Image Source: Pixabay

The 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 Abbott Laboratories (ABT), BP p.l.c. (BP) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD), as well as two micro-cap stocks Smith-Midland Corp. (SMID) and Crimson Wine Group, Ltd. (CWGL).

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.

Shares of Abbott have declined -1.5% over the past year against the Zacks Medical - Products industry’s decline of -1.6%. The company’s pipeline is generating several new growth prospects, which will help sustain the positive momentum and contribute to the strong growth projection in 2024.

Alinity, the company’s next-generation suite of systems, is a key driver in the core lab diagnostics business. EPD's impressive stretch of strong performance stems from the company’s unique business model. Freestyle Libre CGM device is also on a great trajectory, continually outpacing market growth.

Within Nutrition, after a period of hiccups, Abbott has finally reestablished itself as the market leader in the infant formula business, underscoring strong customer confidence in the company's products. However, the slump in COVID-19 testing-related sales is hurting Abbott’s overall growth. Tough macro conditions also pose a concern for its operations.

BP’s shares have gained +1.4% over the past year against the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry’s gain of +6.6%. The company has a strong portfolio of upstream projects, supporting notable growth in production. The integrated energy company exhibits robust upstream growth with the start-up of major projects like Seagull, which boosts its production capacity.

Diversification into renewables through the Lightsource BP acquisition supports long-term sustainability amid energy transitions. The divestment strategy aims to reach $25 billion by 2025, enhancing the balance sheet and returning capital to shareholders.

However, a high debt-to-capitalization ratio raises financial flexibility and balance sheet concerns. Also, despite resolving significant litigation expenses from the 2010 oil spill, BP had to sell valuable assets. These divestitures could potentially limit future cash generation. Refining margins may face pressure due to narrower crude differentials.

Shares of Gilead have declined -8.6% over the past year against the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry’s decline of -11.2%. The company's recent pipeline setbacks weigh on its balance sheet. Gaining incremental market share is likely to get tougher due to the competition in the HIV market.

Nevertheless, Gilead’s flagship HIV therapy, Biktarvy, continues to maintain its strong growth, thereby fueling the top line. The approval of new therapies has boosted the company’s market-leading HIV franchise. Gilead’s efforts to develop better HIV treatments are commendable.

Substantial growth in Yescarta and Tecartus, and the strong uptake of Trodelvy have strengthened its oncology franchise. Gilead's efforts to bolster its oncology and virology franchises through internal pipeline development and collaborations are encouraging.

Smith-Midland’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Building Products - Concrete and Aggregates industry over the past year (+71.7% vs. +14.7%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $174.47 million hit a record $59.6 million in 2023, up 19% year over year due to expanded sales of soundwalls and barrier rentals, supported by strategic manufacturing investments and a global licensee network.

Operational efficiency improved, turning a prior year operating loss into a $542,000 operating income in fourth-quarter 2023. Infrastructure spending tailwinds from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act may boost the 2024 results. Financial health is strong, with $9.2 million in cash and $5 million invested in production capacity.

However, rising material and labor costs, high receivables, and intense competition pose risks. The dependence on key customers and potential regulatory penalties could impact SMID’s financials. The possibility of reduced government infrastructure spending could further strain performance.

Shares of Crimson Wine have declined -2.3% over the past year against the Zacks Beverages - Alcohol industry’s decline of -12.3%. This microcap company with market capitalization of $119.88 million boasts a strong portfolio of seven luxury wine brands, appealing to affluent consumers with wines retailing more than $16 per 750 ml bottle. It has a healthy balance sheet, with $22.6 million in cash and a current ratio of 10.3.

Continued investment in premium brands and a robust inventory of 0.7 million cases position the company well. CWGL has a $60-million credit facility with no drawdowns, reflecting financial flexibility and an improved gross margin. Yet, Crimson Wine Group reported first-quarter net loss of $633,000, with rising operating expenses outpacing revenue growth.

High inventory levels suggest misalignment with market demand. Climate change and adverse weather pose risks to grape quality and production costs. Also, CWGL faces technological and cybersecurity risks with its new ERP system and inflationary pressures.

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ), D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI) and Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN).

More By This Author: