
"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.
Finding the right balance between price and quality can challenge even the most skilled investors. Luckily for you, we started StockStory to help you identify the real opportunities. That said, here is one high-flying stock expanding its competitive advantage and two with big downside risk.
Two High-Flying Stocks to Sell:
Lucky Strike (LUCK)
Forward P/E Ratio: 39.5x
Born from the transformation of traditional bowling alleys into modern entertainment destinations, Lucky Strike (NYSE: LUCK) operates bowling alleys and other entertainment venues with upscale amenities, arcade games, and food and beverage services across North America.
Why Do We Pass on LUCK?
- Disappointing same-store sales over the past two years show customers aren’t responding well to its product selection and in-store experience
- Diminishing returns on capital from an already low starting point show that neither management’s prior nor current bets are going as planned
- High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 7× increases the risk of forced asset sales or dilutive financing if operational performance weakens
Lucky Strike’s stock price of $8.31 implies a valuation ratio of 39.5x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than LUCK.
Quest Resource (QRHC)
Forward P/E Ratio: 46x
Recycling corporate waste to help companies be more sustainable, Quest Resource (NASDAQ: QRHC) is a provider of waste and recycling services.
Why Do We Avoid QRHC?
- Annual sales declines of 3.6% for the past two years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle
- Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value
- 7× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio makes lenders less willing to extend additional capital, potentially necessitating dilutive equity offerings
Quest Resource is trading at $1.81 per share, or 46x forward P/E. If you’re considering QRHC for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
One High-Flying Stock to Watch:
TJX (TJX)
Forward P/E Ratio: 31.1x
Initially based on a strategy of buying excess inventory from manufacturers or other retailers, TJX (NYSE: TJX) is an off-price retailer that sells brand-name apparel and other goods at prices much lower than department stores.
Why Do We Like TJX?
- Locations open for at least a year are seeing increased demand as same-store sales have averaged 3.9% growth over the past two years
- Massive revenue base of $60.37 billion makes up for its weaker gross margin and makes it a household name that influences purchasing decisions
- Industry-leading 28.2% return on capital demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments, and its returns are growing as it capitalizes on even better market opportunities
At $160.35 per share, TJX trades at 31.1x 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
The market’s up big this year - but there’s a catch. Just 4 stocks account for half the S&P 500’s entire gain. That kind of concentration makes investors nervous, and for good reason. While everyone piles into the same crowded names, smart investors are hunting quality where no one’s looking - and paying a fraction of the price. Check out the high-quality names we’ve flagged in our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 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.