A highly volatile stock can deliver big gains - or just as easily wipe out a portfolio if things go south. While some investors embrace risk, mistakes can be costly for those who aren’t prepared.
Navigating these stocks isn’t easy, which is why StockStory helps you find Comfort In Chaos. Keeping that in mind, here are two volatile stocks that could deliver huge gains and one that could just as easily collapse.
One Stock to Sell:
Robert Half (RHI)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.19
With roots dating back to 1948 as the first specialized recruiting firm for accounting and finance professionals, Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) provides specialized talent solutions and business consulting services, connecting skilled professionals with companies across various fields.
Why Do We Pass on RHI?
- Products and services are facing end-market challenges during this cycle, as seen in its flat sales over the last five years
- Performance over the past five years shows each sale was less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 12.6% annually
- Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up
At $33.96 per share, Robert Half trades at 15x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with RHI, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Two Stocks to Buy:
Powell (POWL)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 2.21
Originally a metal-working shop supporting local petrochemical facilities, Powell (NYSE: POWL) has grown from a small Houston manufacturer to a global provider of electrical systems.
Why Do We Love POWL?
- Impressive 28.7% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Performance over the past two years shows its incremental sales were extremely profitable, as its annual earnings per share growth of 124% outpaced its revenue gains
- Free cash flow margin jumped by 12.8 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more resources to pursue growth initiatives, repurchase shares, or pay dividends
Powell is trading at $303.46 per share, or 20.8x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
Synchrony Financial (SYF)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.76
Powering over 73 million active accounts and partnerships with major brands like Amazon, PayPal, and Lowe's, Synchrony Financial (NYSE: SYF) provides credit cards, installment loans, and banking products through partnerships with retailers, healthcare providers, and digital platforms.
Why Are We Bullish on SYF?
- Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 31.4%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last five years
- Annual tangible book value per share growth of 21.7% over the last two years was superb and indicates its capital strength increased during this cycle
- ROE punches in at 22.4%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
Synchrony Financial’s stock price of $71.05 implies a valuation ratio of 8.3x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.
Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
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