Top Stock Reports for Cisco, Abbott & Coca-Cola

Friday, January 24, 2025The 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 Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO), Abbott Laboratories (ABT) and The Coca-Cola Co. (KO). 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 >>>Today's Featured Research ReportsCisco’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Networking industry over the past year (+31.2% vs. +23.9%). The company’s business model has evolved with subscriptions accounting for more than half of its total revenues. Increases in its recurring revenue base bodes well for investors. Its Splunk acquisition enhances its recurring revenue base. The buyout significantly expands Cisco’s portfolio of software-based solutions, contributing more than $4 billion in ARR and making it one of the largest software companies in the world. The launch of AI-powered Hypershield, which combines security and networking, strengthened Cisco’s security portfolio. However, it has been suffering from sluggish networking sales, primarily due to lackluster demand from telecommunication and cable services providers, as well as stiff competition. Cisco’s prospects are further challenged in the AI-driven networking space due to stiffening competition.(You can read the full research report on Cisco here >>>)Shares of Abbott have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Products industry over the past year (+21.3% vs. +18.6%). The company’s pipeline is unlocking new growth opportunities, supporting the company’s positive momentum and strong growth outlook for 2025. Freestyle Libre, Lingo and Libre Rio CGM devices are on a great trajectory. Alinity, the company’s next-generation suite of systems, is a key driver in the core lab diagnostics business. The company is optimistic about its latest progress with biosimilars and expects this to significantly boost EPD sales, beginning 2025. Within Nutrition, despite softness in its international pediatric segment, Abbott is regaining market share banking on a strong Adult Nutrition business. Yet the significant runoff of COVID-19 testing-related sales is hurting Abbott’s Diagnostics growth. Headwinds such as tough macro conditions and foreign exchange also add to the worry. (You can read the full research report on Abbott here >>>)Coca-Cola’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Beverages - Soft drinks industry over the past year (+6.3% vs. -4.6%). The company experiences positive business trends, as evident by its strong track record of beating expectations. In third-quarter 2024, the company exceeded sales and earnings estimates for the seventh consecutive quarter, with earnings showing year-over-year improvement. Results benefited from continued business momentum, aided by higher pricing across markets facing intense inflation and favorable mix. KO is well-poised to benefit from its marketing and innovation strategies, and growing digital investments. It has provided an optimistic view for 2024. It expects organic revenue growth of 10% for 2024, with comparable EPS to grow 5-6%. However, Coca-Cola faces inflationary cost pressures due to higher commodity and material costs, as well as increased marketing investments.(You can read the full research report on Coca-Cola here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Fiserv, Inc. (FI), 3M Company (MMM) and Discover Financial Services (DFS).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 ReadCisco (CSCO) Benefits From Strong Security Products AdoptionMarket Expansion, EPD Business Growth Aid Abbott (ABT)Coca-Cola's (KO) Digital Investments to Bolster the Top LineFeatured ReportsFiserv (FI) Gains From Skytef Buyout, Amid High CompetitionPer the Zacks analyst, the Skytef acquisition strengthens Fiserv's distribution network and point-of-sale. High competition from other players is an overhang.Safety and Industrial Segment Aids 3M (MMM) Amid Forex WoesPer the Zacks analyst, 3M will benefit from robust momentum in the Safety and Industrial unit, led by strength in the roofing granules business. However, forex woes remain concerning for the company.Discover Financial (DFS) Aided by Rising Interest IncomePer the Zacks Analyst, growth in net interest income has contributed to Discover Financial's top line. Digital transformation efforts drive margins.Public Funding & Buyouts Aid Vulcan (VMC), Macro Risks HurtPer the Zacks analyst, Vulcan is benefiting from favorable state and federal funding trends, operational efficiency and strategic acquisitions. However, weather-related and macro risks are concerns.Rate Cut, Expansion Plan Aid Ares Capital (ARCC), Costs HighPer the Zacks analyst, relatively lower rates, high commitments, customized financing demand and solid balance sheet will likely aid Ares Capital. Yet, high costs and regulatory constraints are woes.Knight-Swift (KNX) Benefits From Dividend Amid Cost WoesThe Zacks analyst likes the shareholder-friendly measures adopted by Knight-Swift. However, rise in operating expenses and high debt are likely to hurt the bottom line.Solid Underwriting Aid RLI Corp (RLI), Higher Expenses AilPer the Zacks analyst, RLI's solid portfolio, business expansion, rate rise, expanded distribution and operational strength drive profitability. Yet, high expenses inducing margin contraction concern.New UpgradesStrength Across Data Center End-Market Benefits MACOM (MTSI)Per the Zacks analyst, MACOM is gaining from solid cloud services demand which is accelerating both of its domestic and international deployments in the data center market.Investments & Strong Production Aid CNX Resources (CNX)Per the Zacks analyst, CNX Resources' investment plans should strengthen its land, midstream and water infrastructures. Strong production from Marcellus and Utica shales boosts its performance.Bandwidth (BAND) Benefits From Strong Customer Wins, New LaunchesPer the Zacks Analyst, solid traction across various industries, including health care, retail and civic engagement, is likely to boost Bandwidth's top line. Strategic buyouts further aid the company.New DowngradesIntense Obesity Market Rivalry Weigh-In on Novo Nordisk (NVO)Novo Nordisk's intense competition from Eli Lilly in the obesity market along with pricing pressure in the United States, concerns the Zacks Analyst.High Oil Prices to Hurt Phillips 66's (PSX) Refining MarginsPhillips 66's refining operations may experience elevated input costs due to high crude prices, squeezing its profitability. Moreover, its high debt exposure concerns the Zacks analyst. Weak Demand and Elevated Costs to Hurt AGCO's (AGCO) ResultsPer the Zacks analyst, muted farmer spending amid lower commodity prices is weakening demand for AGCO's products. Higher material costs add pressures to its margins.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 Abbott Laboratories (ABT): Free Stock Analysis Report Discover Financial Services (DFS): Free Stock Analysis Report CocaCola Company (The) (KO): Free Stock Analysis Report Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO): Free Stock Analysis Report 3M Company (MMM): Free Stock Analysis Report Fiserv, Inc. (FI): 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