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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 NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA), American Express Co. (AXP), and Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC), as well as two micro-cap stocks Elite Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ELTP) and PrimeEnergy Resources Corp. (PNRG). 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.

NVIDIA’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry over the year-to-date period (+150.6% vs. +106.9%). The company is benefiting from the strong growth of artificial intelligence (AI), high performance and accelerated computing.

The data center end-market business is benefiting from the growing demand for generative AI and large language models using graphic processing units (GPUs) based on NVIDIA Hopper and Ampere architectures. A surge in hyperscale demand and higher sell-ins to partners across the Gaming and ProViz end markets following the normalization of channel inventory are acting as tailwinds.

Collaborations with Mercedes-Benz and Audi are likely to advance its presence in the autonomous vehicles and other automotive electronics space. However, softening IT spending amid macroeconomic headwinds and the US-China tech war remain major concerns.

Shares of American Express have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry over the past year (+80.9% vs. +21.8%). The company’s growth initiatives, like launching new products, reaching new agreements and forging alliances, are boosting its revenues. Consumer spending on travel and entertainment, which carries higher margins for AmEx, is advancing well.

American Express’ solid cash-generation abilities enable the pursuit of business investments and prudent deployment of capital via buybacks and dividends.

However, with higher utilization of AXP’s cards, costs in the form of card member services and card member rewards are likely to go up. Rising marketing costs are straining its margins. Its current debt level amid a high-interest rate environment induces a rise in interest expenses. The stock is overvalued at the moment. As such, the stock warrants a cautious stance.

Wells Fargo’s shares have underperformed the Banks - Major Regional industry over the past six months (-1.4% vs. +6.2%). The company’s loan growth is likely to remain limited, as the asset cap remains in place until it complies fully with regulators’ demands regarding operational risk management.

The bank agreed to divest its non-agency third-party servicing segment of the Commercial Mortgage Servicing (CMS) business to Trimont. High mortgage rates and low originations is likely to hurt mortgage banking income in the near term.

Nevertheless, its progress on efficiency initiatives, like branch and footprint reduction, will support cost reduction and drive bottom-line growth. A decent deposit balance is likely to aid its financials, driven by the strength in the Consumer Banking and Lending segment. With a strong capital position and decent liquid profile, the capital distribution seems sustainable.

Shares of Elite Pharmaceuticals have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Drugs industry over the year-to-date period (+177.9% vs. -0.5%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $415.56 million has seen first-quarter fiscal 2025 revenues surged 109.4%, driven by the success of its Elite label products.

The company’s expanding portfolio includes high-value Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) for medications like Methotrexate and controlled substances, positioning it for continued growth. Its recent facility expansion enhances manufacturing capacity, supporting future product launches.

A robust pipeline and favorable generics market dynamics support long-term prospects. Elite Pharmaceuticals boasts positive cash flows, low debt and a solid cash position.

However, risks include customer concentration, pricing pressure from large buyers, intense competition, and regulatory challenges related to controlled substances. Supply chain vulnerabilities and potential overextension in product launches are other concerns.

PrimeEnergy Resources’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry over the year-to-date period (+30.3% vs. -4.1%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $242.79 million has a strong production growth, evidenced by a 134% increase in oil and a 95% rise in natural gas production in the second quarter of 2024, positions it well for continued revenue and earnings expansion.

PrimeEnergy Resources’ financial health is supported by nearly doubling revenues and tripling net income in the first half of 2024, along with an expanded $115 million credit facility that enhances liquidity for ongoing drilling. Favorable oil prices and strategic acreage in the Permian Basin offer long-term growth potential.

However, risks include exposure to volatile oil and gas prices, rising production costs, heavy capital expenditures and dependency on a limited number of partners. The shift toward renewable energy and potential regulatory changes pose long-term risks to its traditional oil and gas operations.

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Sony Group Corp. (SONY), Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BDX), and Lennar Corp. (LEN).

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