Top Research Reports for Valero Energy, Roper Technologies & American Electric Power
Friday, March 24, 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 Valero Energy Corp. (VLO), Roper Technologies, Inc. (ROP) and American Electric Power Co., Inc. (AEP). 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 >>>
Valero Energy’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry over the past year (+34.1% vs. +3.8%). The company offers the most diversified refinery base in the industry, with a capacity of 3.2 million barrels per day in its 15 refineries located throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.
Importantly, Valero is best placed to reap profits from solid refining margins, mainly owing to the strategic refinery structure that enables it to use cheaper oil for more than half of its needs. The majority of Valero’s refining plants are located in the Gulf Coast area, from where there is easy access to the export facilities.
The Gulf Coast presence helped Valero expand export volumes over the past years and gain from high distillate margins. Valero recently reported strong fourth-quarter results due to increased refinery throughput volumes. The company intends to quadruple renewable diesel production capacity by 2023.
(You can read the full research report on Valero Energy here >>>)
Shares of Roper Technologies have outperformed the Zacks Computers - IT Services industry over the past six months (+12.7% vs. +8.3%). The company is benefiting from strength across all its segments. Momentum across the Deltek, Vertafore, Aderant, CliniSys and Data Innovations businesses is aiding the Application Software unit.
The strong performance of freight-matching businesses bodes well for Network Software. Single-Use Bronchoscopy and Laryngoscopy offerings are aiding the Verathon business of the Technology Enabled Products unit. Strong cash flow generation supports Roper’s shareholder-friendly efforts.
However, supply-chain issues remain a challenge for Roper. The rising cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses pose a threat to the company’s bottom line. Foreign currency headwinds are added concerns.
(You can read the full research report on Roper Technologies here >>>)
Shares of American Electric Power have declined -11.8% over the past year against the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry’s decline of -12.9%. The prolonged continuation of supply-chain disruptions and inflationary pressure might impact the cost of certain goods and services and extend lead times, thereby hurting American Electric’s financial condition. Also, a weak solvency position and unfavorable financial ratios indicate that the company might face difficulties meeting debt obligations.
Nevertheless, American Electric’s has a stable earnings base of approximately 5.5 million customers across more than 11 states. The company owns the nation's largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines.
American Electric plans to invest $40 billion in regulated operations, contracted renewables and wires during the 2023-2027 period to achieve long-term earnings growth of 6-7%.
(You can read the full research report on American Electric Power here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (CRWD), Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA) and AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (AVB).
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
Valero (VLO) Gains on Higher Gulf Coast Refinery Throughput
Application Software unit Aids Roper (ROP) Amid Forex Woes
Investments Aid American Electric (AEP), Weak Solvency Woes
Featured Reports
CrowdStrike (CRWD) Rides on Product Strength, Acquisitions
Per the Zacks analyst, CrowdStrike is gaining from solid contributions of its growth-oriented products, primarily Falcon platform. Also, strategic buyouts like SecureCircle and Humio are positive.
Strategic Pacts Aid Walgreens (WBA) amid Margin Pressure
The Zacks analyst is optimistic about Walgreens' recent strategic pacts and buyouts that are expected to benefit the company over long-run. Yet, escalating costs are putting pressure on margins.
Healthy Demand, Strategic Buyouts to Aid AvalonBay (AVB)
Per the Zacks Analyst, AvalonBay to benefit from healthy demand for its residential properties in key regions and strategic buyouts. Yet, elevated supply and rising interest rates are key concerns.
Strong Demand for Products Aids The Cooper Companies (COO)
Per the Zacks analyst, The Cooper Companies witnessed strong demand for its products across several segments during the first quarter. The trend is likely to continue boosting the company's prospect.
International Operations Aid FTI Consulting (FCN), Cost High
Per the Zacks analyst, FTI Consulting's strong international operations make it an excellent partner for global clients, generating continued revenue growth. Rising investment costs is a concern.
Robust Acquisitions Aid UFP Industries (UFPI), Inflation Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, strategic acquisitions and product innovation initiatives bode well for UFP Industries. However, inflationary pressures hurt.
Loan Growth, Acquisitions Aid F.N.B. Corp (FNB), Costs Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, supported by robust loan balances and strategic acquisitions, F.N.B. Corp is poised for top-line growth. Elevated costs because of investments in franchise will hurt profits.
New Upgrades
CNA Financial (CNA) Poised to Grow on Improving Premiums
Per the Zacks analyst, CNA Financial is poised to row on rising premiums driven by compelling product portfolio, better retention, improving pricing, and new business growth.
High Demand & Online Strength Drive Ralph Lauren's (RL) Sales
Per the Zacks analysts, Ralph Lauren has been gaining from brand strength, solid demand, a solid online show and strong AUR growth. It expects Q4 sales growth of mid to high-single digit at cc.
Pyrukynd's Approval Fuels Growth for Agios (AGIO)
Per the Zacks analyst, the encouraging uptake of Pyrukynd for PK deficiency is fuelling Agios' top-line growth.
New Downgrades
Supply-Chain & Cost Woes Weigh on General Electric (GE)
The Zacks analyst is concerned about persistent supply chain disruptions, including labor and material shortages, and raw material cost-inflation, weighing on the company.
Qorvo (QRVO) Plagued by Sluggish Demand, High Inventory
Per the Zacks analyst, soft end market demand, elevated inventories and a volatile geopolitical environment are likely to strain Qorvo's margins.
United Natural (UNFI) Hurt by High Costs, Supply-Chain Woes
Per the Zacks analyst, United Natural is battling cost inflation and supply-chain woes. Management cut fiscal 2023 earnings view as it expects similar profitability trends through the rest of the year
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AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (AVB) : Free Stock Analysis Report
American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Roper Technologies, Inc. (ROP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
CrowdStrike (CRWD) : Free Stock Analysis Report
