Top Stock Reports for Mastercard, Netflix & Citigroup

Friday, October 24, 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), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) and Citigroup Inc. (C), as well as two micro-cap stocks Oil-Dri Corporation of America (ODC) and Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. (PPIH). 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 >>> Pre-markets Soar on Softer CPI Numbers Today's Featured Research ReportsMastercard’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry over the year-to-date period (+10.2% vs. -4.6%). The company’s acquisitions and collaborations are helping the company to grow addressable markets and drive new revenue streams. Net revenues rose 16% year over year in the first half 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 its growth initiatives and enables shareholder value-boosting efforts through repurchases and dividends. It paid a dividend of $1.4 billion in the first half of 2025. However, MA's dividend yield is lower than the industry average. The Zacks analyst expects adjusted operating expenses to grow 15.6% year over year in 2025. Rebates and incentives increased 14% year over year in the first half of 2025. Also, the stock is overvalued compared to the industry. As such, the stock warrants a cautious stance.(You can read the full research report on Mastercard here >>>)Shares of Netflix have outperformed the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry over the past year (+46.2% vs. +45.5%). The company reported third-quarter 2025 earnings of $5.87 per share, missing estimates by 14.8% due to a $619 million Brazilian tax expense. Revenue rose 17.2% year-over-year to $11.51 billion, driven by membership growth and advertising gains. KPop Demon Hunters became its most-watched film ever at 325 million views. Operating margin reached 28%, below the 31.5% guidance due to the tax issue. Netflix doubled its ad revenue while expanding AI integration across content creation. NFLX raised its full-year free cash flow forecast to $9 billion from $8-8.5 billion. For the fourth-quarter 2025, Netflix projects $11.96 billion in revenue with 16.7% growth, featuring major releases including Stranger Things' final season and NFL Christmas games. However, stiff competition from streaming players like Apple and Disney+ are headwinds.(You can read the full research report on Netflix here >>>)Citigroup’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry over the year-to-date period (+43.3% vs. +28.4%). The company’s third-quarter 2025 results benefited from higher net interest income (NII) and solid non-interest revenues, with earnings surpassing estimates for four straight quarters. Despite the expectations of two additional rate cuts by the year-end, stabilizing funding costs and modest loan growth should support NII growth. Citigroup’s transformation initiatives, including consumer banking exits, cost reductions and operational streamlining, position revenues to exceed $84 billion in 2025. Expansion into private credit strengthens diversification, while a solid capital base supports shareholder returns. However, the volatile nature of investment banking (IB) and the trading business may pressure fee income. Also, lingering asset-quality pressures and rising expenses remain key risks.(You can read the full research report on Citigroup here >>>)Shares of Oil-Dri Corporation of America have outperformed the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry over the past year (+77.8% vs. -25.2%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $895.28 million is positioned for durable, margin-accretive growth driven by renewable diesel filtration and premium pet products. The fluids purification unit reached record FY25 revenue of $105 million (more than 22% year over year), supported by strong biofuel demand and U.S. incentives. The Ultra Pet acquisition added $13.5 million in sales and higher-margin crystal litter, offsetting clay category weakness. B2B revenues rose 21% to $183 million with record performance across agriculture, fluids, and animal health, expanding operating income 31% to $59.8 million. Overall, fiscal 2025 operating income grew 32% to $68.2 million on disciplined pricing, favorable mix, and cost control. With $50.5 million in cash, low leverage, and a 16% dividend hike, ODC maintains balance sheet strength to fund innovation, M&A, and shareholder returns.(You can read the full research report on Oil-Dri Corporation of America here >>>)Perma-Pipe International’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Steel - Pipe and Tube industry over the past year (+126.9% vs. +21.7%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $230.84 million has approval by Saudi Aramco unlocks direct access to one of the world’s largest pipe coating markets, aligning with its strategy to expand in high-value energy infrastructure. A $2.4 million contract in Qatar and facility development reinforce its MENA growth. Financially, H1 2025 revenues rose 32% YoY to $94.6 million, with net income up 23%, showcasing margin strength. A record $30M in Q3 project wins enhances backlog visibility and global demand validation. With $17.3 million in cash and $17.9 million in unused credit, Perma-Pipe can fund expansion. However, G&A costs rose 47% YoY, unbilled receivables surged and short-term debt increased, straining liquidity. A higher effective tax rate and unresolved internal control weaknesses pose ongoing risks. Despite these, shares are up 91% YTD and trade at attractive EV/Sales and EV/EBITDA multiples versus the industry. (You can read the full research report on Perma-Pipe International here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Stryker Corp. (SYK), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRTX).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 Cash Position Aid Mastercard (MA)Robust Content Aids Netflix (NFLX) Amid Stiff CompetitionCitigroup's (C) Streamlining Efforts Aid Amid Rising CostsFeatured ReportsStryker (SYK) Gains from Market Leadership & New LaunchesPer the Zacks analyst, Stryker's strong organic growth is driven by robotics leadership, innovative product launches, offsetting the impact of tariffs and rising costs.New Drug Launches to Aid Vertex (VRTX) Amid CF CompetitionWhile Vertex is progressing with its two new drug launches, Journavx in acute pain and Alyftrek/vanza triple in cystic fibrosis, the recent pipeline setbacks are a concern per the Zacks analyst.O'Reilly (ORLY) to Gain from Expansion Strategy Amid Debt WoesO'Reilly's store expansion efforts, with plans to open 200-210 new stores this year, are likely to boost prospects. But high long-term debt of around $6 billion is concerning, per the Zacks analyst.Pricing Actions Aid Avery Dennison (AVY) Amid High CostsPer the Zacks analyst, productivity initiatives, and cost saving actions bode well for Avery Dennison despite elevated higher raw material costs.Expansion and Strong Macau Trends Boost Wynn Resorts (WYNN) GrowthPer the Zacks analyst, WYNN benefits from Macau gaming and steady Las Vegas demand. Strategic expansion into London via Aspinalls further enhances its global reach, though tariff-related risk persistsImproving Air Traffic Aid Hexcel Corporation (HXL) Amid Labor ShortagePer the Zacks analyst, Hexcel Corporation is likely to benefit from the improving air traffic. Yet labor shortage result in delays and likely impact operating results.Patterson-UTI (PTEN) Taps into Growth with Advanced DrillingThe Zacks analyst believes that Patterson-UTI's 'Apex' rigs and strong North American exposure will drive future growth, but the stock's volatility could pose a risk for some investors.New UpgradesBattery Management System Solutions Aid Analog Devices (ADI)Per the Zacks analyst, Analog Devices is benefiting from a strong momentum in the electric vehicle space on the back of its robust Battery Management System solutions.Seagate Gains From (STX) Increasing Mass Capacity Demand Per the Zacks analyst, Seagate's performance is gaining from improving demand for mass capacity storage solutions and expansion into the SSD storage market. North America Segment to Aid Zumiez's (ZUMZ) Top-Line PerformancePer the Zacks analyst, Zumiez is leveraging North America as its core growth engine. Comparable sales in the segment rose 4.2% year over year in Q2, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth.New DowngradesCanadian National Grapples With Rail Network Issues, High CostsPer the Zacks Analyst, rail network issues due to headwinds like locomotive or crew/labor shortages and other service disruptions are challenges for CNI. Rising expenses weigh on the bottom line.Cost Inflation Weighs on Hormel Foods' (HRL) MarginsPer the Zacks analyst, Hormel Foods is facing elevated input costs. In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, gross margin fell 70 basis points to 16.1% amid persistent inflationary pressures.Rising Expenses Squeeze Molina Healthcare's (MOH) MarginsPer the Zacks analyst, increasing medical care costs and operating expenses are likely to keep pressuring Molina Healthcare's margins.Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor StockThis under-the-radar company specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. And it's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028.See This Stock Now for Free >>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 Citigroup Inc. (C): Free Stock Analysis Report Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI): Free Stock Analysis Report Mastercard Incorporated (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report Netflix, Inc. (NFLX): Free Stock Analysis Report Stryker Corporation (SYK): Free Stock Analysis Report Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Free Stock Analysis Report Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. (PPIH): Get Free Report Oil-Dri Corporation Of America (ODC): 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