For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – May 04, 2017 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include MasterCard (NYSE: MA – Free Report ), CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) (NYSE: CVS – Free Report ), Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL – Free Report ), Charter Communications (NASDAQ:CHTR) (NASDAQ: CHTR – Free Report ) and Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) (NYSE: NSC – Free Report ).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free .
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
Top Research Reports for Thursday: MA, CVS, CL and More
Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including MasterCard (NYSE: MA – Free Report ), CVS Health (NYSE:CVS – Free Report ) and Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL – Free Report ).
MasterCard has outperformed the Zacks Financial Services Transaction sector over the last one year (up +22.7% vs. +17.3%) and is also marginally ahead of rival Visa (up +20.1%) MasterCard’s earnings surpassed expectations and increased year over year The company remains well positioned for growth on the back of its solid market position, ongoing expansion and digital initiatives and significant opportunities from the secular shift towards electronic payments.
The acquisition of VocaLink and NuData Security complement the company’s efforts to participate in new payment flows and enhance its safety and security offerings. However, escalating costs, a challenging forex environment and legal issues remain concerns. (You can read the full research report on MasterCard here. )
Shares of CVS Health have underperformed the Zacks categorized Retail- Drug Stores industry year to date gaining +0.1% vs. +1.6%. CVS Health posted mixed first-quarter with adjusted earnings beating expectations but declining year over year. Slower revenue growth on poor Retail/LTC numbers and a margin debacle resulted in a dull earnings performance.
But the Zacks analyst likes the strong Pharmacy Services numbers that benefited from the upside in Specialty Pharmacy. Also despite a soft bottom-line scenario, the company reiterated its earnings 2017 outlook indicating chances of recovery ahead. Both the Omnicare and Target Pharmacy buyouts, which have already started to benefit CVS on multiple prospects, should drive enterprise value significantly higher in the days ahead. (You can read the full research report on CVS Health here. )
Colgate-Palmolive shares are up +8.1% in the year-to-date period, outperforming the Zacks Consumer Staples sector, which has gained +6.5% over the same period. After posting in-line earnings for two straight quarters, Colgate delivered a positive earnings surprise in first-quarter 2017. Also, the bottom line grew year over year, aided by margin expansion and lower tax rate.
The Zacks analyst likes its product innovation, globally recognized brands and presence in both developed and emerging economies. The company has been witnessing enhanced margins for a while now, driven by the cost-savings from the funding-the-growth and 2012 Restructuring Program.
Offsetting these positives are uncertain global markets and lingering currency woes, which may impact results in 2017. However, organic sales are expected to improve sequentially throughout the year. Colgate’s shareholder-friendly moves are also noteworthy. (You can read the full research report on Colgate-Palmolive here. )
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR – Free Report ) and Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC – Free Report ).
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About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News
Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>.
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Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA): Free Stock Analysis Report
CVS Health Corporation (CVS): Free Stock Analysis Report
Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL): Free Stock Analysis Report
Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR): Free Stock Analysis Report
Norfolk Souther Corporation (NSC): Free Stock Analysis Report
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