The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today’s Research Daily features new research reports on 20 major stocks, including Salesforce, Inc. (CRM), Palantir Inc. (PLTR) and Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), as well as two micro-cap stocks NoHo Inc. (DRNK) and PETCO Inc.(WOOF). The Zacks microcap research is unique as their 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 80 reports published by the analyst team today.

The upcoming earnings release of Salesforce.com will be of great interest to investors. In that report, analysts expect Salesforce.com to post earnings of $2.54 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 4.1%. In the meantime, our current consensus estimates forecast the revenue to be $9.74 billion, indicating a 6.61% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

With respect to valuation, Salesforce.com is currently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 24.18. This signifies a discount in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 26.97 for its industry.

It is also worth noting that CRM currently has a PEG ratio of 1.91. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock’s expected earnings growth rate. The average PEG ratio for the Computer – Software industry stood at 2.27 at the close of the market yesterday.

The upcoming earnings release of Palantir.com in Zacks Technologies Software – Infrastructure industry will be of great interest to investors. In that report analysts expect to post revenue of $862.3 million, up 36% year-over-year, and adjusted earnings of $324.8 million, or 0.06 dollars per share, up from $196.9 million.

The analyst team are also bullish on profit estimates for the full year and further out, in 2026. In 2025, profits are seen rising 604% to 607 dollars in price per share. For 2026, estimates sit at a 45% increase in profits to 910 dollars per share.

For the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2024, sales grew 36% to $827.5 million. That showed sales had accelerated for the sixth continuous quarter. Prices accelerated from the prior quarter to 120 price per share and grew 150% from the prior year.

Shares of Booking Holdings have outperformed the Zacks Internet – Commerce industry over the past year (+47.8% vs. +8.2%). The company is benefiting from a favorable environment, owing to growing global leisure travel demand. Substantial improvement in its booking trends remains a major tailwind.

Solid momentum in booked room nights is contributing well to the gross bookings growth. Strong growth in rental car and airline ticket units is a major positive. Also, strong momentum across the merchant, advertising and other businesses are key growth drivers for BKNG. The growing alternative accommodation business and flight capabilities are tailwinds for the company. However, sluggishness in its agency business due to the declining trend in agency bookings is a major headwind. Also, geopolitical tensions and market uncertainties remain concern for Booking.com.

NoHo Inc. shares have underperformed the Zacks Construction industry over the past year (9.5% vs. 45.7%). This microcap company with a projected market capitalization of $411.99 million. These state-of-the-art sites, equipped with advanced machinery and cutting-edge technology, are designed to produce high-quality, eco-friendly precast specialty concrete blocks. Future incorporation of direct air capture technology (DAC) is intended to increase these facilities’ ability to produce essential building materials. Smog Armor is a climate technology enterprise committed to the development and implementation of sustainable solutions within construction-related industries. With a pronounced emphasis on innovation and environmental stewardship, the company is dedicated to creating products and technologies that mitigate carbon emissions, advancing a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future.

The company’s planned facilities exemplify Smog Armor’s dedication to revolutionizing the construction industry with innovative and sustainable methods. These state-of-the-art sites, equipped with advanced machinery and cutting-edge technology, are designed to produce high-quality, eco-friendly precast specialty concrete blocks. Future incorporation of direct air capture technology (DAC) is intended to increase these facilities’ ability to produce essential building materials while contributing significantly to carbon reduction efforts.

Petco Inc. Zack’s Consumer Cyclical – Specialty Retail Industry, focuses on enhancing the lives of pets, pet parents, and its Petco partners in the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The company provides grooming, training, tele-health, and Vital Care and pet health insurance services, as well as veterinary services through Vetco mobile clinics. Shares of Petco Inc. have gained +10.3% over the past year within Zack’s Consumer Cyclical – Specialty Retail Industry. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $847.29 million delivered robust financial results in third-quarter 2024, with a 307.2% year-over-year net sales increase, with a gross profit of 2.32 billion, driven by a 150% surge with supplies from whole foods ingredients sales. Geographic and product diversification, supported by stable investment income, ensures resilience, positioning Petco Inc. to capitalize on growth opportunities in high-demand markets.

Chewy Inc. now drives profitability, leveraging strong global demand, offsetting declines in other segments and solidifying the company’s focus on high-margin products. A resilient balance sheet with $596.95 million in cash, minimal liabilities and a consistent quarterly Book value per share of 0.63 dollars scoring financial stability. Investment income grew 63.5% year over year, adding flexibility.