ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

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


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

2 Small-Cap Stocks to Research Further and 1 to Think Twice About

SPXC 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.

The downside that can come from buying these securities is precisely why we started StockStory - to isolate the long-term winners from the losers so you can invest with confidence. That said, here are two small-cap stocks that could be the next 100 baggers and one that may have trouble.

One Small-Cap Stock to Sell:

Wabash (WNC)

Market Cap: $481.1 million

With its first trailer reportedly built on two sawhorses, Wabash (NYSE: WNC) offers semi trailers, liquid transportation containers, truck bodies, and equipment for moving goods.

Why Should You Sell WNC?

  1. Backlog has dropped by 32.8% on average over the past two years, suggesting it’s losing orders as competition picks up
  2. High input costs result in an inferior gross margin of 13.9% that must be offset through higher volumes
  3. Earnings per share decreased by more than its revenue over the last five years, showing each sale was less profitable

Wabash is trading at $11.49 per share, or 12.1x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why WNC doesn’t pass our bar.

Two Small-Cap Stocks to Watch:

SPX Technologies (SPXC)

Market Cap: $8.08 billion

SPX Technologies (NYSE: SPXC) is an industrial conglomerate catering to the energy, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace sectors.

Why Could SPXC Be a Winner?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 13.5% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
  2. Operating profits and efficiency rose over the last five years as it benefited from some fixed cost leverage
  3. Earnings per share grew by 25.5% annually over the last two years, massively outpacing its peers

SPX Technologies’s stock price of $173.03 implies a valuation ratio of 27.2x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Planet Labs (PL)

Market Cap: $2.08 billion

Pioneering the concept of "agile aerospace" with hundreds of small but powerful satellites, Planet Labs (NYSE: PL) operates the world's largest fleet of Earth observation satellites, capturing daily images of our planet to provide insights on deforestation, agriculture, and climate change.

Why Are We Positive On PL?

  1. Impressive 21.3% annual revenue growth over the last five years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
  2. Additional sales over the last two years increased its profitability as the 27% annual growth in its earnings per share outpaced its revenue
  3. Historical investments are beginning to pay off as its returns on capital are growing

At $6.85 per share, Planet Labs trades at 7.2x forward price-to-sales. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

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 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 Tecnoglass (+1,754% 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

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.