Top Expert Analyses for Alphabet, Cisco, and PepsiCo

Research Highlights: March 13, 2026

The latest edition of Zacks Research Daily brings together the top insights from our team of analysts. Today’s report spotlights fresh research on 16 leading stocks, including Alphabet (GOOGL), Cisco Systems (CSCO), and PepsiCo (PEP), as well as two micro-cap companies: Village Super Market (VLGEA) and Air T (AIRT). Our micro-cap coverage stands out as the only research of its kind nationwide.

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

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Read today’s AWS: Q4 GDP, Durable Goods Lower than Anticipated

Key Stock Research Summaries

Alphabet (GOOGL)

Alphabet’s stock has surpassed the Zacks Internet - Services sector over the last six months, gaining 21.2% compared to the industry’s 17%. The company’s momentum is fueled by rapid expansion in AI infrastructure, Google Cloud, and Search. Google Cloud ended Q4 2025 with a $240 billion backlog, a 55% increase from the previous quarter. Alphabet boasts over 325 million paid consumer subscriptions, with strong uptake for Google One and YouTube Premium. The Gemini app now sees more than 750 million monthly active users, and over 8 million Gemini enterprise seats were sold in Q4. AI-driven enhancements in Search and the Gemini app are supporting further growth, while YouTube benefits from rising demand for short-form content. However, intense competition in cloud computing remains a challenge.

Read the full Alphabet report >>>

Cisco Systems (CSCO)

Cisco has outperformed the Zacks Computer - Networking industry over the past six months, rising 18% versus the sector’s 16.4%. The company’s robust product orders from hyperscalers, enterprises, public sector, service providers, and cloud clients are driving growth. The acquisition of Splunk has bolstered Cisco’s recurring revenue and expanded its software solutions portfolio. The introduction of AI-powered Hypershield, which integrates security and networking, has further strengthened its security offerings. Demand for AI infrastructure and campus networking solutions remains strong, especially among service providers and cloud customers. Cisco anticipates AI-related orders exceeding $5 billion and expects to recognize over $3 billion in AI infrastructure revenue from hyperscalers in fiscal 2026. Nevertheless, rising competition poses a headwind.

Read the full Cisco report >>>

PepsiCo (PEP)

PepsiCo’s shares have advanced 15.9% in the last six months, slightly outpacing the Zacks Beverages - Soft Drinks industry’s 15.8% gain. The company’s strong performance is underpinned by resilient international growth, ongoing brand innovation, and disciplined execution. Its international division continues to drive organic revenue and profitability, with broad-based demand across Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. In North America, flagship beverage brands and new product innovations are capturing market share. PepsiCo’s focus on productivity, automation, and digital transformation is boosting operational efficiency and margins. However, the company faces short-term operational hurdles in its PFNA business and ongoing cost and tariff pressures.

Read the full PepsiCo report >>>

Village Super Market (VLGEA)

Village Super Market’s stock has climbed 6.2% over the past six months, compared to a 20.8% rise for the Zacks Retail - Supermarkets sector. With a market cap of $590.14 million, the company is focused on boosting sales momentum, strengthening cash flow, and reinvesting in growth, though it faces margin pressures and competitive risks. Sales increased 5.7% year-over-year to $1.2 billion in the first half of fiscal 2026, with same-store sales up 3.7% thanks to digital expansion, store remodels, and strong performance in fresh and pharmacy categories. Operating cash flow rose to $78.8 million, improving liquidity and reducing reliance on external funding. However, gross margin fell by 50 basis points due to lower Wakefern-related income and promotional pressures. Despite these challenges, the stock trades at a notable discount to peers and the broader market.

Read the full Village Super Market report >>>

Air T (AIRT)

Air T’s shares have declined 5.9% in the last six months, underperforming the Zacks Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo industry’s 34.8% gain. With a market cap of $60.49 million, Air T faces high leverage, rising interest expenses, and limited financial flexibility. Risks related to FedEx concentration and the integration of Rex add to the uncertainty. Despite these headwinds, Air T offers a diversified aviation platform with improving momentum in Ground Support Equipment and Digital Solutions, supported by backlog growth and increasing recurring revenue. The Overnight Air Cargo segment provides steady cash flow through long-standing FedEx feeder contracts. Strategic moves, such as the Rex regional airline acquisition and expansion into aviation asset management, could broaden the company’s platform and lifecycle exposure.

Read the full Air T report >>>

Other notable reports today include coverage of Western Digital Corp. (WDC), Ford Motor Co. (F), and PPL Corp. (PPL).

Mark Vickery
Senior Editor

Note: Sheraz Mian leads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a recognized authority on aggregate earnings. He is frequently cited in both print and digital media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. To receive email alerts whenever Sheraz releases a new article, click here >>>

Today’s Must-Read Reports

• Alphabet's (GOOGL) Prospects Rides on Cloud and Search Initiatives
• Cisco (CSCO) Rides on Strong Networking Solution Demand
• PepsiCo's (PEP) Productivity and Digital Efforts to Aid Growth

Featured Analyst Reports

• Regulated Investments and Cost Management Aid PPL Corp. (PPL)
  Zacks analysts note that PPL’s cost control strategies are expected to boost margins, and its planned $23 billion in investments through 2029 will enhance operations.
• Higher Investment Income Aid Ares Capital (ARCC), Rising Costs Ail
  Strong loan originations and portfolio activity are set to increase Ares Capital’s investment income, though rising costs and regulatory issues present challenges.
• Solid Growth of Digital Platform Aids Western Union (WU)
  Western Union’s digital platform is accelerating money transfer services amid rising demand, but a high debt load is increasing interest expenses.
• ABM to Benefit From ELEVATE Initiative, Competition High
  ABM’s multi-year ELEVATE strategy is expected to drive revenue and profitability, though competition remains a concern.
• Recursion Shows Good Pipeline Progress, Lacks an Approved Product
  Recursion’s pipeline is advancing, but the absence of approved products leaves the stock vulnerable to clinical risk.
• Focus on Patient Monitoring Aids Masimo (MASI) Amid Stiff Competition
  Masimo’s patient-monitoring and connectivity platforms are gaining traction, despite operating in a highly competitive market.
• California Resources (CRC) to Gain from Berry Merger
  The merger with Berry Corporation is expected to improve California Resources’ scale and cash flow, though higher costs remain a concern.

Recent Upgrades

• Western Digital (WDC) Poised for Growth on AI Storage and HDD Demand
  Western Digital’s growth is being propelled by increased demand for cloud storage and AI applications, with strategies in place to address macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges.
• Partnership with ServiceTitan and Hybrid Strategy Aid Ford (F)
  Ford’s partnership with ServiceTitan is positioning its Pro unit for long-term growth, while its hybrid approach adds resilience amid evolving EV adoption.
• Carter's (CRI) Experiences Strength in Retail and International Units
  Carter’s is seeing continued momentum in both its U.S. Retail and International segments, with notable sales growth in Q4.

Recent Downgrades

• Campbell's (CPB) Appears Troubled by Elevated Cost Inflation
  Campbell’s margins have been pressured by rising costs, with Q2 adjusted gross profit margin dropping 270 basis points due to inflation and supply-chain expenses.
• Contract Delays and Weak Awards Hurt KBR's (KBR) Performance
  Slower award activity and delays in program decisions, especially in the Mission Technology segment, are impacting KBR’s short-term growth.
• Dycom's Growth is Hurting from Macro Uncertainties and Execution Risks
  Dycom faces challenges from project execution risks and high revenue concentration among a few large clients.

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Free Stock Analysis Reports

• PPL Corporation (PPL)
• Ford Motor Company (F)
• Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)
• Western Digital Corporation (WDC)
• PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP)
• Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
• Village Super Market, Inc. (VLGEA)
• Air T, Inc. (AIRT)

This article was originally published by Zacks Investment Research.

Zacks Investment Research