For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – October 20, 2020 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Newmont Corp. NEM, Pool (NASDAQ:POOL) Corporation POOL, Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) CAH and American Water (NYSE:AWK) Works Co. AWK.
Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:
3 Dividend Hikers to Bet On Amid Prolonged Uncertainty
According to experts, the daily new number of coronavirus infections remains at a fatal level and there is significant possibility of elevation as we enter colder months of the fall.
With the economy reopening gradually, and people trying to step out and resume their regular activities, incidents of desired or undesired relaxation of infection-prevention efforts are increasing, causing a spike in infections. With no effective therapy or vaccine available yet, there’s still much uncertainty about the impact of the crisis on the economy and markets.
Risks Surrounding the Bourses
The mismatch between surging stock prices and the dismal economic data has been evident for quite some time now. As the United States grappled with shrinking economic fundamentals, the stock market made a dramatic comeback.
While the market rally can be explained with reasons such as economic stimulus, lowered interest rates and increase in the number of retail investors amid the stay-at-home crisis, the possibility that we are in an asset bubble in the middle of a recession cannot be ruled out. A market crash is inevitable if it pops.
There are other risks as well, such as election uncertainty, a slowdown in economic recovery due to lack of another relief package or the next round of virus wave hitting before a vaccine is rolled out.
Stay Invested with These Dividend Spinners
At this juncture, it is important to identify and invest in companies that have solid prospects and promise cushion against swings in the market. Notably, companies which pay regular and handsome dividends often have sustainable business models, long track record of profitability, rising cash flows, solid liquidity, healthy balance sheets and some value characteristics.
Although it is rare to see firms raising dividends this year, a handful have come up as exceptions and continued rewarding shareholders with dividend hikes.
Newmont Corp., engaged in the production and exploration of gold, copper, silver, zinc, and lead, has increased its quarterly dividend rate by 79%, from 14 cents per share to 25 cents per share.
The stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2020 earnings suggests an 88.6% year-over-year surge. The consensus estimate for the year has moved up 10.2% to $2.49 in the past month.
Pool Corporation, distributor of swimming pool supplies, equipment, and related leisure products, carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), at present. The company has hiked its quarterly dividend rate by 5%, from 55 cents per share to 58 cents per share.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s current-year earnings indicates 13.3% year-over-year improvement. The consensus estimate for the year has remained unchanged at $7.25 in the past month.
Integrated healthcare services and products company Cardinal Health has made a 1% increase in its quarterly dividend to 48.6 cents per share. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2020 earnings has been revised 0.7% upward to $5.46 in the past month.
Water and wastewater services provider American Water Works Co. has made a 10% hike in its quarterly dividend payout to 55 cents per share. Currently, the company carries a Zacks Rank #2. Its ongoing-year earnings are expected to climb 6.4% year over year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for this year’s earnings has moved 0.3% north to $3.84 in a month’s time.
Zacks’ Single Best Pick to Double
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each picked their favorite to gain +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Zacks Director of Research, Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
With users in 180 countries and soaring revenues, it’s set to thrive on remote working long after the pandemic ends. No wonder it recently offered a stunning $600 million stock buy-back plan.
The sky’s the limit for this emerging tech giant. And the earlier you get in, the greater your potential gain.
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH): Free Stock Analysis Report
Pool Corporation (POOL): Free Stock Analysis Report
Newmont Corporation (NEM): Free Stock Analysis Report
American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK): Free Stock Analysis Report
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