Have you ever wondered what the sharpest minds on Wall Street are betting on for the future? I recently came across insights from a high-profile gathering that left me buzzing with ideas about where to park my money in 2025. The annual Sohn Investment Conference, held in New York, is like the Super Bowl for stock pickers, where hedge fund titans share their boldest ideas to a packed room of eager investors. This year’s event was no exception, with a lineup of picks that could reshape portfolios. From tech giants to niche players, the recommendations were as diverse as they were compelling. Let’s dive into the standout stocks that stole the show and why they’re worth your attention.
Why the Sohn Conference Matters
The Sohn Investment Conference isn’t just another Wall Street event—it’s a powerhouse of ideas that often move markets. Each year, top-tier investors pitch their best bets, blending deep research with gut instinct to spotlight companies poised for growth. What makes it special? It’s not just about profit; the event raises funds for medical research, adding a layer of purpose to the high-stakes game of investing. This year, the 2025 conference showcased a range of stocks that reflect both emerging trends and undervalued opportunities. Here’s a closer look at the names that had everyone talking.
Sea Ltd.: The Southeast Asia Powerhouse
First up, let’s talk about Sea Ltd., a Singapore-based tech conglomerate that’s making waves in Southeast Asia. According to one seasoned investor, this company is like the Amazon of the region, dominating e-commerce, gaming, and digital payments. Why does this matter? Picture this: countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam are home to a young, growing middle class with cash to spend. Yet, e-commerce penetration in these markets is still in its infancy. Sea’s platform, Shopee, commands a whopping 55% market share in regional e-commerce, giving it a logistical edge that keeps costs low for merchants.
But it’s not just about shopping. Sea’s gaming arm, Garena, boasts 600 million users and is seeing accelerating growth in bookings. With shares already up 54% in 2025, the investor argued that Sea’s ability to exceed analyst forecasts and improve unit economics makes it a no-brainer for growth-focused portfolios. In my view, the real kicker is the demographic tailwind—when a young population starts spending online, the upside can be massive.
Sea is the backbone of the Southeast Asian economy, with unmatched potential in e-commerce and gaming.
– Hedge fund manager
Wex: An Undervalued Gem in Payments
Next on the list is Wex, a payments company that’s flying under the radar but could be a game-changer. One investor made a compelling case that Wex is trading at a fraction of its intrinsic value, with the potential to more than double in value over the next few years. Specializing in mobility, corporate payments, and benefits, Wex is a leader in niche markets, yet its stock is at its lowest valuation multiple ever—half that of its peers. Sounds like a bargain, right?
The opportunity lies in fixing what the investor called “complacency and complexity” within the company. With a 7% stake in Wex, her firm is pushing for changes, including board representation to shake things up. One area of growth? Wex’s high-margin business managing Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts. Despite a 22% drop in share price this year, the investor believes strategic realignment could unlock tremendous upside. I can’t help but think this kind of undervaluation is exactly what savvy investors hunt for.
- Market Leadership: Wex dominates in mobility, corporate payments, and benefits.
- Low Valuation: Trading at half the multiple of competitors.
- Growth Potential: High-margin benefits business could drive profits.
Adobe: Riding the AI Wave
Adobe, a household name in creative software, got a big shout-out for its role in the artificial intelligence boom. One investor argued that Adobe is misunderstood by the market, with its deliberate approach to AI monetization masking its true potential. Unlike competitors rushing to cash in, Adobe is turning raw AI capabilities into competitive intellectual property. With most of its products less than a year old, the company is at an inflection point for growth.
Despite a 10% decline in its stock price this year, the investor sees Adobe as a leader in the generative AI arms race. Its total addressable market remains underpenetrated, meaning there’s plenty of room to grow. Personally, I find Adobe’s ability to blend creativity with cutting-edge tech incredibly exciting—it’s like watching a master artist wield a futuristic brush. If AI continues to dominate, Adobe could be a cornerstone for any tech-focused portfolio.
National Vision: The Eyewear Rocket Ship
Ever thought about the eyewear industry as a hot investment? One investor made a bold case for National Vision, a U.S.-based eyeglass retailer, calling it a potential “rocket ship.” The logic? A faster replacement cycle for glasses is driving industry growth, with transaction volumes already showing the trend. Add to that new management focused on managed care monetization, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
With shares soaring 79% in 2025, the investor’s firm has quietly become one of National Vision’s biggest shareholders. The enthusiasm was palpable: “Join us,” he urged the audience. I’ll admit, I hadn’t considered eyewear as a growth sector before, but the numbers don’t lie. When an industry hits a turning point, early investors often reap the rewards.
We think this thing can be a total rocket ship. Join us.
– Investment fund founder
Teva and Global Payments: Profit Machines
Two other names that turned heads were Teva and Global Payments, both pitched as undervalued players with serious profit potential. For Teva, a pharmaceutical giant, the investor highlighted its best-in-class efficacy in treatments for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. A biosimilars pipeline worth billions and a deleveraged balance sheet make Teva ready to deploy capital aggressively. With a low price-to-earnings multiple for 2026, it’s a steal compared to other S&P 500 companies.
Global Payments, on the other hand, is poised for growth as it scales its operations and taps into cross-selling opportunities. Despite a 25% drop in its stock price this year, the investor dismissed concerns about its recent acquisition of a rival, arguing it will drive < b>high-single-digit revenue growth and high-teens earnings expansion. These kinds of metrics make me wonder if the market’s sleeping on both companies.
| Company | 2025 Performance | Key Opportunity |
| Teva | -23% | Biosimilars and new treatments |
| Global Payments | -25% | Acquisition-driven growth |
Blue Owl Capital: A Dividend Darling
For those chasing steady income, Blue Owl Capital caught my eye. This alternative asset manager was pitched as a resilient business with a 4.5% dividend yield. What’s the big deal? Only 3% of retail investors are allocated to alternative investments, compared to 20% of institutional investors. That gap spells opportunity as Blue Owl expands its private wealth business. The investor projected that earnings per share could double by 2028, driven by asset growth.
Despite a 14% drop in its stock price this year, Blue Owl’s diversified revenue and consistent dividends make it a safe bet in volatile markets. I’ve always believed that dividends are like a warm hug from your portfolio—reliable and comforting. Blue Owl seems to fit that bill perfectly.
Mirion Technologies: Recession-Proof Growth
If you’re worried about economic uncertainty, Mirion Technologies might be your answer. This radiation detection company was pitched as a recession-proof stock with 70% recurring revenues. Selling to 95% of global nuclear reactor operators, Mirion has a rock-solid foundation. The investor called it a “buy and never sell” stock, with a multi-decade growth profile that could rival companies like Vertiv, a leader in data center infrastructure.
With shares up 28% in the past month, the momentum is clear. I find the idea of a stock that thrives regardless of economic cycles incredibly appealing. It’s like finding a cozy café that’s always packed, rain or shine.
Comfort Systems: Building America’s Future
Last but not least, Comfort Systems, a construction contractor, was pitched as a powerhouse in the making. Employing 19,000 workers, this company builds the critical infrastructure that keeps America running. The investor predicted 25% annual earnings growth for years to come, driven by onshoring trends and the AI construction boom. With shares up 10% in 2025, Comfort Systems is already showing promise.
What’s exciting is the long-term outlook: an 18-year history of delivering 25% total shareholder returns. The investor believes the stock could double in three years. I can’t help but think that companies tied to structural trends like AI and manufacturing are the ones to watch.
Comfort Systems is in the sweet spot of structural tailwinds from onshoring and AI construction.
– Investment strategist
What These Picks Mean for You
The 2025 Sohn Conference wasn’t just a showcase of stocks—it was a window into where the smart money is headed. From Sea Ltd.’s dominance in Southeast Asia to Comfort Systems’ role in America’s infrastructure boom, these picks highlight opportunities across industries. But here’s the thing: investing isn’t just about chasing hot names. It’s about understanding the why behind each pick and how it fits your goals.
Here’s a quick recap of what stood out to me:
- Diverse Opportunities: From tech to healthcare to construction, there’s something for every investor.
- Undervaluation: Stocks like Wex and Teva are trading at discounts, offering potential upside.
- Structural Trends: AI, onshoring, and demographic shifts are driving long-term growth.
In my experience, events like Sohn are a reminder that the best investments often come from thinking differently. Whether you’re a growth chaser or a dividend lover, these picks offer plenty to chew on. So, what’s your next move? Are you ready to dig into these stocks and build a portfolio that thrives in 2025 and beyond?
Investment Formula: Research + Timing + Patience = Success
