Most Profitable Stocks in 2025: Investment Strategies in Times of Volatility

Market Outlook: Uncertainty and Opportunities

2025 has brought about drastic changes in global financial markets. Following the tariff policies implemented by the US administration, stock indices have experienced significant volatility. Base tariffs of 10% on global imports, measures of 50% toward the European Union, 55% accumulated on China, and 24% on Japan, among others, have generated initial uncertainty.

However, markets have shown resilience. After the correction in March-April, major indices have been recovering ground and are currently near all-time highs. This volatility dynamic creates both risks and opportunities for attentive investors.

Gold has reached all-time highs above $3,300 per ounce, reflecting a search for safe assets. In contrast, well-founded stocks present more attractive valuations after recent corrections.

Criteria for Identifying More Profitable Stocks in 2025

Investment selection should be based on solid criteria. In the current context of trade tensions, investors should look for:

• Companies with a strong presence in their domestic markets or business models less dependent on international trade
• Leadership in innovation and digitalization, responding to global structural demand
• Robust operating margins and financial capacity to adapt
• Geographic and sector diversification to mitigate regional risks

Five Key Companies to Consider in 2025

Microsoft: Betting on Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft Corporation reported revenues of $245.1 billion in fiscal year 2024, a 16% year-over-year growth. Operating income increased by 24% and net income grew by 22%.

In early 2025, shares corrected approximately 20% from all-time highs, reaching lows of $367.24 on March 31. The April fiscal third quarter showed recovery with revenues of $70.1 billion and an operating margin of 46%. Azure and cloud services advanced 33%.

Despite FTC investigations into monopolistic practices in cloud and cybersecurity, Microsoft continues aggressive investments. The company implemented layoffs of over 15,000 employees between May and July to redirect resources toward AI and optimize structures.

The recent correction presents an opportunity to acquire stakes in a leading company at more accessible valuations. Its Copilot ecosystem and partnership with OpenAI position it as a leading provider of enterprise generative AI.

Alibaba: Recovery and Innovation in the Chinese Market

Alibaba Group Holding, founded in 1999, is a leading technology company in China with presence in e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital services. Its platforms Taobao and Tmall dominate the local market, while AliExpress facilitates international trade.

In the quarter ending December 31, 2024, it reported revenues of 280.2 billion yuan, an 8% annual increase. In the quarter ending March 31, 2025, revenues reached 236.45 billion yuan with adjusted net profit growing 22%, driven by an 18% advance in Cloud Intelligence.

Shares experienced declines of 35% from 2024 highs in January, influenced by concerns over investments in AI and cloud computing, as well as trade tensions. However, they recovered more than 40% by mid-February with the tech rally.

The group announced a three-year plan of $52 billion to strengthen AI and cloud infrastructure, along with a campaign of 50 billion yuan in coupons to revitalize domestic consumption. Current prices may represent opportunities for long-term positions.

ASML: Strategic Position in Semiconductors

ASML Holding N.V., a Dutch company, manufactures lithography equipment essential for the production of advanced semiconductors. Its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) systems are critical for the most sophisticated chips.

In 2024, it achieved net sales of €28.3 billion and a net income of €7.6 billion. The gross margin was 51.3%. In the first quarter of 2025, it recorded €7.7 billion in sales with a record gross margin of 54%, confirming expectations of revenues between €30 billion and €35 billion for all of 2025.

Shares experienced an approximate 30% decline over the past year. Factors include reduced spending by companies like Intel and Samsung, although TSMC and SK Hynix maintain high capex due to AI demand. On January 15, the Netherlands expanded export controls, with ASML estimating a 10-15% reduction in sales to China.

Growing demand for advanced chips for AI and high-performance computing sustains the need for EUV systems. The current correction may present an opportunity for exposure in semiconductors.

( LVMH: Recovery of the Global Luxury Market

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, a French company, leads the luxury products market with a portfolio including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Fendi, Celine, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, and Sephora.

In 2024, it reported revenues of €84.7 billion with a recurring operating profit of €19.6 billion, reflecting an operating margin of 23.1%. In January 2025, shares fell 6.7%, and on April 15, they retreated 7.7% after first-quarter revenues of €20.3 billion, a 3% contraction.

The US administration imposed a 20% tariff on EU products in April, reduced to 10% until July 9 with a threat of reaching 50%, significantly affecting LVMH.

Despite challenges, the correction offers an opportunity. The company is strengthening competitiveness through AI with the Dreamscape platform to personalize prices and experiences. It identifies growth in Japan )double-digit sales in 2024###, Middle East (regional increase of 6%), and India with new stores in Mumbai.

( Novo Nordisk: Leadership in Diabetes and Obesity

Novo Nordisk, a Danish company, leads treatments for diabetes and obesity. In 2024, sales increased by 26%, reaching DKK 290.4 billion )approximately $42.1 billion###.

In March 2025, shares suffered a 27% decline, more pronounced since 2002, due to concerns over competition from Eli Lilly and its drug Zepbound, as well as CagriSema not meeting expectations in phase III.

The company completed the acquisition of Catalent for $16.5 billion in December 2024, expanding manufacturing capacity. In March 2025, it signed an agreement with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals for $1 billion to license LX9851, an experimental obesity drug with a different mechanism from current treatments.

It maintains solid margins of 43% and ambitious R&D spending. Its pipeline includes a dual GLP-1/amylin molecule, Amycretin, which achieved up to 24% weight loss in early studies. In May, it lowered sales guidance to a range of 13%-21% after a temporary halt of Wegovy in the US.

Global demand for therapies against diabetes and obesity remains high, supporting growth expectations and positive long-term returns.

Diversification: The Key to More Profitable Stocks

A fundamental aspect for seeking more profitable stocks in 2025 is comprehensive diversification:

By sectors: Including energy, finance, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, automotive, and technology in a single portfolio mitigates industry-specific risks.

Geographically: Combining US, European, and Asian companies reduces exposure to regional crises. In the context of tariffs and trade tensions, this distribution is critical.

By asset type: Beyond individual stocks, consider thematic investment funds or derivatives such as CFDs (CFDs) to amplify positions or hedge risks. However, derivatives require discipline and solid knowledge.

Maintain a Long-Term Perspective

The volatility of 2025 reflects structural changes in global trade and more aggressive economic policies. Past gains do not guarantee future results, but well-founded stocks in leading companies tend to recover.

Recommended strategies:

• Avoid impulsive decisions out of panic during declines
• Consider safe assets like bonds or gold to offset potential losses
• Stay informed about geopolitical events and policy changes
• Make purchases gradually, taking advantage of corrections

Conclusion: Rational Strategy for 2025

Identifying more profitable stocks requires rigorous analysis rather than speculation. In 2025, characterized by unprecedented near-term volatility, this ability is more valuable than ever.

The five companies analyzed—Microsoft, Alibaba, ASML, LVMH, and Novo Nordisk—represent solid opportunities due to their sector leadership, innovation capacity, and strong financial positions. Their recent corrections offer more attractive entry points for patient investors.

A diversified portfolio, built with judgment and maintained with discipline, will continue to be the best defense against uncertainty. In times of change, stocks of adaptable and industry-leading companies tend to generate sustainable returns.