Wednesday, November 23 2016
Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), DuPont (NYSE:DD) and Merck (NYSE:MRK).
Buy rated General Dynamics’s shares have gained nearly 24% this year. The analyst likes its recent contract wins, such as the $125.6 million contract to offer program management and system support for Rescue 21, the U.S. Coast Guard's advanced communications system. Going ahead, General Dynamics expects to see solid growth momentum post 2017, following the introduction of the G500 in 2018, major revenue recognition from Combat Systems’ huge backlog and the Ohio-class Replacement (ORP) submarine program. (You can read the full research report on General Dynamics here.)
DuPont’s shares have increased 6.5% this year. The analyst likes Buy rated DuPont’s aggressive cost-cutting actions and new product launches. The company continues to impress operationally, with Q3 results coming in better than expected, outlook for the current period raised and management reassuring about the Dow deal. DuPont has unveiled redesign actions to support its more focused portfolio of businesses following the spinoff of the performance chemicals unit. Moreover, it remains committed to maximize shareholder value. (You can read the full research report on DuPont here.)
Merck shares have gained more than 17% year-to-date on the back of strong momentum in its product pipeline. The company's better than expected Q3 results and positive guidance are adding 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.)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), Marriott (MAR) and Blackstone (NYSE:BX).
Today's Private Buys & Sells from Zacks Research
While we share the above news with the public, our sensitive recommendations are hidden from everyone but selected members. Would you like to peek behind the curtain and view them? Starting today, for the next month, you can follow all Zacks' private buys and sells in real time from value to momentum . . . from stocks under $10 to ETF and option moves . . . from insider trades to companies that are about to report positive earnings surprises (we've called them with 80%+ accuracy). You can even look inside portfolios so exclusive that they are normally closed to new investors. Click here for Zacks' secret trades >>
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Toyota's (TM) Q2 Earnings Beat, Revenues Lag Estimates
Toyota focuses on product development, capacity increases and global expansion. However, declining sales outside Japan, product recalls and large fines pose concerns, per the covering analyst.
NiSource (NYSE:NI) Lags Q3 Earnings & Revenues
The Zacks analyst believes that NiSource's consistent investments to strengthen its infrastructure and in its regulated operations will continue to drive its results.
Methanex's (MEOH) Q3 Loss Narrower than Expected, Sales Top
While Methanex is exposed to a volatile pricing environment and faces operational headwinds, it should gain from healthy demand for methanol and its Louisiana project, per the covering analyst.
Blackstone's (BX) Growth Seems Strong Despite Higher Costs
The Zacks analyst thinks Blackstone's ability to make long-term investments and raise funds positions it well for future growth.
Beacon Roofing (BECN) Posts Record Earnings, Lags Estimate
The covering analyst expects Beacon Roofing to benefit from acquisitions, increase in roofing and re-roofing demand but remains concerned that seasonality & lower oil prices will hurt results.
Ross Stores (NASDAQ:ROST) Looks Attractive, Growth Plans on Track
The Zacks analyst think Ross Stores' robust 3Q results, solid holiday season expectations, constant merchandise efforts and raised fiscal 2016 view instill confidence about its prospects.
COPEL (ELP) Records Loss in Q3
The covering analyst believes the company's fundamentals are solid, but risks from near-term headwinds might hurt profitability in the quarters ahead.
New Upgrades
NetApp's (NASDAQ:NTAP) New Launches and SolidFire to Drive Growth
The Zacks analyst believes that the company's recent product launches and the SolidFire acquisition will drive top line growth in the coming quarters.
SunTrust (STI) Poised For Growth on Solid Balance Sheet
The covering analyst thinks SunTrust remains well poised for growth, supported by a strong balance sheet and capital position. Its deal to acquire Pillar Financial is likely to aid revenues in 2017.
American Water Works (AWK) Gains from Consistent Investment
The Zacks analyst believes American Water Works is well poised to benefit from its consistent investments aimed at strengthening infrastructure and making strategic acquisitions.
New Downgrades
Marriott's (MAR) Revenues Hit by Economic & Currency Woes
Though Marriott emerged as the largest hotel company globally with the Starwood buyout, continued uncertainty in key international markets and forex woes are threats to revenue, per the covering analyst.
Mixed Q3 Results, Fuel Cost Hurt Korea Electric (KEP)
The Zacks analyst thinks Korea Electric's revenue improved due to increase in its scale of production and expanding power generation capacity. But volatile fuel costs continue to threaten the stock.
Oracle (ORCL) Threatened by Stiff Competition from AWS, Azure
The covering analyst believes that Oracle's acquisition of Dyn will help the company to expand its cloud portfolio. However, stiff competition from the likes of AWS and Azure remain concerns.
ORACLE CORP (ORCL): Free Stock Analysis Report
MERCK & CO INC (MRK): Free Stock Analysis Report
MARRIOTT INTL-A (MAR): Free Stock Analysis Report
GENL DYNAMICS (GD): Free Stock Analysis Report
DU PONT (EI) DE (DD): Free Stock Analysis Report
BLACKSTONE GRP (BX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post
Zacks Investment Research