The Zacks Analyst Blog Microsoft, Anheuser-Busch CVS, and Stran & Co
For Immediate Releases
Chicago, IL – January 26, 2026 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog includeMicrosoft Corp. MSFT, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV BUD, CVS Health Corp. CVS and Stran & Co., Inc. SWAG.
Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:
Top Stock Reports for Microsoft, Anheuser-Busch and CVS Health
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today’s Research Daily features new research reports on 12 major stocks, including Microsoft Corp., Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and CVS Health Corp., as well as a micro-cap stock, Stran & Co., Inc.. 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 Lower Ahead of Massive Polar Vortex
Today’s Featured Research Reports
Microsoft’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer – Software industry over the past year (+2.3% vs. -3.7%). The company demonstrates strong fundamentals anchored by Azure’s 25% cloud market share and strategic AI integration through OpenAI.
Microsoft generates exceptional operating cash flows, exceeding $100 billion annually with margins above 40%, while diversified revenue across cloud, productivity software, gaming, and LinkedIn provides stability. However, Microsoft confronts intense competition from AWS and Google Cloud, escalating regulatory scrutiny, and mounting capital expenditure requirements for AI infrastructure.
Long-term debt of $43.2 billion raises concerns amid rising interest rates, straining financial flexibility. These dynamics create an investment profile balancing robust cash generation against competitive pressures and operational challenges.
(You can read the full research report on Microsoft here >>>)
Shares of Anheuser-Busch have outperformed the Zacks Beverages – Alcohol industry over the past year (+44.5% vs. +14.4%). The company’s pricing actions, premiumization and disciplined revenue-management initiatives have been aiding results. Revenues for the megabrands edged up 3% year over year in third-quarter 2025. Revenues reflected the strong performance of its premium and super premium beer brands.
EBITDA margin expansion was driven by cost efficiencies and premiumization. The Zacks model predicts a 4.1% rise in EBITDA for 2025. Notably, the Beyond Beer portfolio recorded a 27% revenue rise, driven by triple-digit growth of Cutwater in the United States.
Digital platforms, including BEES and Zé Delivery, fueled stronger customer engagement. With sustained execution and diversification, AB InBev is poised for growth. However, the company has been witnessing volume declines on a soft consumer landscape.
(You can read the full research report on Anheuser-Busch here >>>)
CVS Health’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical Services industry over the past year (+57.3% vs. +5.3%). The company, being in a high-utilization environment, is making progress in returning Aetna to target margins. Aetna’s latest Star Ratings success underscores its strong fundamentals and commitment to drive better health outcomes for its MA members.
CVS’ restructuring plan is also in progress, wherein it aims to close 271 stores and generate $500 million in savings this year. The company’s retail pharmacy script share position continues to be strong. In addition, its digital strategy is also advancing through investment in emerging technologies aimed at driving efficiency and a simplified healthcare experience. Strong financial stability adds to the stock’s appeal.
Yet, ongoing pharmacy reimbursement pressures are putting strain on CVS Health’s operations, affecting its profitability. Macroeconomic pressures add to the concerns.
(You can read the full research report on CVS Health here >>>)
Shares of Stran & Company have outperformed the Zacks Advertising and Marketing industry over the past year (+100% vs. -10.5%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $36.58 million presents a compelling growth opportunity supported by rapid scale expansion, better cost control, and the potential for operating leverage as incremental revenue is absorbed by a largely fixed cost structure.
A recent acquisition has meaningfully altered the company’s growth outlook by adding new vertical exposure, enhancing cross-selling potential, and establishing a repeatable consolidation strategy within a fragmented industry. Revenue diversification across promotional products, loyalty, and continuity services reduces dependence on any single market.
Yet, the company is still unprofitable, with margins pressured by acquisition mix, cost volatility, and limited pricing power. Working capital demands have weighed on cash flow, and reliance on discretionary marketing spend introduces macro risk.
(You can read the full research report on Stran & Company here >>>)
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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 Previewreports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock
This under-the-radar company specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don’t build. It’s uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. And it’s just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.
With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it’s positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028.
See This Stock Now for Free >>
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
CVS Health Corporation (CVS) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Stran & Company, Inc. (SWAG): Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
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