Wednesday, March 11, 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 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), as well as a micro-cap stock Value Line, Inc. (VALU). 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 >>>
Ahead of Wall Street
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 >>> CPI Keeps Steady at +2.4% YoY
Today's Featured Research Reports
Shares of JPMorgan have gained +29.4% over the past year against the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry’s gain of +33.5%. The company’s performance was driven by continued operational strength. Business expansion initiatives (global and domestic), robust loan balance and changes in interest rates will aid net interest income (NII) growth.
For 2026, the bank expects NII to increase 9%. In investment banking (IB), the company’s solid pipeline, market leadership and resilient advisory demand remain strengths, though capital market volatility and weakness in the mortgage banking business are likely to weigh on non-interest income.
Technology and marketing investments will keep costs elevated. JPMorgan plans to allocate $19.8 billion toward tech initiatives in 2026. A tough macro backdrop raises concerns about asset quality. Yet its efficient capital distributions reflect solid capital position.
(You can read the full research report on JPMorgan here >>>)
Johnson & Johnson’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past six months (+37.5% vs. +21.5%). The company’s Innovative Medicine unit is showing a growth trend, despite loss of exclusivity of Stelara, driven by key products like Darzalex, Tremfya and Erleada and uptake of new launches, like Spravato, Carvykti and Tecvayli.
The MedTech segment showed improved operational growth across several key businesses like Cardiovascular and Surgery in the past three quarters. J&J expects sales growth in both segments to be higher in 2026. J&J has also rapidly advanced its pipeline in 2025 that will help drive growth through the back half of the decade.
J&J believes 10 of its new products/pipeline candidates have $5 billion peak sales potential. However, the Stelara patent cliff, the impact of Part D redesign and MedTech China issues are key headwinds. The uncertainty around unresolved legal issues lingers.
(You can read the full research report on Johnson & Johnson here >>>)
Shares of Applied Materials have outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry over the past year (+135.6% vs. +68.7%). The company is benefiting from strength in the Semiconductor Systems, owing to a rebound in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the foundry and logic space.
Consistent progress in the services is aiding Applied Global Services’ performance. Solid momentum in the subscription and display businesses is a plus. Its strength in IoT, Communications, Auto, Power and Sensors (ICAPS) is likely to continue aiding its position in the semiconductor industry. Its diversified portfolio remains its key growth driver.
However, increasing U.S.-China tensions and export restrictions on semiconductor manufacturing equipment may undermine its near-term growth prospects. Slow memory market recovery and rising operating costs remain other major concerns.
(You can read the full research report on Applied Materials here >>>)
Value Line’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Management industry over the past six months (+0.5% vs. -20.8%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $338.04 million offers a stable income profile, supported by strong cash flows and a debt-free balance sheet. In the six months ending October 2025, operating cash rose to $8.5 million, enabling $6.1 million in dividend payouts, with a 32.5 cents/share quarterly dividend. With over $83 million in liquid assets and no long-term debt, the company maintains strong financial flexibility.
A diversified income stream from EULAV Asset Management (contributing over 60% of pre-tax earnings) provides recurring, non-operational cash flows. A $2 million share buyback authorization signals disciplined capital allocation.
However, headwinds include declining core publishing revenues, reliance on EAM income without operational control, customer concentration risk (29% from one client), and weakening operating leverage. Unearned revenues are falling. Shares trade at a premium EV/sales of 7.44X.
(You can read the full research report on Value Line here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Ecolab Inc. (ECL), Ubiquiti Inc. (UI) and Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE).
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>>>
Today's Must Read
IB Strength, Loan Growth and Branch Expansion to Aid JPMorgan (JPM)
J and J's (JNJ) Innovative Medicine Strong, MedTech Improves
Applied Materials (AMAT) Rides on Foundry and Logic Spending
Featured Reports
Ecolab R and D, Product Strengths Aid Growth Amid Market Challenges
Per the Zacks Analyst, Ecolab's solid product suite and R and D focus support its long-term growth, though competition, cost swings and macro uncertainties pose challenges.
Ubiquiti (UI) Rides on Strength in the Enterprise Technology Segment
Per the Zacks analyst, solid traction in the Enterprise Technology segment, driven by the growing proliferation of IoT devices across industries, will likely drive Ubiquiti's top line.
Expedia (EXPE) Gains From Strong Brands and Expanding B2B Platform
Per the Zacks analyst, Expedia's expanding B2B platform and strong brands such as Brand Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo and Orbitz are driving its revenue growth.
Strong Organic Growth Aids Corpay (CPAY), Low Liquidity Lingers
Per the Zacks analyst, rising sales volumes and revenues per transaction drive Corpay's organic growth, though low liquidity remains a concern.
YPF Sociedad Anonima (YPF) to Benefit From Shale Oil Growth
Per the Zacks analyst YPF Sociedad Anonima's shale oil growth and anticipated improvement in global crude prices will boost profitability. However, mature field operations continue to drag performance
Choice Hotels (CHH) Banks on Unit Expansion, RevPAR Dismal
Per the Zacks analyst, Choice Hotels' focus on unit expansion, franchising efforts, and Choice Privileges loyalty program bodes well. However, dismal global RevPAR poses a concern.
CNO Financial (CNO) Rides On Strong Policy Income, Expenses High
Per the Zacks analyst, improved policy income and investment income might aid CNO Financial's revenues. However, escalating expenses remain a concern for the company.
New Upgrades
Diverse Real Estate Offerings and Outsourcing to Aid Jones Lang (JLL)
Per the Zacks analyst, a wide range of real estate products and service offerings, outsourcing trends, technological platform and strategic investments is likely to support Jones Lang's growth.
Strong Orders and Global Defense Presence Aid Embraer S.A. (EMBJ)
According to the Zacks analyst, Embraer is benefiting from strong demand for its E-Jets, alongside solid growth in its Defense and Security segment driven by robust orders and deliveries.
Strength in Metal Cutting Segment to Aid Kennametal (KMT)
Per the Zacks analyst, Kennametal's Metal Cutting unit is driven by robust general engineering, transportation, aerospace and energy end markets. Its shareholder friendly measures are encouraging.
New Downgrades
Lower Volumes and Higher Costs to Weigh on Apogee (APOG)
Per the Zacks Analyst lower volumes due to weak end-market demand will impact Apogee's near term results. Elevated costs remain another headwind.
Tariff-Driven Cost Pressures Weigh on Whirlpool (WHR) Margin
Per the Zacks analyst, tariff-related costs and persistent promotional activity continue to pressure Whirlpool's margins, limiting pricing power and keeping profitability under strain.
Private Label Decline Weighs on Steven Madden's (SHOO) Revenue Base
Per the Zacks analyst, Steven Madden's private label business continues to contract sharply. Revenues are expected to fall another 20% in 2026, with a roughly 30% drop projected in the first quarter.
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See Top Quantum Stocks Now >>JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Ecolab Inc. (ECL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Value Line, Inc. (VALU): Free Stock Analysis Report
Ubiquiti Inc. (UI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
