Top Research Reports for Visa, AT&T & Coca-Cola

Friday, November 1, 2019

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 Visa (V), AT&T (T) and Coca-Cola (KO). 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 >>>

Visa’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry year to date (35.6% vs. 38.6%). The Zacks analyst believes that numerous acquisitions and alliances plus technology upgrades and effective marketing have paved the way for long-term growth and consistent increase in revenues.

Visa’s earnings of $1.47 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.8% and improved 21% year over year, driven by growth in payments volume, cross-border volume and processed transactions.

Notably, the acquisition of Visa Europe is a long-term growth strategy for the company. Its international business has been expanding and adds diversification benefits. Its strong capital position is another positive. 

However, high client incentives and expenses weigh on its operating margin. Also, adverse foreign exchange volatility imparts instability to the company’s earnings.

(You can read the full research report on Visa here >>>)

Shares of AT&T have gained 25.7% in the past six months against the Zacks Wireless National industry’s rise of 14.2%. The Zacks analyst believes that the company’s three-year financial framework is expected to drive significant improvement in margins and bottom-line growth with sustained investments and debt reduction.

It aims to deploy a standards-based, nationwide mobile 5G network in early 2020. AT&T’s 5G Evolution technology is live in more than 200 markets, and is expected to reach more than 400 markets by the end of 2019.

However, AT&T is witnessing a persistent decline in linear TV subscribers and legacy services. Its wireline division is facing loss in access line due to competitive pressure from VoIP service providers. As the company tries to woo customers with discounts, freebies and cash credits, margin pressures tend to soar. 

(You can read the full research report on AT&T here >>>)

Coca-Cola’s shares have gained 4.4% over the past three months against the Zacks Soft Drinks Beverages industry’s rise of 2.2%. The Zacks analyst believes that the company’s focus on consumer-centric innovation, solid core brand performance and improved execution in the marketplace is aiding performance.

These also bolstered its quarterly performances as evident from its ninth straight sales beat in third-quarter 2019. While earnings were in line with estimates in the quarter, the company still registered positive earnings surprise in eight of the last 10 quarters. Additionally, revenues improved year over year on strength across all segments as well as growth in volume and price/mix.

Innovation and investment in core categories and brands have been the key focus area, which led to the expansion of retail value share. However, it expects adverse currency rates to significantly mar results in 2019 and beyond.

(You can read the full research report on Coca-Cola here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include salesforce.com (CRM), American Express (AXP) and Lowe's (LOW).

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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

Visa (V) Rides On Solid Balance Sheet, Increasing Revenues

AT&T (T) Aims to Steer High Riding on 3-Year Financial Plan

Investment & Innovation Mirror Coca-Cola's (KO) Core Strength

Featured Reports

Pfizer's (PFE) Business Reorganization Can Aid Sales Growth

The Zacks analyst says that the Glaxo JV, the Array acquisition and the pending merger of Upjohn unit with Mylan, if successful, will make Pfizer a smaller company which can see better revenue growth.

E-commerce, Dividends & Buybacks Aid UPS Amid High Debt

The Zacks analyst appreciates the company's efforts to reward shareholders through dividends & buybacks. Growth in e-commerce is also aiding its top line.

Solid Balance Sheet, Revenue Rise Aid American Express (AXP)

Per the Zacks analyst, revenue rise from business growth in new verticals, shift toward digital, increase in consumer spending, is impressive.

Lowe's (LOW) Pro Customer Strategy May Help Lift Sales

Per the Zacks analyst, Lowe's pro customer strategy, omni-channel efforts and merchandising initiatives may help boost sales.

Express Scripts Buy, Revenue Growth Aid Cigna (CI)

Per the Zacks analyst, the buyout of Express Scripts has diversified Cigna's operations opening up new revenue streams; increasing membership superior products and services have led to revenue growth.

Rising Top-line Aid, High Debts Hurt HCA Healthcare (HCA)

Per the Zacks analyst, its growing top-line driven by increasing admissions has led to significant growth of the company.

Solid User Growth & Premium Content Demand Aids Snap (SNAP)

Per the Zacks analyst, Snap benefits from an improving user growth driven by strong adoption of AR Lenses and demand for premium content including original shows.

New Upgrades

Dollar General's (DG) Sturdy Comps Run to Propel Top-Line

Dollar General boasts impressive comparable sales run. Per the Zacks analyst, the company's better price management, merchandise, cost containment and operational initiatives should drive sales.

Healthcare Initiatives Boost FUJIFILM's (FUJIY) Prospects

Per the Zacks analyst, FUJIFILM is benefiting from robust performance of its Healthcare driven by acquisitions and investments in CDMO and regenerative medicine businesses.

Xerox (XRX) to Benefit from Strategic Transformation Efforts

The Zacks analyst believes that Xerox's Strategic Transformation program, aimed at increasing productivity and operational efficiency, will help the company to increase revenue, expand margins.

New Downgrades

Weak Demand, Higher Input Costs Ail Astec Industries (ASTE)

The Zacks analyst is worried that weak demand in domestic markets will hurt Astec's top-line as it generates approximately 80% of its sales.

Weak Pressure Pumping Market to Hurt ProPetro (PUMP)

The Zacks analyst is concerned over the weak market sentiment and lower pricing with respect to pressure pumping services in the Permian Basin, which is expected to weigh on ProPetro's revenues.

High Debt Level, Cash Outflows Ail U.S. Silica (SLCA)

Per the Zacks analyst, U.S. Silica's significant cash outflows, as reflected by sizable capital spending, will affect its ability to generate free cash flows. Its high debt level is another concern.

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Visa Inc. (V) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Coca-Cola Company (The) (KO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
salesforce.com, inc. (CRM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
American Express Company (AXP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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