Hot or Not, Stock Market Edition: 03/19/2026

Happy Thursday. Here’s what’s making moves in the market and in our Zen Ratings system:

• Hot: Real estate services leader Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) looks poised to outperform; defense equipment maker Woodward (WWD) is gaining momentum
• Not: Software infrastructure player Palantir Technologies (PLTR) is losing steam; app software maker Datadog (DDOG) is in the doghouse 

P.S. Hot off the presses! Check out our latest list of Strong Buy-rated stocks

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🔥 HOT: Real estate services leader Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is back on our radar. The company is putting capital returns front and center, and analysts are taking notice—with a mean price target pointing to 33% upside. Here’s the deal: 1) The company has been securing deals left and right, flexing what looks like pretty strong capital markets strength. 2) JLL recently announced an additional $2.2 billion share repurchase authorization program alongside its new Accelerate 2030 strategy, which targets 8% annual revenue growth, 12% annual adjusted EBITDA growth, and 16% annual adjusted EPS growth. 3) The stock holds a Zen Rating of A, actually ranking in the top 1% of equities we track based on a 115-factor review. Looking at the Component Grades, it ranks particularly well with A Grades for AI, Financials, and Sentiment, and strong B Grades for Growth and Value. The verdict? The rating seems warranted. JLL is combining strategic growth initiatives with aggressive buybacks and strong execution, making it a compelling play in real estate services right now.

🥶 NOT:  App software maker Datadog (DDOG) is cooling off. What happened? 1) The stock has been losing momentum, down 5% over the past 3 months. Despite recent product launches like its MCP Server for AI agents and a strategic integration with Cohesity, the market remains unconvinced — analyst earnings estimate cuts have introduced caution around Datadog's near-term outlook. Additionally, the company's valuation remains elevated, and with sentiment turning cautious, the stock is struggling to regain its footing. Right now, DDOG only earns a Zen Rating of C (Hold), with D Grades for Momentum and Value, though it does score strong Bs for Financials and Growth. The verdict? Datadog's long-term positioning in observability and AI remains strong, but the near-term setup suggests waiting for clearer signs of stabilization before jumping in.

🔥 HOT: Is defense equipment maker Woodward (WWD) gearing up for a breakout? A few signs point to yes: Why? Three reasons: 1) The stock has been on a steady uptrend following solid quarterly results and strong momentum in both the aerospace and defense spaces. 2) This month, Woodward announced an agreement to acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM), a Florida-based manufacturer specializing in high-precision flow control valves for aerospace applications. This acquisition enhances Woodward's aerospace control portfolio and positions the company to capture more of the growing demand for precision aerospace components. 3) The stock holds a Zen Rating of A (Strong Buy), and actually ranks in the top 3% of the 4600 stocks we track based on fundamentals. Looking at the Component Grades that inform the overall score, it shines with B Grades for Financials, Growth, Momentum, Safety, and Sentiment — a strong showing. Bottom line? With rising defense spending, strong aerospace demand, and strategic acquisitions driving growth, Woodward is well-positioned to sustain its momentum. (See more defense stocks poised to soar here.)

🥶 NOT: Software infrastructure player Palantir Technologies (PLTR) has investors feeling cautious. The market seems to be questioning whether Palantir's lofty valuation (some analysts peg intrinsic value near $50) is justified given rising AI competition. After a strong run-up, PLTR appears to be consolidating, and investors are growing cautious about its ability to sustain growth at current multiples. The stock was just downgraded to a Zen Rating of C (Hold), middle-of-the-pack territory. Its Component Grades reveal more points of caution: It struggles with D Grades for Momentum and Value, though it does score a B Grade for Financials (that’s important), Growth, and Sentiment. The verdict? While Palantir's long-term AI story remains intact, the near-term risk-reward setup suggests waiting for a better entry point.

What to Do Next?

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