Thursday, August 20, 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 Salesforce, Inc. (CRM), Seagate Technology Holdings PLC (STX) and AT&T Inc. (T), as well as a micro-cap stock, Daily Journal Corp. (DJCO). These research reports have been hand-picked from roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
Ahead of Wall Street
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You can read today's AWS here >>>Â Pre-Markets Down Despite Strong Claims, Philly Fed
Today's Featured Research Reports
Salesforce’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Internet - Software industry over the past year (-16.1% vs. -12.9%). Per the Zacks analyst, the enterprise’ spending remains vulnerable to macroeconomic swings, while intense competition in CRM and AI workflows could pressure growth. Debt-funded share repurchases have also increased leverage and interest expenses.
However, Salesforce is strengthening its CRM franchise by embedding Agentforce across Customer 360 and expanding its data capabilities through Informatica. Broader adoption of its AI and data products, combined with strong cash generation, supports growth and continued product investment.
Seagate’s shares have outperformed the Computer - Integrated Systems industry over the past year (+438.5% vs. +210.4%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company benefits from strong data center demand, HAMR adoption, disciplined pricing and growing AI-driven storage needs. Its Mozaic roadmap, manufacturing efficiencies, customer commitments and focus on shareholder returns support growth and cash generation.
Yet, stiff competition, customer concentration, premium valuation and macroeconomic uncertainty could pressure performance. Heavy reliance on data center and HDD demand also leaves Seagate exposed to shifts in spending and storage trends.
AT&T’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Wireless National industry over the past year (-14.6% vs. +80.0%). The Zacks analyst believes that AT&T faces intense U.S. wireless competition, with promotional activity potentially pressuring pricing and margins. Declining legacy services and elevated capital requirements could also hinder deleveraging efforts.
On the positive side, AT&T is expanding its fiber and 5G networks while reducing long-term network costs. Its expanded fiber footprint offers more bundling opportunities, while edge computing could provide an additional competitive advantage.Top of FormBottom of Form
Daily Journal’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Publishing - Newspapers industry over the last six months (+20.0% vs. -18.4%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company is evolving into a software-driven business, with Journal Technologies gaining broader adoption across government markets. Recurring or usage-based revenue enhances visibility, while a liquid, asset-rich balance sheet and positive operating cash flow provide financial flexibility.
However, legacy publishing operations face structural pressure from rising costs and weak growth. Elevated governance, remediation and legal expenses are also limiting operating leverage.
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Eaton Corp., PLC (ETN), Spotify Technology S.A. (SPOT) and MetLife, Inc. (MET).
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
Per the Zacks analyst, Axsome's lead drug, Auvelity, approved for treating major depressive disorder is driving sales. The addition of Sunosi bodes well too. However, stiff competition remains a woe.
The Zacks analyst believes that Magnolia's production growth should support higher volumes and earnings, but oil and gas price volatility remains a concern.
Per the Zacks analyst, SPOT's Strong subscriber growth and improving pricing power ensure revenue growth, but the absence of cash dividends may deter income-focused shareholders.
Per the Zacks analyst, Alexandria Real Estate gains from leasing momentum, high-quality tenants and contractual rent escalations. However, lower occupancy, renewal pressure and elevated leverage ail.
Per the Zacks Analyst, the company's solid retirement business has generated substantial premiums, which in turn drove the top line. However, rising expenses remain a concern.
Per the Zacks analyst, MetLife's cost-control measures are driving margins, while acquisitions are expanding its portfolio. However, volatile variable investment income is concerning.
Per the Zacks analyst Eaton's operations in nearly 180 countries across the world and development of new products through ongoing R&D investments will continue to drive demand and boost profitability.
New Upgrades
Per the Zacks analyst, Darling's core ingredients platform is gaining momentum from operational efficiency, commercial optimization and contract management, supporting stronger margins and growth.
Per the Zacks analyst, rising AI-driven semiconductor demand, stronger customer visibility and growing proprietary content are supporting Ichor's revenue and margin growth.
Per the Zacks analyst, Leggett & Platt benefits from restructuring, metal-margin expansion and portfolio simplification. Cost actions and a leaner balance sheet support profitability and earnings.
New Downgrades
The Zacks analyst is concerned that the recent volatility in iron ore prices, along with rising costs for raw materials, energy, and freight, will weigh on National Steel's margins.
Per the Zacks analyst, persistently rising costs due to investments in technology are expected to hurt BankUnited's profits. Also, rising provisions make us apprehensive about the company's growth.
Per the Zacks Analyst, Rigetti faces rising losses, execution and dilution risks, though cloud expansion, Novera sales, government ties and a solid cash position support longer-term potential.
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