Stocks to buy

Underdogs to Champions: 3 Stocks Set for a Stunning Turnaround

Certain narratives stand out in the vast stock market arena, not just for the sheer scale of challenges faced but for the promise of an impending renaissance. This analysis ventures into the stories of three underdog stocks set for turnaround. Each hails from sectors as diverse as entertainment, technology and telecommunications.

These organizations have weathered their storms, showing resilience and strategic foresight. Fierce competition and disruptive market forces aside, they’ve identified new opportunities by leveraging innovation and financial acumen for substantial growth. Their journey from facing daunting challenges to standing on the brink of significant transformation showcases determination, strategic foresight and adaptability.

Overall, as these firms prepare to pivot from their current states to achieve new heights, their stories underscore the hidden potential within adversity. They are offering a blueprint for turning challenges into stepping stones toward success. Explore the backdrop of their industries; these underdog stocks set for turnaround are meticulously crafting their paths from uncertainty to triumph.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)

The logo of the new Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) company on smartphone screen.

Source: Jimmy Tudeschi / Shutterstock.com

Warner Bros. Discovery’s (NASDAQ:WBD) recent performance in Q4 presents a nuanced story of resilience and potential amid industry challenges. With total revenues of $10,284 million, the company experienced a 7% decrease adjusted for foreign exchange. This is a testament to the competitive and rapidly evolving media landscape. 

Despite facing a net loss of $400 million, primarily due to the significant amortization of acquisition-related intangibles and restructuring expenses, there are clear indicators of a strategic pivot toward recovery and growth. The global direct-to-consumer (DTC) segment now boasts 97.7 million subscribers, buoyed by the acquisition of BluTV. This showcases a notable 7% ex-FX increase in average revenue per user. 

Finally, while challenges such as declines in network revenues and advertising persist, the company’s operational adjustments and strategic focus on high-growth areas highlight its adaptability and forward-looking approach. There is a decrease in operating expenses and a proactive stance on debt management.

Overall, Warner Bros. Discovery navigates current storms while laying the foundations for a compelling comeback story.

AT&T (T)

AT&T logo on wooden background

Source: Lester Balajadia / Shutterstock.com

In other words, performance-wise, financially and operationally through the last quarter and the year, AT&T (NYSE:T) set a record. With the massive strides made in 5G and AT&T Fiber subscriber growth, the company delivered beyond what was not just its lofty targets but also guided. In short, this points to robust operational and financial health poised for sustainable growth.

Furthermore, that is what investment in America’s broadband infrastructure will deliver — the most reliable 5G network. This span covers over 210 million people and more growth from the nation’s largest fiber network. In the same direction, AT&T is interested in furthering its service footprint. The company is enhancing its commitment to enabling unbeatable connectivity solutions. Moreover, the conglomerate plans to extend the fiber network to over 30 million locations by the end of 2025.

Finally, these views look for continuing positive growth trends into 2024. For instance, wireless service revenue is expected to be in the 3% range, and broadband revenue is expected to fall in the 7% range.

Intel (INTC)

intel stock. underdog stocks set for turnaround

Source: canon_shooter / Shutterstock.com

Intel’s (NASDAQ:INTC) recent financial results and strategic initiatives paint a vivid picture of a tech giant in the throes of change and poised for a significant turnaround. Indeed, this is demonstrated by the revenue jump in the fourth quarter to $15.4 billion, or up 10% year over year.

Additionally, the reorganization reflects a strategy for Intel to improve its market responsiveness further, particularly regarding integrating its Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics Group, among other reorganization elements, to make it more cost-efficient. Hence, this reflects proactiveness towards future markets’ demands to ensure business operation alignment with the requirements.

Finally, with the new 5th Gen Intel Xeon processor, designed for AI workloads, Intel is furthering the revolution for AI-capable computing by building a chip that offers leading performance. In summary, Intel is at a possible inflection point where solid financial performance meets strategic reorganizations and a host of innovations that will frame an enticing business turnaround.

As of this writing, Yiannis Zourmpanos held long positions in WBD, T and INTC. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

Yiannis Zourmpanos is the founder of Yiazou Capital Research, a stock-market research platform designed to elevate the due diligence process through in-depth business analysis.

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