Top Research Reports for Meta, Netflix & Pfizer

Thursday, February 26, 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 Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) and Pfizer Inc. (PFE), as well as two micro-cap stocks SIFCO Industries, Inc. (SIF) and Altigen Communications, Inc. (ATGN). 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 >>> NVIDIA Slam Dunks on Earnings Once Again

Today's Featured Research Reports

Shares of Meta have declined -12.5% over the past six months against the Zacks Internet - Software industry’s decline of -21.2%. The company is benefiting from increasing AI-infusion across its services, which currently reach more than 3.58 billion people daily. META’s improved recommendation system is driving up user engagement. Instagram Reels had a strong fourth-quarter, with watch time up more than 30% year-over-year in the United States. 

Facebook video time continued to grow double-digits year-over-year in the United States. Recommendation improvement drove 20% lift in time spent on Threads. AI usage is making META a popular name among advertisers. 

Meta Platforms now expects to invest significantly more over the next few years in developing more advanced models and the largest AI services in the world. However, monetization of these AI services will take considerable time, which is a concern. Increasing regulatory challenges is a headwind for investors.

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

Netflix’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry over the past six months (-32% vs. -20.5%). The company’s primary concerns persist around the proposed Warner Bros Discovery acquisition facing regulatory hurdles and market skepticism. Elevated debt levels and content obligations pose leverage risks. While 2026 guidance projects revenue growth of 12-14%, intensifying competition from Disney and Amazon may pressure subscriber growth rates going forward.

Nevertheless, Netflix is benefiting from its growing subscriber base, thanks to a robust localized and foreign-language content portfolio and healthy engagement levels with about two hours of viewing per member per day, indicating strong member retention. 

NFLX has set an ambitious target to double its revenues by 2030 and reach a $1 trillion market capitalization, supported by a diversified content strategy, including international programming, live events, and gaming initiatives.

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

Shares of Pfizer have gained +11.3% over the past six months against the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry’s gain of +24.4%. The company’s stock has taken a beating for the past three years as its revenues have declined substantially due to lower sales of its COVID products. 

Pfizer also faces some other challenges, like U.S. Medicare Part D headwinds and the upcoming LOE cliff in the 2026-2030 period as several of its key products, including Eliquis, Vyndaqel, Ibrance, Xeljanz and Xtandi, face patent expirations. 

However, Pfizer’s non-COVID operational revenues are improving, driven by its key products like Vyndaqel, Padcev and Eliquis, new launches and newly acquired products which should partially offset the LOE impact over the next several years. Pfizer expects its recently launched and acquired products and a strong pipeline to help revive top-line growth toward the end of the decade. 

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

SIFCO’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry over the past six months (+104.7% vs. +17.6%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $88.07 million is positioned in structurally resilient aerospace and defense markets, benefiting from long-cycle platforms, high qualification barriers and growing military/rotorcraft demand. 

Recent results reflect improved throughput, pricing discipline and exit of lower-margin work, driving a meaningful margin rebound and stronger operating leverage. A solid backlog underpins revenue visibility, and deleveraging has improved financial flexibility. 

However, earnings durability depends on sustained volumes and a favorable mix. Risks include defense concentration, working-capital swings, input-cost inflation, contract execution complexity and regulatory exposure. The current valuation suggests investors remain cautious, pricing in execution risk and cyclicality, while leaving meaningful upside if margin gains and cash flow prove sustainable.

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

Shares of Altigen Communications have underperformed the Zacks Communication - Components industry over the past six months (-28.7% vs. +176.7%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $11.90 million is facing a revenue decline Y/Y, driven by a weaker hosted services mix, and customer concentration increased materially, with the top five accounts representing 83% of sales. 

Elevated churn tied to platform transitions, a higher receivables reserve, and capitalized software impairment risk add execution uncertainty. Nevertheless, Altigen held $2.6 million in cash and nearly $2.9 million in working capital as of Dec. 31, 2025, with minimal leverage, supporting operational resilience. 

Gross margins remain strong, and lower operating and R&D expenses enhance operating leverage, positioning earnings to benefit from incremental revenue gains. Recent partnerships expand distribution without materially increasing fixed costs, while rising deferred revenue improves forward visibility.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A. (ITUB), Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD) and Carvana Co. (CVNA).
 

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

Expanding AI Usage Drives Meta Platforms' (META) Prospects

Robust Content Aids Netflix (NFLX) Amid Stiff Competition

Pfizer's (PFE) New and Acquired to Boost Growth Amid LOE Headwinds

Featured Reports

Revenue Growth and Digital Transformation Aid Itau Unibanco (ITUB)
Per the Zacks analyst, Itau Unibanco's loan portfolio expansion and stronger insurance sales drive revenue growth. Digital transformation initiatives enhance efficiency and customer engagement.

Enterprise Products' (EPD) to benefit from Extensive Pipeline Network
Per the Zacks analyst, Enterprise Products' vast pipeline network taps into different markets, supporting steady cash flows. However, weak storage demand and high maintenance costs pose risks.

ADESA's Acquisition Aids Carvana (CVNA) Amid High Debt Level
Per the Zacks analyst, the acquisition of ADESA's U.S. operations is driving Carvana's profitability. However, its high debt levels remain a concern.

Specialty and GMPD Demand Aids Cardinal Health (CAH) Amid Headwinds
Per the Zacks analyst, Cardinal Health is driving growth through specialty pharma, at-home care, and GMPD turnaround, offsetting contract expirations, rising costs and tariff exposure.

Watsco (WSO) Benefits from A2L Transition Amid Housing Demand Softness
Per the Zacks analyst, Watsco is leveraging its digital platform and the A2L refrigerant transition to drive efficiency and SKU growth. However, weak HVAC demand due to housing softness mars prospects

Solid Patient Volumes and Buyouts Aid Encompass Health (EHC)
Per the Zacks Analyst, Encompass Health's top line has been fueled by growing patient volumes. Several acquisitions have strengthened its capabilities and expanded geographic footprint.

AI Tax Assist Benefits H and R Block (HRB), Competition High
Per the Zacks Analyst, integration of a generative AI-powered technology, AI Tax Assist, in H and R Block's DIY tax preparation boosts top line. Rising competition is an overhang.

New Upgrades

Okta Rides on Innovative Portfolio and Rich Partner Base
Per the Zacks analyst, Okta is benefiting from an expanding partner base, along with a strong backlog and an innovative portfolio.

Organic Growth and Strategic Expansion Aids Associated Banc-Corp (ASB)
Per the Zacks analyst, Associated Banc-Corp's organic growth is reflected by robust loan growth and deposit balances. Its Phase 2 strategic plan and targeted investments bolsters operating efficiency.

Sonos (SONO) Gains Momentum Through Product Innovation
Per the Zacks analyst, Sonos' product innovation and the addition of features to existing products bode well. It announced the launch of Amp Multi, with additional products planned later in the year.

New Downgrades

Lower Volumes are a Concern for Flowers Foods' (FLO) Core Business
Per the Zacks analyst, soft volumes remain a concern for Flowers Foods. In fourth quarter, total company volume declined 2.2%, reflecting weakness in traditional loaf and other core bread categories.

Increasing Expenses, High Debt Level Ail Unum Group (UNM)
Per the Zacks analyst, Unum Group's rising total benefits and expenses continue to weigh on margin while high debt level inducing deterioration in leverage and interest coverage ratio concern.

ICON (ICLR) Under Pressure From Debt, Delays and FX Risks
The Zacks analyst is concerned with ICON facing weak solvency, rising costs, biotech budget delays, stiff CRO competition and FX headwinds, pressuring revenues and near-term growth outlook.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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