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Top Research Reports for 27th December, 2016

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Tuesday, December 27 2016

Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 17 major stocks, including Visa (V - Free Report) , Reynolds , General Motors (GM - Free Report) and Abbott (ABT - Free Report) .

Visa shares have gained 0.8% year to date, underperforming the Zacks Financial Transaction Services sector which has gained 5.6% over the same period, reflecting concerns about high client incentives, the stronger U.S. dollar, and global economic uncertainty. These issues notwithstanding, the Zacks analyst likes Visa’s strategic acquisitions and alliances, technology upgrades and effective marketing efforts. The company has reaffirmed that the acquisition of Visa Europe will be accretive in 2017. In addition, the company’s efforts to enhance shareholder value are impressive. (You can read the full research report on Visa here.)

Buy rated Reynolds shares have gained 21.4% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Tobacco industry. Estimates have more or less remained unchanged for Reynolds over the past 30 days. Cigarette and moist snuff pricing coupled with strong performance across both smokeable and smokeless categories continue to help the company maintain its market share. Further, investors are curious if British American will bid higher to buy Reynolds American's remaining stake, after the rejection of initial bid (You can read the full research report on Reynolds here.)

General Motors shares have gained 4.9% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Domestic Auto Manufacturers sector which has gained 2.9% over the same period. Most of the company’s estimates have increased over the last sixty days. The analyst stresses that it has a positive record of earnings surprises in recent quarters. The automaker is increasing capacity investment in emerging markets to enhance its global sales. It is also focused on investment in innovative technologies and vehicles for sustained growth. However, series of recalls, scaling down or shutting manufacturing operations in some regions and challenging South American market are headwinds for the company. (You can read the full research report on General Motors here.)

Abbott shares have lost 14.5% year to date, underperforming the beleaguered Zacks Large-Cap Pharma sector which has lost 5.6% over the same period. However, the analyst likes how Abbott has been reshaping its portfolio through strategic acquisitions/divestitures for long-term growth. The St. Jude Medical buyout will complement its cardiovascular devices business. The company recently filed a complaint to terminate its proposed acquisition of Alere, based on a substantial deterioration in the latter’s value following the merger agreement.  Meanwhile, weakness in the nutrition business in China and sluggish growth in the Venezuelan market is concerning. (You can read the full research report on Abbott here.)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include General Dynamics (GD), Coca-Cola (KO) and American Express (AXP).

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Abbott Laboratories (ABT) - free report >>

Visa Inc. (V) - free report >>

General Motors Company (GM) - free report >>

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