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

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 are two low-volatility stocks that could offer consistent gains and one that may not deliver the returns you need.

One Stock to Sell:

Hercules Capital (HTGC)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.71

Named after the mythological hero known for his strength, Hercules Capital (NYSE: HTGC) is a business development company that provides debt financing to venture capital-backed and growth-stage technology and life sciences companies.

Why Does HTGC Worry Us?

1. Performance over the past two years shows its incremental sales were less profitable, as its 2.1% annual earnings per share growth trailed its revenue gains

Hercules Capital’s stock price of $19.45 implies a valuation ratio of 9.6x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why HTGC doesn’t pass our bar.

Two Stocks to Buy:

Armstrong World (AWI)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.94

Started as a two-man shop dating back to the 1860s, Armstrong (NYSE: AWI) provides ceiling and wall products to commercial and residential spaces.

Why Is AWI a Top Pick?

1. Impressive 11.1% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
2. Highly efficient business model is illustrated by its impressive 24.7% operating margin, and its profits increased over the last five years as it scaled
3. Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 19.5%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last two years

At $195.03 per share, Armstrong World trades at 26.3x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

McKesson (MCK)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.37

With roots dating back to 1833, making it one of America's oldest continuously operating businesses, McKesson (NYSE: MCK) is a healthcare services company that distributes pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and provides technology solutions to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

Why Will MCK Outperform?

1. Annual revenue growth of 15.3% over the last two years beat the sector average and underscores the unique value of its offerings
2. Enormous revenue base of $377.6 billion gives it economies of scale and advantages over new entrants due to the industry’s regulatory complexity
3. Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 18.3% to outpace its revenue gains

McKesson is trading at $689.01 per share, or 17.9x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

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 6 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-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% 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

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