Chicago, IL – November 29, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks and 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 including Abbott Laboratories ABT, BlackRock, Inc. BLK and ConocoPhillips COP, NetSol Technologies, Inc. NTWK and Optex Systems Holdings, Inc OPXS.
Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:
Top Research Reports for Abbott, BlackRock and ConocoPhillips
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 Abbott Laboratories, BlackRock, Inc. and ConocoPhillips, as well as two micro-cap stocks, NetSol Technologies, Inc. and Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. These research reports have been hand-picked from roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Abbott shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical sector (+7.2% vs. +0.5%) this year, but have lagged the S&P 500 index over the same time period (+7.2% vs. +26.5%).
The Zacks analyst believes that Alinity, the company’s next-generation suite of systems, is a key driver in the core lab diagnostics business. EPD's impressive performance stems from the company’s unique business model. Freestyle Libre CGM device is also on a great trajectory. Within Nutrition, despite softness in the global pediatric arm, Abbott is regaining market share banking on strong Adult Nutrition business.
However, the significant runoff of COVID-19 testing-related sales is hurting Abbott’s Diagnostics growth. Tough macro conditions also remain a headwind.
(You can read the full research report on Abbott here >>>)
BlackRock shares have underperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Managementindustry over the past year (+39.3% vs. +59.7%). The Zacks analyst believes that high operating expenses have been hurting BlackRock’s profitability. Its reliance on overseas revenues exposes it to geopolitical tensions, different regulatory/economic environments and exchange rate fluctuation.
Yet, efforts to restructure active equity business and strengthen private markets capabilities are expected to support top-line growth. The planned acquisition of Preqin, along with the buyouts of Global Infrastructure Partners and a stake in SpiderRock, should also aid.
(You can read the full research report on BlackRock here >>>)
Shares of ConocoPhillips have underperformed the ZacksOil and Gas – Integrated – United Statesindustry over the past year (-7.1% vs. -5.7%). Per the Zacks analyst, the company’s significant dependence on crude oil makes it vulnerable to market fluctuations. Additionally, inflationary pressures contributed to a significant increase in production and operating expenses in the last quarter, thereby squeezing margins.
However, the impending acquisition of Marathon Oil Corp. should expand its regional footprint. ConocoPhillips is also strategically increasing its presence in the liquefied natural gas market to meet growing energy transition demands.
(You can read the full research report on ConocoPhillips here >>>)
Shares of NetSol have outperformed the ZacksComputer – Softwareindustry over the past year (+22.6% vs. +16.6%). Per the Zacks analyst, rebranding of the company’s product platform under the Transcend umbrella, and incorporation of advanced AI and machine learning capabilities, have benefited the company. Also, NetSol has been aided by the renewal of a five-year support contract in China and a new agreement with a U.K.-based finance company.
Yet, costs of the development of products and services and global macroeconomic headwinds remain a concern.
(You can read the full research report on NetSol here >>>)
Optex’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Aerospace – Defense Equipmentindustry over the past year (-84.6% vs. +63.4%). The Zacks analyst believes that risks include margin compression due to inflationary pressures, contract concentration and competition from larger defense contractors have ailed the company.
However, strategic contract wins bolster its positioning in the defense sector, where it aligns well with the growing demand for optical sighting systems and assemblies.
(You can read the full research report on Optex here >>>)
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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