The stocks in this article are all trading near their 52-week highs. This strength often reflects positive developments such as new product launches, favorable industry trends, or improved financial performance.
However, not all companies with momentum are long-term winners, and many investors have lost money by following short-term trends. On that note, here is one stock with the fundamentals to back up its performance and two not so much.
Two stocks to sell:
Voya Financial (VOYA)
One-month return: +5.4%
Originally spun off from Dutch financial giant ING in 2013 and rebranded with a name suggesting "voyage," Voya Financial (NYSE:VOYA) provides workplace benefits and savings solutions to U.S. employers, helping their employees achieve better financial outcomes through retirement plans and insurance products.
Why Should You Sell VOYA?
- Annual revenue growth of 3.3% over the last two years was below our standards for the financials sector
- Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were less profitable as its earnings per share were flat
Voya Financial’s stock price of $103.41 implies a valuation ratio of 9.4x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including VOYA in your portfolio.
QCR Holdings (QCRH)
One-month return: +3.8%
With roots dating back to 1993 and a name reflecting its original Quad Cities market, QCR Holdings (NASDAQGM:QCRH) operates four community banks across Iowa and Missouri, providing commercial, consumer banking, and trust services to businesses and individuals.
Why Does QCRH Fall Short?
- Annual revenue growth of 4.9% over the last two years was below our standards for the banking sector
- Annual net interest income growth of 9.2% over the last five years was below our standards for the banking sector
- Earnings growth underperformed the sector average over the last five years as its EPS grew by just 8.4% annually
At $103.88 per share, QCR Holdings trades at 1.4x forward P/B. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than QCRH.
One stock to watch:
East West Bank (EWBC)
One-month return: +5.7%
As the largest independent bank in the U.S. focused on bridging financial services between America and Asia, East West Bancorp (NASDAQ:EWBC) operates a commercial bank that provides personal and business banking services with a unique focus on facilitating U.S.-Asia cross-border transactions.
Why Are We Positive on EWBC?
- Unique value proposition resonates with borrowers, as seen in its above-market 13.2% annual net interest income growth over the last five years
- Balance sheet strength has increased this cycle as its 11.2% annual tangible book value per share growth over the last five years was exceptional
- ROE punches in at 17.1%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
East West Bank is trading at $134.09 per share, or 1.9x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-quality stocks for all market conditions
WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. The best stocks don’t just beat the market once. They do it again. And again. Robust revenue growth, rising free cash flow, returns on capital that leave their competition in the dust. The market has already rewarded these businesses.
But our AI platform says the party isn’t over. Find out which 9 stocks made the cut this week — FREE. Get Our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+214% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.