Expensive stocks typically earn their valuations through superior growth rates that other companies simply can’t match. The flip side though is that these lofty expectations make them particularly susceptible to drawdowns when market sentiment shifts.
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. Keeping that in mind, here are two high-flying stocks to hold for the long term and one climbing an uphill battle.
One High-Flying Stock to Sell:
Waste Connections (WCN)
Forward P/E Ratio: 33.9x
Operating a network of municipal solid waste landfills in the U.S. and Canada, Waste Connections (NYSE: WCN) is North America's third-largest waste management company providing collection, disposal, and recycling services.
Why Does WCN Worry Us?
- Absence of organic revenue growth over the past two years suggests it may have to lean into acquisitions to drive its expansion
- Costs have risen faster than its revenue over the last five years, causing its operating margin to decline by 4.1 percentage points
- Below-average returns on capital indicate management struggled to find compelling investment opportunities, and its falling returns suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up
At $186.82 per share, Waste Connections trades at 33.9x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with WCN, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Two High-Flying Stocks to Watch:
CAVA (CAVA)
Forward P/E Ratio: 143.8x
Starting from a single Washington, D.C. location, CAVA (NYSE: CAVA) operates a fast-casual restaurant chain offering customizable Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Why Do We Watch CAVA?
- Fast expansion of new restaurants to reach markets with few or no locations is justified by its same-store sales growth
- Same-store sales growth over the past two years shows it’s successfully drawing diners into its restaurants
- Free cash flow margin grew by 7.9 percentage points over the last year, giving the company more chips to play with
CAVA is trading at $87.50 per share, or 143.8x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
HEICO (HEI)
Forward P/E Ratio: 67.3x
Founded in 1957, HEICO (NYSE: HEI) manufactures and services aerospace and electronic components for commercial aviation, defense, space, and other industries.
Why Should You Buy HEI?
- Average organic revenue growth of 9.7% over the past two years demonstrates its ability to expand independently without relying on acquisitions
- Earnings per share have massively outperformed its peers over the last two years, increasing by 25.2% annually
- Strong free cash flow margin of 17.5% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently
HEICO’s stock price of $316 implies a valuation ratio of 67.3x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
Trump’s April 2024 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-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% 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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