Tuesday, September 23, 2025

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 Apple Inc. (AAPL), Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY) and Chevron Corp. (CVX), as well as a micro-cap stock The Monarch Cement Co. (MCEM). 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 Flat Following AI Tech Boost

Today's Featured Research Reports

Apple’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Micro Computers industry over the past year (+13.3% vs. +13.1%). The company is benefiting from strong growth in Services revenues. AAPL now has more than 1 billion paid subscribers across its Services portfolio. Both paid accounts and paid subscriptions grew double digits year over year in third-quarter fiscal 2025. 

Apple TV+ viewership has soared double-digit year over year. Expanding capabilities of AI Intelligence is noteworthy. Apple expects the September quarter’s (fourth-quarter fiscal 2025) net sales to grow mid to high single digits on a year-over-year basis. AAPL expects the Services year-over-year growth rate to be similar to that of the June quarter. 

However, gross margins are expected to be 46-47% in Q425, including a tariff impact of $1.1 billion. Increasing regulatory headwinds and tariffs are a concern for investors.

(You can read the full research report on Apple here >>>)
Shares of Eli Lilly have underperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the year-to-date period (-2.9% vs. +2.5%). The company’s data from phase III studies on its weight-loss pill orforglipron was mixed. Declining sales of Trulicity, rising pricing pressure on some drugs and potential competition in the GLP-1 diabetes/obesity market are some top-line headwinds. 

Nevertheless, demand for Lilly’s popular GLP-1 drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound remains strong, making them the company’s key top-line drivers. Launches of these drugs in new international markets and improved supply from ramped-up production led to strong sales in the first half of 2025. 

Lilly’s other new drugs, like Kisunla, Omvoh and Jaypirca, are also contributing to its top-line growth. Lilly is also making rapid pipeline progress in obesity and diabetes. 

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

Chevron’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry over the year-to-date period (+13.9% vs. +8.6%). The company’s position is strengthened by its strategic acquisition of Hess, which boosts long-term production and free cash flow. Chevron also demonstrates strong operational performance with record production from its U.S. Permian Basin assets and significant projected growth from its GoA and Tengiz projects. 

A robust financial structure, a high investment-grade rating, and an attractive dividend yield further support Chevron's stability. However, several factors temper this positive outlook. Upstream earnings fell despite record production, primarily due to lower oil prices. 

Meanwhile, geopolitical complexities in international operations add a layer of risk. Furthermore, the stock's high valuation relative to its peers suggests limited near-term upside. Given these conflicting positive and negative points, a neutral stance is advised.

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

Shares of Monarch Cement have gained +8.6% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Building Products - Concrete and Aggregates industry’s gain of +19%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $852.03 million maintains strong shareholder returns, with $11.3 million in dividends paid out for the first six months of 2025, supported by $9.5 million in equity gains and $1.8 million in affiliate earnings. 

With no long-term debt and $34.2 million in cash, liquidity and reinvestment flexibility remain ample. Retained earnings rose to $375.1 million, while equity expanded to $410.5 million, funding a $40.1 million capex program. Geographic diversification offsets volume pressures, with cement price increases driving revenue resilience. 

The Humboldt plant secures more than 50 years of reserves and structural cost advantages. A 49% JV stake in RMCMO enhances returns while limiting capital intensity. Improved investing cash flows reflect disciplined asset monetization. Strong brand, logistics and infrastructure exposure underpin durable pricing power and long-term competitive positioning.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Constellation Energy Corp. (CEG), Cencora, Inc. (COR) and Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX).

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>>>