SUPERIOR SELECTIONS
The U.S. stock market’s inexorable rise continued in 2025, marking the fourth year in the past five in which the S&P 500 Index gained at least 15% (provided there wasn’t a sharp downturn after our mid-December print deadline).
More than half of the index’s gains are attributable to the Magnificent 7 stocks, however. So it’s a tough challenge to ask our quartet of veteran investors to share their suggestions for the best stocks that are based in North Carolina or at least have strong ties here.
Looking back, Ann Zuraw scored the best pick with AAR, the aviation services company that gained 31% through mid-December. It has an increased presence in the Triad after buying the HAECO maintenance business. Frank Jolley had a winner with fertilizer producer Nutrien, which gained 28%.
The weakest selection came from Bobby Edgerton, who expected Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to rebound after signing a deal to supply McDonald ‘s with pastries. The pact didn’t work and our state’s famous doughnut company declined an unsweet 55%.
Looking ahead, investors Zuraw and Edgerton both expect Old Dominion Freight Line to rebound after declining about 22% over the past year. It was an unusual slump for the Thomasville-based trucker, which was a top U.S. stock as it soared tenfold between 2016 and late 2024.
About 10 other stocks are recommended by our panel. And since everything is about AI these days, we asked ChatGPT to pick three North Carolina-based companies. See the results below.
Good luck, investors!
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