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Top Rated Stocks | Is Now The Time To Invest In Traditional 'Cyclical Sectors'?

Daily InsightMonday, Nov 18, 2024 3:47 am ET
2min read

Investors are always on the hunt for robust opportunities. This week, we think the energy, banking, and steel sectors can lead to promising ventures. Therefore, we believe these three stocks could be added to your investment portfolios since they all offer unique strengths and opportunities amid differing market conditions. They will be key players in some of the most vital sectors driving today's economy.

HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THIS WEEK!

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EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG): Leading the Way in Energy

EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) is currently trading at $134.56 per share, with a median target price of $142.00. Analysts predominantly recommend a buy rating for this key player in the energy sector.

EOG's total revenue stands at $23.86 billion, reflecting a slight revenue decline of -3.90%. The company enjoys gross margins of 61.60% and an operating margin of 35.57%, underscoring strong profitability and operational efficiency.

Financially, EOG holds cash reserves of $6.12 billion, translating to $10.89 per share, while its total debt amounts to $4.11 billion, resulting in a low debt-to-equity ratio of 13.91%. The company posted an EBITDA of $13.17 billion, highlighting substantial earnings before interests, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

EOG's operating cash flow stands robust at $12.48 billion, coupled with a free cash flow of $4.44 billion, ensuring ample liquidity for ongoing operations and strategic expansions. The return on assets (ROA) is 12.55%, and the return on equity (ROE) is a notable 24.91%, showcasing efficient asset and equity management.

Analysts' target prices for EOG range from a low of $126.00 to a high of $170.00, reflecting varied projections regarding its future performance. The recommendation means stands at 2.16, indicating strong buy sentiment. With its strong financials and leadership in the energy sector, EOG remains a compelling investment.

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (PB): Consistent Performance in Banking

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (PB) is currently trading at $82.50 per share, with a median target price of $82.00. Analysts predominantly recommend a buy rating for this stable performer in the banking industry.

Prosperity's total revenue stands at $1.15 billion, reflecting a healthy revenue growth rate of 8.80%. The company maintains profit margins of 38.71%, indicating strong profitability and operational efficiency.

Financially, Prosperity holds cash reserves of $2.21 billion, equating to $23.22 per share, while its total debt amounts to $4.17 billion. The company posted a solid operating cash flow of $706.49 million.

Prosperity's return on assets (ROA) is 1.12%, and the return on equity (ROE) is 6.18%, showcasing efficient asset and equity utilization. Analysts' target prices range from a low of $76.00 to a high of $90.00, reflecting varied projections about its future performance. The recommendation means stands at 1.87, indicating strong buy sentiment. With consistent performance and robust financials, Prosperity Bancshares remains a stable choice in the banking sector.

United States Steel Corporation (X): Facing Challenges in Steel Manufacturing

United States Steel Corporation (X) currently trades at $35.83 per share, with a median target price of $43.00. Analysts predominantly recommend a buy rating for this steel industry stalwart.

U.S. Steel's total revenue stands at $16.28 billion, reflecting a revenue decline of -13.00%. The company faces tight profit margins of 2.41% and operating margins of 1.79%, indicating operational challenges in maintaining profitability.

Financially, U.S. Steel holds cash reserves of $1.77 billion, translating to $7.87 per share, while its total debt amounts to $4.32 billion, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 37.01%. The company posted an EBITDA of $1.24 billion, highlighting substantial earnings before interests, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

U.S. Steel's operating cash flow is solid at $1.1 billion, but a negative free cash flow of -$1.50 billion indicates liquidity constraints for long-term investments and operations. The return on assets (ROA) is 1.02%, and the return on equity (ROE) is 3.45%, reflecting limited returns amidst industry struggles.

Analysts' target prices for U.S. Steel range from a low of $40.00 to a high of $47.00, reflecting varied projections for its future performance. The recommendation means stands at 2.00, indicating a buy sentiment. Despite operational challenges, U.S. Steel remains a closely monitored stock owing to its strategic importance in the steel industry.

In general, we believe these companies offer unique investment opportunities in respective industries and could span energy leadership, banking consistency, as well as steel manufacturing resilience.

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Disclaimer: the above is a summary showing certain market information. AInvest is not responsible for any data errors, omissions or other information that may be displayed incorrectly as the data is derived from a third party source. Communications displaying market prices, data and other information available in this post are meant for informational purposes only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Please do your own research when investing. All investments involve risk and the past performance of a security, or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. Keep in mind that while diversification may help spread risk, it does not assure a profit, or protect against loss in a down market.