In this article, we will take a look at the 10 Best Stocks to Buy According to John W. Rogers of Ariel Investments.
John W. Rogers Jr. is a prominent American investor and hedge fund manager who serves as the chairman, CEO, and CIO of Ariel Investments. Rogers graduated from Princeton University in 1980 and spent two and a half years as a stock broker at William Blair. Three years later, he founded Ariel Investments, the first Black-owned mutual fund company in the United States, with $200,000 supported by family and friends. Howard University would be Ariel Investments’ initial customer, with the firm receiving $100,000 to manage its endowment. The next year, the city of Chicago granted Ariel $1 million to operate a pension plan. By 2009, Ariel Investments was managing $3.3 billion in assets, which has since increased to a staggering $12.9 billion.
Notably, the investor’s flagship Ariel Fund’s faced one of its first hurdles back on October 19, 1987, the day of the crash known as Black Monday. The next major test came after the dot-com crisis in 2000, with the Ariel Fund rebounding strongly, returning 29% that year and 14% in 2001. During the 2008 financial crisis, Rogers’ investments in equities, such as real estate investment firm CBRE Group and newspaper publisher Gannett, caused the fund to lose 48% before returning 63% in 2009.
Rogers appreciates patience as he looks for companies that he believes will reach their full potential in a set period of years. This strategy of scooping up value stocks, pioneered by famed investors Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham, involves buying stocks whose worth may be undervalued by the market. Speaking on a Bloomberg Invest Conference, the investor stated that market enthusiasts might get overly focused on short-term trends, and those prepared to look three or five years ahead may still uncover opportunities.
Ariel Investments remains steadfast in its belief of value investing, even within the current market climate. This confidence in its strategy was reaffirmed in the fund’s Q1 2025 Investor Letter. Here is what Ariel Fund had to say:
Most major U.S. indices ended the first quarter of 2025 in the red, with investors fleeing to safety as optimism for another year of U.S. outperformance driven by economic momentum and the new administration’s pro-business stance was quickly replaced by tariff fears and policy uncertainty. The Magnificent Seven, which drove most of the markets gains over the last three years, led the decline, falling nearly -15%. Value bested growth and large caps held up better than their small cap brethren. International equity markets, led by Europe and China, surged—delivering their strongest quarterly outperformance versus the U.S. in 15 years. Meanwhile, deteriorating confidence and apprehension about a global trade war is fueling recession fears. While Wall Street sits on edge and markets remain erratic, we are actively leaning into the volatility by judiciously acquiring the downtrodden shares of quality companies whose value should be realized over the long term.
John Rogers of Ariel Investments
Our Methodology
For this list, we picked stocks from Ariel Investments’ 13F portfolio as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. These equities are also popular among elite hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $231.1 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is a leading casino entertainment operator in the United States. The company runs 28 establishments in 10 states, including casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues, catering to both local and regional markets. Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is also expanding its standing in online sports betting and iGaming through collaborations with FanDuel and other platforms.
On April 25, Mizuho Securities indicated confidence in Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), with analyst Ben Chaiken raising the price target to $86 from $83, retaining an Outperform rating on the company’s shares. The revision comes after Boyd Gaming’s recent financial performance, which exceeded analysts’ forecasts in numerous key parameters. Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) reported total property EBITDA of $361.3 million, which exceeded Mizuho’s expectation of $349.4 million and the Street’s forecast of $352.4 million. Boyd’s other segments also performed well, with the Locals segment generating $106.5 million, which was close to the Street’s projection of $106.7 million, while the Downtown section reported $20.9 million, higher than both Mizuho’s forecast of $17.8 million and the Street’s $17.9 million. Chaiken also stated that Boyd Gaming’s business trends in April remained stable, in contrast to some of the industry’s broader outlooks.
9. Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $231.6 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58
Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR) is an American entertainment business that produces and hosts live events. It primarily operates in two areas: Sphere and MSG Networks.
On April 9, Guggenheim analysts maintained a Buy rating on Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR), with a price target of $69. The firm’s analysts upgraded their model for SPHR, predicting a more profitable second half of the year. The expected rise in profitability stems from three important factors, which include the debut of a new Sphere Experience show, the anticipated timing of new sponsorship deals, and ongoing efforts to enhance SG&A cost reductions.
Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR)’s fourth quarter results came in mixed, with revenue crossing expectations at $308.3 million, compared to a prediction of $289.41 million, despite a 1.9% year-over-year fall. However, the company posted a larger-than-expected loss of -$3.49 per share, compared to analysts’ projections of -$2.37 per share. Sphere Entertainment’s Las Vegas venue experienced a 1% rise in revenue to $169 million, although it had an adjusted operating loss of $0.8 million, compared to the prior year’s adjusted operating income of $14.1 million. Meanwhile, the MSG Networks segment’s revenue fell 5% to $139.3 million, owing to an 11.5% loss in total subscribers.
8. Envista Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NVST)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $232.6 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26
Envista Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NVST) is a healthcare equipment manufacturer headquartered in Brea, California. It develops dental products such as implant systems, guided surgical systems, biomaterials, and more. Envista Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NVST) recently announced a stock repurchase program authorizing it to buy back up to $250 million of outstanding common shares through December 31, 2026.
Earlier this March, Stifel analysts reiterated their positive outlook on Envista Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NVST), maintaining a Buy rating and a price target of $24 on the company. Envista’s 2025 Investor Day featured a comprehensive presentation of the company’s many business sectors, with a focus on the Specialty Products & Technologies (SP&T) division, which includes dental implants, precision tools, and clear aligners. While the company’s medium-term financial target of 4-7% adjusted EBITDA growth was slightly lower than Stifel’s earlier projection of 9.0%, which has been revised to 7.5%, the analysts feel that the new management team is taking adequate steps to restore faith in Envista’s financial projections.
7. The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CG)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $247.94 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 32
The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CG) is a global investment company that provides wealth management, asset servicing, asset management, and banking services to businesses, institutions, families, and individuals.
The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CG) reported record results in fiscal 2024, with fee-related earnings increasing by almost 30% year-over-year to $1.1 billion. Furthermore, the total assets under management increased 4% during the same period, reaching $441 billion. The rise was mostly driven by the Global Credits sector, which remained the fastest growing for the firm.
As part of a Q1 preview for brokers, asset managers, and exchanges, Barclays reduced The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CG)’s price target from $55 to $43 and maintained an Overweight rating on the shares on April 7. According to the firm, while trading activity remained largely strong despite a downturn in cryptocurrency, brokers “now face a more intense headwind from a lower in-period Fed funds and futures curve.”
6. First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $249.3 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28
First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF) is an American financial services firm that offers insurance and settlement services to the real estate and mortgage sectors. This undiversified business strategy means that the firm’s performance greatly depends on the housing market. Notably, First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF) gets the majority of its revenue from the Title Insurance and Services sector.
First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF) reported first-quarter earnings per share of $0.84, beating analysts’ forecasts of $0.81 by $0.03. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.58 billion, surpassing the average expectation of $1.55 billion. The Title Insurance and Services division reported a 12% year-over-year growth in total revenue, reaching $1.5 billion, driven by a 14% increase in direct premiums and escrow fees and a 16% increase in agent premiums. The Home Warranty division also had strong growth, with total revenue up 2% to $108 million and pretax income jumping 22%.
5. Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $262.7 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30
Mattel Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) is a multinational toy manufacturer headquartered in California. The company focuses on the design and manufacture of high-quality toys and other consumer products. It also produces action figures, building sets, and games under the trademarks MEGA, UNO, and WWE, as well as licensed products from Disney, Microsoft, and NBCUniversal.
The toy manufacturer had a great fourth-quarter performance in 2024, with sales up 3% and operating profit rising 10%. Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) expects net sales to climb 2% to 3% in constant currency in 2025, with adjusted EPS ranging from $1.66 to $1.72, representing a 2% to 6% increase. UBS analysts responded by lifting Mattel’s price target to $29, citing better-than-expected fiscal year 2025 earnings guidance. Similarly, DA Davidson raised their price target to $30, citing the company’s strong execution strategy and intentions for significant share repurchases in 2025.
Longleaf Partners Fund stated the following regarding Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) in its Q1 2025 investor letter:
“Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) – Global toy and media company Mattel contributed for the quarter, reporting solid results for the all-important 4Q, with 2% revenue growth and 6% growth in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). We were also pleased to see management repurchase a material amount of shares at great prices and commit to repurchasing at a high-single-digit percentage of shares outstanding in 2025 if the share price remains attractive. Mattel provided a relatively straightforward and growing outlook for 2025, even taking into account tariff risk at the time. Although conditions have deteriorated since then, CEO Ynon Kreiz’s foresight in diversifying the company’s supply chain years ago will pay dividends. The market continues to price in little future growth for the existing business or further success in media and gaming.”
4. Affiliated Managers Group Inc. (NYSE:AMG)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $263.3 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE:AMG) is an investment management firm that offers investment management services to mutual funds, institutional clients, retails, and high-net-worth individuals in the United States through partnerships with high-quality independent partner-owned firms, known as ‘Affiliates’.
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE:AMG) announced fourth-quarter 2024 earnings of $6.86 per share, exceeding consensus projections of $6.02. However, the company’s revenue fell short of expectations, totaling $502.7 million compared to the expected $531.53 million. In a separate strategic move, AMG expanded its $500 million Equity Distribution Program, allowing the company to sell shares through several financial institutions.
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE:AMG) recently agreed to acquire a minority share in Verition Fund Management, one of the fastest-growing hedge funds. As a result of the sale, AMG plans to diversify its portfolio in alternative investments, although it will not be involved in making investment choices for the hedge fund.
Horos Asset Management stated the following regarding Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE:AMG) in its Q3 2024 investor letter:
“This quarter, we reduced our stake in Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE:AMG), a U.S.-based company that invests in other asset management firms, following its strong performance and its relatively lower attractiveness compared to new alternatives added to the portfolio.”
3. Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $268.3 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48
Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL) is a multinational commercial real estate and investment management company that buys, builds, manages, and invests in properties across the world. The company offers a wide variety of real estate services, including leasing, property management, consultancy, and capital market services.
For Q4 2024, Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL)’s diluted earnings per share improved by $1.40 year-over-year to $4.97, while adjusted diluted EPS increased by $0.79 to $6.15. The quarter’s revenue came in at $6.8 billion, a 16% increase in local currency, with Transactional revenues up 22% and Resilient revenues increasing 13%.
Back in March, Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL) announced its plan to purchase Javelin Capital, a North American renewable energy investment banking firm. The acquisition will strengthen JLL’s U.S. Energy and Infrastructure Capital Markets capabilities, complementing its existing operations in Europe and Asia.
Vulcan Value Partners stated the following regarding Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL) in its Q1 2025 investor letter:
“We purchased one position during the quarter: Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL). Jones Lang LaSalle is one of the largest commercial real estate service providers in the world, serving both investors in and corporate occupiers of real estate. It provides leasing brokerage, M&A and investment advisory services, as well as property and project management services. To complement its core business, the company also owns LaSalle, one of the largest global real estate investment management businesses in the world. Jones Lang LaSalle is a secular grower in a consolidating industry, is broadly diversified by geography, asset class and line of service, and has an inherently variable cost structure that has allowed it to generate free cash flow in both good and bad times.”
2. Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE:MSGE)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $270.7 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE:MSGE), a spinoff of Sphere Entertainment Co., is a live entertainment company that organizes concerts and event entertainment experiences at well-known venues like Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden.
On March 12, Wolfe Research raised Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE:MSGE) to Outperform from Peer Perform, noting the stock’s undervaluation and solid growth potential in the live entertainment industry. The firm also set a price target of $46, citing increased revenues from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and consistent demand at Madison Square Garden. Furthermore, with MSGE working on a six- to nine-month booking cycle, the company is projected to give insight into its 2026 event pipeline by this summer, which could increase investor confidence in its future earnings.
In its 91st holiday season, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE:MSGE) sold roughly 1.1 million tickets to 200 shows, compared to over 1 million tickets sold to 193 shows the previous season. Revenue from entertainment offerings remained firm year-over-year at $318.28 million, owing primarily to reduced event-related revenues, which were significantly offset by increased revenues from the Christmas Spectacular production. In addition, food, beverage, and merchandise revenues rose 1% year-over-year to $59.3 million due to more Knicks and Rangers games at The Garden and more Christmas Spectacular performances.
1. Lazard Ltd. (NYSE:LAZ)
Ariel Investments’ Stake as of Q4: $288.19 million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
Lazard Inc. (NYSE:LAZ) is a renowned financial advisory and asset management company that provides various services to institutional clients, including investment banking and asset management. With key executive offices in New York, Paris, and London, it ranks as one of the world’s largest independent investment banks.
Lazard Ltd. (NYSE:LAZ) published first-quarter results on April 25 that fell short of analyst estimates, as the firm continued to face a challenging business environment. Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter ending came in at $0.56, falling short of the average forecast of $0.60. Revenue totaled $648 million, lower than the estimated $707.15 million and down 19% year-over-year. Within its business sectors, financial advisory net revenue fell 19% to $367 million, while asset management revenue slipped 2% to $288 million.
In that same vein, Morgan Stanley analysts led by Ryan Kenny downgraded Lazard Ltd. (NYSE:LAZ)’s shares from Equalweight to Underweight on April 7, along with a sharp drop in the price target from $56 to $33. Morgan Stanley’s downgrade reflects its diminished confidence in Lazard’s ability to meet financial targets in a demanding capital markets environment.
While we acknowledge the potential for LAZ as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LAZ but trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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