Top Analyst Insights for Palantir, GE Aerospace, and Verizon

Overview of Today’s Research Reports

The Zacks Research Daily provides an in-depth look at the latest analysis from our analyst team. This edition highlights research reports on 16 major stocks, including Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), GE Aerospace (GE), and Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), as well as two micro-cap stocks: Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. (MLP) and Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp. (AP). The Zacks microcap research is unique, offering insights into these smaller, less-covered companies that are rarely analyzed by other firms.

These reports have been carefully selected from the approximately 70 reports published today by our analysts. Each report offers a detailed evaluation of the company's performance, market position, and future outlook.

Ahead of Wall Street

The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is essential reading for investors looking to stay ahead of market movements. Published before the market opens, this piece analyzes the day's economic releases and their potential impact on market activity. It is available for free on our homepage, and readers can sign up for email notifications to receive it each morning.

BLS Jobs: +115K, Double Expectations

Today’s featured research reports cover several key players in the stock market. These reports offer insights into their recent performance, challenges, and growth opportunities.

Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR)

Palantir’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Software industry over the past year, with a gain of +15% compared to the industry’s -7.2%. The company’s AI strategy, driven by platforms like Foundry, Gotham, and AIP, targets both government and commercial sectors, providing real-time insights and operational efficiency.

Notable defense projects, such as Open DAGIR and AIP boot camps for commercial clients, have helped in customer acquisition. With $7.2 billion in cash, no debt, and inclusion in the S&P 500, Palantir has strong liquidity, growing revenues, and increased investor visibility.

However, the company’s reluctance to pay dividends is a concern for income-focused investors. Intense competition from tech giants and rising costs amid a rapidly evolving AI landscape and elevated valuation present challenges.

GE Aerospace (GE)

Shares of GE Aerospace have outperformed the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry over the past year, gaining +41.9% compared to the industry’s +10.4%. The company benefits from robust demand for commercial engines, propulsion, and additive technologies.

Rising U.S. and international defense budgets, geopolitical tensions, positive airline and airframer dynamics, and strong demand for commercial air travel support the company’s growth. GE Aerospace raised its dividend by 28.6% to 36 cents per share in February 2025.

However, the company faces high costs and expenses related to certain projects and restructuring activities, which could affect margins and profitability. Supply chain disruptions may also lead to delays and increased costs. Given its international presence, foreign exchange headwinds could be a concern.

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)

Verizon’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Wireless National industry over the past year, with a gain of +15.5% compared to the industry’s -8.1%. The company recorded mixed first-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenues missing the same.

Verizon delivered positive postpaid phone net adds and raised its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook while maintaining its view for mobility and broadband service revenue growth and free cash flow growth. Broadband remains a core lever post-Frontier buyout closing, with fixed wireless and fiber net adds expanding the fiber footprint.

However, the spectrum crunch has become a major issue in the U.S. telecom industry. Most carriers are struggling to manage surging data traffic. High spending on promotional activities to attract customers is straining profits. Weakness in the wireline business is a concern.

Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. (MLP)

Shares of Maui Land & Pineapple have outperformed the Zacks Real Estate - Operations industry over the past six months, with a gain of +5.7% compared to the industry’s -7.0%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $313.53 million offers investors exposure to a diversified Maui land portfolio with multiple long-term monetization paths across commercial real estate, development projects, agriculture, and infrastructure assets.

The leasing business provides recurring cash flow supported by improving occupancy and expanding tenant activity, while ongoing parcel sales and reimbursed development activity help fund future projects. Liquidity is supported by recurring leasing income, asset monetization, and extended revolving credit capacity.

However, key risks include elevated capital requirements, long-duration development timelines, water availability constraints, litigation exposure, and a relatively high fixed-cost structure. Earnings volatility tied to pension-related charges and dependence on successful project execution may continue to pressure financial performance despite operational progress.

Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp. (AP)

Ampco-Pittsburgh’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Metal Products - Procurement and Fabrication industry over the past six months, with a gain of +503.5% compared to the industry’s +28.3%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $233.55 million represents a cyclical industrial turnaround story supported by increasing exposure to energy, defense, and infrastructure markets.

The company is benefiting from tailwinds tied to nuclear power expansion and rising power demand from data centers. Management has streamlined operations by exiting underperforming businesses and consolidating production into more efficient facilities, which should improve profitability. Investments in modernization support growth.

However, the story remains execution-sensitive, with performance dependent on successful Sweden ramp-up, stabilization in steel demand, and improved cash generation. Elevated leverage, asbestos liabilities, and order volatility continue to pressure financial flexibility. Current valuation suggests investors remain cautious about the turnaround, though successful execution could still drive upside.

Other Noteworthy Reports

Other notable reports featured today include Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT), Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FMX), and DTE Energy Co. (DTE).

Today’s Must Read

• Modular Sales Tactic and Strong Liquidity Aids Palantir (PLTR)
• Commercial Engines Drives GE Aerospace (GE), High Costs Hurt
• Verizon (VZ) Rides on Wireless Traction, Extended Broadband Footprint

Featured Reports

• Fortinet (FTNT) Rides on Product Strength, Marketing Efforts
• Smart Investments and Renewable Expansion Aid DTE Energy (DTE)
• Tenet (THC) to Gain From USPI Strength and Strategic Buyouts
• Check Point (CHKP) Gains From Subscription Growth Amid Soft Demand
• Wynn Resorts (WYNN) Banks on Macau Demand, High Costs Ail
• Revolve (RVLV) Gains From AI, Brand Expansion and Global Reach
• Fomento's (FMX) Forward Strategy and Digital Effort Appear Encouraging

New Upgrades

• Expeditors (EXPD) Rides on E-commerce Growth, Airfreight Strength
• DaVita (DVA) Continues to Gain From a Patient-Centric Care Model
• AI Automation, Acquisitions and Partnerships Aid BILL Holdings (BILL)

New Downgrades

• High Debt and Rising Interest Costs Weigh on MPLX's Financials
• Weakness in Rest of World Segment to Hurt A. O. Smith (AOS)
• Rising Expenses and Integration Complexity Hurt Ondas (ONDS)