The most profitable stocks in 2025: a strategic investment guide amid global volatility

The Current Context: Volatility and Opportunities in 2025

After the historic records of 2024, financial markets experienced a radical shift in early 2025. Trade tensions triggered by new US tariff policies —with a base tariff of 10% on all imports, reaching 50% for the European Union, 55% for China, and 24% for Japan— initially caused widespread panic in global stock indices. In contrast, defensive assets like gold surpassed $3,300 per ounce, reflecting an urgent search for refuge.

However, after the March-April correction, major indices began a significant rebound, returning to all-time highs. This environment of uncertainty, far from being solely negative, presents strategic opportunities for prepared investors. Recent declines have left established companies with more attractive valuations, especially in technology and luxury consumer sectors with solid fundamentals.

The Five Most Profitable Stocks for 2025: Strategic Opportunities

1. Novo Nordisk (NVO): leadership in diabetes and obesity

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk is undergoing a transformation after facing significant competitive challenges. In 2024, its sales reached 290.400 billion Danish kroner (approximately $42.100 billion), a 26% growth. However, the arrival of competitors like Eli Lilly with its drug Zepbound and the disappointing performance of CagriSema in phase III trials caused a 27% drop in March 2025, the steepest since 2002.

Despite these setbacks, the company has taken decisive strategic moves. The acquisition of Catalent for $16.5 billion (completed in December 2024) significantly expanded its manufacturing capacity. Additionally, the agreement with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals for $1 billion to license LX9851 diversifies its pipeline with a new anti-obesity mechanism based on the ACSL5 protein.

With operating margins of 43% and a promising GLP-1/amylin molecule, amycretin, which achieved 24% weight loss in early studies, the global demand for diabetes and obesity therapies guarantees positive long-term prospects. The current stock correction offers an attractive entry point for medium-term investors.

2. LVMH (MC): recovery in global luxury

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, a leading French luxury conglomerate, controls an unparalleled portfolio including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Fendi, Tiffany & Co., and Sephora, covering fashion, fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, and high-end beverages.

In 2024, the company reported revenues of €84.700 billion with an operating margin of 23.1%. However, early 2025 was challenging: declines of 6.7% in January and 7.7% in April after first-quarter growth fell short of expectations (-3% year-over-year). US tariffs of 20% (later reduced to 10%) significantly impacted margins, considering the US accounts for a substantial portion of its revenue.

Despite these obstacles, LVMH strengthens its competitiveness through technological innovation. Its Dreamscape platform, based on AI, personalizes pricing and customer experiences. Growth focuses in Japan (double-digit sales in 2024), Middle East (+6% regional), and India (new stores in Mumbai), promising to revitalize performance. The current correction positions investors to capture the luxury sector rebound.

3. ASML (ASML): the bottleneck of the semiconductor industry

ASML, a Dutch manufacturer of EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography equipment, holds an irreplaceable position in advanced chip production. In 2024, it generated net sales of €28.3 billion, net income of €7.6 billion, and a gross margin of 51.3%. Q1 2025 showed continuity: €7.7 billion in sales and a record gross margin of 54%, with revenue forecasts between €30-35 billion for all of 2025.

The 30% decline over the past year responds to specific factors: reduced capex from Intel and Samsung, emerging Chinese lithography competition, and Dutch export restrictions (which will reduce sales to China by 10-15% but not affect annual guidance). Conversely, TSMC and SK Hynix maintain high investments driven by AI demand.

The structural demand for advanced chips for AI and high-performance computing ensures ongoing need for EUV systems. The recent valuation drop presents an opportunity for semiconductor sector investors.

4. Microsoft (MSFT): strengthened technological leadership

Microsoft, after reporting fiscal 2024 revenues of $245.1 billion (+16% year-over-year), consolidated its position with operating income of $109.4 billion (+24%) and net income of $88.1 billion (+22%). Its Copilot ecosystem and partnership with OpenAI position it as a leading provider of enterprise generative AI solutions.

In early 2025, it experienced a 20% correction from highs, hitting lows of $367.24 on March 31, with an 11% decline in Q1. Regulatory uncertainty (FTC investigation for monopolistic practices in cloud and cybersecurity), along with valuation concerns and Azure’s relative slowdown, worsened the decline.

Nevertheless, solid Q3 fiscal results (revenues of $70.1 billion, operating margin of 46%) demonstrated underlying strength. Azure and cloud services advanced 33%. The aggressive AI strategy requires restructuring: over 15,000 layoffs announced between May-July 2025 to redirect resources. The robust financial position and leadership in strategic sectors make the correction an opportunity for long-term investors.

5. Alibaba (BABA): resurgence after regulations

Alibaba Group, a Chinese tech giant founded in 1999, dominates e-commerce (Taobao, Tmall), cloud computing, and digital services. It announced a three-year plan of $52 billion for AI and cloud infrastructure, plus 50 billion yuan in coupons to revitalize domestic consumption.

In Q4 2024, it reported revenues of 280.2 billion yuan (+8% year-over-year); in Q1 2025, 236.45 billion yuan with adjusted net profit up 22%, driven by Cloud Intelligence (+18%). However, January 2025 triggered a 35% drop from 2024 highs due to concerns over massive AI/cloud investments and Chinese economic slowdown.

Subsequent volatility showed a 40% rebound until mid-February, followed by a 7% decline after March results. Despite these fluctuations, strategic investments in technology position Alibaba favorably to capture future demand. Current prices offer an attractive entry for medium-horizon investors.

Full Outlook: 15 Most Profitable Stocks Selected for 2025

Key Sectors: Where Are the Most Profitable Stocks

Energy and Materials: Exxon Mobil benefits from sustained oil prices, while BHP Group capitalizes on emerging demand for metals )iron, copper, nickel( from developing economies.

Financial Services: JPMorgan Chase, the largest US bank, leverages high interest rates and its diversification across commercial banking, investment, and credit cards.

Semiconductor Technology: NVIDIA leads in AI chips, TSMC manufactures advanced semiconductors, and ASML provides essential EUV lithography equipment. All have strong growth prospects.

Diversified Tech Giants: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet combine operational stability with constant innovation in AI, cloud, and artificial intelligence, offering a balance of growth and profitability.

Automotive: Toyota leads in hybrids and electric/hydrogen vehicles; Tesla maintains leadership in EV and technological innovation.

Luxury Consumer: LVMH repositions with Asian expansion and digital innovation.

Pharmaceuticals: Novo Nordisk leads markets in diabetes and obesity with a robust innovation pipeline.

Strategy to Identify Profitable Stocks in 2025

In this environment of trade tensions and protectionist policies, investors should apply specific criteria:

Strategic Diversification: Combine sector exposure )technology, finance, luxury, pharmaceuticals( with geographic diversification )US, Europe, Asia### to reduce regional and sector risks.

Financial Strength: Prioritize companies with robust operating margins, investment capacity in R&D, and strong cash positions. Those leading in innovation or digital transformation can grow even amid uncertainty.

Commercial Independence: Companies with less vulnerable business models to trade wars show lower volatility. Alternative: diversify within the portfolio between derivatives and traditional assets.

Geopolitical Monitoring: Stay informed about political developments, tariffs, conflicts, and regulatory changes to anticipate necessary portfolio adjustments.

How to Acquire These Most Profitable Stocks

( Available Investment Routes

Direct purchase of individual stocks: Through authorized brokers or banking institutions, allowing full control over portfolio composition.

Thematic investment funds: Include multiple stocks organized by country, sector, or strategy )active or passive management###. Simplifies diversification but limits individual control.

Derivatives and CFDs: Contracts for difference allow amplifying positions with less initial capital thanks to leverage. Useful for hedging volatility but require discipline and deep knowledge to avoid magnifying losses.

( Initial Steps to Get Started

1. Register on an authorized investment platform
2. Deposit funds with an initial amount according to risk profile
3. Execute trades following your personal strategy

In a context of aggressive economic policies, combining derivatives )tactical management( with traditional assets )strategic positions balances risks while maintaining exposure to promising sectors.

Conclusions: Invest Smartly in 2025

The year 2025 marks a transition from record-breaking returns to an environment characterized by near-unprecedented volatility. Markets shift from certainty to geopolitical complexity and trade protectionism, requiring strategic adaptation from investors.

Fundamental Recommendations:

• Diversify broadly across sectors and geographies to mitigate regional risks
• Incorporate defensive assets like bonds or gold to offset potential declines
• Avoid emotional decisions after stock panics; historically, major drops precede bullish corrections
• Actively monitor political, economic, and conflict developments to anticipate market movements

The most profitable stocks of 2025 are not necessarily those that rise the fastest, but those where solid fundamentals, innovation, and adaptability converge. In an uncertain environment, information and preparation are the best defenses.