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 Your Attention and 2 That Underwhelm

EWCZ Cover Image

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.

These stocks can be a rollercoaster, and StockStory is here to guide you through the ups and downs. Keeping that in mind, here is one volatile stock that could deliver huge gains and two that could just as easily collapse.

Two Stocks to Sell:

European Wax Center (EWCZ)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 2.21

Founded by two siblings, European Wax Center (NASDAQ: EWCZ) is a beauty and waxing salon chain specializing in professional wax services and skincare products.

Why Are We Hesitant About EWCZ?

  1. Weak same-store sales trends over the past two years suggest there may be few opportunities in its core markets to open new locations
  2. Estimated sales for the next 12 months are flat and imply a softer demand environment
  3. Low returns on capital reflect management’s struggle to allocate funds effectively

European Wax Center is trading at $3.43 per share, or 6.5x forward P/E. If you’re considering EWCZ for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Concentrix (CNXC)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.41

With a team of approximately 450,000 employees across 75 countries, Concentrix (NASDAQ: CNXC) designs and delivers customer experience solutions that help global brands manage their customer interactions across digital channels and contact centers.

Why Does CNXC Worry Us?

  1. Annual earnings per share growth of 2.5% underperformed its revenue over the last two years, showing its incremental sales were less profitable
  2. Below-average returns on capital indicate management struggled to find compelling investment opportunities, and its falling returns suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up
  3. Diminishing returns on capital from an already low starting point show that neither management’s prior nor current bets are going as planned

At $45 per share, Concentrix trades at 3.8x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why CNXC doesn’t pass our bar.

One Stock to Buy:

The Bancorp (TBBK)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.41

Operating behind the scenes of many popular fintech apps and prepaid cards you might use daily, The Bancorp (NASDAQ: TBBK) is a bank holding company that specializes in providing banking services to fintech companies and offering specialty lending products.

Why Do We Love TBBK?

  1. Annual net interest income growth of 15.2% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
  2. Differentiated product suite is reflected in its Strong performance of its loan book leads to a High-yielding loan book and low cost of funds are reflected in its best-in-class net interest margin of 4.7%
  3. Performance over the past two years was turbocharged by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue

The Bancorp’s stock price of $71.10 implies a valuation ratio of 4.4x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? 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 5 Growth Stocks for this month. 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  245.19
-3.91 (-1.57%)
AAPL  274.60
-0.65 (-0.24%)
AMD  261.70
+24.18 (10.18%)
BAC  54.45
+0.82 (1.53%)
GOOG  285.75
-5.99 (-2.05%)
META  610.92
-16.16 (-2.58%)
MSFT  501.86
-6.82 (-1.34%)
NVDA  193.33
+0.17 (0.09%)
ORCL  228.94
-7.22 (-3.06%)
TSLA  431.09
-8.53 (-1.94%)
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.