Boaty McBoatface’s 10 Favorite Stocks at the Moment

These selections balance defensive characteristics with compelling catalysts and reasonable valuations in today’s challenging macro environment.

1. Constellation Energy (CEG) – $219.50

Investment Premise: Positioned at the intersection of clean energy transition and AI infrastructure demand.

Why We’re Bullish: CEG’s regulated utility model provides inflation protection while offering growth through data center power demand. With AI developments requiring massive energy infrastructure, CEG sits in a sweet spot with its nuclear fleet providing reliable baseload power to support computing demands.

Catalysts:

• Nuclear expansion approval (June 2025) unlocks significant capacity growth

• Rising electricity demand from hyperscale data centers (+40% CAGR)

• Clean energy tax credits enhancing margin profiles

Risk Management: 85% of revenue from regulated/contracted operations provides significant downside protection during economic turbulence.

2. Chubb Limited (CB) – $298.50

Investment Premise: Hard insurance market champion with pricing power in an increasingly risk-prone world.

Why We’re Bullish: Chubb reported “the best year in its history” in 2024, with exceptional underwriting results and record investment income1. Despite pending $1.5 billion in Q1 2025 costs from California wildfires, CEO Evan Greenberg remains confident in continued “double-digit growth in operating earnings and EPS”1.

Catalysts:

• $1.2B in climate-risk reinsurance deals closing in Q3 20254

• Structural changes introduced during hard market expected to endure through 20257

• Commercial P&C growth targeting businesses below $1B in revenue1

Risk Management: Disciplined underwriting approach with Greenberg emphasizing Chubb “will not underwrite policies unless it can secure a fair return on the risks involved”1.

3. Autodesk (ADSK) – $261.60

Investment Premise: AI-powered productivity tools creator with expanding margin profile.

Why We’re Bullish: Autodesk’s AI implementation is generating tangible productivity gains across manufacturing workflows. Their Fusion 360 platform is revolutionizing design processes with generative AI capabilities that optimize designs for manufacturing methods, performance, and cost58.

Catalysts:

• Fusion 360 AI integration rollout (September 2025)

• New Form Explorer tool for automotive exterior design coming to Alias11

• Enhanced Autodesk Assistant providing expert manufacturing guidance14

Risk Management: Diversified customer base across industries provides resilience to sector-specific downturns.

4. HCA Healthcare (HCA) – $329.25

Investment Premise: Defensive healthcare leader with scale advantages and demographic tailwinds.

Why We’re Bullish: HCA’s facility expansion provides growth while its essential service nature offers recession resistance. As the largest hospital operator in the U.S., HCA benefits from economies of scale, superior physician recruitment, and negotiating leverage with insurers.

Catalysts:

• 23 new Ambulatory Surgery Centers opening throughout 2025

• Medicare Advantage rate finalization (July 15, 2025)

• Margin expansion through outpatient care shift

Risk Management: Essential healthcare demand creates stable, predictable cash flows regardless of economic conditions.

5. AGCO Corporation (AGCO) – $95.15

Investment Premise: Agricultural technology leader positioned for electrification and precision farming growth.

Why We’re Bullish: AGCO is at the forefront of agricultural innovation with its electric tractor development and autonomous solutions. The Fendt e100 Vario battery-electric tractor represents a key component of their sustainable agriculture initiative915.

Catalysts:

• Farm bill subsidies vote (August 2025) could significantly boost demand6

• Fendt e100 tractor production tripling (Q4 2025)9

• Autonomous grain cart and tractor introduction (2025-2026)12

Risk Management: AGCO’s diversified product line across power ranges provides flexibility regardless of adoption pace18.

6. Berkshire Hills Bancorp (BHLB) – $26.13

Investment Premise: Northeast regional bank trading at substantial discount to tangible book value.

Why We’re Bullish: BHLB operates in resilient northeastern markets with minimal exposure to troubled commercial real estate categories. Its conservative loan portfolio and strong deposit base position it well for expanding net interest margins as the Fed potentially raises rates in 2026.

Catalysts:

• Net interest margin expansion as rates stabilize/increase

• Resolution of CRE market uncertainties boosting sentiment

• Regional banking consolidation potential

Risk Management: 0.94x price-to-tangible book value provides meaningful downside protection.

7. Brunswick Corporation (BC) – $58.32

Investment Premise: Marine sector leader trading at deep discount to historical valuation.

Why We’re Bullish: Brunswick’s vertically integrated model spans boats, engines, and marine technology, creating multiple revenue streams. Current inventory destocking phase has depressed valuation while masking the company’s strong long-term position in recreational boating.

Catalysts:

• Mercury Racing partnership announcement (Q3 2025)

• Inventory normalization completion by year-end 2025

• Marine technology division growth exceeding expectations

Risk Management: Strong balance sheet with manageable debt load provides flexibility through market cycles.

8. Gilead Sciences (GILD) – $111.72

Investment Premise: Undervalued biopharma giant with growing oncology portfolio.

Why We’re Bullish: Gilead’s HIV franchise provides steady cash flow while its emerging oncology assets represent significant growth potential. The market has failed to appropriately value pipeline progress, creating an entry opportunity.

Catalysts:

• Phase 3 lupus drug data (October 2025)

• HIV treatment renewals accelerating in 2025

• Oncology pipeline maturation and label expansions

Risk Management: 4% dividend yield provides income while waiting for pipeline catalysts to materialize.

9. Brookline Bancorp (BRKL) – $10.87

Investment Premise: High-quality regional bank with pristine asset quality at deep discount.

Why We’re Bullish: BRKL operates in attractive Boston and Providence markets with a focus on relationship banking. Its 0.3% non-performing loan ratio showcases exceptional underwriting standards, while trading at just 0.7x tangible book value.

Catalysts:

• New Jersey commercial real estate recovery

• Expense reduction initiatives bearing fruit in 2025

• Rising probability of regional bank M&A activity

Risk Management: 68% loan-to-deposit ratio provides significant flexibility for growth without dependence on wholesale funding.

10. iShares MSCI Malaysia (EWM) – $23.48

Investment Premise: Overlooked emerging market beneficiary of semiconductor diversification.

Why We’re Bullish: Malaysia stands to benefit significantly from semiconductor supply chain diversification away from China and Taiwan. The significantly undervalued ringgit (24% below purchasing power parity) provides a currency revaluation opportunity as investments flow in.

Catalysts:

• TSMC Malaysia fab completion (Q1 2026)

• Rising semiconductor capital expenditures

• Undervalued currency relative to trading partners

Risk Management: Commodity export diversification provides natural hedge against global economic volatility.

This portfolio combines defensive positions (CB, HCA) with value opportunities (BRKL, BC) and strategic growth plays (ADSK, AGCO) to provide balanced exposure through uncertain markets. The 2027 price targets offer 31-66% upside potential with an average expected return of 47% over the next 22 months.