Group 1: American Resources (AREC) - American Resources has experienced a stock price surge of 173% in 2025 due to its pivot from coal production to critical minerals essential for clean energy infrastructure [5] - The U.S. imports nearly 100% of its rare earth elements, highlighting a significant opportunity for domestic production supported by billions in federal funding [6] - The company's ReElement Technologies subsidiary focuses on battery material recycling and purification, providing an additional revenue stream tied to the circular economy [6] Group 2: Freshworks (FRSH) - Freshworks is a profitable growth software company that reported over $200 million in revenue last quarter, reflecting low-teens growth year over year [9] - The company has gross margins exceeding 84% and is narrowing operating losses while expanding its product suite with AI-powered features [10] - Despite its steady growth, Freshworks' stock has declined by 23% this year, primarily due to competition from larger players like Salesforce and ServiceNow [9][11] Group 3: Investment Strategy - A $1,000 investment split between American Resources and Freshworks represents a barbell strategy, balancing high-risk exposure to critical minerals with a more traditional growth story [12] - American Resources offers potential for significant returns if government support continues, while Freshworks is trading at a discount compared to the S&P 500 and its peers [12]