Hidden Gems on My Investment Watchlist: Two Overlooked Stocks Worth Tracking

Building a successful investment portfolio requires looking beyond the obvious choices. While many investors focus on household names, I’ve found that adding lesser-known opportunities to my watchlist can unlock significant growth potential. Recently, I sat down with Tyler Crowe, a veteran analyst from Fool.com, to explore two companies that most investors haven’t discovered yet—but could become major players down the road.

Why Lesser-Known Companies Can Deliver Extraordinary Returns

The case for diversifying your watchlist beyond mainstream stocks is compelling when you examine the data. Consider Netflix: if you had invested $1,000 when the Motley Fool’s Stock Advisor recommended it on December 17, 2004, your position would have grown to $464,439. Or take Nvidia, recommended on April 15, 2005—a $1,000 investment at that time would now be worth $1,150,455.

These aren’t anomalies. Stock Advisor’s track record speaks volumes: subscribers have achieved an average return of 949%, crushing the S&P 500’s 195% performance. The key insight? Many of today’s biggest winners started as overlooked investments that required deeper due diligence to uncover. By continuously updating your watchlist with emerging opportunities, you position yourself to catch the next breakout before the crowd does.

Underrated Opportunities Beyond Mainstream Stock Picks

Two specific names have earned spots on my current watchlist: Ternium, a steel producer with significant untapped potential, and Paysign, a fintech company operating in a growth-oriented sector. While Paysign already appears in the Motley Fool’s portfolio recommendations, both represent the type of undiscovered or underappreciated securities that can generate outsized returns.

The Motley Fool’s analyst team has identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now—names that could produce substantial gains over the coming years. If you’re serious about building a diversified watchlist, joining their Stock Advisor community provides access to their latest research and recommendations. This isn’t just about individual stock picks; it’s about learning the framework these seasoned investors use to spot opportunities before they become obvious.

Building Your Own Watchlist for Future Growth

The opportunity exists for any investor willing to do the work. Rather than following the herd into popular stocks, maintain an active watchlist of names with genuine growth catalysts. Research analysts, review financial fundamentals, and stay ahead of market consensus. The difference between ordinary returns and extraordinary ones often comes down to patience and the willingness to explore beyond the mainstream—exactly what a well-constructed watchlist enables.

Stock prices referenced reflect morning trading on January 22, 2026. Returns data as of January 27, 2026.