ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

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


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

3 Small-Cap Stocks Walking a Fine Line

KLIC Cover Image

Investors looking for hidden gems should keep an eye on small-cap stocks because they’re frequently overlooked by Wall Street. Many opportunities exist in this part of the market, but it is also a high-risk, high-reward environment due to the lack of reliable analyst price targets.

These trade-offs can cause headaches for even the most seasoned professionals, which is why we started StockStory - to help you separate the good companies from the bad. Keeping that in mind, here are three small-cap stocks to swipe left on and some alternatives you should look into instead.

Kulicke and Soffa (KLIC)

Market Cap: $1.68 billion

Headquartered in Singapore, Kulicke & Soffa (NASDAQ: KLIC) is a provider of production equipment and tools used to assemble semiconductor devices

Why Should You Sell KLIC?

  1. Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 17.2% annually over the last two years
  2. Sales are projected to tank by 8.8% over the next 12 months as its demand continues evaporating
  3. Efficiency has decreased over the last five years as its operating margin fell by 16.4 percentage points

Kulicke and Soffa’s stock price of $31.83 implies a valuation ratio of 18.8x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why KLIC doesn’t pass our bar.

Soho House (SHCO)

Market Cap: $1.16 billion

Boasting fancy locations in hubs such as NYC and Miami, Soho House (NYSE: SHCO) is a global hospitality brand offering exclusive private member clubs, hotels, and restaurants.

Why Are We Cautious About SHCO?

  1. Performance surrounding its members has lagged its peers
  2. Cash burn makes us question whether it can achieve sustainable long-term growth
  3. 16× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio shows it’s overleveraged and increases the probability of shareholder dilution if things turn unexpectedly

Soho House is trading at $6.25 per share, or 6.5x forward EV-to-EBITDA. If you’re considering SHCO for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Latham (SWIM)

Market Cap: $697 million

Started as a family business, Latham (NASDAQ: SWIM) is a global designer and manufacturer of in-ground residential swimming pools and related products.

Why Are We Hesitant About SWIM?

  1. Annual revenue declines of 10.9% over the last two years indicate problems with its market positioning
  2. Earnings per share fell by 20.2% annually over the last four years while its revenue was flat, showing each sale was less profitable
  3. Negative returns on capital show management lost money while trying to expand the business

At $5.81 per share, Latham trades at 43.2x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including SWIM in your portfolio.

Stocks We Like More

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years.

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.

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 following
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.