Barclays’ picks for 2025 are a mix of energy, pharma, and tech stocks — each with solid potential for growth and a great place to start for new and seasoned investors
As we look ahead to 2025, Barclays is feeling positive about the stock market. Despite a few bumps on the horizon, they believe global shares are still a better bet than bonds or cash. If you’re looking to grow your money in the year ahead, Barclays has picked out three stocks they think are worth buying — all with big potential for growth according to CNBC.
Barclays’ picks for 2025 are a mix of energy, pharma, and tech stocks — each with solid potential for growth. Whether you’re into big names like Shell, looking for pharma breakthroughs with AstraZeneca, or eyeing the booming tech sector with Besi, these stocks could help your portfolio grow next year or start it if you are looking to get into investing. If you’re thinking about where to invest, these three could be worth a closer look.
Shell
Instead of forking out money for oil and gas, there’s a chance to make a big win in the energy sector with Shell, the oil and gas giant. Barclays is confident in the stock, with a target price of £36 ($45.60), meaning they think it could rise by around 40%. The reason? Shell is doing well on the operational side, making plenty of cash, and rewarding shareholders with dividends and buybacks.
Experts at Barclays say Shell is undervalued at the moment and is offering solid growth potential for 2025. They expect Shell to generate around $23 billion in free cash flow, which gives the company plenty of room to pay out dividends to investors and buy back shares. If you’re looking for a safe bet with some decent growth potential, Shell could be a good pick.
AstraZeneca
Yes, you probably know this company’s name from the pandemic, AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company has been making waves in the healthcare world. Barclays believes the company is set to have a breakthrough year in 2025. AstraZeneca has set an ambitious target of $80 billion in revenue by 2030 — $10 billion more than previously expected. Shares are currently trading at a discount compared to the last five years, which Barclays sees as a great opportunity for investors.
BE Semiconductor Industries
The final pick is BE Semiconductor Industries (Besi), a tech company that supplies equipment for making semiconductors (the little chips that power everything from smartphones to cars). Barclays sees Besi as a stock with strong growth potential, especially as the industry pushes for new technology to improve chip performance.
While Besi’s stock is priced higher than some of its competitors, Barclays believes the company’s leadership in advanced packaging and other cutting-edge tech justifies the price. They’ve set a target price of 160 euros ($169.50), giving it around 44% growth potential.
Before you dive in, it’s crucial to think about how much you’re prepared to lose — because all investments come with risks. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to chat with a financial advisor to make sure you’re making the right moves for your money. Please invest responsibly.
