A stock with low volatility can be reassuring, but it doesn’t always mean strong long-term performance. Investors who prioritize stability may miss out on higher-reward opportunities elsewhere.

Luckily for you, StockStory helps you navigate which companies are truly worth holding. That said, here are three low-volatility stocks that don’t make the cut and some better opportunities instead.

Rush Enterprises (RUSHA)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.89

Headquartered in Texas, Rush Enterprises (NASDAQ: RUSH.A) provides truck-related services and solutions, including sales, leasing, parts, and maintenance for commercial vehicles.

Why Do We Steer Clear of RUSHA?

1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 2.2% annual growth was below the typical industrials company
2. Projected sales decline of 1.5% for the next 12 months points to a tough demand environment ahead
3. Falling earnings per share over the last two years has some investors worried as stock prices ultimately follow EPS over the long term

Rush Enterprises is trading at $48.75 per share, or 7.8x forward EV-to-EBITDA. If you’re considering RUSHA for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Douglas Dynamics (PLOW)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.59

Once manufacturing snowplows designed for the iconic jeep vehicle precursor, Douglas Dynamics (NYSE: PLOW) offers snow and ice equipment for the roads and sidewalks.

Why Is PLOW Risky?

1. Sales stagnated over the last two years and signal the need for new growth strategies
2. Incremental sales over the last five years were much less profitable as its earnings per share fell by 2.4% annually while its revenue grew
3. Free cash flow margin dropped by 5 percentage points over the last five years, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up

At $26.75 per share, Douglas Dynamics trades at 13.9x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why PLOW doesn’t pass our bar.

Henry Schein (HSIC)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.31

With a vast inventory of over 300,000 products stocked in distribution centers spanning more than 5.3 million square feet worldwide, Henry Schein (NASDAQ: HSIC) is a global distributor of healthcare products and services primarily to dental practices, medical offices, and other healthcare facilities.

Why Are We Wary of HSIC?

1. Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth
2. Estimated sales growth of 3.3% for the next 12 months is soft and implies weaker demand
3. Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging

Henry Schein’s stock price of $68.89 implies a valuation ratio of 13.9x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than HSIC.

Stocks We Like More

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