Apple NASDAQ: AAPL is down for the year in early March, but don’t let that get you down. Apple’s woes are minimal in the grand scheme of things and unlikely to result in a massive stock price decline.

The more likely scenario is that Apple’s stock price experiences market turbulence; it may correct to a lower price point, but the uptrend will remain intact.

The uptrend will remain intact because Apple is an innovative market leader, commanding sizeable portions of the mobile and PC markets. It may have been late to the AI game, but it isn’t out, and it is on track to capitalize on AI’s advance. 

Market Support for Apple Remains Robust

Apple’s market support remains robust, including among retail investors, analysts, and institutions. Institutional activity is noteworthy because the group owns nearly 70% of the stock; their activity reverted to buying on balance in Q3 of 2024, ramped in Q4, and again in the first two months of 2025. 

Institutional activity in Q1 is a multiyear high, netting about $6 billion in shares, or about 1.7% of the market cap when trading near $235. 

Analysts’ activity is equally bullish, including sufficient positive revisions and upgrades to put the stock on MarketBeat’s Most Upgraded Stock list. The Most Upgraded Stocks list tracks the 100 most upgraded stocks in the preceding 90 days, and Apple was ranked 36 in early March. 

Coincidentally, MarketBeat tracks 36 analysts with current ratings, and they have the stock pegged at Moderate Buy. The Moderate Buy rating has a bullish bias because 64% of the ratings are Buy or better, and the price target revision trend is positive.

The consensus in early March offers little upside but is up 20% year-over-year, 4% since late 2024, and steady since the Q4 2024 earnings release, with revisions leading to the high-end range. That puts the market at $235 by year’s end, a gain of nearly 40% from the critical support target. 

There Is Potential for a Catalyst in Apple’s FQ2 Outlook

The analysts have set the bar for Apple’s FQ2 low, with nearly 90% of analysts lowering their targets since the Q1 release. This has the company set up to outperform an already solid outlook, including 5% top-line growth and a wider margin. Earnings are expected to grow by roughly 11% and may exceed analysts’ forecasts due to AI efficiency internally and with sales.

Apple uses AI internally to enhance device performance, user behavior/resource allocation, automation, supply chain management, and customer service. The company uses AI to improve sales by embedding features into its ecosystem, including Siri. 

The longer-term outlook is equally robust. The analysts tracked by MarketBeat forecast a high-single-digit revenue CAGR through the middle of the next decade with a widening margin. Earnings are expected to grow at a high-teens CAGR in the same period, putting the valuation below 10x earnings before 2035. The stock price could increase more than 200% in this scenario, aligning with the March 2025 valuation of 32x.

Apple’s balance sheet and capital return play into the stock price outlook. The company maintains a fortress balance sheet with 2024 highlights, including increased cash and assets, reduced debt and liability, and increased shareholder equity despite robust share buybacks. Buybacks shaved 2.7% off of the quarterly count in Q4 and are expected to remain strong in 2025. 

Apple Stock Crossed a Critical Threshold: Support Rises to Match

Apple’s market crossed a critical threshold in late 2024, rising to a new all-time high and retreating to confirm support at the 150-day EMA. The move signals the continuation of underlying trends in 2025, although the exact timing of when a new high may be reached is unknown. 

The critical support target is the 30-day EMA, which is near $230; if broken, a deeper movement is likely. The critical resistance targets are at $250 and $260; a move to $300 is expected if they are surpassed. 

Before you consider Apple, you’ll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street’s top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on… and Apple wasn’t on the list.

While Apple currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

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Volatility is surging, with the VIX “fear” index climbing to its highest level so far in 2025 as of March 3. Investors have been spooked by an inverted yield curve in Treasury rates and corresponding concerns about a potential recession, as well as uncertainty surrounding tariffs by the Trump administration, dropping consumer confidence levels, and more. In the midst of these challenges, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a haven and a way to diversify a portfolio to protect against headwinds.

Investors looking to expand their ETF focus in the new year might consider any number of defensive plays that aim to minimize downside risk in a tumultuous market. More adventurous investors might also use this as an opportunity to invest in underappreciated ETFs—funds that have had a strong showing so far in 2025 but which have relatively modest assets under management of $25 billion or less. These are not the most obscure ETFs available—to be sure, there are plenty with asset bases just a fraction of that level—but they are also well behind many of the most popular ETF options investors tend to gravitate toward.

Strong 2025 Performance and Global Exposure With High Dividends

The iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF BATS: EFV may appeal to investors seeking increased exposure to equities outside of the North American space. Focusing on Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East (EAFE), EFV prioritizes companies with value characteristics such as low pricing multiples.

Value stocks have seen success as a group early in 2025, and EFV bets that these trends will continue, at least outside of the United States and Canada.

A key draw of EFV is its wide reach. The fund’s nearly 450 holdings are tilted toward financials (about 34% of the portfolio as of February 28), but all sectors are represented. Similarly, though Japan, the United Kingdom, and France are the countries best represented in EFV’s basket of stocks, companies from more than a dozen nations are included.

Many of the names in EFV’s portfolio also maintain high dividend yields, and the fund itself has an annual dividend yield of 4.29%, giving investors a key added bonus of regular passive income. As of March 3, EFV has surged by about 11% so far in 2025, while the S&P 500 is down 0.3% over the same period.

Low-Cost Global Exposure, Solid 2025 Returns

Investors seeking an ETF similar to EFV above but with a broader basket and a lower expense ratio might consider the SPDR S&P World ex-US ETF NYSEARCA: SPDW.

While EFV’s annual fee will cost investors 0.33%, SPDW’s is a mere 0.03%, making it one of the least expensive ETFs available.

Further, SPDW’s investment mandate is exceptionally wide—the fund holds a huge portfolio of large-cap developed international equities outside the United States. With extensive exposure to nearly 5,000 stocks, SPDW remains broadly diversified without a distinct geographic or sector focus.

However, it makes an excellent play when global markets are thriving, and the U.S. may be struggling—or for investors simply looking to rebalance their portfolio away from a common U.S. tilt. SPDW’s strategy is paying off so far this year, with returns of nearly 8% so far as of March 3.

Modest Assets Don’t Interfere With Stable Holdings, High Dividend Yield

Unlike the funds above, the iShares Core High Dividend ETF NYSEARCA: HDV does focus on U.S. equities—specifically, on dividend-paying large-caps that show signs of being undervalued.

The 76 companies in HDV’s portfolio include household names like Johnson & Johnson NYSE: JNJ and Procter & Gamble Co. NYSE: PG.

Companies like these are incredibly well established, likely to continue to see strong business even in the face of challenging external economic conditions, and appealing to investors for their history of dividend payments.

HDV sports a fairly high annual dividend yield of 3.44%. The stable status of the individual stocks making up HDV’s portfolio means the fund has also fared well so far in 2025 despite uncertainty in the market. HDV is up more than 7% year-to-date as of March 3. What’s more, its low expense ratio of 0.08% makes it competitive with many other dividend funds. It’s surprising, then, that HDV has an AUM of just $11 billion, making it the smallest fund on this list based on asset base.

Before you consider iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF, you’ll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street’s top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on… and iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF wasn’t on the list.

While iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF currently has a Hold rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

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Consumers are feeling the pinch from inflation every time they go to the grocery store. Money is a zero-sum game; as disposable income and buying power erodes, consumers are shifting funds for spending on discretionary items they want to spend on things they need. This is illustrated by the performance of the consumer discretionary sector falling when the consumer staples sector rises.

The “No Buy” trend of 2025 further accents this point. Here are two stocks that also embrace this shift as Americans spend on things they need over things they want.

Proctor & Gamble: Personal Hygiene and Cleaning Products Take Priority

Global consumer packaged products manufacturer Proctor & Gamble Co. NYSE: PG has a major market share in American households with a 98% penetration. When it comes to the term “household brands,”

Proctor & Gamble has the most recognized portfolio of brands in the country, including its most popular brands like Pampers, Tide, Crest, Downy, Gillette, Charmin, Febreze, Joy, Luvs, Bounty, Always, Olay, Old Spice and Herbal Essence. 

The market also recognizes this as reflected by the stock’s 3.69% year-to-date (YTD) performance compared to the 1.38% YTD S&P 500 performance as of Feb 28, 2025. PG stocks also pay a 2.32% dividend.

Baby, Feminine & Family Care Products Led Growth in Fiscal Q2

Proctor & Gamble’s products are categorized under five segments: Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care and Baby, Feminine & Family Care (BFFC). In the fourth quarter of 2024, the BFFC segment was the leading volume driver at 4% YoY growth and the leading net sales drive up 3% YoY.

Organic volume rose 4%, and organic sales rose 4%. Within the segment, Family Care organic sales increased by double digits, driven by strong volume growth. This segment includes brands like Bounty paper towels, Charmin toilet paper and Puffs tissues.

The Stock Surged 6% After Reporting Fiscal Q2 Earnings

All of the 2025 stock price gains occurred after Proctor & Gamble reported their Q4 2024 earnings. The company posted Q4 earnings-per-share (EPS) of $1.88 versus $1.86 consensus analyst estimates, for a 2-cent beat.

Revenues rose 2.1% year-over-year (YoY) to $21.88 billion, beating consensus estimates of $21.54 billion by $340 million.

Proctor & Gamble Reaffirmed Their 2025 Forecasts

The company forecasted the full-year 2025 EPS of $6.91 to $7.05 versus $6.94, but if going by the midpoint of $6.98, then it technically beats consensus estimates.

Revenue growth is expected to be between 2% and 4% YoY, equating to $85.72 to $87.40 billion versus $85.01 billion consensus estimates. Again, if compared with the midpoint of $86.56 billion, then it’s a $1.55 billion beat.

Coca-Cola: More Than Just Soda   

The Coca-Cola Co. NYSE: KO brand is one of the most recognized brands in the world, and it is recognized by 94% of the world’s population and 97% of soft drink consumers in the United States. The iconic brand is a symbol of American culture.

While iconic Coke and Diet Coke soft drinks take the spotlight, its portfolio includes over 500 brands and over 3,500 products, including Dasani waters, Fanta, Honest Kids, AHA sparkling waters, Fresca, Minute Maid juices, Powerade sports drinks, Sprite, Schweppes, vitaminwater, smartwater, Vita and Gold Peak teas among others.

Coca-Cola Only Owns Just the Beverages, Not Snacks

Unlike competitor PepsiCo Inc. NASDAQ: PEP, Coca-Cola doesn’t own food brands or products. Coca-Cola is strictly beverage, whereas Pepsi has diversified its products to include food and snacks.

Through its acquisition of Frito-Lay, well-known brands like Doritos, Fritos, Tostitos and Quaker Oats are all under the Pepsi umbrella. Coca-Cola not only stays but dominates in its lane. The average American drinks 403 Coca-Cola products a year, up from 399 in 2009.

Coca-Cola Is Still Growing Even After 132 Years

After 132 years, it’s hard to believe that the brand is still growing.

In fact, Coca-Cola sales grew 6.4% YoY in its fourth quarter of 2024 to $11.54 billion, beating consensus estimates for $10.68 billion by $860 million.

It earned 55 cents per share, which also beat consensus analyst estimates by 2 cents. 

Global case volume rose 2% YoY and 1% for 2024.

The company provided in-line guidance for 2025, with EPS growth expected between 2-3% YoY. As of Feb 28, 2025, the stock is up 14.38% YTD and even pays a 2.86% dividend yield.

Before you consider Coca-Cola, you’ll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street’s top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on… and Coca-Cola wasn’t on the list.

While Coca-Cola currently has a Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

Market signals are tough to follow because they often fail to deliver their promises. For example, despite their insider activity, the three stocks on this list are all quality buys. In two cases, the insiders are buying, as would be expected. However, in the third, the insiders are selling despite analysts and institutions indicating that its share price will soon skyrocket. 

RLI Corporation Insiders Buy for the First Time in Years

RLI Corporation (NYSE: RLI) is an E&S insurance carrier with a wide range of products for consumers and businesses. Its insider buying is noteworthy because Q1 2025 buying is the first significant activity since 2023 when they sold, and the buying volume is robust. Insiders, including numerous directors and the CEO, made sizeable purchases amounting to $800,000. The purchases are also significant because the insiders already owned nearly 5% of the stock and had considerable exposure to the business. 

Coincidentally, institutional activity is also bullish for this market. The institutions bought on balance every quarter of 2024 and ramped activity in Q1 2025. Buying volume hit a record high, netting nearly $100 million in shares or roughly 1.4% of the stock, bringing the total interest to almost 80%. The institutions will likely continue to buy in 2025 because the stock trades near historically low levels and offers a relatively high-yielding dividend. The dividend is worth nearly 3.5%, with shares at $75 and is expected to grow annually. The company has increased its payout for 12 consecutive years, pays out only 20% of its earnings, and has a healthy balance sheet, so there is nothing to cloud the distribution outlook. 

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Harmonic Inc. Insiders Buy the Dip 

Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) is a global provider of small-cap broadband access solutions. Its stock price is under pressure in 2025 because of securities fraud allegations relating to misleading statements. The company’s 2024 are the reasons; they are better than expected, but strengths were offset by diminished guidance, which resulted in a 20% stock price plunge after the Q4 results were released. However, sell-siders, including the CEO, CFO, and two directors, stepped in to buy this stock on the dip, and they aren’t the only ones. 

Institutional activity also ramped to a two-year high, netting about $30 million in the first two months of Q2 or about 2.45% of the stock. This is a strong tailwind for the price action because institutions and insiders own virtually 100% of the stock. Analysts are another tailwind, rating the stock at Moderate Buy and forecasting a 20% upside at the consensus. A move to the consensus target would be significant because it is above the cluster of moving averages, including the 150-day EMA, and a signal of shifting market sentiment. 

Insiders Sell Drug Discovery Firm Inotiv

Inotiv (NASDAQ: NOTV) is a small drug discovery firm whose insiders are selling. The selling is noteworthy because the sales in Q1 2025 are the first in years, reversing the buying trend that began in early 2023. Insiders selling include the CEO, CFO, and an SVP, reducing their holding to a still-solid 7.8%. Institutions, conversely, are buying this stock and ramping their activity to a multiyear high. They own a slight 18% of the company but can significantly lift the market if the buying frenzy continues. 

Analysts sentiment is equally bullish. InsiderTrades.com tracks only a handful of analysts covering this stock, but they rate it as a Moderate Buy and see it advancing 35% in the low-end range and more than 100% in the high range. 

Companies in This Article:

Company	Current Price	Price Change	Dividend Yield	P/E Ratio	Consensus Rating	Consensus Price Target
Inotiv (NOTV)	$2.62	-1.5%	N/A	-0.57	Moderate Buy	$5.92
Harmonic (HLIT)	$10.31	-1.8%	N/A	31.24	Moderate Buy	$12.50
RLI (RLI)	$75.95	+0.4%	0.79%	20.28	Hold	$82.80

March’s transition from winter to spring often brings renewed optimism and activity to financial markets as investors seek growth opportunities. March serves as a critical inflection point in the financial calendar, and it is also the end of the first quarter and a new fiscal year for some companies. This period can bring a flurry of earnings reports, updated guidance, and strategic announcements, often providing opportunities to locate businesses positioned to exceed expectations.

Three businesses in the entertainment, cloud computing, and aerospace sectors have exhibited financial growth and resilience despite the current challenging economic and geopolitical climate. These factors make these three stocks worth considering in March.

Warner Bros. Discovery: Remastering its Media Empire

Warner Bros. Discovery NASDAQ: WBD is currently navigating a transformative phase in its market story. Formed through a merger, the company is integrating a vast portfolio of assets spanning film, television, and direct-to-consumer streaming services. With brands encompassing Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, Max, Discovery Channel, and CNN, Warner Bros. Discovery’s operations are multifaceted, encompassing studio production, network broadcasting, and direct streaming platforms.

As of March 5, 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery’s stock traded at $11.43, reflecting a recent upward trajectory with a 12.17% increase over the past month and an 8.14% gain year-to-date. This positive price movement occurs within a 52-week trading range of $6.64 to $12.70, contributing to a market capitalization of approximately $28.04 billion. This recent stock behavior, combined with fundamental shifts within the company and broader market, suggests catalysts that may propel further stock appreciation into March 2025.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s stock growth potential is driven by multiple factors, notably the expansion of its direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, Max. The company’s focus on DTC profitability is key, with a notable 11% year-over-year increase in Q4 2024 Adjusted EBITDA indicating improved financial health and operational efficiency. Max’s subscriber growth to 116.9 million demonstrates strong consumer adoption, further contributing to this positive outlook. Additionally, the company’s commitment to debt reduction, with a targeted net leverage ratio of 3.8x, is viewed favorably by the market and reinforces financial stability.

Recent analyst sentiment also points towards a potentially positive outlook. Upgrades and price target revisions from multiple analysts suggest a growing consensus that Warner Bros. Discovery is undervalued and poised for a turnaround. This improved analyst outlook coincides with insider buying activity, often interpreted as a signal of internal confidence in the company’s prospects.

Snowflake Inc.: Powering the Data and AI Revolution

Snowflake Inc. NYSE: SNOW is a cloud-based data warehousing and analytics platform standing at the forefront of a new data revolution. Its Data Cloud platform allows organizations to consolidate and analyze vast datasets, facilitating data-driven decision-making and the development of advanced data applications, including those leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). 

As of March 5, 2025, Snowflake’s stock price was $177.66. While demonstrating recent price fluctuations, the stock exhibits strong year-to-date gains of 13.97% and a notable 57.54% increase over the past six months. Snowflake’s 52-week trading range spans from $107.13 to $194.40, and the company commands a substantial market capitalization of approximately $58 billion. These metrics and Snowflake’s strategic positioning in high-growth technology sectors indicate the potential for continued stock appreciation in March 2025.

Snowflake’s bullish outlook is driven by several catalysts, primarily consistent high revenue growth. Product revenue increased by 28% year-over-year in Q4 Fiscal Year 2025 and by 30% for the full fiscal year. Fiscal Year 2026 projections anticipate continued product revenue growth of approximately 24%. This sustained revenue expansion highlights the increasing demand for cloud-based data solutions and Snowflake’s leading market position.

A high net revenue retention rate of 126% demonstrates strong customer satisfaction and expansion. Snowflake’s financial health is further bolstered by positive free cash flow generation, with an adjusted free cash flow margin of 26% for the full Fiscal Year 2025, indicating efficient monetization of revenue growth.

Snowflake is strategically embracing artificial intelligence, further evidenced by its expanding AI capabilities and the establishment of a Silicon Valley AI Hub. This commitment to AI is expected to drive additional demand for Snowflake’s platform as businesses look to capitalize on AI-driven applications.

Embraer S.A.: Back in the Pilot’s Seat

Embraer S.A. NYSE: ERJ is a Brazilian aerospace conglomerate demonstrating a notable financial resurgence in a recovering aerospace sector. As a leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats, executive jets, and defense aircraft, Embraer benefits from diverse revenue streams across its Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, Defense and security, and Services and support segments.

As of March 5, 2025, Embraer’s stock price was $52.88, reflecting a significant upward trend. The stock has gained 36.41% year-to-date and an impressive 131.49% over the past year, trading near its 52-week high of $52.91. Embraer’s market capitalization is approximately $9.71 billion. Improved financial results and favorable industry dynamics underpin Embraer’s performance, potentially setting the stage for continued stock strength.

Embraer’s positive outlook is driven by several factors, including record-breaking earnings in the Fiscal Year 2024, which significantly exceeded analyst EPS estimates. This demonstrates a successful turnaround and improved operational efficiency. The company’s 2025 guidance projects further growth, with increased aircraft deliveries and revenue between $7.0 and $7.5 billion. A 14% year-over-year increase in aircraft deliveries in 2024, totaling 206 units, highlights the growing demand across Embraer’s business segments. The company’s record order backlog also ensures revenue visibility and supports future growth projections.

March 2025 Stock Outlook: Three Strategic Picks

Warner Bros. Discovery, Snowflake Inc., and Embraer S.A. each present distinct yet potentially rewarding investment propositions as market dynamics unfold into March 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery is undergoing a significant transformation with a focus on streaming profitability, leveraging its iconic content library to capture a growing share of the digital entertainment market.

Snowflake is positioned to capitalize on the expanding cloud data and AI markets, offering a cutting-edge platform that empowers businesses to unlock the full potential of their data assets. Embraer is benefiting from a successful financial turnaround and a recovering aerospace sector, showcasing its resilience and ability to meet the increasing demands of commercial and executive aviation. 

While operating in different sectors, these three companies share a common thread: they are demonstrating adaptability, innovation, and a clear strategic vision for future growth. Their recent financial performances, positive analyst sentiment, and positioning within evolving industries suggest a strong potential for continued momentum.

As the market transitions amid ongoing global economic shifts, these three companies are demonstrating they’re not just surviving but striving to thrive. They offer a degree of confidence and a glimpse of stability and growth to help investors build a healthy portfolio for an uncertain future.

Before you consider Snowflake, you’ll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street’s top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on… and Snowflake wasn’t on the list.

While Snowflake currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

When someone mentions a “must-attend” business trip, it’s worth wondering: is it all about the boardroom, or is there more to the story? 

We asked 3,102 executives to name the cities they’re drawn to for work, and the results hint at a trend – many of these places offer far more than just conference calls. 

From sun-soaked coastlines to mountain retreats, here’s what stands out from the top 145 destinations where business seems to mingle with pleasure.

Key Findings

Hawaii’s Allure

With Honolulu at #1 and Kapolei at #29, it’s clear Hawaii holds a special appeal.

Executives might arrive for meetings tied to tourism or government, but the proximity to beaches and warm weather likely encourages them to extend their stays.

Florida’s Strong Showing

With Orlando (#2), Tampa (#7), and Miami (#15) included, it is clear that Florida has a unique pull. 

Known for industries like tourism and finance, these cities also offer vibrant evenings out – perhaps a key factor in their popularity among executives.

Texas Stands Tall

Dallas (#3), Austin (#6), and Houston (#14) put Texas firmly on the map. 

While tech, energy, and real estate draw professionals in, the local culture – think live music and dining – might be what keeps them around after hours.

Nevada’s Predictable Draw

Las Vegas (#4), Reno (#11), and Henderson (#52) aren’t surprising entries.

Conventions and hospitality bring the crowds, but the entertainment options – casinos, shows, and nightlife – seem tailor-made to blur the line between work and leisure.

West Coast Favorites

San Diego (#9), San Francisco (#10), and Los Angeles (#20) highlight a coastal trend.

These hubs of tech and innovation double as scenic escapes, making them ideal for business trips that feel a little less like work.

Mountain Retreats Rise Up

Aspen (#27), Jackson Hole (#36), and Big Sky (#47) aren’t typical corporate centers.

Their inclusion suggests executives are opting for destinations where meetings can pair with outdoor pursuits or a relaxed atmosphere.

Southern Standouts

Charleston, SC (#22), Savannah (#26), and New Orleans (#17) bring a mix of history and nightlife to the table. 

These cities offer a slower pace by day and a lively scene after dark, appealing to those blending work with exploration.

Unexpected Contenders

Knoxville (#25), Boise (#138), and Bend (#100) aren’t the usual business heavyweights.

Their growing reputations for local culture – craft beer, outdoor activities – could explain why they’re catching executives’ attention.

Northern Outliers

Anchorage (#48), Fairbanks (#56), and Juneau (#58) from Alaska are intriguing additions.

Business tied to resources or tourism might get people there, but the rugged beauty and unique settings likely add an extra draw.

Final Thoughts

Looking at this list, it’s obvious business travel isn’t just about closing the next deal anymore – it’s a chance to soak in a new place, recharge, or build relationships somewhere inspiring, usually with the company picking up the tab. 

From Vegas’s dazzling strip to Aspen’s quiet slopes, these destinations signal something bigger than a packed itinerary. 

Over the last couple of decades, we’ve watched the old-school image of suits and briefcases fade. 

People work from home now, hammering out emails in sweatpants or sealing deals over a quick Teams call. Ties? Optional. Office cubicles? Increasingly relics. 

Jetting off to a lively hotspot might actually be more productive than ever. There’s something about a rooftop bar or a late-night chat over cocktails that loosens people up, sparks ideas, and gets handshakes happening. 

It’s not just a perk – it’s part of how business gets done these days, blending work and life into one messy, effective package. 

CrowdStrike’s NASDAQ: CRWD uptrend will continue because the cybersecurity company has traction, momentum in its deal cycle, and a forecast for another record-setting year in 2025. The Q1 2025 stock price decline is an opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up. It was caused by unexpectedly weak earnings guidance, but there is a silver lining.

The expectation of higher tax rates impacts the guidance, resulting from its growing business and improving profitability. While a headwind, it is offset by robust cash flow and rapidly improving shareholder value, trends expected to continue this year. 

The analysts’ response to the 2024 earnings news says it all. MarketBeat tracks a relatively high number of analysts covering this stock, 44, and despite mixed activity following the release, the trends are only bullish. Analysts’ trends include increasing coverage, firming sentiment, a high conviction in the Moderate Buy rating, a bullish bias with 72% of the ratings pegged at Buy or higher, and a rising price target.

The consensus price target reported by MarketBeat implies a 12% upside from critical support levels, rising by 20% the day following the release. The revisions include some price target reductions, but all fresh targets are above the consensus, leading to the high-end range and another 15% upside when reached. 

Takeaways from the analyst chatter include concerns about slowing penetration growth and margin guidance, but positives overshadow them. Positives include improving deal momentum after last year’s outage, the 25% increase in ARR, and expected business acceleration. Dan Ives of Wedbush says the company is moving in the right direction and has reaffirmed the long-term outlook.

The long-term outlook includes a low 20% revenue CAGR through 2035, with bottom-line results compounded by a widening margin. Earnings are expected to grow at a more robust 30% CAGR, which puts this stock at only 11x its 2035 EPS target. 

CrowdStrike Insiders Sell Stock in Q1: Institutions Are Buying

The insider activity is a red flag for CrowdStrike investors but doesn’t negate the long-term outlook for share prices. Although they are selling in Q1 2025 and have sold on balance for numerous consecutive quarters, the sales are small, periodic, and from multiple insiders aligning with other companies that utilize share-based compensation. The more telling data is that insiders have considerable skin in the game, holding more than 4.25% of the stock, and the institutions are buying. 

Institutional activity is noteworthy because the group sold on balance in Q2 of 2024, reverted to buying in Q3 and ramped activity into Q1 of 2025. In only two months, the Q1 2025 activity set a two-year high and may surpass the prior peak before the quarter ends. They own more than 70% of the stock and strongly support this market. 

Analysts and institutions are on board because of CrowdStrike’s rapidly improving financial condition. At the end of 2024, the highlights included increased cash, current, and total assets, with total assets growing at nearly double the pace of liability. Total liability leverage fell to 1.6x equity from 1.85x, increasing equity by more than 40%. Similar gains are expected for F2025 because of the outlook for record earnings. 

The Technical Outlook: CrowdStrike Pulls Back to Test for Support

CrowdStrike’s stock price action in early 2025 is ugly, with the stock pulling back by 25%. However, the pullback is expected due to the rapid rise in share price from summer 2024 until Q1 2025 and move to new highs. The pullback is testing for support and shows it at a critical level, aligning with the 150-day EMA and previous price action.

Support is near the $355 level, coincident with a price gap that opened in June 2024 and a consolidation leading to new all-time highs at the year’s end. Assuming the market continues to support this stock at present levels, the rebound should begin soon and could take this market to a new high by the end of 2025.

Before you consider CrowdStrike, you’ll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street’s top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on… and CrowdStrike wasn’t on the list.

While CrowdStrike currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

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Advanced Micro Devices NASDAQ: AMD stock slide may not be over, but it is nearing its end and setting up the market for a solid rebound that could quickly add 30% to the stock price. Technically speaking, AMD’s market is profoundly oversold and overextended, with stochastic oscillators in the low-end range on the daily, weekly, and monthly charts. The oversold condition results from a sentiment reset that repriced the outlook for AI influence on the business from an NVIDIA-like near-term boom to a longer-term, more sustainable growth pace supported by strength in edge computing and data centers. 

In early March, the market for AMD is trading near a critical support level that aligns with lows set in October 2023, when the AI bubble was first inflating. No AI premium is attached to the stock at this level, and AI’s influence on the business is robust. The data center and client segments are growing at hyper-paces, supported by client wins and penetration gains that point to continued strength in 2025. 

While gaming continues to drag on the semiconductor business, it is expected to revert to growth in calendar 2025 and help sustain a nearly 30% CAGR through the decade’s end. New advances, including the Radeon 9070 graphics cards, threaten NVIDIA’s gaming industry dominance. These cards have 16GB of memory, improved raytracing, and AI accelerators for enhancing gaming experiences. The takeaway is that this stock trades at less than 10x its 2030 earnings consensus and may easily exceed the figure.

Analysts’ Sentiment Reset Weighs on AMD Stock Prices: Market Overreacts

The analyst’s sentiment trends are a factor in AMD’s stock price decline but also highlight a market that has overreacted and overextended. The sentiment trend includes numerous price target reductions between February 2024 and February 2025, reducing the consensus estimate by 14%, which put the stock on MarketBeat’s list of Most Downgraded names. Still, the conviction remains firm in the Moderate Buy rating and expectation for a minimum double-digit upside; the consensus target forecasts a 55% upside, while the low-end target is 10%.

Analysts’ activity following the Q4 release includes more price target reductions. Still, most align with the consensus and are offset by initiated targets above the consensus, several price target increases, and an upgrade that signals shifting sentiment and a heightened potential for market bottoming. Analysts’ trends will support the market in this scenario and may become a tailwind for price action later in the year. 

Unsurprisingly, institutional activity aligns with a market bottom in Q1 2025. The institutions own more than 70% of the stock, and their activity ramped to a two-year high in Q1. The balance of activity is buying, netting about $2.2 billion in shares in the first two months of the quarter, about 1.35% of the market cap with shares near $100. 

AMD Builds Value for Investors With Fortress Balance Sheet

AMD’s fortress balance sheet and increasingly strong financial position are among its attractions. The highlights from 2024 include a slight reduction in cash offset by increased receivables and inventory, increased current and total assets, and steady liability. Equity rose by 3%. Regarding leverage, it is very low, with long-term debt virtually non-existent and total liability running near 0.2x equity and 4x cash. The company hasn’t yet returned significant amounts of capital but may soon begin increasing its buyback activity or initiate a dividend like its competitor, NVIDIA. 

Risks for AMD include increased and vigorous competition in its end markets, including NVIDIA. NVIDIA is also advancing gaming and data center technology and will not likely give up its leadership position soon. Its advantages include first-move strengths and a years-long head start on building its software ecosystem.

 

Before you consider Advanced Micro Devices, you’ll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street’s top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on… and Advanced Micro Devices wasn’t on the list.

While Advanced Micro Devices currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

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Lemonade’s NYSE: LMND stock price has surged over 15% in the past five days following its strong Q4 2024 earnings report, continuing its upward trajectory with an 8% increase by midday on March 3, 2025. The artificial intelligence (AI)-driven insurtech company has been a topic of debate among investors, with rapid growth but elusive profitability.

However, the recent Q4 results, dubbed the “best quarter ever” by CEO Daniel Schreiber, have reignited investor interest. This brings us to a crucial question: Has Lemonade finally proven the profitability of its AI risk assessment model, transforming this once-uncertain AI stock into an attractive investment?

Lemonade’s Q4 Results Signal a Potential Shift

Lemonade’s earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2024 provided a wealth of data suggesting a potential turning point for the company. In-force premium (IFP), a key indicator of the total annualized value of active policies, reached $944 million, representing a 26% year-over-year growth. This marked the fifth consecutive quarter of accelerating IFP growth, signaling sustained momentum in customer acquisition and policy sales. This translated to a Gross Earned Premium (GEP) of $226 million, a 25% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Revenue also saw significant growth, reaching $148.8 million for the quarter, a 29% year-over-year increase, exceeding Lemonade’s analyst community’s expectations. Perhaps the most encouraging metric for investors was the significant improvement in Lemonade’s gross loss ratio, a crucial measure of underwriting profitability.

The company reported a gross loss ratio of 63% for Q4 2024, its best quarterly result to date. This represents a considerable improvement from 77% in Q4 2023 and 73% in Q3 2024. On a trailing twelve-month (TTM) basis, the gross loss ratio stood at 73%, reflecting a 12-percentage point improvement year-over-year.

These improvements in underwriting performance fueled substantial gains in adjusted gross profit, which reached $66 million in Q4, an impressive 88% year-over-year increase. For the full year of 2024, the adjusted gross profit reached $174.9 million, reflecting a remarkable 98% growth compared to the prior year.

While Lemonade still reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of -$23.8 million for Q4, this represented an 18% improvement year-over-year. Notably, the company achieved a positive adjusted EBITDA, excluding growth-related spending for the first time, a significant milestone on its path toward sustained profitability. 

Another crucial development was Lemonade’s achievement of positive adjusted free cash flow (Adj. FCF). The company generated $26.5 million of Adj. FCF in Q4 and $48 million for the full year 2024, marking its first full year of positive Adj. FCF. This demonstrates Lemonade’s ability to generate cash from its operations after accounting for capital expenditures and adjustments related to its Synthetic Agents program.

Finally, Lemonade reported Q4 earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.42, beating the consensus analyst estimate of -$0.61.

Beyond the Bots: How AI Fuels Lemonade

Lemonade’s innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) is key to its business model and potential for long-term success. The company’s proprietary AI technology platform is leveraged across various operations, including customer acquisition and service, claims processing, and underwriting. AI-powered chatbots, AI Maya and AI Jim, are central to customer interactions: AI Maya provides instant quotes and assists with policy acquisition, while AI Jim handles claims processing. Lemonade’s AI-driven systems enable the company to settle claims quickly, sometimes within minutes.

Beyond customer-facing applications, Lemonade utilizes AI for crucial behind-the-scenes functions. Its “Forensic Graph” technology aids in fraud detection, while “Blender” helps manage and automate internal workflows. “Cooper,” Lemonade’s internal AI-powered “brain,” facilitates operational tasks.

The company also employs advanced telematics, particularly for its car insurance product, to gather data and enable precision pricing and underwriting. The combination of behavioral economics and AI is implemented to align incentives, improve risk assessment, and minimize fraudulent claims.

The impact of this technology-driven approach is evident in Lemonade’s operational efficiency. Despite significant growth in its customer base and in-force premium, the company has managed to reduce its total headcount by 2% year-over-year. This indicates that Lemonade is achieving greater output with fewer resources, a testament to the scalability and efficiency of its AI-powered platform.

The relative stability of its Technology Development expenses, even as revenue and customer base expand, further highlights this trend.

Hitting the Gas: Lemonade’s Car Insurance Expansion Plan

Lemonade has identified car insurance as a significant growth engine and a key strategic priority for the future. The company plans to leverage its existing strengths, including its advanced telematics technology and large customer base, to gain market share in the potential of the car insurance market. Lemonade’s approach to car insurance is a gradual and focused rollout strategy.

Reality Check: Profitability Hurdles and Competitive Threats

Lemonade’s journey toward profitability is filled with challenges. The company faces intense competition in the insurance sector, which could impact its ability to attract and retain customers. Furthermore, Lemonade will need to continue investing in growth and expansion, which could strain its finances in the short term.

Additionally, as an insurance company, Lemonade is susceptible to external factors, such as catastrophic events, which could lead to significant losses and impact its profitability.

Investment-Ready or Still a Work in Progress?

Lemonade’s Q4 2024 results demonstrate significant progress and suggest a potential turnaround fueled by its AI-driven business model. The company’s improving financial metrics are encouraging signs. However, Lemonade is not yet consistently profitable, and it faces significant challenges in a competitive market. 

Therefore, Lemonade may be attractive for growth-oriented investors with a higher risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon who believe in the company’s disruptive potential. However, investors seeking immediate profitability and lower risk may want to exercise caution and closely monitor Lemonade’s progress in the coming quarters.

The question of whether Lemonade is “ripe for investment” remains open, with the answer dependent on individual investor risk profiles and investment timelines.

Before you consider Lemonade, you’ll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street’s top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on… and Lemonade wasn’t on the list.

While Lemonade currently has a Reduce rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

President Trump’s 25% import tariffs on Mexico and Canada and an additional 10% tariff on China are causing investors to seek shelter from the potential fallout. Canada is of particular concern since it is a top supplier of energy to the United States, including crude oil and natural gas.

The United States imports most of its crude oil from Canada. According to the Cato Institute, if energy imports were taken out of the equation, the United States would have a trade surplus with Canada. A third of all the crude oil imported by the United States also comes from Mexico. If energy imports are keeping you up at night, here are two stocks in the oils/energy sector to trade in each direction of the tariffs.

Cenovus Energy: After a 70.4% Drop, Now May Be Time to Buy the Dip   

The fear of import tariffs being levied on Canadian energy has been a key driver for the 36.8% drop in the stock of Canadian oil producer Cenovus Energy Inc. NYSE: CVE. Shares are trading down 8.65% year-to-date (YTD) as of Feb 28, 2025.

Cenovus is one of Canada’s largest heavy crude oil producers. Its heavy crude oil from the Alberta oil sands is ideal for United States oil refineries located in the Midwest and Gulf Coast. These factories are designed to process oil sands bitumen, a heavy crude oil type.

While the general public has been told that the United States is one of the largest producers of oil, most of it is considered “light sweet” oil, and most U.S. refineries are designed to process heavy crude oil.

Therefore, exporting light sweet crude is more profitable than trying to refine it domestically. The oil has to be shipped overseas to be refined into usable fuels, which is more costly than sticking to heavy crude oil. Cenovus is a major exporter to the United States due to its proximity to the country.

Cenovus Is Already Established With the U.S. Infrastructure

The U.S. already has established pipelines transporting heavy crude oil from Canada to the Midwest, which are even shorter and cheaper than shipping from the Gulf Coast. Midwest refineries rely on Canadian oil. If Trump applies a tariff on all imports, including Saudia Arabia, then Canadian crude oil imports would still be the cheapest.

Cenovus Is Locked in Tight With Phillips 66 Refineries

While Cenovus owns its two oil refineries in Saskatchewan, Canada, they also have a 50% ownership stake in two refineries in the Midwest, United States, with Phillips 66 NYSE: PSX. The Lima Refinery produces low-sulfur gasoline and gasoline blends, jet fuel, ultra-low sulfur diesel, petrochemical feedstock and other byproducts, transported by pipeline and rail cars to market in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania and southern Michigan.

The Superior Refinery in Wisconsin produces gasoline, diesel and asphalt and refines light and heavy crude oil from North Dakota and Western Canada. It’s over a century-old Toledo Refinery in Oregon, Ohio, and can process up to 160,000 bpd, including 90,000 bpd of heavy oil. It can produce 3.8 million gallons of gasoline, 1.3 million gallons of diesel and 600,000 gallons of jet fuel daily.

Cenovus Could Sell More Oil to Asia

Should there be a disruption in demand from the United States as a result of tariffs, Cenovus has no shortage of demand for its black gold. It could opt to sell more oil to Asia. China could buy more oil via the Trans Mountain pipeline. However, the export capacity is limited to around 590,000 barrels per day (BPD) versus 4 million BPD to the United States.

Cenovus reported Q4 2024 earnings per share (EPS) of 5 cents versus 17 cents consensus analyst estimates, missing by 12 cents. Upstream production rose 1% year-over-year (YoY) and 6% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to 816,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d).

It reached the highest ever quarterly and annual Oil Sands production rates of 628,500 BOE/d and 610,700 BOE/d, respectively, including record annual rates at Foster Creek and Lloydminster thermal assets. Downstream operating performance was improved, with 97% in Canadian Refining and 92% in U.S. Refining. Refining expenses, excluding turnaround costs, fell 18% YoY to $10.89 per barrel.

The Worst Case Is Likely Already Price In

Cenovus stock recently hit 52-week lows, mostly driven by tariff fears. The market always tends to overshoot in its reactions. Once tariffs are levied, a rebound is almost a certainty. Even with tariffs levied on Canadian oil, it may still prove to be cheaper to continue importing oil from Canada rather than paying to import from the Middle East.

NRG Energy: Sticking to Domestic Energy   

For investors that want to stay away from import tariffs altogether, NRG Energy Inc. NYSE: NRG is a major independent power producer in the United States, generating 23 gigawatts (GW) and operating primarily in deregulated markets.

Their rates are market-based and are determined by supply and demand rather than being regulated as a single major utility in an area. 

The company is enjoying a demand surge thanks to the AI and data center boom. This has allowed them to lock in major power purchase agreements (PPAs) as power-hungry campuses race to secure enough power, even locking in nuclear power agreements as illustrated by Constellation Energy Co. NASDAQ: CEG 20-year PPA with Microsoft Co. NASDAQ: MSFT in 2024.

Can NRG Maintain Its Momentum? Analysts Eye Continued Upside

The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, forecasting an adjusted EPS of $7.25 and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $3.85 billion.

The company posted record adjusted EBITDA of $3.8 billion in 2024, up $470 million YoY. NRG shares are trading up 17.17% YTD and pay a 1.66% dividend yield as of Feb 28, 2025.

Strong cash flow generation and disciplined capital allocation continue to support shareholder returns.

Management remains confident in delivering on its long-term financial targets, with a focus on operational efficiency and strategic growth initiatives.

Before you consider Cenovus Energy, you’ll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street’s top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on… and Cenovus Energy wasn’t on the list.

While Cenovus Energy currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here