Reminiscent of its earlier performances in the month of September, the U.S. equity market is still grappling with high volatility. The uncertainty can be partially attributed to the still elusive rate hike decision of Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Speculations are rife that a market correction is imminent in the near future, triggering further chaos.

Amid such adversities, investors are often on the lookout for ‘cash cow’ stocks that would enable them to rake in more profits.

However, singling out cash-rich stocks alone does not make them a solid investment proposition unless they are backed by attractive efficiency ratios like return on equity (ROE). A high ROE ensures that the company is reinvesting its cash at a high rate of return.

ROE: An Effective Financial Metric

ROE = Net Income/Shareholders’ Equity

ROE helps investors distinguish between profit-generating companies from profit burners and is useful for determining the financial health of a company. In other words, this financial metric enables investors to identify stocks that diligently deploy cash for higher returns.

Moreover, ROE is often used to compare the profitability of a company with other firms in the industry – the higher the better. It measures how well a company is growing its profits without investing any new equity capital in the business and portrays management efficiency in rewarding shareholders with attractive risk-adjusted returns.

Here are 5  stocks for your portfolio while there is a market volatility:

Macy's, Inc. (M - Analyst Report) : Based in Cincinnati, OH, Macy’s is one of the leading department store retailers in the U.S., operating approximately 870 outlets under the names of Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdale’s Outlet, Macy’s Backstage and Bluemercury. This Zacks Rank #2 stock has a decent long-term earnings growth expectation of 8.5% and a healthy trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 16.3%.

Discovery Communications, Inc. (DISCK - Snapshot Report) : Headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, this Zacks Rank #1 stock operates as a global media firm with 3 billion subscribers in more than 220 countries. Discovery Communications offers high-quality content through global brands like Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet and Discovery Science. The stock has a strong trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 16.3%.

Zoetis Inc. (ZTS - Analyst Report) : Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Florham Park, NJ, Zoetis manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines, medicines, diagnostic products and related services for livestock and companion animals across the globe. This Zacks Rank #2 stock has a solid long-term earnings growth expectation of 12.6% and a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 15.9%.

Broadcom Limited (AVGO - Analyst Report) : Based in Singapore, Broadcom Limited is a premier designer, developer and global supplier of a broad range of analog semiconductor devices and digital, mixed signal and optoelectronics components and subsystems. This Zacks Rank #1 stock has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7% and long-term earnings growth expectation of 15%.

The Priceline Group Inc. (PCLN  - Analyst Report) : Norwalk, CT-based Priceline is one of the largest online travel companies in the world. The company’s travel-related offerings cover hotel rooms, airline tickets, rental cars, vacation packages, cruises, “things to do” at customer destinations and travel insurance. This Zacks Rank #2 stock has a solid long-term earnings growth expectation of 18.3% and a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 6.6%.