Thursday, November 10 2016
The Zacks Research Daily report showcases part of our analyst team's daily research output. Our analyst team publishes fresh research reports on more than 70 stocks daily, of which we have featured 16 in today's write-up, including reports on Merck (NYSE:MRK), DISH Network (NASDAQ:DISH) and Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD). You can see the complete list of today's research reports here >>
Merck shares have handily outperformed the broad pharma space, with the stock up more than 21% year-to-date, on the back of strong momentum in its product pipeline. The company's better than expected Q3 results and positivie 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>>)
DISH Network shares have been strong performers lately, reflecting greater appreciation for the company's diversification efforts and its valuable spectrum assets. DISH is in the process of diversifying away from operating as a pure-play satellite-TV operator to an Internet TV operator, which should help it weather competitive threats from low-cost video streaming operators. The company is poised to benefit from its Internet TV service – Sling TV – which offers services at a reasonable rate. However, DISH Network’s top line may remain under pressure as the company’s failure to strike any deal with wireless operators is a major headwind. (You can read the full research report on DISH Network here>>)
Pioneer Natural’s shares have surged, increasing by more than 41% year-to-date. The analyst likes Pioneer Natural Resources’ joint venture in the southern Wolfcamp acreage, which is helping to accelerate activities in the area. The company’s successful cost-containment efforts and low level of debts are other positives. These show the efficiency in its operations and place it advantageously over its peers. All these positives are reflected in the company’s massive year-over-year improvement in third-quarter 2016 earnings. However, the bottom line missed expectations due to persistent low oil price, which remains as overhang on the stock. (You can read the full research report on Pioneer Natural here>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), Philips (PHG) and Boston Properties (NYSE:BXP).
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Sheraz Mian
Director of Research
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Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Ameren Corp. (NYSE:AEE) Beats on Q3 Earnings, Revenues Up Y/Y
The Zacks analyst believes that Ameren Corp.'s better-than-expected results were driven by higher infrastructure investments made by its units under the modern, constructive regulatory frameworks.
Macerich's (MAC) Q3 FFO In Line, Up Y/Y; Revenues Beat
The covering analyst believes Macerich's better-than-expected results were driven by improvement in releasing spread and same center net operating income.
Canadian Pacific (CP) Q3 Earnings Miss, Improve Y/Y
The Zacks analyst believes that headwinds like weak coal demand and delayed grain harvest hurt Canadian Pacific's Q3 results. However, the company's efforts to control costs are encouraging.
Philips (PHG) Q3 Earnings Modest; Bright Prospects Ahead
Philips' Q3 earnings grew 17.7% year over, braving volatility in key end markets. The covering analyst thinks the company's diligent "change-initiative" programs bode well for future growth.
International Flavors (IFF) Lags Q3 Earnings, Sales View Up
The Zacks analyst thinks International Flavors & Fragrances holds strong long-term growth potential, but is exposed to near-term risks.
Boston Properties' (BXP) Q3 FFO Misses, Ups 2016 Guidance
The Zacks analyst thinks Boston Properties' concentration of assets in only five U.S. markets adversely affects its operations.
Mohawk (MHK) Tops Earnings, Investments to Drive Growth
The covering analyst believes Mohawk's current investment to further expansion and acquisition will drive growth.
New Upgrades
American Public Education (APEI) Beats on Q3 Earnings
American Public's adjusted earnings and revenues beat expectations. The Zacks analyst thinks recent investment in enrollment management leadership and strategic relationships will drive enrollments.
Natural Resource (NRP) Earnings Slide, Revenues Top in Q3
The covering analyst believes signs of improving coal fundamentals will gradually boost coal demand and subsequently increase Natural Resource's coal royalty revenues.
Amdocs (DOX) upgraded on Q4 Sales Beat, Y/Y Increase
The Zacks analyst is impressed by the company's Q4 sales beat and the year over year increase in earnings and revenues. The company's proposal to hike its quarterly dividend is also a positive.
New Downgrades
Johnson Controls' (JCI) Adient Spin off Hurting Sales
Johnson Controls has spun off of its Automotive Interiors business into an independent company, Adient. The Zacks analyst thinks deconsolidation of this business and negative currency translation is hurting sales.
Stiff Competition May Hurt Staples (SPLS) Q3 Performance
The covering analyst thinks soft demand for paper based office products due to technological advancements and stiff competition from online retailers affected Staples third-quarter 2016 performance.
L.B. Foster (FSTR) Down to Strong Sell on Dismal Q3 Results
Q3 results were hurt due to weak steel prices, low capital spending and poor demand. Strong U.S. dollar and stiff business rivalry also weighed on quarterly results.
PIONEER NAT RES (PXD): Free Stock Analysis Report
KONINKLIJKE PHL (PHG): Free Stock Analysis Report
MERCK & CO INC (MRK): Free Stock Analysis Report
JOHNSON CONTRLS (JCI): Free Stock Analysis Report
DISH NETWORK CP (DISH): Free Stock Analysis Report
BOSTON PPTYS (BXP): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post
Zacks Investment Research