Advertisement
New Zealand markets closed
  • NZX 50

    12,105.29
    +94.63 (+0.79%)
     
  • NZD/USD

    0.5970
    -0.0005 (-0.09%)
     
  • NZD/EUR

    0.5535
    +0.0002 (+0.04%)
     
  • ALL ORDS

    8,153.70
    +80.10 (+0.99%)
     
  • ASX 200

    7,896.90
    +77.30 (+0.99%)
     
  • OIL

    83.11
    -0.06 (-0.07%)
     
  • GOLD

    2,254.80
    +16.40 (+0.73%)
     
  • NASDAQ

    18,254.69
    -26.15 (-0.14%)
     
  • FTSE

    7,952.62
    +20.64 (+0.26%)
     
  • Dow Jones

    39,807.37
    +47.29 (+0.12%)
     
  • DAX

    18,492.49
    +15.40 (+0.08%)
     
  • Hang Seng

    16,541.42
    +148.58 (+0.91%)
     
  • NIKKEI 225

    40,369.44
    +201.37 (+0.50%)
     
  • NZD/JPY

    90.3310
    -0.0620 (-0.07%)
     

Top Research Reports for Merck, McDonald's & Broadcom

Top Research Reports for Merck, McDonald's & Broadcom

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Merck (MRK), McDonald's (MCD) and Broadcom (AVGO). These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.

You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>

Merck’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past year, losing -17.5% versus a gain of +8.4%. The Zacks analyst thinks Merck’s new products like Keytruda, Lynparza, and Bridion should continue to contribute meaningfully to the top line in 2018.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keytruda sales are gaining strong momentum with approval for additional indications especially in the first-line lung cancer setting as it is the only anti-PD-1 approved in this setting. Animal Health unit is also strong and remains a core growth driver for Merck.

Meanwhile, Merck will continue to focus on cost-cutting initiatives to drive the bottom line. However, generic competition for several drugs and pricing pressure will continue to be overhangs on the top line. Rising competitive pressure on the diabetes franchise and on products like Isentress (HIV), Zepatier (HCV) and Zostavax (vaccine) will remain headwinds in 2018.

(You can read the full research report on Merck here >>>).

Shares of McDonald's have gained +18% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Restaurants industry which has gained +11.6% over the same period. Notably, growing guest count remains McDonald’s top priority and it is undertaking various sales and digital initiatives to this end.

As a result, Q4 marked the fourth consecutive quarter of comparable guest count growth for the company. Increased focus on delivery, enhancement of digital capabilities, and accelerated deployment of Experience of the Future restaurants in the United States will drive growth.

In fact, global comps at McDonald’s have been positive over the past nine quarters. Meanwhile, augmented focus on refranchising will cut the company’s capital requirements and facilitate EPS growth and ROE expansion in the long run.

Yet, higher costs along with currency headwinds may hurt profits. Also, a soft industry backdrop in the United States and macroeconomic concerns in some parts of the world might limit sales growth.

(You can read the full research report on McDonald's here >>>).

Broadcom’s shares have handily beaten the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry over the past year, gaining +14.3% vs. +11.2%. Broadcom is benefiting from strong demand of its wireless solutions and expanding product portfolio, which makes it well-positioned to address the needs of rapidly growing technologies like IoT and 5G.

Broadcom has recently inked financing agreements with various institutions to fund Qualcomm’s proposed takeover. If completed, then this deal will make it the third-largest chipmaker, behind Intel and Samsung. The company also has strong ties with leading OEMs across multiple target markets that will help it to gain key insights into the requirements of customers.

Moreover, the upcoming launch of the next generation WiFi products is expected to be a growth driver for the segment. However, customer concentration, intensifying competition, integration risks due to frequent acquisitions and leverage balance sheet are key headwinds.

(You can read the full research report on Broadcom here >>>).

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Activision (ATVI), Rockwell Collins (COL) and Marvell Technology (MRVL).

Breaking News: Cryptocurrencies Now Bigger than Visa

The total market cap of all cryptos recently surpassed $700 billion – more than a 3,800% increase in the previous 12 months. They’re now bigger than Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and even Visa! The new asset class may expand even more rapidly in 2018 as new investors continue pouring in and Wall Street becomes increasingly involved.

Zacks’ has just named 4 companies that enable investors to take advantage of the explosive growth of cryptocurrencies via the stock market.

Click here to access these stocks. >>

Mark Vickery

Senior Editor

Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>

Today's Must Read

New Drugs to Drive Merck's (MRK) Sales as Competition Soars

Fierce Competition Weighs on McDonald's (MCD) Sales Efforts

Broadcom (AVGO) Drives on Wireless Products & Acquisitions

Featured Reports

Rockwell Collins (COL) to Gain from R&D, Diverse Offerings

Per the Zacks analyst Rockwell Collins will gain from its focus on research and development that helps to develop new products and enables the company to secure new orders.

Permian Basin Exposure to Drive QEP Resources (QEP) Growth

While the covering analyst likes QEP Resources' large acreage position in the prolific Permian Basin, low natural gas prices limits upside.

Postpaid Growth Aids Telefonica (VIV) Amid Landline Losses

The Zacks analyst likes the impressive performance of the company's postpaid segment evident from the subscriber additions. Loss in fixed line voice businesses and prepaid segment continue to hurt.

Leucadia (LUK) Rides on National Beef & Jefferies Traction

Per the Zacks analyst, Leucadia remains well poised to benefit from a pro-growth business environment with a lower corporate tax structure and solid traction from National Beef and Jefferies.

Archer Daniels' (ADM) Readiness Program to Fuel Growth

Per the Zacks analyst, Archer Daniels is on track with the readiness program that is building efficiency by reducing costs and transforming business with 1ADM plan.

Loan Growth Supports M&T Bank (MTB), Rising Costs a Woe

Per the Zacks analyst, M&T Bank's increasing loans and deposits balances will get a further boost from improving economy.

Solid Prospects in the Vault Platform Aid Veeva (VEEV)

The Zacks analyst is bullish on Veeva's consistent efforts in to enhance its R&D stature.

New Upgrades

Honda (HMC) to Gain From Vision 2030 Plan and Model Mix

Per the Zacks analyst, Honda is expected to gain from Vision 2030 plan, which aims to cut development costs and focus more on electric vehicles. Also, better model mix is adding to its profitability.

Activision (ATVI) Gains From Expanding Footprint in Esports

Per the Zacks analyst, Activision's foray into the lucrative esports market with the launch of Overwatch League is driving viewership, corporate sponsorships and media coverage for the company.

Hilton (HLT) Benefits From Capital-Light Business Model

The Zacks analyst believes that Hilton's capital-light business model will continue to drive market share, units, free cash flow as well as help maintain the company's strong balance sheet.

New Downgrades

Perrigo's (PRGO) Rx segment Sales Hurt by Generic Pressure

Per the Zacks analyst, generic and pricing pressures in the U.S. businesses, particularly in the Rx segment, coupled with competition in the sector, may hurt the company's sales in the near term.

Stiff Competition in HD Storage Space to Hurt Marvell (MRVL)

Per Zacks analyst, Broadcom's attempt to buy Qualcomm is anticipated to escalate competition in the HD storage space. This doesn't bode well for Marvel in the long haul.

Rising Expenses Weighs on Jack in the Box's (JACK) Margins

Per the Zacks analyst, higher costs related to marketing initiatives, unit expansion and implementation of the Affordable Care Act are keeping Jack in the Box's margins pressurized.


Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (MRVL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
McDonald's Corporation (MCD) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Rockwell Collins, Inc. (COL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Broadcom Limited (AVGO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Activision Blizzard, Inc (ATVI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research