Top Equity Analyses for Broadcom, Visa, and Home Depot

Zacks Research Daily: Analyst Insights for April 2, 2026

The Zacks Research Daily highlights the most notable research from our team of analysts. In today's edition, we spotlight fresh reports on 16 leading companies, including Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), Visa Inc. (V), The Home Depot (HD), and the micro-cap BayFirst Financial Corp. (BAFN). Our microcap coverage is unique, offering exclusive insights into smaller, less-followed firms.

These featured reports were selected from approximately 70 analyses released by our experts today.

Explore all of today’s research reports: Click here >>>

Market Preview: Ahead of Wall Street

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Read today’s edition: Pre-markets Lower on Concerns About Iran

Key Research Highlights

Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)

Broadcom has outpaced the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors sector over the past year, driven by robust growth in AI chips and successful integration of VMware. Demand for networking solutions and custom AI accelerators remains strong. The company anticipates a 140% year-over-year increase in AI revenue for Q2 fiscal 2026, reaching $10.7 billion. While the networking segment benefits from Tomahawk 6 products and a broad partner network, gross margins are expected to remain steady, and high debt levels present challenges.

Read the full Broadcom report >>>

Visa Inc. (V)

Visa’s stock has dropped 11.7% over the past year, compared to a 19.1% decline for the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry. The company faces rising client incentives and expenses, which may pressure margins, with adjusted costs expected to climb 11% in FY26. Regulatory and legislative risks, as well as regional softness, are concerns. However, Visa’s leadership in digital payments, ongoing acquisitions, and investments in AI and stablecoin infrastructure support its outlook. Q1 fiscal 2026 results exceeded expectations, with revenue up 15% and cross-border volume up 12% year-over-year.

Read the full Visa report >>>

The Home Depot (HD)

Home Depot shares fell 8.1% over the past year, slightly outperforming the Zacks Retail - Home Furnishings industry’s 9% decline. The company missed sales and EPS targets in Q4 fiscal 2025, impacted by weak demand for storm-related items, reduced spending on big-ticket products, and margin pressures. Despite these challenges, Home Depot’s integrated retail strategy, digital investments, and focus on professional customers are strengthening its market position. The acquisition of SRS is contributing to sales and market share growth.

Read the full Home Depot report >>>

BayFirst Financial Corp. (BAFN)

BayFirst Financial has lagged behind the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, with shares down 59.1% versus a 21.1% gain for the sector. The company is navigating higher credit costs from legacy SBA runoff, an unfavorable deposit mix, and a smaller loan portfolio after strategic repositioning. Despite these hurdles, BayFirst is transforming its balance sheet, exiting SBA 7(a) lending, and focusing on traditional community banking. Cost-cutting efforts are improving margins, and the company’s Tampa Bay–Sarasota franchise, diversified loans, and growing fee income support revenue stability.

Read the full BayFirst Financial report >>>

Additional Noteworthy Reports

• Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT)
• Accenture plc (ACN)
• UBS Group AG (UBS)

Mark Vickery
Senior Editor

Note: Sheraz Mian leads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a recognized authority on aggregate earnings trends. He is frequently cited in the media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. To receive email notifications for Sheraz’s latest articles, click here >>>

Today's Must-Read Reports

• Strong Demand for Networking Products Aids Broadcom (AVGO)
• Visa (V) Rides On Cross Border Volume Growth, Expenses High
• Home Depot (HD) Gains from Integrated Retail Strategy Push

Featured Reports

• Accenture (ACN): Acquisition Strategy Drives Growth, Talent Costs Remain a Challenge
  Accenture’s acquisition approach is steering the company toward high-growth sectors and deepening its industry expertise, though a competitive talent market remains a concern.
• UBS Group AG (UBS): Business Expansion Efforts Amid Rising Costs
  UBS is expanding through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, fueling inorganic growth, but faces higher integration and technology expenses.
• Grainger (GWW): Volume Growth Offsets Cost Challenges
  Grainger is capitalizing on increased market volume, though higher costs remain a headwind.
• Huntington Ingalls (HII): Defense Orders Drive Growth Amid Labor Shortages
  Rising defense orders from the Pentagon and U.S. allies are boosting Huntington Ingalls, but labor shortages may impact results.
• Summit (SMMT): Lead Candidate Progressing, Pipeline Diversity Needed
  Summit’s lead cancer drug shows promise, but limited pipeline diversification is a concern.
• Sunoco (SUN): Extensive Distribution Network Supports Growth
  Sunoco’s broad distribution network and long-term agreements with over 9,000 facilities ensure stable cash flows.
• Lamb Weston (LW): Strong Volume Gains Fuel Growth
  Lamb Weston saw a 7% increase in total volumes in Q3 fiscal 2026, led by a 12% rise in North America.

New Upgrades

• Applied Materials (AMAT): AGS Segment Drives Growth
  Applied Materials’ Applied Global Services (AGS) segment is benefiting from recurring services, increased parts sales, and a growing subscription business.
• HubSpot (HUBS): Customer Base and AI Integration Support Growth
  HubSpot’s expanding enterprise customer base and focus on AI integration are expected to drive revenue.
• Flowserve (FLS): Pump Division Momentum
  Flowserve’s Pump Division is seeing strong aftermarket business, enhancing shareholder value.

New Downgrades

• Allegiant (ALGT): High Labor Costs and Aircraft Delays Impact Outlook
  Aircraft delivery delays and elevated labor costs are creating challenges for Allegiant’s fleet plans.
• Chemed (CHE): Macroeconomic Pressures and Competition Weigh
  Chemed faces risks from tariffs, inflation, and intense competition.
• Louisiana-Pacific (LPX): OSB Segment and Market Pressures
  Lower OSB prices and sales volumes, along with housing market challenges, are impacting Louisiana-Pacific.

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Exclusive Offers and Reports

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Free Stock Analysis Reports

• Accenture PLC (ACN)
• Visa Inc. (V)
• UBS Group AG (UBS)
• The Home Depot, Inc. (HD)
• Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT)
• Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)
• BayFirst Financial Corp. (BAFN)

Original article published on Zacks Investment Research

Zacks Investment Research