Friday, October 9, 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 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) and Chevron Corp. (CVX), as well as two micro-cap stocks Blue Dolphin Energy Co. (BDCO) and AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc. (UAVS). 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 >>>

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 >>> Pre-Markets Back Up as Oil & Bond Levels Moderate

Today's Featured Research Reports

JPMorgan’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry over the year-to-date period (+4.8% vs. +2.6%). The company remains well-positioned given the current operating backdrop. Its earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. 

JPMorgan’s consumer franchise keeps widening, with U.S. branch builds and Chase digital growth in Europe, while scale, diversified revenues and disciplined balance sheet management drive durable earnings. 

A higher-for-longer rate regime is likely to aid net interest income (NII), and solid markets and investment banking (IB) fees and asset management flows are expected to drive fee income. A strong liquidity profile aids enhanced capital returns, with room for selective investments. 

Yet, mortgage trends remain uneven, and expenses are likely to remain high as the bank invests in technology, marketing and growth initiatives. Credit quality is a watch item in a tougher, uncertain macro environment.

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

Shares of ASML have outperformed the Zacks Semiconductor Equipment - Wafer Fabrication industry over the year-to-date period (+66.1% vs. +64.8%). The company’s investment case balances favorable demand visibility against execution and policy risks. AI-driven investment is lifting advanced Logic and Memory capacity needs, while rising lithography intensity supports EUV, DUV and installed-base demand.

Customer commitments extend into later years, and High-NA adoption adds another path for technology leadership. Profitability also benefits from increased upgrades, higher volumes and an improved systems mix. 

Offsetting these positives, growth depends on customers sustaining elevated capital spending and on ASML expanding output without disrupting costs or supply. China remains a material market, leaving results exposed to export-control uncertainty. High-NA has entered production, but broader customer insertion timing is not yet settled. These offsetting factors support a Neutral view.

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

Chevron’s shares have gained +42.6% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry’s gain of +44.4%. The company produced 4.07 million BOE/day in Q2 2026, up 20% year over year, including record U.S. output of 2.08 million BOE/day, as Hess, Permian and Gulf of America expanded. 

Hess delivered $1.5 billion in annual synergies six months early, boosting per-share value. Quarterly cash flow was $19.7 billion and adjusted free cash flow was $15.4 billion; debt fell by more than $8 billion. TTM cash flow and free cash flow conversion were 220.1% and 131.2%. 

A 20-year Microsoft agreement for 2.67 GW of power capacity diversifies growth. TTM ROIC of 7.8% tops its 10-year median but trails the industry. Despite commodity risks and valuation concerns, these drivers clearly justify our Outperform recommendation.

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

Shares of Blue Dolphin have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry over the year-to-date period (+878.9% vs. +31.5%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $207.41 million benefits from improved refining margins, higher utilization and a lean cost structure that supports operating leverage. Strategic affiliate relationships facilitate jet fuel sales and operational support, while stable tolling and terminaling earnings provide diversification. 

Reliable feedstock access, production flexibility and equipment upgrades further support refinery efficiency. However, persistent debt defaults constrain financial flexibility despite improved liquidity. Heavy affiliate dependence creates customer concentration and receivable risks. 

Offshore decommissioning and regulatory obligations remain financial burdens. Additionally, earnings remain vulnerable to volatile refining margins, while inventory valuation pressures and working-capital requirements could affect profitability and cash generation.

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

AgEagle Aerial Systems’ shares have gained +2% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Agriculture - Operations industry’s gain of +24.8%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $52.24 million has its long-term growth prospects supported by its expanding presence in defense, domestic manufacturing capabilities and diversified sensor portfolio. 

Increasing military procurement activity, progress in drone certifications and broader access to government purchasing channels could strengthen demand. Investments in counter-drone and autonomous systems offer additional growth opportunities, while MicaSense's established market presence supports commercial diversification.

However, persistent operating losses, elevated expenses and cash outflows continue to pressure financial flexibility. Dependence on equity financing raises shareholder dilution concerns, while supply-chain disruptions and tariff exposure could weigh on margins. Sustained order conversion, manufacturing efficiency and improved cash generation remain critical to long-term performance.

(You can read the full research report on AgEagle Aerial Systems here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) 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>>>