Monday, October 26, 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 Intel Corp. (INTC), Novartis AG (NVS) and Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A. (ITUB), as well as a micro-cap stock AMREP Corp. (AXR). 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 >>> Anthropic IPO Coming, So Are "Mag 7" Q3 Reports

Today's Featured Research Reports

Intel’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry over the year-to-date period (+137.5% vs. +19.8%). The company is likely to be plagued by memory and supply constraints, intense competition and exposure to China. Foundry adoption remains dependent on execution, while heavy investment and uneven cash generation constrain flexibility. The stock’s elevated valuation leaves limited room for setbacks. 

However, Intel’s manufacturing recovery and expanding AI portfolio support a broader growth profile across client, data center and foundry markets. Server demand, AI PCs, purpose-built silicon and advanced packaging are widening customer engagement, while the 18A roadmap is moving through risk production and high-volume manufacturing milestones. 

Intel’s local AI strategy also has a practical enterprise use case, with Arizona State University deployment showing potential productivity gains from on-device agents and vPro security.

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

Shares of Novartis have gained +13.7% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry’s gain of +19.4%. The company’s recent performance demonstrated that its portfolio of newer growth products is increasingly capable of offsetting the impact of generic competition, including the loss of U.S. exclusivity for blockbuster heart failure drug Entresto. 

Generic competition for Promacta is also pulling down the top line. The company has a strong and diverse portfolio, with key drugs like Kisqali, Kesimpta, Pluvicto and Leqvio. Our model estimates for Pluvicto and Kisqali indicate a CAGR of 26.8% and 26.2%, respectively, over the next three years. 

Novartis is also strengthening its long-term growth outlook through targeted business development.  Key upcoming catalysts across various pipeline programs are positioned to support mid-term growth outlook. However, recent pipeline setbacks have dampened investor sentiment.

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

Itau Unibanco’s shares have gained +9% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Banks - Foreign industry’s gain of +13.1%. The company’s earnings met the estimates in one of the trailing four quarters. The conditional approval for a Miami-based national bank will expand its U.S. wealth-management capabilities, while strategic buyouts continue to strengthen its digital and investment businesses. 

Steady revenue growth is supported by strong insurance, asset management and investment banking operations. Also, solid funding should help maintain a healthy credit portfolio. 

However, the company's expenses are expected to remain elevated due to higher technology investments, despite cost-control efforts. Any economic slowdown in Brazil or Latin America could hurt its operational efficiency and profitability. Weakening credit quality amid the volatile macroeconomic environment remains a concern.

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

Shares of AMREP have outperformed the Zacks Real Estate - Development industry over the year-to-date period (+12.4% vs. -29.4%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $111.45 million has an extensive land bank, expanding homebuilding operations and growing rental portfolio to support its long-term growth prospects. A healthy homebuilding pipeline, flexible development strategy and strong liquidity position provide opportunities for sustained growth. 

However, weak land sales, housing affordability challenges, limited contracted backlog and rising administrative costs remain concerns. Customer and geographic concentration, margin pressures and slower capital recycling further add to operating risks. 

The stock’s valuation suggests potential upside for investors, supported by its asset base and long-term growth opportunities. However, persistent market uncertainties and uneven operating performance could limit near-term gains. Investors may prefer a cautious approach until demand conditions stabilize and earnings visibility improves.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI), Roper Technologies, Inc. (ROP) and Zscaler, Inc. (ZS).

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>>>