Monday, May 22, 2023

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 Oracle Corporation (ORCL), NIKE, Inc. (NKE) and Starbucks Corporation (SBUX). 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 >>>

Oracle shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the past year (+49.5% vs. +22.8%). The company is benefiting from the ongoing momentum across its cloud business, driven by the strong uptake of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services and Autonomous Database offerings.

Solid adoption of cloud-based applications, comprising NetSuite Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Fusion ERP and Fusion Human Capital Management (HCM), bodes well. Solid demand for the Oracle Dedicated Region Cloud@Customer is anticipated to drive the top line. Partnerships with Accenture and Microsoft is helping Oracle win new clientele.

However, higher spending on product enhancements, especially toward the cloud platform, amid increasing competition in the cloud domain is likely to limit margin expansion. The Zacks analyst expects fiscal 2023 non-GAAP operating expenses to jump 14.1% over fiscal 2022.

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

Shares of NIKE have gained +6.8% over the past year against the Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry’s gain of +9.7%. The company’s results gained from the Consumer Direct Acceleration strategy, compelling product innovation and solid online show.

The company witnessed double-digit revenue growth across North America, EMEA and APLA. For fiscal 2023, it expects revenue growth in the high-single digits, up from the prior mentioned mid-single-digit growth and in line with our estimate of 8.6% growth.

However, NIKE witnessed decline in gross margin due to higher markdowns, increased freight and logistics costs, elevated input costs and currency headwinds. Also, elevated SG&A expenses are concerning.

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

Starbucks shares have outperformed the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry over the past year (+46.8% vs. +34.7%). The company’s growth is attributable to comps growth in all its operational segments along with impressive revenue recovery from China after COVID-19.

Starbucks focus on product innovation and store growth added to the uptrend. For fiscal 2023, the company expects consolidated revenues and global comparable store sales to be in the range of 10-12% and the high end of 7-9%, respectively, year over year.

Earnings estimates for fiscal 2023 increased to $3.44 per share from $3.42 in the past 30 days. However, increased expenses and inflation are concerns.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), Equinor ASA (EQNR) and ABB Ltd (ABB).

Director of Research

Sheraz Mian

Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>