Tuesday, January 18, 2022
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Bank of America Corp. (BAC), Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) Inc. (AVGO), and Royal Dutch Shell (LON:RDSa) plc (RDS.A). These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Shares of Bank of America have outperformed the Zacks Major Regional Banks industry over the past year (+48.2% vs. +36.4%). The Zacks analyst believes that Efforts to improve revenue growth, strong balance sheet and expansion into new markets will support Bank of America.
Opening of new branches, enhancing digital capabilities, initiatives to manage expenses, and a solid IB pipeline are likely to continue supporting its financials. BAC will keep enhancing shareholder value through impressive capital deployment activities. A low interest rate environment, however, is likely to keep hurting Bank of America's margins in the near-term.
(You can read the full research report on Bank of America here >>>)
Broadcom shares have gained +17.6% over the past three months against the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry’s gain of +14.2%. The Zacks analyst believes that Broadcom has been benefiting from continued strength across both Semiconductor solutions and Infrastructure software verticals.
In fourth-quarter fiscal 2021, Semiconductor revenues benefited from higher demand for wireless solutions as well as momentum in networking and broadband solutions. Synergies from acquisitions of CA and Symantec’s enterprise security business also aided results. An upbeat first quarter guidance on the back of an uptick in broadband, networking and wireless revenues bodes well for the long term.
(You can read the full research report on Broadcom here >>>)
Shares of Royal Dutch Shell have gained +38% in the last six months against the Zacks International Integrated Oil industry’s gain of +36.1%. The Zacks analyst believes that Shell is set to witness capital appreciation on the back of a slew of tailwinds.
RDS.A recently pledged to return $5.5 billion from the Permian sale proceeds via buybacks. This follows $1.5 billion worth of share repurchases in December. It should also benefit from its position as a key supplier of liquefied natural gas. Shell is also poised for long-term cash flow growth on the back of attractive growth opportunities.
(You can read the full research report on Royal Dutch Shell here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) (MS), Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ:ADP), Inc. (ADP) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:VRTX). (VRTX).
Mark Vickery
Senior Editor
Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
Loan Demand, Cost Management Aid BofA (BAC) Amid Low Rates
Broadcom (AVGO) Drives on Wireless Products & Acquisitions
Shell (RDS.A) to Benefit from LNG Demand Growth
Featured Reports
Strategic Buyouts Support Morgan Stanley (MS) Amid Low Rates
Per the Zacks analyst, inorganic expansion efforts with an aim to focus on less capital-markets dependent businesses and solid balance sheet will aid Morgan Stanley amid low rates and rising expenses.
ADP Rides on Strategic Buyouts Amid Technological Challenges
The Zacks analyst likes ADP's buyout strategy to boost its position in the human capital management market.
Vertex (VRTX) Cystic Fibrosis Sales Up, Non-CF Pipeline Solid
Vertex's cystic franchise (CF) sales are rising despite the pandemic. The Zacks analyst is encouraged by the rapid progress of its non-CF pipeline with data from multiple programs expected in 2022.
MetLife's (NYSE:MET) Cost-Cut Efforts & Strategic Buyouts Aid
Per the Zacks analyst, MetLife's cost-control measures are driving margins, while acquisitions are expanding its portfolio. Yet, rising interest expenses are concerning.
Capex Aid American Electric (AEP) Amid Supply Chain Issue
Per the Zacks analyst, solid capital expenditure in transmission, distribution, and renewables will benefit American Electric.
Alcon (NYSE:ALC) Vision Care Business Grows Amid Stiff Rivalry
The Zacks analyst is optimistic about Alcon's growth in the Vision Care business as new product launches are gaining momentum and expanding the company's market share.
Strength in E-commerce To Aid Nordstrom's (NYSE:JWN) Top Line
Per the Zacks analyst, improved products, as well as robust digital traffic at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, have been aiding Nordstrom's top line.
New Upgrades
Eni (E) Banks on Offshore Ivory Coast Oil and Gas Reserves
The Zacks analyst believes that Eni's discovery in the offshore Ivory Coast will increase production, and boost organic growth and cash flow.
Cost-Cut Efforts & Strong Liquidity to Aid Autoliv (NYSE:ALV)
The Zacks analyst is optimistic about Autoliv's Structural Efficiency Program, which is delivering meaningful savings and further boosting the already strong liquidity position of the firm.
Solid Product Line, Higher Subscriptions Aid GoPro (GPRO)
Per the Zacks analyst, a robust product line and a direct-to-consumer strategy on the back of higher subscription revenues are likely to bolster GoPro's momentum in the long run.
New Downgrades
Game Launch Delay, Stiff Competition Hurts Activision (ATVI)
Per the Zacks analyst, Activision is suffering from intensifying competition from the likes of EA, Take Two Interactive and Nintendo. The delayed launch of Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV is a concern.
Splunk (NASDAQ:SPLK) Marred by Intense Competition & High Debt
Per the Zacks analyst, apart from the huge debt burden, Splunk continues to face challenges by way of declining maintenance and services and license revenues amid intensifying competition.
Drab Scenario in Coastal Market Dims Kirby's (NYSE:KEX) Prospects
The Zacks analyst is worried about the softness in the coastal market. Woes related to supply-chain disruptions are also worrisome.
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Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Morgan Stanley (MS): Free Stock Analysis Report
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP): Free Stock Analysis Report
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A): Free Stock Analysis Report
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Broadcom Inc. (AVGO): Free Stock Analysis Report
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