Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Today's must-read reports are for Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) (LMT), Cisco (CSCO) and General Mills (NYSE:GIS) (GIS).
Shares of Lockheed Martin have made steady gains over the year up to now. This Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy)-rated stock is the largest defense contractor in the world. The analyst likes its platform-centric focus that guarantees a steady inflow of follow-on orders from a leveraged presence in the Army, Air Force, Navy and IT programs. Two strategic moves -- the spin-off sale of its government IT and technical services businesses and the acquisition of Sikorsky -- will further strengthen its competitive position. (You can read the full research report on LMT here.)
Zacks Rank #2 (Buy)-rated Cisco’s shares are also in the green year-to-date. The largest player in the networking space has increased its focus on wireless carriers of late, as evident by recent acquisitions. The analyst likes the company’s order growth in new markets and is encouraged by its market position, innovative prowess, product range, growth initiatives and dividend payout. (You can read the full research report on CSCO here.)
General Mills has gained substantially over the year and reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter fiscal 2016 results, beating estimates for both earnings and sales. It has an outstanding portfolio of growth products and brands, especially its healthy and convenience packages. The analyst is encouraged by the fact that the company’s robust restructuring savings are making up for slower revenue growth. (You can read the full research report on GIS here.)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) (ORCL), Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) (TSLA) and Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) (BABA).
- United Technologies (UTX) Down to Zacks Rank # 4 (Sell)
- Tesla (TSLA) Misses Delivery Target
- Alibaba (BABA) Plans to Fight Fake Products
You can find all of today's stock research reports here.
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
eBay (EBAY) Partners with MailforAfrica.com
eBay and MailforAfrica.com will create a new platform called eBay Powered by MallforAfrica, to open up transactions between U.S. sellers with a rating of 300 and above and African buyers.
Alibaba (BABA) Announces Plans to Counter Fake Products
Alibaba unveiled its new online system to track and remove fake products from its websites.
Accenture (ACN) Closes IMJ's Majority Stake Buyout Deal
The covering analyst that holding a majority stake in IMJ Corp. will help Accenture provide end-to-end digital marketing services, which will provide clients with an improved set of digital solutions.
American Capital (AGNC) Aims to Raise Shareholder Value
American Capital's acquisition of its external manager, share repurchase program and decent financial position help it to maintain its growth tempo, according to the Zacks analyst.
Tesla (TSLA) Misses Delivery Target, Focuses on Raising Output
The covering analyst thinks that despite missing its Q2 delivery target, the scenario for Tesla should improve in 2H16 with the planned increase in production volume.
Cigna (NYSE:CI) Well Poised for Growth, Awaiting Merger with Anthem
The Zacks analyst believes Cigna's global supplemental business, Pharmacy benefits management services agreement, acquisition of HealthSpring and pending merger with Anthem will drive growth.
NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE) to Gain from Strategic Initiatives
NextEra Energy's proposed acquisition of Hawaiian Electric and the decision to shut its coal-fired power unit will widen its renewable energy portfolio and reduce its carbon footprint.
New Upgrades
Innovation Helps Estee Lauder's (EL) Sales Improve
The Zacks analyst stresses that Estee Lauder invests regularly in product innovation as well as new services to make buying pleasurable for customers.
Flexible Model Helps TJX (TJX) Survive Brexit Storm
TJX's flexible model has nearly insulated it from Brexit concerns since it has been able to maintain its comps with its ever changing array of products, according to the Zacks analyst.
Simon Property (SPG) Gaining from Expansions & Development
The covering analyst believes Simon Property is well poised to capitalize on any improving trend in the retail real estate market, given its impressive redevelopment and expansion pipeline.
New Downgrades
United Technologies (UTX) Remains Susceptible to Brexit Risks
With over 8,000 employees, United Technologies has a considerable presence in the U.K and is susceptible to high operating risks following Brexit, according to the Zacks analyst.
Generics, Diabetes Segment Pose Challenges for Sanofi (PA:SASY) (SNY)
Sanofi's Diabetes franchise is under pressure with key product, Lantus, facing increasing competitive pressure at the payor level and biosimilar competition in many European markets.
Unrest in Nigeria to Disrupt Shell (LON:RDSa)'s (RDS.A) Exports
The Zacks analyst stresses that Shell's business has been hurt by weak crude prices, while attacks on its local establishments by Nigerian militants are another cause for concern.
UTD TECHS CORP (UTX): Free Stock Analysis Report
TESLA MOTORS (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report
LOCKHEED MARTIN (LMT): Free Stock Analysis Report
GENL MILLS (GIS): Free Stock Analysis Report
CISCO SYSTEMS (CSCO): Free Stock Analysis Report
ALIBABA GROUP (BABA): Free Stock Analysis Report
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