ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

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


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

1 of Wall Street’s Favorite Stock to Own for Decades and 2 We Avoid

MSTR Cover Image

The stocks in this article have caught Wall Street’s attention in a big way, with price targets implying returns above 20%. But investors should take these forecasts with a grain of salt because analysts typically say nice things about companies so their firms can win business in other product lines like M&A advisory.

Unlike the investment banks, we created StockStory to provide independent analysis that helps you determine which companies are truly worth following. That said, here is one stock likely to meet or exceed Wall Street’s lofty expectations and two where analysts may be overlooking some important risks.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Strategy (MSTR)

Consensus Price Target: $524.50 (122% implied return)

Once a traditional business intelligence software provider, Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) develops AI-powered enterprise analytics software while also functioning as a major corporate holder of Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

Why Should You Dump MSTR?

  1. MicroStrategy’s core analytics software has been eclipsed by its all-in Bitcoin strategy, leaving product innovation and enterprise deals starved for attention
  2. The company’s debt-financed Bitcoin buying ties shareholder fortunes to crypto swings and interest rates, amplifying downside risk and uncertainty
  3. On the bright side, its vast Bitcoin treasury gives Executive Chairman Michael Saylor a unique springboard to capture crypto upside and court investors seeking leveraged exposure to digital assets

Strategy is trading at $236.75 per share, or 151.1x forward price-to-sales. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why MSTR doesn’t pass our bar.

Xerox (XRX)

Consensus Price Target: $4.50 (48.5% implied return)

Pioneering the modern office copier and inventing technologies like Ethernet and the laser printer, Xerox (NASDAQ: XRX) provides document management systems, printing technology, and workplace solutions to businesses of all sizes across the globe.

Why Are We Out on XRX?

  1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 2.6% annually over the last five years
  2. Earnings per share decreased by more than its revenue over the last five years, showing each sale was less profitable
  3. 8× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio makes lenders less willing to extend additional capital, potentially necessitating dilutive equity offerings

Xerox’s stock price of $3.03 implies a valuation ratio of 1.9x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with XRX, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

One Stock to Buy:

Reddit (RDDT)

Consensus Price Target: $240.27 (30.5% implied return)

Founded in 2005 by two University of Virginia roommates, Reddit (NYSE: RDDT) facilitates user-generated content across niche communities (called subreddits) that discuss anything from stocks to dating and memes.

Why Do We Love RDDT?

  1. Domestic Daily Active Visitors have increased by an average of 32.3% annually, giving it the potential for margin-accretive growth if it can develop valuable complementary products and features
  2. Earnings per share grew by 40.3% annually over the last three years, massively outpacing its peers
  3. Free cash flow margin increased by 41.8 percentage points over the last few years, giving the company more capital to invest or return to shareholders

At $184.11 per share, Reddit trades at 34x forward EV/EBITDA. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free for active Edge members .

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Fresh US-China trade tensions just tanked stocks—but strong bank earnings are fueling a sharp rebound. Don’t miss the bounce.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at 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  244.41
+1.37 (0.56%)
AAPL  268.47
-1.30 (-0.48%)
AMD  233.54
-4.16 (-1.75%)
BAC  53.20
-0.09 (-0.17%)
GOOG  279.70
-5.64 (-1.98%)
META  621.71
+2.77 (0.45%)
MSFT  496.82
-0.28 (-0.06%)
NVDA  188.15
+0.07 (0.04%)
ORCL  239.26
-4.54 (-1.86%)
TSLA  429.52
-16.39 (-3.68%)
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.