Monday, January 25, 2021The 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 NIKE (NKE), Amgen (AMGN) and Morgan Stanley (MS). 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 >>>NIKE shares have outperformed the Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry over the past year (+39% vs. +35.5%). The Zacks analyst believes that even as stores reopen, NIKE witnesses strong digital trends, which demonstrates the strength of its brands and investments made over the past several years to improve digital consumer experiences.Digital sales for the NIKE brand improved in double digits across EMEA, Greater China and APLA along with triple-digit growth in North America. Moreover, it started the holiday season on a strong note with record online sales during the Black Friday week.However, it is witnessing lower revenues at the wholesale business and NIKE-owned stores. Higher restructuring costs and continued investments in digital capabilities also acted as headwinds. SG&A expenses are envisioned to grow in low-single digit in fiscal 2021.(You can read the full research report on NIKE here >>>)Shares of Amgen have lost -0.1% in the last six months against the Zacks Biomedical and Genetics industry’s gain of +7.7%. The Zacks analyst believes that Amgen’s drugs like Prolia, Evenity, Repatha, Aimovig, Otezla and biosimilars are driving sales, increasing competition for its legacy products is hurting the same.Amgen is also progressing with its pipeline while regularly pursuing “external opportunities”. Amgen expects several important data readouts from its innovative pipeline, which could be catalysts for the stock. Amgen boasts a strong biosimilars portfolio, which is an important source of revenues. However, pricing and competitive pressure are concerns.Though trends have improved, sales of physician-administered drugs are being hurt by COVID-19 related business disruption. Amgen’s shares have underperformed the industry in the past year. Estimates have gone down slightly ahead of Q4 results. Amgen has a positive record of earnings surprise in recent quarters.(You can read the full research report on Amgen here >>>)Morgan Stanley shares have gained 47.3% over the past three months against the Zacks Investment Banking industry’s rise of +43.8%. The Zacks analyst believes that the planned acquisition of Eaton Vance and the buyout of E*Trade Financial are in sync with its efforts to focus less on capital markets driven sources.These efforts, along with increasing focus on corporate lending, are likely to support financials. Further, the company’s solid capital deployments will continue enhancing shareholder value.The company’s earnings have surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters. The company’s fourth-quarter 2020 results reflect efforts from business diversification, and solid trading and investment banking performance. A strong balance sheet is likely to aid growth. (You can read the full research report on Morgan Stanley here >>>)Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Duke Energy (DUK), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) and Moderna (MRNA).Just Released: Zacks’ 7 Best Stocks for TodayExperts extracted 7 stocks from the list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys that has beaten the market more than 2X over with a stunning average gain of +24.4% per year.These 7 were selected because of their superior potential for immediate breakout.See these time-sensitive tickers now >>Sheraz MianDirector of ResearchNote: 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 Read NIKE's (NKE) Digital Business Aid Top Line Amid the Pandemic Amgen (AMGN) Rides on Solid Pipeline and Regular Deals Strategic Acquisitions to Aid Morgan Stanley's (MS) Profits Featured Reports Investment Plan Aids Duke Energy (DUK), Commodity Prices Hurt Per the Zacks analyst, potential volatility in market prices of fuel and electricity can create operational risks for Duke. Vertex's (VRTX) Trikafta Key to Sales Growth in 2021 Per the Zacks analyst, in 2021, approval of Trikafta/Kaftrio in additional geographies and reimbursement agreements for Kaftrio in EU countries should boost Vertex's sales. Moderna's (MRNA) Coronavirus Vaccine Development Encouraging Per the Zacks analyst, Moderna's foray into development of mRNA-based vaccine for COVID-19 is boosting the company's prospects. Superior Hydrogen Technology Capabilities Aids Cummins (CMI) Hydrogenics buyout and partnership with NPROXX are aiding Cummins; but high commodity and R&D costs may dent margins, per the Zacks analyst. Baker Hughes (BKR) Continues to Bank on LNG Contract Baker Hughes expects substantial growth from a series of international liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts. However, weak energy equipment demand concerns the Zacks analyst. New Upgrades Change in Deposit Mix, Loan Growth Supports BankUnited (BKU) Per the Zacks analyst, decent loan growth and efforts to improve fee income will likely aid BankUnited's top line. Its strategy to increase low-cost deposits is expected to further support revenues. PTC Inc. (PTC) Rides on Portfolio Strength and Acquisitions Per the Zacks analyst, PTC is benefiting from robust adoption of ThingWorx and Windchill platforms, as well as the Vuforia solutions. Also, acquisitions of Onshape and Arena Solutions bode well. New Downgrades Magellan Midstream (MMP) Hurt by High Debt, Lower Volumes The Zacks analyst believes that Magellan Midstream Partners' high debt-to-capitalization of 67.2% is a concern. Lower Volumes & Project Delay Hurt Armstrong World (AWI) Per the Zacks analyst, delay in construction activities and lower volumes in both the Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments have been impacting Armstrong World's results. 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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Free Stock Analysis Report NIKE, Inc. (NKE): Free Stock Analysis Report Morgan Stanley (MS): Free Stock Analysis Report Moderna, Inc. (MRNA): Free Stock Analysis Report Duke Energy Corporation (DUK): Free Stock Analysis Report Amgen Inc. (AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research