Top Stock Reports for Salesforce, Shell, Gilead Sciences & Others

Thursday, January 16, 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 Salesforce, Inc. (CRM), Shell plc (SHEL) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD). 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 >>>Salesforce shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the past year (+18.1% vs. +14.1%). The company is benefiting from a robust demand environment as customers are undergoing a major digital transformation. Its sustained focus on aligning products with customer needs is driving the top line.Continued deal wins in the international market are another growth driver. The buyout of Slack has positioned it as a leader in enterprise team collaboration and improved its competitive standing compared to Microsoft Teams. Salesforce’s strategy of continuous expansion of generative AI offerings will help it tap the growing opportunities in the space.However, stiff competition and unfavorable currency fluctuations are concerns. Softening IT spending amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties may hurt its growth prospects.(You can read the full research report on Salesforce here >>>)Shares of Shell have gained +14% over the past year against the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry’s gain of +14.8%. The company remains a global leader in liquefied natural gas. The company leverages its strong LNG position, bolstered by the acquisition of BG Group, to generate consistent earnings by capitalizing on steady demand for this transitional fuel.Shell’s strategic joint venture in the UK North Sea with Equinor enhances its dominance in the region while aligning with high-value objectives. Meanwhile, the company’s strong free cash flow generation and sustained buybacks reinforce shareholder value.However, the underperformance of its Renewable segment is a matter of concern. Another concern is the sub-100% reserve replacement ratio, indicating challenges in replenishing produced energy. Sensitivity to oil prices and the rise of EVS are other negative factors. Therefore, investors are advised to wait for a better entry point.(You can read the full research report on Shell here >>>)Gilead shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry over the past year (+12.8% vs. -13%). The company’s flagship HIV therapy, Biktarvy, continues to maintain its strong growth, fueling the top line. The company’s efforts to develop better HIV treatments are commendable. Recent data validate lenacapavir’s potential to prevent HIV.The successful development and approval of lenacapavir for the prevention of HIV will be a significant boost for Gilead, given its advantages over existing treatments. Strong quarterly results and encouraging data on lenacapavir data have helped share prices increase past year.According to the Zacks analyst sales estimates for Biktarvy indicate a CAGR of around 5.7% over the next three years. Gilead's efforts to bolster its oncology and virology franchises through internal pipeline development and collaborations are impressive as well. However, recent pipeline setbacks weigh on Gilead.(You can read the full research report on Gilead here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include General Motors Company (GM), Datadog, Inc. (DDOG) and Crown Castle Inc. (CCI)s.Director of ResearchSheraz MianNote: 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 ReadSalesforce (CRM) Rides on Portfolio Strength and BuyoutsShell (SHEL) to Benefit from LNG Demand GrowthHIV Franchise Fuel Gilead (GILD) Amid Pipeline SetbacksFeatured ReportsSteady Tower Demand Aids Crown Castle (CCI), Debt Burden AilPer the Zacks Analyst, Crown Castle's (CCI) efforts to augment tower business bode well amid the rising wireless connectivity usage. Yet, customer concentration and high interest expenses ail.Buyouts, Rate Cuts & Product Expansion Aid Robinhood (HOOD)Per the Zacks analyst, interest rate cuts, strategic buyouts such as TradePMR and Bitstamp, product diversification efforts, and a solid balance sheet will likely support Robinhood's financials.United Airlines (UAL) Benefits From Buoyant Air-Travel DemandThe Zacks Analyst is impressed with the fact that increased air-travel demand is aiding United Airlines' top-line performance.Strong Demand Offsets West Pharmaceuticals' (WST) FX HeadwindPer the Zacks analyst, continued strength in West Pharmaceuticals' proprietary products segment will drive prospects amid uncertainty globally. FX headwind anticipated to hurt 2024 sales by $5 millionSolid American Income Aids Globe Life (GL), Expenses HurtPer the Zacks analyst, Globe Life is set to grow on solid American Income distribution channel, which drives the premium income and underwriting margin. However, high costs remain a concern.Restructuring Initiatives Aid Mohawk (MHK) Amid High CostsPer the Zacks analyst, Mohawk is benefiting from enhanced restructuring and productive initiatives and a strong international presence. However, high costs and foreign currency risks mar prospects.Increasing Orders Aid Embraer (ERJ), Amid Labor ShortagePer the Zacks analyst, Embraer is likely to benefit from increasing orders for its commercial aircraft. Yet labor shortage might result in delays and can impact its operating results.New UpgradesGeneral Motors (GM) Rides on Vehicle Demand, High LiquidityStrong demand for its quality pickups/SUVs and a healthy cash balance ($24 billion at the end of Q3'24) make the Zacks analyst bullish on General Motors.Expanding Clientele & Rich Partner Base Aids Datadog (DDOG)Per the Zacks analyst, Datadog is benefiting from new customer additions and increased adoption of its cloud-based monitoring and analytics platform.Ubiquiti (UI) Rides on Healthy Demand, Product InnovationPer the Zacks analyst, rising demand for Enterprise Technology products in North America, Europe and Africa combined with advancements in UniFi product suite will likely boost Ubiquiti's top line.New DowngradesSLB Grapples with Geopolitical Risks and Sluggish US MarketPer the Zacks analyst, SLB's exposure to volatile regions and reduced energy spending by key customers poses challenges to growth. The company's rising debt level is also concerning.Lower Volumes & Higher Costs to Weigh on Apogee (APOG)Per the Zacks Analyst, lower volumes due to weak end-market demand in Apogee's Glass segment is impacting its results. Elevated interest rates also remain a woe. Conagra (CAG) Hurt by Cost Inflation, Soft Foodservice SalesPer the Zacks analyst, Conagra is troubled by inflation and soft Foodservice sales. Inflation is expected to persist in fiscal 2025, wherein the gross margin is likely to contract 90 basis points.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 Salesforce Inc. (CRM): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report Crown Castle Inc. (CCI): Free Stock Analysis Report General Motors Company (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report Datadog, Inc. (DDOG): Free Stock Analysis Report Shell PLC Unsponsored ADR (SHEL): 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