Navigating the 2025 market with our top stock picks.
At GLHR Investing, we’re here to guide you through turbulent markets with clear, actionable insights. The economy in April 2025 is a mixed bag—trade wars loom with President Trump’s tariffs, inflation fears persist, and the S&P 500 is down 4.8% year-to-date. Yet, opportunities abound for savvy investors. Here are our top 10 stock picks for April 2025, each chosen for its resilience and growth potential in today’s climate, along with why they could be smart additions to your portfolio.
- Microsoft Corporation (MSFT):
- Why Invest: Microsoft’s cloud computing (Azure) and AI leadership make it a cornerstone in tech. With $24.1 billion in Q4 2024 cloud revenue, it’s capitalizing on AI demand.
- Economic Fit: Domestic-focused services insulate it from tariff impacts. Its diversified revenue—cloud, software, gaming—thrives in any market.
- Financials: Q4 2024 revenue up 16% to $61.9 billion; EPS $2.93. Market cap: ~$3.1 trillion.
- Upside: Analysts’ median price target of $480 (from $420) suggests 14% growth. AI expansion could drive further gains.
- Risks: High valuation (36x earnings) demands sustained growth. Competition from Amazon and Google looms.
- Investor Take: Microsoft’s stability and AI momentum make it a must-own for long-term growth seekers.
- Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B):
- Why Invest: Warren Buffett’s conglomerate offers unmatched resilience, with $334 billion in cash to seize market dips.
- Economic Fit: Its portfolio—GEICO, utilities, railroads—performs well in recessions, shielding it from trade war fallout.
- Financials: Q4 2024 operating income up 8% to $8.5 billion. Stock up 12% in 2025 despite market sell-offs.
- Upside: Analysts see 10% upside to $510. Cash hoard fuels acquisitions if valuations drop.
- Risks: Cyclical subsidiaries like manufacturing could face tariff-related cost hikes.
- Investor Take: Berkshire’s financial flexibility and diversified income make it a safe haven amid uncertainty.
- Realty Income Corporation (O):
- Why Invest: This REIT owns 15,600 recession-resistant properties (dollar stores, fitness centers), delivering steady dividends.
- Economic Fit: Long-term net leases with rent escalators ensure income stability, even if consumer spending slows.
- Financials: Q4 2024 revenue up 10% to $1.1 billion; 4.86% dividend yield, raised for 110 quarters.
- Upside: Price target of $70 (from $62) implies 13% gain. High occupancy (99%) supports reliability.
- Risks: Interest rate hikes could pressure REIT valuations, though long-term leases mitigate impact.
- Investor Take: Realty Income’s consistent payouts appeal to income-focused investors bracing for volatility.
- NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA):
- Why Invest: NVIDIA dominates AI chip markets, powering data centers and tech innovation.
- Economic Fit: AI demand transcends trade wars, with domestic production reducing tariff exposure.
- Financials: Q4 2024 revenue soared 265% to $18.1 billion; EPS $4.02. Market cap: ~$2.8 trillion.
- Upside: Median target of $150 (from $130) suggests 15% upside. AI growth remains robust.
- Risks: Valuation (70x earnings) is lofty; any AI slowdown could trigger pullbacks.
- Investor Take: NVIDIA’s AI leadership offers high reward for risk-tolerant investors betting on tech’s future.
- JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM):
- Why Invest: A leading bank with strong investment banking and consumer divisions, poised for policy-driven growth.
- Economic Fit: Trump’s pro-business stance could boost banking activity, offsetting tariff-related slowdowns.
- Financials: Q4 2024 revenue up 10% to $39.8 billion; net income jumped 50%. Stock up 5% YTD.
- Upside: Target of $310 (from $228) indicates 36% potential. EPS growth projected at 12% for 2025.
- Risks: Recession fears could curb lending; tariff-driven inflation may squeeze margins.
- Investor Take: JPMorgan’s diversified strength suits investors seeking financial sector exposure.
- Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN):
- Why Invest: Amazon’s e-commerce and AWS (AI-driven cloud) dominate, with efficiency gains boosting margins.
- Economic Fit: Domestic focus and essential services weather trade disruptions; AI demand fuels AWS growth.
- Financials: Q4 2024 revenue up 13% to $149.2 billion; AWS at $110 billion annualized run rate.
- Upside: Target of $220 (from $190) suggests 16% gain. Cost-cutting enhances profitability.
- Risks: Tariff costs could hit retail margins; competition in cloud intensifies.
- Investor Take: Amazon’s dual growth engines make it a versatile pick for volatile markets.
- Fastenal Company (FAST):
- Why Invest: A leading industrial distributor gaining market share in a recovering manufacturing sector.
- Economic Fit: Domestic supply chains benefit from tariff-driven reshoring, boosting demand for fasteners and tools.
- Financials: Q4 2024 revenue up 6% to $1.9 billion; EPS $0.52. Stock at $76.47.
- Upside: Target of $87 offers 14% upside. Digital inventory solutions drive growth.
- Risks: Industrial slowdown could hit demand; tariff costs may raise input prices.
- Investor Take: Fastenal’s niche dominance appeals to investors eyeing industrial resilience.
- American Express Company (AXP):
- Why Invest: AXP’s focus on wealthy clients ensures spending stability, with strong card growth.
- Economic Fit: Consumer spending holds up among high-income groups, even amid trade war concerns.
- Financials: Q4 2024 revenue up 9% to $15.8 billion; 3 million new cards added. Stock at $260.
- Upside: Target of $390 implies 50% upside. EPS growth of 12% expected.
- Risks: Broader consumer slowdown could pressure volumes; high valuation (20x earnings).
- Investor Take: AXP’s premium clientele makes it a solid bet for financial growth.
- CME Group Inc. (CME):
- Why Invest: The world’s largest futures exchange thrives on market volatility, a hallmark of 2025.
- Economic Fit: Tariff-driven uncertainty boosts demand for CME’s hedging products, like interest rate contracts.
- Financials: Q4 2024 revenue up 8% to $1.4 billion; EPS $2.30. Stock at $210.
- Upside: Target of $250 suggests 19% gain. Volatility drives contract volume growth.
- Risks: Reduced market swings could lower volumes; regulatory changes pose threats.
- Investor Take: CME’s unique position makes it a hedge against economic chaos.
- Dominion Energy, Inc. (D):
- Why Invest: A utility giant with 90% regulated earnings, offering stability and dividends.
- Economic Fit: Utilities are tariff-immune, and power demand is projected to hit records in 2025-2026.
- Financials: Q4 2024 revenue up 5% to $3.8 billion; 4.86% dividend yield. Stock at $50.
- Upside: Target of $60 offers 20% upside. Renewable investments fuel growth.
- Risks: Interest rate spikes could hit debt-heavy utilities; regulatory hurdles linger.
- Investor Take: Dominion’s reliable income suits cautious investors in uncertain times.
Why These Stocks Matter: Today’s economy demands resilience and adaptability. Tariffs threaten costs, but domestic-focused firms like Microsoft, Realty Income, and Dominion sidestep much of the pain. AI leaders like NVIDIA and Amazon tap unstoppable tech trends, while financials like JPMorgan and AXP capitalize on policy shifts. Berkshire and CME thrive in volatility, and Fastenal rides industrial tailwinds. Together, these picks balance growth, income, and stability.
At GLHR Investing, we believe in buying quality at reasonable prices. These stocks offer a roadmap to navigate 2025’s challenges while positioning for long-term wealth. Let’s invest smarter, together.
