ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

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


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

1 High-Flying Stock for Long-Term Investors and 2 That Underwhelm

HEI Cover Image

"You get what you pay for" often applies to expensive stocks with best-in-class business models and execution. While their quality can sometimes justify the premium, they typically experience elevated volatility during market downturns when expectations change.

Finding the right balance between price and quality can challenge even the most skilled investors. Luckily for you, we started StockStory to help you identify the real opportunities. That said, here is one high-flying stock with strong fundamentals and two where the price is not right.

Two High-Flying Stocks to Sell:

AeroVironment (AVAV)

Forward P/E Ratio: 64.2x

Focused on the future of autonomous military combat, AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) specializes in advanced unmanned aircraft systems and electric vehicle charging solutions.

Why Do We Think Twice About AVAV?

  1. Costs have risen faster than its revenue over the last five years, causing its operating margin to decline by 9.4 percentage points
  2. 25.6 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
  3. Push for growth has led to negative returns on capital, signaling value destruction

At $273.69 per share, AeroVironment trades at 64.2x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why AVAV doesn’t pass our bar.

Boeing (BA)

Forward P/E Ratio: 255.4x

One of the companies that forms a duopoly in the commercial aircraft market, Boeing (NYSE: BA) develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems.

Why Are We Out on BA?

  1. Underwhelming unit sales over the past two years show it’s struggled to increase its sales volumes and had to rely on price increases
  2. Cash-burning history makes us doubt the long-term viability of its business model
  3. Negative earnings profile makes it challenging to secure favorable financing terms from lenders

Boeing is trading at $180.22 per share, or 255.4x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than BA.

One High-Flying Stock to Buy:

HEICO (HEI)

Forward P/E Ratio: 58.5x

Founded in 1957, HEICO (NYSE: HEI) manufactures and services aerospace and electronic components for commercial aviation, defense, space, and other industries.

Why Should You Buy HEI?

  1. Core business can prosper without any help from acquisitions as its organic revenue growth averaged 9.5% over the past two years
  2. Earnings growth has trumped its peers over the last two years as its EPS has compounded at 26.2% annually
  3. Strong free cash flow margin of 17.5% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently

HEICO’s stock price of $300.45 implies a valuation ratio of 58.5x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

Stocks We Like Even More

Your portfolio can’t afford to be based on yesterday’s story. The risk in a handful of heavily crowded stocks is rising daily.

The names generating the next wave of massive growth are right here in 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 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 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  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.