The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Medtronic, Chubb, Exelon, Check Point Software And Macy's

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – November 14, 2016 – 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 Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) (NYSE:MDT – Free Report), Chubb (NYSE:CB) (NYSE:CB – Free Report), Exelon (NYSE:EXC) (NYSE:EXC –Free Report),Check Point Software (NASDAQ:CHKP –Free Report) and Macy's (NYSE:M) (NYSE:M – Free Report).

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:

Top Research Reports for Today

Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Medtronic (NYSE:MDT – Free Report), Chubb (NYSE:CB –Free Report) and Exelon (NYSE:EXC – Free Report). These reports have been hand-picked from among the roughly research reports issued by our analyst team today. You can see the complete list of today's research reports here >>>

Medtronic shares have gained more than 7% year-to-date, outperforming the peer medical devices space, on the back of the company's recent product launches and FDA approvals. The analyst likes the $1.1 billion acquisition of Heartware International, which is expected to significantly boost its Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure business, but worries about the company's sluggish spine business over the past few quarters. (You can read the full research report on Medtronic here>>)

Chubb shares have lagged the insurance space this year, but the Zacks analyst thinks the company stands a good chance of taking leadership in the P&C space, benefiting from complementary products and services. Its inorganic growth story seems impressive and should help it achieve higher long-term ROE. A strong capital position helps Chubb to engage in shareholder friendly moves and invest in strategic initiatives that drive growth. However, the company’s exposure to cat loss (estimates $200 million cat loss in fourth quarter from Hurricane Matthew) and a low interest rate environment are headwinds. The recent uptrend in long-term interest rates is beneficial to Chubb and others in its space. (You can read the full research report on Chubb here>>)

Exelon shares have been strong performers this year, but they have come under pressure in recent sessions as long-term interest rates have trended up following the election. The analyst emphasizes that the company has benefitted from new electric rates and above-average temperatures in its service territories. Moreover, Exelon is gaining from the Pepco Holdings acquisition, which contributed $130 million to its earnings in the reported quarter. However, Exelon is subject to the impact of commodity price volatility, and price fluctuation in the wholesale markets. (You can read the full research report on Exelon here>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Check Point Software (NASDAQ:CHKP –Free Report) and Macy's (NYSE:M – Free Report).

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Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1 Stock of the Day pick for free.

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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