Top Stock Reports for Mastercard, AMD & Intuit

Friday, August 9, 2024The 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 Incorporated (MA), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) and Intuit Inc. (INTU), as well as a micro-cap stock United-Guardian, Inc. (UG). 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 >>>Mastercard shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry over the past year (+14.7% vs. +11.7%). The company’s Numerous acquisitions are helping it to grow addressable markets and drive new revenue streams. It reported strong 2Q24 results thanks to resilient consumer spending and solid cross-border volumes. The accelerated adoption of digital and contactless solutions is providing an opportunity for the firm's business to expedite its shift to the digital mode. It is well-poised to gain from steady cash-generating abilities. A strong capital position allows MA to pursue acquisitions and prudently deploy capital through share buybacks and dividend payments. However, steep operating expenses might stress its margins. High rebates and incentives may weigh on net revenues. Also, it is overvalued than the industry at current levels. As such, the stock warrants a cautious stance.(You can read the full research report on Mastercard here >>>)Shares of AMD have gained +23.7% over the past year against the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry’s gain of +46.4%. The company’s second quarter 2024 results benefited from robust Data Center and Client revenues that fully offset sluggishness in the Gaming and Embedded segments.    Data center benefited from the solid adoption of AMD Instinct GPUs and strong growth in fourth-gen AMD EPYC CPU sales. Exiting second-quarter 2024, AMD had more than 900 public cloud instances available, with Netflix and Uber selecting fourth-gen EPYC public cloud instances. In the data center AI business, MI300 quarterly revenues exceeded $1 billion for the first time. Enterprise and Cloud AI customer pipeline remains robust. AMD and its partners, including Microsoft, Oracle, DELL, HPE, Lenovo, and Supermicro, have instinct platforms in production. AMD expects third-quarter 2024 revenues to be $6.7 billion (+/-$300 million) representing roughly 16% year-over-year growth at mid-point.(You can read the full research report on AMD here >>>)Intuit shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the past year (+24.8% vs. +20.7%). The company is benefiting from strong growth in revenues driven by the Online and Consumer Group business segments. Strong momentum in international online revenues and solid professional tax revenues were significant growth boosters. The TurboTax Live offering is also driving growth in the Consumer tax business. Momentum in QuickBooks Capital remains positive. Moreover, the company’s strategy of shifting its business to a cloud-based subscription model will help generate stable revenues over the long run. Additionally, growth in the Desktop ecosystem helped the company boost its revenues. Nonetheless, higher costs and expenses due to increased investments in marketing and engineering teams are likely to continue affecting bottom-line results in the near term.(You can read the full research report on Intuit here >>>)Shares of United-Guardian have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Products industry over the past year (+44.5% vs. +6.3%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $51.31 million reported a significant 27% year-over-year increase in first-quarter 2024 sales to $3.25 million. The improvement was driven by a 146% rise in cosmetic ingredient sales, mainly from ASI. United-Guardian holds a strong financial position, with $7.1 million in cash and low debt. Strategic moves include launching Natrajel for sexual wellness and discontinuing low-growth industrial products, focusing on higher-margin segments. UG’s market strength in cosmetic ingredients and medical lubricants is supported by a global customer base, with 83% of ASI's sales being international. Efficient supply chain and cost management further bolster operational stability, with a modest increase in operating expenses. Additionally, the company benefits from the Medicare Part D Manufacturer Discount Program, which may reduce financial burdens.(You can read the full research report on United-Guardian here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE), CSX Corporation (CSX) and The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BK).Director of ResearchSheraz MianNote: 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 ReadMastercard's (MA) Accretive Buyouts Aid, Elevated Costs HurtStrong Product Portfolio & Partner Base Aid AMD's ProspectsIntuit (INTU) Rides on Product Refresh, Higher SubscriptionsFeatured ReportsIntercontinental (ICE) Banks on Acquisitions Amid High CostsPer the Zacks analyst, Intercontinental Exchange is set to grow on a number of acquisitions and cost synergies, which in turn, position it well for growth. However, rising expenses weigh on margins.CSX's Dividend Payouts Boost Prospects Amid Cost ConcernsThe Zacks analyst is impressed with the company's efforts to reward its shareholders. However, high operating expenses, mainly due to elevated labor costs, are hurting its bottom line.Higher Rates Support BNY Mellon (BK), Rising Costs A ConcernPer the Zacks analyst, global footprint, higher interest rates and a strong balance sheet are expected to aid BNY Mellon. Higher expenses, rising funding costs and fee income concentration are woes.TC Energy's (TRP) C$34B Growth Projects to Boost EarningsThe Zacks analyst believes that TC Energy's C$34 billion of growth projects should support its earnings and dividend payouts but is worried over the massive debt of C$49.1 billion.Aspen (AZPN) Rides on Solid Business Pipeline & ACV GrowthPer the Zacks analyst, Aspen's performance is driven by strong business pipeline activities with healthy Annual Contract Value (ACV) growth trends. The dynamic macro environment is a concern. Loan and Deposit Growth Aid Synovus (SNV), High Costs AilPer the Zacks analyst, Synovus' top line should continue to benefit from rising loan and deposit balances. Yet continued investments in technology keep the bottom line under pressure.Firdapse Drives Catalyst's (CPRX) Revenues, Overdependence a WoePer the Zacks Analyst, Firdapse has been boosting revenues for Catalyst on the back of high demand. However the overdependence on Firdapse sales and the lack of other pipeline candidates is concerningNew UpgradesAcquisition of ADESA & Cost Containment Aid Carvana (CVNA)Per the Zacks analyst, the buyout of ADESA's U.S. operations can help Carvana enhance the quality and quantity of resale vehicles. Lower reconditioning and transportation costs also bode well. Burlington Stores' (BURL) 2.0 & Store-Growth Plan Bode Well Per the Zacks analyst, Burlington Stores' 2.0 initiative, which aims at improving the execution of the off-price model, looks encouraging. The company's long-term store-growth target is also on track.Investments, Appalachian Assets Aid National Fuel Gas (NFG)Per the Zacks analyst, National Fuel Gas' systematic investment to further strengthen its midstream operations and strong presence in the Appalachian region will boost its performance.New DowngradesEscalating Expenses and Competition Hurt Avis Budget (CAR)Per the Zacks analyst, Avis Budget's increasing expenses due to high fleet cost is likely to keep the bottom line under pressure. Rising competition from other players is an overhang.Weakness in Gas Utilities Sector to Hurt MRC Global (MRC)Per the Zacks analyst, MRC Global is struggling with poor performance of the Gas Utilities sector due to continued customer destocking and delayed project activity. Forex woes are an added concern.Low Housing Starts & Increased Costs Ail Boise Cascade (BCC)Per the Zacks analyst, softer multi-family housing starts, and reduced repair-and-remodeling demand trends mar Boise Cascade's prospects. Also, increased costs and expenses are added headwinds.Zacks' Top 3 Hydrogen StocksDemand for clean hydrogen energy is projected to reach $500 billion by 2030 and grow 5-FOLD by 2050. Want in? Zacks has targeted 3 diversified titans that could lead the way to becoming hydrogen powerhouses.One has crushed the market over the past 25 years – up +2,400% to +380%.Another already has capital commitments of $15 billion for low carbon hydrogen products through 2027 alone.Our third pick soared to 52-week highs in Q4 2023 and has raised its dividend every year for over a decade.See Stocks 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 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD): Free Stock Analysis Report Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (ICE): Free Stock Analysis Report Mastercard Incorporated (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BK): Free Stock Analysis Report CSX Corporation (CSX): Free Stock Analysis Report Intuit Inc. (INTU): Free Stock Analysis Report United-Guardian, Inc. (UG): Get Free ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks