Investing
Merrill Lynch Makes Big Q4 Changes to US 1 Stock List
Published:
Last Updated:
With third-quarter earnings reports streaming in, and the fourth quarter well underway, many of the top companies we follow on Wall Street are making some changes to the lists of their high-conviction stock picks for clients. As the market is showing volatility not seen in years, it makes sense to examine the lists and make some changes, because the rest of the year could have additional volatility as the political and geopolitical cycle could prove to be a very explosive component.
In a recent research note, the analysts at Merrill Lynch made a big move by adding Ferrari N.V. (NASDAQ: RACE) and PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) to the firm’s well-respected US 1 list of top stocks to Buy. Automatic Data Processing Inc. (NYSE: ADP) and NetApp Inc. (NASDAQ: NTAP) were removed, but both remain rated Buy.
Given the jump in volatility, and the possibility that many investors are resetting their portfolios for the end of the year run, we screened the US 1 list for other good total-return dividend-paying stocks, and found four that are solid choices for more conservative accounts now.
Exxon Mobil
This remains a top energy pick and is on the US 1 list at Merrill Lynch. Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) is the world’s largest international integrated oil and gas company. It explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Africa and elsewhere.
The company also manufactures and markets commodity petrochemicals, including olefins, aromatics, polyethylene and polypropylene plastics, and specialty products, and it transports and sells crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products.
Exxon Mobil reported second-quarter profits that fell short of analysts’ expectations, marking the fourth time in the past five periods the company has disappointed. The miss was largely due to weaker earnings in Exxon’s refining and marketing segment due to heavier-than-anticipated maintenance and operational problems. Exxon’s business producing oil and gas bolstered earnings, with the company saying it is favoring oil output over gas drilling in its U.S. shale fields. Third-quarter numbers are due on November 2.
Exxon investors are paid a very solid 4.03% dividend. The Merrill Lynch price objective for the shares is $110, while the Wall Street consensus target is $88.88. The shares ended trading on Wednesday at $81.50.
Goldman Sachs
This stock trades at a reasonable 9.35 times estimated 2019 earnings, and it is a top financial services member of the Merrill Lynch US 1 list. Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) has a gigantic institutional equity, debt and derivatives business, an ultra-high net worth clientele, top investment banking and capital markets expertise. The firm continues to be a dominant force around the world, one of the most sought-after banks one of the very few firms that dictate who can be a client.
In investment banking, the company has the preeminent client franchise. Goldman Sachs advised on more than $1.5 trillion of announced mergers and acquisitions transactions last year, the highest level the bank has ever recorded. It also has maintained a leading market share over the past 25 years.
Third-quarter profit exceeded analysts’ estimates on better-than-expected revenue, and the Merrill Lynch team had this to say:
Overall, it was a good quarter and we raise our estimates and reiterate our Buy, given favorable revenue trends/initiatives, positive operating leverage, rising book value and return on equity, building capital ratios, and an attractive valuation.
Goldman Sachs shareholders are paid a 1.50% dividend. The Merrill Lynch has a price target of $280 for the stock, and the consensus target was last seen at $275.39. The stock closed Wednesday’s trading at $228.28, up almost 3% on the day.
Mondelez
This consumer sector giant 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 of Mondelez are paid a 2.53% dividend. The $56 Merrill Lynch price target is well above consensus posted target of $48.65. The stock closed Wednesday $41.16 per share.
24/7 Wall St.Target
This stock remains a solid and safe retail total return play now. Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) is one of the largest discount retailers in the United States, operating roughly 1,800 Target stores across the country. The company sells merchandise in its Signature Categories Style, Baby, Kids and Wellness, as well as other products in both physical Target stores and online at Target.com.
Since 2017, Target has poured tons of money into its e-commerce offerings, overhauling its stores and refreshing its inventory to better compete against Amazon. Target has even embraced the same-day delivery concept and is expanding retail floor space for toys as it looks to scoop market share after the closing of Toys “R” Us.
Most importantly, the company seems to have put some good distance between the headline issues that were public relations nightmares, and it continues to be a favorite destination of consumers.
Target shareholders are paid a stellar 3.03% dividend. Merrill Lynch has set its price objective at $100. The consensus target is $89.01, and the shares closed most recently at $84.42 apiece.
Two new additions to the Merrill Lynch US 1 list, and four additional stocks that offer a degree of safety and solid dependable dividends. With the market volatility spiking despite going into the seasonally strong mode, it makes sense to play things smart now, and these are good stocks to be in.
Is Your Money Earning the Best Possible Rate? (Sponsor)
Let’s face it: If your money is just sitting in a checking account, you’re losing value every single day. With most checking accounts offering little to no interest, the cash you worked so hard to save is gradually being eroded by inflation.
However, by moving that money into a high-yield savings account, you can put your cash to work, growing steadily with little to no effort on your part. In just a few clicks, you can set up a high-yield savings account and start earning interest immediately.
There are plenty of reputable banks and online platforms that offer competitive rates, and many of them come with zero fees and no minimum balance requirements. Click here to see if you’re earning the best possible rate on your money!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
