Recent Articles from StockStory

Even if they go mostly unnoticed, industrial businesses are the backbone of our country. Still, their generally high capital requirements expose them to the ups and downs of economic cycles, and the market seems to be baking in a prolonged downturn as the industry has shed 18.6% over the past six months. This performance was worse than the S&P 500’s 11% decline.

The best-performing stocks typically have robust sales growth, increasing margins, and rising returns on capital, and those that can maintain this trifecta year in and year out often become the legends of the investing world.

The low valuation multiples for value stocks provide a margin of safety that growth stocks rarely offer. However, the challenge lies in determining whether these cheap assets are genuinely undervalued or simply on sale due to their potentially deteriorating business models.

Value investing has created more billionaires than any other strategy, like Warren Buffett, who built his fortune by purchasing wonderful businesses at reasonable prices. But these hidden gems are few and far between - many stocks that appear cheap often stay that way because they face structural issues.

Companies that consistently increase their sales, margins, or returns on capital are usually rewarded with the best returns, and those that can do all three for years on end are almost always the legendary stocks that return 100 times your money.

Industrials businesses quietly power the physical things we depend on, from cars and homes to e-commerce infrastructure. But they are at the whim of volatile macroeconomic factors that influence capital spending (like interest rates), and the market seems convinced that demand will slow. Due to this bearish outlook, the industry has tumbled by 18.6% over the past six months. This drop was worse than the S&P 500’s 11% loss.

Many small-cap stocks have limited Wall Street coverage, giving savvy investors the chance to act before everyone else catches on. But the flip side is that these businesses have increased downside risk because they lack the scale and staying power of their larger competitors.

The S&P 500 is often seen as a benchmark for strong businesses, but that doesn’t mean every stock is worth owning. Some companies face significant challenges, whether it’s stagnating growth, heavy debt, or disruptive new competitors.

The S&P 500 is home to the biggest and most well-known companies in the market, making it a go-to index for investors seeking stability. But not all large-cap stocks are created equal - some are struggling with slowing growth, declining margins, or increased competition.

Small-cap stocks can be incredibly lucrative investments because their lack of analyst coverage leads to frequent mispricings. However, these businesses (and their stock prices) often stay small because their subscale operations make it harder to expand their competitive moats.

Small-cap stocks can be incredibly lucrative investments because their lack of analyst coverage leads to frequent mispricings. However, these businesses (and their stock prices) often stay small because their subscale operations make it harder to expand their competitive moats.

The Russell 2000 is packed with potential breakout stocks, thanks to its focus on smaller companies with high growth potential. However, smaller size also means these businesses often lack the resilience and financial flexibility of large-cap firms, making careful selection crucial.

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was partly in response to the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by the Trump administration the previous day, with levies on Chinese goods estimated to be as high as 50%. 

Shares of e-commerce pet food and supplies retailer Chewy (NYSE:CHWY) fell 7.4% in the afternoon session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was partly in response to the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by the Trump administration the previous day, with levies on Chinese goods estimated to be as high as 50%. The move is the first in a list of anticipated retaliatory measures that could have had investors really worried. The tariffs were also widely seen as a significant threat to global trade flows, with the potential to slow economic growth and drive up consumer prices.

Shares of sales intelligence platform ZoomInfo fell 13.4% in the afternoon session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was partly in response to the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by the Trump administration the previous day, with levies on Chinese goods estimated to be as high as 50%. The move was the first in a list of anticipated retaliatory measures that could have had investors really worried. The tariffs were also widely seen as a significant threat to global trade flows, with the potential to slow economic growth and drive up consumer prices.

Shares of leading designer of graphics chips Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) fell 7.8% in the afternoon session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was especially rough for the US chipmakers because a big chunk of their business leans on demand out of China. The new tariffs not only threaten to erode profit margins but also risk reducing market share. 

Shares of luxury hotels and casino operator Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:WYNN) fell 7.8% in the morning session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was partly in response to the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by the Trump administration the previous day, with levies on Chinese goods estimated to be as high as 50%. 

Shares of computer processor maker AMD (NASDAQ:AMD) fell 8.4% in the morning session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was especially rough for the US chipmakers because a big chunk of their business leans on demand out of China. The new tariffs not only threaten to erode profit margins but also risk reducing market share. Adding to the uncertainty, the Trump administration signaled the possibility of further regulatory action against the sector. Although semiconductor firms were notably excluded from the broad tariffs unveiled on April 2, 2025, their exclusion raised concerns that targeted restrictions could still be forthcoming.

Shares of electric vehicle pioneer Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) fell 9.7% in the afternoon session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was partly in response to the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by the Trump administration the previous day, with levies on Chinese goods estimated to be as high as 50%. 

Shares of power management chips maker Monolithic Power Systems (NASDAQ:MPWR) fell 8.6% in the pre-market session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was especially rough for the US chipmakers because a big chunk of their business leans on demand out of China. The new tariffs not only threaten to erode profit margins but also risk reducing market share. Adding to the uncertainty, the Trump administration signaled the possibility of further regulatory action against the sector. Although semiconductor firms were notably excluded from the broad tariffs unveiled on April 2, 2025, their exclusion raised concerns that targeted restrictions could still be forthcoming.

Shares of analog chip manufacturer Texas Instruments (NASDAQ:TXN) fell 6.3% in the afternoon session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was especially rough for the US chipmakers because a big chunk of their business leans on demand out of China. The new tariffs not only threaten to erode profit margins but also risk reducing market share. 

Shares of aerospace and defense company Boeing (NYSE:BA) fell 10.1% in the morning session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was partly in response to the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by the Trump administration the previous day, with levies on Chinese goods estimated to be as high as 50%. 

Shares of leading data storage manufacturer Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) fell 10.5% in the afternoon session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was especially rough for the US chipmakers because a big chunk of their business leans on demand out of China. The new tariffs not only threaten to erode profit margins but also risk reducing market share. 

Shares of iPhone and iPad maker Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) fell 5.9% in the afternoon session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was partly in response to the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by the Trump administration the previous day, with levies on Chinese goods estimated to be as high as 50%. 

Shares of computer processor maker Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) fell 10.9% in the afternoon session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was especially rough for the US chipmakers because a big chunk of their business leans on demand out of China. The new tariffs not only threaten to erode profit margins but also risk reducing market share. 

Shares of analog chips maker onsemi (NASDAQ:ON) fell 7% in the pre-market session after China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports amid escalating trade war tensions. This was especially rough for the US chipmakers because a big chunk of their business leans on demand out of China. The new tariffs not only threaten to erode profit margins but also risk reducing market share. 

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 Russell 2000 is packed with potential breakout stocks, thanks to its focus on smaller companies with high growth potential. However, smaller size also means these businesses often lack the resilience and financial flexibility of large-cap firms, making careful selection crucial.

Whether it be online shopping or social media, secular forces are propelling consumer internet businesses forward. Luckily for them, the market seems to believe there is still more growth ahead. This assumption has enabled the industry to fair a bit better than the broader market recently as it has recorded a loss of 5.3% over the past six months versus a 8.1% decline for the S&P 500.

By breaking down physical barriers, consumer internet businesses are reshaping how people shop, connect, learn, and play. These themes have enabled the industry to hold up better than other pockets of the market - over the past six months, the sector’s 5.4% pull back was relatively better than the S&P 500’s 8.2% decline.

What a brutal six months it’s been for Magnachip. The stock has dropped 33.4% and now trades at $3.13, rattling many shareholders. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

Starbucks has followed the market’s trajectory closely. The stock is down 8.8% to $88.10 per share over the past six months while the S&P 500 has lost 6.9%. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

Since April 2020, the S&P 500 has delivered a total return of 101%. But one standout stock has more than doubled the market - over the past five years, Cencora has surged 231% to $285.36 per share. Its momentum hasn’t stopped as it’s also gained 29.7% in the last six months thanks to its solid quarterly results, beating the S&P by 36.7%.

Adtalem currently trades at $99.41 and has been a dream stock for shareholders. It’s returned 294% since April 2020, nearly tripling the S&P 500’s 101% gain. The company has also beaten the index over the past six months as its stock price is up 36% thanks to its solid quarterly results.

Supernus Pharmaceuticals has been treading water for the past six months, recording a small loss of 1.6% while holding steady at $31.52. However, the stock is beating the S&P 500’s 7% decline during that period.

In a sliding market, OSI Systems has defied the odds, trading up to $178.81 per share. Its 22.9% gain since October 2024 has outpaced the S&P 500’s 7% drop. This was partly due to its solid quarterly results, and the run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.

Super Micro has gotten torched over the last six months - since October 2024, its stock price has dropped 22.1% to $32.11 per share. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move.

Children's Place’s stock price has taken a beating over the past six months, shedding 46.9% of its value and falling to $7.97 per share. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move.

Post has been treading water for the past six months, recording a small return of 2.7% while holding steady at $117.55. However, the stock is beating the S&P 500’s 7% decline during that period.

Shareholders of Avantor would probably like to forget the past six months even happened. The stock dropped 38.1% and now trades at $15.67. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move.

Although the S&P 500 is down 6.9% over the past six months, United Parks & Resorts’s stock price has fallen further to $42.50, losing shareholders 17.8% of their capital. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move.

Asure trades at $8.21 per share and has stayed right on track with the overall market, losing 5.3% over the last six months while the S&P 500 is down 6.9%. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move.

Quarterly earnings results are a good time to check in on a company’s progress, especially compared to its peers in the same sector. Today we are looking at PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) and the best and worst performers in the beverages, alcohol, and tobacco industry.

What a brutal six months it’s been for ICF International. The stock has dropped 49.6% and now trades at $83.94, rattling many shareholders. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

MercadoLibre currently trades at $1,920 per share and has shown little upside over the past six months, posting a small loss of 2%.

Travel + Leisure trades at $42.75 per share and has moved almost in lockstep with the market over the last six months. The stock has lost 9.1% while the S&P 500 is down 6.9%. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

Shareholders of Universal Display would probably like to forget the past six months even happened. The stock dropped 44.4% and now trades at $117.66. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move.

While the broader market has struggled with the S&P 500 down 6.9% since October 2024, Paylocity has surged ahead as its stock price has climbed by 6.8% to $181.76 per share. This was partly due to its solid quarterly results, and the performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

The end of an earnings season can be a great time to discover new stocks and assess how companies are handling the current business environment. Let’s take a look at how Amkor (NASDAQ:AMKR) and the rest of the semiconductor manufacturing stocks fared in Q4.

Earnings results often indicate what direction a company will take in the months ahead. With Q4 behind us, let’s have a look at RH (NYSE:RH) and its peers.

Universal Technical Institute has been on fire lately. In the past six months alone, the company’s stock price has rocketed 67.9%, reaching $25.88 per share. This was partly due to its solid quarterly results, and the run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.

While the broader market has struggled with the S&P 500 down 6.9% since October 2024, IMAX has surged ahead as its stock price has climbed by 32.2% to $25.80 per share. This run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.

Since October 2024, Cigna has been in a holding pattern, posting a small loss of 1% while floating around $338.25. However, the stock is beating the S&P 500’s 6.9% decline during that period.

What a brutal six months it’s been for DXC. The stock has dropped 21.4% and now trades at $16.38, rattling many shareholders. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

As the Q4 earnings season wraps, let’s dig into this quarter’s best and worst performers in the electronic components & manufacturing industry, including TTM Technologies (NASDAQ:TTMI) and its peers.

The end of an earnings season can be a great time to discover new stocks and assess how companies are handling the current business environment. Let’s take a look at how Dine Brands (NYSE:DIN) and the rest of the sit-down dining stocks fared in Q4.

McDonald's currently trades at $316.29 per share and has shown little upside over the past six months, posting a middling return of 4.1%. However, the stock is beating the S&P 500’s 7% decline during that period.

Uber trades at $69.28 per share and has moved almost in lockstep with the market over the last six months. The stock has lost 6.7% while the S&P 500 is down 7%. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let’s take a look at how vertical software stocks fared in Q4, starting with Toast (NYSE:TOST).

As the Q4 earnings season comes to a close, it’s time to take stock of this quarter’s best and worst performers in the travel and vacation providers industry, including Hilton (NYSE:HLT) and its peers.

As the Q4 earnings season comes to a close, it’s time to take stock of this quarter’s best and worst performers in the consumer internet industry, including Remitly (NASDAQ:RELY) and its peers.

Lancaster Colony currently trades at $174.80 per share and has shown little upside over the past six months, posting a small loss of 1.2%. However, the stock is beating the S&P 500’s 6.9% decline during that period.

Earnings results often indicate what direction a company will take in the months ahead. With Q4 behind us, let’s have a look at America's Car-Mart (NASDAQ:CRMT) and its peers.

Over the last six months, Gap shares have sunk to $17.77, producing a disappointing 16.4% loss - worse than the S&P 500’s 6.9% drop. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

As the Q4 earnings season wraps, let’s dig into this quarter’s best and worst performers in the medical devices & supplies - imaging, diagnostics industry, including QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) and its peers.

The past six months haven’t been great for Zebra. It just made a new 52-week low of $237, and shareholders have lost 35.4% of their capital. This might have investors contemplating their next move.

As the Q4 earnings season wraps, let’s dig into this quarter’s best and worst performers in the advertising & marketing services industry, including Taboola (NASDAQ:TBLA) and its peers.

Quarterly earnings results are a good time to check in on a company’s progress, especially compared to its peers in the same sector. Today we are looking at Haemonetics (NYSE:HAE) and the best and worst performers in the medical devices & supplies - specialty industry.

The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let’s take a look at how sit-down dining stocks fared in Q4, starting with Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ:CBRL).

Let’s dig into the relative performance of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q4 medical devices & supplies - diversified earnings season.

As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q4. Today, we are looking at finance and HR software stocks, starting with Intuit (NASDAQ:INTU).

Contemporary clothing brand Guess (NYSE:GES) reported Q4 CY2024 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 4.6% year on year to $932.3 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was better than expected at $631.3 million at the midpoint, 0.8% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.48 per share was 7.6% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Shares of parcel delivery company UPS (NYSE:UPS) fell 8.7% in the afternoon session after President Trump announced "reciprocal tariffs" on all US imports, set at a minimum rate of 10%. From clothing brands and electronics makers to the e-commerce sites that move their goods, companies built on global supply chains took the biggest hit. Stocks with heavy exposure to Asia were especially hard-hit, as the new tariffs threatened the growth and profits of firms with factories in the region. Vietnam, central to many companies' production plans, faced a 46% tariff. Cambodia and Indonesia were also in the crosshairs, with tariff rates of 49% and 32%. These measures could significantly erode the competitiveness of goods produced in those regions. For example, reduced production volumes would negatively affect the sales growth of all companies benefiting from these manufacturing hubs.

Shares of outerwear manufacturer Columbia Sportswear (NASDAQ:COLM) fell 13% in the afternoon session after President Trump announced "reciprocal tariffs" on all US imports, set at a minimum rate of 10%. 

Shares of children’s apparel manufacturer Carter’s (NYSE:CRI) fell 15.7% in the afternoon session after President Trump announced "reciprocal tariffs" on all US imports, set at a minimum rate of 10%.