Top Stock Reports for Philip Morris, Booking Holdings & Anheuser-Busch

Friday, March 21, 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 Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD), as well as two micro-cap stocks Elite Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ELTP) and National Research Corp. (NRC). 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 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 Sinking on Dimming OutlookToday's Featured Research ReportsPhilip Morris’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Tobacco industry over the past year (+74.8% vs. +63.4%). The company’s strong pricing power and an expanding smoke-free product portfolio have been driving the company. For the fourth quarter of 2024, net revenues increased 7.3%, driven by higher combustible tobacco pricing and increased smoke-free product volumes. The company has been making significant progress with its smoke-free transition, with products like IQOS and ZYN contributing to strong performance. In fact, Philip Morris aims to become substantially smoke-free by 2030. However, foreign currency fluctuations are impacting earnings, with a projected 22-cent-per-share currency headwind in 2025. Despite regulatory challenges, including increased tobacco restrictions, the company’s strategic cost-saving measures and operational efficiency continue to drive profitability.(You can read the full research report on Philip Morris here >>>)Shares of Booking Holdings have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Commerce industry over the past year (+25.5% vs. +19.5%). The company is benefiting from a favorable travel demand environment, owing to the growing demand for global leisure travel demand. Substantial improvement in its booking trends remains a major tailwind. Solid momentum in booked room nights is contributing well to the gross bookings growth. Strong growth in rental car and airline ticket units is a major positive. Also, strong momentum across the merchant, and advertising and other businesses are key growth drivers for BKNG. The growing alternative accommodation business and flight capabilities are tailwinds for the company. However, sluggishness in its agency business due to the declining trend in agency bookings is a major headwind. Also, geopolitical tensions and market uncertainities remain concerning for the company.(You can read the full research report on Booking Holdings here >>>)Anheuser-Busch’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Beverages - Alcohol industry over the past year (+7.2% vs. -13%). The company’s pricing actions, continued premiumization, and other revenue-management initiatives have been aiding results. BUD’s premiumization efforts also bode well. It has been focused on premium beer offerings, aligning with consumer preferences in the alcohol industry. BUD continues to build a diverse portfolio of global, international, craft and specialty premium brands. The expansion of its Beyond Beer portfolio, and investments in B2B platforms, e-commerce and digital marketing bode well. BUD’s relentless execution, brand investments and accelerated digital transformation aided sales in fourth-quarter 2024. However, AB InBev has been witnessing higher SG&A costs for a while now. The Zacks analyst expect SG&A costs to rise 1.5% year over year in 2025.(You can read the full research report on Anheuser-Busch here >>>)Shares of Elite Pharmaceuticals have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Drugs industry over the past year (+204.3% vs. -7%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $488.78 million is expanding its product portfolio with recent FDA approvals, including generic Vyvanse, Methotrexate and Acetaminophen-Codeine tablets. Elite Pharmaceuticals benefits from in-house manufacturing efficiencies, reducing reliance on third-party suppliers. A shift to direct sales has boosted margins and pricing control, though revenues fell 7.6% in third-quarter fiscal 2025 to $14.4 million from the $15.5 million in the prior-year quarter due to shipment delays and declining licensing fees. Industry tailwinds, including generic drug demand and patent expirations, provide growth opportunities. ELTP faces industry-wide pricing pressures, rising debt and competitive threats. Litigation over its OxyContin generic poses risks while increasing inventory and potential financing needs could impact cash flow and shareholder dilution.(You can read the full research report on Elite Pharmaceuticals here >>>)National Research’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Business - Information Services industry over the past year (-62.9% vs. +13.2%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $343.95 million is facing declining contract renewal rates (-4% in 2024) and high client concentration (17% of revenues from top 10 clients) pose risks. Competitive pressures from larger players, regulatory uncertainties and cybersecurity threats further challenge NRC’s performance.Nevertheless, NRC Health is strengthening its market position through strategic partnerships with major healthcare providers, expanding its client base and enhancing revenue stability. The company is leveraging AI-driven solutions, such as Huey AI, to optimize patient engagement and improve efficiency, differentiating itself in a competitive market. Rising demand for patient-centered healthcare, driven by value-based care models, further supports NRC’s growth. Cost-cutting measures, including workforce reductions and automation, enhance margins, while disciplined financial management ensures long-term stability.(You can read the full research report on National Research here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Enbridge Inc. (ENB), Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS) and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNQ).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 ReadPhilip Morris (PM) Benefits from Strong Smoke-free RevenuesBooking Holdings (BKNG) Rides on Gross Bookings Amid RisksAB InBev's (BUD) Strategic Growth Efforts Progress WellFeatured ReportsEnbridge (ENB) Gains From Long-term Transportation ContractsEnbridge generates stable fee-based revenues from its long-term, low-risk oil and gas transportation contracts. Yet, its significant debt exposure concerns the Zacks analyst.Cadence (CDNS) Rides on AI Advancements & Design ActivityPer the Zacks analyst, demand for its solutions amid robust design activity is driving Cadence's prospects. Strength in AI-powered products such as Cadence Cerebrus and JedAI data platform is a plus.Canadian Natural (CNQ) to Gain from 100% Ownership in AOSPThe Zacks analyst believes Canadian Natural's 100% ownership in Athabasca Oil Sands project (AOSP) will enhance its production capacity but natural gas price volatility raises concern.Cytokinetics (CYTK) Aficamten Promising, Competition a WoePer the Zacks analyst, a potential approval and successful commercialization of aficamten will be a great boost for Cytokinetics. However, any regulatory setback will be a headwind.Growth Strategies Aid Prestige Consumer (PBH) Amid Cost WoesPer Zacks analyst, Prestige Consumer is focused on core strategies, that are designed to enhance growth and long-term profitability across its core brands. But, rising costs continue to pose concerns.ABM Industries (ABM) Gains From ELEVATE, Faces CompetitionPer the Zacks analyst, ABM' multi-year strategic plan, ELEVATE, is expected to significantly accelerate the company's organic growth and reinforce profitability. Stiff competition remains a challenge.Strategic Efforts Aids Gibraltar (ROCK) Amid Tariff WoesPer the Zacks analyst, Gibraltar gains from its strategies on business systems, portfolio management and organizational development. Yet, uncertainties on new tariffs are risks.New UpgradesCoinbase (COIN) Boasts Revenue Growth, Solid Balance SheetPer the Zacks analyst, higher transaction revenues, subscription and services revenues, growth in crypto assets should drive Coinbase revenues. Its solid balance sheet provides financial flexibility.Premium Growth & Investment Returns Boost ProAssurance (PRA)Per the Zacks analyst, rising premiums from Workers' Compensation and higher yields on fixed investments are driving ProAssurance's topline. It is set to be acquired by The Doctors Company for $1.3B.Diverse offerings & lower costs to Aid Lending Tree (TREE)Per the Zacks analyst, non-mortgage offering diversification, and rising insurance wallet share alongside lower expenses will likely support Lending Tree financials.New DowngradesRise in Accounts Receivables, Weather Fluctuations Ail CWCOPer the Zacks analyst, CWCO's performance can be adversely impacted by delays in the collection of accounts receivables, and weather fluctuations during the second half of the year reducing demand.Persistent Supply Chain Vulnerability Hurt Emeren (SOL)Per the Zacks analyst, Emeren is likely to lose from the global solar supply chain's heavy reliance on China, which controls key manufacturing components and raises concerns about project delays.Increasing cost of sales & High Debt Hurt Cimpress (CMPR)Per the Zacks analyst, Cimpress has been facing raw-material inflation, high freight and shipping costs, which may affect its margins and profitability. Also, its high debt level remains concerning.Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and SellsWe're not kidding.Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent.Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators,and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone.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 Philip Morris International Inc. (PM): Free Stock Analysis Report Enbridge Inc (ENB): Free Stock Analysis Report Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ): Free Stock Analysis Report Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD): Free Stock Analysis Report Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS): Free Stock Analysis Report Elite Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ELTP): Get Free Report Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG): Free Stock Analysis Report National Research Corporation (NRC): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks