Wednesday, June 17, 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 NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA), Oracle Corp. (ORCL) and The Home Depot, Inc. (HD), as well as two micro-cap stocks, Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (CLST) and Hour Loop, Inc. (HOUR). These research reports have been hand-picked from roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Ahead of Wall Street
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You can read today's AWS here >>> Fed Chair Warsh in the Spotlight: Will He Advocate Rate Cuts?
Today's Featured Research Reports
NVIDIA’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry over the past two years (+52.9% vs. +64.7%). Per the Zacks analyst, the company faces risks from supply-chain execution across increasingly complex systems, rising operating investments, and elevated inventory and long-term commitments that could lead to provisions if demand weakens. Uncertainty around China data-center shipments and intensifying competition also remain key challenges.
Yet the company continues to benefit from strong demand for AI infrastructure, with expanding adoption across cloud providers, enterprises, and sovereign customers. Blackwell system ramp-up, growing networking demand, edge-computing momentum, and a strengthening automotive pipeline support growth, margins, cash generation, and shareholder returns.
(You can read the full research report on NVIDIA here >>>)
Oracle’s shares have outperformed the Computer - Software industry over the past six months (+4.6% vs. -17.1%). The Zacks analyst believes that Oracle benefits from strong cloud infrastructure growth, strategic partnerships, competitive pricing, AI-enhanced database capabilities, and solid cash generation. Its integrated solutions approach supports customer retention, cross-selling, and continued cloud expansion.
However, intense competition from hyperscalers may pressure margins. The shift from license sales to subscriptions can create near-term volatility, while data-center expansion plans carry execution risks.
(You can read the full research report on Oracle here >>>)
Home Depot’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Retail – Home Furnishings industry over the past year (-2.9% vs. -9.3%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company benefits from its integrated retail strategy, digital investments, and strong pro-business momentum. Seamless store and online connectivity, along with SRS and Mingledorff’s, expands service capabilities and creates additional cross-selling opportunities.
Yet, margins face pressure from unfavorable sales mix and higher costs. Demand for larger discretionary projects remains soft, repair activity is weather-sensitive, and housing affordability challenges and low home turnover continue to weigh on growth.
(You can read the full research report on Home Depot here >>>)
Catalyst’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry over the past year (+27.9% vs. +16.3%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company benefits from a community-focused banking model, a stable local deposit base, and opportunities to deepen customer relationships. Conservative lending practices and potential growth in its regional markets support long-term franchise value.
However, the bank faces risks from interest-rate volatility, economic weakness in its local markets, and competitive pressure from larger financial institutions. Its smaller scale can limit growth opportunities and operating efficiency compared with larger banking peers.
(You can read the full research report on Catalyst here >>>)
Hour Loop’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Commerce industry over the past two years (+88.4% vs. +25.5%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company benefits from improving earnings quality, stronger margins, rising profitability, better cash-flow generation, and a scalable software-driven model. Expansion across additional marketplaces and international channels supports growth opportunities and gradually reduces platform concentration risk.
Yet, risks remain elevated due to heavy dependence on Amazon, leaving the business exposed to platform policy changes and pricing pressure. Rising tariffs, logistics expenses, and inventory requirements could also weigh on profitability and operational flexibility.
(You can read the full research report on Hour Loop here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include S&P Global Inc. (SPGI), Equinor ASA (EQNR) and Constellation Energy Corp. (CEG).
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
NVIDIA's (NVDA) Data Center Biz Gains From Growing Adoption of GPUs
Oracle (ORCL) Gains from Cloud Suite Adoption & Partnerships
Home Depot's (HD) Focus on Pro Customers Fuels Growth Prospects
Featured Reports
Strong Nuclear Fleet, Investments Aid Constellation Energy (CEG)
Per the Zacks analyst Constellation Energy's (CEG) efficient and reliable nuclear fleet having a high capacity factor and strategic investment plans will continue to boost its performance.
Equinor (EQNR) Banks On NCS Strength to Drive Long-Term Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, Equinor expects production from the NCS to reach 1.3 million boe/d by 2035, driven by recent discoveries, low-cost resources, and a robust portfolio of future projects.
IHS Markit Buyout Aids S&P Global (SPGI) Amid Rising Costs
Per the Zacks analyst, the IHS Markit buyout significantly aids S&P Global's S&P Dow Jones, Market Intelligence, and Commodity Insights divisions. However, escalating expenses is worrisome.
Sun Life (SLF) Gains on Solid Asia Business Amid High Costs
Per the Zacks analyst, Sun Life is set to grow on solid Asia business that is expected to provide higher returns and an expanding global asset management business. However, escalating expenses ail.
Bond Issuances, Expansion Efforts Aid Moody's (MCO), Higher Costs Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, robust bond issuance volume, a dominant position in the credit rating industry and strategic expansions aid Moody's, while higher expenses and stiff competition are concerns.
Specialty & GLP-1 Demand Driving Cencora's (COR) Robust Sales Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, Cencora's specialty expansion and GLP-1 demand fuel strong revenue growth. However, global headwinds remain a concern.
Transformation Initiatives Aid ADP, Escalating Expenses Hurt
The Zacks analyst is positive about ADP's transformation initiatives that are helping the company to innovate, improve operations and expand margins. Rising expenses remain a concern.
New Upgrades
Amarin's Restructuring Initiatives & Global Expansion Aid Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, Amarin is benefiting from restructuring and cost-cutting efforts while advancing the global expansion of Vazkepa through strategic partnerships.
Tapestry (TPR) Coach Brand Demand and Gen Z Drive Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, Tapestry's strong demand across regions and rising Gen Z engagement helped Coach add a record 2.4 million customers in Q3, reinforcing its path toward a $10-billion brand.
Strength in Vista & National Pen Units Drive Cimpress (CMPR)
Per the Zacks analyst, strength in Cimpress' Vista and National Pen units, aided by robust demand for apparel, signage, packaging, labels and promotional products will continue to lend momentum to it.
New Downgrades
Weak Housing Market & High Costs Ail Lennar's (LEN) Performance
Per the Zacks analyst, Lennar's business is being hurt by ongoing housing market softness and affordability challenges. Also, elevated mortgage rates and pricing pressures remain concerns.
Leggett & Platt (LEG) is Hurting From Weak Housing Market & High Costs
Per the Zacks analyst, Leggett & Platt's prospects are hurting due to housing market softness, resulting in lower volume and weaker margins. Also, elevated costs are added headwinds.
Universal Display (OLED) Plagued by Soft Demand, Macro Headwinds
Per the Zacks analyst, declining material sales, macroeconomic challenges, higher component costs, and supply constraints will likely impact Universal Display's growth prospects.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
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Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG): Free Stock Analysis Report
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report
The Home Depot, Inc. (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report
Oracle Corporation (ORCL): Free Stock Analysis Report
S&P Global Inc. (SPGI): Free Stock Analysis Report
Equinor ASA (EQNR): Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).