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Water control and measure company Badger Meter (NYSE:BMI) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, but sales rose 7.6% year on year to $220.7 million. Its GAAP profit of $1.14 per share was 1.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Electrical connector manufacturer Amphenol (NYSE:APH) reported Q4 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 49.1% year on year to $6.44 billion. On top of that, next quarter’s revenue guidance ($6.95 billion at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 3.5% above what analysts were expecting. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.97 per share was 3.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Electronic components distributor Avnet (NASDAQGS:AVT) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 11.6% year on year to $6.32 billion. On top of that, next quarter’s revenue guidance ($6.35 billion at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 7.9% above what analysts were expecting. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.05 per share was 10.2% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Coffeehouse chain Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 5.5% year on year to $9.92 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.56 per share was 4.6% below analysts’ consensus estimates.

Student loan servicer Navient (NASDAQ:NAVI) fell short of the markets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales falling 16% year on year to $137 million. Its GAAP loss of $0.06 per share was significantly below analysts’ consensus estimates.

Auto services provider Monro (NASDAQ:MNRO) fell short of the markets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales falling 4% year on year to $293.4 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.16 per share was 17.6% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Glass and electronic component manufacturer Corning (NYSE:GLW) fell short of the markets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, but sales rose 8.8% year on year to $4.22 billion. Next quarter’s revenue guidance of $4.25 billion underwhelmed, coming in 0.5% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.72 per share was 2.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Financial services firm Stifel Financial (NYSE:SF) reported Q4 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 14.4% year on year to $1.56 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.71 per share was 8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Electronic component provider Littelfuse (NASDAQ:LFUS) reported Q4 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 12.2% year on year to $593.9 million. On top of that, next quarter’s revenue guidance ($635 million at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 3.5% above what analysts were expecting. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.69 per share was 6.2% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Payroll and HR services provider Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ:ADP) reported Q4 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 6.2% year on year to $5.36 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.62 per share was 2% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Aerospace and defense company General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 7.8% year on year to $14.38 billion. Its GAAP profit of $4.17 per share was 1.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Investment analytics provider MSCI (NYSE:MSCI) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 10.6% year on year to $822.5 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $4.66 per share was 1.6% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Climate control solutions innovator Lennox International (NYSE:LII) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales falling 11.2% year on year to $1.20 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $4.45 per share was 5.7% below analysts’ consensus estimates.

Casual restaurant chain Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) reported Q4 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 6.9% year on year to $1.45 billion. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $5.80 billion at the midpoint came in 0.7% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.87 per share was 9.2% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Regional banking company Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 3.2% year on year to $317.7 million. Its GAAP profit of $1.49 per share was 4.4% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Aerospace and defense company Textron (NYSE:TXT) reported Q4 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 15.6% year on year to $4.18 billion. The company expects the full year’s revenue to be around $15.5 billion, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.73 per share was 1.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Energy transition company GE Vernova (NYSE:GEV) reported revenue ahead of Wall Streets expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 3.8% year on year to $10.96 billion. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $44.5 billion at the midpoint came in 6.3% above analysts’ estimates. Its GAAP profit of $13.39 per share was significantly above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Telecommunications conglomerate AT&T (NYSE:T) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 3.6% year on year to $33.47 billion. Its GAAP profit of $0.53 per share was 14.3% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Elevator manufacturer Otis (NYSE:OTIS) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025 as sales rose 3.3% year on year to $3.80 billion. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $15.15 billion at the midpoint came in 0.7% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.03 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

Health insurance provider Elevance Health (NYSE:EVH) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 10.6% year on year to $49.75 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $3.33 per share was 7.7% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Diversified science and technology company Danaher (NYSE:DHR) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 4.6% year on year to $6.84 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.23 per share was 1.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Lifestyle clothing conglomerate VF Corp (NYSE:VFC) reported Q4 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 4.9% year on year to $2.83 billion. On the other hand, next quarter’s revenue guidance of $2.02 billion was less impressive, coming in 2.5% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.61 per share was 37.9% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

RLI’s fourth quarter results drew a negative market reaction as investors focused on tepid top-line growth and intensifying competitive headwinds in several of its core specialty insurance markets. Management highlighted that improved underwriting discipline, minimal storm activity, and higher investment income were the primary drivers of margin expansion, with Chief Financial Officer Aaron Diefenthaler citing “better underwriting performance, minimal storm activity and increases in investment income” as key contributors. Competitive pressures, particularly in the property and transportation segments, necessitated a selective approach to premium growth, which management believes underscores the company’s focus on profitability over volume.

Live Oak Bancshares’ fourth quarter was marked by strong loan production and expansion in customer relationships, contributing to a positive market reaction. Management attributed these results to record loan growth, improved operating controls, and gains from the company’s venture investment portfolio. President Vijay Moesch emphasized the significance of a 17% increase in loan balances and the successful ramp of initiatives like Live Oak Express and business checking. Notably, the company’s credit performance remained ahead of peers despite industry-wide headwinds, with Moesch highlighting, “Our loan portfolio showed continued credit stabilization over the course of the year.”

Knight-Swift Transportation’s fourth quarter saw management navigating a challenging freight environment, with demand in the truckload segment remaining subdued until late in the quarter. CEO Adam Miller pointed to a lack of typical seasonal improvement and supply reductions as primary market factors, while highlighting operational efficiencies and cost reductions that helped mitigate some revenue softness. The company’s focus on cost management, including holding truckload cost per mile flat despite a decline in miles, and integrating acquired brands, contributed to margin improvement within segments, even as overall operating margin declined year over year.

Teledyne’s fourth quarter results received a positive market reaction, reflecting management’s focus on higher-margin defense and imaging businesses as well as continued recovery in commercial segments. CEO George Bobb credited robust performance at Teledyne FLIR, citing “infrared imaging components and subsystems, many of which are used in our customers’ unmanned systems, increased over 20%.” The quarter was also supported by record sales of marine instrumentation and strong execution across long-cycle defense programs. Management pointed to operational cost controls and the impact of recent acquisitions as key contributors to margin improvement.

Banner Bank’s fourth quarter results reflected steady progress in core deposit growth and disciplined expense management, with the company meeting Wall Street’s revenue expectations and delivering higher-than-expected non-GAAP earnings per share. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to a resilient deposit base, improved net interest margin, and continued focus on small business lending. CFO Robert Butterfield noted, “Net interest income increased $2.5 million from the prior quarter due to a 5 basis point increase in net interest margin as well as average earning assets increasing $60 million during the quarter.”

Global airline American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 2.5% year on year to $14 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.16 per share was 54.6% below analysts’ consensus estimates.

BankUnited’s fourth quarter saw a positive reaction from investors, as results topped expectations and management highlighted broad-based deposit growth and continued margin expansion. CEO Rajinder P. Singh pointed to growth across all business lines—excluding the seasonally weak title business—and noted that non-interest-bearing deposits contributed significantly to the company’s performance. Singh added, “Every business line contributed. It’s pretty even. Small business, middle market, corporate, even CRE, everything brought in deposits.” Management also emphasized ongoing progress in loan growth, particularly in core commercial and small business lending segments, which helped drive the quarter’s strong results.

Pinnacle Financial Partners saw a positive market reaction following its Q4 results, despite missing Wall Street’s revenue and non-GAAP profit expectations. Management attributed performance to continued balance sheet growth, robust loan origination—especially in expansion markets—and healthy core deposit growth. CEO Kevin Blair emphasized the firm’s ability to attract and retain revenue producers even amid the complexities of the recent merger with Synovus. CFO Jamie Gregory highlighted healthy credit metrics and capital ratios, while noting that noninterest revenue was supported by service charges, wealth management, and contributions from BHG. The team’s focus on client service and operational execution was underscored as a key factor in sustaining growth through the integration period.

Dime Community Bancshares delivered a positive Q4, with management attributing the company’s outperformance to strong organic growth across its commercial banking verticals and steady deposit inflows. CEO Stuart Lubow emphasized that all growth was generated organically, without M&A-related boosts, and highlighted robust business loan expansion fueled by new hires and industry-focused teams. The company’s focus on core deposit growth and cost control helped improve its net interest margin, while maintaining best-in-class capital ratios. Lubow noted, “Our core earnings power continues its upward trajectory,” crediting the team’s efforts in executing the bank’s strategic plan.

Supply chain software provider Manhattan Associates (NASDAQ:MANH) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 5.7% year on year to $270.4 million. The company expects the full year’s revenue to be around $1.14 billion, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.21 per share was 6.7% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Analog chip manufacturer Texas Instruments (NASDAQ:TXN) fell short of the markets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, but sales rose 10.4% year on year to $4.42 billion. On the other hand, next quarter’s outlook exceeded expectations with revenue guided to $4.5 billion at the midpoint, or 1.7% above analysts’ estimates. Its GAAP profit of $1.27 per share was 2.9% below analysts’ consensus estimates.

Hospital operator HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, but sales rose 6.7% year on year to $19.51 billion. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $78.25 billion at the midpoint came in 1.1% below analysts’ estimates. Its GAAP profit of $8.14 per share was 9.2% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

CACI’s second quarter fiscal 2026 results reflected ongoing momentum in technology-driven solutions, even as revenue fell short of Wall Street expectations. Management pointed to steady demand across its core national security markets and highlighted the growing role of software-defined technologies, particularly in electronic warfare and agile software development. CEO John Mengucci emphasized that CACI’s ability to anticipate customer needs and accelerate delivery was a primary factor in maintaining stable operating margins and strong cash flow, despite some lingering impacts from government shutdowns and delays in federal procurement processes.

Industrial products distributor Applied Industrial (NYSE:AIT) fell short of the markets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, but sales rose 8.4% year on year to $1.16 billion. Its GAAP profit of $2.51 per share was 0.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Data protection software company Commvault (NASDAQ:CVLT) reported Q4 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 19.5% year on year to $313.8 million. The company expects next quarter’s revenue to be around $306.5 million, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.17 per share was 19.2% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Fulton Financial’s fourth quarter results were met with a positive market reaction, reflecting better-than-expected revenue and adjusted earnings per share. Management attributed these results to robust deposit growth, ongoing expense discipline, and improved credit quality. CEO Curtis Myers highlighted the company’s “momentum from enhanced deposit initiatives,” noting a 25% increase in consumer demand deposit account openings and strong loan origination trends. The expansion of both business banking teams and product offerings further supported the company’s performance, while noninterest income benefited from growth in commercial fees and wealth management activities.

Old Second Bancorp’s fourth quarter delivered results that aligned with Wall Street’s revenue expectations, while non-GAAP earnings per share outpaced analyst forecasts. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to strong net interest margin, prudent cost control, and ongoing benefits from the integration of recent acquisitions. CEO Jim Eccher noted that the company’s “exceptionally strong net interest margin at 5.09%” was a key driver, alongside an increased tangible equity ratio and steady asset quality. However, management also highlighted higher net charge-offs in the Powersports portfolio, acknowledging, “losses given default are running a bit higher than we expected,” though they emphasized contribution margins in that segment remain robust.

Trucking company PACCAR (NASDAQ:PCAR) reported Q4 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, but sales fell by 13.7% year on year to $6.82 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.06 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

Freight transportation company Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) fell short of the markets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales flat year on year at $6.09 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.86 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

FB Financial’s fourth quarter saw revenue and adjusted earnings per share come in above Wall Street expectations, yet the market responded negatively to the results. Management attributed the mixed reaction to softer-than-expected organic growth in both loans and deposits, which was partially offset by strong net interest margin management and low credit costs. CEO Christopher T. Holmes acknowledged that distractions from the recent Southern States Bank acquisition, combined with economic conditions and organizational changes, contributed to muted organic growth. He described the quarter’s profitability as within the company’s desired range, while highlighting that organic growth was the main area of underperformance.

CVB Financial’s fourth quarter results surpassed Wall Street’s expectations on both the revenue and earnings fronts, but the market responded negatively, with shares falling following the announcement. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to higher net interest income, driven by increased loan balances across nearly all categories and a notable payoff of a nonperforming loan. CEO David Brager highlighted that loan pipelines remain robust and loan originations were up significantly compared to last year, while acknowledging ongoing competitive pressures in both loan pricing and deposit gathering.

Aerospace and defense company Boeing (NYSE:BA) reported Q4 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 57.1% year on year to $23.95 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $9.92 per share was significantly above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Application security provider F5 (NASDAQ:FFIV) reported Q4 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 7.3% year on year to $822.5 million. On top of that, next quarter’s revenue guidance ($780 million at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 4.7% above what analysts were expecting. Its non-GAAP profit of $4.45 per share was 21.9% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Puerto Rican financial institution Popular (NASDAQ:BPOP) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, but sales rose 8.5% year on year to $820 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $3.40 per share was 11.6% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Consumer financial services company Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF) fell short of the markets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales flat year on year at $3.79 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.18 per share was 7.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Puerto Rican financial institution First BanCorp (NYSE:FBP) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 6.5% year on year to $257.2 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.55 per share was 7.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Communications chips maker Qorvo (NASDAQ: QRVO) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 8.4% year on year to $993 million. The company expects next quarter’s revenue to be around $800 billion, coming in 88,732% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.17 per share was 16.4% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Ally Financial’s fourth quarter performance reflected a combination of deliberate strategic shifts and disciplined execution across its core businesses. Management credited the results to focused investments in retail auto and corporate finance, with CEO Michael Rhodes highlighting that “strong dealer relationships and selective underwriting enabled accretive growth even amid heightened competition.” The company’s decision to exit noncore businesses and optimize its balance sheet contributed to improved risk and expense profiles, while robust application volumes and sustained customer growth in the digital bank supported fee income diversification. Management maintained a cautious but optimistic stance regarding macroeconomic impacts, particularly in relation to used vehicle values and the labor market.

Health insurance company UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 12.3% year on year to $113.2 billion. On the other hand, the company’s full-year revenue guidance of $439 billion at the midpoint came in 3.7% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.11 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

Travelers delivered results in line with Wall Street’s revenue expectations for Q4, as management credited strong underwriting performance and investment income for the company’s non-GAAP earnings beat. CEO Alan Schnitzer highlighted broad-based underwriting gains across all three segments, supported by disciplined risk selection and an improved combined ratio. Travelers also benefited from lower catastrophe losses and favorable prior-year reserve development, while its investment portfolio generated reliable returns. Management pointed to technology-driven efficiencies, especially in claims processing and underwriting, as a source of margin improvement.

Old National Bank’s fourth quarter results drew a positive market response, as management attributed the performance to strong core deposit growth, disciplined expense control, and credit improvement. CEO Jim Ryan highlighted the successful completion of the Bremer Bank integration and noted the company’s ability to boost tangible book value per share, despite merger charges and share repurchases. Management also emphasized positive trends in fee income, particularly in mortgage and capital markets, which benefited from a more supportive interest rate environment.

Security and aerospace company Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) reported Q4 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 9.6% year on year to $11.71 billion. On the other hand, the company’s full-year revenue guidance of $43.75 billion at the midpoint came in 1.1% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $7.23 per share was 3.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Banc of California’s fourth quarter saw steady results that aligned with Wall Street’s expectations, as management cited strong execution on both loan and deposit growth. CEO Jared Wolff highlighted the bank’s ability to attract new high-quality relationships and expand its core earnings power, with notable momentum in non-interest-bearing deposits and broad-based loan production. Wolff stated that, “our teams did a phenomenal job,” attributing performance to successful integration efforts, effective expense control, and improved credit metrics. Management specifically called out late-quarter loan growth as a key factor that will influence performance moving into the next year.

Online education Stride (NYSE:LRN) reported Q4 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 7.5% year on year to $631.3 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was better than expected at $630 million at the midpoint, 1.9% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.50 per share was 7.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Automotive manufacturer General Motors (NYSE:GM) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales falling 5.1% year on year to $45.29 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.51 per share was 11.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Truist Financial’s fourth quarter results were met with a positive market reaction, as management credited broad-based loan growth and increased client acquisition for the company’s performance. CEO William Rogers Jr. emphasized that investment in digital capabilities and branch enhancements helped drive strong gains in both consumer and wholesale banking. Rogers also noted, “We generated 5% growth in average consumer and small business loans and 1% growth in average deposits,” with specialty lending platforms like Sheffield, Service Finance, and LightStream contributing meaningfully to the momentum.

Citizens Financial Group’s fourth quarter results were greeted by a positive market response, as revenue and adjusted earnings per share both surpassed Wall Street expectations. Management pointed to net interest margin expansion, increased wealth and capital markets fees, and disciplined expense control as the principal drivers behind performance. CEO Bruce Van Saun emphasized that the private bank franchise ended the year with $14.5 billion in deposits and $10 billion in client assets, contributing meaningfully to pre-tax income. Van Saun also highlighted the accelerated reduction of non-core assets and steady improvements in credit quality, stating, “We managed this business to a 25% ROE for the year.”

Maine-based regional bank Camden National (NASDAQ:CAC) reported Q4 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 43.2% year on year to $68.38 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.33 per share was 0.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Off-Road and powersports vehicle corporation Polaris (NYSE:PII) reported revenue ahead of Wall Streets expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 7.9% year on year to $1.92 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.08 per share was significantly above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Aerospace and defense company Raytheon (NYSE:RTX) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 12.1% year on year to $24.24 billion. The company expects the full year’s revenue to be around $92.5 billion, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.55 per share was 5.3% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Household products company Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, but sales were flat year on year at $4.08 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.86 per share was 2.7% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Regional banking company Community Financial System (NYSE:CBU) reported Q4 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 10% year on year to $215.6 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.07 per share was 5.3% below analysts’ consensus estimates.

Parcel delivery company UPS (NYSE:UPS) reported Q4 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, but sales fell by 3.2% year on year to $24.48 billion. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $89.7 billion at the midpoint came in 2% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.38 per share was 8.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Regional banking company Hope Bancorp (NASDAQ:HOPE) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 26.1% year on year to $145.8 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.27 per share was 3.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Food distribution giant Sysco (NYSE:SYY) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 3% year on year to $20.76 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.99 per share was 1.4% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

A cash-heavy balance sheet is often a sign of strength, but not always. Some companies avoid debt because they have weak business models, limited expansion opportunities, or inconsistent cash flow.

Great things are happening to the stocks in this article. They’re all outperforming the market over the last month because of positive catalysts such as a new product line, constructive news flow, or even a loyal Reddit fanbase.

Wall Street’s bearish price targets for the stocks in this article signal serious concerns. Such forecasts are uncommon in an industry where maintaining cordial corporate relationships often trumps delivering the hard truth.

Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages. Just because a business is in the green today doesn’t mean it will thrive tomorrow.

The S&P 500 (^GSPC) 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.

A company that generates cash isn’t automatically a winner. Some businesses stockpile cash but fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their ability to expand.

Stocks that outperform the market usually share key traits such as rising sales, expanding margins, and increasing returns on capital. The select few that can do all three for many years are often the ones that make you life-changing money.

Stocks trading in the $1-10 range are generally smaller players with less risk than their penny stock counterparts. But that doesn’t mean the underlying businesses are cheap, and we advise caution as many have questionable fundamentals.