Remember that feeling when report cards came out and you had to face the music? Well, your blue chip stocks just got their grades, and let me tell you – some of them are getting grounded.
Louis Navellier, the guy who’s been picking stocks longer than most of us have been picking our noses, just dropped his weekly Stock Grader analysis. He looked at 98 big blue chips and basically played financial Simon Cowell, upgrading some darlings and absolutely roasting others.
The Teacher’s Pets (Upgraded to Strong Buy)
Six companies just became the class valedictorians. Barrick Mining (B), eBay (EBAY), and Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) are among the lucky few who went from “Buy” to “Strong Buy.” Apparently, eBay is having a moment – who knew selling your old junk could be so profitable? And Hims & Hers? Well, turns out people really do want their hair growth pills delivered discreetly.
The Slight Disappointments (Strong Buy to Buy)
Then we have the kids who were straight-A students but got caught passing notes. Eleven companies got knocked down a peg, including Gilead Sciences (GILD) and Ralph Lauren (RL). Even luxury polo shirts aren’t immune to market gravity, apparently.
The Comeback Kids (Hold to Buy)
But here’s where it gets interesting – 13 companies just pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. Microsoft (MSFT) and Visa (V) are back in the “Buy” category. Yes, Microsoft – the company that somehow convinced us we need to pay monthly for Word – is looking good again. And Visa? Well, as long as people keep buying things they can’t afford, Visa’s probably fine.
The Reality Check Squad (Buy to Hold)
Twenty-one companies got the financial equivalent of “we need to talk.” BlackRock (BLK), Boston Scientific (BSX), and DraftKings (DKNG) all got downgraded to “Hold.” DraftKings getting downgraded is particularly ironic – turns out betting on sports is risky. Who could have seen that coming?
The Hall of Shame (Hold to Sell)
And then there are the companies that really need to have a long, hard look in the mirror. Airbnb (ABNB), Lowe’s (LOW), and Marriott (MAR) all got the dreaded “Sell” rating. Apparently, even the travel and home improvement boom has its limits.
The Bottom of the Class (Sell to Strong Sell)
Finally, we have the companies that are basically getting expelled. Seven stocks got the “Strong Sell” treatment, including Public Storage (PSA) and Stanley Black & Decker (SWK). When even storage units aren’t a good investment, you know times are weird.
The takeaway? Even blue chips aren’t bulletproof. Navellier’s system looks at both quantitative data (the numbers don’t lie) and fundamental health (how the company actually runs). It’s like getting both your report card and a physical at the same time.
So check your portfolio against this list. If you’re holding any of the newly minted “Strong Sells,” maybe it’s time to cut your losses. And if you’ve got some of the upgraded winners? Well, pat yourself on the back – you picked a winner, even if it was by accident.