Monday, August 01, 2016
In today's Research Daily write-up, we are featuring updated research reports on 16 stocks, including AbbVie (ABBV), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) (MS) and Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) (UNP). These reports were picked from the roughly 80 research reports issued by our analyst team today.
AbbVie’s strong Q2 results and positive guidance should help sustain the stock's recent favorable momentum. The analyst likes its flagship product Humira’s performance and thinks sales will continue to be driven by growing awareness, favorable clinical data, additional indications and expansion into new markets. The Pharmacyclics acquisition has diversified AbbVie’s presence and should also boost long-term growth. (You can read the full research report on ABBV here.)
Morgan Stanley shares have reversed some of the earlier weakness following the strong June quarter report, but the pure-play brokerage firm lacks a near-term catalyst. The analyst is encouraged by the approval of its capital plan and strategic plans to improve profitability. The company has also significantly diversified its footprint and product portfolio. (You can read the full research report on MS here.)
Union Pacific shares have been strong performers lately, but the outlook for the railroad operator continues to remain challenging. This became obvious in the company's mixed June quarter earnings report. Apart from coal, decreasing volumes of industrial products, agricultural products, automotive, chemicals and intermodal led to the decline. However, the analyst likes the company's efforts to reward shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. (You can read the full research report on UNP here.)
You can find all of today's stock research reports here >>>
Free Access: All Zacks Research Reports Starting today, you are invited to download in-depth analysis reports covering more than 1,000 of the most widely followed stocks. Valued at $25 each, they are yours to consult over the next 30 days absolutely free. They feature sensitive Zacks Rank information on each stock that you won't find anywhere else. See the reports free >>
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.
If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here >>
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
McKesson (NYSE:MCK) Beats on Q1 Earnings, Misses Revenues
The Zacks analyst believes that the recent acquisitions should boost performance going forward.
VeriSign (NASDAQ:VRSN)Q2 Earnings Up Y/Y, Sales Beat, Updates View
VeriSign delivered decent second-quarter 2016 earnings that were much better than the prior-year quarter, according to the covering analyst.
BB&T's (NYSE:BBT) Q2 Earnings Beat, Exits Equity Trading Business
The Zacks analyst believes that BB&T's earnings beat mainly driven by higher revenues indicates strong organic growth plan.
State Street (STT) Tops Q2 Earnings, Margin Pressure Lingers
The Zacks analyst believes despite the beat, State Street will continue to face margin pressure. Its efforts to contain costs will take time to have any bottom-line impact.
Newell (NWL) Tops Q2 Earnings & Sales Estimates, View Intact
Earnings gained from the Jarden acquisition, along with strong sales performances at various businesses, according to the covering analyst.
C. R. Bard (BCR) Tops Q2 Earnings & Sales, FY16 View Up
The Zacks analyst believes that the second-quarter earnings beat reflects the strength in C.R. Bard's expanding product portfolio, new product launches and recent regulatory approvals.
Statoil (OL:STL) (STO) Incurs Loss in Q2 Owing to Weak Pricing
The Zacks analyst views the exit from low-profit operations and broadening of its international asset base as major positives.
New Upgrades
Air Products' (APD) Q3 Earnings Beat, FY16 Outlook Up
The covering analyst believes Air Products should benefit from cost reduction, acquisitions and strategic restructuring actions
CA Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CA) Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates; Guides well
The Zacks analyst thinks the company's sustained focus on expanding product offerings through acquisitions will continue to drive growth over the long run.
L-3 Communications (LLL) Tops Q2 Earnings, Ups '16 View
L-3's second quarter earnings improved 33.3% year over year backed by improved margins, mainly from Aerospace. The Zacks analyst believes focus on ISR markets will boost margins ahead
New Downgrades
Coca-Cola (KO) Beats Q2 Earnings; Cuts Sales View on Weak Volumes
The Zacks analyst thinks that despite upbeat earnings, Coca-Cola's Q2 sales were sluggish due to weak soda volumes and severe macroeconomic challenges in many international markets.
Cigna (NYSE:CI) Q2 Earnings Miss, Merger with Anthem Uncertain
Cigna posted lackluster earnings due to underperformance in its Group Disability and Life business while the Anthem merger is uncertain following a challenge from regulators.
Chicago Bridge & Iron (CBI) Q2 Earnings Miss, View Tepid
Q2 earnings took a beating from prolonged macroeconomic softness in the energy markets. The company's downward revision of outlook signals worse times ahead, according to the covering analyst.
UNION PAC CORP (UNP): Free Stock Analysis Report
NEWELL BRANDS (NWL): Free Stock Analysis Report
MORGAN STANLEY (MS): Free Stock Analysis Report
MCKESSON CORP (MCK): Free Stock Analysis Report
AIR PRODS & CHE (APD): Free Stock Analysis Report
ABBVIE INC (ABBV): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post
Zacks Investment Research