"You get what you pay for" often applies to expensive stocks with best-in-class business models and execution. While their quality can sometimes justify the premium, they typically experience elevated volatility during market downturns when expectations change.

Separating true intrinsic value from speculation isn’t easy, especially during bull markets. That’s where StockStory comes in - to help you find high-quality companies that will stand the test of time. That said, here are three high-flying stocks where the price is not right and some other investments you should look into instead.

FARO (FARO)

Forward P/E Ratio: 38x

Launched by two PhD students in a garage, FARO (NASDAQ: FARO) provides 3D measurement and imaging systems for the manufacturing, construction, engineering, and public safety industries.

Why Do We Think Twice About FARO?

1. Annual sales declines of 1.5% for the past five years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle
2. Suboptimal cost structure is highlighted by its history of operating losses
3. Cash burn makes us question whether it can achieve sustainable long-term growth

At $42.15 per share, FARO trades at 38x forward P/E. If you’re considering FARO for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Artivion (AORT)

Forward P/E Ratio: 42.8x

Formerly known as CryoLife until its 2022 rebranding, Artivion (NYSE: AORT) develops and manufactures medical devices and preserves human tissues used in cardiac and vascular surgical procedures for patients with aortic disease.

Why Does AORT Give Us Pause?

1. Muted 7.2% annual revenue growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its healthcare peers
2. Revenue base of $390.1 million puts it at a disadvantage compared to larger competitors exhibiting economies of scale
3. Underwhelming 1.9% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities

Artivion’s stock price of $30.20 implies a valuation ratio of 42.8x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than AORT.

Exponent (EXPO)

Forward P/E Ratio: 38x

With a team of over 800 consultants holding advanced degrees in 90+ technical disciplines, Exponent (NASDAQ: EXPO) is a science and engineering consulting firm that investigates complex problems and provides expert analysis for clients across various industries.

Why Do We Pass on EXPO?

1. Annual revenue growth of 4.5% over the last two years was below our standards for the business services sector
2. Subscale operations are evident in its revenue base of $518.7 million, meaning it has fewer distribution channels than its larger rivals
3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

Exponent is trading at $79.58 per share, or 38x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why EXPO doesn’t pass our bar.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market 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 176% over the last five years.

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.