Hunting for the "star" stocks of 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, analysts predict that certain sectors are likely to offer good investment opportunities right now.

Looking ahead to 2025, analysts predict that certain sectors are likely to offer good investment opportunities right now.

High expectations for banking stocks.

In the general analysis of many financial experts, the banking sector is receiving particular attention with expectations of a breakthrough in 2025.

According to Ms. Do Hong Van, Head of Analysis at FiinTrade, to choose an investment sector for 2025, investors need to base their decisions on profit prospects and valuation levels within the industry over the past five years, thereby selecting stocks in sectors with reasonable valuations and positive profit prospects.

Based on statistical data, Ms. Do Hong Van has a fairly positive assessment of the banking sector's prospects in 2025. While the banking sector is currently experiencing growth exceeding 10%, which is not too low, compared to historical and average growth rates, it is not yet commensurate with an industry that has many favorable conditions for significant improvement in profit scale like banking.

In terms of valuation, the banking sector is currently undervalued. In 2025, Vietnam's growth drivers will largely come from domestic sources, including increased public investment and improved private investment. "As private investment improves, credit growth will rebound and become a key driver for the banking sector in 2025, which will become more evident next year," predicts the head of analysis at FiinTrade.

This expert also stated that investors may be concerned about the fact that Circular 02/2023/TT-NHNN will not be extended. However, looking at the current situation, non-performing loans at banks are at their highest level ever, but banks are also actively setting aside provisions. Therefore, with positive prospects for credit growth and proactive measures from banks, the opportunity for revaluation of the banking sector next year is becoming even clearer.

From the perspective of an investment fund, PYN Elite – an investment fund from Finland – still holds a significant proportion of bank stocks in its portfolio. According to this fund, the banking sector offers strong profit growth potential in the coming years, especially given the attractive conditions of Vietnam's GDP growth rate, which could reach 7% per year.

PYN Elite Fund continues to maintain its holdings in bank stocks, focusing on those expected to experience impressive profit growth in 2025. “Vietnamese banks could even outperform US technology companies in terms of profit growth. This could be the right time to shift allocations from trending technology stocks to Vietnamese banks,” PYN Elite assessed.

Should you choose growth or defensive stocks?

Besides the banking sector, which has received much consensus in positive forecasts for next year, several other sectors have also been mentioned with expectations of outstanding growth.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Duc, Director of Digital Business at VPBank Securities Joint Stock Company (VPBankS), named three sectors other than banking that have the potential to lead the market. These include the energy sector, encompassing oil and gas stocks, retail oil and gas, and the transportation of petroleum products from overseas. This group of stocks is considered safe despite adverse scenarios such as high inflation or exchange rate fluctuations.

2025 is a crucial year – the end of the 2021-2025 Economic Development Plan and a pivotal year for the coming era, with comprehensive reform plans focusing on the quality of growth. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese stock market is still awaiting a new breakthrough; the generally subdued trading suggests investors remain hesitant to disburse funds.

The second sector is real estate, with a clear market recovery in the North and signs of a resurgence in the South. Consumer demand for real estate remains strong, therefore real estate companies with large land reserves, including both industrial and residential properties, will benefit from high land compensation rates.

The third sector highlighted by VPBankS experts is the retail sector. This sector is projected to recover due to increased demand, improved consumer spending, and the overall economic recovery.

Besides sectors with good growth prospects in the coming year, investors are also interested in safe, defensive stocks. For investors with a low risk tolerance who desire steady income and capital preservation, Guotai Junan Securities (Vietnam) suggests an investment strategy focusing on stocks with stable cash dividends.

Stable cash dividends are a primary source of income for many investors who prefer safety, especially given the potential volatility of bank interest rates and other safe-haven investments. Investors may be interested in listed companies with a history of consistently paying dividends for at least 5-10 consecutive years and strong financial health.

Good liquidity and a stable business sector are also important considerations for investors. In fact, stocks of companies operating in sectors less affected by economic cycles, such as utilities, consumer goods, or healthcare , tend to have a more stable dividend payout ratio than volatile sectors like real estate or technology. A stable business sector helps companies maintain revenue and profits, even during economic downturns or volatility, thereby ensuring their ability to pay dividends.

Based on the above criteria, Guotai Junan (Vietnam) has developed a screening system to identify stocks that offer stable dividends and are safe for investors with a low risk tolerance. Many recommended stocks include TCW, QNS, VEA, CLC, SMB, etc.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/san-tim-co-phieu-ngoi-sao-nam-2025-d232733.html