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. That said, here are three volatile stocks best left to the gamblers and some better opportunities instead.

Kimball Electronics (KE)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.41

Founded in 1961, Kimball Electronics (NYSE: KE) is a global contract manufacturer specializing in electronics and manufacturing solutions for automotive, medical, and industrial markets.

Why Do We Avoid KE?

1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 10.8% annually over the last two years
2. Falling earnings per share over the last five years has some investors worried as stock prices ultimately follow EPS over the long term
3. Ability to fund investments or reward shareholders with increased buybacks or dividends is restricted by its weak free cash flow margin of -0.1% for the last five years

At $29.94 per share, Kimball Electronics trades at 23.3x forward P/E. If you’re considering KE for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

3D Systems (DDD)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.89

Founded by the inventor of stereolithography, 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) engineers, manufactures, and sells 3D printers and other related products to the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods industries.

Why Are We Out on DDD?

1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 6.7% annually over the last five years
2. Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value
3. Limited cash reserves may force the company to seek unfavorable financing terms that could dilute shareholders

3D Systems’s stock price of $2.47 implies a valuation ratio of 0.9x forward price-to-sales. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why DDD doesn’t pass our bar.

Luxfer (LXFR)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.21

With its magnesium alloys used in the construction of the famous Spirit of St. Louis aircraft, Luxfer (NYSE: LXFR) offers specialized materials, components, and gas containment devices to various industries.

Why Do We Think LXFR Will Underperform?

1. Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 2.5% annually over the last two years
2. Sales are projected to tank by 4.2% over the next 12 months as its demand continues evaporating
3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

Luxfer is trading at $15.18 per share, or 13.5x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than LXFR.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Check out the high-quality names we’ve flagged in 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 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

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.