Thursday, September 15, 2016
Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Coca-Cola (KO), Schlumberger (SLB) and Illinois Tool (ITW).
Shares of beverage giant, Coca-Cola have been laggards this year, losing nearly 2% year-to-date, as persistent weakness in some emerging markets like China, Russia and Brazil continued to be a major drag. Weak sparkling beverage volumes as well as currency and structural headwinds remain a concern. Despite these headwinds, the Zacks analyst likes the company’s accelerated re-franchising efforts, which is poised to boost its performances in days ahead. Also, Coca-Cola’s new revenue platforms should drive growth over the long term. (You can read the full research report on Coca-Cola here>>)
Oilfield services behemoth, Schlumberger’s shares have been strong performers this year, up more than 10% year-to-date, on the back of its strong financial strength and technological leadership that led the company to maintain its excellent track record of earnings surprise history. The Zacks analyst believes that the Schlumberger-Cameron merger will support technology-driven growth. However, the stock has pulled back in recent days, as have other oil stocks, in the wake of weakness in oil prices on demand concerns following recent OPEC and IEA reports. (You can read the full research report on Schlumberger here>>)
Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW) stock remains strong this year, up more than 25% year-to-date, mostly due to its bright earnings outlook and healthy dividend rise. The Zacks analyst likes the company's growth efforts, its long-term Enterprise Strategy and sound capital allocation plans, and believes that the company will benefit from these factors over the long-term. The analyst discussses the pros & cons of investing ITW shares at present and points out headwinds like unfavorable foreign currency movements, industry rivalry, volatility in input pricesand economic uncertainties. (You can read the full research report on Illinois Tool here>>)
Other noteworthy reports today include Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), which has been upgraded to Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy), and General Mills (NYSE:GIS) and Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI).
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
NCI Building (NCS) Tops Q3 Earnings, Sales; 2016 View Upbeat
Following a strong third quarter, NCI Building maintains an upbeat view for fiscal 2016. The covering analyst believes benefits from restructuring, robust backlog and CENTRIA buyout will be tailwinds.
Tech Data to Gain from Collaborations But Demand Woes Remain
The Zacks analyst thinks that though the company has been taking efforts to expand its product portfolio, soft IT spending levels and rising competition remain concerns.
SCANA (SCG) a Buy on Favourable Utility Rate, Expansion Plan
Per covering analyst, growth is central to the SCANA story. The growth, which is supported by positive regulatory environment and favourable electric utility rate, is expected to exceed expectations.
Johnson Controls (JCI) to Gain from Merger with Tyco
Johnson Controls' merger with Tyco has created a leading global multi-industrial company. The combined company is expected to generate revenues of $30 billion annually.
General Mills (GIS) Restructuring Plans to Spur Growth
The Zacks analyst believes that robust restructuring savings are making up for slower revenue growth at General Mills.
Cognizant's (CTSH) Low Cost Services Positive, Risk Persist
The covering analyst opines that strong demand for its lower cost services and digital transition will benefit Cognizant in the long term. But, macroeconomic headwinds and competition remain concerns.
TreeHouse (THS) Faces Weakness Ahead, Despite Acquisitions
The Zacks analyst believes that though the company has been expanding its product portfolio through acquisitions, weakness in the food industry along with lower gross margins will remain a concern.
New Upgrades
Duke Energy (DUK) Up On Efficient Services, Solid Buyouts
As per Zacks analyst, Duke Energy's strategic acquisitions, like the purchase of Piedmont Natural Gas, is boosting its business mix. It also offers efficient power and energy services across the U.S.
McCormick (NYSE:MKC) Continues to Boost Sales on Acquisitions
The covering analyst believes that McCormick's recent acquisitions and product innovation are expected to boost revenues in the coming quarters, despite currency headwinds and higher expenses.
MarketAxess (MKTX) Grows Via Inorganic & Organic Initiatives
The Zacks analyst thinks that continues volume growth, strong Europe business, acquisition of Xtracker, wide product portfolio and increasing client base will fuel MarketAxcess' earnings growth.
New Downgrades
United Natural's (UNFI) Posts Mixed Q4 Results, Cautious on Margins
Though United Natural posted better-than-expected fourth quarter earnings, but missed on sales. The Zacks analyst also thinks industry-wide weakness and declining gross margin will remain a concern.
Navient's (NAVI) Revenue Woes, Rising Expenses Hurt Growth
Per the covering analyst, lack of alternate revenue sources is likely to hamper Navient's top-line growth. Also, rising expenses due to legal issues, and control and compliance costs remains concerns.
Eversource (ES): Regulation, Weather Weigh on Prospects
The Zacks analyst believes stringent regulations, delay in completion of development projects and inconsistent weather patterns could adversely impact the performance of the company.
SCHLUMBERGER LT (SLB): Free Stock Analysis Report
COCA COLA CO (KO): Free Stock Analysis Report
JOHNSON CONTRLS (JCI): Free Stock Analysis Report
ILL TOOL WORKS (ITW): Free Stock Analysis Report
GENL MILLS (GIS): Free Stock Analysis Report
DUKE ENERGY CP (DUK): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Zacks Investment Research