Thursday, October 29, 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 Lam Research Corp. (LRCX), Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) and Equinor ASA (EQNR), as well a micro-cap stock Regis Corp. (RGS). 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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The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.

You can read today's AWS here >>> GDP, PCE, Jobless Claims and Q3 Earnings - Busy Morning!

Today's Featured Research Reports

Lam Research’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry over the past year (+58.4% vs. +14.2%). The company benefits from AI-driven investment in memory, advanced foundry processes and packaging. Rising etch and deposition intensity broadens its equipment opportunity, while upgrades and services support recurring demand. Record September-quarter revenue and margins, a higher industry spending outlook and ample cash generation reinforce execution. 

However, semiconductor equipment spending remains cyclical and dependent on customer expansion plans. China sales concentration, export restrictions and regional uncertainty can disrupt orders. Supply-chain bottlenecks could delay shipments as Lam Research expands capacity and investment. 

Competitive qualification demands, pricing risks and a higher tax rate also temper earnings upside. These competing factors support a Neutral view despite favorable long-term AI demand.

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

Shares of Lockheed Martin have outperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry over the past year (+32% vs. -18.9%). The company’s third-quarter earnings beat estimates. Its record backlog, multiyear missile agreements and expanding production capacity support sustained revenue growth. Higher F-35 production, sustainment demand and rising allied defense investment reinforce its competitive position. 

Third-quarter growth across all businesses and increased cash-flow guidance provide further support. Shares of the company have outperformed the industry over the past six months. 

However, unfavorable adjustments on aircraft and helicopter programs expose execution weaknesses. Space profitability remains constrained by program mix and United Launch Alliance performance. Although contracted demand and cash generation underpin the long-term outlook, uneven margins and program risks limit upside, supporting a Neutral recommendation.

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

Equinor’s shares have gained +106.8% over the past year against the Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry’s gain of +127%. The company’s investment case rests on the long life of its Norwegian Continental Shelf assets and a broad inventory of low-cost development opportunities. Standardized subsea tiebacks can extend mature hubs while lowering project costs and shortening lead times. 

Production gains from international projects add growth as new fields ramp up. Its low-cost U.S. gas position provides diversified exposure, complemented by a growing integrated power business. Its expanding power platform adds another route to commercialize energy production. Higher production guidance reinforces confidence in operating execution. 

Meanwhile, rising operating cash flow and a stronger balance sheet support disciplined reinvestment. A clear dividend policy and flexible share repurchases offer shareholders visibility into returns through commodity cycles.

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

Shares of Regis have outperformed the Zacks Retail - Miscellaneous industry over the year-to-date period (+6.1% vs. -13.1%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $73.61 million is benefiting from stronger cash generation, improving profitability and disciplined cost management, adding greater financial flexibility. 

Regis’ predominantly franchised business model supports recurring royalties and capital efficiency, while improving company-owned salon performance strengthens earnings. Supercuts’ transformation, SmartStyle improvement initiatives and technology investments offer opportunities for operational gains. 

However, elevated debt, refinancing uncertainty, persistent franchise closures and weak customer traffic remain challenges. SmartStyle’s underperformance and declining franchise profitability further constrain growth. The valuation suggests a degree of investor caution, potentially offering upside if operational improvements and debt reduction gain traction, although execution risks could limit a sustained revaluation.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Corning Inc. (GLW), Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) and Centene Corp. (CNC).

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>>>