11 High-Risk High-Reward Growth Stocks To Buy Now

2. Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVAX)

Beta: 3.09

5-Year Sales Growth: 516.28%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24

Analyst Upside Potential: 147.07%

Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVAX) is a Maryland-based biotechnology company engaged in the business of developing vaccines for infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and influenza. The company utilizes recombinant nanoparticle technology to create protein-based vaccines, which gives it a competitive edge against some of its peers in the market. The adjuvant technology and scalable production capabilities further add value to the business operations. Regions served by the company include the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVAX) achieved revenue of $682 million for the full year of 2024. The company also announced the initiation of the Phase 3 trials for its COVID-19 influenza combination vaccine and standalone influenza vaccine, targeting adults 65 years and older. Debts have also been reduced by $1.3 billion over the last two years. These results collectively contribute to the positive outlook for the company, though uncertainties prevail regarding the approval and commercialization timeline of its COVID-19 vaccine.

Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVAX) exhibits an exceptionally high beta of 3.09, making it one of the most volatile stocks on our list. The past five-year sales growth has reached a remarkable 516.28%. The sales growth was largely fuelled by demand for its vaccine offerings during COVID-19. The company’s EPS has grown at a rate of 25.88% in the past five years, with an ambitious 67.92% forecast for future earnings expansion.

Institutional interest remains moderate, with 24 hedge funds holding positions in the company’s shares at the end of Q4 2024. The company has garnered strong expectations in the biotechnology sector, with analysts predicting a 147.07% potential upside.