Unassuming stocks are revving up for an unexpected sprint this February, and savvy investors might want to secure a front-row seat to the action. These stocks have quietly broken into a sprint after trailing behind during the bullish heyday that dawned in spring 2023. Their recent surge is underwritten by favorable catalysts: robust financial results, promising future projections, stock repurchases, and dividends.

Analysts are hustling to recalibrate their forecasts for these stocks during the ongoing earnings season. Anticipating the potential of these underdogs and making a strategic move before their value skyrockets could spell the difference between triumph and downfall for investors. But fret not – we’ve got your back with three overlooked stocks that might just ignite a showstopping performance this February.

Restaurant Brands International (QSR)

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Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR) delivered robust financial results for the fourth quarter, primarily driven by strong sales at its Burger King and Tim Hortons restaurant chains. The company, also the owner of Popeyes Chicken and Firehouse Subs, reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.75, surpassing the $0.73 projection on Wall Street. In the October-December period, total sales amounted to $1.82 billion, outshining the estimated $1.81 billion. This represented an 8% increase from the previous year.

A beloved Canadian coffee chain, Tim Hortons, saw its same-store sales leap by 8.4% year-over-year, overtaking the estimated 4.7%. Burger King marked a 6.3% growth in same-store sales, while Popeyes observed a 5.5% increase. Burger King has devoted a year to its revitalization plan, channeling funds toward restaurant renovations and more substantial investments in advertising. Furthermore, Restaurant Brands acquired Carrols Restaurant Group, the largest U.S. franchisee for Burger King, in a $1 billion pact to expedite the renovation of its restaurants.

Notably, QSR shares have rallied by 15% over the past 12 months, hinting at further potential upswings.

Caterpillar (CAT)

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Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) is yet another stock making a comeback on investors’ radars. CAT shares ascended by 5% following the release of robust Q4 2023 results by the construction equipment manufacturer. Caterpillar reported Q4 earnings per share (EPS) of $5.23, surpassing the analysts’ $4.76 prediction. The company recorded sales of $17.10 billion, aligning with Wall Street’s forecasts. Known for its hallmark yellow and black dump trucks, Caterpillar registered an operating profit margin of 18.9%, a notable jump from 17% the previous year.

In terms of outlook, Caterpillar anticipates that its 2024 sales will mirror those of the prior year. Additionally, it has forecasted a profit margin of 19% for the current year. With the economy maintaining its vigor and federal and state governments persisting in their infrastructure ventures, Caterpillar’s earnings might exceed expectations both this year and in 2025. After years of neglect, CAT shares have rebooted, boasting a 10% rise in 2024, and a remarkable 31% surge over the past 12 months.

Ford (F)

Ford Delivers Strong Q4 2023 Earnings and Special Dividend News

Ford Announces Special Dividend in Addition to Q4 2023 Earnings

In a financial move that set the stock market abuzz, Ford (NYSE:F) turned heads with a remarkable announcement. Not only did the Detroit automaker issue better-than-expected Q4 2023 earnings, but it also disclosed that a bounteous special dividend would soon be headed shareholders’ way. The special dividend, set at a generous $0.18 per share, is paired with its first-quarter regular dividend payment of $0.15 a share. Both dividends are scheduled to be payable on March 1. The dividend yield on Ford’s stock currently sits at a very respectable 4.79%, and this does not even include the forthcoming special payout to stockholders.

Ford’s Strong Q4 2023 Financial Performance Defies Adversity

Amidst challenges such as a six-week strike last autumn by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, Ford managed to defy the naysayers with an impressive performance in Q4 2023. The automotive giant announced a commendable EPS of $0.29, outshining the $0.14 forecasted across Wall Street. Furthermore, the revenue generated in the quarter amounted to a whopping $43.20 billion, surpassing the estimated $40.12 billion. Notably, sales surged by 4% from the previous year, showcasing the company’s resilience and operational prowess. The market’s ecstatic response to these results and the unprecedented special dividend was evidenced in a 3% stock price increase year to date for Ford.

Analyst Joel Baglole Views on Ford: A Respected Voice in Business Journalism

Renowned business journalist Joel Baglole, with two decades of experience in the field, provided insight into Ford’s recent developments. Having spent five years as a staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal and with contributions to prestigious publications including The Washington Post and Toronto Star, Baglole’s analysis brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a robust background in financial journalism, including notable contributions to renowned websites such as The Motley Fool and Investopedia, his take on Ford’s strategic moves enriches our understanding of the automotive industry’s contemporary landscape.

On this date, it should be noted that Joel Baglole has no direct or indirect positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The insights articulated are entirely the author’s own, in accordance with the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.