Top Research Reports for Mastercard, GE Aerospace & Micron Technology

Tuesday, December 23, 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 Mastercard Inc. (MA), GE Aerospace (GE) and Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), as well as a micro-cap stock Value Line, Inc. (VALU). 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 opens, 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 >>> Q3 GDP +4.3%: Consumer Carries Economic HeftToday's Featured Research ReportsMastercard’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry over the past year (+8.5% vs. -8.1%). The company’s acquisitions and collaborations are helping it to grow addressable markets and drive new revenue streams. Net revenues rose 16% YoY in the first nine months of 2025. The accelerated adoption of digital and contactless solutions is providing an opportunity for its business to expedite its shift to the digital mode. Strong cash flow supports growth initiatives and enables shareholder value-boosting efforts via repurchases and dividends. It paid dividends of $2.1 billion in the first nine months of 2025. However, its dividend yield is lower than the industry average. MA expects adjusted operating expenses to witness high-end of mid-teens YoY growth in 2025. Expenses are likely to rise due to accelerating investments. Rebates and incentives increased 15% YoY in the first nine months of 2025. As such, the stock warrants a cautious(You can read the full research report on Mastercard here >>>)Shares of GE Aerospace have outperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry over the past year (+85.2% vs. +32.8%). The company has been witnessing strength in its businesses, driven by robust demand for commercial engines, propulsion and additive technologies. Rising U.S. & international defense budgets, geopolitical tensions, positive airline & airframer dynamics and robust demand for commercial air travel augur well for the company. Its portfolio-reshaping actions are likely to unlock values for its shareholders. The company raised its dividend by 28.6% to 36 cents per share in February 2025. However, GE Aerospace has been dealing with high costs and expenses related to certain projects and restructuring activities, which are likely to affect its margins and profitability. Supply-chain disruptions may also result in delays and increased costs. Given GE Aerospace’s international presence, foreign exchange headwinds might be worrying for it.(You can read the full research report on GE Aerospace here >>>)Micron Technology’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Integrated Systems industry over the past year (+215.3% vs. +81%). The company is benefiting from the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI)-driven memory and storage markets. The positive impacts of inventory improvement across multiple end markets are driving top-line growth. The surging demand for HBM and robust DRAM pricing recovery will aid significant revenue and earnings growth in the coming quarters. Its solid financials, positive free cash flow and strong balance sheet provide the flexibility to invest in growth initiatives while enhancing shareholder value. Micron Technology’s long-term customer agreements and expanding AI partnerships reduce volatility and enhance revenue visibility. Nonetheless, rising operating costs and a massive increase in capital expenditure pose a downside risk to Micron’s near-term profitability.(You can read the full research report on Micron Technology here >>>)Shares of Value Line have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Management industry over the past six months (+5.8% vs. -1.8%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $366.39 million offers a stable income profile, supported by strong cash flows and a debt-free balance sheet. In the six months ending October 2025, operating cash rose to $8.5 million, enabling $6.1 million in dividend payouts, with a 32.5 cents/share quarterly dividend. With over $83 million in liquid assets and no long-term debt, the company maintains strong financial flexibility. A diversified income stream from EULAV Asset Management (contributing over 60% of pre-tax earnings) provides recurring, non-operational cash flows. A $2 million share buyback authorization signals disciplined capital allocation. However, headwinds include declining core publishing revenues, reliance on EAM income without operational control, customer concentration risk (29% from one client), and weakening operating leverage. Unearned revenues are falling. Shares trade at a premium EV/sales of 8.27X.(You can read the full research report on Value Line here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Constellation Energy Corp. (CEG), Suncor Energy Inc. (SU) and Valero Energy Corp. (VLO).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 ReadAccretive Buyouts, Strong Balance Sheet Aid Mastercard (MA)Commercial Engines Unit to Aid GE Aerospace (GE), Costs AilRising AI Spending, Inventory Improvement Aid Micron (MU)Featured ReportsStrong Nuclear Fleet, Investments Aid Constellation Energy (CEG)Per the Zacks analyst Constellation Energy's (CEG) efficient and reliable nuclear fleet having a high capacity factor and strategic investment plans will continue to boost its performance.Acquisitions Aid HEICO (HEI) Amid Supply Chain IssuesPer the Zacks analyst, HEICO Corp. is likely to benefit from its strategic acquisitions which should continue to complement organic growth. Yet supply chain issues result in delays and increase costs.Insmed (INSM) Rides on FDA Nod for First Bronchiectasis DrugThe Zacks Analyst is encouraged by the recent FDA approval of Insmed's Brinsupri, the first treatment for non-CF bronchiectasis. This also marks the launch of the company's second marketed product.Portfolio Diversification Aids Annaly (NLY) Amid Market VolatilityPer the Zacks analyst, Annaly's portfolio diversification efforts are likely to support return stability over time. Yet, market volatility and relatively high mortgage rates remains a concern.Array (AD) Rides on Healthy Demand in Tower Rental PortfolioPer the Zacks analyst, solid momentum in the tower rental portfolio is expected to drive Array's top line. Its focus on monetizing wireless spectrum licenses along with tower assets is a positive.Signet (SIG) Benefits From Sustained Same-Store Sales GrowthPer the Zacks analyst, Signet's third straight quarter of same-store sales growth signals strengthening demand and effective merchandising across core banners, supporting sustained retail momentum.Skill-Based Programs Aid Strategic Education (STRA), ANZ Weakness AilsPer the Zacks analyst, robust employer-affiliated enrollment and higher revenue per student are driving Strategic Education's prospects. However, weakness in the ANZ segment is concerning.New UpgradesOngoing Upgrades and Reduced Maintenance Downtime to Aid Suncor (SU)The Zacks analyst believes that recent upgrades have extended maintenance cycles, cut downtime, and lowered costs across Suncor, boosting utilization, reliability, and margins.Valero's (VLO) Extensive Refinery Network Aids ProfitabilityPer the Zacks analyst, Valero Energ's vast refining network enables it to tap into different markets, supporting diverse customer needs and its Gulf Coast refineries drive high export volumes.Radian Group (RDN) is Set to Grow on New Insurance WrittenPer the Zacks analyst, Radian is set to grow on new insurance written aided by strong mortgage origination market, higher refinance activity and higher private mortgage insurance penetration rates.New DowngradesHigh Competition and Nil Dividend Payout Ails Fiserv (FISV)Per the Zacks Analyst, Fiserv tackles fierce competition, raising the difficulty in balancing growth and profitability. No plan to payout cash dividends remains concerning.F5 (FFIV) Hurt By Security Breach and BIG-IP Source Code TheftPer the Zacks analyst, F5 is dealing with investor pessimism due to tarnished brand image after security breach and theft of BIG-IP source code.Bio-Techne (TECH) Faces Choppy Macro and Competitive PressureThe Zacks analysts warn that weak biotech funding, cautious academia and cell therapy timing weigh on Bio-Techne's overall business. Rising competition pressures growth and pricing.Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant 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 GE Aerospace (GE): Free Stock Analysis Report Mastercard Incorporated (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG): Free Stock Analysis Report Micron Technology, Inc. (MU): Free Stock Analysis Report Valero Energy Corporation (VLO): Free Stock Analysis Report Suncor Energy Inc. (SU): Free Stock Analysis Report Value Line, Inc. (VALU): Get Free ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks