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.

Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) – A Smart Play on Government Efficiency

Booz Allen Hamilton may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about defense stocks, but that’s exactly why it presents an opportunity. The stock has taken a hit over the past year, down more than 25%, as investors worry about potential federal spending cuts under the new administration. But those concerns could be overstated, and Booz Allen might actually benefit from Washington’s renewed focus on efficiency.

The company specializes in high-tech consulting for government agencies, particularly in defense, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. With Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) panel pushing for cost-cutting across federal agencies, Booz Allen is uniquely positioned to win contracts that streamline operations and implement advanced technology. The company’s expertise in artificial intelligence and digital modernization could make it a go-to resource as the government looks to reduce waste while maintaining effectiveness.

Bank of America sees the potential here, reiterating its buy rating and setting a $210 price target, which suggests a 62% upside from recent levels. Booz Allen’s strong client relationships and deep technical expertise give it an edge as agencies look to upgrade their systems without dramatically increasing spending.

While broader defense stocks have dipped since late January, Booz Allen is off to a strong start in 2025, up 3.5% year-to-date, outpacing the S&P 500’s 2.5% gain. Given its long history of working closely with the government and its role in modernizing key defense and intelligence systems, Booz Allen stands to benefit from Washington’s efficiency drive. With the stock still well below its highs, this could be a prime entry point for long-term investors.

Brookfield Renewable (BEPC) – A Long-Term Winner in Clean Energy

Renewable energy demand is surging, and Brookfield Renewable is positioned to benefit in a big way. From AI-powered data centers to electric vehicle adoption and the growing need for corporate sustainability initiatives, the demand for clean power is rising fast. Despite these tailwinds, Brookfield Renewable’s stock remains undervalued, creating a compelling opportunity for long-term investors.

Brookfield Renewable is one of the world’s largest pure-play renewable energy companies, with a diversified portfolio spanning hydro, wind, solar, and energy storage. The company has 37 gigawatts (GW) of operating capacity, with an additional 200 GW in development. For comparison, Duke Energy, a major U.S. utility, has about 55 GW of total capacity, but only 9 GW comes from renewables. This scale and diversification give Brookfield a strong competitive advantage in a rapidly expanding industry.

One of the biggest drivers for Brookfield’s future growth is corporate demand for clean energy. Major tech giants, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, are among the largest buyers of renewable power as they work to decarbonize their operations. AI data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations also require enormous amounts of electricity, and Brookfield is well-positioned to supply the clean power these industries need.

Despite these growth drivers, Brookfield Renewable’s stock is down 6% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500’s 23% gain. At just 14.5 times funds from operations (FFO), the stock looks like a bargain. Meanwhile, Brookfield continues to generate solid financial results, with full-year sales rising 6% in 2024 and FFO climbing 10%.

With massive clean energy projects in the pipeline and strong corporate demand, Brookfield Renewable offers a rare combination of stability, growth, and value. This is a stock that investors can buy now and hold for decades.

Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) – Driving AI Integration in Business

Salesforce has become a major player in the AI space, seamlessly integrating AI into its customer relationship management (CRM) tools. The company’s flagship AI product, Salesforce Einstein, is a generative AI tool that enhances productivity and automates tasks for businesses. Additionally, Tableau and MuleSoft provide powerful solutions for data visualization and software integration, making Salesforce a comprehensive platform for businesses embracing AI.

The stock has gained nearly 17% in the last year, and analysts are bullish, with 42 out of 55 giving it a buy or overweight rating. The average price target of $401.36 suggests 26.3% upside potential, while some, like Michele Schneider, see the potential for Salesforce to hit $500, depending on broader market conditions.

For investors who want to ride the AI wave while focusing on a company with an established customer base and cutting-edge tools, Salesforce offers both stability and growth potential.



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