Yahoo Finance The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Microsoft, UnitedHealth, Costco, Uber and Microchip Technology
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – July 15, 2019 – 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 Microsoft MSFT, UnitedHealth UNH, Costco COST, Uber UBER and Microchip Technology MCHP.
Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:
Top Analyst Reports for Microsoft, UnitedHealth and Costco
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 Microsoft, UnitedHealth and Costco. 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 >>>
Microsoft’s shares have gained +31.3% in the past year, outperforming the S&P 500’s’ gain of +5.6% during the same period. The Zacks analyst Microsoft is benefiting from growing user base of its different applications like Office 365 commercial, Dynamics, Outlook mobile and Teams. Moreover, Azure’s expanding customer base is a key catalyst.
Microsoft’s gaming segment is performing well, primarily driven by a combination of Xbox Live, Game Pass subscriptions and Mixer, which are driving user engagement. Further, acquisitions like PlayFab and GitHub expand Microsoft’s total addressable market (TAM) and penetration. Additionally, expanding partner base is notable.
However, projections of moderating growth in commercial cloud gross margin, and OEM Pro and Windows commercial businesses is a headwind. Stiff competition from the likes of Google, Apple, Sony and Nintendo remains a headwind.
Shares of UnitedHealth have gained +13.5% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Medical Insurance industry, which has increased +12.3% over the same period. The Zacks analyst thinks UnitedHealth's strong operating performance, favorable business profile and disciplined enterprise risk management are commendable.
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 the benefits of diversification. Its solid balance sheet and consistent cash flow generation has enabled reinvestment in business which will drive long term growth.
Also, prudent capital management through dividend payments and share buybacks is another positive. However, slowdown of growth in international operations and underperformance in Medicaid business are concerns. An increase in leverage and interest burden raises financial risk.
Costco’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Discount Retail industry over the past year, gaining +27.6% versus the industry's +23.3% increase. The Zacks analyst thinks Costco continues to be a dominant retail wholesalers based on the breadth and quality of merchandise offered. The stock has been gaining from sturdy comps and decent results.
The company posted positive earnings surprise in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 but revenues fell short of expectations. Notably, the top and the bottom line continued to rise year over year. Certainly, Costco seems somewhat unfazed by the tough retail scenario. Growth strategies, increase in membership fees and sturdy e-commerce sales bode well.
The company’s efforts have been driving traffic across online and brick-and-mortar platforms. However, any incremental investments or aggressive pricing strategy may hurt margins. Moreover, rising SG&A expenses and stiff competition also pose concerns.
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Uber and Microchip Technology.
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Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Microchip Technology Incorporated (MCHP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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