Monday, October 19, 2026

The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 12 major stocks, including UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW) and 3M Co. (MMM), as well as a micro-cap stock Coffee Holding Co., Inc. (JVA). 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 Mixed Ahead of New Q3 Earnings, Housing Data

Today's Featured Research Reports

Shares of UnitedHealth have gained +13.1% over the past year against the Zacks Medical - HMOs industry’s gain of +16%. The company’s third-quarter earnings beat estimates. Its diversified operations and disciplined pricing support its growth prospects. Optum remains a key earnings driver, aided by integrated care, AI-enabled solutions and pharmacy services. 

Commercial fee-based membership gains and a healthy sales pipeline provide further opportunities. Higher Medicare Advantage payment rates and improved medical cost management support the earnings outlook. Cash generation also allows continued investment and shareholder returns. Healthcare demand also supports its core business. 

However, elevated commercial medical costs could constrain margin recovery. Regulatory scrutiny and a premium valuation leave limited room for execution setbacks, while debt obligations could restrict financial flexibility. As such, we have a Neutral recommendation for the stock.

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

ServiceNow’s shares have declined -7.3% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Computers - IT Services industry’s decline of -11.5%. The company is facing intense software competition, possible budget reallocation toward stand-alone AI spending, variable deal timing, foreign exchange exposure, acquisition execution risk, higher debt and gross-margin dilution from greater hyperscaler and AI usage over time.

Nevertheless, ServiceNow benefits from enterprise workflow digitization and broader adoption of governed, agentic AI across IT, employee, CRM, security and data use cases. AI-native bundles and rising usage are expanding monetization, while higher adoption and consumption support a broader revenue flywheel. 

AI Control Tower, Armis and Veza deepen governance and security cross-selling, while planned mid-market products widen the addressable base. Subscription growth, rising customer commitments and internal AI efficiencies support the long-term model. 

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

Shares of 3M have outperformed the Zacks Diversified Operations industry over the past year (+8.4% vs. -10.8%). The company is poised to benefit from solid momentum in the Safety and Industrial unit, driven by strength in the industrial adhesives and tapes, abrasives and electrical markets. Strength in the semiconductor, aerospace and defense markets is aiding the Transportation and Electronics unit. 

Solid operational execution, restructuring savings and spending discipline are supporting the margin performance. Synergies from acquisitions made by the company also bolster its growth. Its measures to reward shareholders through dividends are encouraging. 

However, persistent softness in the retail markets, owing to a decrease in consumer discretionary spending, remains a concern for the Consumer unit. High debt levels, if not controlled, are likely to raise financial obligations and hurt profitability. Foreign currency headwinds are an added concern.

(You can read the full research report on 3M here >>>)

Shares of Coffee have gained +11.1% over the past year against the Zacks Beverages - Soft drinks industry’s gain of +25.6%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $26.03 million has seen its diversified product portfolio, expanding private-label operations and growing roasted and packed coffee business provide opportunities for long-term growth. 

The Second Empire acquisition strengthens production capacity and customer reach, while strong customer retention and new business support revenue development. Lower coffee costs and improved inventory positioning have enhanced profitability. 

However, exposure to volatile commodity prices, reduced hedging protection and customer concentration remain key risks. The increasing dependence on packed coffee also makes sustained customer demand essential, particularly as green-coffee sales weaken. Moreover, recent margin improvements partly reflect temporary benefits from tariff refunds and trading gains, raising concerns about their sustainability.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Otis Worldwide Corp. (OTIS), Brown & Brown, Inc. (BRO) and The Ensign Group, Inc. (ENSG).

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>>>