The Zacks Analyst Blog Microsoft, Novartis, RTX and Air T

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – December 16, 2025 – 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 include Microsoft Corp. MSFT, Novartis AG NVS, RTX Corp. RTX and Air T, Inc. AIRT.Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:Top Research Reports for Microsoft, Novartis and RTXThe 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 Microsoft Corp., Novartis AG and RTX Corp., as well as a micro-cap stock Air T, 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 StreetThe 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 >>> Final Full Trading Week of 2025 Filled with DataToday's Featured Research ReportsMicrosoft’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the past year (+6.8% vs. +2.3%). 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.The Zacks analyst expects fiscal 2026 net sales to grow 15.1% from fiscal 2025. 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 Novartis have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past year (+38.8% vs. +14.9%). The company’s performance in 2025 has been good despite generic competition for its blockbuster drug Entresto in the United States.Novartis has a strong and diverse portfolio with drugs like Kisqali, Kesimpta, Pluvicto and Leqvio. The uptake of Pluvicto and Scemblix has been outstanding and propels top-line growth. The Zacks analyst model estimates for Pluvicto and Kisqali indicate a CAGR of 37.9% and 43.3%, respectively, over the next three years.Approval of new drugs and label expansion of existing drugs should enable Novartis to offset the adverse impacts of the generic competition for key drugs. The recent spate of acquisitions and collaborations has further strengthened its pipeline.(You can read the full research report on Novartis here >>>)RTX’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry over the past year (+54.1% vs. +28.1%). The company continues to receive ample orders for its wide range of combat-proven defense products from the Pentagon and its foreign allies. Steadily improving global commercial air traffic boosts the company's sales.Strong volumes and a favorable mix across large commercial engines and Pratt Canada operations are expected to support the company’s growth momentum in the commercial aerospace market. This resulted in RTX registering a backlog of $251 billion as of Sept. 30, 2025. RTX also holds a solid solvency position, at least in the short term. RTX’s shares have outperformed its industry in the past year.Yet, the uncertainties created by the recent imposition of U.S. government-issued import tariffs pose a risk for RTX. Supply-chain challenges continue to affect the aerospace sector, which may adversely impact RTX.(You can read the full research report on RTX here >>>)Shares of Air T have outperformed the Zacks Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo industry over the past year (+0.8% vs. -8.4%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $54.08 million continues to show selective operational strength — with margin expansion in Commercial Aircraft & Engines, a growing backlog supporting Ground Support Equipment and steady recurring-revenue traction in Digital Solutions — all complemented by stable cash flow from its long-standing FedEx feeder operations.However, elevated leverage, rising interest costs, thin net profitability, customer concentration and execution risks across several segments constrain earnings durability. Liquidity remains pressured by volatile working-capital needs, and recent margin gains rely partly on non-recurring asset sales.The valuation reflects heightened perceived risk and uncertain earnings quality, leaving upside dependent on sustained margin improvement, stronger cash generation, and clearer progress toward consistent profitability.(You can read the full research report on Air T here >>>)Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>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>>>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.com                                     https://www.zacks.com                                                 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 Naming Top 10 Stocks for 2026Want to be tipped off early to our 10 top picks for the entirety of 2026? History suggests their performance could be sensational.From 2012 (when our Director of Research Sheraz Mian assumed responsibility for the portfolio) through November, 2025, the Zacks Top 10 Stocks gained +2,530.8%, more than QUADRUPLING the S&P 500’s +570.3%.Now Sheraz is combing through 4,400 companies to handpick the best 10 tickers to buy and hold in 2026. Don’t miss your chance to get in on these stocks when they’re released on January 5. Be First to New Top 10 Stocks >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Novartis AG (NVS): Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report Air T, Inc. (AIRT): Get Free Report RTX Corporation (RTX): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks