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 is one low-volatility stock that could succeed under all market conditions and two that may not deliver the returns you need.
Two Stocks to Sell:
H&R Block (HRB)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.04
Founded in 1955 by brothers Henry W. Bloch and Richard A. Bloch, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) is a tax preparation company offering professional tax assistance and financial solutions to individuals and small businesses.
Why Are We Wary of HRB?
- Muted 4.1% annual revenue growth over the last two years shows its demand lagged behind its consumer discretionary peers
- Estimated sales growth of 3.3% for the next 12 months is soft and implies weaker demand
- Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability
H&R Block is trading at $50.13 per share, or 1.7x forward price-to-sales. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why HRB doesn’t pass our bar.
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.86
Founded in 1959, Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) produces containerboard and corrugated packaging products as well as displays and package protection.
Why Are We Cautious About PKG?
- Annual revenue growth of 3.7% over the last two years was below our standards for the industrials sector
- Gross margin of 22.7% reflects its high production costs
- Earnings growth over the last two years fell short of the peer group average as its EPS only increased by 1.1% annually
At $211.81 per share, Packaging Corporation of America trades at 19.7x forward P/E. If you’re considering PKG for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
One Stock to Buy:
Nicolet Bankshares (NIC)
Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.92
Starting as Green Bay Financial Corporation in 2000 before rebranding in 2002, Nicolet Bankshares (NYSE: NIC) is a regional bank holding company that provides commercial, agricultural, and consumer banking services primarily in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.
Why Is NIC a Good Business?
- Annual net interest income growth of 18.4% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
- Net interest margin grew by 40.3 basis points (100 basis points = 1 percentage point) over the last two years, giving the firm more chips to play with
- Earnings growth has massively outpaced its peers over the last two years as its EPS has compounded at 14.9% annually
Nicolet Bankshares’s stock price of $133.90 implies a valuation ratio of 1.6x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.
Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at 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-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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