Top Stock Reports for Oracle, American Express & Progressive

Monday, October 12, 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), American Express Co. (AXP) and The Progressive Corp. (PGR). 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 >>> Big Week of Data: Inflation & Q3 Earnings

Today's Featured Research Reports

Shares of Oracle have underperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the year-to-date period (-26.5% vs. +1.5%). The company’s data center expansion requires substantial investment and careful execution. Free cash flow remains negative despite customer prepayments, while new equity financing risks dilution.

Competition from larger cloud providers remains intense. Traditional software revenue continues to decline as customers migrate to subscriptions. These factors warrant caution until infrastructure investments deliver durable cash generation over the long term.

Nevertheless, Oracle's cloud infrastructure expansion is benefiting from rising AI computing demand and faster conversion of its contracted backlog into revenue. Multicloud database adoption and embedded AI tools reinforce its competitive position. Integrated applications support recurring revenue and customer retention. Management's higher fiscal 2027 outlook points to further growth.

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

American Express’ shares have underperformed the Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry over the year-to-date period (-15.7% vs. -12.4%). The company’s expenses rose 12% year over year in the first half of 2026, outpacing revenue growth, reflecting higher customer engagement and operating costs. Credit performance remains strong, but macroeconomic pressures could affect spending and credit costs.

Nevertheless, American Express is benefiting from its differentiated Membership Model, strong Card Member spending and sustained customer acquisition, particularly among Millennials and Gen-Z. Travel, dining, partnerships and digital initiatives are enhancing its differentiated premium customer value proposition. 

The proposed TheFork acquisition could expand AXP's lifestyle ecosystem and international reach. In the first six months of 2026, total revenues increased 11% year over year, and management raised its 2026 revenue growth guidance to 10%.

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

Shares of Progressive have gained +1.7% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry’s gain of +2.4%. The company, continues to benefit from premium growth, supported by its strong position in personal auto. Growth in policies in force, strong new-business activity and its independent-agent network should support long-term premium growth and steady revenues. 

Investment in digital transformation and data-driven underwriting should further strengthen this position. Its reinsurance program helps offset losses, while its strong financial position provides stability. 

That said, normalizing auto pricing and rising loss severity, despite declining claims frequency, could pressure premium per policy and underwriting margins. Weaker retention and increasing leverage, although still manageable, add risk, while a rich valuation limits upside, supporting a Neutral recommendation.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Western Midstream Partners, LP (WES), BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. (BTSG) and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited (RDY).

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 on Cloud Growth Amid Execution Risks

AmEx (AXP) Aided by Strong Card Member Spending Amid High Costs

PGR Aided by Policy Growth and Investment Income Amid Margin Pressure

Featured Reports

Western Midstream to Gain on Stable Fee-Based Contracts
The Zacks analyst likes Western Midstream because the partnership's fee-based contracts and minimum volume commitments support cash-flow visibility across the portfolio.

BrightSpring (BTSG) Gains on Specialty Growth Amid Reimbursement Risks
Per the Zacks analyst, specialty growth, provider expansion and operating efficiencies support BTSG's earnings. However, IRA reimbursement cuts, customer exits and integration risks pose challenges.

Generics Business Boost Dr. Reddy's (RDY), Competition a Woe
Per the Zacks Analyst, RDY benefits from generics launches and pending FDA filings, while intensifying competition and pricing pressures remain key challenges.

Commercial Metals (CMC) Gains From Demand Amid Rising Debt Risks
Per the Zacks analyst, Commercial Metals benefits from strong steel demand, firm pricing and precast expansion, while elevated debt, acquisition costs and European market volatility pose risks.

The Trade Desk's CTV and AI Prospects Face Macro Headwinds
Per the Zacks analyst, The Trade Desk's CTV, retail and international expansion support long-term opportunities, but slowing revenue growth, macro pressure, and investments remain concerns.

Rising Subscriber Engagement and New Products Aid Sezzle (SEZL) Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, Sezzle benefits from rising subscriber engagement and higher purchase frequency. New product launches are expected to deepen customer loyalty and support long-term growth.

Deal Activity, Liquidity Aid Hercules Capital (HTGC), High Costs Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, strong deal activity, record commitments and robust venture lending demand should aid Hercules Capital's investment income. Yet, rising costs and high valuation remain risks.

New Upgrades

Lamb Weston (LW) Benefits From Sustained Market Share Gains
Per the Zacks analyst, Lamb Weston's market share gains in North America, fueled by customer wins, high retention rates and rising volumes, strengthen its competitive position and growth prospects.

e.l.f. Beauty's (ELF) Diverse Portfolio, Global Expansion Drive Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, e.l.f. Beauty's diverse portfolio and global expansion support growth across brands and markets. In the first quarter of fiscal 2027, net sales rose 36% to $479.4 million.

IMAX Corporation (IMAX) Rides on Premium Cinema and Global Expansion
Per Zacks Analyst, IMAX is leveraging global network expansion, strong studio partnerships and premium format advantages while exploring new monetization opportunities to drive long-term growth.

New Downgrades

Acquisitions Aid Ormat Technologies (ORA) Amid Tariff Risks
Per the Zacks analyst, Ormat Technologies is likely to benefit from profitable strategic acquisitions and power purchase agreements. Yet rising U.S. import tariffs may pose risks to Ormat's growth.

Weak Global Vehicle Production & Rising Costs to Hurt Aptiv (APTV)
Per the Zacks analyst, weak global vehicle production due to geopolitical tensions, launch delays and software timing is expected to impact Aptiv's business. Rising costs further dampen margins.

Yield Pressure & Marketing Woes Hurt Norwegian Cruise (NCLH)
Per the Zacks analyst, Norwegian Cruise faces yield pressure amid marketing and revenue-management challenges. Elevated airfare and softer demand for European sailings also pose concerns.

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

Zacks Investment Research