Friday, February 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 Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) and Danaher Corp. (DHR), as well as a micro-cap stock Zeo Energy Corp. (ZEO). 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 Dip on GDP & PCE Figures

Today's Featured Research Reports

Philip Morris’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Tobacco industry over the past six months (+7.1% vs. +6.3%). The company has been benefiting from strong pricing power and an expanding smoke-free portfolio. Philip Morris has been making significant progress with the smoke-free transition, with products like IQOS and ZYN contributing to strong performance and margin expansion. 

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Philip Morris' net revenues increased 6.8% year over year, driven by higher combustible tobacco pricing and increased smoke-free product volumes. Smoke-free products accounted for about 43% of total gross profit in full-year 2025. 

The company is also advancing cost-saving initiatives to support long-term goals. For 2026, adjusted earnings per share are likely to be $8.38-$8.53, up 11.1%-13.1% year-over-year. However, Philip Morris faces premium valuation, ongoing global cigarette volume declines and rising regulatory pressure.

(You can read the full research report on Philip Morris here >>>)

Shares of Lockheed Martin have outperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry over the past six months (+51.3% vs. +14.6%). The company’s broad product offerings allow it to secure major defense contracts, which in turn boosts its backlog count. 

Lockheed Martin remains the largest U.S. defense contractor with a steady order flow from the Pentagon and other U.S. allies. Apart from enjoying a strong forte on the domestic front, Lockheed Martin’s products are also well-acclaimed in the international market. Increasing U.S. defense budget funding should boost its business. 

However, Lockheed is facing performance issues with some of its programs, which may result in significant losses. A labor shortage in the aerospace and defense industry may adversely impact its future operating results.

(You can read the full research report on Lockheed Martin here >>>)

Danaher’s shares have gained +4.2% over the past six months against the Zacks Medical Services industry’s gain of +8.5%. The company’s strong momentum in bioprocessing, fueled by rising demand for consumables from pharmaceutical customers, is driving growth in the Biotechnology unit. Strength in the clinical diagnostics businesses bodes well for the Diagnostics segment. 

Danaher’s commitment to return value to its shareholders is encouraging. Benefits from acquired assets are driving the company’s performance of late. Through Danaher’s DBS initiatives, it has been able to reduce the impact of supply-chain constraints and inflationary pressures. 

However, the company is plagued by weakness in the Life Sciences segment. An increase in SG&A expenses may affect the margin performance. High debt levels may raise the company’s financial obligations and drain its profitability. Also, forex woes are weighing on Danaher's top line.

(You can read the full research report on Danaher here >>>)

Shares of Zeo Energy have underperformed the Zacks Alternative Energy - Other industry over the past six months (-49.4% vs. +23.7%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $56.82 million is facing risks, including credit losses and receivable exposure, related-party concentration and guarantees, amortization tied to acquired contracts, preferred securities increasing capital costs, seasonal installation volatility and ongoing share dilution that may cap per-share upside.

Nevertheless, Zeo Energy is entering an earnings inflection as improved pricing discipline and lower revenue costs drive margin expansion and positive EBITDA, establishing a higher operating baseline. Stronger unit economics enhance operating leverage and internal cash generation. 

The Heliogen acquisition expands the platform into commercial and industrial solar and storage, adding exposure to data center and grid demand while diversifying beyond residential. Geographic and sales force expansion further broadens the pipeline in 2026.

(You can read the full research report on Zeo Energy here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include DoorDash, Inc. (DASH), Biogen Inc. (BIIB) and DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD).

Director of Research

Sheraz Mian

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>>>