Top Analyst Reports for Berkshire Hathaway, Canadian Pacific & AIG

Thursday, October 10, 2024The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 12 major stocks, including Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B), Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CP) and American International Group, Inc. (AIG), as well as micro-cap stock Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (SPLP). 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 >>>Berkshire Hathaway’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry over the year-to-date period (+27.8% vs. +26.7%). The company is one of the largest property and casualty insurance companies with numerous diverse business activities. A strong cash position supports earnings-accretive bolt-on buyouts and is indicative of its financial flexibility.Continued insurance business growth fuels an increase in float, drives earnings and generates maximum return on equity. The non-insurance businesses have also been doing well in the last few years. The addition of Pilot Travel Centers (PTC) has strengthened its energy business. A sturdy capital level provides further impetus.However, exposure to cat loss induces earnings volatility and also affects underwriting results. Huge capital expenditure remains a headwind. With the demise of Charles Munger, uncertainty looms over the company's performance.(You can read the full research report on Berkshire Hathaway here >>>)Shares of Canadian Pacific have outperformed the Zacks Transportation - Rail industry over the year-to-date period (+2.3% vs. -1.4%). Following the approval of the merger with Kansas City Southern, the company is known as Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. The deal is anticipated to draw synergies (annually) of $1 billion within three years.The merged entity has started to offer a daily premium intermodal service between the U.S. Midwest and Mexico. We are impressed with Canadian Pacific Kansas City's efforts to reward its shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.On the flip side, high operating expenses continue to weigh on the company's bottom line. The positivity surrounding the stock is evident from the fact that the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has been revised upward over the past 60 days. In view of the positives surrounding the stock, investors would do well to bet on the same at current levels.(You can read the full research report on Canadian Pacific here >>>)American International’s shares have gained +13.3% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Insurance - Multi line industry’s gain of +20.4%. The company’s cost-cutting efforts are driving operational efficiency, aiding the margins. It continues to make divestitures to streamline its operations, focus on the General Insurance unit and reduce portfolio volatility.American International’s robust cash generation abilities have enabled it to continue elevating shareholder value through share buybacks and dividend payouts. Its FCF increased 5.4% in the trailing 12-month period.However, deterioration in its North America Commercial Lines’ combined ratio is a headwind. Its net debt-to-capital is higher than the industry. Moreover, its ROE of 9.52% is lower than the industry’s average of 16.09%, reflecting inefficiency in utilizing shareholders’ funds. As such, the stock warrants a cautious stance.(You can read the full research report on American International here >>>)Shares of Steel Partners’ have gained +4.1% over the past six months against the Zacks Diversified Operations industry’s gain of +15.2%. This microcap company with market capitalization of $808.39 million reported strong financial results in second-quarter 2024, with revenues growing 6.4% year over year to $533.2 million and a 113.2% surge in net income to $124.9 million.Revenues for the six months ended Jun 30, 2024 also increased by 6.7% to $1 billion. This growth reflects the company's effective diversification across its industrial and financial services segments. SPLP's operational efficiency is highlighted by a 15.7% adjusted EBITDA margin, up from 14.7% in second-quarter 2023.The company's balance sheet is robust, with $256.4 million in cash and a $112-million debt reduction in the first half of 2024, enhancing financial stability. Investments in the Supply Chain segment, which saw 192% in revenues for the six months ended Jun 30, 2024, position SPLP for long-term growth, particularly as global supply chains evolve.(You can read the full research report on Steel Partners here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW), Halliburton Co. (HAL) and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (WPM).Mark VickerySenior EditorNote: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>Today's Must ReadSolid Insurance Business Aid Berkshire (BRK.B), Cat Loss AilCanadian Pacific KC's (CP) Dividend Payouts Boost ProspectsAIG Benefits From Divestitures and Cost Control MeasuresFeatured ReportsProduct Strength, Marketing Effort Aid Palo Alto (PANW)Per the Zacks analyst, Palo Alto Networks is gaining from solid contributions of its growth-oriented products including Prisma and Cortex. Increasing marketing efforts are also positive.Halliburton (HAL) to Benefit from International GrowthThe Zacks analyst believes that Halliburton's strong growth at its international business, coupled with margin expansion, positions the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities worldwide.Investment & Expanding Operation Aid American Water (AWK)Per the Zacks analyst American Water's planned long-term investment to strengthen infrastructure and expanding operation through acquisition and organic means are going to drive its performance.Regency Centers (REG) Gains From Solid Retail Assets DemandPer the Zacks analyst, focus on grocery-anchored shopping centers, leading tenant roster and expansion efforts augur well for Regency Centers. However, rising e-commerce adoption remains a concern.DocuSign (DOCU) Gains From eSignature Strength, InvestmentsThe Zacks analyst is optimistic about DocuSign's top line as it significantly benefits from continued customer demand for eSignature. Investments in technical expertise are also reaping benefits.New UpgradesSolid Portfolio, Higher Output Aid Wheaton Precious (WPM) Per the Zacks Analyst, Wheaton Precious will gain from its solid portfolio of assets. Higher production from certain mines will boost margins.CyberArk (CYBR) Rides on Shift to Subscription ServicesPer the Zacks analyst, CyberArk's focus on selling more subscription-based services is helping the company generate stable revenues and higher margins.New DowngradesMassive Debt & Stiff Competition Concerns for Lumen (LUMN)Per the Zacks analyst, though Lumen stands to gain from AI proliferation, the increasing competition in this space is concerning. Heavy debt load is an additional headwind.Rising Cost Impede Bank of Hawaii's (BOH) Bottom-Line GrowthPer Zacks analyst, Bank of Hawaii's bottom line remains under pressure due to escalating expenses through investments in technology and innovation.Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.This top pick is among the most innovative financial firms. With a fast-growing customer base (already 50+ million) and a diverse set of cutting edge solutions, this stock is poised for big gains. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant 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 Halliburton Company (HAL): Free Stock Analysis Report American International Group, Inc. (AIG): Free Stock Analysis Report Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B): Free Stock Analysis Report Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CP): Free Stock Analysis Report Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW): Free Stock Analysis Report Steel Partners Holdings LP (SPLP): Get Free Report Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (WPM): 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