Investors are finding themselves in a landscape fraught with uncertainty, characterized by the Trump administration’s clumsy tariff discussions that have thrown the markets into a tailspin. After a week of choppy trading, highlighted by a Friday rally that felt more like a wobble than a signal of recovery, many analysts are left scratching their heads. But amid all this confusion and volatility lies an opportunity: the chance to invest in stocks that display resilience and potential for long-term growth, even in turbulent times. As we navigate through these dicey waters, we must focus on companies that not only survive but thrive in an unpredictable market.
A plethora of stock picks from seasoned Wall Street analysts offers piercing insights into companies equipped to weather these tempests. And today, I spotlight three companies that are not just buzzwords in finance circles—they promise to be the heavyweights of tomorrow based on their robust fundamentals.
Zscaler: The Cybersecurity Pioneer
Leading the charge is Zscaler (ZS), which has emerged as a beacon of hope in the ever-evolving cybersecurity space. The company is making headlines with its Zero Trust Exchange platform, a solution that ensures users, devices, and data are safeguarded from the increasing threat of cyberattacks. What’s compelling about Zscaler is its remarkable second-quarter fiscal results, significantly bolstered by the dual forces of artificial intelligence and an increasing shift to Zero Trust paradigms.
TD Cowen’s analyst Shaul Eyal is unequivocally bullish on Zscaler, maintaining a buy rating with an ambitious price target of $270. This growth outlook isn’t baseless; Eyal identifies a slew of catalysts that have set Zscaler on this upward trajectory. Notably, the company’s revamped go-to-market strategy has led to improved sales productivity and a reduction in sales attrition. This reflects a well-oiled business machine that is only expected to gain momentum in the upcoming quarters—especially as AI continues to shape the demand for innovative cybersecurity solutions.
Eyal’s prediction of a staggering $3 billion in annual recurring revenue by the end of fiscal 2025 demonstrates Zscaler’s fortified market position. Additionally, Zscaler’s significant footprint in federal contracts, serving 14 out of 15 U.S. cabinet agencies, cannot be overstated—it solidifies its role as an essential player in national cybersecurity.
Costco: Staying Strong in Retail Chaos
Next on the list is Costco Wholesale (COST), a powerhouse in the membership-only warehouse sector. Even in the face of mixed financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025—where revenue surpassed expectations but earnings slightly disappointed—Costco stands as an exemplar of resilience. Jefferies analyst Corey Tarlowe’s optimism is palpable, particularly due to the company’s solid comparable sales growth of 8.3%, cushioning the blow from earnings misses exacerbated by foreign exchange fluctuations and other market headwinds.
What sets Costco apart, as highlighted by Tarlowe, is its robust business model characterized by high private label penetration and a steadfast retail strategy that protects it from the backlash of impending tariffs. The fact that only a third of its U.S. sales are imported, with less than half sourced from China, gives Costco a cushion against the financial ramifications of fluctuating trade policies.
By raising the price target from $1,145 to $1,180, Tarlowe conveys confidence in Costco’s long-term viability. Its blend of steady traffic growth and increasing membership fees makes it an attractive option for investors looking for stability in an otherwise tumultuous market landscape.
Karman Holdings: Defying Gravity in Defense
The final highlight is Karman Holdings (KRMN), a name that recently made its way into the public markets as a formidable player in defense and space systems. With a diverse portfolio encompassing payload and defense systems, Karman comes at a time when military and space industries are not only vital but ripe for growth.
Evercore analyst Amit Daryanani sheds light on Karman’s strengths, particularly the increasing U.S. orbital launch volume and the focus on missile defense systems. These market dynamics present a rich tapestry of opportunity, pushing Karman’s fiscal 2025 sales projected to grow by 18% year-on-year. This staggering growth reflects the company’s positioning underpinned by global military rearmament and a technology-focused defense approach.
Daryanani’s buy rating and price target of $38 reveal confidence that Karman is set for sustained mid-to-high teens growth given its impeccable timing in a sector that is likely to experience increased spending from both the U.S. and its NATO allies.
As we collectively tread through this complex economic environment, these three stocks—Zscaler, Costco, and Karman Holdings—stand not merely as safe havens but as dynamic players offering potentially lucrative returns for the future. The path ahead may be rocky, but insight and prudent investments can create opportunities in a world where uncertainty reigns supreme.