US stocks had a great 2024 but there still were names last year that failed to capitalise on the positive sentiment.
A handful of them, however, are fairly positioned for a comeback this year, according to analysts at Jefferies.
Two in particular that are buy-rated and are already showing signs of improvement are Align Technology and Valvoline Inc.
Here’s what these two have in store for investors in 2025.
Align Technology Inc (NASDAQ: ALGN)
Align Technology missed Wall Street estimates for its fourth-quarter earnings.
On February 5, the medical device company provided guidance for full-year revenue, expecting only low single-digit growth, signaling a more cautious outlook.
Still, shares of Align Technology inched up 1.0% following the earnings release, suggesting the stock may have bottomed.
Jefferies analysts are keeping bullish on ALGN also because underneath a seemingly disappointing financial report were “some signs that case volume might be stabilising globally.”
The investment firm sees an upside in Align Technology stock to $260, which indicates potential for about a 30% gain from current levels.
Its analysts recommend being patient with the Nasdaq-listed firm also because it has a strong innovation pipeline.
Align’s new products like the “Invisalign Palatal Expander and the next-gen Lumina scanner will be a tailwind to growth in F25,” they told clients in a research note this week.
The company based out of Tempe, AZ is scheduled to present its latest innovations at the International Dental Show (IDS) in late March.
Some of ALGN’s weakness last year was related to Hedgeye which added Align Technology Inc to its list of short ideas in June.
Valvoline Inc (NYSE: VVV)
Valvoline – a Lexington headquartered automotive services company, is among the laggards of 2024 that Jefferies expects will make a comeback this year.
In fact, the New York-listed firm is already outperforming the benchmark S&P 500 index in 2025.
Jefferies dubs VVV a top pick for the new year “supported by steady industry tailwinds in growing vehicle PARC & vehicle miles travelled (VMT).”
The firm has a “buy” rating on Valvoline stock, with a price target of $49, suggesting a potential upside of around 30% from current levels.
Jefferies expects VVV to improve its market share in the quick lube industry as it continues to open new units in 2025.
The firm’s investments in customer service will also help with customer acquisition, its analysts told clients in a research note.
“Further tailwinds from continued momentum in higher margin service mix” may also help drive Valvoline stock up in the months ahead, the investment firm added.
Earlier this week, Valvoline said it was buying Breeze Autocare from Greenbriar. Much like Align Technology, however, VVV shares do not currently pay a dividend either.
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