The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Intel, Google, Apple, ARM Holdings and Toro
CHICAGO, May 30, 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 Intel Corporation (Nasdaq:INTC-Free Report), Google (Nasdaq:GOOGL-Free Report), Apple (Nasdaq:AAPL-Free Report), ARM Holdings (Nasdaq:ARMH-Free Report) andToro Co. (NYSE:TTC-Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Thursday's Analyst Blog:
Intel Intros "Smart Shirt," Robot
Intel Corporation (Nasdaq:INTC-Free Report) recently showcased two gadgets based on the latest technology trends at the Code Conference. It unveiled a white two foot tall robot named Jimmy and a health-tracking smart shirt.
Intel demonstrated Jimmy as an open-source, customizable 3D-printed research robot, which is designed to walk, talk, sing, dance, translate languages and tweet. The robot-making kit will be made available to customers by the end of this year for around $1,600.
The kit will consist of wires, batteries, motors and an Intel Edison processor, which cannot be 3D-printed. However the rest of the robot can be 3D-printed and the graphics will be made available online for free.
The smart shirt as described by Intel is powered by a battery and has been developed by a company named AiQ. The shirt is equipped with sensors to monitor the heart rate, emotions and other essential signs of athletes. Moreover, the sensors can communicate with a smartphone app to provide all types of measurements. Intel does not build the sensors embedded in the shirt, but intends to start doing so soon.
The battery used in the shirt is not water-resistant but Intel will build devices that can be submerged in water. Intel plans to release the shirt by this summer.
Intel is putting in all efforts to broaden its foothold in wearables. With the launch of a smart shirt the chipmaker is attempting to be a forerunner in developing budding technologies like smart clothing. The latest push is expected to ramp up its wearable prospects, which will soon cover other devices for the eyes, ears, nose and torso. Moreover, Jimmy marks Intel's foray into robotics.
Intel was late in arriving to the mobile revolution and has had limited success in the mobile segment to date. But the company seems determined to meet its target of 40 million tablet units this year. As a part of the plan, Intel recently signed an agreement with Rockchip, a Chinese mobile chipmaker in a bid to produce chips for inexpensive tablet computers running on Google's (Nasdaq:GOOGL-Free Report) Android operating system.
Intel needs to be aggressive in its efforts to capture new markets, given the rumors regardingApple's (Nasdaq:AAPL-Free Report) plans to replace Intel's x86 chips with those based on ARM Holdings (Nasdaq:ARMH-Free Report) architecture for its personal computer products, MacBook and iMac. Moreover, ARM-based chips are also expected to make an entry into the server segment soon, an area that has been its stronghold so far.
Currently, Intel carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Toro's Strong Product Line Boosting Growth
CEO Michael Hoffman of Toro Co. (NYSE:TTC-Free Report) discussed the company's growth drivers for fiscal 2014 during its second-quarter fiscal 2014 conference call on May 22. Backed by its strong product lineup and an aggressive promotional calendar, this worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment as well as irrigation solutions is poised to deliver revenue growth in the remainder of 2014.
According to Hoffman, despite an unfavorable spring, Toro's end markets remained strong. The company's landscape contractor business outlook remains bullish. With favorable weather expected ahead and given its best ever product lineup for both contractors and acreage customers, Toro will deliver strong revenues in fiscal 2014.
Toro is launching additional products that include extensions of its popular zero-turn line featuring rear discharge decks, direct collection systems and smart technologies and a brand new line of 21-inch heavy duty mowers with added durability and improved bagging performance. These products are in sync with the company's practice of delivering superior value to its contractor customers.
Coming to segment-wise expectations, Hoffman stated that the professional grounds business should benefit from improved weather conditions that will boost sports activity and revenue for local sports associations. The launch of the new 100 inch deck option for Groundsmaster 360, will enhance its productivity, and thus enhance its appeal to local sports and municipal agencies.
With temperatures rising, the prospects for the golf equipment business will also mount. As rounds played rebound, greens fees and course revenues follow, which should lead to additional equipment purchases.
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