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2 Safe-and-Steady Stocks for Long-Term Investors and 1 Facing Challenges


Adam Hejl /
2026/02/12 11:37 pm EST

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. Keeping that in mind, here are two low-volatility stocks that could offer consistent gains and one stuck in limbo.

One Stock to Sell:

Douglas Dynamics (PLOW)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.93

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 Does PLOW Give Us Pause?

  1. Muted 1.8% annual revenue growth over the last two years shows its demand lagged behind its industrials peers
  2. Free cash flow margin shrank by 2.2 percentage points over the last five years, suggesting the company is consuming more capital to stay competitive
  3. Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging

Douglas Dynamics’s stock price of $41.07 implies a valuation ratio of 17.7x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with PLOW, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Two Stocks to Watch:

Coca-Cola (KO)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.11

A pioneer and behemoth in carbonated soft drinks, Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) is a storied beverage company best known for its flagship soda.

Why Do We Watch KO?

  1. Enormous revenue base of $48.06 billion provides significant negotiating leverage in retail partnerships
  2. Products command premium prices and result in a best-in-class gross margin of 61.3%
  3. Highly efficient business model is illustrated by its impressive 25% operating margin, and its operating leverage amplified its profits over the last year

At $78.89 per share, Coca-Cola trades at 24.4x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

VSE Corporation (VSEC)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.92

With roots dating back to 1959 and a strategic focus on extending the life of transportation assets, VSE Corporation (NASDAQ:VSEC) provides aftermarket parts distribution and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aircraft and vehicle fleets in commercial and government markets.

Why Should VSEC Be on Your Watchlist?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 18% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
  2. Expected revenue growth of 18.2% for the next year suggests its market share will rise
  3. Operating profits and efficiency rose over the last five years as it benefited from some fixed cost leverage

VSE Corporation is trading at $203.29 per share, or 49.9x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

If your portfolio success hinges on just 4 stocks, your wealth is built on fragile ground. You have a small window to secure high-quality assets before the market widens and these prices disappear.

Don’t wait for the next volatility shock. Check 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 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 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.