The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Google, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Netflix and Apple
CHICAGO, Feb. 25, 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 Google (Nasdaq:GOOG-Free Report), Comcast (Nasdaq:CMCSA-Free Report), Time Warner Cable (NYSE:TWC-Free Report), Netflix (Nasdaq:NFLX-Free Report) and Apple (Nasdaq:AAPL-Free Report).
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Monday's Analyst Blog:
Technology Stock Roundup
Google Extends Fiber to 34 Cities
Google (Nasdaq:GOOG-Free Report) currently offers its Fiber service (high-speed cable TV and Internet) at $120 a month in Kansas City, Austin, Texas, and Provo, Utah. The company has now announced that it is inviting nine other metropolitan areas to join the network. The authorities are required to provide some information to Google including maps of existing conduit, water, gas lines and electricity lines that would help it decide where to lay the fiber. Laying the lines is an elaborate process, but this is not expected to be a stumbling block.
Given the current size of the project, no one would assume that this could be a diversification of its revenue stream. But five years hence, the company will have spread further and learnt more about the business to put up some real competition for incumbent Internet Service Providers. So it's a project with considerable prospects and Google has been treading very cautiously so as not to make any mistakes.
The other obvious advantage is the benefit to its existing business. Google gets to collect even more data (this time about the increased usage related to higher Internet speeds). It also gets to offer much faster and therefore more satisfactory streaming services, which could potentially increase its digital sales. So this looks like another smart move by Google.
Comcast/Time Warner Merger Not Just About Them
Comcast (Nasdaq:CMCSA-Free Report), the largest U.S. cable company is planning to absorb Time Warner Cable (NYSE:TWC-Free Report), the second largest player. Since this disturbs the competition in the market, the deal is under scrutiny. The only reason it may go through is the prospect of increasing competition. This is where Google's Fiber initiative could actually be favorable for the two, since Google offers an alternative to these incumbents. Google's cash and market cap are things in favor of the merger, while its fledgling efforts in the space are unfavorable.
However, the deal also impacts other Internet TV players, such as Netflix (Nasdaq:NFLX-Free Report) or Apple (Nasdaq:AAPL-Free Report) that have been in talks with Time Warner for the inclusion of their services on its platform. Netflix is also in talks with Comcast, but the talks have not advanced that much.
The problem is with respect to Comcast's relatively new X1 set top box platform that streams movies and other programs from the cloud. Comcast has tremendous clout with content providers and is working to rapidly increase content on this device. It also has the potential to introduce social elements, such as recommendations or integration with social networking sites.
If Comcast decides to go independently, Apple and Netflix could be shown the door. But it might also decide to integrate with either one, which would be a positive for them. So a lot remains in flux until the fate of the $45 billion deal is sealed.
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
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.
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; 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.
Get the full Report on GOOG - FREE
Get the full Report on CMCSA - FREE
Get the full Report on TWC - FREE
Get the full Report on NFLX - FREE
Get the full Report on AAPL - FREE
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
Share this article