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 that may not deliver the returns you need.

Two Stocks to Sell:

CONMED (CNMD)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.17

With over five decades of experience in surgical innovation since its founding in 1970, CONMED (NYSE:CNMD) develops and manufactures medical devices and equipment for surgical procedures, specializing in orthopedic and general surgery products.

Why Does CNMD Give Us Pause?

1. Muted 6.7% annual revenue growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its healthcare peers

2. Modest revenue base of $1.32 billion gives it less fixed cost leverage and fewer distribution channels than larger companies

3. Low returns on capital reflect management’s struggle to allocate funds effectively

CONMED’s stock price of $57.68 implies a valuation ratio of 12.9x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why CNMD doesn’t pass our bar .

Agilent (A)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.85

Originally spun off from Hewlett-Packard in 1999 as its measurement and analytical division, Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A) provides analytical instruments, software, services, and consumables for laboratory workflows in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets.

Why Do We Think Twice About A?

1. Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth

2. Anticipated sales growth of 4.1% for the next year implies demand will be shaky

3. Adjusted operating margin declined by 1.1 percentage points over the last two years as its sales cratered

At $108.63 per share, Agilent trades at 19x forward P/E. If you’re considering A for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more .

One Stock to Watch:

Parsons (PSN)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.55

Delivering aerospace technology during the Cold War-era, Parsons (NYSE:PSN) offers engineering, construction, and cybersecurity solutions for the infrastructure and defense sectors.

Why Could PSN Be a Winner?

1. Annual revenue growth of 23.8% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle

2. Operating profits and efficiency rose over the last five years as it benefited from some fixed cost leverage

3. Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 35%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last two years