The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Amazon.com, Google, Facebook, Gaiam and AT&T
CHICAGO, May 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 the Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq:AMZN-Free Report), Google (Nasdaq:GOOGL-Free Report), Facebook (Nasdaq:FB-Free Report), Gaiam Inc. (Nasdaq:GAIA-Free Report) andAT&T Inc. (NYSE:T-Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Friday's Analyst Blog:
Amazon to Deploy More Robots
Jeff Bezos, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq:AMZN-Free Report) announced that the company is expecting to deploy an army of nearly 10,000 robots at its warehouses worldwide by the end of 2014.
Currently, Amazon has around 1,000 robots to help fulfill customer orders. However, the increase in robot workers will not affect the number of employees already working or the rate of employment at the fulfillment centers.
The robots are built by Amazon's subsidiary Kiva Systems, which it had acquired two years ago for $775 million, in a bid to increase the level of automation in its warehouses. The robots are tied in a composite framework. It takes months to set up the system, which includes the planning and examination process also. The robots made my Kiva comprise mobile shelving systems that automatically transport items to workers.
Amazon has been expanding its fulfillment centers around the world, with the addition of seven new centers over the past year. The increase in the level of automation can help Amazon simplify operations, save time and reduce fulfillment costs.
Amazon has been striving to beef up its delivery system in order to provide better customer services. In relation to these efforts, Amazon has plans to develop a drone-based delivery service where it will deploy airborne robotic drones to deliver packages to consumers in 30 minutes.
However, these plans involve numerous legal and technical hindrances. Other companies interested in this dynamic world of robotics include Google (Nasdaq:GOOGL-Free Report) and Facebook (Nasdaq:FB-Free Report).
Amazon holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the same sector is Gaiam Inc. (Nasdaq:GAIA-Free Report) with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
AT&T Digital Life Spreads Wings
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T-Free Report) announced the expansion of its Digital Life package in six new markets – Beaumont, Omaha, Toledo, Greenville, Cape Coral, and Oxnard. With the latest launches, AT&T's Digital Life is now available in 81 markets. We believe the expansion of the Digital Life package will eventually remain accretive to revenues while also adding to bottom-line growth.
In 2013, AT&T entered the home security and automation service market with the launch of its Digital Life package. Since then, it has already gained significant market traction in this product segment.
The company previously stated that the market for home security services is significantly unaddressed as only 1% of U.S. households have an automated security system. As a result, the company sees ample financial opportunity in the $18 billion market for automated home security systems. AT&T has so far seen greater success in this market compared to its peers thanks to its own technology in home security digital products and adequate marketing and promotional measures.
Apart from the expansion of new products and services, the company already enjoys strong momentum in both its Wireline and Wireless businesses. While continued strength in smartphones is fueling growth in the wireless business, wireline is benefiting from growth in its U-verse and strategic services. AT&T is the leader in WiFi (wireless broadband) connectivity with over 30,000 domestic and 190,000 international hotspots.
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
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