Small- and mid-cap stocks to watch in 2015: Pros
While many big-name stocks are poised to surge next year, some smaller companies will sneak higher in 2015, stock pickers said on Wednesday.
Mid-cap financial sector stocks look appealing, said Mark Travis, management president and portfolio manager at Intrepid Capital. Travis said he believes Oaktree Capital, a distressed debt buyer that has raised $16 billion in the last year, is currently undervalued.
He also singled out Leucadia National, a "mini-Berkshire Hathaway," and Western Union as strong mid-cap picks for the new year in an interview on CNBC's "Street Signs."
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In small caps, Viewpoint Financial Group, a regional Texas bank set to complete a merger and become Legacy Texas Group, looks promising, said Eric Marshall, co-portfolio manager of the Hodges Small Cap Fund.
Among other intriguing smaller companies, Lithia Motors, a car dealership operator, and trucking company Swift Transportation are well positioned for 2015, he told "Street Signs."
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Disclosure: Mark Travis and members of his family own Oaktree Capital, Leucadia National and Western Union stock. His firm holds a greater than 1 percent stake in the companies but does not count them as an investment banking client. Eric Marshall owns Viewpoint Financial Group, Lithia Motors and Swift Transportation stock and his firm holds a greater than 1 percent stake in the companies. His firm does not count them as an investment banking client.