Friday, June 14, 2019

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 Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), salesforce (CRM) and Danaher (DHR). 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 >>>

Berkshire Hathaway’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry in the past six months (+3.7% vs. +7.1%). However, the Zacks analyst thinks the company is poised for growth over the long term on its sturdy insurance business.

The company’s inorganic growth story remains impressive with strategic acquisitions. A strong cash position supports earnings-accretive bolt-on buyouts. Demand for utilities is expected to rise in the future and drive earnings growth.

Continued insurance business growth also fuels increase in float. The company’s non-insurance businesses are also delivering improved results supporting overall performance.

A sturdy capital level provides further impetus. However, Berkshire Hathaway’s exposure to catastrophe loss remains a concern as its property and casualty insurance business generates maximum return on equity. Also, huge capital expenses due to railroad operations are worrying.

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

Shares of salesforce have gained +10.1% year to date, underperforming the Zacks Computer Software industry, which has gained +28.6% over the same period. However, salesforce's first-quarter fiscal 2020 results gained from solid growth across all its four major cloud offerings.

The company is benefiting from deal wins in the international market. Rapid adoption of its diverse cloud offerings, given an upsurge in demand for digital transformation, is the constant key catalyst. Strengthening relationships with cloud companies like Amazon, Google and IBM are a positive.

Additionally, strategic acquisitions like MuleSoft, Datorama and Cloudcraze are helping it deliver a strong uptick. Nonetheless, stiff competition from Oracle and Microsoft is a concern.

Unfavorable currency fluctuations persist as a key headwind. Besides, increasing investments on international expansion and data centers are an overhang on near-term profitability.

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

Danaher’s shares have gained +8.6% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Diversified Operations industry, which has increased +1% over the same period. The Zacks analyst thinks sturdier demand for products, Danaher Business System ("DBS") implementation and shareholder-friendly policies will likely bolster profitability going forward.

Also, it anticipates that the acquisition of General Electric's BioPharma business will boost its biologics workflow solutions business. Also, the divestiture of the dental business will improve its competency. However, rising cost of sales and unfavorable movements in foreign currencies might continue to restrict Danaher's growth.

For 2019, the company lowered adjusted earnings per share guidance from $4.75-$4.85 to $4.72-$4.80, primarily reflecting dilutive impact of funds raised for the BioPharma buyout. Earnings estimates for 2019 have improved in the past 60 days.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Brown-Forman (BF.B), Halliburton (HAL) and American Airlines (AAL).

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Mark Vickery Senior Editor

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>>>