Large-cap stocks have the power to shape entire industries thanks to their size and widespread influence. With such vast footprints, however, finding new areas for growth is much harder than for smaller, more agile players.
This dynamic can trouble even the most skilled investors, but luckily for you, we started StockStory to help you navigate these trade-offs and uncover exceptional companies that break the mold. Keeping that in mind, here is one large-cap stock whose competitive advantages creates flywheel effects and two whose existing offerings may be tapped out.
Two Large-Cap Stocks to Sell:
Constellation Brands (STZ)
Market Cap: $30.35 billion
With a presence in more than 100 countries, Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) is a globally renowned producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits.
Why Is STZ Not Exciting?
- Organic sales performance over the past two years indicates the company may need to make strategic adjustments or rely on M&A to catalyze faster growth
- Sales are projected to tank by 6.8% over the next 12 months as demand evaporates
- Expenses have increased as a percentage of revenue over the last year as its operating margin fell by 31.8 percentage points
Constellation Brands’s stock price of $171.99 implies a valuation ratio of 13.4x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including STZ in your portfolio.
U.S. Bancorp (USB)
Market Cap: $73.45 billion
With roots dating back to 1863 and a presence across 26 states primarily in the Midwest and West, U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) is one of America's largest banks providing lending, deposit services, wealth management, payment processing, and merchant services to individuals and businesses.
Why Do We Think Twice About USB?
- Annual net interest income growth of 6.7% over the last four years lagged behind its bank peers as its large revenue base made it difficult to generate incremental demand
- Net interest margin of 2.8% reflects its high servicing and capital costs
- Scale is a double-edged sword because it limits the bank’s capital growth potential compared to its smaller competitors, as reflected in its below-average annual tangible book value per share increases of 1.3% for the last five years
At $47.22 per share, U.S. Bancorp trades at 1.3x forward P/B. If you’re considering USB for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
One Large-Cap Stock to Buy:
Copart (CPRT)
Market Cap: $45.89 billion
Starting as a single salvage yard in California in 1982, Copart (NASDAQ: CPRT) operates an online auction platform that connects sellers of damaged and salvage vehicles with buyers ranging from dismantlers and rebuilders to used car dealers and exporters.
Why Will CPRT Outperform?
- Annual revenue growth of 15.6% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Additional sales over the last five years increased its profitability as the 19.6% annual growth in its earnings per share outpaced its revenue
- CPRT is a free cash flow machine with the flexibility to invest in growth initiatives or return capital to shareholders, and its growing cash flow gives it even more resources to deploy
Copart is trading at $47.51 per share, or 27.6x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.
While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking 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 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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