As 2024 unfolds, investors find themselves at a crossroads influenced by an amalgamation of factors—most significantly, the forthcoming U.S. presidential election, the booming artificial intelligence (AI) sector, and persistent elevated interest rates. Amidst this bustling atmosphere, macroeconomic conditions are anticipated to witness improvement, yet underlying concerns about a potential U.S.-China trade conflict and inflated stock market valuations loom ominously over the landscape for 2025. These complexities underscore the importance of identifying resilient investment opportunities that possess the potential for substantial growth despite the prevailing headwinds. Accordingly, this article delves into three stocks that analysts from the esteemed TipRanks platform favor, highlighting their promising prospects moving into 2025.
First on the list is Salesforce (CRM), a key player in the customer relationship management arena that is increasingly focusing on automation and AI. The company recently provided optimistic guidance for its fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, prominently featuring its groundbreaking AI suite, Agentforce. This advanced suite of autonomous AI agents underscores Salesforce’s ambition to revolutionize client interactions and operational efficiencies. Notably, the recent announcement of Agentforce 2.0, a significant upgrade boasting enhanced integrations with popular tools like Slack and Tableau, has drawn considerable attention from analysts.
According to Mizuho’s Gregg Moskowitz, who maintains a strong buy rating on CRM with an ambitious price target of $425, the potential for Agentforce to transform productivity and facilitate financial growth cannot be overstated. As the company has reportedly increased its paid deals from just over 200 at the previous quarter’s close to more than 1,000, the traction generated by Agentforce can be perceived as a bellwether of its market acceptance. Moskowitz’s position is backed by a strong track record—ranking 212 out of over 9,200 analysts tracked by TipRanks, he boasts a 60% success rate with an average return of 13.9%. The innovation encapsulated in Agentforce 2.0 and its anticipated ability to optimize processes for clients makes Salesforce a compelling investment option for those looking to capitalize on technological advancements.
The next contender, Booking Holdings (BKNG), emerges as a promising prospect amid an expected resurgence in travel demand. Analyst James Lee from Mizuho has expressed bullish sentiments on BKNG, raising the price target to $6,000 from $5,400. This decision reflects a robust growth trajectory supported by anticipated increases in room night bookings and a healthy earnings outlook. Lee’s regional analysis anticipates an 8.2% growth rate in room nights—an uplifting narrative compared to the consensus estimate—thus positioning Booking Holdings as a frontrunner in the recovery of the travel sector.
Lee emphasizes the company’s unique advantages in the online travel market, including its expansive digital marketing capabilities and diversity of offerings ranging from alternative accommodations to hotel bookings. As BKNG integrates buyback strategies into its revenue model, analysts predict a significant uptick in earnings, potentially rising by 20% in fiscal 2025. Those inclined to invest in the travel sector would be wise to consider BKNG, as its leadership in the market characterized by innovation and adaptability bolsters its long-term prospects.
Lastly, DraftKings (DKNG) stands out as a leading force in the increasingly lucrative sports betting landscape. With operations across 25 states and expanding into new markets, DraftKings has established itself as a key player in both sports betting and iGaming, receiving the endorsement of JPMorgan’s Joseph Greff, who increased the price target for DKNG to $53.
Highlighting the favorable growth trajectory, Greff anticipates a revenue increase of 31% for 2025, alongside improvements in margins and cash flow. Despite competition from newcomers in the betting arena, DraftKings’ competitive advantages—such as its expansive scale, superior product offerings, and customer acquisition strategies—position it well to sustain its market dominance. Greff’s analysis frames DraftKings as a pure play within the gaming industry, benefiting from both current trends and future opportunities that solidify its reputation in a rapidly evolving sector.
As the 2025 investment landscape takes shape, the three stocks highlighted provide valuable insights into sectors poised for growth amid fluctuating market conditions. Salesforce, Booking Holdings, and DraftKings each offer unique attributes that can weather near-term challenges while promising robust long-term potential. Investors navigating the complexities of the current economic environment should closely monitor these companies as they align with the broader trends influencing the market. The emphasis on technology, recovery in travel, and the proliferation of gaming presents a golden opportunity for strategic investment as we approach another transformative year.