Industry Overview - The technology services industry is mature with strong demand for services, and revenues, income, and cash flows are expected to gradually return to pre-pandemic levels, supporting stable dividends for most players [1] - The industry thrived in 2024 and continued its momentum into the first quarter of 2025 [1] - The global shift towards digitization is creating opportunities in markets such as 5G, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI), with companies rapidly adopting generative AI, machine learning (ML), and data science to gain competitive advantages [4] Investment Outlook - The Zacks-defined Technology Services industry ranks within the top 26% of Zacks Ranked Industries, indicating an expectation to outperform the market over the next three to six months [2] - Five mid and small-sized technology services stocks with strong short-term upside potential are recommended: Byrna Technologies Inc. (BYRN), Climb Global Solutions Inc. (CLMB), Adeia Inc. (ADEA), Priority Technology Holdings Inc. (PRTH), and Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (IE) [2][3] Company Highlights Byrna Technologies Inc. (BYRN) - Engaged in developing and selling less-lethal personal security solutions across multiple regions [6] - Average short-term price target indicates a potential increase of 48.6% from the last closing price of $25.53, with a target range of $33-$38 [8] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 30.2% and 12.9%, respectively [9] Climb Global Solutions Inc. (CLMB) - Operates as a value-added IT distribution and solutions company [10] - Average short-term price target suggests a potential increase of 26.2% from the last closing price of $110.28, with a target range of $136 [13] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5% and 2.7%, respectively [14] Adeia Inc. (ADEA) - Operates as a media and semiconductor intellectual property licensing company [16] - Average short-term price target indicates a potential increase of 25.2% from the last closing price of $13.75, with a target range of $17-$18 [18] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 9.2% and 7.1%, respectively [18] Priority Technology Holdings Inc. (PRTH) - Functions as a payment technology company with multiple segments [20] - Average short-term price target suggests a potential increase of 71.6% from the last closing price of $7.46, with a target range of $10-$16 [24] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 11.4% and over 100%, respectively [25] Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (IE) - Focuses on minerals exploration and development, particularly for electrification [27] - Average short-term price target indicates a potential increase of 105.9% from the last closing price of $6.85, with a target range of $10-$20 [28] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 2.6% and 51.4%, respectively [28]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 Index has recovered all losses from the tariff-related market turmoil, achieving a nine-day winning streak for the first time since November 2004 [1] - The index was previously down nearly 20% from its all-time high during the April turmoil but has since rebounded and is currently about 7% away from its peak recorded in February [2] Investment Recommendations - Five S&P 500 stocks are recommended for investment, all having provided over 20% returns year to date: Netflix Inc. (NFLX), Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Newmont Corp. (NEM), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), and Exelon Corp. (EXC) [3][4] Company Insights Netflix Inc. (NFLX) - NFLX exceeded earnings estimates while maintaining healthy engagement levels despite trade and tariff challenges, reaffirming its 2025 guidance [8] - The launch of its Ad Suite in the U.S. is expected to drive subscriber and average revenue per user (ARPU) growth, with strong visibility in its business leading to positive earnings estimate revisions [9] - NFLX's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 14% and 27.7%, respectively, with a 3.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [11] Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - PM is experiencing strong pricing power and growth in its smoke-free product portfolio, aiming to become substantially smoke-free by 2030 [12] - The company anticipates a 2% increase in volume growth for the fifth consecutive year, with smoke-free products projected to grow by 12-14% [13] - PM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 8.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with a 4.6% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [14] Newmont Corp. (NEM) - NEM is progressing with growth projects, including the Tanami expansion and the Ahafo North project, which is expected to commence commercial production in the second half of 2025 [15][16] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 0.1% and an earnings growth rate of 16.7% for the current year, with a significant 23.4% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [17] CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is set to benefit from rising electricity demand due to the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [18] - The company is investing in infrastructure upgrades to support the growing electric vehicle market, including off-road electrification initiatives [20] - CNP's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 3.4% and 8%, respectively, with a slight 0.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [21] Exelon Corp. (EXC) - EXC is focusing on strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, which will enhance service reliability and operational resilience [22] - The company is expected to see revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.3% and 6.8%, respectively, with a 0.4% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [23]

Core Viewpoint - Netflix Inc. has emerged as a defensive investment choice amid market volatility caused by tariffs, demonstrating strong financial performance in Q1 2025 with earnings exceeding expectations while revenue aligned with consensus estimates [1][2]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Netflix reported earnings that surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, while revenue was mostly in line with expectations [1]. - For Q2 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate anticipates revenues of $11.05 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 15.6%, and earnings per share (EPS) of $6.96, indicating a 42.6% increase year-over-year [8]. - Positive earnings surprises have been consistent, with an average beat of 6.9% over the last four quarters [8]. Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 indicates a year-over-year increase of 13.9% in revenue and 27.3% in EPS [9]. - For 2026, the estimates reflect an upside of 11.6% for revenue and 20.3% for EPS [9]. Business Strategy and Innovations - Netflix launched its Ad Suite in the U.S. on April 1, 2025, with plans to expand internationally, which is expected to enhance subscriber growth and average revenue per user (ARPU) [10]. - The company is transitioning to its proprietary ad system, moving away from Microsoft as its ad-tech partner, and implementing strategies like ad-supported lower-price tiers and abolishing password sharing [11]. - Netflix employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide personalized content recommendations, enhancing user experience and service quality [12][13]. Market Position and Valuation - Despite market volatility, Netflix shares have increased by 17.8% year-to-date, contrasting with an 8.4% decline in the S&P 500 Index [14]. - The company boasts a long-term growth rate of 20.4%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 12.6% [15]. - Netflix's return on equity (ROE) stands at 39.6%, compared to the S&P 500's 17% and the industry's 6.2%, with a net margin of 23.07% versus the S&P 500's 12.7% [15].