ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

Quantitative strategies, Wall Street-caliber research, and insightful market analysis since 1998.


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

1 Volatile Stock Worth Investigating and 2 That Underwhelm

OPEN Cover Image

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.

These stocks can be a rollercoaster, and StockStory is here to guide you through the ups and downs. That said, here is one volatile stock with massive upside potential and two that could just as easily collapse.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Opendoor (OPEN)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 2.11

Founded by real estate guru Eric Wu, Opendoor (NASDAQ: OPEN) offers a technology-driven, convenient, and streamlined process to buy and sell homes.

Why Do We Steer Clear of OPEN?

  1. Performance surrounding its homes purchased has lagged its peers
  2. Negative free cash flow raises questions about the return timeline for its investments
  3. Unprofitable operations could lead to additional rounds of dilutive equity financing if the credit window closes

Opendoor is trading at $7.86 per share, or 1.6x forward price-to-sales. If you’re considering OPEN for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

IDEX (IEX)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.11

Founded in 1988, IDEX (NYSE: IEX) is a global manufacturer specializing in highly engineered products such as pumps, flow meters, and fluidics systems for various industries.

Why Should You Sell IEX?

  1. Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth
  2. Performance over the past two years shows each sale was less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 4% annually
  3. Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up

IDEX’s stock price of $162.82 implies a valuation ratio of 19.7x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with IEX, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

One Stock to Watch:

Medpace (MEDP)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.12

Founded in 1992 as a scientifically-driven alternative to traditional contract research organizations, Medpace (NASDAQ: MEDP) provides outsourced clinical trial management and research services to help pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies develop new treatments.

Why Do We Watch MEDP?

  1. Existing business lines can expand without risky acquisitions as its organic revenue growth averaged 15.7% over the past two years
  2. Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 36.7% exceeded its revenue gains over the last five years
  3. ROIC punches in at 44.1%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments

At $503.50 per share, Medpace trades at 34x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.

The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - check out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

Recent Quotes

View More
Symbol Price Change (%)
AMZN  244.25
-4.85 (-1.95%)
AAPL  273.47
-1.78 (-0.65%)
AMD  258.92
+21.40 (9.01%)
BAC  54.11
+0.48 (0.90%)
GOOG  287.43
-4.31 (-1.48%)
META  609.01
-18.07 (-2.88%)
MSFT  511.14
+2.46 (0.48%)
NVDA  193.80
+0.64 (0.33%)
ORCL  226.99
-9.16 (-3.88%)
TSLA  430.60
-9.02 (-2.05%)
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.


 

IntelligentValue Home
Close Window

DISCLAIMER

All content herein is issued solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security.  All opinions, analyses, and information included herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. We undertake no obligation to update such opinions, analysis or information. You should independently verify all information contained on this website. Some information is based on analysis of past performance or hypothetical performance results, which have inherent limitations. We make no representation that any particular equity or strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Shareholders, employees, writers, contractors, and affiliates associated with ETFOptimize.com may have ownership positions in the securities that are mentioned. If you are not sure if ETFs, algorithmic investing, or a particular investment is right for you, you are urged to consult with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Neither this website nor anyone associated with producing its content are Registered Investment Advisors, and no attempt is made herein to substitute for personalized, professional investment advice. Neither ETFOptimize.com, Global Alpha Investments, Inc., nor its employees, service providers, associates, or affiliates are responsible for any investment losses you may incur as a result of using the information provided herein. Remember that past investment returns may not be indicative of future returns.

Copyright © 1998-2017 ETFOptimize.com, a publication of Optimized Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.