Three Standout Stocks for The Week Ahead

Finding the right stocks in today’s market isn’t easy. With so many options, it’s tough to know which ones are worth your attention. But when you get it right, the payoff can be huge. That’s why we do the heavy lifting for you, sorting through the noise to bring you stocks that are set to move.

Each week, we dig into the data, look at market trends, and identify stocks with real potential. Our focus is on opportunities that aren’t just good for a quick win but have the strength to deliver ongoing growth.

This week, we’ve highlighted three stocks that stand out from the pack. Backed by solid analysis, these picks are positioned for a strong run in both the short and long term.

TaskUs (NASDAQ: TASK)  A Leader in Digital Customer Experience Ready to Deliver More

TaskUs, a standout player in the digital customer experience outsourcing space, is showing signs of even greater potential heading into the new year. The company recently impressed with a robust third-quarter report, beating expectations on both revenue and earnings. But what really caught our attention is the potential for its fourth-quarter results to serve as a positive catalyst for the stock.

TaskUs has built a reputation for offering premium outsourcing services to high-growth tech companies, and its competitive position in this niche is second to none. Margins remain “best-in-class,” underscoring the company’s operational efficiency. Analyst Cassie Chan recently upgraded the stock to a buy, citing its attractive risk/reward profile and predicting strong fourth-quarter results. Chan also expects TaskUs to guide fiscal 2025 revenue growth ahead of the market consensus at 9%.

After climbing 41% in 2024, TaskUs shares still appear to have room to run. With underperformance earlier in the year now in the rearview mirror, the next quarterly update could be the turning point that pushes the stock higher. For investors seeking exposure to a proven growth story in digital customer experience, TaskUs is well worth a closer look.

Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) Pioneering the Skies with Dual-Market Opportunities

The eVTOL industry is shaping up to be the next major evolution in aviation, with JPMorgan estimating a $1 trillion market opportunity by 2040. Among the many players vying for dominance, Archer Aviation has emerged as a standout contender. With a current market cap of $3.88 billion, Archer has leveraged two critical developments that set it apart: an exclusive partnership with defense technology innovator Anduril and a strategic $430 million capital raise. These moves solidify its position as a dual-market leader in both urban air mobility and defense.

Archer’s partnership with Anduril positions it at the forefront of military applications for hybrid-electric aircraft. The collaboration brings together Archer’s eVTOL expertise and Anduril’s advanced AI and defense integration capabilities, opening doors to lucrative military contracts. Leading this new endeavor, Archer Defense, is Joseph Pantalone, a seasoned aerospace executive from Sikorsky. With the Department of Defense increasingly prioritizing hybrid-electric platforms, Archer’s entry into this space is timely and strategic.

On the financial front, Archer’s $430 million capital raise is a game-changer. In a sector plagued by underfunded competitors, this funding elevates Archer to a top-tier status with the resources to execute on both commercial and defense fronts. Backed by major partners like United Airlines, Stellantis, Wellington Management, and 2PointZero, Archer has the financial and operational strength to scale globally. This sets it apart from rivals struggling to transition from concept to commercialization.

Regulatory progress further enhances Archer’s appeal. The company has secured a groundbreaking agreement in Abu Dhabi to develop core operational frameworks with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports, and Etihad Aviation Training. By proactively addressing regulatory challenges, Archer is paving the way for smoother market entry in other key regions.

Market momentum has already begun to reflect Archer’s strengthened position, with shares surging 185% over the past 90 days (as of Dec. 16, 2024). However, its $3.88 billion valuation could still significantly undervalue its potential, especially given the higher margins and stability of its defense market opportunities.

With a combination of cutting-edge partnerships, regulatory achievements, and robust capitalization, Archer is uniquely positioned to lead the eVTOL industry into 2025 and beyond. For investors looking to capture the growth potential of this transformative sector, Archer Aviation stands out as a compelling opportunity.

TechnipFMC (FTI): A Turnkey Innovator in Subsea Solutions

TechnipFMC is emerging as a standout in the subsea oil and gas market, capitalizing on growing global demand for innovative and efficient extraction solutions. Headquartered in London with operations based in Houston, this $13 billion company has seen its stock climb more than 50% this year. Despite the impressive run, there’s still room for upside, with Goldman Sachs recently setting a 12-month price target of $38—suggesting over 20% potential gains from its current price of $30.88.

What makes TechnipFMC unique is its fully integrated, turnkey solutions, which no other competitor in the industry offers. These streamlined processes reduce project lead times, giving the company a significant edge in capturing incremental orders. This competitive advantage is critical in a market where speed and efficiency are paramount, and companies are racing to secure a spot in the manufacturing queue for subsea products.

TechnipFMC’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions makes it an attractive play in the evolving energy landscape. While the oil and gas industry is inherently cyclical, TechnipFMC’s strong positioning and reputation for innovation provide it with a steady stream of opportunities. With its proven capability and robust pipeline, this is one stock to watch as we head into 2025.



NEXT: