Back to top

Image: Bigstock

The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Shell, PepsiCo, U.S. Bancorp, Twitter and State Street

Read MoreHide Full Article

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – July 9, 2018 – 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 Shell , PepsiCo (PEP - Free Report) , U.S. Bancorp (USB - Free Report) , Twitter and State Street (STT - Free Report) .

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

Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:

Top Stocks Reports for Shell, Pepsico and U.S. Bancorp

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 Shell, PepsiCo and U.S. Bancorp. 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 >>>

Shell’s shares have gained 30.4% over the last year, outperforming the Zacks Integrated Oil industry, which has gained 21.4% over the same period. The performance is backed by impressive earnings surprise history.

The Zacks analyst thinks Shell’s $50 billion buyout of BG Group has boosted its strong and diversified portfolio of global energy businesses that offers attractive long-term growth opportunities. It has also made Shell the largest LNG producer which would help the company meet the fuel’s growing demand and boost cash flows.

Importantly, the aggressive divestment plans of Shell have streamlined its production and helped in debt reduction. However, at same time the divestment spree has affected the volumes growth. With the production going down as evidenced in the last few quarters, the near-to-medium term outlook remains cloudy. Hence, investors should wait for a better entry point before buying shares.

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

Shares of PepsiCo have decreased -8.6% year to date, underperforming the Zacks Soft Beverages industry, which has declined -5.3% over the same period. However, PepsiCo is witnessing strong performances in its international divisions, driven by higher revenue growth in the developing and emerging markets.

The Zacks analyst thinks the company is also gaining from its solid brand portfolio, product innovation and strong snacks business. Notably, the company has delivered positive earnings surprise for eight consecutive quarters. However, the consumers’ awareness on health and wellness, alongside new taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and growing regulatory pressures are affecting CSD sales.

Notably, the company’s NAB division reported dismal results with revenues and operating profit decreasing 1% and 22%, respectively, in first-quarter 2018. Volumes declined 2.5%, led by 4% decline in CSDs and 1% decrease in Non CSDs. Estimates have been going down ahead of second quarter earnings.

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

U.S. Bancorp’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Major Banks industry over the last six months, losing -9.9% vs -7.1%. However, the company possesses an impressive earnings surprise history, beating expectations in three out of the trailing four quarters.

The Zacks analyst thinks U.S. Bancorp's prospects will likely get support from its solid business model, core franchise, lower tax rate, rising interest rate and diverse revenue streams. Also, the company’s organic growth remains solid and will likely benefit from the improving economic scenario. However, escalating expenses and litigations remain key concerns.

(You can read the full research report on U.S. Bancorp here >>>).

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Twitter and State Street.

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think.

See This Ticker Free >>

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

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

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 >>.

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/performance for 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:


State Street Corporation (STT) - free report >>

U.S. Bancorp (USB) - free report >>

PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) - free report >>