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Research Daily

Sheraz Mian

Stock Research Reports for Amgen, Berkshire & Walgreens

GE CCL PG AMGN BRK.B WBA

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Today’s Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), Amgen (AMGN) and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA).

Berkshire Hathaway shares have lost ground lately, with the stock lagging the broader market since March 1st. But the stock has done better than the S&P 500 index and about in-line with the Zacks Finance sector. The insurance business, which remains at the core of this financial conglomerate's business portfolio, is as much a beneficiary of the post-election momentum in interest rates as are traditional banks and brokers. But Berkshire Hathaway is more than insurance - it has assets in the railroads, oil pipelines and many other spaces. The company's name has long been synonymous with Warren Buffet, concerns about whose succession have been an issue for the stock.  The company is expected to report first quarter results on May 5th. (You can read the full research report on Berkshire Hathaway here >>)

Amgen shares struggled last year, but came back following the election as fears of restrictive pricing and regulatory strictures eased. The stock has been down in a big way since March 1st, but has still done better than the peer group over the past year. Amgen is well positioned for growth with several blockbuster drugs in its portfolio. Amgen’s growth products – Prolia, Xgeva, Vectibix, Nplate and Sensipar – are all performing well. Additionally, Amgen’s restructuring plan should make it leaner and more cost efficient. Amgen is also progressing with its pipeline given quite a few regulatory and data updates scheduled for the coming quarters. (You can read the full research report on Amgen here >>)

Walgreens Boots shares have done better than the Zacks Retail-Drug Stores industry in the year-to-date period (WBA is up +0.4% vs. decline of -1.9% for the peer group), but the stock has lagged the broader Zacks Retail sector in that same time period. Uncertainty about the Rite Aid tie up and a recent track record of margin pressures have been weighing on the stock. The company is expected to report first-quarter results on April 5th, with the current Zacks Consensus EPS of $1.35 on $30.7 billion in revenues essentially stable in recent days. While concerns remain about regulatory hurdles to the Rite Aid transaction, the company appears on track to execute on its cost reduction plan that is expected to strengthen margins. A strong balance sheet and a track record of returning excess cash to shareholders (pays an attractive dividend, currently yielding 1.8%) are some of the other positives in the Walgreens story. (You can read the full research report on Walgreens Boots here >>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Procter & Gamble Co (PG), General Electric Company (GE) and Carnival Corp (CCL).

Free Access: All Zacks Research Reports                                                

Starting today, you are invited to download in-depth analysis reports covering more than 1,000 of the most widely followed stocks. Valued at $25 each, they are yours to consult over the next 30 days absolutely free. They feature sensitive Zacks Rank information on each stock that you won't find anywhere else. See the reports free >>

Sheraz Mian

Director of Research

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 >>>

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