Top Stock Reports for Goldman Sachs, Progressive & Boston Scientific

Friday, February 28, 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 The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS), The Progressive Corp. (PGR) and Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX), as well as micro-cap stock Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. (CPS). 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 >>>Ahead of Wall StreetThe daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens and attempts to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.You can read today's AWS here >>> PCE Brings Good News to the Stock MarketToday's Featured Research ReportsGoldman Sachs’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry over the past year (+72.7% vs. +42.6%). The company’s refocus on the core strengths of IB and trading businesses through restructuring initiatives will boost its presence in overseas markets. The company's decent cash levels and solid credit profile will aid capital distribution moves. Its earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. However, the company's global banking and markets division will likely be under pressure due to the volatile nature of capital markets. Given the current geopolitical concerns, high dependence on overseas revenues is worrisome. Further, rising expenses might limit its bottom-line growth. Nonetheless, the company's strategic acquisitions and expansion in the private equity credit line will help diversify the fee-revenue base and offer top-line stability for the company.(You can read the full research report on Goldman Sachs here >>>)Shares of Progressive have outperformed the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry over the past year (+41.3% vs. +18%). The company continues to gain on higher premiums, given its compelling product portfolio, leadership position and strength in both Vehicle and Property businesses. Progressive’s focus on becoming a one-stop insurance destination, catering to customers opting for a combination of home and auto insurance, augurs well for the company's growth. Policies in force and retention ratio should remain healthy. Competitive pricing to retain current customers and address customer needs with new offerings should continue to drive policy life expectancy. However, exposure to catastrophe losses induces underwriting volatility. Escalating expenses due to higher losses and settlement expenses remain an overhang on the margin. Its high debt level induces higher interest expense concerns.(You can read the full research report on Progressive here >>>)Boston Scientific’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Products industry over the past year (+60.2% vs. +13.9%). The company, despite macroeconomic concerns and related cost inflation, is seeing strength across target markets. Strong worldwide demand for its MedSurg and Cardiovascular lines, traction in the United States and outside for its the next generation WATCHMAN FLX and FLX Pro, as well as contribution from accretive acquisitions are important drivers. The Pain and Brain franchisees are expected to gain solid traction in 2025 banking on strong execution of core growth strategies. The Electrophysiology arm continues to gain momentum on sustained adoption of FARAPULSE PFA. The 2025 guidance indicating strong organic growth over 2024 builds confidence in the stock. On the flip side, mounting costs due to worldwide geopolitical issues are major concerns. FX headwinds are expected to impact the company’s top line in 2025.(You can read the full research report on Boston Scientific here >>>)Shares of Cooper-Standard have declined -3.9% over the past year against the Zacks Automotive - Original Equipment industry’s decline of -9.2%. This microcap company with market capitalization of $258.51 million expanded margins despite lower revenue, with fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA increasing 96.8% year-over-year to $54.3 million. Cost optimizations delivered over $100 million in savings, and management aims for double-digit margins by the fourth quarter of 2025. Net new business reached $181.4 million, with 58% tied to electric vehicles, boosting content per vehicle. Proprietary innovations and partnerships with major original equipment manufacturers enhance competitiveness. However, high debt of $1.06 billion and rising interest costs of $97.3 million in 2024, projected at $105 million to $115 million in 2025, pose risks. Cooper-Standard reported a net loss of $78.7 million in 2024 as revenue declined 3% to $2.73 billion. Weak global auto production, foreign exchange headwinds, and pricing pressure from automakers could challenge its 2025 margin target.(You can read the full research report on Cooper-Standard here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include HEICO Corp. (HEI), Nutanix, Inc. (NTNX) and Ball Corp. (BALL).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 ReadGoldman's (GS) Strength in IB Business Aids Its FinancialPersonal & Commercial business lines Aid Progressive (PGR)New Buyouts, Endoscopy Growth Aid Boston Scientific (BSX)Featured ReportsAcquisitions to Aid Heico (HEI), Shortage of Parts WoesPer the Zacks analyst, disciplined acquisition strategy has been driving Heico's overall performance. However, shortage of parts supply might adversely impact the company's results of operationsDigital Transformation, Product Strength Aids Nutanix (NTNX)Per the Zacks analyst, Nutanix is benefiting from higher investments by clients in digital transformation, as well as frequent product refreshes which help it gain new customers.Strong Demand to Drive Ball Corporation (BALL), Costs AilThe Zacks analyst is concerned that higher labor costs will weigh on Ball Corporation's results. However, global growing demand for beverage cans will drive margins. WEX Gains From Payzer Buyout, High Debt Servicing Costs AilPer the Zacks Analyst, the Payzer buyout aids WEX's growth, offering scalable SaaS to 150,000 small business clients. Servicing a high debt adds to operational costs, reducing cash flow flexibility. Blue Owl Capital (OBDC) Rides on Diversified Portfolio, Costs HurtPer the Zacks analyst, Blue Owl Capital's revenues are driven by higher investment income and a diversified portfolio safeguards it against tough times. Rising expenses is a concern.Strong Subscriber Momentum Boosts Iridium's (IRDM) ProspectsPer the Zacks analyst, Iridium is gaining from higher subscribers, driven by the growing adoption of its services in various sectors. Rising deal wins, especially from the U.S. government are a plus.Newell's (NWL) Productivity & Pricing Actions Boost MarginsPer the Zacks analyst, Newell is improving efficiency and productivity through automation, strategic pricing, and the full implementation of Project Ovid, which has strengthened profit margins.New UpgradesFocus on Renewable Energy Aid Constellation Energy (CEG)Per the Zacks analyst, Constellation Energy gains from expansion of renewable portfolio. Its position as an industry leader in the safe operation of nuclear plants helps it increase its nuclear outputDeckers' (DECK) Top Line to Gain on HOKA ONE ONE BrandPer the Zacks analyst, Deckers' HOKA brand has been contributing to its top line. Management expects fiscal 2025 sales from the brand to be up 24% from the last year.Ovintiv's (OVV) Montney Assets Positioned for Pricing GrowthThe Zacks analyst believes that Ovintiv's Montney gas assets are well-positioned to benefit from LNG Canada's rising demand, strengthening export capacity, and improving pricing for higher cash flow.New DowngradesSeveral Headwinds to Hurt Merck's (MRK) Growth in 2025Per the Zacks analyst, Merck's headwinds include declining sales of Gardasil in China, potential competition for Keytruda, which is nearing patent expiration in 2028, and a bearish outlook for 2025Low Volumes to Weigh on Caterpillar's (CAT) ResultsThe Zacks analyst is concerned that the low volume trends in two of its major segments- Construction Industries and Resource Industries will continue to hurt Caterpillar's top-line performance.Macro Headwinds & Increased Expenses Ail Owens Corning (OC)Per the Zacks analyst, Owens Corning is hurting from soft trends across the residential and commercial construction markets and increased operating expenses.7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 DaysJust released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +24.3% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention. See them 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 The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS): Free Stock Analysis Report Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX): Free Stock Analysis Report The Progressive Corporation (PGR): Free Stock Analysis Report Heico Corporation (HEI): Free Stock Analysis Report Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. (CPS): Free Stock Analysis Report Nutanix (NTNX): Free Stock Analysis Report Ball Corporation (BALL): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks