Top Stock Reports for Oracle, Merck & Union Pacific
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>>>
Today's Must Read
Oracle (ORCL) Gains From Cloud Growth Amid Capacity Risks
Merck's (MRK) Growth Outlook Stable Despite Keytruda Patent Cliff
Intermodal Growth Aids Union Pacific (UNP) Amid Freight Volatility
Featured Reports
AI, QuickBooks Growth Aids Intuit (INTU), Tax Reset Clouds the Outlook
Per the Zacks analyst, Intuit benefits from QuickBooks, Credit Karma and AI tech that support engagement and monetization. However, slower customer growth, Mailchimp churn and tax pricing reset weigh.
FLEX Gains from Expanding Data Center Platform & Acquisitions
Per the Zacks analyst, Flex continues to deepen its exposure to the data center market through its Cloud and Power Infrastructure segment. Also, synergies from acquisitions bode well.
Rising Total Loss Frequency Aids Copart (CPRT) Amid High Opex
Per the Zacks analyst, a continuous rise in total loss frequency in the United States is expected to boost Copart's top-line growth. However, high operating costs remain a concern.
Shipbuilding Leadership, Rising Backlog Aid Huntington Ingalls (HII)
Per the Zacks analyst, Huntington Ingalls should benefit from strong shipbuilding demand, rising backlog and a supportive defense budget. Autonomous systems, program wins support long-term growth.
Power Growth & Teledata Strength Aid Argan (AGX), Project Risks Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, Argan benefits from higher Power activity, Teledata growth and a strong backlog. However, project concentration and execution risks remain concerns.
DENTSPLY SIRONA (XRAY) Balances Digital Growth With Turnaround Risks
As per the Zacks analyst, digital dentistry, SureSmile and restructuring offer upside, while weak equipment demand, orthodontics pressure and tariffs could limit DENTSPLY SIRONA's turnaround.
Spectrum Brands (SPB) Gains From Growth, Innovation and Discipline
Per the Zacks analyst, Spectrum Brands has been benefiting from brand investment, pricing, productivity and strong liquidity, supporting growth despite ongoing demand and cost pressures.
New Upgrades
Phillips 66's (PSX) Diversified Business Model Drives Resilience
Per the Zacks analyst, Phillips 66's diversified business platform supports earnings resilience. Its focus on shareholder returns and balance-sheet strength is also a key positive.
AI-Enabled PCs to Aid HP (HPQ) Personal Systems Revenues
Per the Zacks analyst, growing interest in artificial intelligence-enabled PCs will give a fresh boost to HP's Personal Systems segment revenue growth.
Popular (BPOP) Financial Rides on Loan Growth & Solid Liquidity
Per the Zacks analyst, Popular's steady rise in loan balances underscores its solid organic growth momentum. Further, its robust liquidity profile aids consistent capital distribution activities.
New Downgrades
TG Therapeutics' (TGTX) Briumvi Dependence for Sales Raises Concerns
Per the Zacks analyst, TG Therapeutics' sole dependence on multiple sclerosis drug, Briumvi, for revenues is concerning. Competition in the target market also remains a woe.
Asphalt Customer Shift, High Interest Costs Weigh on Astec (ASTE)
The Zacks analyst is concerned that macro uncertainty is delaying deliveries for some asphalt customers and elevated interest expenses will continue to hurt Astec Industries' results.
Western Union (WU) Faces Retail Weakness and Margin Pressure
Per the Zacks analyst, Western Union's retail weakness, margin pressure and elevated leverage remain concerns despite growth in Digital and Consumer Services.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpMerck & Co., Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Oracle Corporation (ORCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
CVD Equipment Corporation (CVV) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Koil Energy Solutions, Inc. (KLNG) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Intuit Inc. (INTU) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Flex Ltd. (FLEX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Phillips 66 (PSX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
