With the fourth quarter starting next week, and the final three months of 2017 upon us, many of the top firms that we cover on Wall Street are making some adjustments to their lists of high-conviction stock picks. While we have had a rather back and forth summer, most analysts are positive on third-quarter earnings, and given the lofty levels of the market, companies will need to deliver solid results to push higher as we head to 2018.
A new UBS research report makes some adjustments to the firm’s Top Picks list of stocks to buy, which represent the analyst’s very best ideas. The report noted this:
Each sector strategist has identified three of their Most Preferred recommended stocks as best positioned in their respective industries to outperform their respective sector benchmark over a 12-month investment horizon.
We screened the large-cap growth group of stocks and found four very timely ideas. All are rated Buy at UBS.
Allergan
This company has backed up big-time since the summer and is offering great entry point. Allergan Inc. (NYSE: AGN) develops, manufactures and markets branded pharmaceutical products. Its growth has been driven largely by acquisitions supported by internal growth, with significant acquisitions of the “old” Allergan, Forest and Warner-Chilcott.
Allergan markets a portfolio of best-in-class products that provide valuable treatments for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics, gastroenterology, women’s health, urology, cardiovascular and anti-infective therapeutic categories, and it operates the world’s third-largest global generics business, providing patients around the globe with increased access to affordable, high-quality medicines.
Allergan is an industry leader in research and development, with one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry and a leading position in the submission of generic product applications globally.
Shareholders receive a 1.34% dividend. The $275 UBS price target for the shares is higher than the Wall Street consensus price objective of $270.78. Shares traded Thursday at $205.70.
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Disney
This top consumer media company has multiple streams of income to push revenue. Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) stock continues outperforming on a near-term and long-term basis. With the movie studio business poised to improve, as with accelerating theme park business, the network programming continues to drive viewership with extensive sports programming. Combining that revenue growth with the company’s solid media networks and interactive presence, and the 2017 and 2018 revenue estimates could be conservative.
The Disney Media Networks segment operates broadcast and cable television networks, domestic television stations and radio networks and stations, and it is involved in the television production and television distribution operations. Its cable networks include ESPN, Disney Channels and ABC Family, as well as UTV/Bindass and Hungama. This segment also owns eight domestic television stations. Disney is also one of 24/7 Wall St.’s top 10 stocks to own for the next decade.
Disney offers shareholders a 1.57% dividend. UBS has a $122 price target, and the consensus target is $118.70. The shares traded Thursday at $98.70.
Home Depot
This company remains the undisputed leader in the home improvement retail category. Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,270 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.
Home Depot stores sell various building materials, home improvement products, and lawn and garden products, as well as provide installation, home maintenance and professional service programs to do-it-yourself (DIY), do-it-for-me (DIFM) and professional customers.
The company posted solid second-quarter results but saw some selling on the print on investor concerns of online competition. The stock has rallied back on the company’s strong fundamentals, as well as a highly consolidated industry position that separates it from other retail subsectors. Home Depot remains, the “best house on the retail block” with room for continued upside on strong traffic and share gains.
The horrific storms that hit Texas and Florida this summer are almost certain to drive third-quarter results higher. Given the work to repair could take some time, the potential could continue well into 2018.
Shareholders receive a 2.21% dividend. The UBS price target is $180. The consensus target is $170.54, and shares traded at $162.00.
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Mondelez
This is another sector giant that makes good sense for conservative accounts. Mondelez International Inc. (NASDAQ: MDLZ) manufactures and markets snack food and beverage products worldwide. It offers biscuits, including cookies, crackers and salted snacks; chocolates, and gums and candies; powdered beverages and coffee; and cheese and grocery products.
Its primary brand portfolio includes LU, Nabisco and Oreo biscuits; Cadbury, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Milka chocolates; Trident gum; Jacobs Kaffee; and Tang powdered beverages.
Mondelez sells its products to supermarket chains, wholesalers, supercenters, club stores, mass merchandisers, distributors, convenience stores, gasoline stations, drug stores, value stores and other retail food outlets through direct store delivery, company-owned and satellite warehouses, distribution centers and other facilities, as well as through independent sales offices and agents.
Shareholders receive a 2.18% dividend. UBS has set its price target at $51. The posted consensus target is $49.66. Shares were last seen at $40.50.
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These four large cap top pick stocks would make stellar additions to growth stock portfolios. All pay dependable dividends and are good candidates to continue raising those dividends in years to come.
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