3 of Wall Street’s favorite stocks that concern us

Wall Street has set ambitious price targets for the stocks in this article. While this suggests attractive upside potential, it’s important to remain skeptical because analysts face institutional pressures that can sometimes lead to overly optimistic forecasts.

Unlike the investment banks, we created StockStory to provide independent analysis that helps you determine which companies are truly worth following. Keeping that in mind, here are three stocks where Wall Street’s estimates seem disconnected from reality and some better opportunities to consider.

PACCAR (PCAR)

Consensus price target: $127.50 (24.7% implied return)

Founded more than a century ago, PACCAR (NASDAQ:PCAR) designs and manufactures commercial trucks of various weights and sizes for the commercial trucking industry.

Why Do We Think Twice About PCAR?

1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 8.6% annually over the last two years

2. Falling earnings per share over the last two years has some investors worried as stock prices ultimately follow EPS over the long term

3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

PACCAR is trading at $102.26 per share, or 15.7x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why PCAR doesn’t pass our bar.

Tandem Diabetes (TNDM)

Consensus price target: $27.76 (46.3% implied return)

With technology that automatically adjusts insulin delivery based on continuous glucose monitoring data, Tandem Diabetes Care (NASDAQ:TNDM) develops and manufactures automated insulin delivery systems that help people with diabetes manage their blood glucose levels.

Why Do We Steer Clear of TNDM?

1. Earnings per share fell by 83.1% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable

2. Negative returns on capital show management lost money while trying to expand the business

3. 6× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio makes lenders less willing to extend additional capital, potentially necessitating dilutive equity offerings

Tandem Diabetes’s stock price of $18.97 implies a valuation ratio of 20.5x forward EV-to-EBITDA. To fully understand why you should be careful with TNDM, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Employers Holdings (EIG)

Consensus price target: $54 (20.5% implied return)

With roots in Nevada and a strong concentration in California where 45% of its premiums are generated, Employers Holdings (NYSE:EIG) is a specialty provider of workers’ compensation insurance focused on small and select businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries across the United States.