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For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – December 26, 2024 – 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: T-Mobile US, Inc. TMUS, Toyota Motor Corp. TM, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. VRTX, BK Technologies Corp. BKTI and Servotronics, Inc. SVT.
Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:
Top Stock Reports for T-Mobile, Toyota Motor and Vertex Pharma
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 T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS), Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRTX), as well as two micro-cap stocks BK Technologies Corp. (BKTI) and Servotronics, Inc. (SVT). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
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 >>>
T-Mobile's shares have outperformed the Zacks Wireless National industry over the past year (+45.3% vs. +34.2%). The company continues to boast a leadership position in the 5G market. Its 2.5 GHz spectrum delivers superfast speeds and extensive coverage with signals that go through walls and trees.
The strategic acquisition of US Cellular's wireless operations, along with 30% of its spectrum assets, will likely enable it to expand both its fast-growing home broadband offerings and fixed wireless products. The launch of new products and solid growth with free cash flows are tailwinds.
However, owing to the stock's premium valuation, investors should remain cautious as macroeconomic factors and economic downturns may significantly impact its performance. Management's strategy of introducing several promotional activities, where equipment revenues are not booked upfront, is straining margins. Fierce competition and high debt burden are concerning.
(You can read the full research report on T-Mobile here >>>)
Shares of Toyota Motor have outperformed the Zacks Automotive - Foreign industry over the past year (+2.4% vs. -13.6%). The company's continued demand for vehicles and a robust lineup of trucks and SUVs are set to fuel Toyota's sales. The automaker is implementing several strategies to drive growth and strengthen earnings.
While hybrids remain the focus, it is not ignoring the BEV market and targeting the production of one million EVs annually by 2026. The company remains committed to rewarding shareholders through a generous dividend policy.
However, the investment in human resources and growth areas is expected to take a big hit on Toyota's operating profits in the current fiscal year. Also, high R&D expenses on advanced technologies and alternative fuels are likely to limit near-term margins. Rising debt levels are also concerning. The stock warrants a cautious stance for the time being.
(You can read the full research report on Toyota Motor here >>>)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals' shares have underperformed the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry over the past six months (-12.8% vs. -8.3%). The company's dependence on just the CF franchise for revenues is a concern. CF sales are slowing down slightly. Data from a study on suzetrigine for lumbosacral radiculopathy was disappointing.
Nevertheless, Vertex's cystic franchise sales continue to grow, driven by higher sales of Trikafta/Kaftrio in younger age groups. Its one-shot gene therapy, Casgevy, approved for two blood disorders, diversified its commercial opportunity. Casgevy is expected to contribute significantly to revenues from 2025.
Vertex is preparing for two potential near-term launches — suzetrigine in acute pain and vanza triple in CF in 2025. Vanza triple was approved as Alyftrek in December. It is rapidly progressing its mid- and earlier-stage pipeline, with multiple data readouts expected in next 12 months.
(You can read the full research report on Vertex Pharmaceuticals here >>>)
Shares of BK Technologies have outperformed the Zacks Wireless Equipment industry over the past year (+193.7% vs. +30.3%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $134.55 million has shown consistent financial improvement with its fifth consecutive profitable quarter and third-quarter 2024 GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $0.63, up from $0.03 in 2023.
Gross margins rose to 38.8%, driven by cost reductions and a favorable product mix, particularly high-margin BKR radios. A $27 million backlog as of Sept. 30, 2024, ensures revenue visibility, supported by strong demand for the BKR 5000 and 9000. Transitioning manufacturing to East West Manufacturing has reduced costs and boosted efficiency.
Despite no debt and improved liquidity, risks include reliance on government funding, narrow market focus and ambitious margin goals. Competitive pressures, product development delays and seasonality also pose challenges, but Vision 2025 targets of $100 million in revenues and 50% gross margins underscore growth potential.
(You can read the full research report on BK Technologies here >>>)
Servotronics' shares have underperformed the Zacks Diversified Operations industry over the past year (-13.3% vs. -8.3%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $27.69 million is facing risks which include elevated legal costs, customer concentration (88% revenue from a few clients), supply chain disruptions, rising interest expenses, and management instability.
Near-term catalysts are limited, increasing risks to growth and investor confidence. As such, the stock warrants a cautious stance. Nevertheless, Servotronics' 2023 divestiture of its Consumer Products Group refocused the company on aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, emphasizing servo-control components.
Revenue rose 12.3% year over year to $35.1 million for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2024, with gross margin up to 20.1%, supported by higher volumes and pricing. SG&A expenses fell 16.6% year over year, improving cost efficiency. The company benefits from aerospace recovery, defense diversification, and strong financial flexibility, with a low debt-to-capitalization ratio of 11.5%.
(You can read the full research report on Servotronics here >>>)