Wednesday, December 7 2016
Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including MasterCard (MA), Merck (NYSE:MRK) and Cisco (CSCO).
Buy rated MasterCard shares have struggled this year, but they have performed relatively better compared to Visa (V) and its broacer peer group. 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. Notably, the company has filed for four Blockchain patents as it tries to integrate blockchain-based transactions in its own systems. The proposed acquisition of a major stake in VocaLink will strengthen its electronic payment capabilities. Further, the latest dividend hike & share buyback program reaffirmed MasterCard’s commitment to enhance shareholders' value. However, escalating costs, a challenging forex environment and legal issues remain concerns. (You can read the full research report on MasterCard here>>)
Merck shares have gained more than 14% year-to-date on the back of strong momentum in its product pipeline. The company's better than expected Q3 results and positive guidance also added to the momentum as well. The analyst likes Merck’s new products, especially Keytruda, which should continue to contribute meaningfully to the top line. The latest FDA approval of Keytruda for the first line treatment of metastatic lung cancer should sharply improve the drug’s sales. Merck has also made significant progress with its pipeline and is working on bringing new products to the market. However, generic competition and pricing pressure will continue to pressurize the top line. (You can read the full research report on Merck here>>)
Cisco shares have lost ground following the mixed quarterly report, but the stock is still up more than 8% in the year-to-date period and continues to lead the broader technology space. In the updated research report issued today, the Zacks analyst covering the stock highlights Cisco’s expanding footprint in the rapidly growing security and data center market. Moreover, partnerships with the likes of Pure Storage, salesforce.com and IBM (NYSE:IBM) will help Cisco to gain significant traction in the data center, cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) market in the long haul. (You can read the full research report on Cisco here>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include PNC Financial (NYSE:PNC), AstraZeneca (AZN) and NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE).
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Sheraz Mian
Director of Research
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Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Principal Financial (PFG) Unveils Guidance for 2017
The Zacks analyst believes Principal Financial's focus on fee-based revenue sources has been helping it to earn steadily. The company also unveiled guidance for 2017.
Advanced Micro (AMD) Reportedly Inks GPU Deal with Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)
The covering analyst thinks that if the rumored deal with Intel materializes, it will help AMD gain more traction in the GPU space and close the market share gap with NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA).
Zumiez (ZUMZ) Gains on Solid Q3 Earnings & Comps Trend
The Zacks analyst thinks Zumiez has been doing well of late owing to its solid earnings surprise history, recent revival of comparable sales trend, impressive growth strategies and financial strength.
AstraZeneca (AZN) to Grow on Successful New Drugs
The covering analyst believes that AstraZeneca's newly launched drugs should keep contributing to the top line and ease the impact of genericization.
AutoZone's (NYSE:AZO) Q1 Earnings Up on Higher Revenues
Earnings increased as expected, driven by higher revenues & lower operating expenses, which offset the elevated supply chain costs. The company's store openings are boosting results, per the analyst.
Macro & Micro Tailwinds Strong for Companhia Siderurgica (SID)
Over the long run, Companhia Siderurgica Nacional's diversified business structure and steel demand growth will prove beneficial.
NextEra Energy (NEE) Grappling with Regulatory Pressure
The Zacks analyst believes that NextEra Energy's business is subject to complex federal, state and other regulations which could affect the company's operational results through compliance costs.
New Upgrades
PNC Financial (PNC) Strong on Cost Control, Organic Growth
The Zacks analyst believes PNC Financial's efforts to drive operational efficiency remain encouraging. It also continues to gain from rising loans and deposits along with revenue growth.
Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE) Shines on Renewable Capacity Expansion
The covering analyst believes that Sempra Energy's steady focus on the expansion of its renewable capacity will enable the company to meet the energy goals and boost its future performance.
State Street (STT) to Gain from Restructuring & Acquisition
As per the Zacks analyst, State Street remains on track to improve efficiencies through its restructuring efforts. Further, the company's revenues will benefit from GE Asset Management acquisition.
New Downgrades
Genuine Parts (GPC) Under Pressure on Weak Results & Guidance
The Zacks analyst believes weak results in the first nine months of 2016, cut in annual guidance including earnings and revenue for 2016 & challenging non-automotive business are major concerns.
Pitney Bowes (NYSE:PBI) Hit by Weakness in Software Business
A weak macroeconomic environment has been hurting Pitney Bowes' production mail and software businesses. Also, surging operating expenses and foreign currency headwinds are expected to thwart growth.
Navient's (NAVI) Growth Under Pressure on Elevated Costs
The covering analyst believes the rise in costs will limit Navient's profitability. Also, it is burdened with litigation issues amid heightened regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. student loan industry
PNC FINL SVC CP (PNC): Free Stock Analysis Report
NEXTERA ENERGY (NEE): Free Stock Analysis Report
MERCK & CO INC (MRK): Free Stock Analysis Report
MASTERCARD INC (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report
CISCO SYSTEMS (CSCO): Free Stock Analysis Report
ASTRAZENECA PLC (AZN): Free Stock Analysis Report
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