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.
At StockStory, our job is to help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on the right side of the trade. That said, here are two volatile stocks that could reward patient investors and one that might not be worth the risk.
One Stock to Sell:
Byrna (BYRN)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 2.13
Providing civilians with tools to disable, disarm, and deter would-be assailants, Byrna (NASDAQ: BYRN) is a provider of non-lethal weapons.
Why Does BYRN Worry Us?
- Suboptimal cost structure is highlighted by its history of operating margin losses
- Cash-burning history makes us doubt the long-term viability of its business model
- Limited cash reserves may force the company to seek unfavorable financing terms that could dilute shareholders
Byrna’s stock price of $20.21 implies a valuation ratio of 21.9x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including BYRN in your portfolio.
Two Stocks to Watch:
Mirion (MIR)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.58
With its technology protecting workers in over 130 countries and equipment used in 80% of cancer centers worldwide, Mirion Technologies (NYSE: MIR) provides radiation detection, measurement, and monitoring solutions for medical, nuclear energy, defense, and scientific research applications.
Why Do We Watch MIR?
- 8.2% annual revenue growth over the last four years surpassed the sector average as its services resonated with customers
- Projected revenue growth of 15.8% for the next 12 months is above its two-year trend, pointing to accelerating demand
- Incremental sales significantly boosted profitability as its annual earnings per share growth of 28.2% over the last two years outstripped its revenue performance
At $24.04 per share, Mirion trades at 43.3x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.
Live Oak Bancshares (LOB)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.20
Founded during the 2008 financial crisis with a vision to reimagine small business banking through technology, Live Oak Bancshares (NYSE: LOB) is a bank holding company that specializes in providing online banking services and SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses across targeted industries nationwide.
Why Are We Bullish on LOB?
- Annual net interest income growth of 19.7% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
- Productivity and efficiency ratio profits are expected to increase next year as some fixed cost leverage kicks in
- Earnings per share grew by 12.9% annually over the last five years and trumped its peers
Live Oak Bancshares is trading at $33.51 per share, or 1.4x forward P/B. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free for active Edge members .
Stocks We Like Even More
Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.
The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - check 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 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
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