The stocks in this article have caught Wall Street’s attention in a big way, with price targets implying returns above 20%. But investors should take these forecasts with a grain of salt because analysts typically say nice things about companies so their firms can win business in other product lines like M&A advisory.
At StockStory, we look beyond the headlines with our independent analysis to determine whether these bullish calls are justified. That said, here are two stocks where Wall Street’s excitement appears well-founded and one where analysts may be overlooking some important risks.
One Stock to Sell:
Range Resources (RRC)
Consensus Price Target: $47.32 (18.7% implied return)
Focused almost entirely on the Marcellus Shale beneath Pennsylvania's forests and farmland, Range Resources (NYSE: RRC) drills for and produces natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil from shale formations.
Why Does RRC Give Us Pause?
- Annual revenue growth of 9.6% over the last five years was below our standards for the energy upstream and integrated energy sector
- Expenses have increased as a percentage of revenue over the last five years as its EBITDA margin fell by 1 percentage points
Range Resources is trading at $39.88 per share, or 9.6x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including RRC in your portfolio.
Two Stocks to Watch:
LPL Financial (LPLA)
Consensus Price Target: $416.50 (42.6% implied return)
As the nation's largest independent broker-dealer with no proprietary products of its own, LPL Financial (NASDAQ: LPLA) provides technology, compliance, and business support services to independent financial advisors and institutions who manage investments for retail clients.
Why Are We Backing LPLA?
- Annual revenue growth of 32.1% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 27.2%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last five years
- Stellar return on equity showcases management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures
At $291.98 per share, LPL Financial trades at 11.5x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
HighPeak Energy (HPK)
Consensus Price Target: $10 (20.4% implied return)
Operating in the oil-rich northeastern corner of the Midland Basin where Howard and Borden counties meet, HighPeak Energy (NASDAQ: HPK) explores for, develops, and produces crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas.
Why Does HPK Stand Out?
- Annual revenue growth of 78.2% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Attractive asset base leads to wonderful unit economics and a best-in-class gross margin of 78.8%
- EBITDA profits increased over the last five years as the company gained some leverage on its fixed costs and became more efficient
HighPeak Energy’s stock price of $8.31 implies a valuation ratio of 1.2x trailing 12-month price-to-sales. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI is taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.
Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662%. AppLovin before it ran 753%. Nvidia before it ran 1,178%. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
