ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

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


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

3 Consumer Stocks Playing with Fire

HAS Cover Image

The performance of consumer discretionary businesses is closely linked to economic cycles. This sensitive demand profile can cause discretionary stocks to plummet when macro uncertainty enters the fray, and over the past six months, the industry has shed 5.8%. This performance was worse than the S&P 500’s 1% fall.

Investors should tread carefully as many companies in this space are also unpredictable because they lack recurring revenue business models. Keeping that in mind, here are three consumer stocks we’re steering clear of.

Hasbro (HAS)

Market Cap: $9.22 billion

Credited with the creation of toys such as Mr. Potato Head and the Rubik’s Cube, Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global entertainment company offering a diverse range of toys, games, and multimedia experiences for children and families.

Why Is HAS Risky?

  1. Annual revenue declines of 3.5% over the last five years indicate problems with its market positioning
  2. Historical operating losses point to an inefficient cost structure
  3. Shrinking returns on capital from an already weak position reveal that neither previous nor ongoing investments are yielding the desired results

Hasbro’s stock price of $67.01 implies a valuation ratio of 15.7x forward P/E. If you’re considering HAS for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Funko (FNKO)

Market Cap: $280.1 million

Boasting partnerships with media franchises like Marvel and One Piece, Funko (NASDAQ: FNKO) is a company specializing in creating and distributing licensed pop culture collectibles.

Why Do We Think FNKO Will Underperform?

  1. Products and services have few die-hard fans as sales have declined by 10% annually over the last two years
  2. Earnings per share fell by 14.9% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
  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 $5.37 per share, Funko trades at 24.6x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including FNKO in your portfolio.

Clarus (CLAR)

Market Cap: $130.2 million

Initially a financial services business, Clarus (NASDAQ: CLAR) designs, manufactures, and distributes outdoor equipment and lifestyle products.

Why Are We Out on CLAR?

  1. Products and services aren't resonating with the market as its revenue declined by 17.4% annually over the last two years
  2. Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were much less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 16.5% annually
  3. Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value

Clarus is trading at $3.53 per share, or 8.7x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why CLAR doesn’t pass our bar.

Stocks We Like More

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs.

While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like 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 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-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.

Recent Quotes

View More
Symbol Price Change (%)
AMZN  224.21
+3.12 (1.41%)
AAPL  262.82
+3.24 (1.25%)
AMD  252.92
+17.93 (7.63%)
BAC  52.57
+0.81 (1.56%)
GOOG  260.51
+6.78 (2.67%)
META  738.36
+4.36 (0.59%)
MSFT  523.61
+3.05 (0.59%)
NVDA  186.26
+4.10 (2.25%)
ORCL  283.33
+3.26 (1.16%)
TSLA  433.72
-15.26 (-3.40%)
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.