ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

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


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

1 Unpopular Stock That Deserves Some Love and 2 We Ignore

PII Cover Image

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.

At StockStory, we look beyond the headlines with our independent analysis to determine whether these bearish calls are justified. Keeping that in mind, here is one stock poised to prove Wall Street wrong and two facing legitimate challenges.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Polaris (PII)

Consensus Price Target: $66.45 (2% implied return)

Founded in 1954, Polaris (NYSE: PII) designs and manufactures high-performance off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.

Why Are We Out on PII?

  1. Sales tumbled by 11.9% annually over the last two years, showing consumer trends are working against its favor
  2. Capital intensity will likely ramp up in the next year as its free cash flow margin is expected to contract by 5.3 percentage points
  3. Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging

Polaris is trading at $65.17 per share, or 60.6x forward P/E. If you’re considering PII for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Avis Budget Group (CAR)

Consensus Price Target: $135.75 (-5.6% implied return)

The parent company of brands such as Zipcar and Budget Truck Rental, Avis (NASDAQ: CAR) is a provider of car rental and mobility solutions.

Why Are We Wary of CAR?

  1. Performance surrounding its available rental days - car rental has lagged its peers
  2. Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam
  3. Unfavorable liquidity position could lead to additional equity financing that dilutes shareholders

At $143.83 per share, Avis Budget Group trades at 17.8x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why CAR doesn’t pass our bar.

One Stock to Watch:

AAR (AIR)

Consensus Price Target: $91 (8.5% implied return)

The first third-party MRO approved by the FAA for Safety Management System Requirements, AAR (NYSE: AIR) is a provider of aircraft maintenance services

Why Could AIR Be a Winner?

  1. Market share has increased this cycle as its 16.8% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
  2. Sales outlook for the upcoming 12 months implies the business will stay on its desirable two-year growth trajectory
  3. Earnings growth has massively outpaced its peers over the last five years as its EPS has compounded at 18.9% annually

AAR’s stock price of $83.84 implies a valuation ratio of 10.7x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.

Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. 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-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% 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  229.67
+3.39 (1.50%)
AAPL  276.97
+1.05 (0.38%)
AMD  206.13
-8.92 (-4.15%)
BAC  52.48
+0.55 (1.06%)
GOOG  323.64
+5.17 (1.62%)
META  636.22
+23.17 (3.78%)
MSFT  476.99
+2.99 (0.63%)
NVDA  177.82
-4.73 (-2.59%)
ORCL  197.03
-3.25 (-1.62%)
TSLA  419.40
+1.62 (0.39%)
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.