Monday, December 8, 2025

The 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 Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), SAP SE (SAP) and Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), as well as a micro-cap stock Willis Lease Finance Corp. (WLFC). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.

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 >>>

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You can read today's AWS here >>> Pre-markets Up for Nasdaq and Russell 2000, Flat for Dow

Today's Featured Research Reports

Meta’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Software industry over the year-to-date period (+15.2% vs. +10.4%). The company is benefiting from steady user growth across all regions, particularly Asia Pacific. Increased engagement for its offerings like Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Facebook has been a major growth driver. 

META has been leveraging AI to improve the potency of its platform offerings. These services currently reach more than 3.54 billion people daily. Meta Platforms’ growing footprint among young adults, driven by improving recommendations, boosts its competitive prowess. AI usage is making it a popular name among advertisers. This is expected to drive top-line growth. 

Meta Platforms now expects to invest significantly more over the next few years in developing more advanced models and the largest AI services in the world. However, monetization of these AI services will take considerable time, which is a concern.

(You can read the full research report on Meta here >>>)

Shares of SAP have gained +1% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Computer - Software industry’s gain of +11.2%. The company is riding on healthy Cloud ERP growth and uptake of its Rise with SAP and Grow with SAP solutions amid a volatile macro backdrop. Growing traction in SAP’s Business Suite, Business Data Cloud, AI-driven solutions and integrated platform innovations bodes well. 

SAP’s fourth-quarter and 2026 pipeline appear strong, driven by renewed momentum across industries. AI is poised to be a key catalyst in fueling double-digit total revenue growth through 2027. It raised its 2025 outlook, projecting higher profitability while keeping a cautious view on cloud revenue. 

Cloud revenue is expected near the low end of €21.6-€21.9 billion, with non-IFRS operating profit near the high end of €10.3-€10.6 billion. However, weak software license revenue and stiff rivalry, along with U.S.-China trade tensions and tariffs, continue to pressure SAP’s license business.

(You can read the full research report on SAP here >>>)

Booking’s shares have gained +5.4% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Internet - Commerce industry’s gain of +9.6%. The company benefits from its global footprint, strong brands and growing shift toward direct-channel bookings, which support margins and customer loyalty. Expansion into alternative accommodations, transport and attractions, alongside the Connected Trip strategy and increased GenAI integration, boosts engagement and cross-selling.

Strong liquidity, solid cash generation and deep partner relationships further reinforce its position. Additionally, its focus on automating partner tools and traveler interactions enhances operational efficiency and satisfaction. 

However, softness in U.S. travel trends, elevated marketing spend and rising competitive pressure pose challenges. Its limited domestic presence may also restrict growth as affordability trends impact pricing power, and it faces strong competition from online travel agencies.

(You can read the full research report on Booking here >>>)

Shares of Willis Lease Finance have underperformed the Zacks Transportation - Equipment and Leasing industry over the past year (-35.4% vs. -23%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $892.86 million is facing recurring asset write-downs, elevated G&A costs and potential lease rate pressure from rising OEM supply pose risks. High customer concentration and a shifting leasing model add uncertainty. Though the shares have underperformed peers, valuations remain discounted. 

Nevertheless, Willis Lease Finance is expanding strategically into the MRO sector via WASL, adding new UK facilities to service next-gen aircraft, supporting recurring revenues and full-service positioning. A $750 million credit facility with Mitsui boosts liquidity and capital flexibility, enabling growth without equity dilution. 

WLFC benefits from strong tailwinds in the aircraft leasing market, especially with rising demand for wet leasing. The company’s push into SAF aligns with EU decarbonization goals and positions it as a clean energy innovator. Long-term MRO contracts, including an expanded Jet2.com deal, enhance revenue visibility.

(You can read the full research report on Willis Lease Finance here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR), BP p.l.c. (BP) and Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL).

Mark Vickery
Senior Editor

Note: 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>>>