Monday, September 22, 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 HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC), American Express Co. (AXP) and TotalEnergies SE (TTE), as well as two micro-cap stocks Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. (AMNF) and Precipio, Inc. (PRPO). 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 >>> Fed Speeches Today, PCE Report End-of-Week

Today's Featured Research Reports

HSBC’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Banks - Foreign industry over the year-to-date period (+48.5% vs. +43.5%). The company’s business simplification and restructuring initiatives are expected to fuel long-term growth. As part of its focus on optimizing returns, the company is divesting operations in underperforming regions and has exited retail banking across multiple markets. 

Though these moves position it for improved operating efficiency, they are likely to temporarily weigh on revenue growth. This, along with subdued loan demand, presents a major near-term concern for HSBC. 

Higher expenses tied to efforts to expand market share remain a woe and hurt profitability. Nevertheless, a robust capital position, relatively high interest rates and an expansive global footprint will continue to support financials.

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

Shares of American Express have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry over the year-to-date period (+16% vs. +10.7%). The company is benefiting from sustained revenue growth driven by new product launches, strategic partnerships and a rebound in travel and entertainment spending. It expects revenues to rise by 8-10% YOY in 2025. 

Strong cash generation and disciplined capital returns underscore its financial strength. It returned $2 billion in 2Q25 through dividends and buybacks. Year-to-date, its shares have outperformed the industry. AXP’s focus on increasing tech-savvy customers positions it for long-term growth. 

However, persistently rising expenses continue to weigh on margins. Loan loss provisions remain elevated due to macro uncertainty. Interest expenses rose 9% YoY in the first half of 2025. AmEx’s limited exposure to emerging non-card payment channels may constrain future competitiveness. As such, the stock warrants a cautious stance.

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

TotalEnergies’ shares have gained +13.9% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry’s gain of +18.9%. The company is gaining from contributions coming from startups, acquired assets, well-spread LNG assets and upstream assets located in the new hydrocarbon-producing regions. 

TotalEnergies benefits from its multi-energy assets spread across the globe. Its free cash flow allows it to increase shareholders’ value. TotalEnergies is investing in clean power generation and lowering emissions. 

TotalEnergies operates multiple assets globally, and in some regions, production might be impacted due to security concerns. It remains exposed to acquisition-related risks as these assets contribute a sizable volume to production. The natural field decline will impact production volumes and lower profits. 

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

Shares of Armanino Foods of Distinction have outperformed the Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry over the year-to-date period (+24.2% vs. -5.3%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $296.12 million offers a compelling investment case supported by disciplined cost control, capital discipline, and robust financial strength. Management’s focus on efficiency, manufacturing productivity, and sourcing optimization builds a lean model resilient to sector softness. 

A recently expanded $12 million buyback program—quadrupling repurchase volume—reinforces shareholder returns, supported by $23 million in cash, zero debt, and positive cash flow. Planned $1.5 million capex in 2025 will enhance automation and scalability, aligning with growing foodservice and international demand. 

Meanwhile, diversified distribution, stable broker relationships, and strong customer acquisitions mitigate concentration risk. With a strengthening brand portfolio and strategic marketing, AMNF is well-positioned to expand its leadership in high-margin categories.

(You can read the full research report on Armanino Foods of Distinction here >>>)

Precipio’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical Info Systems industry over the year-to-date period (+207.7% vs. +29.6%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $27.03 million has become a profitable growth engine, delivering three straight quarters above $1.3 million/month with 28% year-over-year growth and margins inching toward a 50% target by 2026. 

Cash flow funds R&D and fuels the Products pipeline. Products revenues rose in second-quarter 2025, driven by HemeScreen adoption and distributor traction, with operating leverage expected as revenue scales. Company-wide gross margin rose to 43%, with a narrowing EBITDA loss and reduced cash burn. 

Termination of the ATM program and warrant restructuring reflect capital discipline, but liquidity remains fragile with $1.1 million in cash and reliance on growth to offset volatility in Products revenue, distributor dependence and customer concentration. The valuation reflects both growth potential and execution risks, with upside if profitability materializes.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Stryker Corp. (SYK), Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNQ) and Equifax Inc. (EFX).

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>>>