Investment Guide 2025: Selective of 15 Profitable Companies in Volatile Markets

After a 2024 filled with all-time highs, 2025 has brought a drastic change to the global markets. Tariffs imposed by the US administration—10% base on all imports, 50% on the European Union, 55% accumulated on China, and 24% on Japan—have caused unprecedented recent turbulence. Stock indices fluctuate in and out of negative territory, while gold surpasses $3,300 per ounce seeking refuge.

However, after the initial correction in March-April, major indices have been regaining ground and are once again approaching all-time highs. This rebound opens windows of opportunity for investors who can identify companies with solid fundamentals and real growth prospects.

Top 5: The Most Attractive Companies to Invest in This Year

1. Novo Nordisk (NVO) — Leadership in Metabolic Treatments

The Danish pharmaceutical company has consolidated its dominance in diabetes and obesity, with sales reaching $42.1 billion in 2024 (growth of 26%). Despite a 27% drop in March 2025 due to competition from Eli Lilly and mixed clinical trial results, the company responded with strategic moves: acquisition of Catalent for $16.5 billion in December 2024 and an agreement with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals for $1 billion to license LX9851, a drug with a different mechanism.

With operating margins of 43%, a robust pipeline including amycretin (24% weight loss in early studies), and expanding global demand, it presents an opportunity after its stock correction.

2. LVMH (MC) — Recovery in Global Luxury

The French conglomerate closed 2024 with revenues of €84.7 billion and an operating margin of 23.1%, demonstrating resilience. The 7.7% decline in April due to modest 3% growth in Q1 2025 and US tariffs (reduced to 10% until July) created attractive entry opportunities.

LVMH strengthens with the Dreamscape AI platform for personalization and expansion in Japan (double-digit growth), Middle East (+6% regional), and India with new Louis Vuitton and Dior stores. The stock correction contrasts with medium-term fundamental catalysts.

3. ASML (ASML) — Indispensable Position in Semiconductors

This Dutch company manufactures 100% of the global EUV machines, essential for advanced chips. With sales of €28.3 billion in 2024, a gross margin of 54% in Q1 2025, and guidance of €30-35 billion for 2025, it maintains strong operational defenses.

The 30% decline over the past year reflects concerns about reduced capex in Intel/Samsung and Dutch export restrictions to China (-10-15% estimated in sales). However, structural demand for AI chips supports recovery: the recent correction offers an attractive entry point.

4. Microsoft Corp (MSFT) — Aggressive Pivot Toward AI

Revenue of $245.1 billion in FY2024 (+16%), net income of $88.1 billion (+22%), with Azure growing 33% in Q3 fiscal 2025. The 20% correction from highs reflected doubts about valuation and regulatory uncertainty (FTC investigation into monopolistic practices in cloud).

The strategy is clear: record investment in AI and internal restructuring (+15,000 layoffs from May to July to redirect resources). Operating margin of 46% in Q3 and leadership position in enterprise copilot justify reconnecting with fundamentals after volatility.

5. Alibaba (BABA) — Structural Recovery in China

The tech giant reported revenues of ¥236.45 billion in Q1 2025, with adjusted net profit +22% driven by Cloud Intelligence (+18%). After a 35% retracement from 2024 highs, the stock rose 40% until February before giving back 7% post-earnings.

A three-year plan of $52 billion in AI/cloud infrastructure and a campaign of ¥50 billion in coupons revitalize domestic demand. Recent volatility reflects nervousness over massive capex, not fundamental deterioration; taking advantage of low prices now opens future profitability windows.

Complete Portfolio of 15 Companies for Diversification

Data updated as of July 7, 2025

Why These 15 Companies to Invest in Stand Out in 2025

The selection balances short/medium-term profitability, controlled risk, and geographic diversification (US, Europe, Asia) to hedge against regional shocks.

Energy and Materials: Exxon Mobil leverages high oil prices with financial discipline. BHP Group benefits from demand in emerging economies for iron, copper, and nickel.

Finance: JPMorgan Chase, the largest US bank, benefits from high interest rates and diversification across commercial banking, investment, and credit cards.

Pharma: Novo Nordisk leads innovation in diabetes-obesity with a robust pipeline and strategic acquisitions to expand production capacity.

Luxury and Consumer Goods: LVMH reopens Asian markets; Alibaba resurges after Chinese regulations with massive plans in AI/cloud.

Automotive: Toyota offers stability in hybrids and green tech; Tesla maintains EV leadership with sustained innovation.

Semiconductors: NVIDIA dominates AI chips; TSMC is a key global manufacturer; ASML is the sole provider of EUV machines. All three maintain strong outlooks.

Tech Giants: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet combine proven profitability, operational diversification, and constant innovation—pillars of balanced portfolios.

How to Identify Profitable Companies in a Protectionist Context

In an environment of unprecedented tariff tensions, investors should:

Prioritize sectoral and geographic diversification. Favor companies with strong positioning in domestic markets or models less dependent on cross-border trade.

Seek leaders in innovation and digitalization. These respond to global structural demand (AI, cloud, advanced semiconductors) that transcend cyclical volatility.

Maintain geopolitical vigilance. Changes in trade policies, regulation, and conflicts can reconfigure portfolios in hours. Informed flexibility is a competitive advantage.

Distinguish between corrections and fundamental deterioration. Many declines in 2025 reflect valuation adjustments, not underlying business failures.

How to Access These Companies to Invest In

Individual Stocks: Direct purchase via authorized broker for maximum control and business knowledge.

Thematic Funds: Offer instant diversification (by country, sector, strategy) with active or passive management. Trade-off: less individual selection power.

Derivatives (CFDs): Allow amplifying positions with reduced initial capital or hedging risks through leverage. Require strict discipline; gains and losses can be magnified.

In uncertain economic contexts, combining traditional assets with select derivatives (balancing risk) maintains long-term exposure to promising sectors.

Conclusion: Investing in 2025 Requires Balance and Vigilance

2025 will mark a transition from record returns to structural volatility. Past gains do not predict future performance; the current environment is unique, and predictive challenges are real.

Recommended investment approach:

• Build a diversified portfolio by sector and geography.
• Include safe-haven assets (bonds, gold) to cushion potential losses.
• Avoid panic selling after major corrections; rebounds often follow.
• Actively monitor political, economic, and geopolitical developments.

Staying informed means being prepared. The companies to invest in today are those with solid fundamentals, strategic adaptability, and alignment with long-term global trends.