2 Unpopular Stocks That Deserve a Second Chance and 1 We Avoid

August 29, 2025 at 00:39 AM EDT

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When Wall Street turns bearish on a stock, it’s worth paying attention. These calls stand out because analysts rarely issue grim ratings on companies for fear their firms will lose out in other business lines such as M&A advisory.

At StockStory, we look beyond the headlines with our independent analysis to determine whether these bearish calls are justified. Keeping that in mind, here are two stocks poised to prove Wall Street wrong and one facing legitimate challenges.

One Stock to Sell:

Voya Financial (VOYA)

Consensus Price Target: $83.27 (11% implied return)

Originally spun off from Dutch financial giant ING in 2013 and rebranded with a name suggesting "voyage," Voya Financial (NYSE: VOYA) provides workplace benefits and savings solutions to U.S. employers, helping their employees achieve better financial outcomes through retirement plans and insurance products.

Why Does VOYA Give Us Pause?

Muted 6.9% annual revenue growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its financials peers
Earnings per share were flat over the last two years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were less profitable
Loan losses and capital returns have eroded its tangible book value per share this cycle as its tangible book value per share declined by 16.4% annually over the last five years

Voya Financial is trading at $75.03 per share, or 8.5x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than VOYA.

Two Stocks to Buy:

GE Aerospace (GE)

Consensus Price Target: $297.93 (8% implied return)

One of the original 12 companies on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, General Electric (NYSE: GE) is a multinational conglomerate providing technologies for various sectors including aviation, power, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Why Will GE Beat the Market?

Annual revenue growth of 13.9% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
Robust free cash flow margin of 19.2% gives it many options for capital deployment
Returns on capital are climbing as management makes more lucrative bets

GE Aerospace’s stock price of $275.99 implies a valuation ratio of 46.8x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Raymond James (RJF)

Consensus Price Target: $173.27 (2.7% implied return)

Founded in 1962 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, Raymond James Financial (NYSE: RJF) is a diversified financial services company that provides wealth management, investment banking, asset management, and banking services to individuals and institutions.

Why Are We Bullish on RJF?

11.2% annual revenue growth over the last five years surpassed the sector average as its products resonated with customers
Share repurchases have increased shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 19.6% exceeded its revenue gains over the last five years
Balance sheet strength has increased this cycle as its 16.1% annual tangible book value per share growth over the last two years was exceptional

At $168.71 per share, Raymond James trades at 16x forward P/E. 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

When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 6 Stocks for this week. 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

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