From Underdogs to Worthy Contenders: Stock Losers Poised for 2024 Success

Investors know that stock turnarounds can sneak up when least expected. Despite the inherent risks, there’s always a glimmer of hope for previous year’s underperformers to make a remarkable comeback. As we ponder risky endeavors like betting on high-performing stocks continuing to dominate the market, it’s often the underdogs that surprise us the most. These overlooked companies, with low expectations, have the potential to rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

Philip Morris (PM)

packs of cigarettes in convenience store rack

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Philip Morris (NYSE:PM) might seem like a lost cause to most, especially given the declining global smoking rates and the contentious nature of the tobacco industry. Yet, there’s a glimmer of potential for a turnaround. As tobacco firms like Philip Morris shift their focus to heat-not-burn devices, and with varying smoking rates across different countries, the company could still surprise the market. Moreover, PM offers substantial margins and a consistent 5.76% dividend yield, placing it firmly in the running for a remarkable turnaround.

Gilead Sciences (GILD)

A Gilead Sciences (GILD) sign at the company headquarters in Silicon Valley, California.

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Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD), a major player in the biopharmaceutical industry, has encountered substantial volatility in its stock value, with a 14% drop in the last year alone. However, with breakthrough treatments for various diseases like HIV/AIDS and Covid-19, GILD remains a strong contender for a significant turnaround. Analysts even anticipate a 22% potential upside for GILD. These factors position Gilead Sciences as a promising candidate for a remarkable stock recovery.

Agco (AGCO)

An image of AGCO's website, with a magnifying glass over the company logo.

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AGCO (NYSE:AGCO), an agricultural machinery manufacturer, has faced a tough year with a significant decline in stock value. However, the severe volatility seems overblown when considering its vital role in the food value chain. AGCO’s recent record net sales showcase its potential for growth in a recovering economy. With these factors in mind, AGCO presents a compelling case for a remarkable stock turnaround in the near future.

Financial News Four Stocks Poised for Turnaround Potential
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Agco (AGCO)

One of the more bullish signs for Agco (NYSE:AGCO) is the company’s remarkable revenue growth, which has been climbing consistently over the last three years. Indeed, in 2023, the agricultural giant’s tally jumped by 13.9% compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the company’s 16.7% revenue growth rate over the past three years is significantly higher than that of the majority of its competition, standing above nearly 78% of them. Despite this impressive growth, Agco’s shares are inexplicably undervalued, trading at just 0.57 times its trailing-year sales.

Biogen (BIIB)

BIIB stock: Biogen Factory Building in: Luterbach Solothurn Switzerland

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Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) could be a promising prospect for investors willing to take a contrarian approach. Despite a decline in 2023, the company specializes in therapies for neurological diseases, a field with a potential market set to reach $125.6 billion in 2029. Critics have expressed concern over Biogen’s stock performance, which has fallen by more than 18% this year. Nevertheless, the company’s current forward earnings multiple of 15X, coupled with analysts’ moderate buy rating and an average price target of $297.67, might indicate a turnaround in the making for Biogen.

B2Gold (BTG)

b2gold (BTG) logo on a web browser enlarged by a magnifying glass

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B2Gold (NYSEAMERICAN:BTG) may have fallen out of favor with the market in recent times, with a loss of over 19% since the beginning of the year and a more than 24% decline over the past year. However, from a fundamental perspective, the Canadian mining company is poised to benefit from the rising demand for precious resources driven by advanced technological solutions such as electric vehicles. Furthermore, inflationary pressures should also play to B2Gold’s advantage. Analysts back this up, rating the stock as a consensus strong buy with an average price target of $4.28.

Transocean (RIG)

Transocean logo on a laptop screen. RIG stock.

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Lastly, Transocean (NYSE:RIG) stands as a prime contender for a rebound, despite a decline of nearly 22% since the beginning of the year and a drop of almost 41% in the trailing six months. The world’s largest offshore drilling contractor may benefit from the booming economic metrics, including robust U.S. GDP and strong jobs reports. These factors could pave the way for increased demand for hydrocarbons, ultimately boosting RIG stock. While the company has grappled with operating losses, analysts maintain a bullish outlook, offering a high-side price target of $12, representing over 145% upside potential.

Ideal Power (IPWR)



Embracing the Potential of Ideal Power Stocks for the Contrarian Investor

Is Ideal Power (NASDAQ:IPWR) a hidden gem in the stock market? Despite a strong cash-to-debt ratio, the company faces significant challenges such as a low Altman Z-Score and a sky-high price-to-sales ratio. However, for contrarian investors, Ideal Power’s focus on pioneering energy control solutions might present an intriguing opportunity amidst the bearish sentiments.

Company Snapshot: Looking Beyond the Financial Numbers

With a robust cash-to-debt ratio of nearly 49X, Ideal Power (IPWR) presents an encouraging financial picture. However, this positive aspect is overshadowed by the company’s Altman Z-Score of 0.86, indicating deep distress, and a price-to-sales ratio of almost 273X. These seemingly bearish indicators have contributed to a decline of more than 12% since the beginning of the year, and nearly 45% over the past 52 weeks.

Pioneering Technology and Contrarian Potential

Despite the financial challenges, Ideal Power’s focus on pioneering the development and commercialization of its patented bidirectional semiconductor power switch presents an intriguing narrative for contrarian investors. The company aims to create highly efficient and environmentally friendly energy control solutions for electric vehicles, EV charging, renewable energy, and other innovations. The potential impact of this technology lies in its ability to reduce conduction and switching losses, ultimately improving operational efficiencies.

Analyst Outlook and Contrarian Opportunity

Despite the challenges, David Williams from Benchmark believes in Ideal Power’s technology, rating the stock a “buy” with an $18 price target, implying a significant 165% upside potential. This positive outlook from an analyst adds an interesting dimension to Ideal Power’s contrarian appeal for investors looking to take a position in the company.

Final Thoughts

For contrarian investors, Ideal Power’s focus on pioneering energy control solutions may present a unique opportunity amidst its financial challenges. While the company faces significant headwinds in the stock market, the innovative technology it is striving to develop and commercialize offers an intriguing narrative for investors looking beyond the financial numbers.

On the date of publication, Josh Enomoto did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

A former senior business analyst for Sony Electronics, Josh Enomoto has helped broker major contracts with Fortune Global 500 companies. Over the past several years, he has delivered unique, critical insights for the investment markets, as well as various other industries including legal, construction management, and healthcare. Tweet him at @EnomotoMedia.


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