Back to top

Research Daily

Sheraz Mian

Top Research Reports for Exxon, DuPont & HCA

XOM DG STI DD KR HCA

Trades from $3

Thursday, December 8 2016

Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Exxon Mobil (XOM), DuPont (DD) and HCA Holdings (HCA). These reports have been hand-picked from amongst the roughly 70 reports issued by our analyst team today. You can see the complete list of today's research reports here >>>

Exxon Mobil shares have lagged the Zacks Energy sector (+13% vs. +22.4%) in the year-to-date period, but they have outperformed the S&P 500 index (+13% vs. +9.2%).  The analyst highlights the company’s leading position in the energy industry owing to the size and diversity of its asset base, both in terms of business mix as well as geographical footprint. As one of the most oil-weighted majors, the company’s upstream business is poised to benefit from the current OPEC deal and the subsequent advancement of crude oil. Moreover, the company’s recent discovery of huge recoverable oil resources on the Owowo field offshore Nigeria is a major positive. Exxon's stellar balance sheet and a long history of paying a regular dividend are some of the other positives. (You can read the full research report on Exxon Mobil here>>)

DuPont shares have underperformed the Zacks Basic Materials sector (+10.8% vs. +28%) in the year-to-date period, but they have nevertheless done better than the broader market. The analyst likes DuPont’s aggressive cost-cutting actions and new product launches. The company continues to impress operationally, with Q3 results coming in better than expected, outlook for the current period raised and management reassuring about the Dow deal. DuPont has unveiled redesign actions to support its more focused portfolio of businesses following the spinoff of the performance chemicals unit. Moreover, it remains committed to maximize shareholder value. (You can read the full research report on DuPont here>>)

HCA Holdings shares have gained more than +6% year-to-date, lagging the broader market but clearly outperforming the Zacks Medical Hospitals industry (+6.4% vs. -11.6%). Concerns about the future of ObamaCare remain a major headwind for HCA as well as the industry as a whole, but the company's competitive advantage resulting from the scale and diversity of its operations as one of the largest non-governmental operators of acute care hospitals in the country puts it in a better position relative to its peers. Its top line has been growing over the past several quarters due to robust volumes, improved payor and service mix, and effective cost management. However, the company’s bad debts are likely to drain its bottom line and pricing growth in the medium term is likely be affected as payor mix shifts away from managed care to lower priced Government business.(You can read the full research report on HCA Holdings here>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include SunTrust Banks (STI), Kroger (KR) and Dollar General (DG).

Confidential: Best Trades from Zacks Research
Would you like to see a hand-picked "all-star" selection of investment ideas from the man who heads up Zacks' trading and investing services? Steve Reitmeister knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. He is now prepared to pass them along to you. Today Steve is also opening up Zacks' 7 Best Stocks for January, 2017 free of charge. From 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys, this Special tabs 7 for immediate breakout. Click to access these private picks>>

Sheraz Mian

Director of Research

Note: If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>

Featured Reports

New Upgrades

Foot Locker's (FL) Strategic Endeavors Bode Well

The covering analyst thinks strategic efforts like cost containment, shop-in-shop expansion, store refurbishment and merchandise enhancement help it sustain in a competitive retail landscape.

New Downgrades