Abbott’s shares have gained +8.1% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Medical - Products industry’s gain of +15.4%. 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 performance stems from the company’s unique business model. The company is optimistic about its latest progress with biosimilars and expects this to significantly boost EPD sales, beginning 2025. Freestyle Libre CGM device is also on a great trajectory.
Within Nutrition, after a period of hiccups, Abbott has finally reestablished itself as the market leader in the infant formula business. Yet, the significant runoff of COVID-19 testing-related sales is hurting Abbott’s Diagnostics growth. Tough macro conditions also pose a concern.
(You can read the full research report on Abbott here >>>)
Shares of Value Line have gained +41.8% over the past year against the Zacks Financial - Investment Management industry’s gain of +59.0%. This microcap company with market capitalization of $455.18 million offers strong shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks, increasing its dividend for 10 consecutive years, with a $1.20 annualized payout.
The company repurchased shares worth $0.2 million in the latest quarter, with $1.03 million still authorized, enhancing EPS. Cost management has been effective, cutting salaries to $3.5 million and preserving margins despite revenue pressures. Contributions from EULAV Asset Management rose to $4.2 million, providing steady cash flow. The $70.9 million investment portfolio offers liquidity.
Value Line’s reputation drives demand for diversified offerings, though publishing revenues dropped 8.8%, signaling weaker demand. Unearned revenues fell 5.4% from April 2024, hinting at future sales challenges. Reliance on a major customer (29.2% of publishing revenue) poses a concentration risk. Cash flow declined to $4.8 million, limiting financial flexibility.
(You can read the full research report on Value Line here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), Sanofi (SNY) and Moody's Corp. (MCO).
Mark Vickery
Senior Editor
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>>>
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Sanofi (SNY) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Moody's Corporation (MCO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Linde PLC (LIN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Value Line, Inc. (VALU): Free Stock Analysis Report
Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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