Zacks.com spotlighted features include Air Lease, National Energy, Catalyst, and JBT Marel

Press Release

Chicago, IL – March 11, 2026 – This week’s featured stocks include Air Lease (AL), National Energy Services Reunited (NESR), Catalyst Pharmaceuticals (CPRX), and JBT Marel Corp. (JBTM).

Geopolitical Uncertainty Drives Interest in Value Stocks: Four Low-PEG Opportunities

With global markets experiencing increased turbulence due to escalating geopolitical issues, rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, and surging commodity prices, investors are seeking stability. Gold prices have reached new highs as a safe haven, while equities are under pressure from market corrections, conflicts, oil price shocks, and high valuations.

During such volatile times, value investing becomes appealing, as fundamentally sound companies may be undervalued due to widespread market anxiety rather than actual business weakness. Historically, these market disruptions have allowed patient investors to acquire profitable companies at attractive prices, setting the stage for gains when conditions improve.

This article highlights four stocks that stand out in this environment: Air Lease, National Energy Services Reunited, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, and JBT Marel Corp.

However, value investing is not without risks. Misunderstanding the approach can lead to so-called “value traps,” where stocks continue to underperform because their challenges persist rather than resolve.

Common value metrics like dividend yield, price-to-earnings (P/E), or price-to-book (P/B) ratios can help identify discounted stocks, but they may not tell the whole story.

To avoid value traps, it’s crucial to consider a company’s future prospects, particularly its earnings growth over the next one to two years. Warren Buffett recommends focusing on a stock’s growth potential, which is where the PEG ratio becomes a valuable—if less widely used—tool.

Understanding the PEG Ratio

The PEG ratio is calculated as the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio divided by the company’s earnings growth rate.

• A lower PEG ratio is generally preferable for value investors.
• While the P/E ratio alone may not reveal a stock’s true value, the PEG ratio can help uncover intrinsic worth.
• One limitation of the PEG ratio is that it doesn’t account for changes in growth rates over time, such as an initial period of rapid growth followed by slower, sustained expansion.
• Combining the PEG ratio with other relevant metrics can enhance investment decisions.

Top Stocks with Attractive PEG Ratios

The following four companies have met the screening criteria:

• Air Lease: Based in Los Angeles, Air Lease is a major player in the aircraft leasing industry, acquiring commercial planes from manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus and leasing them to airlines worldwide. The company holds a Zacks Rank #2, a Value Score of A, and is projected to grow earnings at 17.3% annually over the next five years.
• National Energy Services Reunited: Operating throughout the Middle East and North Africa, NESR delivers a range of oilfield services, including hydraulic fracturing, cementing, production chemicals, and water treatment. Its drilling division provides rigs, fluids, and well intervention solutions. NESR currently has a Zacks Rank #1, a Value Score of B, and an expected five-year earnings growth rate of 23%.
• Catalyst Pharmaceuticals: Headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals develops and markets treatments for rare and challenging diseases. The company holds exclusive U.S. rights to Firdapse, a drug approved for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome, with patent protection until 2037. Catalyst boasts a discounted PEG and P/E, a Zacks Rank #1, a Value Score of A, and a long-term historical growth rate of 46.4%.
• JBT Marel Corp.: Serving the food and beverage sector across multiple continents, JBT Marel provides equipment, software, and services for food processing through its Protein Solutions and Prepared Food and Beverage Solutions divisions. The company is rated Zacks Rank #2, has a Value Score of B, and a five-year historical growth rate of 11.5%.

Quantum Computing: The Next Big Investment Opportunity

Quantum computing is emerging as a transformative technology, potentially surpassing even artificial intelligence in impact. Contrary to earlier expectations, this technology is already being adopted by major companies such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, Meta, and Tesla, all racing to integrate quantum solutions into their operations.

Kevin Cook, Senior Stock Strategist, has identified seven companies positioned to lead the quantum computing revolution in his report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power.

Having previously recognized NVIDIA’s potential early on, Kevin now highlights quantum computing as the next major opportunity for investors. This is a unique chance to align your portfolio with a rapidly advancing field.

Contact Information

• Contact: Jim Giaquinto
• Company: Zacks.com
• Phone: 312-265-9268