The bull-run may have taken a pause, but it is far from over. That’s good news for stocks like United Technologies , Lowe’s and Apple , said Kate Warne, investment strategist at Edward Jones. ‘Stocks paused over the past 18 months and now are regaining strength. In the past the S&P 500 was up 18% in the year following an 18-month pause,’ said Warne, adding that the impact of Brexit has been less than expected and rates likely to stay low as Fed continues to be in no hurry to move. Warne said United Technologies, up 12% thus far in 2016, has solid opportunities ahead in global infrastructure, improving energy efficiency and aerospace, where it has a solid backlog. Restructuring should improve profitability. She also appreciated the industrial giant’s inexpensive forward valuation of 16 times earnings and its dividend yield of 2.5% with 9% annual dividend growth. ‘We think they have a diversified business and they will continue to show signs of operating cost improvement which will help them raise earnings,’ said Warne. Lowe’s, up 6% year-to-date, is another one of Warne’s favorites. She said the home improvement retailer is well-positioned to benefit from continued strong housing cycle as mortgage rates remain low. She is also a fan of the company’s 1.7% dividend yield with 14% dividend growth expected over the next 5 years. ‘The home improvement industry is one where they are not facing a lot of competition from online retailers,’ said Warne. Finally, Warne said Apple, down 1.33%, will maintain its momentum after its impressive second quarter earnings results. She said strong brand loyalty in services like its music business and the upcoming iPhone 7 product cycle will carry the stock higher. And she noted that worries about Chinese sales are overblown.
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