The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Berkshire Hathaway, Home Depot, Mastercard, Intuit and Sony
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – November 18, 2021 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), The Home Depot, Inc. HD, Mastercard Inc. MA, Intuit Inc. INTU, and Sony Group Corporation SONY.
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
Top Stock Reports for Berkshire Hathaway, Home Depot and Mastercard
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, Home Depot, and Mastercard. 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 >>>
Shares of Berkshire Hathaway have outperformed the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry over the past year (+23.2% vs. +17.1%). The Zacks analyst believes that Berkshire's inorganic growth story remains impressive with strategic acquisitions.
A strong cash position supports earnings-accretive bolt-on buyouts, and indicates the company's financial flexibility. Continued insurance business growth fuels an increase in float, drives earnings and generates maximum return on equity.
However, exposure to catastrophe loss induces earnings volatility and also affects the property and casualty underwriting results of Berkshire. Huge capital expenditures remains a headwind for the company.
(You can read the full research report on Berkshire Hathaway here >>>)
Shares of Home Depot have gained +47.7% in the year to date period, against the Zacks Building Products - Retail industry’s gain of +43.8%. The company boasts a robust surprise trend, with six straight quarters of earnings and sales beats reported as of Q3 2021. The Zacks analyst believes results have been boosted by continued demand for home-improvement projects, a robust housing market and ongoing investments.
The company is gaining from growth in Pro and DIY customer categories, as well as momentum in digital. However, the company reported soft gross margins in the fiscal third quarter, mainly driven by higher costs of goods sold arising from higher transportation costs. Supply chain headwinds also marred results to some extent.
(You can read the full research report on Home Depot here >>>)
Shares of Mastercard have gained +3.5% in the year-to-date period against the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry’s loss of -19.6%. Mastercard’s third-quarter earnings beat estimates, driven by higher consumer spending. The company executed several acquisitions, which helped grow its addressable markets and drive new revenue streams. Deal wins, renewed agreements and an expanded service suite are expected to aid long-term growth.
The COVID crisis accelerated the use of electronic forms of payment, with much greater adoption of digital and contactless solutions. This provides an opportunity for the company’s business to expedite its shift to the digital mode. It is well-poised to gain from its steady cash-generating abilities. Its strong capital position enables the company to pursue acquisitions and deploy capital. However, steep costs might stress margins. High rebates and incentives may weigh on revenues.
(You can read the full research report on Mastercard here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Intuit, and Sony.
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Mastercard Incorporated (MA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Intuit Inc. (INTU) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Sony Corporation (SONY) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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