Out Fox The $treet

NXP Semi reported solid Q1 numbers that were a minor disappointment from original post merger expectations. The company is aggressively buying stock again despite forecasts that aren't so positive. The stock is a bargain with some hints that the company is low-balling the upside potential. While  NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI )  generated  Q1 results  that exceeded analyst estimates, the general tone of the results were a minor disappointment. At the time of the merger, analysts expected significantly higher numbers in 2016 and beyond. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha.  Disclosure: No position. Please review the disclaimer page for more details.  

ConocoPhillips reported a large Q1 loss, but the market was impressed with the earnings beat.  The independent E&P is still struggling towards reaching cash flow neutral as the debt load soars.  The company lacks a credible plan for lower oil prices with a focus on flat production and keeping a dividend.  My  last article  remained neutral on  ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP )  from a prior bearish stance throughout 2015, as the independent oil exploration firm has cut cash outlays to the point that a future cash crunch wasn't likely. Since the original neutral call in early February, oil prices and hence the stock have rallied, providing big returns for those willing to take the risk. Read the full article at Seeking Alpha.  Disclosure: No position mentioned. Please review the disclaimer page for more details. 

Freeport-McMoRan reported mixed Q1 results. The copper miner made huge strides toward becoming free cash flow positive as the oil and gas division becomes less of a drag. The stock is likely heading higher as the cash flow position turns very positive heading into 2017. The  investment theme  at the lows in the stock was that  Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX )  was in a substantially better cash flow position than predicted by the stock price. The solid  Q1 results  confirm the simple path to reach positive free cash flow this year. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha.   Disclosure: Long FCX. Please read the disclaimer page for more details.

MasterCard reported mixed Q1 results on surging costs. The stock continues struggling to trade above $100 as surging incentives stall earnings growth. The risk remains to the downside though the history is that investors are willing to overpay for the sector. Before the open, MasterCard (NYSE: MA ) reported that  Q1 earnings  declined from last year but beat analyst estimates. The reason to like the company remains intact, but the reason to own the stock is still questionable. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha.   Disclosure: No positions mentioned. Please read the disclaimer page for more details.

Baker Hughes reported highly confusing Q1 results. The oilfield services company remains constrained by the pending merger with Halliburton. The solid balance sheet and termination fee will ultimately make the stock a very strong buy. Due to the lingering and possibly failed merger with  Halliburton (NYSE: HAL ) ,  Baker Hughes (NYSE: BHI )  is a jumbled mess.  Q1 results confirmed this position, but the stock rallied anyway following the bad news. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha.  Disclosure: Long HAL. Please review the disclaimer page for more details.

AT&T easily slid past analyst EPS estimates that failed to incorporate merger benefits. The wireless giant saw a few negative trends surface that might cap future growth. The stock is likely to plateau at the current level where shareholders collect a 5% dividend yield while waiting for the next catalyst. Q1 results  from AT&T (NYSE: T ) back up my  investment thesis  that the company would continue to push EPS towards $3 on the backs of the DirecTV merger. The theory back when the stock traded around $32 throughout 2014 and most of 2015 was that the stock was extremely cheap with plenty of catalysts. Now with AT&T trading at $38, the valuation equation isn't as clear with user growth slowing and synergies somewhat in place. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha.   Disclosure: No positions mentioned. Please read the disclaimer page for more details.

Zions Bancorp missed analyst estimates for Q1, yet earnings rose YoY. The bank continues to face higher credit losses in the energy sector, but higher NII is allowing the company to thrive. Despite the recent rally, the regional bank stock still trades below book value. Over the last year,  Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ: ZION )  has provided a good gauge for regional banks and the general impact of energy loans on the financial sector. On Monday, the bank again provided an update on the energy sector after reporting  Q1 earnings  that could provide clues for other banks and the market in general.  Read the full article on Seeking Alpha.  Disclosure: No positions mentioned. Please read the disclaimer page for more details.