Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights: HCI and Chevron

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – March 31, 2025– Today, Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights HCI Group HCI and Chevron CVX.As AI Cools, These Sectors Heat UpAs market uncertainty and volatility increase, investor sentiment is shifting. Defensive and value-oriented sectors are beginning to outperform, while high-growth areas, particularly technology, semiconductors, and AI—have come under pressure. The recent sell-off has hit these once-hot industries especially hard, as doubts begin to emerge around the massive AI infrastructure build-out.In contrast, Energy has emerged as a clear leader in 2025, up 8.8% year-to-date, while Financials have gained 4.9%, both outpacing the broader market. This sector rotation suggests investors are looking for stability, strong cash flows, and reasonable valuations.Two stocks that stand out in this environment are HCI Group, showing powerful price momentum and backed by a top Zacks Rank, and Chevron, which just staged a major technical breakout and could be poised for further upside.Energy Stocks Perking UpShares of energy stocks continue to trend higher as investors seek cash-generating assets in an increasingly uncertain market environment. Much like in 2022, when technology and more speculative stocks suffered sharp drawdowns, companies backed by real assets, such as those in the energy sector, are once again attracting renewed interest and capital.Though Chevron doesn't have a top Zacks Rank (it currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating), it is still a company that generates tremendous cash flows while also enjoying a reasonable valuation. Chevron made over $15 billion in free cash flow in the trailing 12 months, giving it a respectable 5.1% FCF yield.Especially compelling is the price action in CVX. After consolidating for nearly three years, the stock has broken out from this large technical base. This action clearly indicates a major rotation of capital from institutional investors into the stock.Insurance Stocks Quietly Lead the MarketFinancial stocks and more specifically, insurance stocks have been another real bright spot in the market. While the broad market index is down a few percent year-to-date (YTD), the insurance sector has gained 14% over the same period. Like energy, some of the leading insurance companies enjoy huge profits thanks to the advantaged business model.In addition to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating, HCI Group has an incredible 19.7% FCF yield, which is well above the industry average and its 10-year median yield of 14.3%.HCI Group expects sales growth of 17.5% this year and earnings growth of 102%. The company is currently trading at 9.9x forward earnings and the stock just made a new record high today, indicating strong buying momentum.Should Investors Buy Shares in CVX and HCI?While AI and technology stocks falter, select names in energy and insurance are breaking out on strong fundamentals and technicals. For investors seeking stability, cash flow, and upside potential in a shifting market, CVX and HCI are two names worth watching closely.Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.comhttps://www.zacks.comPast performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor StockIt's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom.With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028.See This Stock Now for Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Chevron Corporation (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report HCI Group, Inc. (HCI): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks