Top Analyst Reports for Advanced Micro Devices, Goldman Sachs and Lam Research

Friday, December 26, 2025The 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 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) and Lam Research Corp. (LRCX), as well as two micro-cap stocks, AstroNova, Inc. (ALOT) and Blue Dolphin Energy Co. (BDCO). 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 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 >>> Full-Day in the Markets on a Recently Declared Federal HolidayToday's Featured Research ReportsAdvanced Micro Devices’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer – Integrated Systems industry over the last six months (+49.5% vs. +47.0%). The Zacks analyst believes AMD is benefiting from rising demand for EPYC processors as cloud, enterprise and AI-driven workloads expand. Growing adoption by major hyperscalers, increased use of Instinct accelerators and the launch of the MI350 series have strengthened AMD’s system-level capabilities, supported by a broad ecosystem of cloud and AI partners.However, the company faces intense competition from NVIDIA in AI accelerators and from Intel in CPUs, whose entrenched ecosystems and strong market positions continue to pressure its growth prospects.(You can read the full research report on Advanced Micro Devices here >>>)Goldman Sachs’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial – Investment Bank industry over the past year (+58.1% vs. +39.2%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company has shown solid momentum, supported by strong execution in investment banking and trading. The firm is refocusing on its core businesses, scaling back consumer banking, and expanding through strategic acquisitions in private equity credit and global alternatives, which should strengthen its global presence and revenue mix.Yet heavy reliance on overseas markets raises concerns amid geopolitical uncertainty. Rising expenses from ongoing technology investments and higher transaction-related costs during periods of strong client activity also remain key challenges.(You can read the full research report on Goldman Sachs here >>>)Lam Research’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Electronics – Semiconductors industry over the past six months (+82.5% vs. +25.3%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company is benefiting from its strength in 3D DRAM and advanced packaging, with rising etch and deposition intensity driven by more complex 3D architectures. Improving memory spending, solid demand for high-bandwidth memory and continued investments in research and development position the company well to capitalize on higher wafer fab equipment demand.However, spending on mature semiconductor nodes is likely to remain weak in the near term. Ongoing trade and tariff tensions between the United States and China also remain a key risk to its outlook.(You can read the full research report on Lam Research here >>>)AstroNova’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Technology Services industry over the past year (-34.2% vs. +22.0%). The Zacks analyst believes that execution challenges persist for the company, including margin pressure from inventory buildup, volatility in the Product ID segment, sluggish Aerospace OEM demand and weak cash conversion, despite the stock trading well below peer valuations.Yet AstroNova is repositioning for margin expansion by shifting toward higher-margin ToughWriter 640 printers, supported by cost reductions, lower debt and proprietary printhead technology that enables vertical integration and recurring revenue.(You can read the full research report on AstroNova here >>>)Blue Dolphin Energy’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas – Exploration and Production – United States industry over the last six months (-24.0% vs. -12.5%). The Zacks analyst believes severe liquidity stress, weakening profitability, refinancing risk and governance concerns tied to affiliate dependence weigh heavily on the company. Exposure to demand softness, crude price volatility, inventory risks and limited capital access further threaten its long-term viability.However, the company continues to operate its refining business with support from affiliated entities, which has helped sustain operations in a difficult industry environment.(You can read the full research report on Blue Dolphin here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG), Chubb Ltd. (CB) and Parker-Hannifin Corp. (PH).Mark VickerySenior EditorNote: 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 ReadStrong Product Portfolio and Partner Base Aid AMD's ProspectsLam Research (LRCX) Benefits From Etch and Deposition StrengthFocus on Core Business, Buyouts Aid Goldman (GS) Amid Expense PressureFeatured ReportsBetter Pricing, New Business Growth Drive Chubb Limited (CB)Per the Zacks analyst, Chubb is set to grow on better pricing, new business growth and high renewal rates. Yet, exposure to cat loss induces underwriting volatility while costs pressurize margin.Halozyme's (HALO) ENHANZE Drug Delivery Technology Aid GrowthPer the Zacks Analyst, Halozyme's collaboration deals with large pharma companies related to ENHANZE technology, drives revenue growth. Over dependence on partners for revenues remains a woe.Defense and Cybersecurity Strength Boosts Northrop Grumman (NOC)According to the Zacks analyst, Northrop Grumman's strong positioning in high-priority defense, space, and cyber programs and its $91.45B backlog support steady growth and rising revenues.Aerospace Unit Aids Parker-Hannifin (PH), High Debt AilsPer the Zacks analyst, Parker-Hannifin will benefit from strength in Aerospace Systems segment, led by robust OEM and aftermarket demand. However, its high debt profile remains concerning.Intuitive Surgical's (ISRG) da Vinci System Helps Offset RisksPer the Zacks analyst, growing adoption of Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system is driving its revenues as well as helping offsetting risks like supply-chain issues and rising costs.CVS Health (CVS) Pharmacy Arm, Digital Capabilities ExpandThe Zacks analyst is impressed with CVS Health's stronger-than-expected pharmacy growth and its $20 billion, decade-long tech investment to streamline operations and boost customer engagement.Aon's (AON) Strategic Acquisitions Aid, Expenses Woes LingerPer the Zacks analyst, several acquisitions and collaborations are helping AON enhance its capabilities and driving its profit growth. However, rising expenses remain a concern.New UpgradesCelestica (CLS) Rides on Healthy Demand for Networking ProductsPer the Zacks analyst, strong demand for networking products, including 400G switches and 800G switches, will likely drive Celestica's top line. Its focus on AI integration is positive.CommScope (COMM) Rides on Solid Demand in ANS SegmentPer the Zacks analyst, growing deployments of DOCSIS 4.0 amplifier and node products are expected to drive CommScope's top line. Strong focus on innovation is a tailwind.Crocs (CROX) Stays on Track to Deliver Long-Term GrowthPer the Zacks analyst, Crocs is advancing its long-term growth plan through iconic products, global expansion and portfolio diversification, driving revenue growth, margin gains and cash flow.New DowngradesPembina (PBA) Debt Load Raises Concerns Over Financial HealthThe Zacks analyst believes that Pembina Pipeline's significant C$12.6 billion debt and short-term asset challenges may hinder its ability to sustain growth and financial stability.Rising Competition and Declining RPE Hurt Robert Half (RHI)Per the Zacks analyst, heightened competition makes it difficult for Robert Half to balance growth and profitability. Declining revenues per employee (RPE) is a red flag for investors.Dismal Comps and High Costs Hurt Jack in the Box's (JACK) ProspectsPer the Zacks analyst, Jack in the Box's performance is being hurt by dismal comps stemming from negative traffic trends. Also, high debt levels and costs are a concern.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 The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS): Free Stock Analysis Report Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD): Free Stock Analysis Report Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH): Free Stock Analysis Report Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG): Free Stock Analysis Report Chubb Limited (CB): Free Stock Analysis Report Lam Research Corporation (LRCX): 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