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Top Research Reports for UnitedHealth Group, Union Pacific & Biogen

Tuesday May 30, 2017

Today’s Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH), Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) and Biogen Inc (BIIB). You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>

Buy Rated UnitedHealth Group’s continued strong growth at Optum as well as UnitedHealthcare segments are driving growth. Its international business and strong capital position are other positives. Moreover, the company has reduced its exposure to the troubled public exchange business. Though this move will shield it from losses in this business, the company’s premium revenues are likely to be affected.

UnitedHealth shares have underperformed the Zacks Medical-HMOs industry in the year-to-date period (UnitedHealth is up +10.9% vs. +15.2% gain for the industry). (You can read the full research report on UnitedHealth here >>>).

Union Pacific’s improvement in the coal scenario is very encouraging. Coal volumes are expected to increase in the second quarter, continuing the trend displayed in the first quarter of 2017. The Zacks analyst is also impressed by the company’s efforts to reward investors and control costs.  

The buy-ranked company has appreciated 31.4% in the last year, but has underperformed the Zacks categorized Transportation-Rail industry’s increase of 39%. In fact, the stock has lagged fellow-railroad operator Norfolk Southern, whose shares have gained 45.5% in the last year. (You can read the full research report on Union Pacific here >>>).

Biogen shares have been laggards for a while now; the stock has underperformed the Biomed/Genetics industry in the year-to-date (-11.5% vs. -0.3%). Emergence of new PML cases for Tecfidera would weigh heavily on the stock as would pipeline setbacks. However, Biogen has a strong position in the multiple sclerosis market, backed by a wide range of products including Avonex, Tysabri, Tecfidera & Plegridy. The Zacks analyst is also encouraged by Biogen’s efforts to diversify beyond MS to other areas like Alzheimer's disease. (You can read the full research report on Biogen here >>>).

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include United Technologies Corp. (UTX), PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (PNC) and Accenture Plc (ACN).

Today's Private Buys & Sells from Zacks Research                                             

While we share the above news with the public, our sensitive recommendations are hidden from everyone but selected members. Would you like to peek behind the curtain and view them? Starting today, for the next month, you can follow all Zacks' private buys and sells in real time from value to momentum  . . . from stocks under $10 to ETF and option moves . . . from insider trades to companies that are about to report positive earnings surprises (we've called them with 80%+ accuracy). You can even look inside portfolios so exclusive that they are normally closed to new investors. Click here for Zacks' secret trades >>

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>>>

Today's Must Read

UnitedHealth (UNH) Grows Via Optum, Axes Exchange Losses

Better Coal Scenario Bodes Well for Union Pacific (UNP)

Biogen (BIIB) Diversifies Beyond Multiple Sclerosis

Featured Reports

Lower Cash Costs Boost Suncor (SU), Syncrude Outage Hurts

While Suncor's lower cash costs and strong production platform bode well, unplanned outages at Syncrude oil sands project have kept the Zacks analyst on the sidelines.

Eastman (EMN) Well Placed On Cost-cutting & Acquisitions

The Zacks analyst is impressed with Eastman Chemical's focus on cost-cutting and productivity actions amid a challenging operating environment.

TJX Companies (TJX) Gains from Higher Comps; Costs to Hurt

Per the Zacks analyst, TJX Companies poised to benefit from an increase in comps and brand enhancing initiatives. However, higher payroll costs could hurt performance.

Southwest's (LUV) Investor-friendly Approach Bodes Well

The Zacks analyst likes Southwest Airlines' move to hike dividend & clear a new buyback plan. The company's view on unit revenues also raises optimism.

Noble (NBL) Gains from Solid Production, Regulations a Woe

Per the Zacks analyst Noble Energy poised to benefit from solid production from its organic and inorganic assets. However, stringent drilling regulations could adversely impact performance.

Molson Coors (TAP) Initiatives May Help Lift Performance

According to the Zacks analyst Molson Coors' cost-saving initiatives and strategic buyouts may help lift performance in the near term

Amerisource (ABC) Stands Firm on Generics, Outlook a Concern

The Zacks analyst likes Amerisource's generics portfolio, new launches and accretive acquisitions. However, a tough industry landscape alongside rising branded drug inflation overshadows 2017 outlook.

New Upgrades

United Technologies (UTX) Well Poised on Core Business Focus

United Technologies is revamping its organizational structure and focusing on strategic acquisitions for growth impetus. Management also reaffirmed its guidance for 2017 on favorable growth dynamics.

PNC Financial (PNC) Depicts Cost Control & Organic Growth

Per the Zacks analyst, PNC Financial's efforts to drive operational efficiency remain encouraging. It also continues to gain from rising loans and deposits aiding revenue growth.

Raytheon (RTN) Up on Solid Inflow of Orders, Raised '17 View

Per the Zacks analyst, Raytheon's combat-proven defense products bring orders from Pentagon and allied nations that in turn boost its revenue growth. Its raised guidance for 2017 adds to the optimism.

New Downgrades

Accenture (ACN) Battered By Tough Competition From Peers

Despite Accenture's gains through acquisitions, the Zacks analyst believes that increasing competition from peers and an uncertain macroeconomic environment may deter the company's growth.

Kellogg's (K) Weak Sales Trend Raises Concern

Per the Zacks analyst, Kellogg has been struggling to boost sales over the past two years due to unexpectedly soft consumption trends.

Barclays (BCS) to Continue Facing Pressure on Bottom Line

Per the Zacks analyst, muted global economic recovery, Brexit-related uncertainty and additional legal provisions for past business misconducts will hurt Barclays' bottom line growth in the near-term.


Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Click for Free United Technologies Corporation (UTX) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
Click for Free Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
Click for Free UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
Click for Free PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) (PNC) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
Click for Free Biogen Inc. (BIIB) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
Click for Free Accenture PLC (ACN) Stock Analysis Report >>
 
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