"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. Keeping that in mind, here is one high-flying stock to hold for the long term and two with big downside risk.

Two High-Flying Stocks to Sell:

RadNet (RDNT)

Forward P/E Ratio: 127.1x

With over 350 imaging facilities across seven states and a growing artificial intelligence division, RadNet (NASDAQ: RDNT) operates a network of outpatient diagnostic imaging centers across the United States, offering services like MRI, CT scans, PET scans, mammography, and X-rays.

Why Is RDNT Not Exciting?

1. Revenue base of $1.91 billion puts it at a disadvantage compared to larger competitors exhibiting economies of scale
2. Day-to-day expenses have swelled relative to revenue over the last five years as its adjusted operating margin fell by 2.7 percentage points
3. Ability to fund investments or reward shareholders with increased buybacks or dividends is restricted by its weak free cash flow margin of 2.7% for the last five years

RadNet’s stock price of $70.95 implies a valuation ratio of 127.1x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with RDNT, check out our full research report (it’s free).

PAR Technology (PAR)

Forward P/E Ratio: 130.1x

Originally founded in 1968 as a defense contractor for the U.S. government, PAR Technology (NYSE: PAR) provides cloud-based software, payment processing, and hardware solutions that help restaurants manage everything from point-of-sale to customer loyalty programs.

Why Does PAR Fall Short?

1. Negative free cash flow raises questions about the return timeline for its investments
2. Push for growth has led to negative returns on capital, signaling value destruction
3. Depletion of cash reserves could lead to a fundraising event that triggers shareholder dilution

PAR Technology is trading at $48.15 per share, or 130.1x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including PAR in your portfolio.

One High-Flying Stock to Buy:

Mastercard (MA)

Forward P/E Ratio: 34.6x

Recognizable by its iconic "Priceless" advertising campaign that has run in over 120 countries, Mastercard (NYSE: MA) operates a global payments network that connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, and businesses, enabling electronic transactions and providing payment solutions.

Why Are We Bullish on MA?

1. Solid 13.3% annual revenue growth over the last five years indicates its offering’s solve complex business issues
2. Share repurchases have increased shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 18.9% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years
3. Market-beating return on equity illustrates that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures

At $595.49 per share, Mastercard trades at 34.6x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

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).

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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