its legacy products will curb sales growth in the second half. Meanwhile, uptake of key drug Repatha has been slow due to payer restrictions. However, recently launched products, including Aimovig and Evenity, biosimilars and international expansion should create incremental growth opportunities. In the past five years, Amgen has launched nine products, including two in new therapeutic areas. Amgen also boasts a strong biosimilars pipeline, which can drive long-term growth. The company’s restructuring plan is making it leaner and more cost efficient.
(You can read the full research report on Amgen here >>>).
Uber’s shares have lost -3.7% since it made its trading debut on May 10 this year versus the Zacks Internet Services industry's decline of -11.8%. The ride-hailing company reported lackluster second-quarter 2019 results. In the quarter, it incurred wider-than-expected loss due to escalated expenses on sales, promotions and marketing in a bid to attract riders as well as drivers. Notably, this was Uber’s second earnings report since going public. The company's expectation of huge losses throughout 2019, since this will be its “peak investment year,” is a reason for concern. However, the increase in ridesharing revenues (up 6% in the first half of 2019) is encouraging. Uber's efforts to expand its presence across the globe should help it drive financial growth in the long run. Its endeavors to enter the promising market for driverless or self-driving cars are also impressive.
(You can read the full research report on Uber here >>>).
Mondelez’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Food Preparation industry over the past three months, gaining +6.8% versus +2.6%. The Zacks analyst thinks the company is steadily gaining from its strategic pricing endeavors. In fact, during the second quarter of 2019, balanced pricing and volume/mix helped it grow organic revenues. Additionally, its savings efforts are progressing well. Mondelez also focuses on brand building through innovation and acquisitions. It recently completed the buyout of a minority stake in Perfect Snacks. This step, along with investments in Hu Master and Uplift Foods, indicates the company’s efforts to boost healthy offerings. It is also bolstering its presence in emerging regions. However, the company grapples with adverse currency movements, which dented top-line performance during the second quarter. Management expects currency fluctuation to be a drag in 2019. High input costs is another concern.
(You can read the full research report on Mondelez here >>>).
Other noteworthy reports we featured today include Exxon Mobil (XOM), Boston Scientific (BSX) and Crown Castle (CCI).
Today's Best Stocks from Zacks
Would you like to see the updated picks from our best market-beating strategies? From 2017 through 2018, while the S&P 500 gained +15.8%, five of our screens returned +38.0%, +61.3%, +61.6%, +68.1%, and +98.3%.
This outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. From 2000 – 2018, while the S&P averaged +4.8% per year, our top strategies averaged up to +56.2% per year.
See their latest picks free >>
Note: Our Director of Research Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Strength in Cardiovascular Unit Aids Boston Scientific (BSX)
The Zacks analyst is bullish about the strong year over year revenue growth within the Cardiovascular segment. However, declining pacemaker sales are a concern.
Focus on Fiber Business to Stoke Crown Castle's (CCI) Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, Crown Castle's efforts to expand its fiber business will boost long-term results. Further, healthy leasing activity amid high demand for infrastructure remain tailwinds.
Turnaround Work Affects ExxonMobil's (XOM) Downstream Unit
The Zacks analyst is concerned about the heavy turnaround activities that impact ExxonMobil's downstream and chemical operations.
Investments Aid Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE), Poor Credit Ratings Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, Sempra Energy makes systematic investments to boost its infrastructure development projects.
Solid Demographics, Household Formation Aid AvalonBay (AVB)
Per the Zacks analyst, AvalonBay will benefit from its high quality assets, favorable demographics and household formation amid a stable economy and job gains.
Solid Pension Risk Transfer Business Aids Prudential (LON:PRU)
Per the Zacks analyst, Prudential is set to grow on solid pension risk transfer business, momentum in U.S. Financial Wellness and international operations.
Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR) to Gain from Steady Rental Demand
Per the Zacks analyst, Equity Residential is likely to ride high with steady demand for rental housing in its markets.
New Upgrades
Frontier (FTR) Rides on Cost Control, Rural Broadband Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, focus on stringent cost-control initiatives, expansion of fiber-based broadband footprint in rural areas and enhancement of ethernet capabilities augur well for Frontier.
Robust Product Portfolio & Acquisitions Aid ANSYS (ANSS)
Per the Zacks analyst, buyouts like Granta Design and Helic are enabling ANSYS to offer innovative solutions and helping it fortify its foothold in the simulations market.
Office Depot's (ODP) BAP to Lower Costs, Improve Efficiency
Office Depot's Business Acceleration Program is likely to lower costs, improve operational efficiencies and identify prudent investment opportunities. Per the Zacks analyst, this should lift margins.
New Downgrades
Higher Operating Costs to Hurt BHP Group's (BHP) Results
The Zacks analyst is concerned that BHP Group's near term results will likely be impacted by higher operating costs, unplanned production outages and grade decline in copper.
Sluggish Semiconductor Spending Hurts MKS Instruments (MKSI)
Per the Zacks analyst, the continuing slowdown in semiconductor capital equipment spending negatively impacts MKS Instruments' growth prospects in 2019.
Avis Budget (CAR) Hurt by Competition, Pricing Pressure
Per the Zacks analyst, Avis Budget faces intense competition from other players in terms of pricing. Pricing pressure in the international business is weighing on its revenue per day metric.
undefined undefined
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER): Free Stock Analysis Report
Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
Crown Castle International Corporation (NYSE:CCI): Free Stock Analysis Report
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post
Zacks Investment Research