The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights RTX, Honeywell, Charles Schwab, Steel Partners and Better Choice

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – December 20, 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: RTX Corp. RTX, Honeywell International Inc. HON, The Charles Schwab Corp. SCHW, Steel Partners Holdings L.P. SPLP and Better Choice Company Inc. BTTR.Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:Top Stock Reports for RTX, Honeywell and Charles SchwabThe 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 RTX Corp., Honeywell International Inc. and The Charles Schwab Corp., as well as two micro-cap stocks Steel Partners Holdings L.P. and Better Choice Company 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 >>>RTX’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry over the past year (+39.8% vs. -8.8%). The company continues to receive ample orders for its wide range of combat-proven defense products from the Pentagon and its foreign allies. It won several notable defense awards during the third quarter.A steadily improving commercial air traffic has been bolstering commercial OEM as well as commercial aftermarket sales for the company. RTX holds a solid financial position, which enables it to make successful share repurchases.However, rising crude price tends to put cost pressure on airlines and may affect the operating results of commercial OEM producers like RTX. The company may also be affected if China enforces its announced sanctions against its missile and defense unit. Supply-chain challenges also pose a threat to RTX’s growth.(You can read the full research report on RTX here >>>)Shares of Honeywell have outperformed the Zacks Diversified Operations industry over the past year (+11.1% vs. -7.8%). The company is witnessing strength in the commercial aviation and building automation businesses. The Aerospace segment is particularly strong, driven by robust demand in the aviation aftermarket.A strong demand across the commercial aviation aftermarket and original equipment businesses is aiding the Aerospace segment. The company also continue to reward shareholders, which adds to the stock’s appeal. While acquisitions have expanded its product range and geographic reach, they have also increased the company’s balance sheet debt as well.Weakness in the Industrial Automation segment, due to lower demand for projects, is worrisome. The weakened demand for its products within the sensing and safety technologies business is also concerning. Given the company’s international exposure, foreign currency translation remains an overhang.(You can read the full research report on Honeywell here >>>)Charles Schwab’s shares have gained +5.2% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry’s gain of +38.0%. As the company deals with low-yielding assets on its balance sheet, it plans to shrink itself to sustain profits and rely more on off-balance sheet arrangements to house deposits. This will likely exert pressure on its top-line growth.The Zacks analyst project total revenues to rise just 2.6% in 2024. Elevated costs will hamper profitability. Though we estimate the total expense to fall in 2024, it will increase in 2025.However, falling interest rates will support net interest margin (NIM) expansion. Its focus on repaying high-cost bank supplemental funding balances will further aid margins. We project NIM to be 2.13% in 2024. Buyouts have increased the company’s client assets. We estimate total client assets to see a CAGR of 8.8% by 2026. Solid capital distributions are another positive.(You can read the full research report on Charles Schwab here >>>)Shares of Steel Partners’ have outperformed the Zacks Diversified Operations industry over the past year (+6.7% vs. -7.7%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $796.20 million demonstrates consistent growth across its diversified operations, driven by strong customer demand, operational efficiency and effective execution.The company’s robust profitability improvements reflect its focus on cost discipline, margin expansion and enhanced segment contributions. Additionally, its solid balance sheet and deleveraging efforts improve financial flexibility and reduce risks, supporting growth initiatives and investments.Through disciplined capital allocation, including share repurchases and consistent distributions, Steel Partners reinforces its commitment to delivering shareholder value. With a diversified portfolio, successful acquisition synergies and strengthened profitability in financial services, the company is well-positioned for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.(You can read the full research report on Steel Partners here >>>)Better Choice’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Retail - Miscellaneous industry over the past year (-84.8% vs. +10.4%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $3.73 million is having dependency on Asia-Pacific exposes Better Choice to regulatory, economic, and competitive risks, while liquidity concerns persist despite recent capital raises. Elevated costs for marketing and supply chain improvements remain a challenge.Nevertheless, Better Choice delivered its first profitable quarter in Q3 2024 with adjusted EBITDA over $0.2 million and gross margins reaching 40%, driven by operational efficiencies and inventory reductions. Strong supply chain performance (97% fill rates) positions the company for sustained growth.Asia-Pacific remains a key driver, fueled by China’s doubling pet ownership trends and demand for premium brands like Halo. The SRx Health acquisition adds scale and enables entry into veterinary pharmaceuticals, enhancing diversification. Digital sales gained momentum, with double-digit subscription growth and a 20% rise in repeat purchases.(You can read the full research report on Better Choice 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.comhttps://www.zacks.comPast 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.Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor StockIt's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom.With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028.See This Stock Now for Free >>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 Honeywell International Inc. (HON): Free Stock Analysis Report The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW): Free Stock Analysis Report Steel Partners Holdings LP (SPLP): Get Free Report RTX Corporation (RTX): Free Stock Analysis Report Better Choice Company Inc. (BTTR): 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