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These stocks are worth looking into with so much attention siphoned into AI and semiconductor equities.

As of March 2023, Nasdaq had a combined equity offering of 3,611 stocks. Yet, in this ocean of market capitalization, 70% of the gains came from just seven companies by the end of the year. When investor attention is this focused, it translates to many lost opportunities.

On Monday, the S&P 500 (SPX) market benchmark broke another all-time high at 5146 points, now tracking 7.6% year-to-date gains. Out of those 500 large-cap companies, which stocks should investors explore outside of AI hype, Big Tech, and Bitcoin exposure?\

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM)

Over the last three months, this metal engineering company has outpaced SPX by 3x. Founded in 1936, Howmet has a long track record of supplying the defense and commercial transport sectors with extrusion metal products, seamless rolled rings, and fastening systems. 

Such is Howmet’s importance that military contractor Lockheed Martin (LMT) sued the company in December. Following the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which triggered a titanium shortage, Howmet had to raise the prices of its critical titanium parts for the F-35 aircraft assembly.

In February’s Q4 2023 earnings, Howmet reported a 17% year-over-year revenue increase to $5.5 billion. Compared to a year-ago quarter, the company increased its net income by 112% to $236 million. For full-year 2024, Howmet’s guidance projects a baseline revenue of $7.1 billion.

Even if the Ukraine-Russia conflict winds down, the European Union relies heavily on the US for its military restocking. This became even more apparent after zero EU political response to the historic sabotage of Nord Stream gas pipelines. 

Based on 17 analyst inputs pulled by Nasdaq, the average HWM price target is $67.6 vs. the current $69. The high estimate is $74, while the low forecast is $60 per share. 

Western Digital Corporation (WDC)

Over the last three months, this iconic storage company gained 40% in WDC stock value. With generative AI demand, the demand for data-storage solutions across different use cases increases. This growth is so high that Western Digital separated its HDD and Flash divisions last October.

In January, Western Digital delivered its Q2 FY24 earnings, showing a 2% year-over-year decline in revenue to $3 billion. However, the company increased its quarterly cloud revenue by 23%, representing 35% of its total revenue. At the same time, WD significantly decreased operating expenses by 17% compared to a year-ago quarter. 

The company’s debt-to-equity ratio is 76.7%, with a negative price-to-earnings ratio of 14.5. Following the restructuring, WD’s price-to-earnings ratio is forecasted to be a positive 10.08 in 2025. Based on 18 analyst inputs pulled by Nasdaq, the average WDC price target is $67.65 vs the current $65. The high estimate is $75, while the low forecast is $58 per share.

Tapestry Inc. (TPR)

Over the last three months, this New York-based firm’s TPR stock value increased 46%. Its luxury fashion holding company includes the Coach, Stuart Weitzman, and Kate Spade brands. Relying on branding, this sector generates high profit margins.

In February’s Q2 FY24 earnings, Tapestry reported 20% earnings per share growth year-over-year. Expanding to 2.5 million new customers in North America, Tapestry increased its gross margin by 300 bps, delivering a gross profit of $1.49 billion (71.6% margin). For 

Following the acquisition of Capri Holdings Limited, the company expects even better results and consistent cash flow. For the fiscal year 2024, Tapestry expects free cash flow to increase to ~$ $1.1 billion from the quarter’s $800 million, with EPS (diluted) growing by 8 – 9% compared to 2023.

Twelve months ahead, based on 20 analyst inputs pulled by Nasdaq, the average TPR price target is $50.43 vs the current $47.53. The high estimate is $60, while the low forecast is $41 per share. 

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