Tuesday, June 22, 2016
Today's must-read reports are for Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) (F), Manulife Financial (MFC) and Tesla Motors (NASDAQ:TSLA) (TSLA)
Manulife Financial has moved up to Zacks Rank # 1 (Strong Buy) as analysts are raising their estimates for this year and next. Driving this improving earnings outlook is Manulife's opportunistic acquisitions and positive momentum in the company's Asia business, particulalry on the asset management side. (You can read the full research report on Manulife Financial here)
Ford Motor shares have lagged the broader market lately, but they have done better relative to General Mortors (GM). The automakers' weak stock market performance, despite record U.S. sales, reflects investors' skepticism of further upside from current levels. The analyst disucusses the pros and cons of the Ford story, but likes the company's product launches, global expansion, efficient capital deployment and solid long-term outlook. (You can read the full research report on Frod Motor Company here)
Tesla shares are getting pummeled today on the SolarCity (SCTY) news, with many skeptical of the wisdom of combining these two companies and creating what Elon Musk called an integrated alternative energy company. Tesla investors are justifiably concerned that the deal will distract the company from its existing operational challenges and further stress its tenous financials. Tesla shares currently have Zacks Rank # 4 (Sell), as analysts have been cutting their estimates for this year and next. Please note that Tesla and SolarCity are both loss-making businesses. (You can read the full report on Tesla Motors here)
Other noteworthy reports on today's line-up include Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) (AAPL), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (GOOGL) and Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) (SBUX)
- Analysts continue to cut estimates for Apple (AAPL), pushing the stock to Zacks Rank # 5 (Strong Sell)
- Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL) at Zacks Rank # 4 (Sell)
- Starbucks (SBUX) shares at Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy)
You can find all of today's stock research reports here.
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Apple (AAPL) Retail Stores Plan for India gets a Boost
Changes in Indian FDI norms will make it possible for Apple to set up its own retail stores in the country
Philips (PHG) Boosts Pathology Portfolio with Strategic Buy
The analyst believes the recent PathXL acquisition will complement its IntelliSite Pathology Solutions portfolio
Will Host Hotels' (HST) Strategy of Asset Disposition Pay?
Host Hotels has undertaken a strategic capital-recycling program but earnings may get diluted
Huntington's (HBAN) Merger Deal on Track
The company's merger deal with FirstMerit Corp. will aid Huntington to foray into Illinois and Wisconsin markets, according to the covering analyst
Innovation May Help Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) Battle Weak Revenues
The Zacks analyst thinks the company will be able to combat foreign currency headwinds and weak emerging market demand with its focus on innovationn
Innovate-to-Elevate Strategy Boosts Hanesbrands' (HBI) Profits
This strategy of focusing on value-added and high-margin items supplied at lower costs is helping the company increase its profit margin, according to the covering analyst
2016 Outlook Raises Hopes for Stryker (SYK)
The analyst discusses the pros & cons of investing in Stryker shares at present.
New Upgrades
General Motors (NYSE:GM) Gains on Strategic Initiatives
The Zacks analyst believes GM will gain from new contracts & initiatives to make its vehicles more advanced, safer and fuel efficient
Digital Initiatives to Support Starbucks'(SBUX) Growth
The covering analyst stresses that digital initiatives like mobile order/pay, delivery services and third-party loyalty partnerships will drive growth for the company
Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE:SWK) Offers Solid Growth Prospects
According to the Zacks analyst, the company's strategy of shifting its business portfolio toward favored growth markets is a major positive
New Downgrades
Alphabet (GOOGL) Hit by Competition and Regulatory Scrutiny
Intense competition and frequent regulatory scrutiny are currently key negatives for Google, according to the covering analyst
Multiple Operating Risks Could Still Hurt General Electric (NYSE:GE)
The Zacks analyst thinks the company is still susceptible to operational execution risks despite taking steps to limit its financial exposure
Margin Pressures & Gasoline Stockpile Weigh on Valero (VLO)
The covering analyst thinks a large gasoline stockpile, low margins, and year-over-year lower crack spread remain major challenges
TESLA MOTORS (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report
STARBUCKS CORP (SBUX): Free Stock Analysis Report
MANULIFE FINL (MFC): Free Stock Analysis Report
ALPHABET INC-A (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report
GENERAL MOTORS (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report
FORD MOTOR CO (F): Free Stock Analysis Report
APPLE INC (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post
Zacks Investment Research