Markets are wrestling with sticky inflation, shifting rate expectations and choppy commodity prices, which can make it harder to feel confident about where to put new money to work. In this kind of backdrop, many investors look first for resilience, strong balance sheets and lower overall risk. That is exactly what the Low-Risk Leaders screener focuses on, by highlighting companies that sit at the more defensive end of the risk spectrum in our model. In this article, you will see 3 of the stocks from that screener that can help form the core of a steadier long term portfolio.

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First Solar (FSLR)

Overview: First Solar is a Phoenix based solar technology company that designs and manufactures thin film cadmium telluride photovoltaic modules for large scale solar power projects, supplying utilities, independent power producers and corporate energy buyers across the US and international markets.

Operations: First Solar generates essentially all of its US$5.4b revenue from the design, manufacture and sale of cadmium telluride solar modules.

Market Cap: US$30.0b

First Solar stands out if you want exposure to solar with a focus on scale, policy support and earnings quality, rather than a high risk growth story. A large contracted backlog of US$18.5b and 64 GW provides visibility on future revenue. US policy incentives and trade measures are supporting demand for domestically produced modules and stronger pricing. At the same time, the stock carries real risks, including heavy reliance on US policy support, fierce price competition from Asian manufacturers and funding that leans on higher risk external borrowing. Recent earnings momentum, expanding margins and governance that scores well on independence and experience help explain why this stock is central to the Low Risk Leaders theme, but they do not tell the whole story yet.

First Solar’s US$18.5b, 64 GW backlog hints at a story beyond simple policy tailwinds. See how the DCF valuation analysis for First Solar connects that pipeline to earnings quality and the one risk that could flip the script.

Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT)

Overview: Vertiv Holdings Co supplies the power, cooling and critical infrastructure that keeps data centers, communication networks and other digital systems running, including equipment and services that support AI workloads, cloud platforms, 5G and industrial facilities across more than 130 countries.

Operations: Vertiv generates most of its US$10.2b revenue from the Americas at about US$7.0b, with the Asia Pacific region contributing roughly US$2.4b and Europe, the Middle East and Africa about US$2.3b, partly offset by nearly US$1.0b of intersegment sales.

Market Cap: US$115.4b

Vertiv gives you direct exposure to the build out of AI and cloud data centers by supplying the power and liquid cooling hardware that keeps high density GPU racks online, backed by a US$15b backlog that supports revenue visibility. Earnings growth has been strong, profitability and margins have improved, and analysts see further upside in the stock price. At the same time, a high P/E multiple, reliance on external borrowing and heavy dependence on a handful of hyperscale customers mean expectations are demanding, and any slowdown in AI infrastructure spending could hit hard. The real interest lies in how its co engineering role with chip leaders and expansion into higher margin services affect that balance between risk and potential reward.

Vertiv’s AI data center story looks powerful, but a US$15b backlog and high P/E raise big questions about how much is already priced in. The analysis report for Vertiv Holdings Co reveals what expectations might be missing.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

Overview: Palantir Technologies builds software platforms that help government agencies and commercial customers pull together vast amounts of data so they can spot patterns, manage complex operations and make faster decisions, from defense and intelligence work to insurance, construction and financial services.

Operations: Palantir generates about US$2.8b from government contracts and US$2.5b from commercial customers, with most revenue coming from the United States alongside contributions from the United Kingdom and other international markets.

Market Cap: US$324.9b

Palantir operates at the intersection of AI, defense and enterprise data, with high margins, strong cash generation and no debt supporting a business that supplies software to US and allied governments as well as large corporates. The stock currently trades at a rich valuation and its performance is closely tied to ongoing interest in AI. Platforms such as Gotham, Foundry and the Artificial Intelligence Platform are used in a range of real world workflows, including US defense and Ukraine battlefield applications, partnerships with Google Cloud, and AI tools for insurers, builders and private equity firms. The combination of capital strength, established government relationships and a growing set of commercial use cases is one reason this stock appears in a Low Risk Leaders framework. However, the current price provides only a partial view of the overall investment profile.

AI enthusiasm and rich valuation might be masking what really ties Palantir’s government strength and commercial momentum together. See how the analyst forecasts for Palantir Technologies reframes the story around one underappreciated hinge point.

The three stocks in this article are just a starting point. The full Low-Risk Leaders screen uncovers 58 more companies that score well on resilience, balance sheet strength and risk in our model inside the Low-Risk Leaders screener. With Simply Wall St, you can quickly identify and analyze the specific catalysts, balance sheet traits and risk narratives that matter most to you so you can focus on your highest conviction ideas.

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If Palantir Technologies or any of these companies have caught your attention, register for FREE with Simply Wall St and add your companies to a Watchlist to monitor the share price against the fair value and track any new developments as they happen. Once you've made your move, manage your holdings with our Portfolio Command Center that filters out the noise to deliver only the most critical, actionable updates. Throughout your journey, our Community allows you to filter the best ideas from thousands of investor perspectives. By uncovering hidden catalysts and risks early, you'll accelerate your decision-making and stay one step ahead of the market.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.