Market swings can be tough to stomach, and volatile stocks often experience exaggerated moves in both directions. While many thrive during risk-on environments, many also struggle to maintain investor confidence when the ride gets bumpy.

Navigating these stocks isn’t easy, which is why StockStory helps you find Comfort In Chaos. That said, here are three volatile stocks to avoid and some better opportunities instead.

Karat Packaging (KRT)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.15

Founded as Lollicup, Karat Packaging (NASDAQ: KRT) distributes and manufactures environmentally-friendly disposable foodservice packaging solutions.

Why Does KRT Fall Short?

1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 4.2% annual growth was below the typical industrials company
2. Revenue growth over the past two years was nullified by the company’s new share issuances as its earnings per share fell by 2.9% annually
3. Poor free cash flow margin of 5.9% for the last five years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends

At $24.76 per share, Karat Packaging trades at 16.9x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with KRT, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Emerson Electric (EMR)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.42

Founded in 1890, Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR) is a multinational technology and engineering company providing solutions in the industrial, commercial, and residential markets.

Why Are We Wary of EMR?

1. Sales were flat over the last five years, indicating it’s failed to expand this cycle
2. Free cash flow margin dropped by 4.9 percentage points over the last five years, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up
3. Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam

Emerson Electric’s stock price of $130 implies a valuation ratio of 20.3x forward P/E. If you’re considering EMR for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

3D Systems (DDD)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.65

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. Sales tumbled by 6.3% annually over the last five years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
2. Shrinking returns on capital from an already weak position reveal that neither previous nor ongoing investments are yielding the desired results
3. Depletion of cash reserves could lead to a fundraising event that triggers shareholder dilution

3D Systems is trading at $2.07 per share, or 1x forward price-to-sales. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than DDD.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at 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).

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