Wall Street has issued downbeat forecasts for the stocks in this article. These predictions are rare - financial institutions typically hesitate to say bad things about a company because it can jeopardize their other revenue-generating business lines like 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 where the skepticism is well-placed.
One Stock to Sell:
BJ's (BJRI)
Consensus Price Target: $40.83 (-1.7% implied return)
Founded in 1978 in California, BJ’s Restaurants (NASDAQ: BJRI) is a chain of restaurants whose menu features classic American dishes, often with a twist.
Why Should You Sell BJRI?
- Weak same-store sales trends over the past two years suggest there may be few opportunities in its core markets to open new restaurants
- Gross margin of 14.3% is below its competitors, leaving less money for marketing and promotions
- Underwhelming 0.9% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities
BJ's is trading at $41.55 per share, or 23.7x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with BJRI, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Two Stocks to Watch:
AutoZone (AZO)
Consensus Price Target: $3,836 (4.8% implied return)
Aiming to be a one-stop shop for the DIY customer, AutoZone (NYSE: AZO) is an auto parts and accessories retailer that sells everything from car batteries to windshield wiper fluid to brake pads.
Why Do We Watch AZO?
- New store openings and solid same-store sales performance have boosted its top-line growth
- Differentiated product assortment is reflected in its best-in-class gross margin of 53%
- Strong free cash flow margin of 11.1% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently
AutoZone’s stock price of $3,661 implies a valuation ratio of 22.6x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Axon (AXON)
Consensus Price Target: $693.96 (0.5% implied return)
Providing body cameras and tasers for first responders, AXON (NASDAQ: AXON) develops technology solutions and weapons products for military, law enforcement, and civilians.
Why Should You Buy AXON?
- Products are seeing elevated demand as its unit sales averaged 32% growth over the past two years
- Free cash flow margin jumped by 20.3 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more resources to pursue growth initiatives, repurchase shares, or pay dividends
- Improving returns on capital suggest its past investments are beginning to deliver value
At $690.82 per share, Axon trades at 116.4x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.
While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. 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 Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.
