Thursday, March 5, 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 Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM), Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) and AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), as well as two micro-cap stocks Gencor Industries, Inc. (GENC) and Hour Loop, Inc. (HOUR). 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 >>> Parade of Econ Data: Jobless Claims, Productivity & More

Today's Featured Research Reports

Exxon Mobil’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry over the past six months (+38.5% vs. +32.1%). The company’s high-value assets in the Permian Basin and Guyana drive robust production growth, doubling upstream earnings since 2019. The company continues to achieve record production in both key oil-producing regions. 

With a lower exposure to debt capital, XOM supports steady cash flows, dividends, buybacks and investments in high-return projects. Expansion in low-carbon tech, including Baytown's hydrogen facility, positions it for future growth. ExxonMobil reported strong fourth-quarter earnings driven by higher oil equivalent production volumes.

However, crude prices are expected to remain under pressure this year, affecting upstream earnings. Furthermore, its newer businesses, including lithium and low-carbon ventures, are in very early stages of development with considerable uncertainty around meaningful earnings contributions.

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

Shares of Palantir have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Software industry over the past year (+90.4% vs. -5.5%). The company’s AI strategy, driven by Foundry, Gotham, and AIP platforms, targets government and commercial sectors, enabling real-time insights and operational efficiency. 

Notable defense projects, like Open DAGIR and AIP boot camps for commercial clients, boost customer acquisition. With $6.4 billion in cash, no debt, and S&P 500 inclusion, Palantir enjoys strong liquidity, growing revenues, and increased investor visibility. 

Meanwhile, PLTR's reluctance to pay dividends is a green flag for dividend-seeking investors. Intense competition from tech giants and rising costs amidst a rapidly evolving AI landscape and an elevated valuation challenge its appeal. 

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

AstraZeneca’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry over the past six months (+24.9% vs. +20.5%). The company’s fourth-quarter earnings and sales beat estimates. Its key drugs like Lynparza, Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Ultomiris and Fasenra should keep driving revenues in 2026. AstraZeneca’s pipeline is strong, with pivotal data readouts lined up for 2026. 

AstraZeneca has also been engaged in external acquisitions and strategic collaborations to boost its pipeline while investing in geographic areas of high growth like emerging markets. Backed by its new products and pipeline drugs, AstraZeneca expects to generate $80 billion in total revenues by 2030. 

However, biosimilar/generic erosion of some key drugs like Brilinta and Soliris and the impact of Part D redesign on U.S. oncology sales are key top-line headwinds. Sales of key drug Farxiga are expected to decline in some countries in 2026 due to generic competition. 

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

Shares of Gencor Industries have outperformed the Zacks Manufacturing - Thermal Products industry over the past year (+26.1% vs. -21.4%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $233.20 million has an investment profile which reflects a capital-intensive industrial business with strong balance-sheet optionality and cyclical demand exposure. 

Gencor Industries held $147.7 million in cash and marketable securities and $200.9 million in net working capital with no debt as of Dec. 31, 2025. Revenue declined 24.9% year over year due to weaker equipment demand tied to infrastructure funding uncertainty, though margin resilience from higher-margin aftermarket activity highlights the stabilizing role of parts revenue. Operating cash flow totaled $11.1 million, underscoring liquidity durability. 

However, earnings remain sensitive to project timing, customer concentration and variability in investment income. The valuation implies investor caution around equipment demand and revenue volatility, suggesting the stock is priced for cyclical uncertainty. 

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

Hour Loop’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Commerce industry over the past year (+5.5% vs. -0.4%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $67.54 million, shows solid consumer traction with 7.1% YoY order growth despite modest revenue gains, signaling customer loyalty and catalog strength. 

Operational efficiency stabilized margins, as operating income rose despite flat gross profits and higher logistics costs. Strategic tariff response, including inventory front-loading and Incoterm (International Commercial Terms) shifts, ensured supply continuity and geopolitical risk mitigation. A broad SKU mix across categories reduces sector-specific risks. 

However, liquidity remains strained, with negative operating cash flow and a sharp drop in cash reserves despite reported profits. Heavy inventory buildup doubled working capital needs, creating markdown and margin risk. Hour Loop remains overly reliant on Amazon (99% of sales), heightening platform risk. Insider loans add governance concerns. Valuation remains low on EV/sales.  

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM), Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) and AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS).

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>>>