Wednesday, February 8 2017

Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Priceline (PCLN), NextEra Energy (NEE) and Schwab (SCHW). These reports have been hand-picked from amongst the 70 or so research reports issued by our analyst team today. You can see all of today's research reports here >>>

Priceline shares have been strong performers lately - the stock is up +61.3% over the last 12 months, modestly ahead of the Zacks ecommerce industry, which is up +59.5% - on the back continued momentum in both the agency and merchant businesses . The analyst likes Priceline’s strong position in international markets, good execution, prudent marketing strategy and strong financial position. The secular growth trend in the online travel booking market and growth opportunities in the domestic market are other positives. On the flip side, weaker average daily room rates, macro headwinds, increasing advertising spend and occupancy tax-related litigation remain overhangs. (You can read the full research report on Priceline here >>)

Buy rated NextEra Energy shares have outperformed the Zacks Electric Utility industry over the last one year, gaining +7.8% vs +1.3%. NextEra Energy’s fourth-quarter earnings and revenues missed expectations. However, the analyst likes NextEra Energy's investment in renewable generation which should boost its performance over the long haul. Favorable economic conditions in its service territories will drive demand for utility services. Strategic acquisition and asset divestment bode well for NextEra Energy. On the flip side, NextEra Energy's nature of business is subject to complex and comprehensive federal, state and other regulations. Also, concerns related to commodity price fluctuations might deter its growth to some extent. (You can read the full research report on NextEra Energy here >>)

Schwab’s shares underperformed the Zacks Investment Brokers industry over the last three months, gaining +17.7% vs +21.8%. The company’s fourth-quarter earnings were in line expectations. Increase in revenues and lack of provisions were offset by higher expenses. Schwab is well positioned to benefit from rising rate environment and plans to eliminate fee waivers subsequent to the next rate hike. Also, initiatives to strengthen trading income will support its profitability over the long term, despite the near-term revenue reduction. However, continuous rise in expenses remains a major concern. Significant dependence on fee-based revenue streams also provides cause for apprehension. (You can read the full research report on Schwab here >>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Anadarko (APC), Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) and Novo Nordisk (NVO).

Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017

In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2017?

Who wouldn't? As of early December, the 2016 Top 10 produced 5 double-digit winners including oil and natural gas giant Pioneer Natural Resources which racked up a stellar +50% gain. The new list is painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. Be among the very first to see it>>

Sheraz Mian

Director of Research

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 >>>