By Doug Busch
Revisiting past stock picks matters because it keeps the process honest and helps improve it over time. Looking back at what worked and what didn't provides insight into where decisions were right or off track. That feedback loop helps sharpen the framework, strengthens future calls, and keeps the focus on actual outcomes rather than on the story behind them.
This week we discuss the following picks:
-- Oracle, written by Jacob Sonenshine in March. -- Sonoco Products, which Todd Chanko covered in April. -- TPG, introduced by Dan Victor last July.
This note revisits past stock picks where new developments favor fresh buy or sell signals. Read last week's edition here.
Oracle
The enterprise software player still trades 46% below its 52-week high but is showing some positive traits. The stock has moved above the 26% gain achieved the week ending April 17. Over the last three months it has advanced by 30%. ORCL is up 21% since our recommendation.
The daily chart shows signs of firm bottoming. Price has pushed through both a bullish inverse head-and-shoulders pattern and a bearish descending triangle, suggesting a trend shift:
The breakout from the triangle came in mid-April, featuring a strong double-digit move on elevated volume that also completed a bullish morning star. Relative strength versus the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF has also improved since February.
The 50-day simple moving average is now trending higher and approaching the $200 level, which sits just below the 200-day simple moving average. If momentum continues, a move toward $223 by mid-2026 could fill the prior upside gap from Dec. 10. Remain bullish above $172. Oracle was trading around $185 Wednesday.
Sonoco Products
The packaging play is flat over the last three-month period, but up 13% over the past year and pays a dividend yield of 4.3%. Two weeks ago the stock plunged 15% on an earnings reaction and hasn't seen any follow through lower providing an opportunity. The stock is down 8% since our recommendation.
The daily chart reveals several constructive signs. Price has reclaimed the round $50 level, which is notable as it previously marked the breakout above a bullish inverse head-and-shoulders pattern in early February:
Momentum also appears to be improving, with a bullish MACD crossover potentially developing. The last similar signal in October preceded a strong rally into the February highs. The stock also held firm support at its 200-day moving average in April and may now be forming the right side of a double-bottom base, with a potential pivot near $57.94.
A move toward $70 by year-end is possible, Remain bullish above $47. Sonoco Products was trading around $52 Wednesday.
TPG
The financials stock is down 28% year to date, but has come to life over the past month, jumping almost 20%. It now seems to be settling down after a recent 12-week losing streak between January and April. This week is striving for its third advance in the last four weeks and pays a dividend north of 5%. The stock has fallen 19% since our recommendation.
The daily chart is beginning to show early signs of relative strength, with the stock gradually outperforming financial peers over the past month based on its ratio chart versus the State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund:
The chart is still in repair mode following a failed breakout above a double-bottom trigger near $65.52 in December, with price stalling around $70 before pulling back. However, the 50-day moving average has flattened and is no longer declining, while a potential inverse head-and-shoulders pattern is starting to take shape.
If the stock reclaims $47, it could move toward $57 by mid-2026, implying roughly 25% upside from current levels. Remain bullish above $42.50. TPG was trading around $45 Wednesday.
Doug Busch is the senior technical analyst at Barron's Investor Circle . His technical view is added to stock picks, including those published exclusively for Investor Circle readers. A glossary of technical terms is updated regularly with new entries.
This content was created by Barron's, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. Barron's is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 06, 2026 22:31 ET (02:31 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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