New Research Reports for General Mills, Cisco & Charter Comm

Friday, September 23, 2016

Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including General Mills (GIS), Charter Communications (CHTR) and Cisco (CSCO).

General Mills is in a tough spot, having to respond to ever-changing consumer tastes. The issue becomes particulalry problematic when it isn't clear whether the change is a result of a passing fad or something more enduring. The stock has lost ground lately after remaining strong earlier (it is still up 13% year-to-date), with the recent earnings release spotlighting continued top-line problems, with yogurt emerging as a notable weak spot in the product portfolio. The cereal business appears to have stabilized. But they will need to do more to move the needle on the revenues front, as they have been able to sustain profits through effective cost controls. (You can read the full research report on General Mills here>>)

Charter Communications has been on a roll lately, with the stock up more than 35% year-to-date on the back of its merger with Time Warner Cable. The merger will also allow Charter to offer enhanced services and more streaming video product options to its customers. Charter has also announced that it will venture into the U.S. wireless market. However, online videos provide an extremely cheap source of TV programming and are gaining momentum, threatening the pay TV model. (You can read the full research report on Charter Communications here>>)

Cisco’s shares have surged ahead of the broader market year-to-date, gaining more than 16%. The analyst likes the company’s market position, innovative prowess, product range, growth initiatives, new investments and attractive dividend. Additionally, overall growth prospects remain positive because of the drive toward cloud computing and increasing data flow on carrier and computing networks. Recently, Cisco and salesforce.com announced a partnership to integrate their cloud platforms.  However, the increasing competition and challenges in China remain concerns. (You can read the full research report on Cisco here.)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRX), Domino’s Pizza (DPZ), and Raytheon (RTN).  

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You can find all of today's stock research reports here>>

Sheraz Mian

Director of Research

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

Today's Must Read

General Mills (GIS) Profits Dip, Restructuring Bodes Well

Charter Communications (CHTR) Plans to Offer Mobile Services

Cisco (CSCO), Salesforce Partnership to Boost IoT Intiatives

Featured Reports

United Continental (UAL) Appoints President, PRASM Woes Stay

The Zacks analyst is positive on the appointment of Kirby as the company's President. However, headwinds like declining PRASM remain.

Marvell (MRVL) Beats on Q2 Earnings, Misses on Revenues

Marvell reported mixed second-quarter fiscal 2017 results. Also, revenues slumped on a year-over-year basis mainly due to lower demand in the mobile handset business.

Everest Re's (RE) Strategic Initiatives Poise It for Growth

The covering analyst thinks Everest Re is set to benefit from dominant market presence, capital adequacy and risk management capabilities. Competitive reinsurance market, low rate environment and cat exposure are headwinds.

Rite Aid (RAD) Posts Mixed Q2: Earnings In Line, Sales Miss

While Rite Aid managed to report earnings in line with estimates, top line missed mainly because of lower Retail Pharmacy segment revenues, stresses the Zacks analyst.

AutoZone's (AZO) Fourth-Quarter Earnings Beat Estimates

AutoZone is focused on increasing sales through store expansion and boosting earnings via aggressive share repurchases. However, rising cost and currency headwinds are concerns, per the Zacks analyst.

Vertex (VRTX) Makes Label Expansion Efforts With Kalydeco & Orkambi

The covering analyst is encouraged by Vertex's efforts to get its two cystic fibrosis (CF) drugs, Kalydeco & Orkambi approved for additional indications which should boost sales.

Raytheon (RTN) Shines on Steady Contract Wins, Rivalry Rife

The Zacks analyst thinks generous flow of contracts from Pentagon's daily funding session significantly boost Raytheon's business.

New Upgrades

Armstrong World (AWI) to Gain from Advanced Product Pipeline

The Zacks analyst thinks Armstrong World will gain from focus on innovative products and customer relationships. Cost-reduction actions and volume improvement in the Americas will also drive results.

S&P Global (SPGI) Banks on Strategic Initiatives for Growth

The covering analyst thinks strategic investment and focus on core business is aiding S&P Global to emerge as a leader among rating providers and analytics in the global capital and commodity markets.

GOL Linhas (GOL) upgraded on August Load Factor Rise

According to the Zacks analyst, GOL Linhas' load factor improvement in August is positive, but the company's steady traffic decline and Brazil's economic weakness continue to remain a concern.

New Downgrades

Domino's Pizza's (DPZ) Prospects Dim on Near-Term Concerns

Domino's exposure to a soft consumer spending environment in the restaurant sector, along with higher operating costs and forex movements are concerns, according to the Zacks analyst.

Weaker Client Spending Undermines Infosys' (INFY) Prospects

According to the covering analyst the change in pattern of technology use coupled with rapid proliferation of customizable Internet-based software is hurting Infosys' outsourcing business

Affiliated Managers' (AMG) Rising Expenses a Major Concern

The Zacks analyst thinks continuously rising operating expenses pose a major concern for Affiliated Managers. Also, existence of intangibles and high debt level are the other major risks.

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VALEANT PHARMA (VRX): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
RAYTHEON CO (RTN): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
GENL MILLS (GIS): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
DOMINOS PIZZA (DPZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
CISCO SYSTEMS (CSCO): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
CHARTER COMM-A (CHTR): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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