Tuesday, September 8, 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 Oracle Corp. (ORCL), Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and Union Pacific Corp. (UNP), as well as two micro-cap stocks CVD Equipment Corp. (CVV) and Koil Energy Solutions, Inc. (KLNG). 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 >>> Canadian Tariffs Hit $20B in U.S. Imports

Today's Featured Research Reports

Shares of Oracle have gained +10.8% over the past six months against the Zacks Computer - Software industry’s gain of +16.4%. The company’s cloud infrastructure business demonstrates accelerating revenue growth, supported by strategic partnerships and competitive pricing that attract enterprise workload migrations. 

AI-optimized database capabilities provide technological differentiation, while record fiscal 2026 operating cash flow of $32 billion enables sustained infrastructure investments. The integrated solutions strategy strengthens customer retention and drives cross-selling opportunities. 

However, competition from hyperscalers remains intense, potentially pressuring margins. The ongoing transition from license revenue to subscription models creates near-term earnings volatility. Q1 fiscal 2027 guidance indicates total revenue growth of 27-29%, but execution risks around data center capacity expansion and funding requirements warrant monitoring.

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

Merck’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past six months (+29.1% vs. +14%). The company’s blockbuster drug, Keytruda, and new products have been driving sales. Animal Health is also contributing to growth. Though Keytruda will lose patent exclusivity in 2028, its sales are expected to remain strong until then. 

Recent M&A deals have strengthened Merck’s pipeline while its late-stage pipeline and new launches are gaining traction. This progress has increased confidence that Merck can maintain growth even after Keytruda loses exclusivity. 

However, it faces several near-term challenges, including persistent challenges for Gardasil, potential competition for Keytruda, and rising competitive and generic pressure on some of its drugs. Also, estimates have declined recently due to costs related to its various M&A deals. 

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

Shares of Union Pacific have outperformed the Zacks Transportation - Rail industry over the past six months (+15.5% vs. +15%). The company remains a high-quality rail franchise with a balanced risk-reward profile. Domestic intermodal growth, reliable service and productivity gains support volume capture across an uneven freight market. Pricing continues to exceed inflation, while cash generation and lower leverage support investment and dividend growth. 

Management’s improved earnings outlook reflects continued operating discipline. The proposed Norfolk Southern combination could broaden the network and improve long-term service, with regulatory commitments marking progress. 

Still, freight demand remains mixed, coal and some industrial markets are soft, and fuel and labor costs can pressure margins. The merger also brings approval, financing, integration and dilution risks, while buybacks remain paused. These offsets support the Neutral recommendation.

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

CVD Equipment’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Manufacturing - General Industrial industry over the past six months (+81.9% vs. -5%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $45.67 million, has an investment case resting on its exposure to opportunities in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), advanced battery materials, silicon carbide (SiC) applications and industrial and nuclear markets. Its installed equipment base provides scope for recurring aftermarket revenues as customer utilization rises. 

Operational restructuring and the SDC divestiture have strengthened financial flexibility and created a leaner platform for future growth. However, the outlook remains tempered by volatile system bookings, customer concentration, weak SiC demand, elevated R&D spending and dependence on successful commercialization of newer products. 

The valuation implies that investors continue to discount execution and demand risks. This could provide upside if order momentum and revenue visibility improve, but sustained weakness in bookings may limit rerating potential.

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

Shares of Koil Energy Solutions have outperformed the Zacks Alternative Energy - Other industry over the past six months (+37.6% vs. -9.8%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $42.21 million saw its first-half 2026 results highlight strengthening growth and operating leverage, with revenues up 67% and operating income improving to $1 million from a year-ago loss. 

Momentum is being driven by higher fixed-price and service revenues, meaningful contributions from new customers, expanding carousel rental activity and entry into Brazil. Broader exposure across West Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, along with healthy subsea tieback and maintenance demand, further supports the growth outlook. 

However, cash conversion remains weak, as higher receivables pushed operating cash flow negative, while rising capital spending and borrowing increase liquidity and financing risks. Results also depend heavily on a few large projects, making revenues vulnerable to execution delays and uneven recognition. Valuation is mixed, with EV/sales below industry levels but EV/EBITDA elevated.

(You can read the full research report on Koil Energy Solutions here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Phillips 66 (PSX), Intuit Inc. (INTU) and Flex Ltd. (FLEX).

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>>>