Any way you look at it, after years and years of almost no inflation pressure, the prices are starting to go higher, and that’s not totally a bad thing. Despite what some may think, on a measured basis, rising inflation often portends a better economy, and that would be a nice change after years of slow growth and almost zero increases in wages.
A new Deutsche Bank report makes the case that there is indeed evidence of rising inflation that is more than a one-off occurrence. The analysts explained their reasoning:
US core inflation is converging back to our models, supporting the Deutsche Bank strategists view of a rising underlying inflation trend. The core Consumer price index surprised strongly to the upside in January, pushing the 6 month annualized change to 2.6%, the highest since March 2008. Rates markets are not pricing in the expected Inflation pick-up in the second quarter.
While the Deutsche Bank analysts like to play the inflation trade via options, many investors accounts are not option qualified or they just prefer to own the stock outright. The three Deutsche Bank plays make good sense now for growth accounts.
Chevron
This integrated giant is a safer way for investors looking to stay or get long the energy sector, and it has big Permian Basin exposure. Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) is a U.S.-based integrated oil and gas company with worldwide operations in exploration and production, refining and marketing, transportation and petrochemicals.
The company sports a sizable dividend and has a solid place in the sector when it comes to natural gas and liquefied natural gas. Some on Wall Street estimate the company will have a compound annual growth rate of over 5% for the next five years.
The company reported fourth-quarter earnings that missed consensus estimates on downstream and transitory issues. Cash was low but covered capital expenditures and the dividend. The strong Permian production continues to exceed trajectory and looks largely dated. Most analysts expect an update at the March 6 Analyst Day.
Chevron shareholders receive a 3.91% dividend. The Deutsche Bank price target for the shares is $145, and the Wall Street consensus target is $135.60. The stock closed Monday at $114.60 a share.
CBS
Shares of this large cap broadcaster have bounced nicely off the lows printed early this month and still could be an incredible value. CBS Corp. (NYSE: CBS) may be in the best position of all the broadcast networks with an outstanding prime time lineup, solid sports franchises like the NFL, March Madness College Basketball, The Masters and other top programming, the venerable network could once again be an outstanding stock for shareholders.
The company is leading in the ratings and is poised to continue the network’s programming dominance in 2016. The broadcasting giant is now in the midst of a significant stock repurchase process, and many on Wall Street expect the company to shrink its share base by around 25% over the next two years.
The company posted fourth-quarter results that were ahead of consensus as stronger Entertainment and Publishing numbers offset softer Cable Networks and Local Media. CBS issued its first guide for revenue and earnings growth in the high single digits and high teens, respectively, in 2018 estimated.
CBS shareholders receive a 1.29% dividend. Deutsche Bank has a $92 price target, and the consensus target is $70.32. Shares closed Monday at $55.68.
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Halliburton
This stock is still down over 15% from highs printed in January and remains a top large cap oil services pick at Deutsche Bank. Halliburton Co. (NYSE: HAL) is one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry. It serves the upstream oil and gas industry throughout the life cycle of the reservoir, from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data to drilling and formation evaluation, well construction and completion, and optimizing production through the life of the field.
Halliburton is the second-largest provider of oil services and the number one player in pressure pumping services worldwide. For investors looking for an oilfield services company to add, this is arguably the best, and analysts feel it will be a huge benefactor as the frac market has tightened significantly and prices are 20% to 30% off the lows.
The company posted solid fourth-quarter results that topped analysts’ estimates, driven by better pricing and increased activity in every reporting region, with particular strength internationally. The company’s revenue trajectory exceeded Schlumberger’s fourth-quarter detail.
Halliburton shareholders receive a 1.49% dividend. The $60 Deutsche Bank price target is lower than the $63.91 consensus estimate. The shares closed Monday at $48.23.
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These three top companies are among the leaders in their respective sectors, offer solid entry purchase points, and look to do just fine in a rising inflation environment. All make good sense for investors looking to put capital to work, especially those seeking energy exposure.
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