Yahoo Finance Top Analyst Reports for UnitedHealth, Citigroup & Honeywell
Monday, July 22, 2019
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 UnitedHealth (UNH), Citigroup (C) and Honeywell (HON). 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 >>>
UnitedHealth’s shares have gained +2% in the past year, outperforming the Zacks Medical Insurance industry, which has increased +1.7% over the same period. UnitedHealth Group’s earnings surpassed expectations by 4%, and were up 15% year over year. The Zacks analyst thinks the company stands apart in the industry by virtue of healthcare services, technology and innovations offered by its unit Optum.
Numerous acquisitions made by the company have broadened its business profile and provide benefits of diversification. Its solid balance sheet and consistent cash flow generation has enabled investment in business which will drive long term growth. Also, capital management through dividend payments and share buybacks is another positive.
However, slowdown of growth in international operations and underperformance of the Medicaid business are some concerns. An increase in leverage and substantial interest burden raises financial risk.
(You can read the full research report on UnitedHealth here >>>).
Shares of Citigroup have outperformed the Zacks Major Regional Banks industry in the past six months (+14.3% vs. +3.3%). The Zacks analyst thinks the company has an impressive earnings surprise history, beating expectations in all the trailing four quarters.
The company’s second-quarter 2019 results reflected expense control and higher revenues driven by consumer banking. However, lower fixed income, investment banking and equity market revenues amid challenging trading environment are acting as drags on the stock. Citigroup’s restructuring and streamlining efforts, along with strategic investments in core business, bode well for the long term.
Also, the company’s declining costs base supports its bottom-line improvement. Steady capital-deployment activities of the company are also commendable. However, pending litigation issues might keep legal expenses elevated.
(You can read the full research report on Citigroup here >>>).
Honeywell’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Diversified Operations industry in the past three months, gaining +0.4% vs. a -3.4% decline. In second-quarter 2019, Honeywell's earnings grew 8.8% year over year and exceeded expectations by about 1%.
The Zacks analyst thinks strength in its commercial aerospace, warehouse and process automation’s businesses as well as solid demand for its commercial fire and security products will boost revenues in the quarters ahead. Stronger sales volumes, increased productivity and ongoing commercial effectiveness actions will improve near-term profitability.
For 2019, Honeywell raised earnings guidance from $7.90-$8.15 to $7.95-$8.15 per share. However, the stock looks overvalued compared to the industry for the past three-month period. Also, the company is experiencing softness in its productivity products business.
(You can read the full research report on Honeywell here >>>).
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include IBM (IBM), Union Pacific (UNP) and Amgen (AMGN).
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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
Strong Service and Benefit Business Aids UnitedHealth (UNH)
Expense Control Aids Citigroup (C), Low Fee Income A Woe
Aerospace Segment Drives Honeywell (HON), High Costs Hurt
Featured Reports
Ongoing Business Transition to Cloud, High Debt Hurt IBM
Per the Zacks analyst, IBM is having a tough time, given the ongoing time-consuming transition to a cloud business model. Stiff competition from peers & high indebtedness is another concern.
Cost Cuts Aid Union Pacific (UNP) Amid Weak Freight Revenues
The Zacks analyst likes the company's efforts to check costs. Union Pacific's initiatives to reward its shareholders are encouraging too. However, the sluggish freight scenario is worrisome.
Amgen (AMGN) Counts on New Drugs Amid Rising Biosimilar Woes
While Amgen's newer drugs - Prolia, Xgeva, Blincyto, - will drive sales, biosimilar and brand competition for its legacy products should hurt the top line in 2019, per the Zacks analyst.
Production Expansion Aids Nucor (NUE), Lower Prices A Woe
Per the Zacks analyst, Nucor should gain from efforts to expand production capacity and grow through acquisitions.
Seattle Genetics' (SGEN) Adcetris Advances Amid Competition
Per the Zacks analyst, Seattle Genetics aims to spur sales of its flagship product, Adcetris. The drug's label expansion studies raise hopes.
Higher Assets, Buyouts Aid Invesco (IVZ) Amid Cost Concerns
Per the Zacks analyst, Invesco's inorganic growth efforts, rise in assets under management and widening global presence will aid growth.
Loan Growth Aids Webster Financial (WBS), High Costs A Woe
Per the Zacks analyst, Webster Financial's organic strength is reflected by rising loans and deposits balances along with easing margin pressure.
New Upgrades
Danaher (DHR) to Gain From Products, DBS Actions & Buyouts
Per the Zacks analyst, Danaher stands to gain from solid demand for products and effective implementation of Danaher Business System. Buyouts, including BioPharma business of GE, are another positive.
Growing Consumer Loans Aid Credit Acceptance's (CACC) Top Line
Per the Zacks analyst, increase in finance charges, driven by growth in consumer loans will likely aid Credit Acceptance's revenues. Its share repurchase plan reflects a solid balance sheet.
Skechers' (SKX) Robust International Business to Drive Sales
Per the Zacks analyst, Skechers' international business remains a key sales driver, apart from product innovation. International business is expected to rise in mid-teens over the balance of the year.
New Downgrades
Qualcomm (QCOM) Marred by Stiff Competition & Waning Margins
Per the Zacks analyst, Qualcomm continues to face fierce competition from low-cost rival chipmakers like MediaTek, and leading smartphone makers like Samsung, which is hurting its operating margin.
High Costs & Debt Levels Plague J.B. Hunt (JBHT)
The Zacks analyst is concerned about J.B. Hunt's escalating operating expenses hampering its bottom-line growth. The company's high debt levels further add to its woes.
Higher Spending & Lower Production Volumes Ail Lear (LEA)
Per the Zacks analyst, decline in production volume in key markets and incremental spending on advanced engineering to support growth in electrification and connectivity are headwinds for Lear.
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Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) : Free Stock Analysis Report
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Honeywell International Inc. (HON) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Citigroup Inc. (C) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Amgen Inc. (AMGN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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