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Research Daily

Thursday, December 29 2016

Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Wells Fargo (WFC), Danaher (DHR) and Colgate-Palmolive (CL).

Shares of Buy rated Wells Fargo have gained 1.8% year to date, underperforming the Zacks Banks - Major Regional sector which has gained 21.4% over the same period. Wells Fargo has long maintained a reputation for disciplined and reliable operations and an attractive retail banking franchise. Regrettably, the sales practices controversy has taken center stage and cost the well regarded CEO his position.

However, the new management team is making all the right moves and further downside risks in the stock are low at this stage. Though it will likely take a while for clouds to fully lifted, continued growth in loans and deposits and expansion moves should support its growth profile (You can read the full research report on Wells Fargo here.)

Danaher shares have declined 15.9% year to date, underperforming the Zacks Diversified Operations sector, which has gained 7.8% over the same period. Its shares have struggled lately on concerns about its business repositioning that involved greater exposure to the healthcare and environmental verticals following the Fortive spin-off. The analyst points out that the new Danaher is less exposed to volatile end-markets following the spin-off and has a more recurring revenue business.

On the flip side, sluggish economic conditions across some key operating regions and unfavorable currency translations pose as significant headwinds. (You can read the full research report on Danaher here.)

Colgate-Palmolive shares have slipped 1.5% year to date, underperforming the Zacks Soap and Cleaning Materials sector, which has gained 1.4% over the same period. The analyst likes its product innovation, globally recognized brands and presence in both developed and emerging economies. The company anticipates delivering robust organic sales growth, backed by new products across categories and geographical regions.

However, as the company derives 75% of its revenues from operations outside the U.S., it expects macroeconomic headwinds and currency woes to linger and weigh on its top and bottom lines in 2016. (You can read the full research report on Colgate-Palmolive here.)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Zoetis (ZTS), STERIS (STE) and Aetna (AET).

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Mark Vickery

Senior Editor

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