Stocks to Buy in February. Part IV.


Ventas (VTR)

Entry: Unlock

Price target: 74.00-76.00

Second PT: Unlock

If you're looking for a nearly bulletproof real estate investment trust (REIT), Ventas, Inc. should be on your radar. Specializing in the acquisition and ownership of senior housing and healthcare properties, Ventas operates in a sector poised for strong, long-term growth. The senior housing market is expected to expand at a 6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years (Mordor Intelligence), driven by powerful demographic tailwinds.

Between now and 2027, 10,000 to 12,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day, fueling demand for senior housing and healthcare facilities. Notably, 2024 marked the peak year for baby boomers reaching this milestone, reinforcing the long-term investment thesis for Ventas. While most 65-year-olds won’t immediately require senior housing, market sentiment often moves ahead of fundamentals—potentially setting the stage for a bullish shift in the sector.

From a financial perspective, Ventas has demonstrated steady growth over the past seven years, with the exception of 2020’s pandemic-related setback. Revenue growth has accelerated over the last two years, reaching 9% in 2023 and 9.5% in 2024. The company also boasts a strong balance sheet with $11 billion in positive equity, while profit margins continue recovering from post-Covid lows.

Last week’s earnings report triggered a breakout in the stock, pushing it toward levels unseen since 2019. With this momentum, Ventas could be on track to reclaim all-time highs, making it a compelling addition to our watchlist.

Please note that this may take beyond this week to come around to price targets.

Dutch Bros. (BROS) 

Entry: Unlock

Price target: 90.00-93.00

Second PT: Unlock

Dutch Bros is making waves once again. The 40-year-old coffee chain hit fresh all-time highs last week after delivering blockbuster earnings. The company closed out 2024 with a record-breaking $1.28 billion in revenue, surpassing the billion-dollar mark for the first time. Even more impressive, net income soared to $35 million, capping off a highly profitable year.  

Over the past two years, Dutch Bros has maintained an impressive 31% average annual revenue growth, and it's projecting another 21-23% increase in 2025. With 160 new locations in the pipeline, the brand is rapidly expanding, solidifying its position as a formidable challenger in the coffee market.  

At a $12.64 billion market cap, BROS appears fairly valued today, but markets price stocks based on future potential. With strong momentum and investor excitement building, we’re watching for a continuation rally that could push the stock toward our price targets. Keep this one on your radar.  

Please note that this may take beyond this week to come around to price targets.

Smurfit Westrock (SW)

Entry: Unlock

Price target: 59.00-62.00

Second PT: Unlock

Smurfit Westrock became the world’s largest packaging company last year following its successful acquisition of WestRock. The newly combined entity now operates in 40 countries, employs over 100,000 people, and serves both government agencies and commercial clients.  

The acquisition significantly boosted the company’s financials. In Q3 2024, revenue surged 208%, followed by a 190% jump in Q4, bringing total annual revenue for 2024 to $21 billion, well above 2023’s $12.2 billion. The company’s total assets also soared from $14 billion to $45 billion, though liabilities increased from $8.4 billion to $26 billion. Despite this, Smurfit Westrock’s total equity more than doubled, rising from $6 billion to $17.4 billion. The $11.2 billion acquisition appears to be paying off, with both revenue and equity posting substantial gains.  

Last week’s earnings report, the second since the acquisition, may have provided some reassurance to investors still assessing the deal's long-term impact. The stock has been hovering near all-time highs for months, but with strong financials now on the table, renewed buying pressure could drive shares higher. We’ll be watching the price targets listed above as key levels to monitor.

Please note that this may take beyond this week to come around to price targets.

You've reached the end of our complimentary public watchlist. Unlock for the full list by becoming a member of our Hyper Stocks community. Click here for more information.

You've reached the end of our complimentary public watchlist. Unlock for the full list by becoming a member of our Hyper Stocks community. Click here for more information.

You've reached the end of our complimentary public watchlist. Unlock for the full list by becoming a member of our Hyper Stocks community. Click here for more information.

You've reached the end of our complimentary public watchlist. Unlock for the full list by becoming a member of our Hyper Stocks community. Click here for more information.

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The stocks posted above are the preliminary stocks and set ups we’ll be watching this week. All price points are subject to change based on market performance and sector health. Please do your own research and analysis on these companies/charts before taking on any set ups. Trade at your own risk and as always, good luck! Let’s have a fantastic week.