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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Apple, Caterpillar, The Travelers Companies, Visa and Dow
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For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – April 07, 2022 – 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: Apple Inc. (AAPL - Free Report) , Caterpillar Inc. (CAT - Free Report) , The Travelers Companies Inc. (TRV - Free Report) , Visa Inc. (V - Free Report) and Dow Inc. (DOW - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
Fed Turns Tougher than Expected: Buy These 5 Blue-Chip Stocks
Wall Street is reeling under volatility in 2022. Market participants are highly concerned that a more hawkish Fed and a prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine, which has resulted in higher commodity prices, may curtail U.S. GDP growth in first-quarter 2022. The U.S. inflation rate is currently at a 40-year high.
As the Fed is likely to adopt a more hawkish stance and a higher interest rate regime is likely to continue in 2022, it will be prudent to invest in blue-chip stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank. These stocks have a robust business model, globally acclaimed brand recognition and a strong financial position. Five of them are — Apple Inc., Caterpillar Inc., The Travelers Companies Inc., Visa Inc. and Dow Inc..
The Dow Index in 2022
Year to date, the Dow — popularly known as the blue-chip index — is down 4.7%. However, the other two major indexes — the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite — have dropped 5.1% and 9.2%, respectively. The small-cap-centric benchmark — Russell 2000 — has tumbled 8.9% so far in 2022. Despite the recent meltdown, the Dow is currently trading at 34,641.18, above its 50-day moving average of 34,351.88. The 50-day moving average provides short-term support.
Solid U.S. Economy to Drive Stock Markets
In 2022, the biggest drivers of the U.S. stock markets should be the nation's strong economic fundamentals. The labor market has returned to the pre-pandemic level. Aggregate demand remained strong despite skyrocketing inflation.
Moreover, the U.S. economy will get more upside from the government's infrastructure spending. On Nov 15, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan infrastructure bill of $550 billion in addition to the previously approved funds of $450 billion for five years. Total spending may go up to $1.2 trillion if the plan is extended to eight years.
The infrastructure development project will be a key catalyst for the U.S. stock markets in 2022. Various segments of the economy such as basic materials, industrials, utilities and telecommunications should benefit immensely for more job creation.
Additionally, the White House put pressure on Congress to quickly pass a legislation providing $52 billion to help computer chip manufacturers and ease the shortage of the components vital to many industries.
Our Top Picks
We have narrowed our search to five Dow stocks with strong potential for the near term. These stocks have seen solid earnings estimate revisions in the last 60 days. Moreover, these companies are regular dividend payers, which will act as an income stream in the market's downtrend. Each of our picks carries either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Apple is benefiting from the continued momentum in the Services and a robust performance by iPhone, iPad, Mac, Wearables and an expanding App Store ecosystem. Although Apple's business primarily runs around its flagship iPhone, the Services portfolio has emerged as the company's new cash cow. AAPL currently has more than 745 million paid subscribers across its Services portfolio.
Apple encourages developers to use artificial intelligence and machine learning in their apps. The company's Core ML 2 API helps developers recognize faces or animals in photos, and parse the meaning of the text. AAPL's focus on autonomous vehicles and augmented reality/virtual reality technologies presents growth opportunities for the long haul.
Apple has an expected earnings growth rate of 9.8% for the current year (ending September 2022). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 0.2% over the last 60 days. Zacks Rank #2 AAPL has a current dividend yield of 0.5%.
Caterpillar had a strong backlog of $23 billion at the end of 2021. This will drive CAT's top line in the upcoming quarters. Improving demand in several of Caterpillar's end markets and savings from its restructuring actions might negate the impact of high material and labor costs and supply chain headwinds.
The Construction Industries segment will benefit from strength in residential construction and non-residential construction in the United States, and rising demand in other parts of the world. Demand from mining backed by higher commodity prices will aid the Resource Industries segment. A robust liquidity position and investments in expanding services and digital initiatives sholuld drive growth of CAT as well.
Caterpillar has an expected earnings growth rate of 13% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improved 0.1% over the last 30 days. Zacks Rank #2 CAT has a current dividend yield of 2%.
Visa has undertaken mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and minority investments to achieve growth. V's investments in technology are solidifying its position in the payments market. A shift in payments to the digital mode is a boon for Visa.
The coronavirus vaccine rollouts and the gradual revival of consumer confidence should keep driving spending, expanding business volumes in turn. Backed by its strong cash position, Visa remains committed to boosting its shareholder value. V's balance sheet strength is commendable.
Visa has an expected earnings growth rate of 20.6% for the current year (ending September 2022). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improved 0.1% over the last 30 days. Currently, V carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a dividend yield of 0.7%.
The Travelers Companies boasts a strong market presence in auto, homeowners' insurance, and commercial U.S. property-casualty insurance with solid inorganic growth. A high retention rate, increase in new business and positive renewal premium change bode well. TRV's commercial businesses should perform well, owing to market stability.
The Travelers Companies remains optimistic about the personal line of business, given growth at the profitable agency auto and homeowners business. TRV expects net investment income from non-fixed income portfolio to be $430 million to $440 million quarterly in 2022. Sufficient capital boosts shareholder value.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improved 0.3% over the last 7 days. Zacks Rank #2 The Travelers Companies has a current dividend yield of 1.9%.
Dow should gain from cost synergy savings and productivity initiatives. Dow is focused on maintaining cost and operational discipline through cost synergy and stranded cost-removal initiatives. Actions to reduce operating costs are expected to support DOW earnings in 2022.
Dow's restructuring program is also expected to deliver margin benefits. Investment in high-return projects should also be accretive to its earnings. Management is investing in several high-return growth projects including expanding downstream silicones capacity.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improved 4% over the last 30 days. Dow sports a Zacks Rank #1 Dow with a current dividend yield of 4.4%.
Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?
Our 5 best-performing strategies have blown away the S&P's impressive +28.8% gain in 2021. Amazingly, they soared +40.3%, +48.2%, +67.6%, +94.4%, and +95.3%. Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Apple, Caterpillar, The Travelers Companies, Visa and Dow
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – April 07, 2022 – 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: Apple Inc. (AAPL - Free Report) , Caterpillar Inc. (CAT - Free Report) , The Travelers Companies Inc. (TRV - Free Report) , Visa Inc. (V - Free Report) and Dow Inc. (DOW - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
Fed Turns Tougher than Expected: Buy These 5 Blue-Chip Stocks
Wall Street is reeling under volatility in 2022. Market participants are highly concerned that a more hawkish Fed and a prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine, which has resulted in higher commodity prices, may curtail U.S. GDP growth in first-quarter 2022. The U.S. inflation rate is currently at a 40-year high.
As the Fed is likely to adopt a more hawkish stance and a higher interest rate regime is likely to continue in 2022, it will be prudent to invest in blue-chip stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank. These stocks have a robust business model, globally acclaimed brand recognition and a strong financial position. Five of them are — Apple Inc., Caterpillar Inc., The Travelers Companies Inc., Visa Inc. and Dow Inc..
The Dow Index in 2022
Year to date, the Dow — popularly known as the blue-chip index — is down 4.7%. However, the other two major indexes — the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite — have dropped 5.1% and 9.2%, respectively. The small-cap-centric benchmark — Russell 2000 — has tumbled 8.9% so far in 2022. Despite the recent meltdown, the Dow is currently trading at 34,641.18, above its 50-day moving average of 34,351.88. The 50-day moving average provides short-term support.
Solid U.S. Economy to Drive Stock Markets
In 2022, the biggest drivers of the U.S. stock markets should be the nation's strong economic fundamentals. The labor market has returned to the pre-pandemic level. Aggregate demand remained strong despite skyrocketing inflation.
Moreover, the U.S. economy will get more upside from the government's infrastructure spending. On Nov 15, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan infrastructure bill of $550 billion in addition to the previously approved funds of $450 billion for five years. Total spending may go up to $1.2 trillion if the plan is extended to eight years.
The infrastructure development project will be a key catalyst for the U.S. stock markets in 2022. Various segments of the economy such as basic materials, industrials, utilities and telecommunications should benefit immensely for more job creation.
Additionally, the White House put pressure on Congress to quickly pass a legislation providing $52 billion to help computer chip manufacturers and ease the shortage of the components vital to many industries.
Our Top Picks
We have narrowed our search to five Dow stocks with strong potential for the near term. These stocks have seen solid earnings estimate revisions in the last 60 days. Moreover, these companies are regular dividend payers, which will act as an income stream in the market's downtrend. Each of our picks carries either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Apple is benefiting from the continued momentum in the Services and a robust performance by iPhone, iPad, Mac, Wearables and an expanding App Store ecosystem. Although Apple's business primarily runs around its flagship iPhone, the Services portfolio has emerged as the company's new cash cow. AAPL currently has more than 745 million paid subscribers across its Services portfolio.
Apple encourages developers to use artificial intelligence and machine learning in their apps. The company's Core ML 2 API helps developers recognize faces or animals in photos, and parse the meaning of the text. AAPL's focus on autonomous vehicles and augmented reality/virtual reality technologies presents growth opportunities for the long haul.
Apple has an expected earnings growth rate of 9.8% for the current year (ending September 2022). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 0.2% over the last 60 days. Zacks Rank #2 AAPL has a current dividend yield of 0.5%.
Caterpillar had a strong backlog of $23 billion at the end of 2021. This will drive CAT's top line in the upcoming quarters. Improving demand in several of Caterpillar's end markets and savings from its restructuring actions might negate the impact of high material and labor costs and supply chain headwinds.
The Construction Industries segment will benefit from strength in residential construction and non-residential construction in the United States, and rising demand in other parts of the world. Demand from mining backed by higher commodity prices will aid the Resource Industries segment. A robust liquidity position and investments in expanding services and digital initiatives sholuld drive growth of CAT as well.
Caterpillar has an expected earnings growth rate of 13% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improved 0.1% over the last 30 days. Zacks Rank #2 CAT has a current dividend yield of 2%.
Visa has undertaken mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and minority investments to achieve growth. V's investments in technology are solidifying its position in the payments market. A shift in payments to the digital mode is a boon for Visa.
The coronavirus vaccine rollouts and the gradual revival of consumer confidence should keep driving spending, expanding business volumes in turn. Backed by its strong cash position, Visa remains committed to boosting its shareholder value. V's balance sheet strength is commendable.
Visa has an expected earnings growth rate of 20.6% for the current year (ending September 2022). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improved 0.1% over the last 30 days. Currently, V carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a dividend yield of 0.7%.
The Travelers Companies boasts a strong market presence in auto, homeowners' insurance, and commercial U.S. property-casualty insurance with solid inorganic growth. A high retention rate, increase in new business and positive renewal premium change bode well. TRV's commercial businesses should perform well, owing to market stability.
The Travelers Companies remains optimistic about the personal line of business, given growth at the profitable agency auto and homeowners business. TRV expects net investment income from non-fixed income portfolio to be $430 million to $440 million quarterly in 2022. Sufficient capital boosts shareholder value.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improved 0.3% over the last 7 days. Zacks Rank #2 The Travelers Companies has a current dividend yield of 1.9%.
Dow should gain from cost synergy savings and productivity initiatives. Dow is focused on maintaining cost and operational discipline through cost synergy and stranded cost-removal initiatives. Actions to reduce operating costs are expected to support DOW earnings in 2022.
Dow's restructuring program is also expected to deliver margin benefits. Investment in high-return projects should also be accretive to its earnings. Management is investing in several high-return growth projects including expanding downstream silicones capacity.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improved 4% over the last 30 days. Dow sports a Zacks Rank #1 Dow with a current dividend yield of 4.4%.
Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?
Our 5 best-performing strategies have blown away the S&P's impressive +28.8% gain in 2021. Amazingly, they soared +40.3%, +48.2%, +67.6%, +94.4%, and +95.3%. Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.
See Stocks Free >>
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.