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: NTT DoCoMo, Inc. (NYSE: DCM), Anglo American, Plc (Nasdaq: AAUK), General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) and Mid-America Apartment (NYSE: MAA).
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Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
NTT DoCoMo Target Raised
Supported by its new customer pricing plan, NTT DoCoMo, Inc. (NYSE: DCM), the largest wireless service provider in Japan, declared respectable financial results for its first half of fiscal 2009 (ended September 30, 2008). The company's operating income increased 41% year-over-year, which offset a minor reduction in revenue.
DCM currently holds 51.5% share of the Japanese cellular market. The introduction of NTT DoCoMo's discount-priced service plans progressed as customer churn rates improved significantly. Stronger foreign currency rates, with respect to Yen against Dollar, have also raised valuation levels of DCM ADR shares.
Anglo American Priced Fairly
Headquartered in London, Anglo American, Plc (Nasdaq: AAUK) is a global leader in mining and natural resource sectors. The company has operations in Africa, Europe, South and North America, and Australia. It operates under the following business segments: coal, gold, platinum, base metals, diamonds, industrial minerals, ferrous metals and industries.
We are maintaining a Hold recommendation on Anglo American. The company is benefiting from strong demand for commodities around the globe and an increase in production. However, risks to global economic growth remain, and as inflation moderates, the need to hedge against it using commodity stocks is less attractive.
GM Target Also Lowered to $0
General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. We believe that the company should file for bankruptcy to rid itself of Unions, pension and healthcare issues.
As we regard Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) shares, the US government should provide $25-50B in aid which will act as DIP financing. Any aid should force the company to only make 35MPG+ vehicles. Management should be purged and outsiders brought in. Tariffs and quotas should be implemented for imported vehicles from overseas.
MAA's Strong Balance Sheet
Mid-America Apartment (NYSE: MAA) reported 3Q08 FFO of $0.90 per share. Excluding $0.01 per share of hurricane charges, 3Q FFO [funds from operations] came in $0.01 below our estimates. Occupancy noticeably dropped in the quarter, and the company will have a much more difficult time raising rents in the early part of 2009.
With job losses mounting, apartment rentals will suffer and we have lowered our 2009 FFO estimates by 6% in response. We still rate the company a Buy due to valuation, yield, and the company's strong balance sheet.
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