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.

These stocks can be a rollercoaster, and StockStory is here to guide you through the ups and downs. Keeping that in mind, here is one volatile stock that could reward patient investors and two that could just as easily collapse.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Astec (ASTE)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.48

Inventing the first ever double-barrel hot-mix asphalt plant, Astec (NASDAQ: ASTE) provides machines and equipment for building roads, processing raw materials, and producing concrete.

Why Do We Think Twice About ASTE?

1. Backlog has dropped by 28.2% on average over the past two years, suggesting it’s losing orders as competition picks up
2. Competitive supply chain dynamics and steep production costs are reflected in its low gross margin of 23.8%
3. Lacking free cash flow generation means it has few chances to reinvest for growth, repurchase shares, or distribute capital

Astec is trading at $46.91 per share, or 18.1x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than ASTE.

Cognex (CGNX)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.30

Founded in 1981 when computer vision was in its infancy, Cognex (NASDAQ: CGNX) develops machine vision systems and software that help manufacturers and logistics companies automate quality inspection and tracking of products.

Why Does CGNX Give Us Pause?

1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 2% annual growth was below the typical business services company
2. Free cash flow margin dropped by 15.8 percentage points over the last five years, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up
3. Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging

At $44.65 per share, Cognex trades at 45.9x forward P/E. If you’re considering CGNX for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

One Stock to Buy:

Popular (BPOP)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.09

Founded in 1893 as the first bank in Puerto Rico to serve the working class, Popular (NASDAQ: BPOP) is a financial holding company that provides retail, mortgage, and commercial banking services primarily in Puerto Rico and the mainland United States.

Why Are We Bullish on BPOP?

1. Net interest margin jumped by 19.7 basis points (100 basis points = 1 percentage point) over the last two years, giving the firm more resources to pursue growth initiatives
2. Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 14.4% exceeded its revenue gains over the last five years
3. Annual tangible book value per share growth of 22.5% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting strong capital accumulation this cycle

Popular’s stock price of $126.99 implies a valuation ratio of 1.4x forward P/B. Is now a good 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 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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