The Quiet Rally: 5 Under-the-Radar Stocks Poised to Break Out in 2025

In an era of market volatility and geopolitical tensions, investors are increasingly turning to less-discussed stocks for asymmetric opportunities. Benzinga’s Stock Whisper Index, which tracks under-the-radar equities with hidden catalysts, highlights five names in its May 2, 2025, report that could redefine portfolios this year. These picks—spanning energy, tech, and utilities—are flying under Wall Street’s radar but are primed for catalyst-driven moves.

1. Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM): Riding the Gold Wave

Wheaton Precious Metals, a top-tier gold streaming company, is nearing its 52-week highs amid record gold prices. Analysts project Q1 2025 EPS of $0.50 and revenue of $436.5M, up 47% year-over-year. While WPM has historically struggled with revenue beats (missing in 7 of the last 10 quarters), its strong EPS track record (4 beats in 5 quarters) suggests resilience.

The stock’s 50% surge year-to-date aligns with gold’s rally, but skeptics question its ability to sustain revenue growth. A positive earnings surprise on May 8 could push shares higher, especially if gold remains above $2,000/oz.

2. Duke Energy (DUK): Utilities with a Growth Twist

Duke Energy, a utilities giant, is under scrutiny ahead of its May 6 earnings, where analysts expect $1.61 EPS and $8.06B in revenue. While the stock trades near 52-week highs, Duke has missed EPS estimates in 6 of the last 10 quarters. However, its consistent revenue overperformance (beating estimates in 8 of the last 10 quarters) suggests operational stability.

The company’s 2.3% dividend yield and exposure to renewable energy projects—like its offshore wind initiatives—add to its appeal. A “double beat” on May 6 could solidify its status as a recession-resistant play.

3. Nutanix (NTNX): The Cloud Infrastructure Sleeper

Nutanix, a cloud infrastructure software firm, has quietly beaten EPS and revenue estimates in 8 straight quarters, a streak unmatched by most peers. With Q3 results due on May 28, analysts anticipate EPS of $0.45 and revenue of $420M, up from $385M in Q3 2024. CEO Rajiv Ramaswami highlighted Q2 outperformance in the Nutanix Cloud Platform, a growth engine.

The company’s new $1.5B credit facility and convertible notes signal confidence in scaling operations. Despite a 20% dip in 2025 from its 52-week high, NTNX’s fundamentals suggest a rebound is likely.

4. MercadoLibre (MELI): The Latin American E-Commerce Play

MercadoLibre’s stock is gaining traction as a beneficiary of U.S.-China trade tensions. CEO Marcos Galperin’s remarks that regional players like MELI could fill gaps left by disrupted supply chains have sparked interest. Analysts expect Q1 EPS of $8.30 and $5.51B in revenue, up 22% and 27% year-over-year.

With 10 consecutive quarters of revenue beats, MELI’s dominance in Brazil and Argentina positions it to capitalize on macro tailwinds. A strong earnings report on May 7 could push shares toward their 52-week high of $1,200.

5. Cheniere Energy (LNG): Betting on U.S. LNG Exports

Cheniere Energy’s stock is caught in a tug-of-war between geopolitical risks and U.S. energy policy tailwinds. Analysts project Q1 EPS of $2.70 and $4.91B in revenue, up 26% and 15% year-over-year. While some analysts have lowered price targets over valuation concerns, the company’s 8-of-10 EPS beats and Biden administration support for LNG exports provide optimism.

A positive earnings surprise on May 8 could unlock gains, especially if Cheniere confirms plans to expand its export capacity in 2025.

Why These Stocks Matter Now

The common thread among these picks is their imminent earnings catalysts (all reporting in early May) and hidden growth drivers:
- WPM and MELI benefit from macro trends (gold prices, trade shifts).
- DUK and LNG are tied to energy policy and infrastructure demand.
- NTNX represents a software firm with a proven execution record.

Conclusion: The Case for Asymmetric Risk/Reward

Benzinga’s picks reflect a market prioritizing catalyst-driven momentum over broad indices. Take WPM: its 50% YTD gain vs. the S&P 500’s 7% rise underscores its potential. Similarly, MELI’s 27% revenue growth in Q1 2025 and NTNX’s 8-straight-quarter beats highlight operational resilience.

Investors should consider these stocks as high-conviction, low-following plays, especially ahead of their May earnings. However, risks loom: WPM’s revenue consistency, DUK’s EPS misses, and LNG’s geopolitical exposure require close monitoring.

For those seeking to capitalize on overlooked opportunities, these five stocks—backed by data-driven catalysts and under-the-radar momentum—are worth watching closely in 2025.