Friday, December 8, 2023

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 Chevron Corp. (CVX), SAP SE (SAP) and United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS). 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 >>>

Chevron’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry over the past year (-11.9% vs. -0.5%). The company has grappled with the 2020 commodity price crash, leading to substantial spending cuts. Concerns include high sensitivity to oil prices and a 10-year reserve replacement ratio of 100%, indicating challenges in replenishing produced energy. Considering all these factors, investors are advised to wait for a better entry point.

Nevertheless, Chevron is positioned as one of the top global integrated oil firms, set for sustainable production growth, particularly due to its dominant position in the lucrative Permian Basin. Further, the recent acquisition of Hess Corp. is expected to significantly strengthen Chevron's presence in oil-rich Guyana.

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

Shares of SAP have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the year-to-date period (+56.3% vs. +55.2%). The company’s performance is benefiting from continued strength in its cloud business (especially the new Rise with SAP and Grow with SAP solutions) across all regions.

Momentum in SAP’s business technology platform, particularly the S/4HANA solution along with opportunities presented by proliferation of generative AI bode well. Management also reaffirmed its 2023 guidance as well as its long-term targets. Frequent product launches, and strategic acquisitions and collaborations are other tailwinds.

However, continued softness in the Software license and support business segment coupled with global macroeconomic weakness and geopolitical instability remain concerning. Also, increasing research & development costs, and stiff competition in the cloud space are headwinds.

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

Shares of United Parcel Service have underperformed the Zacks Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo industry over the past year (-8.4% vs. +6.7%). The company now expects revenues in 2023 to be between $91.3-$92.3 billion. The new forecast is not only below the previous outlook of around $93 billion but also much lower than 2022's actual figure.

Management trimmed its revenue forecast for the full year due to weak e-commerce delivery demand and lost clients during the turbulent labor negotiations. The five-year deal with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for better pay and working conditions is worth less than $30 billion. It is likely to keep labor cost at high levels.

UPS is looking to drive growth in this uncertain scenario by improving efficiencies. Efforts to reward its shareholders also bode well for UPS stockholders. The company's strong free cash flow generating ability is encouraging and supports its shareholder-friendly activities.

(You can read the full research report on United Parcel Service here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Citigroup Inc. (C), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN) and TransDigm Group Inc. (TDG).

Mark Vickery
Senior Editor

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>>>