Back to top

Image: Bigstock

The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Duke Energy, Stryker, Sanofi, PPL Corp and Viacom

Read MoreHide Full Article

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – August 24, 2017 – 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 includeDuke Energy (NYSE: (DUK - Free Report)  – Free Report),Stryker (NYSE: (SYK - Free Report)  – Free Report) and Sanofi (NYSE: (SNY - Free Report)  – Free Report), PPL Corp (NYSE: (PPL - Free Report)  – Free Report) and Viacom (NASDAQ: – Free Report).

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:

Top Stock Reports for Duke Energy, Stryker & Sanofi

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 Duke Energy (NYSE: (DUK - Free Report) – Free Report), Stryker (NYSE: (SYK - Free Report) – Free Report) and Sanofi (NYSE: (SNY - Free Report) – Free Report). 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 >>>

Duke Energy shares have outperformed the broader market as well as the peer utilities space in the year-to-date period (it is up more than 15%). Duke Energy’s second-quarter 2017 earnings missed expectations and also declined from year-ago figure. The downturn was mainly due to the absence of International Energy that was sold in December 2016, less favorable weather and higher income tax expense.

However, revenues surpassed the consensus mark and improved year over year. The Zacks analyst likes the company’s hefty investment plans for the next five years. These plans are likely to improve its business by generating cleaner energy and bolstering its renewable asset base.

Moreover, Duke Energy pursues a systematic asset divestment initiative that buoys optimism. Nevertheless, the company faces challenges from severe weather conditions and natural calamities like hurricanes, which may result in breakdown and damage its infrastructure.

(You canread the full research report on Duke Energy here >>>).

Shares of Stryker have gained +13.2% over the last six months, outperforming the Zacks Medical Products industry, which has gained +7.5% over the same period. Stryker exited the second quarter on a solid note, beating expectations on both counts. Solid performance in the MAKO platform drove revenues.

The Zacks analyst likes Stryker’s upbeat guidance for the full year and its diversified product portfolio. Continued strong demand for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke products and neuro-powered instruments boosted sales in the neurotechnology segment.

However, volatility in foreign currency exchange is likely to impede revenue growth. Stryker also faces supply-side headwinds and has been grappling with issues in the spine business for long. Also, China might prove to be a challenging market.

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

Sanofi’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry year to date, gaining +22.5% vs. +13.5%. Sanofi reported in-line earnings in Q2 but missed sales expectations. However, the company raised full year earnings forecast.

The Zacks analyst likes Sanofi’s focus on streamlining its business and pursuing business development deals. The company has several new products in its portfolio and candidates in its pipeline that can contribute to long-term growth. New drugs like Aubagio and Lemtrada are likely to continue doing well. Sales prospects of Dupixent are another positive, which could prove to be an important growth driver. The recent FDA and EU approval of Kevzara for rheumatoid arthritis is also encouraging.

However, headwinds include a bleak outlook for the Diabetes franchise, generic competition for many drugs and slower-than-expected uptake of new products like Praluent.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include PPL Corp (NYSE: (PPL - Free Report) – Free Report) and Viacom (NASDAQ: – Free Report).

4 Surprising Tech Stocks to Keep an Eye On

Tech stocks have been a major force behind the market’s record highs, but picking the best ones to buy can be tough. There’s a simple way to invest in the success of the entire sector. Zacks has just released a Special Report revealing one thing tech companies literally cannot function without. More importantly, it reveals 4 top stocks set to skyrocket on increasing demand for these devices. I encourage you to get the report now – before the next wave of innovations really take off. See Stocks Now>>

Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News

Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year.See these high-potential stocks free >>.

Get the full Report on DUK - FREE

Get the full Report on SYK - FREE

Get the full Report on SNY - FREE

Get the full Report on PPL - FREE

Get the full Report on VIAB - FREE

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

support@zacks.com

https://www.zacks.com/

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/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Sanofi (SNY) - free report >>

PPL Corporation (PPL) - free report >>

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) - free report >>

Stryker Corporation (SYK) - free report >>