Earnings season is just around the corner, and savvy investors are bracing for a host of new opportunities. Financial analysts at Bank of America (BofA) have identified four standout stocks that they believe carry strong upside potential in the coming weeks. This group includes United Airlines, Warner Bros. Discovery, Birkenstock, and Spotify — companies poised to benefit from key industry trends and strategic pivots. A closer look at these insights reveals why these stocks are generating buzz among market watchers.

Leading the pack is United Airlines (UAL), a company that has already enjoyed a significant upswing, with a massive 183% stock price surge in the past year. BofA analyst Andrew Didora is optimistic that United Airlines will continue to outperform expectations ahead of its January 21, 2025, earnings report. Didora notes robust demand for premium, corporate, and transatlantic travel as major tailwinds, positioning UAL as a frontrunner in the aviation sector. Recently, rival Delta Airlines reported strong earnings, reinforcing confidence in the broader recovery of travel. Reflecting its conviction, BofA has added United Airlines to its coveted “US1 top ideas list” and raised its price target to $120. As travelers return to the skies, United appears well-positioned to soar even higher.

On the other hand, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) presents a compelling turnaround narrative. Despite its stock declining 6.3% over the last year, BofA sees this as a potential buying opportunity. Media analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich points to a mix of recovering advertising revenue, stabilizing studio performance, and growth in direct-to-consumer efforts as critical catalysts for improvement. Ehrlich highlights Warner Bros.’ valuable media assets, from blockbuster films to innovative streaming content, which make the company an appealing prospect. If these factors align, WBD could regain investor confidence and emerge as a rewarding comeback story in the entertainment world.

Turning to consumer goods, Birkenstock (BIRK) continues to extend its appeal far beyond its famous sandals. With shares already up 20% in the past year, the company has ambitious plans for revenue growth. Lorraine Hutchinson, retail analyst at BofA, notes Birkenstock’s commitment to international expansion, especially in untapped regions like Asia, alongside its product diversification. Management has maintained strong guidance for 15–17% revenue growth in FY2025, a range BofA believes is achievable. By blending innovation with brand authenticity, Birkenstock not only remains relevant but also positions itself as an attractive investment candidate for the years ahead.

Rounding out the list is Spotify (SPOT), arguably the most innovative of the four. Bank of America analysts see Spotify nearing an inflection point in profitability and free cash flow generation, factors that make it promising for long-term investors. With a stated price target of $515, Spotify’s growth strategies are capturing attention. The platform has implemented new pricing tiers, expanded into underpenetrated markets, and grown its advertising revenue — all while exploring fresh opportunities like audiobooks. These continuing efforts are boosting its market penetration and building diversified, recurring revenue streams. Spotify isn’t just reshaping the way we consume music but also presenting itself as a high-growth stock for investors seeking long-term value.