Low-volatility stocks may offer stability, but that often comes at the cost of slower growth and the upside potential of more dynamic companies.

Luckily for you, StockStory helps you navigate which companies are truly worth holding. Keeping that in mind, here are three low-volatility stocks to avoid and some better opportunities instead.

Grocery Outlet (GO)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.58

Due to its differentiated procurement and buying approach, Grocery Outlet (NASDAQ: GO) is a discount grocery store chain that offers substantial discounts on name-brand products.

Why Are We Cautious About GO?

1. Operating margin of 1.8% has deteriorated over the last year, hampering its adaptability and competitive positioning
2. Underwhelming 2.3% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities, and its falling returns suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up
3. Short cash runway increases the probability of a capital raise that dilutes existing shareholders

At $13.38 per share, Grocery Outlet trades at 17.3x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including GO in your portfolio.

Bath and Body Works (BBWI)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.95

Spun off from L Brands in 2020, Bath & Body Works (NYSE: BBWI) is a personal care and home fragrance retailer where consumers can find specialty shower gels, scented candles for the home, and lotions.

Why Does BBWI Worry Us?

1. Lagging same-store sales over the past two years suggest it might have to change its pricing and marketing strategy to stimulate demand
2. Estimated sales growth of 2.3% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its six-year trend
3. Earnings growth underperformed the sector average over the last six years as its EPS grew by just 9.1% annually

Bath and Body Works is trading at $25.48 per share, or 6.9x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why BBWI doesn’t pass our bar.

Mattel (MAT)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.79

Known for the creation of iconic toys such as Barbie and Hotwheels, Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) is a global children's entertainment company specializing in the design and production of consumer products.

Why Is MAT Not Exciting?

1. Annual revenue growth of 1.8% over the last two years was below our standards for the consumer discretionary sector
2. Demand will likely fall over the next 12 months as Wall Street expects flat revenue
3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

Mattel’s stock price of $19.03 implies a valuation ratio of 11.4x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with MAT, check out our full research report (it’s free).

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our 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-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% 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