The Zacks Analyst Blog Walmart, Visa, AbbVie and AstroNova

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – February 7, 2025 – 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, Walmart Inc. WMT, Visa Inc. V, AbbVie Inc. ABBV and AstroNova, Inc. ALOT.Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:Earnings Season Scorecard and Fresh Research Reports for Walmart, Visa and AbbVieToday's Research Daily features a real-time scorecard of the ongoing Q4 earnings season, in addition to the usual updated analyst reports on 16 major stocks, including Walmart Inc. Visa Inc. and AbbVie Inc., as well as a micro-cap stock AstroNova, Inc. 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's open and attempts 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 Higher on Easy Jobless Claims, Q4 EarningsQ4 Earnings Season ScorecardIncluding this morning's reports from the likes of Eli Lilly, Ralph Lauren and others, we now have Q4 results from 293 S&P 500 members or 58.6% of the index's total membership.Total earnings for these companies are up +11.8% from the same period last year on +5.6% higher revenues, with 77.5% beating EPS estimates and 65.2% beating revenue estimates. The Q4 earnings and revenue growth rates we are seeing from these 293 index members represents a notable acceleration relative to what we had seen from this same group in other recent periods.With respect to the EPS and revenue beats percentages, the Q4 beats percentages for this group of 293 companies is tracking below the average for this group over the preceding 20-quarter period (last 5 years).Looking at Q4 as a whole, combining the actual results from these 293 index members with estimates from the still-to-come companies, total earnings are expected to be up +12.3% on +5.4% higher revenues.The Q4 earnings growth rate improves to +15% once the Energy sector's drag is removed from the aggregate numbers, but the growth rate drops to +7% when the Tech sector's substantial contribution is excluded.For more details about the Q4 earnings season and evolving expectations for the coming periods, please check out our weekly Earnings Trends report here >>>>Mag 7 Members Report Strong Earnings, Double Down on CapExToday's Featured Research ReportsWalmart shares have outperformed the Zacks Retail - Supermarkets industry over the past year (+83.6% vs. +80.9%). The company is benefiting from its diverse business model that spans multiple segments, channels and formats. The company's strong omnichannel strategy has boosted traffic across physical stores and digital platforms.Walmart’s emphasis on improving delivery services has been successful, contributing to steady grocery market share gains. Upsides like these, along with growth in the advertising business, fueled third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, wherein the top and bottom lines grew year over year, and e-commerce sales surged.However, Walmart is experiencing adverse currency movements and margin pressures from shifts in product mix. While raising its fiscal 2025 guidance, the company’s implied fourth-quarter view for revenues and operating income reflects a slowdown from the reported third-quarter figures.(You can read the full research report on Walmart here >>>)Shares of Visa have outperformed the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry over the past year (+26.1% vs. +20.4%). The company’s fiscal first-quarter earnings beat estimates by 3.4%. Its strategic acquisitions and alliances are fostering long-term growth and consistently driving revenues. It expects net revenues to grow in low double-digits in fiscal 2025.V is fueled by persistent increases in payments, cross-border volumes and sustained investments in technology, is witnessing significant profit growth. The ongoing shift to digital payments is advantageous for Visa, with strong domestic volumes supporting its overall performance. A robust cash position enables the company to enhance shareholder value.However, elevated operating expenses pose margin challenges. It is witnessing a volatile cash volume from the Asia Pacific and U.S. regions. Moreover, rising client incentives will affect its adjusted revenues.(You can read the full research report on Visa here >>>)AbbVie shares have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past year (+13.3% vs. -0.6%). The company beats Q4 estimates for both earnings and sales. AbbVie has successfully navigated Humira's loss of exclusivity (LOE) by launching two other successful new immunology medicines, Skyrizi and Rinvoq, which are performing extremely well, bolstered by approvals in new indications and should support top-line growth in the next few years.AbbVie has several early/mid-stage candidates that have the potential to drive long-term growth. It expects to return to robust revenue growth in 2025 following the Humira LOE.However, the company faces several near-term headwinds like Humira’s biosimilar erosion, increasing competitive pressure on Imbruvica and slow market growth trend for Juvederm fillers in the United States and China.(You can read the full research report on AbbVie here >>>)Shares of AstroNova have underperformed the Zacks Technology Services industry over the past year (-33.9% vs. +80.9%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $85.38 million is facing challenges which includes margin compression, liquidity pressures and delayed revenue realization from postponed shipments. Competitive pressures in digital printing, along with geopolitical risks, further weigh on performance.Nevertheless, AstroNova's aerospace segment continues strong growth, with T&M revenues up 22.3% YoY, driven by robust demand for flight deck printers. Proprietary ToughWriter adoption is set to reach 89% of unit volume by FY27, reducing manufacturing complexity and royalties and enhancing long-term margins.In the PI segment, the MTEX acquisition strengthens inkjet capabilities, supporting innovation and retrofitting initiatives. Recurring revenues, comprising 70% of total sales, ensure stability and cash flow consistency. Macro tailwinds in digital printing, coupled with operational excellence programs, position AstroNova for sustained expansion.(You can read the full research report on AstroNova here >>>)Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Note: 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 Previewreports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.com                                     https://www.zacks.com                                                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.Free Today: Profiting from The Future’s Brightest Energy SourceThe demand for electricity is growing exponentially. At the same time, we’re working to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Nuclear energy is an ideal replacement.Leaders from the US and 21 other countries recently committed to TRIPLING the world’s nuclear energy capacities. This aggressive transition could mean tremendous profits for nuclear-related stocks – and investors who get in on the action early enough.Our urgent report, Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback, explores the key players and technologies driving this opportunity, including 3 standout stocks poised to benefit the most.Download Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback free today.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 Visa Inc. (V): Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT): Free Stock Analysis Report AstroNova, Inc. (ALOT): Free Stock Analysis Report AbbVie Inc. (ABBV): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks