Wednesday, September 23, 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 Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) and Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR), as well as two micro-cap stocks Canterbury Park Holding Corp. (CPHC) and Stran & Company, Inc. (SWAG). 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 >>> Pre-Markets Take a Breather from AI-Trade Resurgence
Today's Featured Research Reports
Micron’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Integrated Systems industry over the year-to-date period (+284.3% vs. +141.3%). The company is benefiting from AI-driven demand for memory and storage, tighter DRAM and NAND supply and a richer mix of HBM, data center SSD and high-capacity products. Record third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, a stronger fourth-quarter outlook and durable strategic customer agreements support higher revenue visibility, cash flow and margins.
Micron’s cash generation and net cash balance provide flexibility to fund capacity additions while enhancing shareholder value. The company is also widening its data center, automotive, robotics and edge AI opportunities as memory becomes more strategic to system performance.
However, rising operating expenses, elevated capital spending, greenfield ramp-up costs, competition and trade risks could offset these gains if demand or pricing weakens, leaving the risk-reward profile balanced at current levels.
(You can read the full research report on Micron here >>>)
Shares of Costco have gained +4.8% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Retail - Discount Stores industry’s gain of +5.6%. The company remains well-positioned due to its differentiated membership-based warehouse model, strong value proposition and loyal customer base. It continues to benefit from recurring membership income, high renewal rates and growing engagement from higher-value members.
Costco’s focus on offering quality merchandise at competitive prices supports steady traffic and reinforces customer loyalty. Costco is also enhancing its digital ecosystem through e-commerce, personalization tools, AI-driven product discovery and convenient fulfillment options, helping improve the member experience.
Also, the company is expanding its warehouse footprint and investing in productivity-enhancing initiatives to support long-term growth. Backed by a strong balance sheet, Costco is well-positioned to strengthen its market leadership and drive sustainable growth over time.
(You can read the full research report on Costco here >>>)
Interactive Brokers’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry over the year-to-date period (+43.3% vs. +6.8%). The company’s earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters. Interactive Brokers continues to benefit from a widening product set that keeps clients engaged across cycles. Leveraging its automated platform, broad product set and new launches will likely support top-line growth across market cycles.
However, earnings remain sensitive to benchmark-rate changes and client cash pricing. Sustained investments in marketing and technology will likely keep total costs elevated. Significant reliance on overseas revenues is another concern, as it adds regulatory and currency complexity.
However, its global reach, a conservative balance sheet and focus on direct market access support competitive pricing and help attract active traders and long-term investors.
(You can read the full research report on Interactive Brokers here >>>)
Shares of Canterbury Park have outperformed the Zacks Gaming industry over the year-to-date period (+2.5% vs. -29.5%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $81.12 million has its investment case supported by its ongoing shift toward a more diversified, destination-oriented business model. Canterbury Commons is expanding the company’s exposure to residential, dining, entertainment and commercial activity, while the amphitheater and experiential venues can drive broader property traffic and cross-spending.
TIF reimbursements and remaining development land provide additional long-term monetization opportunities. Improving occupancy across real estate projects should strengthen recurring cash contributions as these assets mature.
Meanwhile, reduced purse-funding obligations improve the sustainability of racing economics. Within the core gaming business, stronger table-games activity points to improving customer engagement and casino productivity, complementing the company’s broader efforts to increase visitation and property utilization.
(You can read the full research report on Canterbury Park here >>>)
Stran & Company’s shares have declined -4.2% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Advertising and Marketing industry’s decline of -5.2%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $28.15 million has seen tariff and sourcing volatility acts as a structural risk, while technology spending and control-remediation efforts add execution demands.
Profitability remains sensitive to customer mix and expense growth. SLS also faces revenue variability and competitive pricing pressure, making sustained earnings growth dependent on improved volumes alongside recent margin gains.
Nevertheless, Stran’s investment case is supported by improving profitability at SLS, a scalable acquisition strategy, a diversified customer base and a growing mix of program-based revenues that can support more durable client relationships.
STRAN Digital Solutions expands the company’s technology-enabled service offering, while recent enterprise wins and cross-selling opportunities strengthen its land-and-expand model. A solid liquidity position also provides flexibility for selective acquisitions and organic investment.
(You can read the full research report on Stran & Company here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX), Entegris, Inc. (ENTG) and Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (PAG).
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
Rising AI Spending, Inventory Improvement Aid Micron (MU)
Costco's (COST) Digital and AI Adoption Boosts Member Engagement
Product Diversification Efforts to Aid Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Featured Reports
Penske's (PAG) Buyouts Add Scale Amid EV and Premium Market Strains
Per the Zacks Analyst, PAG's Lexus and Toyota acquisitions add scale, while weaker U.S. EV sales and premium-market pressures may affect regional demand and mix overall in 2026.
Corcept (CORT) Banks on Korlym Sales, Overdependence a Woe
Per the Zacks analyst, Corcept's lead drug, Korlym, approved for treating Cushing's syndrome, is driving the top line. However, sole dependence on Korlym for revenues remains a concern.
Fee-based Contracts & Rising Throughput to Aid Antero Midstream (AM)
Per the Zacks analyst, Antero Midstream benefits from fee-based contracts, rising throughput, capital returns and expansion, while customer concentration, debt and integration pose risks.
Vornado (VNO) Gains From Premium Office Demand, High Debt Weighs
Per the Zacks analyst, Vornado benefits from premium Manhattan office demand, rising occupancy and leasing activity. However, elevated debt, interest expenses and major development spending weigh.
Disciplined Investments and Rate Recovery Aid Southwest Gas (SWX)
Per the Zacks analyst, Southwest Gas will benefit from infrastructure investments and regulatory recovery mechanisms. Great Basin expansion and financial flexibility should support long-term growth.
SkyWest's (SKYW) Fleet Expansion Supports Growth Amid High Costs
Per the Zacks analyst, SkyWest's E175 fleet expansion and cash generation support growth, while higher operating costs and maintenance constraints could limit earnings gains as flying activity rises.
Strategic Acquisition Aid Prestige Consumer (PHB) Amid Cost Woes
The Zacks analyst is optimistic about Prestige Consumer's Breathe Right and LaCorium acquisitions which are expected to add nearly 20% to its revenue base. But, rising costs continue to pose concerns.
New Upgrades
Seagate (STX) Benefits From Strong AI-Led Storage Demand
Per the Zacks analyst, Seagate is benefitting from from AI-led storage demand, strong data center growth, and rising HAMR and Mozaic adoption, supporting higher revenue, margins and cash flow.
Entegris (ENTG) Rides on AI-Driven Semiconductor Demand
Per the Zacks analyst, strong demand from advanced logic, memory and packaging is driving higher content for Entegris' filtration, CMP and advanced materials products.
Contract Wins and Strategic Acquisitions Aid Molina Healthcare (MOH)
Per the Zacks analyst, Molina Healthcare benefits from strong contract wins, disciplined acquisitions and favorable government-sponsored healthcare trends, supporting long-term growth.
New Downgrades
DICK'S Sporting (DKS) Faces Promotional and Margin Risks
Per the Zacks analyst, DICK'S faces promotional pressure, elevated cost and a softer margin outlook as industry inventory remains high, while discounting and supply-chain costs may hurt profitability.
Limited Product Diversity & Residential Weakness Hurt Watsco (WSO)
Per the Zacks analyst, limited exposure to its services and products, softness in residential demand, and tariff-related risks are adversely affecting Watsco's growth prospects.
Outdoor Business Headwinds Ail JAKKS Pacific's (JAKK) Prospects
Per the Zacks analyst, JAKKS Pacific is grappling with reduced shelf space for bulky outdoor products and challenging delivery economics. Also, volatility in petroleum-linked resin costs ail.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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