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 11.2% over the past six months. This drop was worse than the S&P 500’s 5.6% loss.
The elite companies can churn out earnings growth under any circumstance, however, and our mission at StockStory is to help you find them. Keeping that in mind, here is one resilient industrials stock at the top of our wish list and two we’re swiping left on.
Two Industrials Stocks to Sell:
Quest Resource (QRHC)
Market Cap: $45.75 million
Recycling corporate waste to help companies be more sustainable, Quest Resource (NASDAQ: QRHC) is a provider of waste and recycling services.
Why Do We Pass on QRHC?
- Products and services are facing end-market challenges during this cycle, as seen in its flat sales over the last two years
- 6.4 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
- Unfavorable liquidity position could lead to additional equity financing that dilutes shareholders
Quest Resource’s stock price of $2.22 implies a valuation ratio of 5.9x forward price-to-earnings. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including QRHC in your portfolio.
Hub Group (HUBG)
Market Cap: $1.98 billion
Started with $10,000, Hub Group (NASDAQ: HUBG) is a provider of intermodal, truck brokerage, and logistics services, facilitating transportation solutions for businesses worldwide.
Why Should You Sell HUBG?
- Declining unit sales over the past two years suggest it might have to lower prices to accelerate growth
- High input costs result in an inferior gross margin of 12.9% that must be offset through higher volumes
- Earnings per share have dipped by 43.4% annually over the past two years, which is concerning because stock prices follow EPS over the long term
At $35.34 per share, Hub Group trades at 14x forward price-to-earnings. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why HUBG doesn’t pass our bar.
One Industrials Stock to Buy:
Aris Water (ARIS)
Market Cap: $856.7 million
Primarily serving the oil and gas industry, Aris Water (NYSE: ARIS) is a provider of water handling and recycling solutions.
Why Are We Bullish on ARIS?
- Offerings are difficult to replicate at scale and lead to a best-in-class gross margin of 54.9%
- Performance over the past two years shows its incremental sales were extremely profitable, as its annual earnings per share growth of 24.6% outpaced its revenue gains
- Free cash flow profile has moved into positive territory over the last five years, indicating the company has passed a significant test
Aris Water is trading at $26.08 per share, or 15x forward price-to-earnings. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.
While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market 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 175% over the last five years.
Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like United Rentals (+322% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.
