8 Most Profitable Penny Stocks To Invest In

5. Mizuho Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:MFG)

TTM Net Income: $4.5 billion 

5-Year Net Income CAGR: 49.14% 

Share Price as of October 9: $4.17

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:MFG) is a Japanese financial services company offering various banking and financial products and services. It’s one of the largest financial institutions in Japan, providing retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, and asset management services. Key subsidiaries include Mizuho Bank, Mizuho Trust & Banking, and Mizuho Securities.

It reported an 18% increase in profit in FQ1 2025, driven by rising interest rates. The lender’s loan and deposit rate margin improved to 0.85%, up from 0.76% a year earlier. With the Bank of Japan lifting rates, the company can benefit from expanding profit margins. Overall revenue improved by 15.22% year-over-year, recording $4.97 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, earning $0.15 per share. Return on equity improved to 8% due to favorable market conditions, higher interest rates, and strategic capital reallocation. The company aims to achieve an ROE of over 8% by next year, indicating confidence in sustained profitability and growth.

Recently on October 1, it acquired a minority stake in Golub Capital, a US private credit firm. This move aims to capitalize on the growing private credit markets in the US. This partnership marks Mizuho Financial Group Inc.’s (NYSE:MFG) first stake in a US private credit asset manager, joining other banks that have partnered with private credit firms to tap into the $1.7 trillion industry.

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.’s (NYSE:MFG) robust asset base and commitment to shareholder returns, position the company for continued growth and attractive returns for investors. The company’s strong financial fundamentals and positive outlook make it an attractive investment for those seeking exposure to Japan’s evolving economic landscape.