Thursday, March 25, 2021

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 UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Sony (SNE), and American Tower (AMT). 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 >>>

UnitedHealth shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical Insurance industry over the past year (+43.3% vs. +35.3%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company remains well poised to gain from its government business, comprising both Medicaid and Medicare Advantage.

A sturdy balance sheet and consistent cash flow generation is another positive, which has resulted in a solid capital position. This has empowered the company to engage in prudent shareholder-friendly moves through share buybacks and dividend payments.

A strong 2021 guidance instills investor confidence in the stock. However, the company is witnessing a slowdown in international and commercial business.

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

Sony shares have gained +31.9% over the last six months against the Zacks Audio Video Production industry’s gain of +33.4%. The Zacks analyst believes that The Game & Network Services segment is benefiting from an increase in game software sales. Sony also launched its next-generation gaming console, PlayStation 5.

It is concentrating on the premium segment of the branded products market to maximize growth. It unveiled a new project for drones in the field of artificial intelligence robotics. Changes were made to Sony Group’s organizational structure to boost individual businesses.

Measures to realign its business portfolio like making Sony Financial Holdings a wholly owned subsidiary are helping Sony. However, the Pictures business is facing challenges due to theater closings on account of the pandemic.

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

Shares of American Tower have gained +3.1% in the past three months against the Zacks REIT and Equity Trust industry’s gain of +5%. The Zacks analyst believes that American Tower will benefit from increased investment by wireless carriers in 4G LTE and 5G networks.

Solid business fundamentals and prudent capital-allocation strategy augur well for growth. Meanwhile, American Tower has signed a lease agreement with DISH Network to lease space at 20,000 of its communication towers. The company will receive cash lease payments from DISH Network, starting in 2022.

Its buyouts aimed to gain scale in attractive global markets is supported by a decent liquidity position. Also, tenant concentration is concerning as any consolidation or reduction in network spending adversely impact the company’s top line. Stiff competition and elevated churn in certain emerging markets are worrisome.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Anthem (ANTM) and Gilead Sciences (GILD).

Zacks Names “Single Best Pick to Double”

From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.

You know this company from its past glory days, but few would expect that it’s poised for a monster turnaround. Fresh from a successful repositioning and flush with A-list celeb endorsements, it could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in a little more than 9 months and Nvidia which boomed +175.9% in one year.

Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>

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>>>