The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: ExxonMobil, Starbucks, Marsh & McLennan, Phillips 66 and Intercontinental Exchange

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 06, 2017 – 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 ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM – Free Report), Starbucks (Nasdaq:SBUX – Free Report), Marsh & McLennan (NYSE:MMC – Free Report), Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX– Free Report) and Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE – Free Report).

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:

Top Stock Reports for ExxonMobil, Starbucks and Marsh & McLennan

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 ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM – Free Report), Starbucks (Nasdaq:SBUX – Free Report) and Marsh & McLennan (NYSE:MMC – Free Report). 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 >>>

ExxonMobil’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Oil International Integrated industry (-9.4% vs. +0.8%) as well as peer Chevron (CVX was down -0.1%). Tensions between the U.S. and Russia could mar the integrated major’s prospects for exploiting huge Russian oil and gas reserves. Moreover, dependence on costly offshore drilling might dent ExxonMobil’s cashflow.

However, ExxonMobil has a leading position in the energy industry owing to the size and diversity of its asset base, both in terms of business mix and geographical footprint. With a stable cash position, the company’s balance sheet is one of the best in the industry. The company has been investing heavily in its extensive refining businesses, which will likely help it counter downturns in upstream businesses owing to volatile commodity prices. Also, ExxonMobil’s earnings surprise history is pretty attractive.

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

Starbucks’ shares are down -2.9% year to date, underperforming the Zacks Food & Restaurants industry, which is up +6.5% over the same period. The consequential increment in spending is likely to create pressure on its bottom line in the near term. Also, economic, geopolitical and consumer headwinds continue to impact Starbucks' results.

However, the company’s operating fundamentals such as solid global retail footprint, successful innovations, best-in-class loyalty program and digital offerings remain strong. Again, digital initiatives like mobile order/pay, delivery services and third-party loyalty partnerships can stimulate stronger sales trends in the Americas. CPG growth across the world as well as China/Asia expansion will also lead to value creation. These initiatives might benefit the company in the long run.

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

Shares of Buy-rated Marsh & McLennan have outperformed the Zacks Insurance Broker industry, year to date, gaining (+23.2% vs. +21.8%). The company is well poised for growth on the back of significant investments and acquisitions made within its different operating units.

These deals have enabled the company to enter new geographies, expand within the existing ones, foray into new businesses, develop new segments and specialize within existing businesses. Its effective capital management via share buyback and dividend payment is impressive.However, exposure to currency volatility due to high international presence and integration risks from acquisitions raises concerns. Also, low interest rates have suppressed investment income.

(You can read the full research report on Marsh & McLennan here >>>).

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX – Free Report) and Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE – Free Report).

4 Stocks to Watch After the Massive Equifax Hack

Cybersecurity stocks spiked on recent news of a data breach affecting 143 million Americans. But which stocks are the best buy candidates right now? And what does the future hold for the cybersecurity industry?

Equifax is just the most recent victim. Computer hacking and identity theft are more common than ever. Zacks has just released Cybersecurity! An Investor’s Guide to inform Zacks.com readers about this $170 billion/year space. More importantly, it highlights 4 cybersecurity picks with strong profit potential.

Get the new Investing Guide now>>

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1 Stock of the Day pick for free.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News

Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year.See these high-potential stocks free >>.

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Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Phillips 66 (PSX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (ICE) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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