We recently published a list of 12 Best Depressed Stocks to Invest in Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG) stands against other best depressed stocks to invest in now.
The US stocks ended 2024 with a healthy Q4, as the equity markets were primarily aided by solid economic growth, healthy earnings momentum, and the expectations of the rate cuts. Morningstar highlighted that the results of the US election supported the broader momentum in November. However, in December, the markets were shocked when the US Fed reduced projections for more cuts. Also, the quarter was difficult for bonds as yields continued to jump.
With Trump 2.0 and some positive expectations regarding risky assets, what lies ahead for investors in 2025?
Ameriprise Financial believes that the US economic conditions are likely to remain stable, which can contribute to S&P 500 Index profits growing for 5th consecutive year. The normalized inflation, together with potentially lower interest rates, can support asset prices. The investment firm sees a favorable market backdrop in 2025. Notably, firm economic conditions, near-normal inflation, broadening of profit growth, healthy secular themes throughout technology, and growth-focused fiscal policies are expected to fuel the equity markets momentum, albeit with some volatility throughout the year.
Ameriprise Financial expects that S&P 500 profits will grow by between 10.0% – 15.0% as compared to 2024 levels, courtesy of continued strength in the broader technology space and companies/industries getting support from healthy economic activity and easier YoY comparisons. Furthermore, all 11 S&P 500 sectors are expected to see positive EPS growth in 2025. If sectors like IT and communication services see robust earnings trends in 2025 and other sectors also make a positive contribution, the US stocks are poised to see a strong performance in 2025.
Certain potential changes to tax policy, regulation, trade policies, and immigration are expected to influence the equity markets in 2025. Ameriprise Financial further added that a lesser amount of regulation and the extension of expiring provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act might be slightly stimulative and positive for asset prices. Vanguard believes that growth momentum is expected to remain solid over the near term thanks to productivity gains and less restrictive monetary policy.
Further, the asset management giant expects the core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, the US Fed’s preferred inflation gauge which excludes volatile food and energy prices, to decline to 2.5% by the 2025 end.
To list the 12 Best Depressed Stocks to Invest in Now, we used a screener to filter out the stocks that are trading close to their respective 52-week lows. Next, we chose the ones that were popular among hedge funds. Finally, the stocks were arranged in ascending order of their hedge fund sentiments, as of Q3 2024.
At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
Is Bunge Global SA (BG) the Best Depressed Stock to Invest in Now?
Aerial view of an orchard of different fruits, representing the abundance of the agribusiness.
52-week Low: $75.75
Price as of 24 January: $77.19
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33
Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG) is an agribusiness and food company. The company’s stock faced pressures, resulting from market volatility due to fluctuations in commodity prices and geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, the company has been navigating shifts in global agricultural trade patterns and supply chain disruptions. However, Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG)’s long-term growth outlook seems to be promising as it continues to expand its global footprint.
Its strong focus on emerging markets, mainly in South America and Asia, places it well to capitalize on elevated food demand and changing dietary patterns in these regions. With economies continuing to develop and populations continuing to grow, Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG)’s diversified portfolio of agricultural products and food ingredients is expected to witness sustained demand growth. Furthermore, the company’s investments in value-added products and sustainable practices remain as per global trends focused towards healthier and more environmental-friendly food options.
This strategic positioning is expected to fuel the long-term growth of Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG) as consumer preferences continue to evolve and regulatory environments shift to more sustainable agricultural practices. Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG) is expected to build its earnings power over time via a combination of strategic M&A, organic growth projects, and buybacks. Also, the company’s supply chain and logistics network, together with global scale and diversified operations, can fuel its long-term growth prospects.
Overall, BG ranks 8th on our list of best depressed stocks to invest in now. While we acknowledge the potential of BG as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued AI stock that is more promising than BG but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
