Market swings can be tough to stomach, and volatile stocks often experience exaggerated moves in both directions. While many thrive during risk-on environments, many also struggle to maintain investor confidence when the ride gets bumpy.
At StockStory, our job is to help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on the right side of the trade. Keeping that in mind, here are three volatile stocks best left to the gamblers and some better opportunities instead.
Zevia (ZVIA)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.33
With a primary focus on soda but also a presence in energy drinks and teas, Zevia (NYSE: ZVIA) is a better-for-you beverage company.
Why Do We Think Twice About ZVIA?
- Sales were flat over the last three years, indicating it’s failed to expand its business
- Suboptimal cost structure is highlighted by its history of operating margin losses
- Cash burn makes us question whether it can achieve sustainable long-term growth
At $2.44 per share, Zevia trades at 1x forward price-to-sales. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than ZVIA.
Wolverine Worldwide (WWW)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 2.11
Founded in 1883, Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE: WWW) is a global footwear company with a diverse portfolio of brands including Merrell, Hush Puppies, and Saucony.
Why Should You Dump WWW?
- Sales tumbled by 1.6% annually over the last five years, showing consumer trends are working against its favor
- Sales were less profitable over the last five years as its earnings per share fell by 5.3% annually, worse than its revenue declines
- Negative returns on capital show management lost money while trying to expand the business, and its shrinking returns suggest its past profit sources are losing steam
Wolverine Worldwide is trading at $30.65 per share, or 24.3x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why WWW doesn’t pass our bar.
Orion (ORN)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 2.25
Established in 1994, Orion (NYSE: ORN) provides construction services for marine infrastructure and industrial projects.
Why Do We Steer Clear of ORN?
- Product roadmap and go-to-market strategy need to be reconsidered as its backlog has averaged 1.7% declines over the past two years
- Competitive supply chain dynamics and steep production costs are reflected in its low gross margin of 9.3%
- Negative free cash flow raises questions about the return timeline for its investments
Orion’s stock price of $7.85 implies a valuation ratio of 33.3x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including ORN in your portfolio.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
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 9 Market-Beating Stocks. 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 Tecnoglass (+1,754% 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
StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.
