5 Stocks to Buy Now: Goldman Sachs’ Top Picks for Growth Potential

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By Jason Walker

Amidst prevailing macroeconomic uncertainty and market volatility, Goldman Sachs has pinpointed five companies whose stocks present compelling opportunities. The investment bank suggests that despite broader market anxieties, these specific firms possess significant growth prospects, making them attractive considerations for investors looking to capitalize on market pullbacks.

Microsoft (MSFT): Leveraging AI for Future Growth

Technology behemoth Microsoft remains a prime recommendation from Goldman Sachs, largely attributed to its dominant standing in the artificial intelligence sector.

Analyst Kash Rangan highlighted that Microsoft’s assertive investments in AI are poised to deliver substantial long-term rewards. Furthermore, its Azure cloud computing platform continues to serve as a critical element setting the company apart.

“Reflecting our confidence in the mainstream adoption of AI and Microsoft’s willingness to invest aggressively ahead of the long-term opportunities, we are increasing our CapEx estimates…”

Rangan.

Although Microsoft shares have experienced a decrease of roughly 10% year-to-date, Goldman Sachs holds a positive outlook, maintaining a price objective of $500 per share.

Accenture (ACN): Demonstrating Resilience Amid Uncertainty

Accenture, a leading global consulting firm, is also featured prominently on Goldman Sachs’ list. While the company has navigated headwinds related to the Trump administration’s focus on government efficiency, it is still viewed as a robust long-term investment.

Analyst James Schneider pointed to encouraging signs such as clearer demand visibility and an upward revision in revenue guidance.

“We focus on the industry context and Accenture’s performance. In this regard, we view the revenue guide increase quite positively… We maintain our Buy rating as we foresee significant secular tailwinds for Accenture when cyclical headwinds abate.”

Schneider.

Accenture’s stock has seen a decline of approximately 13% this year, potentially offering an appealing entry point for investors aiming to harness the company’s potential.

Carnival (CCL): Navigating the Travel Sector

Goldman Sachs also identifies Carnival Corporation as being strategically positioned within the leisure and tourism industry, notwithstanding current macroeconomic headwinds.

Analyst Lizzie Dove emphasized that Carnival’s brands continue to exhibit strong positive momentum, evidenced by consistent year-over-year growth in bookings, particularly noticeable in the European market.

“CCL [Carnival] is well-positioned within the leisure segment. Carnival’s relative resilience was on full display following a double-digit increase in Q1 EBITDA and no change to the net yield outlook for Q2 and Q3.”

Dove.

Shares of Carnival have retreated by 20% this year; however, the company maintains a solid operational path that could yield substantial returns for investors.

e.l.f. Beauty (ELF): Sustained Growth in Cosmetics

e.l.f. Beauty continues to distinguish itself within the beauty industry, driven by a robust growth strategy that persists even amid more challenging economic conditions. Following a series of investor meetings, Goldman Sachs reiterated its positive assessment of the company.

“We remain optimistic regarding ELF’s long-term growth trajectory as its growth drivers remain intact despite a more volatile start to the year due to macroeconomic factors.”

Tarang Amin, CEO of e.l.f. Beauty.

Vertex (VRTX): A Premium Option in Uncertainty

Rounding out the recommendations is Vertex. Goldman Sachs emphasized that Vertex presents a combination of accelerating revenue and expanding margins, positioning it as a premium selection in the face of macroeconomic ambiguity.

“We continue to view VERX as a rare story of both revenue acceleration and margin expansion in an uncertain environment that warrants a premium value in the market.”

Goldman Sachs in their report.

Investment Opportunities in Uncertain Times

In conclusion, despite the prevailing uncertain economic climate, these five stocks highlighted by Goldman Sachs represent notable potential for investors seeking opportunities during market downturns. The positive outlooks for Microsoft, Accenture, Carnival, e.l.f. Beauty, and Vertex underscore confidence in their fundamental business strategies and their capacity to create long-term shareholder value.

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