Volatility cuts both ways - while it creates opportunities, it also increases risk, making sharp declines just as likely as big gains. This unpredictability can shake out even the most experienced investors.
Navigating these stocks isn’t easy, which is why StockStory helps you find Comfort In Chaos. Keeping that in mind, here are three volatile stocks to steer clear of and a few better alternatives.
PENN Entertainment (PENN)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.44
Established in 1982, PENN Entertainment (NASDAQ: PENN) is a diversified American operator of casinos, sports betting, and entertainment venues.
Why Do We Avoid PENN?
- Muted 1.4% annual revenue growth over the last two years shows its demand lagged behind its consumer discretionary peers
- Negative free cash flow raises questions about the return timeline for its investments
- Diminishing returns on capital from an already low starting point show that neither management’s prior nor current bets are going as planned
PENN Entertainment is trading at $19.51 per share, or 20.3x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including PENN in your portfolio.
Terex (TEX)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.59
With humble beginnings as a dump truck company, Terex (NYSE: TEX) today manufactures lifting and material handling equipment designed to move and hoist heavy goods and materials.
Why Are We Cautious About TEX?
- Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth
- Earnings per share fell by 16.3% annually over the last two years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
- Free cash flow margin dropped by 5.4 percentage points over the last five years, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up
At $51.78 per share, Terex trades at 10.3x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with TEX, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Littelfuse (LFUS)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.76
The developer of the first blade-type automotive fuse, Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) provides electrical protection and control components for the automotive, industrial, electronics, and telecommunications industries.
Why Are We Wary of LFUS?
- Sales tumbled by 4.7% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
- Earnings per share have dipped by 17.5% annually over the past two years, which is concerning because stock prices follow EPS over the long term
- Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability
Littelfuse’s stock price of $260.90 implies a valuation ratio of 24.9x forward P/E. If you’re considering LFUS for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Stocks We Like More
When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.
Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. 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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% 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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