Back to top

Image: Bigstock

The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Meta Platforms, Palantir Technologies, Amphenol and National Research

Read MoreHide Full Article

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – February 2, 2026 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Meta Platforms, Inc. (META - Free Report) , Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR - Free Report) and Amphenol Corp. (APH - Free Report) and National Research Corp. (NRC - Free Report) .

Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:

Top Research Reports for Meta, Palantir and Amphenol

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., Palantir Technologies Inc. and Amphenol Corp., as well as a micro-cap stock, National Research Corp.. These research reports have been hand-picked from roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.

You can see all of today's research reports here >>>

Ahead of Wall Street

The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.

You can read today's AWS here >>> PPI Higher, Warsh in as Fed Chair, Q4 Earnings Continue

Today's Featured Research Reports

Meta Platforms' shares have outperformed the Zacks Internet – Software industry over the past year (+7.1% vs. -6.9%). The Zacks analyst believes the company is benefiting from steady global user growth, especially in Asia Pacific. Strong engagement across Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Facebook, improved AI-driven recommendations, and rising advertiser appeal strengthen its competitive position.

However, Meta's heavy focus on building advanced AI models and large-scale services brings uncertainty. Monetizing these AI offerings will take time, posing execution and payoff risks.

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

Palantir's shares have outperformed the Zacks Internet – Software industry over the past year (+84.1% vs. -6.9%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company's AI strategy, led by Foundry, Gotham and AIP, serves government and commercial clients with real-time insights. Defense projects like Open DAGIR and AIP boot camps support customer acquisition and strengthen its position in applied AI.

Yet, Palantir faces intense competition from major tech players. Rapid AI evolution and rising operating complexity pose challenges, while its limited focus on shareholder payouts may deter income-focused investors.

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

Amphenol's shares have outperformed the Zacks Electronics – Connectors industry over the past six months (+40.4% vs. +37.1%). The Zacks analyst believes that the company benefits from a diversified business model that reduces end-market and geographic volatility. Its strong portfolio of high-technology interconnect solutions supports demand across defense, commercial air, industrial, and IT datacom markets, with next-generation systems driving long-term growth.

However, macroeconomic uncertainty and stiff competition across electronics and connectivity markets pose risks, potentially pressuring demand visibility and margins over time.

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

National Research's shares have underperformed the Zacks Business – Information Services industry over the past two years (-49.1% vs. -9.0%). The Zacks analyst believes revenue softness from legacy client attrition remains a concern from the company. Rising SG&A and depreciation pressured operating margins, while higher debt and interest costs increase financial risk. Ongoing competitive pricing pressure and retention challenges threaten core revenue stability.

Yet, NRC Health's TRCV growth points to demand recovery. Partnerships validate its platform, cost savings aid margins, and strong liquidity supports growth and returns.

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

Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?

Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.

Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.

See Stocks Free >>

Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

support@zacks.com                                      

https://www.zacks.com                                                   

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Published in