Thursday, September 15, 2016

Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Coca-Cola (KO), Schlumberger (SLB) and Illinois Tool (ITW).

Shares of beverage giant, Coca-Cola have been laggards this year, losing nearly 2% year-to-date, as persistent weakness in some emerging markets like China, Russia and Brazil continued to be a major drag. Weak sparkling beverage volumes as well as currency and structural headwinds remain a concern. Despite these headwinds, the Zacks analyst likes the company’s accelerated re-franchising efforts, which is poised to boost its performances in days ahead. Also, Coca-Cola’s new revenue platforms should drive growth over the long term. (You can read the full research report on Coca-Cola here>>)

Oilfield services behemoth, Schlumberger’s shares have been strong performers this year, up more than 10% year-to-date, on the back of its strong financial strength and technological leadership that led the company to maintain its excellent track record of earnings surprise history. The Zacks analyst believes that the Schlumberger-Cameron merger will support technology-driven growth. However, the stock has pulled back in recent days, as have other oil stocks, in the wake of weakness in oil prices on demand concerns following recent OPEC and IEA reports. (You can read the full research report on Schlumberger here>>)

Illinois Tool Works stock remains strong this year, up more than 25% year-to-date, mostly due to its bright earnings outlook and healthy dividend rise. The Zacks analyst likes the company's growth efforts, its long-term Enterprise Strategy and sound capital allocation plans, and believes that the company will benefit from these factors over the long-term. The analyst discussses the pros & cons of investing ITW shares at present and points out headwinds like unfavorable foreign currency movements, industry rivalry, volatility in input pricesand economic uncertainties. (You can read the full research report on Illinois Tool here>>)     

Other noteworthy reports today include Duke Energy (DUK), which has been upgraded to Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy), and General Mills (GIS) and Johnson Controls (JCI).

You can find all of today's stock research reports here>>

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Sheraz Mian

Director of Research

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