The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Mastercard, SAP, CrowdStrike, Eli Lilly and AMETEK
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – February 16, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Mastercard Inc. MA, SAP SE SAP, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. CRWD, Eli Lilly and Co. LLY and AMETEK, Inc. AME.
Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:
Top Stocks Reports for Mastercard, SAP and CrowdStrike
The 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., SAP SE and CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc.. 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 (+28% vs. +19.7%) as well as rival Visa (28% vs. +24.1%) over the past year . The company's numerous acquisitions are helping it to grow addressable markets and drive new revenue streams.
The COVID-19 crisis accelerated the adoption of digital and contactless solutions, 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 it to pursue acquisitions and prudently deploy capital through share buybacks and dividend payments.
However, steep operating expenses might stress margins. High rebates and incentives may weigh on net revenues. As such, the stock warrants a cautious stance.
(You can read the full research report on Mastercard here >>>)
Shares of SAP have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the past six months (+29.1% vs. +25.1%). The company's performance is benefiting from continued strength in its cloud business, especially the Rise with SAP and Grow with SAP solutions. Momentum in SAP's business technology platform, particularly the S/4HANA solution, along with proliferation of generative AI bodes well.
SAP is now focusing more on vital strategic growth areas, especially Business AI, and position the company for future growth. Management also reaffirmed its 2025 long-term targets for cloud and total revenues. Frequent product launches, and strategic acquisitions and collaborations are other tailwinds.
However, continued softness in the Software license and support business segment coupled with global macroeconomic weakness are concerning. Increasing costs and stiff competition are additional headwinds.
(You can read the full research report on SAP here >>>)
CrowdStrike shares have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Software industry over the past year (+190.6% vs. +69.9%). The company benefits from the rising demand for cyber-security solutions due to a slew of data breaches and the increasing need for security and networking products amid the growing hybrid working trend.
Continued digital transformation and cloud migration strategies adopted by organizations are key growth drivers. The company's portfolio strength, mainly the Falcon platform's 10 cloud modules, boosts its competitive edge and helps add users.
Additionally, strategic acquisitions, such as Bionic and Reposify, are expected to fuel growth. However, intensifying competition in the security application market is a concern. Elevated selling & marketing and research & development spends remain overhangs on margins.
(You can read the full research report on CrowdStrike here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Eli Lilly and Co. and AMETEK, Inc.
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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Mastercard Incorporated (MA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) : Free Stock Analysis Report
SAP SE (SAP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
AMETEK, Inc. (AME) : Free Stock Analysis Report
CrowdStrike (CRWD) : Free Stock Analysis Report
