Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Top Research Reports for March 6, 2017

Read MoreHide Full Article

Monday, March 6, 2017

Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Johnson & Johnson (JNJ - Free Report) , Alphabet (GOOGL - Free Report) and Schlumberger (SLB - Free Report) .

Johnson & Johnson have gained +15.8% over the last year, widely outperforming the large-cap pharma space (up +6.6%). J&J reported mixed fourth-quarter results, beating on earnings but missing on sales. However, the 2017 sales outlook was disappointing due to an expected slowdown in Pharma sales as a number of key growth drivers like Remicade and Concerta are facing competition.

While the company is faced with a number of headwinds like unfavorable currency movements, increased competition from generics, pricing pressures and an uncertain global macroeconomic backdrop, the analyst believes that JNJ's diversified business model, deep product pipeline, lack of cyclicality and financial strength position it for continued momentum going forward. (You can read the full research report on Johnson & Johnson here.)

Alphabet's shares have lagged the Zacks Tech sector marginally over the past year gaining +19% vs. +19.7%, with the company's weaker than expected Q4 earnings report only adding to its underperformance. These headwinds aside, the Zacks analyst points out the company's good execution to date, more or less maintaining its dominant share in a competitive, fast-growing search market.

The company's focus on innovation, strategic acquisitions and Android OS should continue to generate strong cash flows. However, the promise of Google's non-search businesses continue getting pushed into future even as the company's spending keeps rising. On Feb 23, 2017, Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo sued Uber and its subsidiary Otto, alleging intellectual property theft and patent violation. (You can read the full research report on Alphabet here.)

Schlumberger’s shares underperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas Field Services industry over the last one year, gaining +6.4% vs. the sector’s +16% increase. The Zacks analyst likes the continuous and effective cost-management initiatives of the company. The Schlumberger-Cameron merger will support technology-driven growth, going forward. The company’s focus on international markets also deserves appreciation. Schlumberger’s current dividend yield of 2.5% has outpaced both 1.9% yield for its broader sector and the 1.4% yield for rival, Halliburton Company.

However, commodity price volatility remains an overhang on the stock. Additionally, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2017 earnings has been revised downward over the last 60 days. (You can read the full research report on Schlumberger here.)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Alibaba (BABA - Free Report) , Southern Company (SO - Free Report) and Public Storage (PSA - Free Report) .

Today's Long-Term Buys & Sells
Today you can gain access to the best long-term trades unearthed by Zacks Research. These moves have double and triple-digit profit potential and are rarely available to the public. Starting now, you can look inside our stocks under $10, home run and value stock portfolios, plus more. Want a peek at this private information? Click here >>

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 >>>

Published in