Expensive stocks often command premium valuations because the market thinks their business models are exceptional. However, the downside is that high expectations are already baked into their prices, leaving little room for error if they stumble even slightly.
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. Keeping that in mind, here is one high-flying stock to hold for the long term and two where the price is not right.
Two High-Flying Stocks to Sell:
Concrete Pumping (BBCP)
Forward P/E Ratio: 57.1x
Going public via SPAC in 2018, Concrete Pumping (NASDAQ: BBCP) is a provider of concrete pumping and waste management services in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Why Do We Think BBCP Will Underperform?
- Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 5.7% annually over the last two years
- Anticipated sales growth of 2% for the next year implies demand will be shaky
- Earnings per share decreased by more than its revenue over the last two years, showing each sale was less profitable
Concrete Pumping is trading at $6.96 per share, or 57.1x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with BBCP, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Mayville Engineering (MEC)
Forward P/E Ratio: 96.2x
Originally founded solely on tool and die manufacturing, Mayville Engineering Company (NYSE: MEC) specializes in metal fabrication, tube bending, and welding to be used in various industries.
Why Are We Wary of MEC?
- Annual sales declines of 3.1% for the past two years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle
- Competitive supply chain dynamics and steep production costs are reflected in its low gross margin of 12.8%
- Earnings per share have dipped by 52.4% annually over the past two years, which is concerning because stock prices follow EPS over the long term
At $21.58 per share, Mayville Engineering trades at 96.2x forward P/E. If you’re considering MEC for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
One High-Flying Stock to Buy:
Fluence Energy (FLNC)
Forward P/E Ratio: 235.3x
Pioneering the use of lithium-ion batteries for grid storage, Fluence (NASDAQ: FLNC) helps store renewable energy sources with battery systems.
Why Should You Buy FLNC?
- Average backlog growth of 18.1% over the past two years shows it has a steady sales pipeline that will drive future orders
- Earnings per share grew by 36.4% annually over the last four years and trumped its peers
- Cash-burning tendencies have improved over the last five years, showing it could become financially independent one day
Fluence Energy’s stock price of $16.65 implies a valuation ratio of 235.3x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
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 9 Market-Beating Stocks. 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 Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
