Wednesday, December 4, 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 TOTAL (TOT), Broadcom (AVGO) and United Parcel Service (UPS). 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 >>>

TOTAL’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Integrated International Oil industry year to date (-0.7% vs. -5.2%). The Zacks analyst believes that TOTAL continues to benefit from strong contribution from startups and the expanding upstream portfolio that has above industry-average exposure to the faster-growing hydrocarbon producing regions of the world.

Strategic acquisitions and divestment of assets that are not in sync with its long-term objectives are going to boost performance and further strengthen the company’s cash flow generation capability. Cost-saving initiatives are also aiding it to boost margins.

However, TOTAL's operations in some politically-troubled regions and increasing competition might affect profitability. Due to its global presence, it is exposed to risks associated with pursuing business abroad.

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

Shares of Broadcom have gained 5.3% in the past three months against the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry’s rise of 9.6%. The Zacks analyst believes that 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.

Further, strong ties with leading OEMs across multiple target markets are expected to help the company to gain key insights into the requirements of customers. Moreover, the company intends to strengthen presence in the infrastructure software vertical particularly.

 In this regard, acquisition of CA and Symantec’s Enterprise Security Business remain extremely significant. Nonetheless, the company faces intensifying competition and integration risks due to frequent acquisitions. The company’s leveraged balance sheet and customer concentration are concerns.

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

United Parcel Service's shares have gained 19.1% over the past six months against the Zacks Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo industry's rise of 10.8%. The Zacks analyst is appreciative of UPS' efforts to reward its shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

In 2018, UPS rewarded its shareholders with $4.2 billion. Sustaining its pro-investor approach, it has returned more than $2.5 billion in the first nine months of 2019. Additionally, UPS increased its quarterly dividend by 5.5% in February to 96 cents per share. Strong free cash flow generation ($3.2 billion in the first nine months) by the company supports the possibility of a dividend hike going forward. E-commerce growth is an added positive for UPS. 

Owing to these tailwinds, shares of the company have outperformed its industry in a year. However, UPS' high capital expenditures are worrisome. Additionally, trade-related uncertainty with China impedes its growth potential. The company's high debt-equity ratio is an added headwind.

(You can read the full research report on United Parcel Service here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Deere (DE), Norfolk Southern (NSC) and HP (HPQ).

Biggest Tech Breakthrough in a Generation

Be among the early investors in the new type of device that experts say could impact society as much as the discovery of electricity. Current technology will soon be outdated and replaced by these new devices. In the process, it’s expected to create 22 million jobs and generate $12.3 trillion in activity.

A select few stocks could skyrocket the most as rollout accelerates for this new tech. Early investors could see gains similar to buying Microsoft in the 1990s. Zacks’ just-released special report reveals 8 stocks to watch. The report is only available for a limited time.

See 8 breakthrough stocks now>>

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>>>