In this article, we will examine the 10 Best High Beta Stocks to Buy Now.
High-beta stocks often find themselves at the center of market rallies and sell-offs, amplifying gains during bullish stretches but carrying added risk when volatility returns. For context, high-beta stocks are equities whose price movements are more sensitive to changes in the broader market, typically exhibiting greater volatility than the benchmark indices. A beta above 1 indicates higher volatility than the market, while a beta below 1 suggests more defensive characteristics.
Following the recent earnings, investors are again weighing how to position for momentum. On August 29, Ed Yardeni, President of Yardeni Research, and Gabriela Santos of JPMorgan Asset Management discussed the U.S. equity market outlook on CNBC. They both noted the resilience in earnings and investor sentiment despite ongoing macro uncertainty.
Yardeni characterized the current environment as a “slow-motion melt-up,” with markets repeatedly making new highs on the back of stronger-than-expected earnings. He argued that the market continues to discount a technology-led productivity boom, supporting better growth, restrained inflation, and rising profitability. While rate cuts remain uncertain, Yardeni sees ample buying power supporting equities, projecting the S&P 500 could reach 6,600 by year-end, 7,700 in 2026, and 10,000 by 2029.
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Santos agreed that markets could continue to move higher in the near term, but pointed out that leadership is shifting. She noted that the AI story is no longer limited to mega-cap tech, with gains also spreading to software, infrastructure, and industrials. She also questioned whether the recent rebound in cyclicals will last, suggesting it may prove temporary.
Overall, the discussion suggested a generally positive but selective outlook for equities, supported by the strength of technology and productivity gains, although risks from global and policy factors remain.
In this context, high-beta stocks, while more volatile, can benefit from resilient earnings and the broadening of growth themes across sectors. For investors positioned for the next stage of the bull market, selecting high-beta names presents a way to capture stronger returns while staying aligned with current market drivers.
With those insights in mind, let’s now explore the 10 best high beta stocks to buy now.
Our Methodology
To identify the 10 best high-beta stocks to buy now, we began by screening U.S.-listed technology companies with a market capitalization above $2 billion. Within this universe, we focused on stocks with a five-year average beta greater than 1.5, signaling higher volatility compared to the broader market. We then refined the list to include only those names with a potential upside of at least 20%. Finally, using Q2 2025 data from Insider Monkey’s database, we selected the stocks most widely held by hedge funds. The final ranking is based on the number of hedge funds with positions in each stock.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Note: All pricing data is as of market close on September 2, 2025.
10 Best High Beta Stocks to Buy Now
10. Kymera Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:KYMR)
Beta: 2.2
Potential Upside: 47.5%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
Kymera Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:KYMR) is one of the best high-beta stocks to buy now. The company currently commands an optimistic outlook, with management remaining confident in achieving key clinical endpoints and biomarker data.
This confidence was visible on September 3, when the company presented at Citi’s ‘Biopharma Back to School’ Conference and outlined the progress across its targeted protein degradation (TPD) platform. Kymera Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:KYMR) highlighted pipeline updates, with its lead asset, KT-4621, advancing into Phase 2 trials for atopic dermatitis and asthma.
For context, targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a therapeutic approach that uses the body’s own protein disposal system to find and break down harmful proteins that cause disease. Unlike traditional inhibitors, which block activity but leave the protein intact, TPD therapies remove the protein entirely, which makes treatments more effective and longer-lasting.
Early Phase 1b data in atopic dermatitis patients is expected later this year, and two Phase 2b trials, one in dermatitis and one in asthma, are scheduled to begin in late 2025 and 2026, respectively. Management is also preparing Phase III manufacturing for KT-4621, to ensure scalability at a lower cost.
Kymera Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:KYMR) is developing oral TPD drugs that could provide greater accessibility and convenience as compared to injectable options. The company is advancing a broad pipeline and working with partners such as Sanofi to move its programs through clinical trials, though regulatory approvals remain an important factor.
The company is a consensus Buy, with all analysts covering it assigning a Buy or equivalent rating. The latest one to assert a bullish view was Brian Cheng from JP Morgan, who reaffirmed a Buy rating on August 21 with a price target of $64, implying over 55% potential upside.
Kymera Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:KYMR) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing protein degradation therapies for immune and inflammatory diseases and cancer.
9. CAVA Group Inc. (NYSE:CAVA)
Beta: 2.6
Potential Upside: 37.3%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
CAVA Group Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) is one of the best high-beta stocks to buy now. On September 3, TD Cowen analyst Andrew Charles maintained a Buy rating on the stock with an unchanged price target of $90.
CAVA Group Inc.’s (NYSE:CAVA) share price has been under pressure since the start of February. Its stock tanked by nearly 17% on August 13 after announcing its Q2 2025 results, and as a result, the stock is down 42% year-to-date.
Despite the fall, Charles maintains a positive view on CAVA Group Inc. (NYSE:CAVA). He noted that expectations for same-store sales growth in 2025 and 2026 are running slightly below consensus. However, the alignment of 2026 adjusted EBITDA with consensus estimates reinforces the conviction in the company’s ability to sustain profitability. This balance between moderated sales expectations and a solid margin outlook underpins the analyst’s optimistic view.
Investor sentiment also plays a role in the positive stance. A recent poll conducted during TD Cowen’s bull/bear webinar indicated optimism among investors toward CAVA Group Inc.’s (NYSE:CAVA) performance outlook.
With these factors, the analysis suggests that while near-term sales growth expectations may be more tempered, the visibility of profitability and supportive investor sentiment provide a favorable backdrop for the stock.
CAVA Group Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) operates a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain across the United States. As of July 13, 2025, the company operated 398 restaurants in 27 states and Washington, D.C.
8. Viper Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:VNOM)
Beta: 1.8
Potential Upside: 34.0%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
Viper Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:VNOM) is one of the best high beta stocks to buy now. On September 3, KeyBanc analyst Tim Rezvan lowered his price target on Viper Energy (VNOM) to $54 from $56 while maintaining an Overweight rating. The adjustment reflected revised natural gas price forecasts and updated production estimates following the acquisition of Sitio Royalties Corp. (NYSE:STR).
Despite the modest revision, sentiment across Wall Street remains strongly supportive, with all covering analysts rating the stock a Buy or equivalent. This view is supported by the recent initiation by William Blair’s Neal Dingmann who began coverage on August 25 with a Buy rating. He emphasized Viper Energy Inc.’s (NASDAQ:VNOM) position as the largest public minerals company.
The analyst believes that Viper Energy Inc.’s (NASDAQ:VNOM) extensive royalty acreage provides a strong foundation for sustained per-share growth and above-industry margins. This positioning underpins a high rate of shareholder returns while limiting exposure to capital and inflationary pressures, as per the analyst.
For the near-term, the analyst said key drivers such as ongoing organic expansion, selective acquisitions, and buybacks should support earnings growth. In addition, the planned sale of noncore assets is also expected to unlock additional value.
With shares trading at an attractive free cash flow yield and the company holding a leadership position in acreage and operational quality, Viper Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:VNOM) is viewed as deserving a premium valuation relative to peers.
Viper Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:VNOM) is a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy that owns, acquires, and manages mineral and royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties, primarily in the Permian Basin. The company generates revenue by receiving royalties from production on its acreage, without directly bearing drilling or operating costs.
7. Dave Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE)
Beta: 4.0
Potential Upside: 28.5%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42
Dave Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE) is one of the best high-beta stocks to buy now. On August 18, Barrington analyst Gary Prestopino maintained a Buy rating on Dave with an unchanged price target of $290. The reaffirmation followed Q2 FY25 results that exceeded both his and consensus expectations.
Driven by robust operating leverage, Dave Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE) reported strong revenue growth to $131.7 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $50.9 million. The company reported a rise in monthly transacting members and average revenue per user, which, along with a revised fee structure, led to this growth. On a more positive note, service-based revenue experienced a solid 70% year-over-year growth, while transaction-based revenue increased by 20%.
The analyst also highlighted Dave Inc.’s (NASDAQ:DAVE) discipline on the cost side, as the company managed operating expenses effectively while driving strong growth in ExtraCash originations and Dave Card spend. This combination of top-line expansion, margin improvement, and operating efficiency underpinned Prestopino’s constructive outlook for the company’s earnings trajectory.
Dave Inc. (NASDAQ:DAVE) is a digital banking platform focused on improving financial access for underserved consumers. The company offers services including cash advances, spending accounts, and budgeting tools.
6. Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR)
Beta: 3.8
Potential Upside: 71.5%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45
Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR) is one of the best high-beta stocks to buy now. On September 2, Benchmark Co. analyst Mark Palmer reiterated a Buy rating on Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR) with an unchanged price target of $705. The analyst noted that recent stock pressure is more reflective of broader market conditions and compression of the bitcoin premium than company-specific missteps.
Palmer highlighted that Strategy Inc.’s (NASDAQ:MSTR) decision to relax its limits on common equity issuance provides the company with financial flexibility. The change not only supports its strategy of growing bitcoin holdings, but also to maintain balance sheet strength and capitalize on attractive entry points for future purchases.
He added that Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR) continues to offer investors a differentiated avenue for bitcoin exposure, without the risks associated with mining operations. The analyst’s Buy rating is further supported by an estimation of the company’s projected bitcoin asset value, alongside the contribution from its software business, which reinforces its positioning as a leading proxy for bitcoin strategy.
Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR), formerly known as MicroStrategy, is a technology company that calls itself the world’s first and largest Bitcoin Treasury Company. The company has substantial Bitcoin holdings, which form a core part of its corporate strategy. Additionally, its software platform provides enterprise analytics and data visualization solutions.
5. Cinemark Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CNK)
Beta: 1.9
Potential Upside: 36.7%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48
Cinemark Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CNK) is one of the best high-beta stocks to buy now. On August 26, Benchmark Co. analyst Mike Hickey reiterated a Buy rating on Cinemark with an unchanged price target of $35. The reaffirmation followed a weaker Q3 performance, which was attributed to a softer September film slate rather than structural concerns.
Hickey emphasized that the outlook is much better for Q4, and is supported by a strong release schedule featuring titles such as Avatar: Fire and Ash and Tron: Ares. These films are expected to drive higher box office receipts and reinforce Cinemark Holdings Inc.’s (NYSE:CNK) market position.
Looking further ahead, he noted that 2026 is shaping up as a particularly strong year for the industry, with major franchise installments and original releases that could push attendance above pre-pandemic levels.
The analyst also notes that Cinemark Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CNK) has taken steps to address financial risks, including unwinding warrant overhangs that had weighed on its balance sheet. Combined with an improving film pipeline, these actions provide a multi-quarter opportunity for Cinemark to capture increased traffic and market share, underpinning Hickey’s maintained Buy rating.
Cinemark Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CNK) is one of the largest motion picture exhibitors in the United States and Latin America. The company operates hundreds of theaters and screens, offering premium formats like Cinemark XD and recliner seating.
4. QXO Inc. (NYSE:QXO)
Beta: 2.3
Potential Upside: 53.8%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 65
QXO Inc. (NYSE:QXO) is one of the best high-beta stocks to buy now. On September 2, Morgan Stanley analyst Christopher Snyder initiated coverage on QXO Inc. (NYSE:QXO) with a Buy rating and a $35 price target. The analyst highlighted QXO’s positioning in a fragmented industry that offers substantial room for consolidation and long-term growth.
Snyder pointed to the company’s plan to scale toward more than $50 billion in revenue, backed by a management team with a proven track record under Brad Jacobs, whose prior ventures in the industrial sector created significant shareholder value.
He noted that QXO Inc.’s (NYSE:QXO) model relies on acquiring and improving businesses through technology adoption and operational best practices, thereby creating a value creation cycle that is less dependent on macroeconomic conditions.
With equity value expected to expand meaningfully and EBITDA projected to compound at a high rate through the decade, Snyder argued that QXO Inc. (NYSE:QXO) offers an attractive return profile. On valuation, he argued that the stock is trading at a discount to its peers, despite its structural advantages, and thus presents a compelling entry point at this stage of its growth story.
QXO Inc. (NYSE:QXO) is a distributor of roofing, waterproofing, and complementary building products in the United States.
3. Coherent Corp. (NYSE:COHR)
Beta: 2.0
Potential Upside: 25.3%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 66
Coherent Corp. (NYSE:COHR) is one of the best high-beta stocks to buy now. On August 14, Susquehanna analyst Christopher Rolland reiterated a Buy rating on Coherent Corp. (NYSE:COHR) with an unchanged price target of $120. The analyst acknowledged softness in the data communications segment but noted that portfolio optimization, including the planned divestiture of the Aerospace and Defense business, should sharpen the company’s focus on core growth areas.
Rolland highlighted ongoing strength in 800G transceivers and Optical Circuit Switch revenues, with expectations for continued expansion into 2026. Coherent Corp. (NYSE:COHR) is also scaling its indium phosphide production and recently began operations at its new Texas facility, a move that supports its partnership with Apple.
Further momentum is evident across telecom and industrial markets, both of which delivered better-than-expected performance. Rolland cited steady demand for silicon carbide as a key factor behind his positive outlook, which supports the reiterated Buy rating and confidence in the company’s long-term growth path.
Coherent Corp. (NYSE:COHR) specializes in the development and manufacturing of engineered materials, networking products, optoelectronic components, and optical and laser systems for various industries, including industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation.
2. Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MRVL)
Beta: 1.8
Potential Upside: 31.6%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 76
Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MRVL) is one of the best high-beta stocks to buy now. On August 29, Susquehanna analyst Christopher Rolland reiterated a Buy rating on Marvell Technology while lowering the price target to $80 from $90. The analyst pointed to near-term challenges but emphasized the company’s strong positioning for long-term growth.
Management recently announced new socket wins with potential for multibillion-dollar lifetime revenue, underscoring confidence in the company’s future prospects. Rolland also highlighted Marvell Technology Inc.’s (NASDAQ:MRVL) strength in AI networking through its Inphi products, which are expected to deliver double-digit sequential growth, supported by robust 800G demand and the launch of 1.6T shipments to multiple customers.
While the Data Center and Custom ASIC segments showed flat performance in the recent quarter, substantial growth is anticipated in the custom business by Q4. The Consumer segment, meanwhile, delivered standout results with 84% quarter-over-quarter growth. Taken together, these dynamics reinforce Marvell Technology Inc.’s (NASDAQ:MRVL) strategic positioning in AI and networking, providing the foundation for Rolland’s maintained Buy rating despite the trimmed price target.
Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MRVL) designs semiconductor solutions that power data infrastructure across multiple end markets, including data centers, enterprise networking, carrier networks, consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial applications. Its portfolio includes custom Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), electro-optics, Ethernet and Fibre Channel products, processors, and storage controllers.
1. Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA)
Beta: 2.1
Potential Upside: 23.6%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 235
Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) is one of the best high-beta stocks to buy now. On September 4, Mizuho Securities analyst Vijay Rakesh and Phillip Securities analyst Yik Ban Chong also reaffirmed a Buy rating and raised their target prices, citing continued momentum across the business.
These views follow Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon’s move on August 28 to raise his price target to $225 from $185, while maintaining an Outperform rating, after the company’s latest quarterly results.
Reading into the earnings results, Rasgon had acknowledged some investor concerns, including sequential declines in computing revenues and an in-line data center guidance. However, he emphasized that these reflected ongoing uncertainty in China rather than structural weakness. Importantly, guidance pointed to a sharp acceleration in the Blackwell ramp heading into the next quarter, supporting his view that Nvidia Corp.’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) core fundamentals remain intact and robust.
Together, this set of analyst updates underscores broad confidence in Nvidia’s growth trajectory. While near-term noise remains tied to China dynamics, Nvidia’s leadership in AI computing and strong product cycle visibility continue to anchor the bullish case.
The successive upward revisions in price targets reflect conviction that demand drivers remain in place, reinforcing Nvidia Corp.’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) position as one of the most compelling large-cap growth stories in the semiconductor sector.
Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) designs and manufactures graphics processing units (GPUs), system-on-a-chip units (SoCs), and AI hardware and software.
While we acknowledge the potential of NVDA as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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