Not sure which S&P 500 stocks to buy before the year's up? Just ask the analysts — they'll tell you.
At least 90% of analysts rate 10 stocks, including United Airlines, General Electric and Vistra, a "strong buy" or "buy," says an Investor's Business Daily analysis of data from S&P Global Market Intelligence and MarketSurge. That's much higher than the average S&P 500 where only 53% ratings are that high.
To pinpoint only the S&P 500 stocks analysts like most, the analysis only includes S&P 500 stocks with at least five analysts covering them. Additionally, analysts' 12-month price target must imply at least 10% in upside.
Investors are hopeful stocks can keep rallying. "Markets are advancing to start the week as optimism concerning the Fed's walk down the monetary policy stairs coincides with stronger-than-expected economic data," said Jose Torres, senior economist at Interactive Brokers.
Sky High Stock Pick
United Airlines is one of analysts' top S&P 500 picks. All of the stock's 23 analysts rate it a strong buy or buy. Additionally, they think the stock, already up 131% this year, is good for another 13% rise in the next 12 months.
United's shares carry a high 97 RS Rating. And analysts think its EPS will rise another 21% in 2025.
GE is yet another high flyer in the eyes of analysts. All of the 18 analysts on the stock rate the industrial giant a strong buy or buy. They also think the stock will rise 27% in 12 months, adding to a 29.9% gain this year.
GE's RS Rating is only 77. But analysts think its profit will rise 22% in 2025 after a 32% gain in 2024.
To be sure, these are just estimates. Analysts, though, are putting their necks out for these potential S&P 500 winners.
Analysts' Top 'Buys' In S&P 500
Highest % of "strong buy" and "buy" ratings
| Company | Ticker | Total buy ratings | Upside % in 12 months (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Electric Co | GE | 100.0% | 27.1% |
| United Airlines | UAL | 100.0% | 13.0% |
| Vistra | VST | 100.0% | 10.4% |
| Iron Mountain | IRM | 100.0% | 10.0% |
| Delta Air Lines | DAL | 95.7% | 23.6% |
| Nvidia | NVDA | 93.8% | 30.6% |
| Schlumberger | SLB | 93.3% | 43.2% |
| Trimble | TRMB | 91.7% | 14.9% |
| Microsoft | MSFT | 90.9% | 12.3% |
| S&P Global | SPGI | 90.9% | 15.3% |
