Top Stock Reports for Salesforce, Seagate Technology & AT&T

Thursday, August 20, 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 Salesforce, Inc. (CRM), Seagate Technology Holdings PLC (STX) and AT&T Inc. (T), as well as a micro-cap stock, Daily Journal Corp. (DJCO). 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 Down Despite Strong Claims, Philly Fed

Today's Featured Research Reports

Salesforce’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Internet - Software industry over the past year (-16.1% vs. -12.9%). Per the Zacks analyst, the enterprise’ spending remains vulnerable to macroeconomic swings, while intense competition in CRM and AI workflows could pressure growth. Debt-funded share repurchases have also increased leverage and interest expenses.

However, Salesforce is strengthening its CRM franchise by embedding Agentforce across Customer 360 and expanding its data capabilities through Informatica. Broader adoption of its AI and data products, combined with strong cash generation, supports growth and continued product investment.

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

Seagate’s shares have outperformed the Computer - Integrated Systems industry over the past year (+438.5% vs. +210.4%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company benefits from strong data center demand, HAMR adoption, disciplined pricing and growing AI-driven storage needs. Its Mozaic roadmap, manufacturing efficiencies, customer commitments and focus on shareholder returns support growth and cash generation.

Yet, stiff competition, customer concentration, premium valuation and macroeconomic uncertainty could pressure performance. Heavy reliance on data center and HDD demand also leaves Seagate exposed to shifts in spending and storage trends.

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

AT&T’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Wireless National industry over the past year (-14.6% vs. +80.0%). The Zacks analyst believes that AT&T faces intense U.S. wireless competition, with promotional activity potentially pressuring pricing and margins. Declining legacy services and elevated capital requirements could also hinder deleveraging efforts.

On the positive side, AT&T is expanding its fiber and 5G networks while reducing long-term network costs. Its expanded fiber footprint offers more bundling opportunities, while edge computing could provide an additional competitive advantage.Top of FormBottom of Form

(You can read the full research report on AT&T here >>>)

Daily Journal’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Publishing - Newspapers industry over the last six months (+20.0% vs. -18.4%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company is evolving into a software-driven business, with Journal Technologies gaining broader adoption across government markets. Recurring or usage-based revenue enhances visibility, while a liquid, asset-rich balance sheet and positive operating cash flow provide financial flexibility.

However, legacy publishing operations face structural pressure from rising costs and weak growth. Elevated governance, remediation and legal expenses are also limiting operating leverage.

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

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Eaton Corp., PLC (ETN), Spotify Technology S.A. (SPOT) and MetLife, Inc. (MET).

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

Salesforce (CRM) Benefits From Agentforce Adoption

Seagate (STX) Gains From Increasing Data Center & AI Demand

AT&T (T) Rides on Strength in Advanced Connectivity Segment

Featured Reports

Axsome's (AXSM) Marketed Drugs Drive Growth Amid Stiff Competition
Per the Zacks analyst, Axsome's lead drug, Auvelity, approved for treating major depressive disorder is driving sales. The addition of Sunosi bodes well too. However, stiff competition remains a woe.

Magnolia (MGY) to Gain from Efficient Production Volume Growth
The Zacks analyst believes that Magnolia's production growth should support higher volumes and earnings, but oil and gas price volatility remains a concern.

Large User Base and Pricing Power Aid Spotify (SPOT), No Dividends Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, SPOT's Strong subscriber growth and improving pricing power ensure revenue growth, but the absence of cash dividends may deter income-focused shareholders.

Alexandria Real Estate (ARE) Aided by Leasing, Hurt by Occupancy Risks
Per the Zacks analyst, Alexandria Real Estate gains from leasing momentum, high-quality tenants and contractual rent escalations. However, lower occupancy, renewal pressure and elevated leverage ail.

Prudential (PRU) Gains on Solid Retirement Unit Amid High Costs
Per the Zacks Analyst, the company's solid retirement business has generated substantial premiums, which in turn drove the top line. However, rising expenses remain a concern.

MetLife's (MET) Cost-Cut Efforts & Strategic Buyouts Aid
Per the Zacks analyst, MetLife's cost-control measures are driving margins, while acquisitions are expanding its portfolio. However, volatile variable investment income is concerning.

New Product Development, Broad Market Reach Aid Eaton's (ETN) Growth
Per the Zacks analyst Eaton's operations in nearly 180 countries across the world and development of new products through ongoing R&D investments will continue to drive demand and boost profitability.

New Upgrades

Darling Ingredients (DAR) Strengthens Growth Through Core Efficiency
Per the Zacks analyst, Darling's core ingredients platform is gaining momentum from operational efficiency, commercial optimization and contract management, supporting stronger margins and growth.

Ichor (ICHR) Rides on AI and Semiconductor Demand
Per the Zacks analyst, rising AI-driven semiconductor demand, stronger customer visibility and growing proprietary content are supporting Ichor's revenue and margin growth.

Leggett & Platt (LEG) Gains From Restructuring & Cost Control Efforts
Per the Zacks analyst, Leggett & Platt benefits from restructuring, metal-margin expansion and portfolio simplification. Cost actions and a leaner balance sheet support profitability and earnings.

New Downgrades

High Costs, Volatile Iron Ore Price Ail National Steel (SID)
The Zacks analyst is concerned that the recent volatility in iron ore prices, along with rising costs for raw materials, energy, and freight, will weigh on National Steel's margins.

Elevated Expenses, Poor Asset Quality to Hurt BankUnited (BKU)
Per the Zacks analyst, persistently rising costs due to investments in technology are expected to hurt BankUnited's profits. Also, rising provisions make us apprehensive about the company's growth.

Rigetti (RGTI) Faces Rising Losses, Execution Risks Amid Quantum Push
Per the Zacks Analyst, Rigetti faces rising losses, execution and dilution risks, though cloud expansion, Novera sales, government ties and a solid cash position support longer-term potential.

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

Zacks Investment Research