Monday, November 21 2016
Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Coca-Cola (KO), Disney (DIS) and Danaher (NYSE:DHR).
Coca-Cola shares have struggled this year, with the stock down more than 4% in the year-to-date period compared to the roughly flat showing for the consumer staples sector as a whole. Driving the weakness has been headwinds from uncertain outlook for emerging markets, unfavorable currency movements and other structural issues like weakness in the company's North American sparkling beverage business. These issues notwithstanding, the company reported better-than-expected results in the third quarter of 2016 courtesy of higher prices for sodas and strong demand for water and sports drinks in North America. The analyst likes Coke’s formidable portfolio of globally recognized brands. The company has witnessed improved margins on higher pricing and smaller packaging in developed markets, amid slowing sales. (You can read the full research report on Coca-Cola here>>)
Disney shares have lagged its peers (the stock is down more than 6% year to date) on concerns about the impact of 'cord cutting' on the company's ESPN franchise. But Disney is more than just the ESPN franchise, as the analyst points out in the updated research report issued today. The analyst likes the company's movies business and favorable momentum in its parks and resorts division. The success of its movies also means greater business opportunities for its consumer products business. (You can read the full research report on Disney here>>)
Buy rated Danaher shares have struggled lately on concerns about its business repositioning that involved greater exposure to the healthcare and environmental verticlas following the Fortive spin-off. The analyst points out that the new Danaher is less exposed to volatile end-markets following the spin-off and has a more recurring revenue business. Two of the company’s latest acquisitions, namely Cepheid and Phenomenex, are expected to boost its already thriving Diagnostics and Life Sciences business, respectively. However, on the flip side, sluggish economic conditions across some key operating regions and unfavorable currency translations pose as significant headwinds. (You can read the full research report on Danaher here>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Halliburton (NYSE:HAL), Teva (TEVA) and Time Warner (TWX).
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Sheraz Mian
Director of Research
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Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Time Warner (TWX) Beats on Q3 Earnings Estimates
The covering analyst thinks Time Warner's foray into new markets, strategic investments in video content and technology, and digital endeavors will help it continue with its upbeat performance.
Teva Pharma (TEVA) Eyes Growth; Copaxone Generics Remain Concerns
The Zacks analyst highlights that headwinds remain in the form of generic competition for Copaxone.
PG&E Corp (PCG) Q3 Earnings & Sales Miss Estimates, Up Y/Y
The covering analyst believes that PG&E Corp's robust capital investments plans and continuous addition of customers to its portfolio will boost its future performance.
PPL Corp (PPL) Beats on Q3 Earnings, Misses on Revenues
The Zacks analyst believes that PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL)'s diverse asset portfolio and business model allow it to perform in and adapt to different market conditions.
BP plc (LON:BP) Q3 Earnings Beat on Disciplined Cost Reduction
The covering analyst believes that certain strategic initiatives that include cost reduction and the exercise of capital discipline resulted in BP's better-than-expected quarterly earnings.
Freeport's (FCX) Q3 Mixed, Focus Remains on Cost & Debt Cuts
The Zacks analyst thinks that cost and debt reduction actions will help it stay afloat amid a still weak copper pricing environment.
Emerson (EMR) Q4 Earnings Top; Weak Spending Remains a Drag
The covering analyst thinks the company's diligent cost cutting and restructuring initiatives are expected to offset weak client spending in automation business.
New Upgrades
Ross Stores (NASDAQ:ROST) Top Q3 Earnings & Sales, FY16 View Up
The Zacks analyst thinks Ross Stores reported a robust third-quarter fiscal 2016 backed by impressive dd's DISCOUNT performance as well as the improvement made in the ladies' apparel business.
Cost Control Initiatives Give Halliburton (HAL) the Edge
Halliburton's effective cost management and improved utilization on the back of growing North American rig count has made the covering analyst turn bullish on the oilfield services behemoth.
Corning (GLW) Benefits from Expanding Product Portfolio
The Zacks analyst believes the company will benefit from the new Gorilla Glass for automotive market, which will drive top-line growth in the long haul.
New Downgrades
Currency Headwinds Still a Major Drag for Clorox (CLX)
The Zacks analyst thinks earnings continue to be hampered by currency headwinds as evidenced in fiscal first quarter 2017. Management expects this trend to linger and impact results in fiscal 2017.
TransDigm (TDG) Remains Vulnerable to Weak Market Trends
The covering analyst believes softness in commercial transport industry, weak defense aftermarket orders and waning business jet & freighter revenues remain major constraints for TransDigm's growth.
Bemis (BMS) Susceptible to Weak U.S Packaged Food Market
The Zacks analyst expects Bemis' fourth quarter to be affected by lower U.S packaging volumes and headwinds from its new healthcare packaging plant.
TIME WARNER INC (TWX): Free Stock Analysis Report
TEVA PHARM ADR (TEVA): Free Stock Analysis Report
COCA COLA CO (KO): Free Stock Analysis Report
HALLIBURTON CO (HAL): Free Stock Analysis Report
DISNEY WALT (DIS): Free Stock Analysis Report
DANAHER CORP (DHR): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Zacks Investment Research