Recent Articles from StockStory

Membership-only discount retailer BJ’s Wholesale Club (NYSE:BJ) will be announcing earnings results this Friday morning. Here’s what to look for.

Manufacturing company Nordson (NASDAQ:NDSN) reported Q2 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 12.1% year on year to $741.5 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.73 per share was 3.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Beauty products company Coty (NYSE:COTY) reported Q2 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, but sales fell by 8.1% year on year to $1.25 billion. Its non-GAAP loss of $0.05 per share was significantly below analysts’ consensus estimates.

Shares of contemporary clothing brand Guess (NYSE:GES) jumped 25.9% in the afternoon session after the company announced it has agreed to be taken private in a $1.4 billion deal. The transaction is a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group and a group of existing shareholders, including co-founders Maurice and Paul Marciano and CEO Carlos Alberini. 

Shares of online learning platform Udemy (NASDAQ:UDMY) fell 3.5% in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. Despite the downturn, some analysts viewed this as an opportunity to own some of the "Core AI winners." Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities commented, "In our view, the tech bull cycle will be well intact for at least another 2-3 years, given the trillions being spent on AI infrastructure/software/chips/power/apps looking ahead. This remains our tech playbook and investor roadmap." Additionally, mixed earnings reports from retailers, such as Target, have added to the market's weakness. Investors are closely monitoring these reports for insights into the broader economic health and the potential impact of new tariffs on inflation.

Shares of semiconductor company Semtech (NASDAQ:SMTC) fell 3.1% in the morning session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

Shares of earth imaging satellite company Planet Labs (NYSE:PL) fell 3.4% in the morning session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

Shares of customer engagement platform Twilio (NYSE:TWLO) fell 3.2% in the morning session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

Shares of data storage solutions provider Pure Storage (NYSE:PSTG) fell 3.4% in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

Shares of semiconductor testing company FormFactor (NASDAQ:FORM) fell 3% in the morning session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

Shares of fabless chip and software maker Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) fell 3.1% in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

Shares of low-code automation software company Appian (NASDAQ:APPN) fell 3.3% in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the morning session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. 

Financial technology provider Jack Henry & Associates (NASDAQ:JKHY) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 9.9% year on year to $615.4 million. On the other hand, the company’s full-year revenue guidance of $2.49 billion at the midpoint came in 1.2% below analysts’ estimates. Its GAAP profit of $1.75 per share was 10.7% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the major indices continued to pull back, with technology stocks accounting for most of the market's largest decliners. A key reason for this trend is that much of the recent market gains were concentrated in the "AI trade," which includes these large technology and semiconductor companies. So this could also mean that some investors are locking in some gains ahead of more definitive feedback from the Fed. 

Shares of online used car dealer Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) fell 3.8% in the afternoon session after Hertz Global Holdings announced it will begin selling certified used cars on Amazon.com, a move that introduces a significant new competitor into the online vehicle market. The move allows shoppers to browse, finance, and purchase Hertz's pre-owned vehicles through the e-commerce giant's platform, Amazon Autos. This development is viewed as a direct challenge to Carvana's online sales model, raising concerns about increased competition in the digital used car market. Investors appear worried that the partnership between Hertz and Amazon could negatively impact Carvana's sales and market share. Furthermore, the new arrangement could lead to fewer of Hertz's used vehicles being sold through the Carvana platform, directly affecting its inventory and sales channels.

Shares of digital banking platform Nubank (NYSE:NU) jumped 3.7% in the afternoon session after receiving a rare double upgrade from Citi, which significantly boosted its rating on the stock. The firm issued a rare double upgrade, shifting its rating on the stock from “Sell” all the way to “Buy” and doubling its price target to $18 from $9. This dramatic shift in perspective follows Nu Holdings' strong second-quarter performance, which showed robust profit and revenue growth. Citi cited the potential for an earnings boost as a key reason for the change.

Shares of beauty products company Estée Lauder (NYSE:EL) fell 4.9% in the afternoon session after the company reported a sharp decline in sales for its fourth quarter and provided a weaker-than-expected forecast for the upcoming fiscal year. Revenue for the quarter fell 11.9% year on year to $3.41 billion, meeting Wall Street’s expectations. However, other key metrics disappointed investors. While adjusted earnings of $0.09 per share met analyst estimates, it marked a significant drop from $0.64 in the same quarter last year. Furthermore, the company reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of $180 million, substantially missing analyst projections of a $318.8 million profit. Compounding the weak results, Estée Lauder issued guidance for its 2026 fiscal year with adjusted earnings per share expected to be between $1.90 and $2.10. The midpoint of this range is nearly 10% below the consensus analyst forecast, raising concerns about the company's profitability outlook.

Shares of general merchandise retailer Target (NYSE:TGT) fell 7.6% in the afternoon session after the company reported mixed second quarter earnings. Traffic to its stores fell and gross margin slightly missed. Also, a new CEO was announced. On the other hand, revenue beat slightly, and full-year guidance was maintained. Overall, we think this was a mixed quarter. Investors were likely hoping for more, or were likely disappointed in the CEO announcement.

Shares of telecommunications company Dycom (NYSE:DY) fell 8.5% in the afternoon session after the company reported mixed second-quarter 2025 results where revenues and forward guidance fell short of market expectations. The telecommunications infrastructure company posted second-quarter contract revenues of $1.38 billion. While this represented a 14.5% increase compared to the same period last year, it fell short of analyst estimates of $1.41 billion. Despite the revenue miss, Dycom delivered strong profitability. Its adjusted EBITDA of $205.5 million beat the consensus estimate of $191.9 million, and its earnings per share of $3.33 was a notable increase from $2.32 in the prior-year quarter. However, the company's revenue guidance for the upcoming third quarter of $1.41 billion also underwhelmed investors, coming in below Wall Street's forecast of $1.46 billion, overshadowing the profit beat.

Shares of healthcare services company Agilon Health (NYSE:AGL) fell 4.4% in the afternoon session after the company was downgraded by analysts at Bernstein from “Outperform” to “Market Perform”. The firm also slashed its price target on the stock by 65% to $1.40 from $4.00. Analyst Lance Wilkes cited “worse-than-expected margin pressures” following a disappointing quarter where the company's medical margin was a negative $53 million. This was primarily driven by lower-than-expected risk adjustment revenue for 2024 and 2025. Bernstein expressed concerns about agilon's reduced capital, which increases its cost of capital, and noted cash flow uncertainty after the company withdrew its fiscal year 2025 guidance.

Shares of cloud data platform provider Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW) jumped 3.2% in the after-market session after Bank of America lifted its rating on the company to 'Buy' from 'Neutral'. Analyst Bradley Sills of Bank of America Securities raised the rating, citing growing optimism ahead of Snowflake's second-quarter earnings report scheduled for August 27. The price target for the stock was also increased to $240 from $220. Sills highlighted that the cloud data company is experiencing strong momentum in three key areas: its core data warehouse business, as well as its emerging Cortex AI and Snowpark developer platforms. The analyst expressed strong conviction in the durability of Snowflake's AI-driven momentum and its ability to sustain growth.

Shares of furniture company La-Z-Boy (NYSE:LZB) fell 13% in the afternoon session after the company reported disappointing second-quarter results and issued a weak forecast for the upcoming quarter. The furniture maker's adjusted earnings per share of $0.47 missed Wall Street's expectations by nearly 11%. While its revenue of $492.2 million was in line with estimates, it remained flat compared to the same period last year, signaling stagnant sales. Adding to investor concerns, La-Z-Boy's revenue guidance for the third quarter also came in below analysts' projections. Profitability took a hit as well, with the company's operating margin declining to 4.5% from 6.5% a year ago, indicating that rising costs were squeezing profits. This combination of missed earnings, a weak outlook, and shrinking profitability prompted a significant sell-off in the stock.

Shares of coconut water company The Vita Coco Company (NASDAQ:COCO) jumped 6.3% in the afternoon session after an analyst at Piper Sandler upgraded the stock to 'Overweight' from 'Neutral'. The investment firm set a new price target of $39, representing a potential upside of 15% for investors. In its decision, Piper Sandler highlighted Vita Coco's robust ability to adapt its sourcing strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs. This optimistic view from a Wall Street analyst signals growing confidence in the beverage company's financial resilience and future performance, which prompted a positive reaction from the market.

Shares of off-price retail company TJX (NYSE:TJX) jumped 3.2% in the afternoon session after the company reported second-quarter results that surpassed Wall Street's expectations for both revenue and profit. The company's total revenue grew 6.9% year-over-year to $14.4 billion, beating analyst estimates. This performance was supported by a solid 4% increase in same-store sales, an industry metric that tracks sales at existing locations. Earnings per share came in at $1.10, which was 8.5% ahead of consensus forecasts. Despite the strong quarter, the company offered a mixed outlook. While its full-year earnings guidance was roughly in line with expectations, its revenue forecast for the upcoming third quarter came in below what analysts had anticipated. Investors, however, appeared to focus on the current quarter's strength, sending the stock higher.

Shares of manufacturer of analog chips Analog Devices (NASDAQ:ADI) jumped 4% in the afternoon session after the company reported second-quarter 2025 financial results that surpassed analyst expectations and provided optimistic forward-looking guidance. The semiconductor firm announced second-quarter revenue of $2.88 billion, a 24.6% year-over-year increase that surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.76 billion. Adjusted earnings per share also came in ahead of projections at $2.05, compared to the expected $1.95. Looking ahead, Analog Devices issued optimistic guidance for the third quarter, forecasting revenue of approximately $3.00 billion. This projection is significantly above Wall Street's expectation of $2.82 billion, signaling management's confidence in continued demand and a broader cyclical recovery in the semiconductor industry.

Furniture company La-Z-Boy (NYSE:LZB) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, but sales were flat year on year at $492.2 million. On the other hand, next quarter’s revenue guidance of $520 million was less impressive, coming in 1.6% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.47 per share was 10.8% below analysts’ consensus estimates.

Electronic measurement provider Keysight (NYSE:KEYS) reported revenue ahead of Wall Street’s expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 11.1% year on year to $1.35 billion. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was better than expected at $1.38 billion at the midpoint, 0.7% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.72 per share was 2.9% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Off-price retail company TJX (NYSE:TJX) reported Q2 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 6.9% year on year to $14.4 billion. On the other hand, next quarter’s revenue guidance of $14.41 billion was less impressive, coming in 2.1% below analysts’ estimates. Its GAAP profit of $1.10 per share was 8.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Manufacturer of analog chips Analog Devices (NASDAQ:ADI) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 24.6% year on year to $2.88 billion. On top of that, next quarter’s revenue guidance ($3 billion at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 6.4% above what analysts were expecting. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.05 per share was 5.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Telecommunications company Dycom (NYSE:DY) fell short of the market’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, but sales rose 14.5% year on year to $1.38 billion. Next quarter’s revenue guidance of $1.41 billion underwhelmed, coming in 4.1% below analysts’ estimates. Its GAAP profit of $3.33 per share was 14% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

General merchandise retailer Target (NYSE:TGT) reported revenue ahead of Wall Street’s expectations in Q2 CY2025, but sales were flat year on year at $25.21 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.05 per share was 0.7% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Beauty products company Estée Lauder (NYSE:EL) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, but sales fell by 11.9% year on year to $3.41 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.09 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

Home improvement retailer Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 1.6% year on year to $23.96 billion. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $85 billion at the midpoint came in 0.7% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $4.33 per share was 2.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Stratasys reported flat sales year over year in Q2, with revenue coming in slightly above Wall Street’s expectations but the market reacting negatively given cautious management commentary and persistent delays in customer capital spending. CEO Yoav Zeif pointed to disciplined customer behavior and longer sales cycles, particularly for large production deals, as central challenges. Zeif described the environment as one where “customers maintain disciplined capital spending approaches as they await signs of normalcy to emerge,” highlighting that while engagement remains high, many significant deals have yet to close.

Noodles & Company’s second quarter results disappointed investors, with revenue and profit metrics missing Wall Street expectations and the stock declining sharply after the report. Management attributed the underperformance primarily to weaker guest traffic and a misalignment between new menu pricing and consumer value perception. CEO Andrew Madsen acknowledged that the nationwide launch of the revamped menu, intended to improve food quality and brand identity, did not deliver the expected lift in guest visits, noting, “We experienced an unexpected decline in guest value perception following our menu launch in March.”

Kimball Electronics posted second-quarter results that surpassed Wall Street’s revenue and profit expectations, with the market responding positively. Management credited this outcome to sequential sales growth, disciplined cost control, and strong cash flow generation, which enabled further debt reduction. CEO Richard Phillips highlighted the company’s progress in repositioning for profitable growth, citing a notable increase in customer wins and high-quality ratings. Phillips emphasized, “We made significant progress positioning the company for a return to profitable growth with noteworthy accomplishments, including a record number of wins for future business.”

European Wax Center’s second quarter saw a positive market reaction despite a year-over-year sales decline and a revenue miss versus Wall Street expectations. Management pointed to early signs of stabilization in guest transaction trends and highlighted a disciplined approach to cost control and operational efficiency. CEO Chris Morris noted, “Our strategies are beginning to take hold,” referencing improvements in visit frequency among existing guests and enhanced marketing efficiency. The company also credited a test-and-learn approach and increased franchisee engagement as supporting factors.

Red Robin’s Q2 results were received positively by investors, as the company exceeded Wall Street expectations for both revenue and adjusted profit despite ongoing sales challenges. Management credited operational improvements—specifically labor efficiency and cost discipline—for the margin recovery, with CEO Dave Pace highlighting the company’s “270 basis point improvement year-over-year in restaurant level operating profit margin…driven by 300 basis points of labor improvements.” The launch of the Big Yummm value promotion and a deliberate pullback in marketing spend were also noted as key factors influencing traffic and sales trends during the quarter.

Brinker International delivered fiscal Q4 2025 results that surpassed Wall Street’s expectations, driven by strong same-store sales growth at Chili’s and considerable improvements in restaurant operating margins. Management credited these results to ongoing menu simplification, targeted operational investments, and upgraded kitchen equipment, all of which enhanced food quality and guest experience. CEO Kevin Hochman emphasized that “Chili’s has now beat the industry in the past 7 quarters on traffic,” attributing sustained performance to a disciplined focus on core menu items and improved labor deployment.

Cisco’s second quarter was shaped by strong demand for AI infrastructure and a refreshed networking product lineup, driving solid revenue and margin results. Despite meeting Wall Street’s expectations on key metrics, a modestly negative market reaction followed. Management attributed the performance to growth in webscale and enterprise orders, alongside continued adoption of advanced security products. CEO Charles Robbins noted, “We are innovating faster than ever before, making AI foundational in our designs and fusing security deep into our networking products.” The company also highlighted sequential improvements in order growth across most geographies, though softness persisted in public sector demand.

Ibotta’s second quarter results were met with a strongly negative market reaction, largely due to performance that came in below Wall Street expectations. Management attributed the underperformance to short-term disruptions stemming from an ongoing business transformation and reorganization of the sales force. CEO Bryan Leach described the company’s decision to pursue a broader strategic shift as a deliberate move to access larger media budgets and reposition Ibotta within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) promotions industry. He further acknowledged that, while early feedback on the new performance marketing model has been positive, delays in client ramp-up and validation were the primary causes of the revenue shortfall.

Home improvement retail giant Home Depot (NYSE:HD) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 4.9% year on year to $45.28 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $4.68 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

Even if they go mostly unnoticed, industrial businesses are the backbone of our country. Their momentum is also rising as lower interest rates have incentivized higher capital spending. As a result, the industry has posted a 9.1% gain over the past six months, beating the S&P 500 by 4.4 percentage points.

Companies with more cash than debt can be financially resilient, but that doesn’t mean they’re all strong investments. Some lack leverage because they struggle to grow or generate consistent profits, making them unattractive borrowers.

Business services providers thrive by solving complex operational challenges for their clients, allowing them to focus on their secret sauce. But increasing competition from AI-driven upstarts has tempered enthusiasm, and over the past six months, the industry has pulled back by 2.6%. This drop was discouraging since the S&P 500 returned 4.7%.

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.

The performance of consumer discretionary businesses is closely linked to economic cycles. Over the past six months, it seems like demand trends are working against their favor as the industry has tumbled by 1.8%. This drawdown was disheartening since the S&P 500 gained 4.7%.

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

Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages. Just because a business is in the green today doesn’t mean it will thrive tomorrow.

The performance of consumer discretionary businesses is closely linked to economic cycles. This sensitive demand profile can cause discretionary stocks to plummet when macro uncertainty enters the fray, and over the past six months, the industry has shed 1.8%. This drawdown was disappointing since the S&P 500 climbed 4.7%.

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.

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.

Market swings can be tough to stomach, and volatile stocks often experience exaggerated moves in both directions. While many thrive during risk-on environments, many also struggle to maintain investor confidence when the ride gets bumpy.

Growth is a hallmark of all great companies, but the laws of gravity eventually take hold. Those who rode the COVID boom and ensuing tech selloff in 2022 will surely remember that the market’s punishment can be swift and severe when trajectories fall.

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.

Companies that burn cash at a rapid pace can run into serious trouble if they fail to secure funding. Without a clear path to profitability, these businesses risk dilution, mounting debt, or even bankruptcy.

Value investing has created more billionaires than any other strategy, like Warren Buffett, who built his fortune by purchasing wonderful businesses at reasonable prices. But these hidden gems are few and far between - many stocks that appear cheap often stay that way because they face structural issues.

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.

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.

Small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 (^RUT) can be a goldmine for investors looking beyond the usual large-cap names. But with less stability and fewer resources than their bigger counterparts, these companies face steeper challenges in scaling their businesses.

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.

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.

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.

Wall Street has set ambitious price targets for the stocks in this article. While this suggests attractive upside potential, it’s important to remain skeptical because analysts face institutional pressures that can sometimes lead to overly optimistic forecasts.