2 Unpopular Stocks That Should Get More Attention and 1 We Question

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.

Whatever the consensus opinion may be, our team at StockStory cuts through the noise by conducting independent analysis to determine a company’s long-term prospects. Keeping that in mind, here are two stocks where Wall Street’s pessimism is creating a buying opportunity and one where the outlook is warranted.

One Stock to Sell:

Republic Bancorp (RBCAA)

Consensus Price Target: $80 (-1.2% implied return)

With roots dating back to 1974 and operating across multiple states including Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee, Republic Bancorp (NASDAQGS:RBCA.A) is a Kentucky-based financial holding company that operates a bank offering traditional banking, mortgage services, and specialized financial products.

Why Does RBCAA Worry Us?

1. Muted 5.4% annual net interest income growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its banking peers
2. Estimated net interest income growth of 3.9% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its five-year trend
3. Estimated tangible book value per share growth of 8% for the next 12 months implies profitability will slow from its two-year trend

At $80.94 per share, Republic Bancorp trades at 1.3x forward P/B. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than RBCAA.

Two Stocks to Watch:

Amgen (AMGN)

Consensus Price Target: $352.23 (4.6% implied return)

Founded in 1980 during the early days of the biotechnology revolution, Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and manufactures innovative medicines to treat serious illnesses like cancer, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases.

Why Are We Fans of AMGN?

1. 12.3% annual revenue growth over the last two years surpassed the sector average as its offerings resonated with customers
2. Economies of scale give it more fixed cost leverage than its smaller competitors
3. Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends

Amgen’s stock price of $336.71 implies a valuation ratio of 4.8x forward price-to-sales. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.

BrightSpring Health Services (BTSG)

Consensus Price Target: $61.40 (0.3% implied return)

Founded in 1974, BrightSpring Health Services (NASDAQ:BTSG) offers home health care, hospice, neuro-rehabilitation, and pharmacy services.

Why Do We Watch BTSG?

1. Annual revenue growth of 22.6% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
2. Economies of scale give it more fixed cost leverage than its smaller competitors
3. Sales outlook for the upcoming 12 months implies the business will stay on its desirable two-year growth trajectory

BrightSpring Health Services is trading at $61.24 per share, or 34.5x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

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