Zacks Research Analysts Highlight Strategic Opportunities in Meta, Palantir, Amphenol and National Research

On February 2, 2026, Zacks Investment Research released its latest Analyst Blog featuring comprehensive stock coverage. Research analysts from the firm have identified four major companies worthy of investor attention, each presenting distinct opportunities and challenges within their respective sectors. Meta Platforms, Palantir Technologies, Amphenol, and National Research have all been spotlighted in recent research analyst commentary, with the team publishing approximately 70 detailed reports covering market dynamics and investment implications.

What Research Analysts Found: Four Stock Analyses from Zacks

The Zacks research analyst team conducts daily evaluations of market-moving developments, producing what they call the “Research Daily”—a curated selection of the best analytical output from their equity research department. On this particular day, the research analysts hand-picked 16 major stock analyses, along with coverage of micro-cap opportunities. Each report reflects months of tracking and deep-dive analysis into company fundamentals, competitive positioning, and macroeconomic headwinds.

The daily “Ahead of Wall Street” publication, which appears before market open each trading session, offers research analysts’ perspective on morning economic data and its potential market impact. On February 2nd, this included analysis of Producer Price Index movements, leadership changes at the Federal Reserve, and ongoing fourth-quarter earnings reports reshaping sector sentiment.

Meta Platforms: Research Analyst Assessment of AI Investment Risks and User Growth

Research analysts tracking Meta note that the company’s shares have surpassed the Zacks Internet-Software industry benchmark significantly, with a +7.1% return over the past year compared to the industry’s -6.9% decline. The research analyst team identifies several supportive factors: consistent global user expansion (particularly across Asia Pacific), strong engagement metrics spanning Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Facebook platforms, and AI-enhanced recommendation systems that continue strengthening advertiser appeal.

However, research analysts also highlight execution risk. Meta’s substantial capital allocation toward advanced AI model development and large-scale infrastructure initiatives introduces execution uncertainty. The critical question for investors, according to the research analyst consensus, centers on monetization timing—converting these AI investments into revenue-generating products remains an unproven challenge.

Palantir Technologies: How Research Analysts View the AI and Defense Strategy

Research analysts covering Palantir observe exceptional stock performance, with shares appreciating 84.1% over the past year versus the Internet-Software sector’s decline of 6.9%. The research analyst team credits Palantir’s differentiated AI strategy, anchored by its Foundry, Gotham, and AIP platforms that serve both government and commercial segments with real-time analytical capabilities.

From the research analyst perspective, Palantir benefits from defense-related projects including Open DAGIR and AIP boot camps that facilitate customer acquisition while strengthening its applied AI positioning. Nevertheless, research analysts flag intensifying competition from major technology players and rapid AI evolution as headwinds. The analyst community also notes that Palantir’s limited shareholder return programs may constrain appeal among income-focused investors.

Amphenol and National Research: Research Analyst Takes on Divergent Paths

Amphenol’s stock has exceeded its Electronics-Connectors peer group, climbing 40.4% over six months compared to the industry’s 37.1% gain. Research analysts emphasize the company’s defensive business model—diversified end-markets and geographic distribution reduce concentration risk. The research analyst team highlights strong demand for high-technology interconnect solutions across defense contracting, commercial aviation, industrial applications, and IT datacom infrastructure, with next-generation systems supporting long-term trajectory.

Yet research analysts caution that macroeconomic uncertainty and intense competitive pressures present margin and demand visibility risks ahead.

In contrast, National Research Corporation’s stock has underperformed its Business-Information Services industry by significant margin, declining 49.1% over two years versus the sector’s 9.0% decrease. Research analysts identify legacy customer attrition as a persistent revenue headwind, while SG&A expense growth and depreciation have compressed operating margins. Higher debt servicing costs magnify financial vulnerability.

However, research analysts acknowledge positive signals emerging from NRC Health’s TRCV segment, which shows demand recovery momentum. Strategic partnerships validating the platform and cost-efficiency initiatives supporting margin recovery, combined with strong liquidity buffers, provide a foundation for potential renewed growth.

Why Research Analysts Recommend Exploring These Stocks

Since 2000, the research analyst strategies developed by Zacks have delivered exceptional results. Their top stock-picking methodologies have generated average annual gains of +48.4%, +50.2%, and +56.7%—substantially outpacing the S&P 500’s historical +7.7% average. Research analysts employing the Zacks Rank system continue identifying opportunities across market cycles.

For investors interested in learning which research analysts believe represent the most compelling opportunities, Zacks offers complimentary access to current stock recommendations without cost or obligation. This provides an accessible entry point for understanding how professional research analysts approach portfolio construction in the current market environment.