Best Stock Reports for Comcast, Danaher and Amgen

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Zacks Research Daily features top research results from our team of analysts. Today’s Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Comcast Corp. (CMCSA), Danaher Corp. (DHR) and Amgen Inc. (AMGN). These research reports have been handpicked from the approximately 70 reports published today by our team of analysts.

You can see all today’s research reports here >>>

Comcast shares were down -6.1% year-to-date against Zacks’ cable TV industry decline of -7.3%. The Zacks analyst believes Comcast is constantly suffering from video subscriber attrition due to the cord cut. Additionally, a leveraged balance sheet is a major concern.

However, Comcast is also benefiting from the strength of the broadband subscriber base and strong momentum in the wireless industry. Its strategy to provide high-speed Internet access at an affordable price plays a central role in providing connectivity, improving earnings and customer experience.

Media consumption and waves of work-from-home and online learning bode well for Comcast’s internet business due to the recent pandemic. The company’s Peacock streaming service has grown in popularity in a short time and is a key catalyst in boosting broadband sales.

(You can read the full Comcast research report here >>>)

Shares of Danaher have outperformed the Zacks Diversified Operations sector over the past year (+33.9% vs -3.4%). The Zacks analyst believes the company is poised to benefit from Danaher Business System (“DBS”), healthy shareholder rewards, buyout benefits and product innovation in the quarters ahead. In the fourth quarter of 2021, its earnings and sales exceeded estimates by 7.6% and 4.38%, respectively.

Company expects year-over-year core revenue growth of 10% for the first quarter of 2022 and mid-single digits for 2022. Impact of COVID-related testing expected to drive sales to lower single digits single digits in the first quarter. However, cost inflation and issues related to supply chain restrictions could be a concern in the coming quarters. High debts could inflate financial obligations and forex woes could be cause for concern.

(You can read the full Danaher research report here >>>)

Shares of Amgen outperformed the Zacks Medical – Biomedical and Genetics sector over the period since the beginning of the year (+5.1% against -12.3%). The Zacks analyst believes Amgen is rapidly advancing its strong pipeline of early-stage and late-stage assets. Multiple Phase III readouts are expected in 2022. Lumakras, a first-in-class lung cancer treatment, is off to a strong start as its label expansion studies progress rapidly. Amgen also has a strong biosimilars pipeline, which is an important driver of long-term growth.

While key drugs like Prolia, Repatha, Xgeva and biosimilars are driving sales, growing competition for its legacy products is also hurting. However, pricing and competitive pressure impact many Amgen products and franchises. Several of the drugs marketed by Amgen are facing headwinds from rising prices and continued headwinds from COVID-19.

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

Other noteworthy reports we feature today include Chevron Corporation (CVX), The Boeing Company (BA) and Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP).

Marc Vickery
Senior Writer

Note: Sheraz Mian leads the equity research department at Zacks and is a well-known expert on overall earnings. He is frequently quoted in the written and electronic press and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Revenue overview reports. If you would like to receive an email notification whenever Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>

To read today

Broadband subscriber gain boosts Comcast’s outlook (CMCSA)

Life Sciences Business Drives Danaher (DHR), High Costs

Amgen (AMGN) is rapidly advancing pipeline development

Featured Reports

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According to the Zacks analyst, Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine and booster are approved for emergency use in multiple countries, generating revenue.

Dividends boost Canadian Pacific (CP) despite labor issues
The Zacks analyst praises the company’s efforts to pay dividends to its shareholders, even in these difficult times. However, current labor issues are of great concern.

Customer Expansion, Strong Execution Aid Splunk (SPLK)
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Organic growth supports Carlyle (CG), driving up costs
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IDEXX (IDXX) Benefits from Strong CAG Arm Growth Amid Forex Woes
The Zacks analyst is impressed with IDEXX’s strong gains in CAG revenue, led by double-digit gains in the US and international markets. Yet currency issues remain a concern.

The Estee Lauder Companies (EL) wins in the skincare category
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New upgrades

Chevron (CVX) strengthens Permian position with Noble Buy
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Marriott (MAR) is likely to benefit from its robust expansion efforts
According to the Zacks analyst, Marriott continues to focus on expanding its portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands to drive growth. This, combined with the pick-up in transient business and group demand, bodes well.

Buyouts and Digitization Efforts Perspectives from Aid Group 1 (GPI)
The Zacks analyst believes the Prime Automotive and Robinson Group takeovers will help Group 1 revenue. The company’s e-commerce efforts are also driving revenue growth.

New downgrades

Weather Variations and Third Party Ail Clearway (CWEN) Failure
According to the Zacks analyst, adverse weather conditions are reducing Clearway Energy’s (CWEN) generation from renewables and a third-party transmission line failure may disrupt scheduled delivery, reducing profitability.

Rising spending, growing competition Garlic MercadoLibre (MELI)
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Forex Volatility, High Cost Reinsurance Group (RGA)
According to the Zacks analyst, increased expenses due to increased claims, credited interest and operating costs continue to affect revenue. The fluctuation of the Forex increases the financial risk.

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The Boeing Company (BA): Free Inventory Analysis Report

Chevron Corporation (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report

Comcast Corporation (CMCSA): Free Stock Analysis Report

Amgen Inc. (AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report

Danaher Corporation (DHR): Free Stock Analysis Report

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP): Free Inventory Analysis Report

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