Friday, September 9, 2016
Today's Research Daily features fresh research reports on 16 major stocks, including Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), MasterCard (MA), Accenture (ACN) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). These 16 reports have been hand-picked from amongst the 80 or so research reports issued by our analyst team today. You can see the complete list of today's research reports here >>
Apple’s decision not to release the iPhone 7’s first weekend sales numbers is disappointing, but the Zacks analyst expects the company to benefit from the upgrade cycle even in mature markets. However, concerns about the iPhone maker's long-term growth trajectory remain, particularly with questions about China not going away. Headlines about the $14 billion Irish tax issue aren't helping matters either, though the issue is far from settled at this stage. (You can read the full research report on Apple here>>)
MasterCard shares lagged the broader market earlier in the year, but appear to gained pace following the last quartelry release that showed a rise in the number of processed transactions along with an increase in cross-border volumes. The analyst likes MasterCard’s product-diversification and geographic-expansion initiatives. The company’s multiple acquisitions over the past couple of years are also boosting inorganic growth. (You can read the full research report on MasterCard here>>)
Accenture’s shares have been weak lately, but have done nicely year-to-date. The analyst likes Accenture’s latest product additions in the analytics application space, given the increasing demand for digital solutions. Accenture’s investment in digital and marketing capabilities and its strategy of growing through acquisitions is encouraging. The recent agreement to acquire New Energy Group will further solidify its position as a leading provider of Salesforce’s products and solutions in Europe.(You can read the full research report on Accenture here>>)
Johnson & Johnson shares have bucked the broader healthcare slump this year and are up more than 16% year-to-date. While the company is faced with a number of headwinds like unfavorable currency movements, increased competition from generics, pricing pressures and an uncertain global macroeconomic backdrop, the analyst believes that JNJ's diversified business model, deep product pipeline, lack of cyclicality and financial strength position it for continued momentum going forward. (You can read the full research report on Johnson & Johnson here>>)
You can find all of today's stock research reports here >>>
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Sheraz Mian
Director of Research
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Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Qorvo (QRVO) Pioneers to Receive the ZigBee 3.0 Certification
According to the Zacks analyst, the ZigBee 3.0 certification for its smart home gateway platform proves Qorvo's superiority in the IoT market and its ability to provide complete solutions.
Teradata (NYSE:TDC) to Gain from Booming Data Warehousing Market
The covering analyst thinks Teradata is likely to benefit from booming data warehousing market on strong product portfolio and customer wins but sluggishness in IT capital expenditure is a concern.
Regis (RGS) Tops Q4 Earnings, Lags Sales
The Zacks analyst believes that though Regis has topped Q4 earnings, the decline in revenues due to weak comps is a concern. Notably, a continuous fall in guest count has been hurting comps.
Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) Partners Austrade to Boost Small Businesses
The covering analyst believes Alibaba's partnership with Austrade is yet another step toward growing beyond China.
Valspar's (VAL) Q3 Earnings Top Estimates, Merger on Track
While currency remains a drag, Valspar will gain from business wins, expansion and cost action, per the Zacks analyst. The planned merger with Sherwin-Williams will also create significant synergies.
WestRock (WRK) to Settle $2.5B Pension Obligations to Manage Cost
The covering analyst thinks WestRock will gain from synergies of mergers, joint ventures and acquisitions amid currency and other headwinds.
Joy Global (NYSE:JOY) Misses Q3 Earnings Estimates, Order Drops
The Zacks analyst believes Joy Global's cost savings initiatives will help it to withstand the challenges created by the difficult market conditions.
New Upgrades
Barclays (LON:BARC)' (BCS) Restructuring Efforts to Aid Profitability
The Zacks analyst believes Barclays' success in lowering expenses via streamlining operations will go a long way in supporting bottom line. Also, balance sheet restructuring will help the financials.
ABM Industries (ABM) Comfortably Beats on Q3 Earnings
ABM recorded solid third-quarter fiscal 2016 results on the back of healthy revenues across most of the operating segments and raised its fiscal guidance on higher-than-expected 2020 Vision savings.
Itron (ITRI) to Grow on Restructuring Efforts, New Projects
The covering analyst thinks Itron will gain from focus on restructuring, product development and increased momentum in smart grid development. Strong cash flow and new projects will drive results.
New Downgrades
Altra Industrial's (AIMC) Prospects Weak on Near-Term Headwinds
The covering analyst thinks Altra Industrial Motion's growth momentum faces headwinds from stiff competition, high costs and weak industrial end-markets. Also, negative foreign currency movements are likely to hurt results.
Toyota's (TM) Falling Sales, Weak Guidance Pose Concerns
The Zacks analyst thinks declining global sales, a string of product recalls and weak guidance for earnings, operating income and revenues for fiscal 2017 pose concerns.
Stiff Competition Remains a Concern for CBOE Holdings (CBOE)
The Zacks Analyst believes CBOE Holdings' exposure to industry volatility and sluggish credit quality, in the midst of stiff competition and challenging regulations, will pose as headwinds.
MASTERCARD INC (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report
JOHNSON & JOHNS (JNJ): Free Stock Analysis Report
ALIBABA GROUP (BABA): Free Stock Analysis Report
ACCENTURE PLC (ACN): Free Stock Analysis Report
APPLE INC (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report
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