Top Analyst Reports for Netflix, Salesforce & Shell

Thursday, October 9, 2025The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), Salesforce, Inc. (CRM) and Shell plc (SHEL), as well as two micro-cap stocks Investors Title Co. (ITIC) and Smith-Midland Corp. (SMID). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>Ahead of Wall StreetThe daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opening, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.You can read today's AWS here >>> Pre-markets Flat as Q3 Earnings Season Kicks OffToday's Featured Research ReportsNetflix shares have outperformed the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry over the year-to-date period (+36.6% vs. +31.6%). The company is benefiting from its growing subscriber base, thanks to a robust localized and foreign-language content portfolio and healthy engagement levels with about two hours of viewing per member per day, indicating strong member retention. NFLX's advertising tier now accounts for more than 55% of new sign-ups in available markets. NFLX has set an ambitious target to double its revenues by 2030 and reach a $1 trillion market capitalization, supported by a diversified content strategy, including international programming, live events, and gaming initiatives. The 2025 content slate with returning hit shows like Squid Game, Wednesday and Stranger Things hold promise. However, stiff competition in the streaming space from Apple, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ is a headwind.(You can read the full research report on Netflix here >>>)Shares of Salesforce have underperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the year-to-date period (-28.2% vs. +22.1%). The company is facing stiff competition and unfavorable currency fluctuations are concerns. Softening IT spending amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties may hurt its growth prospects.Nevertheless, Salesforce is benefiting from a robust demand environment as customers are undergoing a major digital transformation. Its sustained focus on aligning products with customer needs is driving the top line. Continued deal wins in the international market are another growth driver. The buyout of Slack has positioned it as a leader in enterprise team collaboration and improved its competitive standing compared to Microsoft Teams. Salesforce’s strategy of continuous expansion of generative AI offerings will help it tap the growing opportunities in the space. Our estimates suggest that Salesforce’s revenues are expected to witness a CAGR of 8.6% through fiscal 2025-2028.(You can read the full research report on Salesforce here >>>)Shell’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry over the year-to-date period (+22.2% vs. +9.4%). The company being a London based oil supermajor, looks fairly balanced at the moment. The start-up of LNG Canada and leadership in projects like Whale and Mero-4 strengthen its LNG and upstream portfolio, offering resilience against oil price volatility. Cost savings of nearly $4 billion since 2022 and a disciplined capital strategy underpin its free cash flow growth target, while consistent $3-3.5 billion quarterly buybacks and a 4% dividend yield enhance shareholder returns. However, the year over year fall in revenues and earnings in the second quarter of 2025 underscores exposure to commodity cycles. Weak chemicals margins, falling upstream production, and risks of LNG oversupply further weigh on outlook. Additionally, Shell’s slower transition toward renewables raises ESG concerns. Hence investors are advised to hold the stock.(You can read the full research report on Shell here >>>)Shares of Investors Title have outperformed the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry over the past year (+24.6% vs. +9.2%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $492.79 million delivered robust H1 2025 results, with net premiums up 10.1% to $100.8 million and EPS rising 14.9% to $8.16, showcasing strong underwriting and operational efficiency. Non-title revenues climbed 17.2%, driven by like-kind exchange services, now contributing 25% of pre-tax income, enhancing earnings durability. A steady 46 cents per share quarterly dividend and ongoing buyback capacity highlight consistent shareholder returns. Geographic exposure to growth markets like TX (+15.2%) and FL (+20.7%) supports organic expansion. The firm’s debt-free balance sheet with $90M in liquidity and $266 million equity provides strategic flexibility. However, rising claims reserves (+129.8%), higher agent commissions, and sensitivity to 1031 exchange reforms and interest rate volatility pose risks. Despite these, shares are up 10% YTD and trade at a discount (1.49x EV/sales vs. 2.36x sub-industry).(You can read the full research report on Investors Title here >>>)Smith-Midland’s shares have gained +2.2% over the past year against the Zacks Building Products - Concrete and Aggregates industry’s gain of +20.8%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $190.49 million and an expanding barrier rental fleet is transforming its revenue model toward high-margin, recurring income, with rental revenue jumping to $14.2 million in the first half of 2025 and driving a 360bps margin gain. Growth in proprietary Soundwall and SlenderWall systems, alongside rising Easi-Set modular building sales, enhances diversification and captures infrastructure-driven demand. Royalties climbed 53%, reinforcing asset-light, high-margin income. Operating leverage and cost discipline doubled net income to $7.5 million. A $54-million backlog supports visibility amid infrastructure tailwinds. However, risks include customer concentration, dependence on one-off projects, unresolved internal control weaknesses, elevated working capital, and exposure to input cost inflation. As such, the stock warrants a cautious stance.(You can read the full research report on Smith-Midland here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Waste Management, Inc. (WM), Cummins Inc. (CMI) and Veeva Systems Inc. (VEEV).Mark VickerySenior EditorNote: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>Today's Must ReadRobust Content Aids Netflix (NFLX) Amid Stiff CompetitionDigital Transformation and Acquisitions Aid Salesforce (CRM)Shell (SHEL) Buoyed by Strong Structural Cost SavingsFeatured ReportsPricing & Cost Control Aids WM's Profit Amid Low LiquidityPer the Zacks analyst, WM's prudent pricing and cost management strategy is a cornerstone to maintaining robust profit margins. Low liquidity is concerning.R&D Strength Aids Veeva Systems (VEEV), Amid Cost PressuresPer the Zacks analyst, Veeva Systems' strong R&D focus, expanding product portfolio and solid customer adoption drive optimism, though high costs and rising competition remain concerns.Strong Square & Cash App Businesses Aid Block (XYZ), Competition AilPer the Zacks Analyst, Block is likely to gain from strong Square and Cash App businesses, integration of new technologies and expansion of partner base despite competition and currency fluctuations.Organic Growth Aids Citizens Financial (CFG), Amid Cost WoesPer the Zacks analyst, Citizens Financial's solid revenue growth and expanding loan base look encouraging. Yet, elevated expenses are likely to weigh on profitability.Immunovant Banks on IMVT-1402 to Drive Autoimmune PipelinePer the Zacks Analyst, IMVT's steady progress across autoimmune programs is promising, but its narrow pipeline and fierce competition in the immunology space could hinder long-term growth.NMI Holdings (NMIH) Banks on Solid Mortgage Insurance MarketPer the Zacks analyst, NMI Holdings gains from mortgage insurance market riding on well performing primary insurance-in-force, which drives new insurance written. However, high costs remain a concern.Investments & Infrastructure Upgrades Aid American States Water (AWR)Per the Zacks analyst, American States Water will benefit from its strategic capital investments to upgrade its infrastructure. Expanding customer base will boost its performance.New UpgradesRising Demand From Data Centers & Growth in China to Aid Cummins (CMI)Per the Zacks analyst, rising data center demand is driving growth in Cummins' Distribution & Power Systems segments. The company is also well-positioned to capture growth in the Chinese market.NETGEAR (NTGR) Benefits From Strength in NFB SegmentPer the Zacks analyst, NETGEAR benefits from strength in the NETGEAR for Business ("NFB") unit and recurring revenues. NFB revenues are driven by growth in ProAV managed switch products.Red Robin (RRGB) Banks on Menu Innovation & Loyalty Program Per the Zacks analyst, Red Robin is likely to benefit from menu innovation, a revamped loyalty program and restaurant upgrades. Also, focus on disciplined cost management bodes well.New DowngradesRising Costs & High Debt Levels Weigh on MPLX's Growth ObjectivesPer the Zacks analyst, MPLX's profitability and growth momentum could be impacted by escalating costs and heavy capital investment needs. MPLX's heavy reliance on debt capital adds further risks.Profitability Pressures Weigh on Carter's (CRI) PerformancePer the Zacks analysts, Carter faces profitability pressures as cost inflation, increased discounting, tariffs, and currency challenges weigh on margins despite ongoing strategic investments.High Mortgage Rates & Investment Expenses Hurt Boise Cascade (BCC)Per the Zacks analyst, Boise Cascade's growth is being hurt by a slow housing market due to high mortgage rates. Also, increased investment activities are weighing heavily on margin growth.Quantum Computing Stocks Set To SoarArtificial intelligence has already reshaped the investment landscape, and its convergence with quantum computing could lead to the most significant wealth-building opportunities of our time.Today, you have a chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this technological revolution. In our urgent special report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power, you'll discover the little-known stocks we believe will win the quantum computing race and deliver massive gains to early investors.Access the Report Free Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Salesforce Inc. (CRM): Free Stock Analysis Report Netflix, Inc. (NFLX): Free Stock Analysis Report Cummins Inc. (CMI): Free Stock Analysis Report Waste Management, Inc. (WM): Free Stock Analysis Report Veeva Systems Inc. (VEEV): Free Stock Analysis Report Investors Title Company (ITIC): Free Stock Analysis Report Smith-Midland Corp. (SMID): Get Free Report Shell PLC Unsponsored ADR (SHEL): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks