Monday, November 2, 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 Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX), Chubb Ltd. (CB) and Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE), as well as a micro-cap stock Medalist Diversified, Inc. (MDRR). 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 >>> Earnings Results Wrap with Apple After the Close

Today's Featured Research Reports

Seagate’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Integrated Systems industry over the year-to-date period (+125% vs. +98.1%). The company’s fiscal first quarter was led by sustained demand and pricing strength, amid robust sales. Its HAMR-based Mozaic roadmap supports higher drive capacities, while long-term supply agreements provide visibility into demand and pricing. 

Disciplined production and favorable product mix are lifting margins and cash generation. Debt reduction also creates room for higher shareholder returns. However, the transition to newer HAMR products carries manufacturing and qualification risks. Dependence on large cloud customers leaves results exposed to shifts in spending plans. 

Competition from other storage providers and uncertain trade conditions add risk. Management anticipates fiscal second-quarter revenues of $4.8 billion (+/- $100 million), up 70% year over year at midpoint. It expects other income and expenses to fall to about $25 million in December from $38 million in September.

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

Shares of Chubb have outperformed the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry over the year-to-date period (+18.1% vs. +8%). The company’s global reach, product mix and disciplined risk selection support earnings across its commercial, consumer and life insurance. Middle-market opportunities and overseas growth support expansion, while investment income benefits from higher reinvestment yields. Cash generation funds dividends and repurchases. 

However, commercial pricing continues to soften, while premium growth remains constrained by selective underwriting actions. Catastrophe losses, casualty cost inflation and reserve movements create earnings uncertainty.

Rising rates can also reduce book value through investment marks. Technology investment and geographic diversification help offset these risks, but a competitive underwriting cycle limits upside. The shares merit a Neutral recommendation as Chubb balances earnings resilience with pricing and market risks.

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

Intercontinental’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry over the year-to-date period (+5.9% vs. +4.4%). The company benefits from rising demand for risk management, proprietary market data and mission-critical financial technology. Its exchanges and recurring subscription businesses support resilient earnings, while the planned MarketAxess acquisition could deepen its fixed-income network. 

Strong trading activity and growing data usage also support cash generation and shareholder returns. However, the mature exchange franchise faces competition and evolving market structures. Mortgage Technology remains exposed to elevated borrowing rates and weak origination demand, despite progress on Black Knight synergies. 

The MarketAxess transaction adds integration demands and debt-related costs, while continued investment could limit margin expansion. These offsetting factors support a Neutral recommendation.

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

Shares of Medalist Diversified have underperformed the Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry over the year-to-date period (-1.9% vs. +13.8%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $19.12 million has seen weak operating cash flows, uncertain dividend coverage and increasing portfolio concentration which remain a concern. The sustainability of DST fee income also requires further validation, while growing exposure to financial assets introduces earnings volatility. 

The valuation suggests potential upside for investors, provided MDRR successfully executes its strategic transition and establishes sustainable recurring cash flows. Nevertheless, MDRR’s transition toward an asset-light DST sponsorship model presents opportunities to establish a recurring fee-based revenue stream. 

Strategic asset disposals have strengthened liquidity, reduced leverage and improved financial flexibility, while a streamlined portfolio of well-leased properties supports rental income stability. Its net-lease investment focus and dividend payments further support the long-term investment case.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include ConocoPhillips (COP), American Electric Power Co., Inc. (AEP) and Jacobs Solutions Inc. (J).

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>>>