Top Stock Reports for Broadcom, Bank of America & Netflix
Monday, August 19, 2024
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 Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), Bank of America Corporation (BAC) and Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), as well as two micro-cap stocks BK Technologies Corporation (BKTI) and Optex Systems Holdings, Inc (OPXS). 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 >>>
Broadcom shares have outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry over the year-to-date period (+49.6% vs. +25.4%). The company’s fiscal second quarter benefited from strong deployment of AI by hyperscalers, service providers and enterprises. Networking remained strong as the company witnessed strong growth.
Sales of the PAM-5 and Jericho 3, which Broadcom deployed successfully in close collaboration with partners like Arista Networks, Dell, Juniper, and Supermicro, doubled year over year. It also doubled shipments of PCI Express switches and NICs in the AI backend fabric.
AI sales surged an astounding 280% year over year and is now expected to be more than $11 billion for fiscal 2024. Broadcom expects networking revenues to be strong. Server storage connectivity revenues are expected to recover modestly in the second half of 2024.
(You can read the full research report on Broadcom here >>>)
Shares of Bank of America have outperformed the Zacks Banks - Major Regional industry over the past six months (+17.4% vs. +17.2%). The company’s second-quarter 2024 results were aided by marginally higher revenues. While high funding costs are a concern, the company’s net interest income (NII) will be positively impacted by the current high-rate regime. The Zacks analyst project NII to witness a CAGR of 0.8% by 2026.
Bank of America’s plans to open financial centers in new and existing markets and improve digital capabilities will aid the top line. While the capital markets activity is showing signs of improvement, the challenging macroeconomic environment might weigh on the investment banking (IB) business.
Thus, fee income growth will likely be muted. We project fee income to rise in 2024 and decline in 2025. Due to continued investments in franchise, operating costs will remain high. We expect expenses to rise 0.5% in 2024.
(You can read the full research report on Bank of America here >>>)
Netflix shares have outperformed the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry over the year-to-date period (+38.4% vs. +18.2%). The company is benefiting from its growing subscriber base, thanks to a robust portfolio, paid subscription-sharing offering (part of its password-sharing crackdown), recent price changes and the strength of its business in general.
Netflix added 8.05 million paid subscribers globally in second-quarter 2024, with a rise of 1% in average revenue per subscription. Netflix is expected to continue dominating the streaming space, courtesy of its diversified content portfolio, which is attributable to heavy investments in the production and distribution of localized and foreign-language content.
However, stiff competition in the streaming space from the likes of Apple, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ is a headwind. NFLX’s leveraged balance sheet and a higher streaming obligation are concerns.
(You can read the full research report on Netflix here >>>)
Shares of BK Technologies have outperformed the Zacks Wireless Equipment industry over the year-to-date period (+44.5% vs. +25.6%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $62.50 million has achieved a significant turnaround in profitability, with second-quarter 2024 GAAP earnings per share (EPS) reaching $0.47, driven by cost reductions and a robust gross margin of 37.3%.
Growing demand for BKR 9000 and BKR 5000 radios, evidenced by orders from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Mississippi Forestry Commission, supports revenue growth. A $27 million order backlog enhances revenue visibility while transitioning to outsourced manufacturing reduces costs. A focus on innovation, such as the patented InteropONE solution, strengthens BK's market position.
Yet, reliance on government contracts, supply-chain risks and limited product diversification pose potential challenges. The strong balance sheet, with $2.9 million in cash and no long-term debt, provides financial stability.
(You can read the full research report on BK Technologies here >>>)
Optex Systems’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry over the year-to-date period (+23.3% vs. +18.3%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $55.54 million has demonstrated strong growth with a notable revenue increase from $17.6 million to $24.6 million for the first nine months of 2024.
Optex Systems’ expanding order backlog, rising from $43.5 million to over $47 million, underscores robust market demand and solid contract acquisition. Strategic contract wins, including multi-million dollar deals in military applications, bolster its positioning in the defense sector, where it aligns well with the growing demand for optical sighting systems and assemblies.
Financially, it has seen a significant rise in net income, jumping from $0.8 million to $2.8 million, reflecting operational efficiencies and effective management. The company's focus on innovation further strengthens its market position. However, risks include margin compression due to inflationary pressures, contract concentration and competition from larger defense contractors.
(You can read the full research report on Optec Systems here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA), Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG) and Tetra Tech, Inc. (TTEK).
Director of Research
Sheraz Mian
Note: 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 Read
Strong Demand for Networking Products Aids Broadcom (AVGO)
High Rates Aid Bank of America (BAC) Amid Market Volatility
Robust Content Aids Netflix (NFLX) Amid Stiff Competition
Featured Reports
International Commerce & Cloud Businesses Aid Alibaba (BABA)
Per the Zacks analyst, Alibaba is gaining from International retail and wholesale business strength, driven by AliExpress and value-added services. Solid uptake of public cloud products is a plus.
Efficiency Initiatives Support Citizens (CFG) Amid High Cost
Per the Zacks analyst, rising loan and deposit balances along with a focus on efficiency initiatives are likely to aid Citizens' financials. However, the escalating expense is a concern.
GSG Segment to Benefit Tetra Tech (TTEK) Amid Forex Woes
Per the Zacks analyst, solid traction of Tetra Tech's Government Services Group (GSG) Segment, led by higher advanced water treatment work should drive its growth. Forex woes are an added concern.
Diversified Product Mix Aids AutoNation (AN), High Debt Ails
Per the Zacks analyst, AutoNation's diversified product mix and multiple streams of income augur well for earnings and sales growth. However, the high debt level remains a concern.
First American (FAF) Rides on Acquisitions, Debt Level Hurt
Per the Zacks analyst, a number of buyouts have helped First American to boost its core business, expand valuation and data business. However, increased debt raises financial risk.
Denali (DNLI) Pipeline Progress Good, Targeted Market Tough
Per the Zacks analyst, Denali's pipeline of targeted therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative diseases is promising. Strategic collaborations bode well but the targeted market is challenging.
USA Compression (USAC) to Gain from Strong Gas Demand
The Zacks analyst believes that USA Compression Partners' equipment is essential for natural gas pipelines, contributing to stable future cash flows. However, high debt levels remain a concern.
New Upgrades
Digitization Holds Key to BJ's Wholesale (BJ) Sales Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, BJ's Wholesale Club has been investing in enhancing digital capabilities to better engage with members. Digitally-enabled sales rose 21% in the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
Built to Order Model & Improved Demand Aid KB Home (KBH)
Per the Zacks analyst, KB Home is aiding from its Built to Order model, improved demand conditions, and lower cancellation rate. Also, solid pricing strategy and affordability initiatives bode well.
Investments & Customer Additions Aid UGI Corporation (UGI)
Per the Zacks analyst, UGI's strategic investment plans help to upgrade and replace the aging infrastructure that boost its performance. The company also gains from an expanding customer base.
New Downgrades
Old Dominion's (ODFL) Prospects Hurt by Freight Demand Woes
The Zacks analyst is concerned about the challenging freight environment. The operating ratio (operating expenses as a % of revenues) is high due to revenue weakness.
Slow Recovery, Macroeconomic Volatility Burden Ciena (CIEN)
Per the Zacks analyst, Ciena's performance may be strained by slower recovery of order volumes from service providers addressing inventory corrections, alongside global macroeconomic volatility.
Elevated Cost Trends, Global Risks Worry CVS Health (CVS)
The Zacks analyst is concerned with CVS Health facing high Medicare utilization trends in areas like in-patient and pharmacy, and Medicaid cost pressures. Volatile global issues can hurt operations.
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