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Coupang Inc. operates in a competitive market, but its growth prospects are positive, especially with its expansion into Taiwan.
Motorola Solutions Inc. offers compelling value through its dominant market share, accelerating growth and strategic positioning for secular growth
Legacy Hardware Leader Pivots to Software and Security Subscription Model
Zebra Technologies Corp. benefits from helping its customers improve productivity and operational efficiency.
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Increasingly health-conscious consumers are switching away from processed foods. In response, these top food producers are developing healthier products. But they are also restructuring to cut their costs. That should continue to expand their earnings. KRAFT HEINZ CO. $79 (Nasdaq symbol KHC; Conservative Growth and Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 1.2 billion; Market cap: $94.8 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 5.2; Dividend yield: 2.9%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.kraftheinzcompany.com) makes condiments and sauces (such as Heinz Ketchup) as well as other packaged foods. These include Velveeta and Philadelphia Cream Cheese, processed meats (such as Oscar Meyer hot dogs) and beverages (such as Maxwell House coffee). Kraft Heinz took its current form on July 2, 2015, through the merger of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz. The combined firm is the fifth-largest food and beverage producer globally....
HONDA MOTOR CO. LTD. ADRs $28(New York symbol HMC; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; ADRs outstanding: 1.8 billion; Market cap: $50.4 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.1; Dividend yield: 2.6%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.honda.com) is Japan’s second largest carmaker and the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer. In its fiscal 2016 third quarter, which ended December 31, 2015, Honda sold 1.23 million vehicles, up 4.6% from a year earlier. The launch of new models in China increased Asian sales by 16.7%. Sales in Europe also jumped 19.4%. However, sales fell 1.7% in North America and 6.8% in Japan. Motorcycle sales declined 3.9% due to weaker demand in Japan and other parts of Asia. For the quarter, revenue rose 4.4%, to $30.1 billion from $28.9 billion. Due to costs related to fixing faulty airbags and unfavorable exchange rates, earnings per ADR declined 6.6%, to $0.61 from $0.57 (each ADR equals one common share)....
SNAP-ON INC. $163 (New York symbol SNA; Conservative Growth and Income Portfolios, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 58.2 million; Market cap: $9.5 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.6; Dividend yield: 1.5%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.snapon.com) makes tools for auto mechanics and sells them through a fleet of franchised vans that visit garages. It also makes specialized tools for industrial customers. In the three months ended April 2, 2016, the company’s revenue gained 0.8%, to $834.2 million from $827.8 million a year earlier. But excluding exchange rates and acquisitions, sales gained 2.5%. Thanks to an ongoing efficiency plan, earnings per share rose 15.5%, to $2.16 from $1.87. The stock trades at 18.3 times the $8.93 a share that Snap-On will likely earn this year. That’s a somewhat high multiple for a company that relies on the cyclical automotive industry for 60% of its earnings....
SONY CORP. ADRs $26 (New York symbol SNE; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; ADRs outstanding: 1.3 billion; Market cap: $33.8 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.4; Dividend yield 0.3%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.sony.com) has also had to shut down two plants in Japan due to earthquake damage. These facilities make image sensors for smartphones. The company has also warned that slowing demand for high-end smartphones has hurt sales of these sensors. In addition, negative interest rates in Japan are hurting earnings at Sony’s banking and insurance operations. The company has now cut its operating profit forecast for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, by about 9% to $2.6 billion. Sony is a hold.