Friday, August 19, 2016
We are featuring 16 research reports in today's Research Daily, including reports on Verizon (VZ), Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) and Teva Pharmaceutical (NYSE:TEVA).
Verizon shares have been weak lately, but they continued to benefit from investors' great demand for yield (it provides a juicy dividend, currently yiedling in excess of 4%). But Verizon is more than safe and stable dividend. They are actively investing into related spaces that add to their core telecom leadership. The move into online content delivery, mobile video and online advertising, with the recent Yahoo (NASDAQ:YHOO) deal as part of that strategy. (Youcan read the full research report on Verizon here>>)
Comcast's continued momentum (the stock is up 20% year-to-date) reflects the strength in its Cable business and significant improvement in the NBC Universal segment. The deals to acquire DreamWorks Animation and Icontrol Networks bode well and should help fend off competition. Also, Comcast is investing heavily in its theme park business. The company has forayed into the over-the-top video delivery market with the launch of its Internet TV service “Stream”. (You can read the full research report on Comcast here>>)
Teva Pharmaceutical shares have struggled this year as a result of investors' concerns on the generic drug maker's pipeline and stiff competitive pressures in the space. These issues notwithstanding, the analyst likes the Actavis (NYSE:AGN) Generics acquisition, which will help the company strengthen its position in key generic markets. Teva continues to progress with its branded and generics drugs pipeline and is also looking to strengthen its biosimilar pipeline. (You can read the full research report on TEVA here>>)
You can find all of today's stock research reports here >>>
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Sheraz Mian
Director of Research
Note: Sheraz Mian regularly provides earnings analysis on Zacks.com and appears frequently in the print and electronic media. His weekly earnings related articles include Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview. He also provides weekly commentary to Zacks Premium subscribers and manages the Zacks Focus List and Top 10 portfolios.
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Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Zoetis (ZTS) Beats on Q2 Earnings & Revenues, Lifts Outlook
Zoetis' Q2 results were strong with a beat on both fronts. The Zacks analyst believes that the raised outlook for 2016 is achievable on the back of a diversified product portfolio.
Eversource (ES) Q2 Earnings On Par, Misses Revenues
The covering analyst believes Eversource Energy's consistent investment in growth projects and cost saving initiatives will boost its performance.
Harris (HRS) Tops Q4 Earnings, Revenue Miss Cause for Concern
While positive on the earnings beat, the Zacks analyst is concerned about the revenue miss and expects top line struggles to continue due to prevalent headwinds like foreign exchange issues.
DICK'S Sporting (DKS) Ups View on Q2 Earnings & Sales Beat
According to the covering analyst, robust omni-channel growth drove DICK'S Sporting's second-quarter fiscal 2016 results that also led to a raised outlook.
AvalonBay (AVB) to Gain from demographics, Supply Woes Linger
The Zacks analyst thinks AvalonBay remains well poised to gain from higher demand of household formation and favorable demographics. Yet, high deliveries in a number of its markets raise woes.
Sun Life Financial (SLF) Suffers Due to Segmental Weaknesses
Sun Life's bottom line beat expectations but net income declined on segmental weaknesses. Yet, the company expects bottom line growth of 8% -10% and ROE of 12% - 14% over the medium term.
Dr Pepper (DPS) Q2 Earnings Robust; Ups 2016 Outlook
The Zacks analyst believes higher sales and RCI productivity gains drove robust second quarter results.
New Upgrades
SM Energy's (SM) Attempt to Improve Asset Quality Encouraging
According to the Zacks analyst, SM Energy's initiative to improve asset quality in view of improving commodity prices is likely to help it in enhancing future growth potential as well as margins.
Nabors' (NBR) Cost Reduction Initiatives Look Impressive
The covering analyst appreciates Nabors' cost reduction initiatives especially when the drilling business scenario is not favorable and is expected to deteriorate further.
Citi Trends (CTRN) Gains on Lower Than Expected Loss
The Zacks analyst is encouraged by the company's narrower-than-expected loss per share and sales beat in second-quarter fiscal 2016, alongside its robust sales outlook, which drove estimates up
New Downgrades
Celanese (CE) Faces Pricing Headwinds, Acetyl Weakness
The Zacks analyst is concerned about weak prices and sustained pressure on the company's acetyl margins. Acetyl demand remains weak in China given the sluggish economic conditions.
J.B. Hunt's (JBHT) Low Revenues and Reduced Guidance Worrying
According to the covering analyst, reduced performance outlook resulting from low fuel surcharge revenues is cause for concern, despite introduction of asset light transportation models.
Lowe's (LOW) Subdued Earnings Outlook Raises Concern
The Zacks analyst remains concerned about Lowe's dismal performance in the second quarter of 2016 and subdued earnings outlook. However, expected sales growth of 10% provides some cushion to the stock
ZOETIS INC (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report
VERIZON COMM (VZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
TEVA PHARM ADR (TEVA): Free Stock Analysis Report
LOWES COS (LOW): Free Stock Analysis Report
COMCAST CORP A (CMCSA): Free Stock Analysis Report
AVALONBAY CMMTY (AVB): Free Stock Analysis Report
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