Tuesday, June 23, 2016

Today's must-read reports are for IBM (IBM), General Motors Company (GM) and MetLife, Inc. (MET).

IBM shares performed strongly this year, lik’s revenues are likely reflecting investors' confidence in its transition plan. But the analyst pionts out that the transition will remain a long and slow process, with the company facing tough competition in the cloud computing & data analytics spaces. However, IBM’s forays into such higher growth and higher value segments continue to remain its major positives. (You can read the full research report on IBM here.)

General Motors shares have lagged Ford (F), reflecting a combination of headwinds like problems in its manufacturing operations, increased recalls-related expenses and the -2.5% decline in global sales in the first quarter of 2016. Offsetting these negatives, the Zacks analyst points out the potential benefits from fresh domestic investments, focus on the emerging markets and new product launches. (You can read the full research report on GM here.)

The Zacks Consensus estimates for MetLife for this year and next have been coming down lately. Driving this negative revisions trend is a combination of headwinds like low interest rates, an adverse foreign exchange situation, and potential regulatory changes unfavorable to the variable annuities business. The stock has been down lately, but the analyst points out some of the key positives as well, like the recent shedding of its SIFI status, separation of its U.S. retail business, and a record of profitable acquisitions and strategic divestitures. (You can read the full research report on MetLife here.)

Other noteworthy reports on today's line-up include Sempra Energy (SRE), Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG) and Weyerhaeuser Co. (WY).

• Operational Headwinds Weighing on Sempra Energy (SRE)
•  Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) Benefiting from Procedures Growth
•  Weyerhaeuser's (WY) Housing Leverage

You can find all of today's stock research reports here.

Sheraz Mian

Director of Research