Wednesday, November 4, 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 Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SPCX) and Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL), as well as a micro-cap stock Preformed Line Products Co. (PLPC). 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 >>> Divided Government Sends the Dow Up 1000 Points

Today's Featured Research Reports

Microsoft’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the year-to-date period (+15.3% vs. -1.1%). The company is benefiting from accelerating Azure demand, with Azure revenue jumping 48% to $33.2 billion in first-quarter fiscal 2027 and guidance calling for 49-50% constant-currency growth in the second quarter. 

AI monetization is broadening across Microsoft 365 Copilot, GitHub Copilot and Foundry, where revenues more than tripled. Commercial remaining performance obligation of $677 billion, up 73%, provides strong revenue visibility. Microsoft 365 commercial cloud growth is being driven by ARPU gains from premium E5, E7 and Copilot offerings. 

However, capital expenditures of $45.2 billion in the quarter and expectations of more than $50 billion in the second quarter are pressuring free cash flow and Microsoft Cloud gross margin. Weakness in Windows OEM and devices, capacity constraints and intense cloud competition pose risks.

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

Shares of SpaceX have gained +2.4% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Wireless National industry’s gain of +119.4%. The company launch franchise, expanding Starlink network and growing Super Intelligence operations offer long-term potential. Starship's orbital satellite deployment improves the outlook for network capacity and launch efficiency. 

Starlink's recurring revenues and rising enterprise adoption add an established earnings base. New cloud contracts and Cursor strengthen AI monetization, while integrated engineering may lower deployment costs. 

However, the rapid compute buildout demands substantial capital and exposes returns to power, equipment and customer utilization risks. Starship reuse and mobile network expansion remain costly and complex. Despite better quarterly profitability, sustained cash generation and returns on new assets remain unproven. The balance of growth prospects and execution risks supports a Neutral view.

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

Marvell’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry over the year-to-date period (+92% vs. +11.8%). The company is benefiting from rising AI infrastructure demand, with custom silicon, interconnect, switching and optics supporting record data center revenues and a higher multi-year outlook. 

Management now expects faster growth through fiscal 2028 as custom programs broaden and scale-up networking gains traction. The NVIDIA relationship and recent acquisitions expand Marvell’s role across next-generation AI architectures, while the Communications and Other segment provides some diversification. 

Offsetting these positives, the custom ramp-up is expected to weigh on gross margin, and revenues are becoming more concentrated in data center and large customers. Supply constraints, export controls and tariffs can disrupt execution, while intense competition and uneven communications demand add volatility. These factors support a balanced view. 

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

Shares of Preformed Line Products have outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry over the year-to-date period (+46% vs. +15%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $1.52 billion benefits from grid modernization spending, with strong energy infrastructure demand supporting its core business. Expanding communications capabilities, targeted acquisitions and international manufacturing investments broaden its market reach and growth potential. 

Favorable product mix, pricing actions and operating leverage strengthen profitability. However, tariffs, volatile raw material and freight costs could constrain margins, while rising operating expenses increase dependence on sustained demand. 

Heavy capital spending and expansion initiatives heighten execution risks. Tax fluctuations and foreign exchange movements may also create earnings volatility. Overall, PLPC offers exposure to essential infrastructure investment, but cost discipline and returns on expansion remain critical to its investment appeal.

(You can read the full research report on Preformed Line Products here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX), Celestica Inc. (CLS) and TechnipFMC plc (FTI).

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>>>