7 Surprising One-Star Stocks

Last week, we looked at some poorly regarded stocks that delivered outstanding returns over a 30-day period. We're back again this week to look at another collection of lowly outperformers. The key question remains: Do you jump on the bandwagon with these stocks, hoping to profit from the upward momentum, or do you remain on the sidelines awaiting the inevitable crash and burn?

Here are this week's magnificent seven that have been identified by our new Motley Fool CAPS investment research service. Each of the companies below had been given a one-star rating (the lowest) by our community of investors just 30 days ago:

Despite this impressive short-term performance, five of the seven remain one-star stocks as of this writing, with only Career Education and Hovnanian bumping up to two stars. I must admit the low rating for Motley Fool Hidden Gems pick Marine Products comes as a bit of a surprise to me.

That's not to say that this manufacturer of recreational and fishing boats hasn't faced a tough environment over the last year, as higher gas prices and interest rates have cut into unit sales. But one star? For a leader in its industry with a significant competitive advantage over its rivals? This may be a company to look at a bit more closely.

The rest of the list has some interesting representatives from industries that have been down of late. In AMR Corp, Career Education, and Hovnanian, we have an airline, a for-profit educator, and a homebuilder. Do you think those industries are poised for a rally, or do you think they're due for yet another setback?

Why not get in the game and rate these and other stocks for yourself? You'll also be able to read timely analysis from our community and perhaps offer your own pitch for one of these stocks. It's entirely free, and it's one of the few places I know where the expression "the more the merrier" is actually true.

John Reeves owns shares in Marine Products, a Motley Fool Hidden Gems pick. The Fool is investors writing for investors.