The economic landscape in 2023 has been tumultuous, characterized by significant events such as the U.S. presidential election, an ever-evolving discourse surrounding artificial intelligence, and persistent high interest rates. As investors gear up for 2024, the uplift in macroeconomic conditions may offer hopeful prospects, yet the shadow of potential challenges, including a U.S.-China trade war and inflated stock valuations, may threaten to undermine market confidence going into 2025. With this backdrop, seasoned analysts are continually on the hunt for stocks that promise not only to endure short-term difficulties but also to thrive in the long run, driven by strong fundamentals and effective execution.
Among the stocks capturing the attention of industry experts is Salesforce (CRM), a leading force in customer relationship management (CRM). Salesforce’s innovative edge rests in its recent announcement of Agentforce 2.0, an advanced suite of autonomous AI agents designed to transform customer relationship processes. This initiative is not just about evolving technology; it reflects Salesforce’s strategic vision for enhancing client experiences and operational efficiency.
Mizuho analyst Gregg Moskowitz has placed a buy rating on CRM, setting a bold price target of $425, a clear indication of his belief in the company’s growth trajectory. The enhancements of Agentforce include refined workflow integration with popular tools such as Slack and Tableau, alongside improved reasoning capabilities. The strong market reception, demonstrated by over 1,000 paid deals for the program—up from just over 200—suggests that the product is gaining real traction. Moskowitz’s projection that Agentforce can be “game-changing” speaks volumes about the tool’s potential to improve productivity for clients and fuel Salesforce’s revenue growth significantly. Given Moskowitz’s impressive track record with a 60% success rate, Salesforce stands out as a company well-positioned to thrive amid economic fluctuations.
Another noteworthy option for investors is Booking Holdings (BKNG), a titan in online travel and related services. Mizuho analyst James Lee recently reaffirmed a robust buy rating on BKNG and raised his price target from $5,400 to $6,000, buoyed by elevated growth-rate forecasts. Lee’s analysis indicates that economies across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. are poised for encouraging growth in room nights—a critical performance metric for the travel industry.
His estimates reflect an impressive 8.2% growth in room nights for fiscal 2025, outpacing consensus expectations. Lee anticipates that the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) may surge by mid-teens, thus positioning BKNG’s valuation as particularly appealing based on current levels. Lee’s confidence stems from Booking’s competitive advantages in digital marketing and a diverse portfolio that includes alternative accommodations, lending the firm resilience in a rapidly evolving travel landscape. His successful track record—61% of his ratings yielding profit—reinforces the argument for BKNG as a stable long-term investment opportunity.
In the thriving realm of sports betting, DraftKings (DKNG) emerges as a frontline player with substantial growth potential. The company operates in 25 states and Washington, D.C., along with iGaming operations in five states and Ontario, Canada. JPMorgan analyst Joseph Greff has underscored DraftKings as a top pick, revising his price target from $47 to $53, signaling a strong bullish outlook on the company.
Greff’s perspective emphasizes DraftKings as a “pure-play” in a lucrative market, buoyed by solid same-store sales growth and new expansion capabilities. His expectations for revenue growth of 31% in 2025 and 13% growth in 2026 project financial stability underscored by a commitment to managing operational expenses effectively. Greff’s insights highlight DraftKings’ competitive advantages, such as superior product offerings and well-established customer acquisition strategies, which have enabled it to fend off competition from newer entrants in the market.
As the economic environment continues to unfold, the current batch of investor favorites, led by Salesforce, Booking Holdings, and DraftKings, showcases a blend of innovation, strategic positioning, and resilience. Each of these companies demonstrates sound fundamentals that may enable them to weather impending macroeconomic headwinds while capitalizing on growth opportunities ahead. For investors looking to navigate the complexities of the market in the coming years, a focus on these well-regarded stocks could prove to be a prudent strategy.