Tuesday, October 6, 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 Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SPCX), Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL) and KLA Corp. (KLAC), as well as two micro-cap stocks, AXIL Brands, Inc. (AXIL) and Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. (OPXS). These research reports have been hand-picked from 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 Up Following Record Nasdaq Close
Today's Featured Research Reports
SpaceX’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Wireless National industry since going public on June 12, 2026 (+28.4% vs. +13.9%). Per the Zacks analyst, the company benefits from reusable launch technology, Starlink’s growing consumer, enterprise and government reach, and expanding AI infrastructure. Starship and advanced satellite deployment could further strengthen its integrated platform and create additional monetization opportunities.
Key risks include heavy capital requirements and execution challenges across AI compute, satellites, spectrum and Starship.
(You can read the full research report on SpaceX here >>>)
Dell’s shares have outperformed the Computer - Micro Computers industry over the past year (+266.1% vs. +36.3%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company benefits from strong AI infrastructure demand, a broad portfolio spanning servers, storage and PCs, and growing opportunities across neocloud, sovereign and enterprise customers. Its AI backlog, improving efficiency and operating leverage further support growth and profitability.
Yet, risks include component constraints, unfavorable AI mix, intense PC competition, currency volatility and leverage.
(You can read the full research report on Dell here >>>)
KLA’s shares have outperformed the Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry over the past year (+90.7% vs. +52.7%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company benefits from AI-driven semiconductor demand, rising process-control intensity, advanced packaging opportunities and a growing installed base that supports recurring services revenue. Its differentiated portfolio, operating leverage and share-gain potential strengthen its long-term outlook.
However, risks include semiconductor cyclicality, customer concentration, export controls, competition and component costs.
(You can read the full research report on KLA here >>>)
AXIL’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Consumer Products - Staples industry over the last six months (-13.0% vs. +2.4%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company faces tariff-related pressure and elevated marketing costs, while expanding into new businesses could create risks related to execution and strategic focus. Competition and the challenges of scaling newer initiatives also remain considerations.
AXIL benefits from expanding retail and online distribution, a growing wholesale presence and a diversified revenue base. Marketing services and hair and skin care provide additional growth opportunities and strategic flexibility.
(You can read the full research report on AXIL here >>>)
Optex Systems’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry over the past year (-24.0% vs. -11.2%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company faces margin pressure from higher operating expenses, weak operating cash flow and reliance on U.S. defense customers and procurement cycles. Moderating legacy periscope demand also creates some uncertainty.
Yet, Optex benefits from a strong contracted backlog, growing higher-value optical assembly and advanced sighting programs, and diversified revenue streams. Targeted manufacturing investments could support future growth and operating leverage.
(You can read the full research report on Optex Systems here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Deere & Co. (DE), Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNQ).
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
Solid Demand for AI Servers Aids Dell Technologies (DELL) Prospects
Strong Demand for HBM and Advanced Packaging Aids KLA (KLAC)
SpaceX (SPCX) Rides on Growing Traction in AI Infrastructure Vertical
Featured Reports
Defense Contract Wins & Solid Backlog Aid Lockheed Martin (LMT)
According to the Zacks analyst, Lockheed Martin's strong contract wins, including major PAC-3 and F-35 awards, have expanded its backlog to $230B, providing solid multiyear revenue visibility.
Deere (DE) Gains from Pricing Efforts Amid Low Demand
Per the Zacks analyst, low commodity prices will hurt demand for Deere's agricultural equipment in the coming quarters. However, this will be offset by its pricing actions and cost-reduction efforts.
Capital-Light Marketplace & Partner Adoption Aid Figure (FIGR) Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, Figure benefits from its capital-light marketplace, rising partner adoption and execution. Broader lending categories and Kiavi further strengthen its longer-term growth runway.
Strategic Acquisition Aids Envista (NVST) Amid Unfavorable FX
The Zacks analyst is impressed with Envista's expanded implant portfolio post the Versah acquisition. Yet, challenges in terms of unfavorable foreign exchange hurt growth.
Humana's (HUM) Solid Medicaid Business Aids, High Costs Ail
Per the Zacks Analyst, Humana's robust Medicaid business will help it expand the Retail portfolio, in turn boosting top-line growth. Yet, escalating expenses continue to weigh on margins.
Hilton (HLT) Banks on Unit Expansion Efforts, China Weakness Ails
Per the Zacks analyst, Hilton is likely to benefit from its solid development pipeline, hotel conversion opportunities, and technological initiatives. Yet, weak group travel in China is a concern.
Symbotic (SYM) Backlog Supports Growth, but Customer Risks Persist
Per the Zacks analyst, Symbotic's large backlog and growing recurring revenues support expansion, while customer concentration and lengthy deployment cycles create revenue and execution risks.
New Upgrades
Canadian Natural (CNQ) to Gain from Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading
The Zacks analyst believes Canadian Natural's Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading operations generate some of the strongest margins in the industry and provides high return opportunities.
APA Corporation (APA) Gains on Suriname Growth
The Zacks analyst believes that APA Corporation's Suriname growth project, cost cuts and strong Permian inventory position it for stronger cash flow and shareholder returns.
Diageo's (DEO) Premium Brands, Innovation to Drive Long-Term Growth
Per Zacks analyst, Diageo's brands, geographic diversification, innovation and cost savings could support long-term growth. DEO's focus on RTDs and low/no-alcohol offerings positions it for success.
New Downgrades
Whirlpool (WHR) Faces Margin, Demand and Tariff Headwinds
Per the Zacks analyst, Whirlpool's margin, soft appliance demand and tariff-driven cost pressure could constrain its 2026 recovery despite pricing, cost reduction efforts and operational improvements.
Rising Expenses, Mortgage Banking Woes Hurt Huntington (HBAN)
Per the Zacks analyst, Huntington's higher integration costs and growth investments are likely to keep expenses elevated, pressuring bottom-line growth. Weak mortgage banking income remains a concern.
Sarepta's (SRPT) Overdependence on DMD Therapies a Woe
Though Sarepta has four marketed products in its portfolio, all target the DMD indication. This concentrated focus on one target market concerns the Zacks Analyst.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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