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Ditch the Magnificent Seven: Discover David Giroux’s Top Stock Picks for Ultimate Gains

Hannah Perry | April 11, 2025

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T. Rowe Price’s David Giroux: Ditch the Magnificent Seven for these Stellar Picks

In a market landscape where volatility can make investors skittish, there’s no better time to tap into the wisdom of seasoned investment minds. One such detractor of the popular *Magnificent Seven* is David Giroux, an accomplished fund manager with T. Rowe Price. While many are climbing aboard the hype train surrounding big tech, Giroux rings in a compelling argument that it may be wiser to focus on what he calls the *Magnificent Two*—namely Microsoft (MSFT) and Amazon (AMZN). Let’s dive into Giroux’s reasoning and explore his recommended stocks that could be prime for acceleration.

The Lure of Market Contentment

Giroux’s strategy stands out in a climate where emotional trading runs rampant. He emphasizes the importance of isolating oneself from market noise. “”Everybody is so influenced by what is happening on the screen,”” he notes. Instead of being swayed by market sentiment and mainstream narratives, Giroux prioritizes stock selection based on performance potential over the next five years. This is a disciplined approach steeped in risk-adjusted returns.

Favoring the ‘Magnificent Two’

While shunning the *Magnificent Seven*, Giroux has zeroed in on Microsoft and Amazon. His bullish stance on Microsoft springs from its domination in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and security software. He forecasts a robust 13% average annual earnings growth for Microsoft, complemented by significant multiple expansions.

Taking the baton from there, Amazon also catches Giroux’s eye for its growth avenues in the same sectors. Collectively, these two companies represent not just tech giants but also waves of innovation and revenue generation that could propel investors toward higher gains.

Underweighting the Giants

On the contrary, Giroux is cautious around other hefty players like Apple (AAPL). He highlights concerns regarding its reliance on Alphabet (GOOGL) for default browser revenue, which he believes could soon be cut in half. With Apple’s lackluster advancements in AI, Giroux sees the company’s high market valuation as another downside risk. Moreover, he’s steered clear from Nvidia (NVDA), driven by apprehensions over growth related to its Blackwell 200 chipset sales.

Instead, investment attention shifts to Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a strong contender for market share from Nvidia, with Giroux predicting it could double or triple in value within five years. This contrarian outlook positions Giroux as a savvy navigator amidst broader industry turbulence.

Why Second-Tier Software is First-Class

Giroux emphasizes the lucrative potential within second-tier software companies. “”Software is incredibly compelling right now,”” he asserts, proposing that companies posting 10%-12% growth in both sales and free cash flow can yield returns above the market averages—even while trading at below-market multiples. His picks include:

  • PTC (PTC): Known for its computer-assisted design software and product management solutions, PTC continues to showcase double-digit growth as it gains market shares and boosts profit margins.
  • Workday (WDAY): This human-resources software powerhouse is accelerating its market share even as it focuses on improving profit margins, buoying the stock’s potential.
  • Autodesk (ADSK): Under the stewardship of activist shareholders such as Starboard Value, Autodesk is poised for changes to optimize its performance.

Healthcare: A Sector to Watch

When discussing sectors, Giroux has a bullish outlook on healthcare equipment suppliers. He identifies companies like Becton Dickinson (BDX), which is currently undervalued at nine times earnings despite Giroux’s belief that it could command twice that value if strategic actions—like spin-offs and stock buybacks—are executed effectively. Trading around $205, the upside could make this stock a keen focal point for value-oriented investors.

Giroux also mentions Revity (RVTY), a diagnostics supplier facing challenges due to potential NIH budget cuts, but the actual revenue reliance on NIH is less than many perceive, positioning Revity for recovery and growth.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Moves Wisely

This is a time for savvy traders to act, and Giroux’s insights provide a roadmap to potential outperformance irrespective of the market’s volatility. By focusing on the *Magnificent Two*, second-tier software companies, and select healthcare stocks, investors can navigate the choppy waters ahead with informed confidence. Appreciate the market’s noise but pursue opportunities where true value lies—just as David Giroux advocates.

As always, keep your eyes peeled for emerging trends and don’t hesitate to make your moves in pursuit of capitalizing on this unique market environment.