Year: 2014

Baxter International Inc. ( BAX ) recently filed a biologics license application (BLA) with the U.S. […]

Raytheon Company ( RTN ) won a $491.5 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to continue the production of the Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (“AMRAAM”). Per the contract, Raytheon will supply the AMRAAM missiles and other AMRAAM equipment. […]

Since the beginning of 2014, the overall operating environment for banks had been quite tough. Nevertheless, banking stocks showed strong resilience and continued to confront challenges valiantly. Despite weakness in mortgage banking and capital market businesses, a modest improvement in investment banking, along with cost-control measures (streamlining operations and job cuts) and balance sheet restructuring, helped banks maintain profitability. […]

On Dec 23, we issued an updated research report on The Allstate Corp. ( ALL ). The company’s efforts to reduce leverage and borrowing costs have been partly offset by catastrophe (CAT) losses and low interest rate environment that has been hampering investment returns. […]

On Dec 19, we have issued an updated research report on PPL Corporation ( PPL ). The company’s strong financial position, steady investments in organic growth projects and systematic asset divestment strategy are expected to drive its upcoming performance. However, stringent government regulations and dependence on weather conditions remain potential setbacks. […]

Windstream Holdings, Inc. ( WIN ) – one of the largest rural local exchange carriers (RLEC) in the U.S.– has been rewarded with a five-year multi million-dollar contract by the National Weather Service (NWS). Per the deal, Windstream will provide regional NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFO), situated all over the country, with high-speed Internet connectivity by deploying its Layer 2 Ethernet services. […]

Walgreen Co. ( WAG ) reported adjusted net earnings of 81 cents per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, up 12.5% from the year-ago adjusted number. The adjusted figure also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 74 cents by 9.5%. […]

On Dec 22, 2014, we issued an updated research report on AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ( AXS ). With respect to earnings trend, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) property and casualty insurer delivered positive earnings surprises in two of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 6.37%. In the third quarter, AXIS Capital’s bottom line outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate but fell year over year […]

An American Water Works Company, Inc. ( AWK ) subsidiary, Missouri American Water, has acquired water and sewer systems from Anna Meadows Homeowners’ Association. The assets are located near Moscow Mills, MO […]

While falling oil prices might be a cause of distress for many industries, it certainly means a Merry Christmas for packaging stocks. Falling oil prices not only provide packaging companies with a cost tailwind but also boost demand due to the increasing disposable income at the customer level. The macroeconomic environment has been challenging for the packaging industry in the past few years due to weak consumer spending. […]

The Russell 2000 Index has lagged all the major benchmarks for most part of this year. While the major benchmarks have been hitting fresh highs, the same is not the case with the Russell 200 index that comprises small-cap stocks. […]

On Dec 22, 2014, we issued an updated research report on third-party logistics (3PL) company C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. ( CHRW ). […]

On Dec 18, 2014, we issued an updated research report on Utah-based Myriad Genetics, Inc. ( MYGN ). This leading molecular diagnostics provider reported disappointing first-quarter fiscal 2015 financial results on Nov 4. […]

Standing on the threshold of 2015, if you have appetite for ‘big game’ stocks in a volatile market, you ought to first screen the broader sector for the prized catches. Various studies and historical data have proved beyond doubt that average stocks that belong to top-performing industries have greater probability to outperform the so-called ‘blue-chips’ in a relatively poor-performing industry. And what best way to narrow down your search than to resort to some expert advice – in this case the Zacks Industry Rank. […]

Canadian energy firm, Encana Corporation ( ECA ) has entered into an agreement with Veresen Midstream LP to sell certain midstream assets that it jointly owns with Cutbank Ridge Partnership. Encana would receive about C$412 million from the deal, in addition to actual costs accrued in 2015. […]