Monday, July 27, 2026
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 Bank of America Corp. (BAC), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) and TotalEnergies SE (TTE), as well as two micro-cap stocks Park Aerospace Corp. (PKE) and Friedman Industries, Inc. (FRD). 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.
Ahead of Wall Street
The 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, attempting 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 >>>Â Pre-Markets Fill Holes Left from Friday's Selloff
Today's Featured Research Reports
Bank of America’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry over the past six months (+22% vs. +13.4%). The company’s second-quarter 2026 results were aided by trading and investment banking (IB) strength along with net interest income (NII) growth. NII growth is expected to continue supported by steady loan growth and a higher-for-longer rate environment.Â
Bank of America’s expansion strategy by opening financial branches will boost the top line. Along with this, investments in digital capabilities will enhance client engagement and cross-selling opportunities, likely driving fee income.Â
However, elevated expenses due to investments in technology and franchise expansion will hurt the bottom line to an extent. The volatile nature of the capital markets business makes growth in trading revenues uncertain. Weak asset quality is another concern, which might hamper financials.
Shares of Netflix have underperformed the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry over the past six months (-17.2% vs. -15.5%). The company reported second quarter 2026 earnings per share of 80 cents, up 11.1% year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.27%. Revenues rose 13.4% year over year to $12.56 billion, driven by membership growth, pricing and higher advertising revenues, though the figure missed the consensus mark by 0.1%.Â
Operating margin was 33.4%, down from 34.1% a year earlier, reflecting higher content amortization tied to a front loaded content slate. Free cash flow fell to $1.53 billion from $2.27 billion on higher cash taxes linked to the terminated Warner Bros. Discovery deal.Â
Netflix ended the quarter with $9.1 billion in cash and $14.4 billion in gross debt. It narrowed its 2026 revenue outlook to $51.0 billion to $51.4 billion, implying 13% to 14% growth, while maintaining its 31.5% operating margin steady.Â
TotalEnergies’ shares have gained +18.8% over the past six months against the Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry’s gain of +45.7%. The company’s second-quarter earnings and sales were lower than expected due to low production volumes. The company offers a balanced investment case.Â
TotalEnergies’ global portfolio, resilient output outside disrupted regions, and exposure to LNG and newer hydrocarbon basins support cash generation across cycles. Start-ups and acquired assets should add volumes, while low-carbon investments provide a longer-term transition path and help align the business with emissions goals.Â
However, a neutral stance remains appropriate because the company is exposed to geopolitical and security risks in regions where operations can be interrupted. Reliance on acquired assets adds integration and execution risk, and commodity swings can pressure margins and cash flow. In the past six months, shares of TotalEnergies underperformed its industry.
Shares of Park Aerospace have outperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry over the past six months (+51.8% vs. -7.8%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $744.76 million benefits from multi-year commercial aerospace demand through its GE Aerospace-related programs, including a long-term agreement with MRAS covering composite materials for Airbus A320neo family and other aircraft platforms through 2029. Airbus’ planned production ramp to 70-75 A320neo family aircraft monthly by the end of 2027 could provide sustained supplier demand.Â
Park’s FY2027 Q1 sales rose to $18.3 million, gross margin expanded to 34.8%, and adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 25%. Its largely unlevered balance sheet, supported by $80.5 million in cash and $8.9 million in marketable securities, provides flexibility for growth investments and shareholder returns.Â
However, risks include customer concentration, delayed returns from capacity investments, uneven defense program realization, and supply-chain disruptions. The stock trades at 8.22X trailing EV/sales.Â
Friedman Industries’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Metal Products - Procurement and Fabrication industry over the past six months (+91.6% vs. -6.8%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $253.03 million benefits from an expanded operating platform following the Century Metals & Supplies acquisition, which broadened its product portfolio, processing capabilities and geographic reach.Â
Friedman Industries’ flat-roll business remains the primary growth driver, supported by higher throughput, utilization and record fiscal 2026 sales volume. The Sinton facility and value-added processing capabilities provide operating leverage, while tubular segment recovery adds diversification. Strong liquidity supports investment and flexibility.Â
However, profitability remains sensitive to steel prices, inventory levels, demand cycles and cost absorption. Higher borrowings, hedge timing impacts and supplier concentration remain key considerations. The valuation suggests modest investor expectations, leaving room for upside if growth initiatives and profitability improvements continue.
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Teledyne Technologies Inc. (TDY), Labcorp Holdings Inc. (LH) and Tenet Healthcare Corp. (THC).
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>>>
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
The Zacks analyst is impressed by Labcorp's strategic relationships with health systems and regional laboratories. Yet, challenges in terms of unfavorable foreign exchange issue hurts growth.
Per the Zacks analyst, strong same-facility revenue growth and disciplined expense management will drive Tenet Healthcare's performance. However, an unfavorable payer mix remains a concern.
Per the Zacks analyst, UDR's diverse portfolio, healthy demand and tech-driven efficiencies support growth, though elevated supply in select markets and rising competition may temper rent gains ahead.
Per the Zacks analyst, The Trade Desk continues to benefit from structural tailwinds in CTV, with video comprising a low-50% share of revenues. Digital advertising spending is prone to macro woes.
Mobileye's deal to put its Cloud-Enhanced ADAS technology into select Stellantis vehicles is expected to lift profitability, per the Zacks analyst.
Per the Zacks analyst, Pool Corp is likely to benefit from recurring maintenance business, higher pricing and growing POOL360 adoption. However, soft new pool construction activity and high costs ail.
Per the Zacks analyst, Universal Insurance is set to grow on strong retention, selective market positioning, and policy growth. Yet, reinsurance cost volatility and rising Competition concern.
New Upgrades
Per the Zacks analyst, Teledyne Technologies is poised to benefit from rising defense demand, record backlog and disciplined strategic acquisitions.
The Zacks analyst is impressed by the company's strong liquidity position. A favorable supply-demand balance and shareholder-friendly approach are added tailwinds.
Per the Zacks analyst, Signet Jewelers is advancing its Grow Brand Love strategy through stronger brand positioning, digital enhancements and targeted marketing to drive sustainable growth.
New Downgrades
Per the Zacks analyst, Bausch faces significant risks from its heavy debt burden, Xifaxan dependence, generic threats, and litigation. The Bausch + Lomb separation uncertainty is also a concern.
The Zacks analyst believes that Solaris Energy Infrastructure faces rising execution and funding risks, while customer concentration and project delays could pressure earnings and the stock.
Per the Zacks analysts, Boston Beer expects tariff-related costs of $20-$30 million in 2026, up from $11 million in 2025. The company remains exposed to elevated aluminum, energy and freight costs.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
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
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â

(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.