Higher-quality stocks with more achievable relative growth rates and earnings estimates could be investors’ best bets for hedging against mounting market uncertainty, according to Trivariate Research. Rising uncertainty stemming from President Donald Trump’s April 2 “reciprocal” tariff rollout has plagued markets , with the S & P 500 suffering a four-day string of losses and then rebounding last Wednesday for its third-biggest one-day gain since World War II. Trivariate Research founder and CEO Adam Parker doesn’t see much relief for investors anytime soon, and he doesn’t anticipate an eventual “V-shaped” fundamental recovery, either. “We are less optimistic about the U.S. equity market now compared to last week,” he wrote in a Sunday note. “We’d love to tell you we have some way to estimate the likely resulting damage to earnings and the next move coming from the White House. The truth is we have no idea. We don’t understand the tariff plan or the path with China. Given that the market and uncertainty are both up, we like risk-taking less today than we did a week ago.” To navigate rocky markets, Parker shared a few stock ideas for a 12- to 18-month time horizon. “Our long ideas are ones where we think they have a combination of more achievable earnings estimates on a relative basis, a higher quality more achievable relative growth rate, and valuation that is not an impediment,” he wrote. One name Parker highlighted was United Therapeutics . The biotech firm has tumbled 20% in 2025 due to fears of potential share loss from a pending rival product, Parker wrote. He called these fears “overblown.” “It is challenging to find any stocks with higher margins, more cash, faster top-line growth, run by a complete genius, and at a lower multiple than UTHR,” Parker wrote. Most analysts covering the stock hold a bullish view, with the average price target implying an upside of about 42%, per LSEG. Another name Parker likes is video game publisher Take-Two Interactive Software . Shares have climbed 15% in 2025 as investors have eagerly anticipated the arrival of Grand Theft Auto VI, expected for release late this year. “What eventually is coming is the next Grand Theft Auto, and what comes with that is a step change in revenue growth and free cash flow with a historically very long tail. Even in a slowing economy, TTWO could double its revenue by the end of the decade, making the risk-reward skewed to the positive,” Parker wrote. Analysts are overwhelmingly bullish on the name, although the average price target suggests roughly 4% upside, per LSEG. Parker also underscored building materials supplier Martin Marietta Materials , down 3% this year, as a good buy for the long term. “Aggregates is a great business. During COVID revenue was flat year-over-year, but generally this business has consistent pricing and grows its top-line mid-to-high single digits every year,” Parker said. “Business model threats like [artificial intelligence], or regional challenges like China are likely not relevant to the long-term growth algorithm. The stock has materially corrected since last Fall, and we think now has more attractive risk-reward than many stocks in the S & P500.” Fifteen out of 24 analysts covering Martin Marietta deem it a buy or strong buy. The average price target for the stock is approximately 20% above where shares are currently trading, per LSEG. Get Your Ticket to Pro LIVE Join us at the New York Stock Exchange! Uncertain markets? Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. In today’s dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. As a CNBC Pro subscriber, we invite you to join us for our first exclusive, in-person CNBC Pro LIVE event at the iconic NYSE on Thursday, June 12. Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth, Dan Niles and Dan Ives, with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee. You’ll also get the opportunity to network with CNBC experts, talent and other Pro subscribers during an exciting cocktail hour on the legendary trading floor. Tickets are limited!
