The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Palantir Technologies, Lockheed Martin and RTX

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – July 31, 2025 – 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: Palantir Technologies Inc. PLTR, Lockheed Martin LMT and RTX Corp. RTX.Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:Should Palantir Be in Your Portfolio Ahead of Q2 Earnings?Palantir Technologies Inc. will report its second-quarter 2025 results on Aug. 4, after the bell.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in the to-be-reported quarter stands at 14 cents, indicating 55.6% growth from the year-ago reported quarter. The consensus estimate for total revenues stands at $938.3 million, indicating 38.4% year-over-year growth. There has been no change in analyst estimates or revisions lately.The company has a strong history of earnings surprises. Earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and matched once, with an earnings surprise of 12.7%, on average.PLTR's Lesser Chance of Q2 Earnings BeatOur proven model doesn't conclusively predict an earnings beat for PLTR this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. But that's not the case here. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.PLTR has an Earnings ESP of 0.72% and a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.PLTR's All-Round Healthy Business Should be the Driver in Q2We expect a significant year-over-year improvement in the company's top line in the to-be-reported quarter, driven by healthy business from existing as well as new customers, strengthening both the Government and Commercial segments.The consensus estimate for Government revenues is pegged at $510.5 million, indicating 37.7% year-over-year growth. The consensus mark for Commercial revenues is pegged at $429.3 million, indicating 39.7% year-over-year growth.PLTR Stock Looking PriceyPalantir shares have surged a whopping 107% year to date. This performance has significantly outpaced the 18% growth of its industry. Interest in this prominent AI-focused stock remains strong as investors seek opportunities to capitalize on the AI trend.At this moment, it is worth noting that at its current valuation, Palantir is looking pricey. Based on training 12-month EV-to-EBITDA, PLTR is currently trading at 2103.6X, way above the industry's 15.29X. If we look at the forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio, the company's shares are currently trading at 234.86X forward earnings, well above the industry's 40.36X.Investment ConsiderationsAlthough PLTR is expected to report year-over-year growth in second-quarter earnings and revenues, its stock looks overvalued compared to industry peers. Recent analyst trends also point to cautious sentiment around the stock. While PLTR's government and commercial businesses remain strong, its high valuation leaves little room for error. Given the stock's sharp rally this year and stretched pricing, there is an increased risk of a pullback if expectations are not met. Investors may find it prudent to sell PLTR at current levels and protect gains amid potential volatility.As PLTR's valuation moves higher, Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp. offer more grounded defense exposure. Lockheed Martin, with its massive defense contracts, provides steady cash flow and less volatility than PLTR. Its forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is below 16X, and trailing 12-month EV-to-EBITDA is below 12X. Lockheed Martin continues to benefit from global rearmament while trading at modest earnings multiples.Similarly, RTX shines through missile systems. RTX's defense backlog, like LMT's, underscores its stability. Its forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is below 25X, and trailing 12-month EV-to-EBITDA is just below 18X.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 ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@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.One Big Gain, Every Trading DayTo help you take full advantage of this market, you’re invited to access every stock recommendation in all our private portfolios - for just $1.Zacks private portfolio services that closed 256 double and triple-digit winners in 2024 alone. That’s about one big gain every day the market was open. Of course, not all our picks are winners, but members have seen recent gains as high as +627% +1,340%, and +1,708%.Imagine how much you could profit with a steady stream of real-time picks from all our services that cover a number of strategies to suit a variety of investing and trading styles.See Stocks Now >>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 Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT): Free Stock Analysis Report RTX Corporation (RTX): Free Stock Analysis Report Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks