Thursday, December 18, 2025

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), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) and Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), as well as two micro-cap stocks The Monarch Cement Co. (MCEM) and Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CPIX). 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 >>>

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You can read today's AWS here >>> CPI, Jobless Claims in Very Agreeable Ranges

Today's Featured Research Reports

Shares of NVIDIA have outperformed the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry over the past year (+30.9% vs. +28.9%). The company is benefiting from the strong growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance accelerated computing. The growing demand for generative AI and large language models using graphics processing units (GPUs) based on NVIDIA’s Hopper and Blackwell architectures is aiding data center revenues.

The continued ramp-up of Ada RTX GPU workstations in the ProViz end market, following the normalization of channel inventory, is acting as a tailwind. Collaborations with more than 320 automakers and tier-one suppliers are likely to advance its presence in the autonomous vehicle space. 

The Zacks analyst expect NVIDIA’s revenues to witness a CAGR of 40.7% through fiscal 2026-2028. However, a limited supply of Blackwell GPUs may hinder its ability to meet demand. Rising costs associated with the production of more complex AI systems will hurt margins.

(You can read the full research report on NVIDIA here >>>)

Netflix’s shares have gained +5% over the past year against the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry’s gain of +16.2%. The company is benefiting from its growing subscriber base, thanks to a robust localized and foreign-language content portfolio and healthy engagement levels with about two hours of viewing per member per day, indicating strong member retention. 

NFLX's advertising tier now accounts for more than 55% of new sign-ups in available markets. NFLX has set an ambitious target to double its revenues by 2030 and reach a $1 trillion market capitalization, supported by a diversified content strategy, including international programming, live events, and gaming initiatives.

NFLX raised its full-year free cash flow forecast to $9 billion from $8-8.5 billion. For the fourth-quarter, Netflix projects $11.96 billion in revenue with 16.7% growth and a 23.9% operating margin, featuring major releases including Stranger Things' final season and NFL Christmas games.

(You can read the full research report on Netflix here >>>)

Shares of Merck have gained +3.4% over the past year against the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry’s gain of +16.7%. The company’s blockbuster drug, Keytruda, and new products have been driving sales. With label expansion into new indications, particularly earlier-stage launches, Keytruda is expected to see continued growth. Animal health is also contributing to growth. 

Merck has been making meaningful pipeline progress across areas like oncology, vaccines and infectious diseases. Moreover, it is actively pursuing M&A deals to enhance its pipeline and diversify away from Keytruda. 

However, rising competitive and generic pressure on some drugs and persistent challenges for Gardasil in China remain overhangs. There are concerns about Merck’s ability to successfully navigate the Keytruda loss of exclusivity period and potential competition for the drug. 

(You can read the full research report on Merck here >>>)

Monarch Cement’s shares have gained +5.9% over the past year against the Zacks Building Products - Concrete and Aggregates industry’s gain of +18.5%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $805.78 million offers a compelling income-plus-stability profile, anchored by strong balance sheet discipline, margin leadership and capital flexibility. Monarch Cement’s significantly increased dividends and buybacks in 2025 while maintaining $56.8 million in cash and no long-term debt. 

Retained earnings and equity continue to grow, enabling $25.5 million in self-funded capex. The Cement segment delivers dominant profitability, generating more than 94% of operating income with a 46% gross margin, reinforced by ongoing investment in long-life assets and a vertically integrated plant with >50 years of reserves. 

A capital-efficient JV provides steady earnings without full volatility, while timely asset monetization and a diversified equity portfolio enhance cash flow and earnings quality. Strong working capital and seasonality-aligned liquidity further support dividends, reinvestment and downside resilience.

(You can read the full research report on Monarch Cement here >>>)

Shares of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Drugs industry over the past year (+67.7% vs. +4.4%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $58.18 million offers a differentiated specialty pharma investment anchored by a scalable commercial platform and disciplined acquisition strategy. 

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals’ established hospital, GI, and oncology sales infrastructure enables efficient integration of under-promoted, FDA-approved brands, supporting operating leverage and accretive growth. The Talicia partnership adds de-risked, long-duration revenue, combining existing sales momentum with patent and exclusivity protection through 2042 at modest capital commitment. 

Longer term, ifetroban provides meaningful upside, with positive Phase II data in Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy and multiple ongoing Phase II programs that reduce binary pipeline risk. Approximately $53 million in NOLs enhance future cash flow conversion, while partner-led international launches offer low-cost growth optionality.

(You can read the full research report on Cumberland Pharmaceuticals here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include UBS Group AG (UBS), Medtronic plc (MDT) and Southern Copper Corp. (SCCO).

Mark Vickery
Senior Editor

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 Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>