Stability is great, but low-volatility stocks may struggle to deliver market-beating returns over time as they sometimes underperform during bull markets.
Choosing the wrong investments can cause you to fall behind, which is why we started StockStory - to separate the winners from the losers. Keeping that in mind, here is one low-volatility stock that could offer consistent gains and two stuck in limbo.
Two Stocks to Sell:
OPENLANE (KAR)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.89
Facilitating the sale of approximately 1.3 million used vehicles in 2023, OPENLANE (NYSE: KAR) operates digital marketplaces that connect sellers and buyers of used vehicles across North America and Europe, facilitating wholesale transactions.
Why Do We Think KAR Will Underperform?
- Sales tumbled by 5.3% annually over the last five years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
- Underwhelming 2.6% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities
- 5× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio makes lenders less willing to extend additional capital, potentially necessitating dilutive equity offerings
OPENLANE is trading at $28.84 per share, or 31.1x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than KAR.
The Hanover Insurance Group (THG)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.47
Founded in 1852 during a time when fire insurance was crucial for protecting businesses and homes, The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE: THG) provides property and casualty insurance products through independent agents, serving individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized companies.
Why Are We Cautious About THG?
- Annual revenue growth of 5.4% over the last two years was below our standards for the insurance sector
- 5% annualized net premiums earned growth over the last two years lagged behind its insurance peers
- 2% annual book value per share growth over the last five years was slower than its insurance peers
At $175.98 per share, The Hanover Insurance Group trades at 1.9x forward P/B. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why THG doesn’t pass our bar.
One Stock to Buy:
ADP (ADP)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.62
Processing one out of every six paychecks in the United States, ADP (NASDAQ: ADP) provides cloud-based human capital management solutions that help businesses manage payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, and HR administration.
Why Do We Love ADP?
- Solid 7.1% annual revenue growth over the last five years indicates its offering’s solve complex business issues
- Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends, and its growing cash flow gives it even more resources to deploy
- Rising returns on capital show management is finding more attractive investment opportunities
ADP’s stock price of $298 implies a valuation ratio of 27.6x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.
The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - check out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. 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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% 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
StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.
