10 Best Russell 2000 Stocks to Invest in According to Analysts

4. FTAI Aviation Ltd. (NASDAQ:FTAI)

Upside Potential: 52.61%

Stock Price as of January 16: $124.93

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 26

FTAI Aviation Ltd. (NASDAQ:FTAI) specializes in aircraft leasing and aviation-related equipment solutions. The company provides engines and aircraft leasing services to airlines, cargo operators, and the defense sector. FTAI Aviation Ltd.’s (NASDAQ:FTAI) innovative maintenance programs help clients maximize asset utilization and reduce operational costs.

FTAI Aviation Ltd. (NASDAQ:FTAI) is focusing on expanding its production capacity. The company recently completed the acquisition of Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions,  an aircraft engine maintenance repair facility located in Montreal from Lockheed Martin Canada. The acquisition, now known as FTAI Canada, aims to enhance the company’s ability to produce and deliver high-quality engine modules. The company has also repurposed employees and invested in new parts and equipment to optimize the facility’s productivity. Moreover, FTAI Aviation Ltd. (NASDAQ:FTAI) has recently announced the sale of its remaining offshore energy vessels, the Pioneer and the Pride, for approximately $143 million, to streamline its operations and concentrate on its aircraft business. The proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in the company’s core business.

FTAI Aviation Ltd. (NASDAQ:FTAI) recently faced challenges when Muddy Waters, a well-known short-selling firm, issued a critical report on the company, which led to a significant 24% drop in the company’s stock price. In response to this sharp decline, Citi, Morgan Stanley along with other Wall Street analysts defended the company and its business. Citi analyst Stephen Trent expressed skepticism about some of the key arguments presented in the Muddy Waters report, noting that they seemed “a little hard to understand” from his perspective.