The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights AstraZeneca, Accenture, AT&T and National Presto Industries

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – October 17, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: AstraZeneca PLC AZN, Accenture plc ACN, AT&T Inc. T and National Presto Industries, Inc. NPK.Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:Top Research Report for AstraZeneca, Accenture and AT&TThe 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 AstraZeneca PLC, Accenture plc and AT&T Inc., as well as a micro-cap stock National Presto Industries, Inc.. The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.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 >>>Shares of AstraZeneca have gained +18.0% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry's gain of +22.7%. The company's key drugs like Lynparza, Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Fasenra, Ultomiris and Farxiga should keep driving revenues. AstraZeneca's pipeline is strong, with important pipeline data readouts lined up.AstraZeneca has also been engaged in external acquisitions and strategic collaborations to boost its pipeline while investing in geographic areas of high growth like emerging markets. Backed by its new products and pipeline drugs, AstraZeneca believes it can post industry-leading top-line growth in the 2025-2030 period.However, AstraZeneca's diabetes franchise faces stiff competition while pricing pressure hurts sales in the respiratory unit. Estimates are stable ahead of the Q3 earnings release. The company has a mixed record of earnings surprises in the recent quarters.(You can read the full research report on AstraZeneca here >>>)Accenture's have gained +21.5% over the past year against the Zacks Computers - IT Services industry's gain of +30.4%. The company's shares are attractive due to technological prowess, contribution from acquisitions, strong growth prospects and dividend payouts.Accenture continues to witness strong demand for application modernization and maintenance, cloud enablement and cybersecurity-as-a-service. These trends are boosting its managed services business across the world. A disciplined acquisition strategy helps Accenture to channelize business in high-growth areas.On the flip side, pricing pressure due to significant competition from strong companies like Genpact, Cognizant and Infosys, remains a concern. Accenture continues to acquire a large number of companies which adds to integration risk.(You can read the full research report on Accenture here >>>)Shares of AT&T have outperformed the Zacks Wireless National industry over the past year (+56.7% vs. +52.5%). The company having a customer-centric business model, is likely to benefit from the increased deployment of mid-band spectrum and greater fiber densification. An integrated fiber expansion strategy is expected to improve broadband connectivity for enterprise and consumer markets, while steady 5G deployments are likely to boost end-user experience.AT&T intends to leverage Ericsson technology to deploy a commercial-scale open radio access network across the country to help build a more robust ecosystem of network infrastructure providers and suppliers.However, AT&T has offered a muted outlook for 2024 owing to a challenging macroeconomic environment. The steady decline in linear TV subscribers and legacy services is a potent headwind. Healthy discounts and freebies to woo customers dent margins. The high debt burden is worrisome.(You can read the full research report on AT&T here >>>)National Presto's shares have gained +3.2% over the past year against the Zacks Diversified Operations industry's gain of +21.1%. This microcap company with market capitalization of $520.67 million boasts a strong balance sheet with minimal debt and solid cash flow, providing stability and flexibility for growth initiatives, including acquisitions and shareholder returns. The company's Defense segment has secured a $52 million option under a U.S. Army contract, enhancing its long-term revenue visibility.National Presto's Housewares segment benefits from innovation and strong branding, aligning with increasing demand for energy-efficient and smart appliances. A diversified business portfolio across defense, kitchen appliances and safety products helps mitigate risks and maintain stable performance.However, rising raw material costs pose a threat to margins, particularly in the competitive kitchen appliance market dominated by large players. The company's reliance on U.S. defense contracts introduces vulnerability to shifts in federal spending.(You can read the full research report on National Presto Industries here >>>)Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.com                                      https://www.zacks.com                                                   Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and SellsWe're not kidding.Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent.Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators,and more, that closed 228 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2023 alone.See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AstraZeneca PLC (AZN): Free Stock Analysis Report AT&T Inc. (T): Free Stock Analysis Report Accenture PLC (ACN): Free Stock Analysis Report National Presto Industries, Inc. (NPK): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks