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Xylem (XYL) Down to Sell on Lingering Macro & Micro Risks

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On Jan 12, 2017, Zacks Investment Research downgraded Xylem Inc. (XYL - Free Report) to a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) from a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Going by the Zacks model, companies with a Zacks Rank #4 are likely to perform weaker than the broader market, over the next few quarters.

Post third-quarter 2016 earnings release, Xylem’s shares recorded a return of 5.02% – underperforming 13.42% return provided by the Zacks categorized Machinery-General Industrial industry.

Why the Downside?

Xylem’s business is currently exposed to several political, environmental, economic and legal headwinds. For instance, the Brexit referendum has raised uncertainty in the company’s UK business. In addition, each business segment of Xylem faces tough competition. Extensive business rivalry increases the bargaining power of customers and thus, exposes the company to risks of market share loss. Moreover, constant appreciation of the U.S. dollar has been enhancing the competitive power of smaller companies operating in low-cost nations. This increases the revenue and margin loss risks for Xylem.

We also note that poor prices of energy resources like oil have been affecting the revenues generated by manufacturing and industrial companies like Xylem. Lower investments made by oil companies have depressed the sales generated by producers of heavy equipment, machinery parts and steel.

Xylem’s operating margin is highly sensitive to persistent price fluctuations of major inputs like nickel, copper, aluminum, plastics, seals, bearings, motors and fabricated parts. The company’s business significantly depends on third-party suppliers as well as commodity and contract manufacturing market conditions. Xylem will likely face major supply chain challenges and might fail to provide accurate services to customers, if these third-party suppliers are unable to provide the required materials on time.

Notably, adverse climatic conditions, such as heavy floods and droughts, might give rise to severe operational challenges for the company.

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks from the same space are listed below:

Actuant Corporation has an average earnings surprise of 11.47% for the last four quarters and currently flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Alarm.Com Holdings, Inc. (ALRM - Free Report) currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 and has a whopping average earnings surprise of 165.56% for the trailing four quarters.

ABB Ltd. presently boasts a Zacks Rank #1 and has an average earnings surprise of 23.50% for the last four quarters.

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