Recent Articles from StockStory

Viavi Solutions delivered a positive fourth quarter, with results above Wall Street’s revenue and profit expectations. Management attributed growth to robust demand from the data center ecosystem and increased momentum in aerospace and defense, which together now comprise a growing share of the business. CEO Oleg Khaykin highlighted, “The data center ecosystem, which includes high-performance semiconductors, optical modules, and network management systems, drove strong demand for lead and production products in support of AI data center build-out.” The company also benefited from contributions of recently acquired product lines and a recovery in anti-counterfeiting solutions.

Badger Meter’s fourth quarter was met with a significant negative market reaction following a shortfall versus Wall Street’s revenue and profit expectations. Management attributed the results to the timing of large advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project completions and fewer operating days in the quarter. CEO Ken Bockhorst described the impact as a result of “the calendar and quarter-specific customer and project mix,” rather than a change in underlying demand or customer budgets. The team highlighted continued robust demand for cellular AMI solutions and progress integrating the SmartCover acquisition, which contributed to gross margin improvement.

AXIS Capital delivered revenue and non-GAAP earnings per share above Wall Street expectations in Q4, driven by strong insurance segment growth, disciplined underwriting, and expansion into new business lines. Management highlighted the positive impact of investments in technology and operational efficiency, as well as the contribution from new and expanded specialty classes. CEO Vincent Tizzio credited “increased profitable growth that was largely propelled by our new and expanded business classes and further enhanced our operating efficiency” as a major factor behind the results.

Corning’s fourth quarter results reflected robust demand in its optical communications segment, notably driven by adoption of next-generation data center solutions. Management highlighted that double-digit sales growth was heavily influenced by the rapid uptake of new artificial intelligence-oriented optical products, as well as key customer wins. CEO Wendell Weeks cited “remarkable demand for our innovations in manufacturing capabilities,” pointing to the Meta multi-year agreement as a validation of Corning’s technology leadership in high-density optical fiber. While revenue missed Wall Street expectations, improvements in operating margin and strong execution in premium product lines were credited for the quarter’s performance.

Landstar’s fourth quarter was marked by continued softness in the freight market, as the company reported results that fell short of Wall Street’s revenue and profit expectations. Management attributed the underperformance to ongoing freight recession conditions, persistent inflation, and an uptick in insurance and claims expenses, including charges related to severe vehicular accidents and legal judgments. CEO Frank Lonegro described the quarter’s environment as “challenging,” emphasizing that while truckload volumes and rates remained under pressure, the heavy haul business continued to grow, setting a new revenue record. Management’s tone was notably cautious, with specific mention of “uncertainty” from external headwinds impacting supply chains and the industrial economy.

Danaher’s fourth quarter results met Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with management attributing performance to ongoing strength in its bioprocessing segment and steady growth in diagnostics. CEO Rainer Blair noted that bioprocessing consumables demand, especially for monoclonal antibodies, remained robust, while diagnostic platforms benefited from an active respiratory season and expanding test menus. However, management acknowledged ongoing softness in academic and government research funding, with Blair describing these end markets as “muted but stable.” The company also cited the impact of productivity initiatives and continued investment in new product development as central to offsetting cost pressures.

GE Vernova’s fourth quarter was marked by solid top-line growth, with revenue and GAAP profit both surpassing Wall Street expectations. Management pointed to robust new gas contracts and record Electrification orders as core drivers, while acknowledging challenges related to the U.S. government’s halt of offshore wind activity. CEO Scott Strazik highlighted a 25% increase in total backlog, driven by strong demand in Power and Electrification segments, and emphasized the company’s progress in expanding high-margin service agreements. However, the abrupt stop-work order on the Vineyard Wind project required the company to accrue additional costs, impacting segment profitability.

CONMED’s fourth-quarter results were well received by the market, driven by standout performance in its orthopedics portfolio and continued progress in resolving supply chain challenges. Management highlighted the company’s exit from lower-growth gastroenterology product lines and renewed focus on high-growth areas such as robotic and laparoscopic surgery, smoke evacuation, and orthopedic soft tissue repair. CEO Patrick Beyer credited improvements in sports medicine supply, successful launches like the AIM meniscal repair program in Europe, and strong execution by the orthopedic sales team as key contributors. Beyer emphasized, “We ended the year with our backorder value and number of SKUs on backorder at a three-year low.”

Annaly Capital Management’s fourth quarter was marked by robust multi-segment growth, as the company outperformed Wall Street’s revenue and earnings expectations. Management identified lower market volatility, a supportive bond environment, and disciplined capital allocation as core contributors to the quarter’s economic return. CEO David Finkelstein emphasized, “All three businesses contributed solid returns,” with particular strength in agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and residential credit. Annaly’s ability to grow its portfolio by 30% during the year, while maintaining conservative leverage, underscored its diversified housing finance approach.

United Rentals faced a challenging fourth quarter as the market reacted negatively to its results, with management pointing to a combination of factors behind the underperformance. CEO Matthew Flannery highlighted continued growth in both general rentals and specialty businesses, but noted that higher fleet repositioning costs and mixed performance in the matting business weighed on margins. CFO William Grace attributed the shortfall in used equipment sales to holding onto high-time assets to meet demand, further impacting bottom-line results.

Stifel’s fourth quarter results exceeded Wall Street’s expectations, with management attributing the outperformance to strength in both its Global Wealth Management and Institutional segments. CEO Ronald James Kruszewski emphasized that record adviser recruiting and strong client activity underpinned the firm’s revenue growth, while the institutional business benefited from robust investment banking, particularly in advisory and capital markets. CFO James Marischen noted that operating leverage and disciplined expense control also played a significant role in delivering higher profitability, as compensation and non-compensation expenses remained well aligned with revenue growth. The quarter’s performance was further bolstered by increased client assets, a resilient balance sheet, and elevated activity in key sectors such as healthcare and financials.

Hexcel’s fourth quarter was marked by a positive market response, driven by stronger-than-expected commercial aerospace demand and disciplined cost management. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to the ongoing recovery in aircraft production rates across key programs, including the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, alongside operational streamlining initiatives such as facility closures and workforce reductions. CEO Thomas Gentile noted that "a sustained recovery and ramp-up in commercial aircraft build rates is beginning to take hold," as the company benefited from easing supply chain constraints and a rebound in customer orders, particularly for narrow-body jets.

Waste Management’s fourth quarter was marked by a negative market reaction, as both revenue and non-GAAP profit per share fell short of Wall Street’s expectations. Management attributed the results to ongoing cost optimization, disciplined pricing, and operational improvements in its core collection and disposal business. CEO James Fish highlighted that lower labor and maintenance costs, driven by investments in fleet and technology, improved operating leverage even as residential volume declined due to intentional shedding of low-margin accounts. The integration of Healthcare Solutions also contributed to margin gains, with Fish noting, “Customer service scores have improved to levels above our Legacy Business.”

VF Corp’s fourth quarter results were met with a negative market reaction, as management attributed the sales growth to improved execution in its largest brands and ongoing momentum in digital channels, particularly in The Americas. CEO Bracken Darrell emphasized that The North Face and Timberland brands delivered notable revenue gains, driven by new product launches and increased direct-to-consumer (DTC) activity. However, he noted that ongoing softness at Vans and international markets, along with tariff headwinds, continued to challenge overall performance. "We had a very strong quarter, growing revenue, expanding margins, and reducing debt, exactly as we said we'd do," Darrell stated, underscoring the company’s focus on operational discipline and product innovation.

Packaging manufacturer Ball (NYSE:BLL) reported revenue ahead of Wall Streets expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 16.2% year on year to $3.35 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.91 per share was 1.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Lam Research’s fourth quarter was defined by robust revenue growth and strong operational execution, with management crediting the company’s advanced etch and deposition technologies as primary contributors. CEO Tim Archer emphasized that rapid adoption of AI workloads drove customer investment in leading-edge foundry and memory capacity, while recent product launches like the Aqara etch system and major service upgrades expanded Lam’s footprint across DRAM, NAND, and logic segments. Archer noted, “Our performance demonstrates continued strong execution in an accelerating semiconductor demand environment.”

Plexus delivered a quarter that met Wall Street’s revenue expectations and exceeded consensus for non-GAAP earnings per share, prompting a positive market reaction. Management attributed the performance to strong program ramps across Healthcare/Life Sciences and Aerospace and Defense sectors, as well as improved demand in semiconductors and energy markets. CEO Todd Kelsey highlighted, "Our consistent strategy and focus on delivering customer success continues to enable share gains and is facilitating our leadership in growth markets." The company also benefited from operational improvements in its global facilities, helping offset investment costs tied to new capacity.

C.H. Robinson’s fourth quarter was shaped by persistent weakness in global freight demand and falling ocean shipping rates, yet the company’s execution on cost control and productivity helped it outperform in key areas. Management attributed the positive results to its lean operating model, proprietary AI-driven processes, and targeted market share gains, particularly in retail and automotive verticals. CEO David Bozeman highlighted, “We grew our total volume by 1% and our truckload volume by approximately 3% year over year, compared to a 7.6% year-over-year decline in the CAS freight shipment index,” emphasizing the company’s ability to capture share even as overall shipment activity contracted.

Otis’s fourth quarter results reflected a negative market reaction as the company missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations, despite delivering year-on-year top-line growth and meeting profit consensus. Management attributed the underperformance primarily to softer-than-anticipated new equipment sales, particularly in China and The Americas, and a lower-than-expected trajectory in repair within the service segment. CEO Judith Marks highlighted the company’s robust modernization orders and strong cash flow as key positives, noting, “We secured record modernization orders, building an unprecedented backlog.” The operational focus remained on expanding margins and growing the service portfolio, but external headwinds weighed on total revenue.

LendingClub’s fourth quarter results outpaced Wall Street expectations for both revenue and GAAP earnings, yet the market responded negatively, reflecting concerns about underlying trends. Management attributed growth to robust loan originations, especially in personal loans and major purchase financing, as well as improved marketplace pricing and strong credit performance. CEO Scott Sanborn highlighted the company’s underwriting capabilities, stating, “Our discipline, combined with our advanced underwriting capabilities, delivered 40 to 50% better credit performance versus our competitive set.” Despite these drivers, higher marketing and operating expenses raised questions about cost trajectory and the sustainability of earnings momentum.

Textron’s fourth quarter results drew a negative market reaction, despite the company topping Wall Street’s revenue and adjusted earnings expectations. Management attributed the quarter’s growth primarily to higher aircraft deliveries following recovery from the prior year’s strike, as well as expanded aftermarket activity and strong demand for Bell’s military helicopters. CEO Lisa Atherton also highlighted the impact of key certifications—such as the Citation Ascend and CJ3 Gen 2—on segment momentum and the company’s growing backlog, while acknowledging ongoing supply chain pressures, particularly around engines and workforce retention.

Whirlpool’s fourth-quarter results drew a negative market reaction as the company’s revenue came in below Wall Street expectations, with flat sales year over year. Management attributed the underperformance mainly to ongoing challenges in its North American business, including $300 million in tariff costs and a sluggish U.S. housing market, which saw existing home sales at a multi-decade low. CEO Marc Bitzer described 2025 as a “difficult year with unforeseen challenges,” noting that despite a record number of new product launches and share gains, intense promotional activity and delayed industry pricing adjustments pressured margins. Management expressed cautious optimism as industry pricing appeared to normalize late in the quarter.

Houlihan Lokey’s fourth quarter results surpassed Wall Street’s expectations for both revenue and adjusted earnings, with management attributing the performance to strengthening activity in its Corporate Finance segment and increased private equity deal flow. CEO Scott Adelson pointed to improving investor sentiment and robust M&A (mergers and acquisitions) activity as critical drivers, while the accelerated closing of restructuring transactions also played a role. Adelson noted, “We continue to benefit from improving investor sentiment, partially fueled by stronger company performance and expectations of declining interest rates.”

Manufacturing company Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 4.1% year on year to $4.09 billion. Its GAAP profit of $2.72 per share was 1.3% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

IBM’s Q4 performance was marked by growth in software and infrastructure, which drove the company to surpass Wall Street’s revenue and profit expectations. Management credited the momentum to strong demand for AI- and automation-centric solutions, as well as continued adoption of its Z17 mainframe platform. CEO Arvind Krishna noted that “software grew 9%, our highest annual growth rate in history,” highlighting the impact of IBM’s focus on hybrid cloud and AI. Consulting services also contributed modestly, with clients increasingly seeking help to integrate AI at scale.

Tetra Tech’s fourth quarter performance surpassed Wall Street’s revenue and profit expectations, with management attributing the results to robust demand for water infrastructure and environmental services, particularly in international markets. CEO Dan Batrack highlighted strength in UK and Ireland water programs and solid execution in U.S. state and local projects, emphasizing the company’s focus on front-end consulting and digital automation for water systems. Management also noted that advanced planning helped the federal segment navigate the U.S. government shutdown, sustaining year-on-year growth despite industry-wide disruptions.

Prosperity Bancshares’ fourth quarter results drew a significant negative reaction from the market, despite the company meeting revenue expectations and exceeding analyst profit estimates. Management pointed to higher net interest margin, improved deposit growth, and disciplined expense management as key factors in the quarter. However, the increase in nonperforming assets and a decline in loan balances drew concern, with CEO David Zalman emphasizing the company’s ongoing caution in underwriting and the impact of run-off from acquired loan portfolios. Zalman acknowledged, “We are not willing to compete with the terms and conditions being offered sometimes by out-of-state competitors on some of the larger deals,” highlighting both the competitive environment and the company’s risk posture.

MSCI’s fourth quarter results were well received, reflecting solid execution across core business lines and continued expansion in client segments. Management attributed the positive momentum to strong demand for custom index solutions, robust inflows into non-U.S. equity ETFs, and notable growth in private capital solutions. CEO Henry Fernandez emphasized that the company’s commitment to innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, played a significant role in boosting both recurring subscription and asset-based fee revenues this quarter. Fernandez noted, “Our index flywheel is helping clients form thematic baskets, gain global exposures, and unlock new distribution channels.”

Meritage Homes’ fourth quarter was defined by persistent affordability challenges and cautious buyer sentiment, which management identified as key drivers behind softer sales activity and margin compression. CEO Phillippe Lord noted that the company held firm on limiting incentives, even as competitors aggressively discounted to clear inventory, contributing to a slower absorption pace. The company’s focus on backlog conversion and maintaining a healthy inventory of move-in ready homes partially offset the impact of lower demand, but management acknowledged that “Q4 was really bad” due to both consumer confidence and competitive dynamics.

ServiceNow’s fourth quarter results surpassed Wall Street’s revenue and non-GAAP profit expectations, but the market reaction was notably negative. Management focused on the acceleration in AI-driven product uptake and major enterprise wins, citing strong adoption of Now Assist and workflow automation across industries. CEO Bill McDermott described the period as ServiceNow's “largest quarter in history” for CRM net new annual contract value, emphasizing customer demand for end-to-end AI and workflow solutions. Despite these achievements, management acknowledged that recent M&A activity and questions about future growth drivers contributed to investor uncertainty.

Raymond James delivered fourth-quarter results that saw sales rise year-on-year, though revenue slightly missed Wall Street’s expectations. Management pointed to robust adviser recruiting and retention as significant contributors to the quarter’s growth, with net new asset inflows reaching one of the highest levels in company history. CEO Paul Shoukry emphasized continued success in attracting high-quality advisers, stating, “The recruiting activity is robust...and the retention of our existing advisers remains very strong.” While capital markets performance was impacted by lower M&A and advisory revenues, the private client and asset management segments remained resilient.

Meta’s fourth quarter delivered results ahead of Wall Street expectations, with management attributing the upside to robust advertiser demand, continued improvements in AI-powered ad targeting, and engagement gains across the company’s core social platforms. CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized that Meta’s AI-driven recommendation systems and new ad products were key contributors, noting a “major AI acceleration” that is beginning to unlock new user and business experiences. CFO Susan Li added that optimizations in both feed and video surfaces on Facebook and Instagram drove meaningful increases in engagement and monetization.

While profitability is essential, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Some companies that rest on their margins will lose ground as competition intensifies - as Jeff Bezos said, "Your margin is my opportunity".

A highly volatile stock can deliver big gains - or just as easily wipe out a portfolio if things go south. While some investors embrace risk, mistakes can be costly for those who aren’t prepared.

Running at a loss can be a red flag. Many of these businesses face mounting challenges as competition increases and funding becomes harder to secure.

A company that generates cash isn’t automatically a winner. Some businesses stockpile cash but fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their ability to expand.

While strong cash flow is a key indicator of stability, it doesn’t always translate to superior returns. Some cash-heavy businesses struggle with inefficient spending, slowing demand, or weak competitive positioning.

Many small-cap stocks have limited Wall Street coverage, giving savvy investors the chance to act before everyone else catches on. But the flip side is that these businesses have increased downside risk because they lack the scale and staying power of their larger competitors.

Wall Street has issued downbeat forecasts for the stocks in this article. These predictions are rare - financial institutions typically hesitate to say bad things about a company because it can jeopardize their other revenue-generating business lines like M&A advisory.

Volatility cuts both ways - while it creates opportunities, it also increases risk, making sharp declines just as likely as big gains. This unpredictability can shake out even the most experienced investors.

The stocks in this article have caught Wall Street’s attention in a big way, with price targets implying returns above 20%. But investors should take these forecasts with a grain of salt because analysts typically say nice things about companies so their firms can win business in other product lines like M&A advisory.

Growth is oxygen. But when it evaporates, the consequences can be severe - ask anyone who bought Cisco in the Dot-Com Bubble or newer investors who lived through the 2020 to 2022 COVID cycle.

Investors looking for hidden gems should keep an eye on small-cap stocks because they’re frequently overlooked by Wall Street. Many opportunities exist in this part of the market, but it is also a high-risk, high-reward environment due to the lack of reliable analyst price targets.

Megacap stocks are behemoths that set the tone for their industries, and their massive scale typically leads to wide moats. However, the downside is that most have already exploited their existing market opportunities and must invest heavily to expand further, a risky proposition.

Small-cap stocks can be incredibly lucrative investments because their lack of analyst coverage leads to frequent mispricings. However, these businesses (and their stock prices) often stay small because their subscale operations make it harder to expand their competitive moats.

Stocks trading between $10 and $50 can be particularly interesting as they frequently represent businesses that have survived their early challenges. However, investors should remain vigilant as some may still have unproven business models, leaving them vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of the broader market.

Unprofitable companies can burn through cash quickly, leaving investors exposed if they fail to turn things around. Without a clear path to profitability, these businesses risk running out of capital or relying on dilutive fundraising.

Stocks trading between $10 and $50 can be particularly interesting as they frequently represent businesses that have survived their early challenges. However, investors should remain vigilant as some may still have unproven business models, leaving them vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of the broader market.

A company that generates cash isn’t automatically a winner. Some businesses stockpile cash but fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their ability to expand.

Many small-cap stocks have limited Wall Street coverage, giving savvy investors the chance to act before everyone else catches on. But the flip side is that these businesses have increased downside risk because they lack the scale and staying power of their larger competitors.

The stocks in this article are all trading near their 52-week highs. This strength often reflects positive developments such as new product launches, favorable industry trends, or improved financial performance.

The low valuation multiples for value stocks provide a margin of safety that growth stocks rarely offer. However, the challenge lies in determining whether these cheap assets are genuinely undervalued or simply on sale due to their potentially deteriorating business models.

While the S&P 500 (^GSPC) includes industry leaders, not every stock in the index is a winner. Some companies are past their prime, weighed down by poor execution, weak financials, or structural headwinds.

The Russell 2000 (^RUT) is home to many small-cap stocks, offering investors the chance to uncover hidden gems before the broader market catches on. However, these companies often come with higher volatility and risk, as their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to economic downturns.

Stocks under $10 pique our interest because they have room to grow (as well as the most affordable option contract premiums). That doesn’t mean they’re bargains though, and we urge investors to be careful as many have risky business models.

First American Financial currently trades at $64.71 per share and has shown little upside over the past six months, posting a middling return of 4.4%. The stock also fell short of the S&P 500’s 10.2% gain during that period.

Shareholders of Utz would probably like to forget the past six months even happened. The stock dropped 25.6% and now trades at $10.23. This may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

Over the past six months, Global Industrial’s shares (currently trading at $31.85) have posted a disappointing 7.7% loss, well below the S&P 500’s 10.2% gain. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move.

Shareholders of Manhattan Associates would probably like to forget the past six months even happened. The stock dropped 37.9% and now trades at $135.72. This may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

Novanta has followed the market’s trajectory closely, rising in tandem with the S&P 500 over the past six months. The stock has climbed by 10.3% to $136.84 per share while the index has gained 10.2%.

The past six months have been a windfall for Designer Brands’s shareholders. The company’s stock price has jumped 143%, hitting $6.72 per share. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

BWX currently trades at $210.00 and has been a dream stock for shareholders. It’s returned 272% since February 2021, more than tripling the S&P 500’s 80.1% gain. The company has also beaten the index over the past six months as its stock price is up 35.9% thanks to its solid quarterly results.

Stratasys has been treading water for the past six months, recording a small return of 2.1% while holding steady at $10.95. The stock also fell short of the S&P 500’s 10.2% gain during that period.

Rollins has followed the market’s trajectory closely, rising in tandem with the S&P 500 over the past six months. The stock has climbed by 7.7% to $62.98 per share while the index has gained 10.2%.

Microsoft has gotten torched over the last six months - since August 2025, its stock price has dropped 23.1% to $411.99 per share. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

Smith & Wesson has been on fire lately. In the past six months alone, the company’s stock price has rocketed 45.2%, setting a new 52-week high of $11.43 per share. This was partly due to its solid quarterly results, and the run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.

Wix’s stock price has taken a beating over the past six months, shedding 40.9% of its value and falling to $77.67 per share. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move.

What a time it’s been for Shoals. In the past six months alone, the company’s stock price has increased by a massive 86.5%, reaching $10.04 per share. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

Vulcan Materials trades at $311.18 per share and has stayed right on track with the overall market, gaining 10.4% over the last six months. At the same time, the S&P 500 has returned 10.2%.

Martin Marietta Materials trades at $662.45 per share and has stayed right on track with the overall market, gaining 10% over the last six months. At the same time, the S&P 500 has returned 10.2%.

Over the past six months, Invesco has been a great trade, beating the S&P 500 by 15.9%. Its stock price has climbed to $26.48, representing a healthy 26.1% increase. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

Over the past six months, F5’s shares (currently trading at $274.66) have posted a disappointing 14.4% loss, well below the S&P 500’s 10.2% gain. This may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

The past six months have been a windfall for Kohl’s shareholders. The company’s stock price has jumped 59.4%, hitting $18.16 per share. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

Over the past six months, Hercules Capital’s stock price fell to $17.50. Shareholders have lost 9.6% of their capital, which is disappointing considering the S&P 500 has climbed by 10.2%. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

Since August 2025, American Outdoor Brands has been in a holding pattern, posting a small return of 2.2% while floating around $9.44. The stock also fell short of the S&P 500’s 10.2% gain during that period.