Alcoa (NYSE:AA)'s (AA) shares are in the spotlight today following the Aluminum giant's better than expected results after the close on Monday. The just-released updated research report on Alcoa, which you can find here, discusses the company's Q2 earnings report as well as the pros and cons of its plan to split itself into two publicly traded companies.
Besides Alcoa, today's issue of Research Daily features updated research reports from our analyst team on 15 other stocks, including Chevron (NYSE:CVX) (CVX), T-Mobile US (TMUS) and Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) (DUK).
Chevron shares have been strong perfomers lately, with estimates steadily going up on the back of stronger oil prices. The analyst thinks that with crude oil advancing approximately 70% from 12-year lows reached in February, Chevron is poised to achieve significant share price appreciation. The recent approval of the $37 billion expansion of Kazakhstan's huge Tengiz oilfield is also expected to boost this stock. (You can read the full research report on CVX here.)
Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy) rated T-Mobile US’ (TMUS) shares have gained around 12% year-to-date. The wireless service business model of T-Mobile hinges on its “Un-Carrier” value proposition and its strategic marketing efforts. The analyst likes the fact that T-Mobile has fired up competition in the U.S. wireless market by allowing customers to stream videos on mobile devices for free. T-Mobile US continues to gain lucrative postpaid wireless customers, which have helped raise the subscriber gain outlook for 2016. (You can read the full research report on TMUS here.)
Buy-rated Duke Energy shares have been strong performers lately given the company’s focus on core domestic regulated and highly-contracted renewable business, and stable financial position and attractive dividend (currently yielding 3.8%). The analyst likes this utility's plans to invest about $25 billion to $30 billion in growth projects over the 2016-2020 time frame. Duke Energy’s effort to expand its renewable asset base in light of increasingly stringent environmental regulations is another major positive. (You can read the full research report on DUK here.)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Alcoa (AA), HPQ (HP) and Disney (DIS).
- Alcoa (AA) Q2 Earnings Impress
- HP (HPQ) Gaining from Restructuring
- Andarko (APC) Raised to Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy)
- Disney (DIS) Down to Zacks Rank # 4 (Sell)
All of today's roughly 80 stock research reports are here.
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
Alcoa (AA) Results Tops Q2 Estimates
The analyst believes Alcoa should continue to gain from its cost-cutting and productivity actions amid a weak pricing environment.
HP Inc. (HPQ) Benefiting from Restructuring Activities
Product innovation, pricing, marketing and sales activities are paying off, according to the covering analyst. Per Gartner, its PC shipments have risen for the first time in the last five quarters.
Cost Cuts Will Help Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) Grow Despite Hurdles
The Zacks analyst expects cost savings and improvement in construction will provide respite to the behemoth battles even as it battles weak mining and Brexit concerns.
Commodity Price Recovery to Boost Shell (LON:RDSa)'s (RDS.A) E&P Unit
The rebound in prices will help Shell's upstream unit to gain momentum, while the purchase of BG Group will improve prospects even further, per the covering analyst.
PG&E Corp.'s (PCG) Regulated Business Gives Asssurance
The Zacks analyst thinks stable cash generating capacity, investments in infrastructure projects and steady growth in customer count will drive the company's future growth.
Praxair (NYSE:PX) Poised for Growth Despite Macroeconomic Risks
Praxair remains on track to boost financials via product portfolio diversification and greater business expansion, feels the covering analyst.
Clorox (CLX) Fights Currency Woes, Strategic Plans on Track
The Zacks analyst believes that execution of the 2020 Strategy and cost saving efforts are likely to help Clorox battle various challenges.
New Upgrades
Anadarko (APC) to Gain from Improving Oil Prices
The Zacks analyst believes the company is well positioned to benefit from the recovery in oil prices while strategic initiatives to lower operating costs will further boost margins.
Ventas' (VTR) $1.5B Life-Sciences Asset Deal to Improve Cash Flow
The covering analyst believes that the real estate deal assures steady cash flow growth, given long lease terms with top rated, institutional quality tenants.
Improving Volume Trends Helping Molson Coors' (TAP) Growth
Focus on above-premium segment and increased marketing investments are behind improved volumes in Q1 and the trend is likely to continue in Q2.
New Downgrades
Disney's (DIS) ESPN Subscriber Count Continues to Decline
The Zacks thinks Disney's primary cash cow, ESPN, is under immense pressure as the Pay-TV landscape continues to change owing to migration of subscribers to online TV.
Margin pressure & Gasoline Stockpile Linger on Valero (VLO)
The covering analyst believes that high gasoline stockpile, low margins, and year-over-year lower crack spread remain major threats.
Anthem (ANTM) Faces Regulatory Hurdles For Cigna (NYSE:CI) Merger
The deal, which would have added to the company's scale and size, might get delayed and will lead to severance charges if blocked.
T-MOBILE US INC (TMUS): Free Stock Analysis Report
HELMERICH&PAYNE (HP): Free Stock Analysis Report
DUKE ENERGY CP (DUK): Free Stock Analysis Report
DISNEY WALT (DIS): Free Stock Analysis Report
CHEVRON CORP (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report
ALCOA INC (AA): Free Stock Analysis Report
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