Large-cap stocks are known for their staying power and ability to weather market storms better than smaller competitors. However, their sheer size makes it more challenging to maintain high growth rates as they’ve already captured significant portions of their markets.
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. That said, here are three large-cap stocks whose momentum may slow and a few alternatives you should consider instead.
Starbucks (SBUX)
Market Cap: $97.24 billion
Started by three friends in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) is a globally-renowned coffeehouse chain that offers a wide selection of high-quality coffee, beverages, and food items.
Why Are We Wary of SBUX?
- Disappointing same-store sales over the past two years show customers aren’t responding well to its menu offerings and dining experience
- Estimated sales growth of 4.3% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its six-year trend
- Efficiency has decreased over the last year as its operating margin fell by 3.6 percentage points
At $84.55 per share, Starbucks trades at 26.8x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including SBUX in your portfolio.
Emerson Electric (EMR)
Market Cap: $67.84 billion
Founded in 1890, Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR) is a multinational technology and engineering company providing solutions in the industrial, commercial, and residential markets.
Why Does EMR Give Us Pause?
- Sales were flat over the last five years, indicating it’s failed to expand this cycle
- 4.1 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
- Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability
Emerson Electric is trading at $119.11 per share, or 19.4x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why EMR doesn’t pass our bar.
Accenture (ACN)
Market Cap: $198.9 billion
With a workforce of approximately 774,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is a professional services firm that helps organizations transform their businesses through consulting, technology, operations, and digital services.
Why Does ACN Fall Short?
- Scale is a double-edged sword because it limits the company’s growth potential compared to its smaller competitors, as reflected in its below-average annual revenue increases of 3.1% for the last two years
- Capital intensity has ramped up over the last five years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 5.2 percentage points
- Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam
Accenture’s stock price of $319.41 implies a valuation ratio of 24.6x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than ACN.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.
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