Top Two Shares I'd Invest a Thousand Dollars in Instantly
In the dynamic world of investments, two companies have stood out in 2025 - Shopify and Axsome Therapeutics.
Shopify: A Leading Force in E-commerce
Shopify (SHOP) has been on a roll, with its stock price surging significantly in 2025. This growth can be attributed to robust earnings and strategic initiatives such as the Shopify Plus rollout, which aims to lower costs for merchants. Analysts from Oppenheimer, KeyBanc, CIBC, Needham, and Benchmark have raised their price targets to around $135-$145, reflecting optimism about Shopify’s international expansion, tariff risk reduction, and operational enhancements.
Shopify reported a 22% stock increase after Q2 2025 earnings, driven by a 51% rise in operating income and forecasts for mid-to-high-20s percentage revenue growth. However, some caution exists given its relatively high valuation (P/E ~70, P/S ~18).
Operating in more than 175 countries, Shopify has a share of more than 12% in the U.S. e-commerce market, measured by gross merchandise volume. The company offers a suite of valuable products for online merchants, including tools for payment, marketing, analytics, and social media sales.
Axsome Therapeutics: Promising Prospects in Biotech
Axsome Therapeutics (AXSM), a mid-cap biotech company, has three approved medicines: Auvelity (for major depressive disorder), Symbravo (for acute migraines), and Sunosi (for excessive daytime sleepiness associated with sleep apnea or narcolepsy). Sunosi was acquired from Jazz Pharmaceuticals in 2022.
Axsome Therapeutics has shown impressive growth, with recent quarterly revenues reaching a record $150 million, a 72% year-over-year increase and 24% quarter-over-quarter growth. Despite some insider selling in recent months, analysts maintain a consensus “Buy” rating with price targets between $150 and $200.
The company's lineup of approved products is driving solid top-line growth, and its late-stage pipeline, including AXS-12 (a potential treatment for cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy) and Auvelity in Alzheimer's disease agitation, is expected to further improve its financial results.
However, Axsome Therapeutics has encountered regulatory headwinds, such as the recent rejection of its application for AXS-14 as a potential treatment for fibromyalgia. The company plans to run another clinical trial starting in the fourth quarter to address this issue.
A Comparative Analysis
Investing in Shopify offers exposure to a leading e-commerce platform with strong operational improvements and international growth but comes with a higher valuation reflecting growth expectations. Axsome Therapeutics presents an opportunity in biotech with impressive recent revenue acceleration and potential pipeline growth, though intrinsic risks typical of the sector remain.
Both stocks have positive analyst ratings and growth stories, suitable for investors seeking growth in technology and biotech sectors, respectively. However, careful consideration of valuation and sector-specific risks is advised.
Key Takeaways
- Shopify's stock price has risen significantly in 2025, driven by robust earnings and strategic initiatives.
- Axsome Therapeutics has shown impressive growth, with revenues reaching a record $150 million.
- Shopify operates in more than 175 countries, while Axsome Therapeutics has three approved medicines.
- Analysts have raised their price targets for Shopify to around $135-$145, while maintaining a consensus “Buy” rating for Axsome Therapeutics with price targets between $150 and $200.
- Shopify remains unprofitable, but its massive growth avenues and recent strategic changes should allow it to become profitable within a few years.
- Axsome Therapeutics is facing regulatory headwinds but expects to submit regulatory applications for AXS-12 and a label expansion of Auvelity in Alzheimer's disease agitation.
[1] Oppenheimer raises Shopify price target to $145
[2] Shopify: Analysts' Ratings, Price Targets, and Estimates
[3] Shopify Q2 2025 Earnings Report
[4] Axsome Therapeutics Q2 2025 Earnings Report
[5] Axsome Therapeutics: Analysts' Ratings, Price Targets, and Estimates
- The stock price of Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, has surged significantly in 2025, with analysts from Oppenheimer, KeyBanc, CIBC, Needham, and Benchmark raising their price targets to around $135-$145.
- Axsome Therapeutics, a mid-cap biotech company with three approved medicines, recorded impressive growth in 2025, with quarterly revenues reaching a record $150 million, and analysts maintaining a consensus "Buy" rating with price targets between $150 and $200.
- Investment in both Shopify and Axsome Therapeutics comes with sector-specific risks; while Shopify offers exposure to a rapidly growing e-commerce company with a high valuation, Axsome Therapeutics presents an opportunity in biotech with potential pipeline growth and typical intrinsic risks of the sector.
