Skip to main content

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Ultrapar Participações S.A., Corrections Corp. of America, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. and VistaPrint Limited.

Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Ultrapar Participações S.A. (NYSE: UGP), Corrections Corp. of America (NYSE: CXW), Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD), Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE: DPS) and VistaPrint Limited (NASDAQ: VPRT).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=4579

Here are highlights from the Analyst Blog:

Ultrapar a Brazil Petrochem Play

Sao Paulo, Brazil-based Ultrapar Participações S.A. (NYSE: UGP) is a major Brazilian holding company, engaged through its four subsidiaries in fuel and lubricants distribution, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution/production, chemicals and petrochemicals, and the storage and transportation of chemicals and LPG.

We are reiterating our Buy recommendation on Ultrapar. The company posted positive results for the third quarter 2008. Oxiteno will benefit from lower oil prices, some depreciation in the Brazilian real, and the start of operational expansion. The Texaco deal is very positive, as it will help Ipiranga serve its clients nationwide.

Corrections Corp: Good Entry Pt

Corrections Corp. of America (NYSE: CXW) is the largest private owner and operator of correctional and detention facilities in the United States. The company owns and operates medium and maximum level security facilities for the US Federal government, 20 state agencies, and numerous local agencies. CXW currently maintains an inmate population of more than 77,000 at 66 facilities.

We reiterate our Buy rating on shares of CXW. The company holds a significant market share advantage over its peers, with a substantial pipeline of additional capacity scheduled to be added to the portfolio over the next two years. The company is the clear leader in an industry with a strong outlook, supported by favorable economic and demographic trends.

Gilead a Core Biotech Hold

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) is a biotechnology company that develops and markets drugs for infectious diseases, including viral, fungal and bacterial infections. The company also has specialized focus on developing drugs for patients suffering from HIV/AIDS.

We remain optimistic about growth of HIV/AIDS franchise drugs Truvada and the recently approved Atripla. Earnings over the past few quarters have been above expectations specifically on strong sales of the HIV franchise products.

Dr. Pepper Snapple Has Some Pop

Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE: DPS) manufactures concentrates and syrups for independently owned bottlers and canners. The company continues to execute well in a difficult carbonated soft drink (CSD) environment.

Cost and productivity initiatives, along with price increases, are helping offset cost pressures from higher raw material prices. Dr. Pepper Snapple enjoys an attractive product mix with emphasis on flavored CSDs and non-CSD beverages, such as ready-to-drink tea, juice and juice drinks.

VistaPrint Up on Strong Earnings

Shares of Buy-rated VistaPrint Limited (NASDAQ: VPRT) are up more than 30% this morning after reminding investors that it is, in fact, still possible for a company to report earnings that beat the Street. The company did just that, and simultaneously raised full-year guidance.

VistaPrint is a leading online supplier of high-quality graphic design services and customized printed products to small businesses and consumers. The company reported very impressive second-quarter results, boosted by strong holiday sales, lower material costs, and improved efficiency. GAAP earnings of $0.42 per share were up 75% year-over-year, and were $0.13 above our expectation.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2649.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2677

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=4580.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Contacts:

Zacks.com
Mark Vickery
Web Content Editor
312-265-9380
Visit: www.zacks.com

Data & News supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Stock quotes supplied by Barchart
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.