Swipe, Dine, and Deal: Gordon Reid’s Recipe for Profits
Brinker, Goldman Sachs, and Visa headline Gordon Reid’s strategic picks for a resilient, opportunity-rich U.S. market.
In a market as erratic and emotionally charged as the one we’re navigating in 2025, Gordon Reid, President & CEO of Goodreid Investment Counsel, remains a voice of clarity and confidence. His latest top picks—Brinker International, Goldman Sachs, and Visa—aren’t just names thrown into the market ether. These are strategic plays, each chosen for its unique positioning in a shifting economic landscape where policy, consumer behavior, and macro data clash like tectonic plates.
The backdrop to Reid’s confidence lies in the aftermath of what many dubbed the “Trump Tariff Tantrum” earlier this year. What initially roiled the markets has now all but faded, replaced by a cautious optimism. Markets are absorbing information faster than ever, pricing in political chaos, geopolitical risk, and corporate resilience with alarming efficiency. Trump’s latest reputation as TACO—Trump Always Chickens Out—has become more than just a political jab. It’s a tell. A sign that markets may brace for fire but often get the smoke machine instead.
Despite being fully valued by many metrics, U.S. equities continue to attract capital. Reid argues that the market has room to grow, especially if corporate earnings remain strong and the economic engine continues to hum. The consumer, although strained, is still spending. Employment remains solid, and whispers of an impending tax cut offer another shot of adrenaline. But the real kicker? There’s still massive capital sitting on the sidelines, waiting for that all-clear signal. It may never come. But even the cautious are slowly stepping back in.
Reid also reminds investors to keep an eye on the political calendar. With the 2026 midterms inching closer, every market tremor and policy pivot will carry political weight. The Republicans, especially Trump, are expected to dial up the investor-friendly rhetoric and measures to court both Wall Street and Main Street. That, too, will feed the bullish narrative.
Now, let’s break down Reid’s top picks—and why he’s betting big on them in 2025.
Brinker International: A Culinary Turnaround Story
Brinker, the parent company of Chili’s Grill & Bar, is in the middle of a remarkable transformation. Once seen as a tired brand in a saturated casual dining space, Brinker has flipped the narrative. Credit goes to Kevin Hochman, a seasoned veteran with experience at Procter & Gamble and KFC, who took the reins and orchestrated an aggressive turnaround. Under his leadership, Chili’s has not just stabilized—it’s thriving.
Same-store sales are up, and innovation is back on the menu. With 1,600 locations—three-quarters of which are company-owned—Brinker has control over quality and brand experience. That matters. And at just 19 times expected fiscal 2026 earnings, this is a growth story that hasn’t yet been fully priced in. Investors searching for undervalued gems in the consumer discretionary sector should be paying close attention.
Goldman Sachs: The Smart Money’s Bank
Goldman Sachs is built for this kind of market cycle. It thrives when the economy is stable, the yield curve is positive, and regulations don’t strangle capital flows. Right now, that’s exactly the kind of environment we’re in. Interest rates are easing. The yield curve is finally trending in the right direction. And the capital markets? They’re ready to roar back to life.
Reid expects a surge of activity in the second half of 2025. IPOs, M&A, structured finance—Goldman’s deal-making engine is warming up. After years of pent-up demand and risk aversion, capital markets are set for a breakout. And Goldman, with its elite status and vast institutional reach, is perfectly positioned to lead the charge. On top of that, valuations are attractive. For a name as dominant and diversified as Goldman Sachs, the market still hasn’t fully recalibrated its expectations. That’s an opportunity for anyone willing to bet on the resurgence of Wall Street’s golden child.
Visa: The Silent Fintech Giant
There’s something powerful about consistency. Visa isn’t flashy. It doesn’t dominate headlines. But quarter after quarter, year after year, it delivers. Reid is especially bullish on Visa not because it’s reinventing the wheel—but because it has made the wheel faster, safer, and more scalable than ever.
At just over 27 times estimated 2026 earnings, Visa might appear pricey at first glance. But when you factor in a mid-teens growth rate and almost unrivaled earnings predictability, the premium becomes justified—if not generous. Where it gets even more compelling is growth geography. Latin America and Europe are already showing strong momentum. Asia, which has lagged, represents a runway of untapped potential. Visa’s global network is only becoming more essential in a digitized, contactless payment world. And as fintech continues to mature, Visa isn’t being disrupted—it’s doing the disrupting.
The Bigger Picture
Reid’s picks don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re tied to a bigger thesis about where the U.S. economy is heading. Despite political noise, consumer fatigue, and tech overhangs, the economy is holding up. Employment is strong. Corporate earnings are resilient. And while inflation is still being monitored like a hawk, it’s no longer the monster under the bed.
Add in the upcoming midterms, a dovish Fed pivot, and an administration eager to prop up market sentiment, and the case for continued equity strength becomes clearer. Reid is betting on winners—not just because of fundamentals, but because the winds of policy and capital are blowing in their favor.
His approach is tactical, but not short-sighted. These are businesses with longevity, leadership, and leverage in their respective sectors. Brinker is becoming a dominant force in dining. Goldman Sachs is ready to reclaim its role as Wall Street’s dealmaker-in-chief. Visa continues to silently own the rails of the global economy. This isn’t just a top-picks list—it’s a blueprint for thriving in a volatile but opportunity-rich market.
Conclusion
Gordon Reid’s outlook for June 2025 offers more than just stock picks—it’s a playbook for navigating a market that’s equal parts resilient and reactive. In Brinker, he sees operational excellence and a revival story. In Goldman Sachs, he sees a capital markets juggernaut poised for resurgence. In Visa, he sees consistent growth riding a global shift toward digital payments. Reid’s conviction is grounded in data, driven by macro trends, and sharpened by political awareness. For investors seeking clarity in a foggy market, his insights cut through the noise.