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.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
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You can read today's AWS here >>> 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.
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.
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.
(You can read the full research report on Bank of America here >>>)
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%.
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.
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.
(You can read the full research report on Netflix here >>>)
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.
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.
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.
(You can read the full research report on TotalEnergies here >>>)
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.
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.
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.
(You can read the full research report on Park Aerospace here >>>)
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.
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.
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.
(You can read the full research report on Friedman Industries here >>>)
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
Expansion Efforts, Loan Growth Aids Bank of America (BAC), Costs Ail
Robust Content Aids Netflix (NFLX) Amid Stiff Competition
Expanding LNG & Clean Energy Assets Aid TotalEnergies (TTE)
Featured Reports
Strategic Acquisitions Aids Labcorp (LH) Amid Foreign Exchange Woes
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.
Tenet (THC) to Gain From Same-Facility Growth Despite Payer Mix
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.
UDR's Growth Buoyed by Demand Despite Supply and Competition Pressures
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.
Momentum in CTV Powers Trade Desk (TTD) Amid Macro Limitations
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 (MBLY) To Benefit From Stellantis Cloud-Enhanced ADAS Deal
Mobileye's deal to put its Cloud-Enhanced ADAS technology into select Stellantis vehicles is expected to lift profitability, per the Zacks analyst.
Pool Corp (POOL) Banks on Maintenance Business, High Costs Ail
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.
Universal Insurance Set to Grow on Prudent Underwriting
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
Defense Demand and Acquisitions Support Teledyne Technologies (TDY)
Per the Zacks analyst, Teledyne Technologies is poised to benefit from rising defense demand, record backlog and disciplined strategic acquisitions.
International Seaways (INSW) Benefits From a Strong Liquidity Position
The Zacks analyst is impressed by the company's strong liquidity position. A favorable supply-demand balance and shareholder-friendly approach are added tailwinds.
Signet Jewelers (SIG) Builds Momentum Through Grow Brand Love Strategy
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
Massive Debt, Dependence on Xifaxan Weighing on Bausch Health (BHC)
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.
Solaris Energy (SEI) Faces Execution and Funding Risks
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.
Boston Beer (SAM) Witnesses Tariff Woes and Higher Commodity Costs
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%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant 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
Bank of America Corporation (BAC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Labcorp Holdings Inc. (LH): Free Stock Analysis Report
Netflix, Inc. (NFLX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Tenet Healthcare Corporation (THC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (TDY): Free Stock Analysis Report
Park Aerospace Corp. (PKE): Free Stock Analysis Report
Friedman Industries Inc. (FRD): Free Stock Analysis Report
TotalEnergies SE Sponsored ADR (TTE): Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).