Top Research Reports For Exxon, Duke & Gilead

Monday, November 7 2016

Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), Gilead (GILD) and Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK).

ExxonMobil shares have lagged the broader energy space this year (the stock is up 7.2% year to date vs. 12% gain for the sector as a whole), reflecting the stock's defensive attributes and relatively less 'oiliness' relative to peers like Chevron (NYSE:CVX). The stock is nevertheless ahead of the market this year and provides a lower risk way to play the energy space with its integrated model, above peer group average financial returns, a fortress balance sheet and a very safe and attractive dividend currently 3.6%. Exxon's Q3 results were significantly below the year-earlier level, but they were nevertheless better than expected. Comparisons are expected to improve from Q4 onwards. (You can read the full research report on ExxonMobil here>>)

Gilead shares have been laggards this year, losing nearly 28% year-to-date, as the HCV franchise continues to witness slowdown in the U.S. and Europe due to lower sales of Harvoni. The mixed Q3 results and questions about product pipeline didn't help matters either. On top of this are macro headwinds facing all drug makers related to pricing and other regulatory changes that many suspect are steadily shifting in an unfavorable direction. These are no doubt big challenges, but the analyst also points towards the company's robust late-stage pipeline. (You can read the full research report on Gilead here>>)

Duke Energy shares have outperformed the broader market as well as the peer utilities space in the year-to-date period (it is up more than 8%), with the company's better than expected Q3 results adding to the favorable momentum. The analyst likes the company’s strong cash position, as is evident from the solid improvement in its cash equivalents figure. Further, the company’s updated guidance buoys optimism. Being a premier utility service provider, Duke Energy continues to invest in infrastructure and expansion projects. Going ahead, stringent environmental regulations, pending regulatory cases, volatile commodity prices, severe weather patterns and foreign exchange risks may hinder Duke Energy’s performance. (You can read the full research report on Duke Energy here>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Regeneron (REGN), NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Monster Beverage (NASDAQ:MNST).

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Sheraz Mian

Director of Research

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