
The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is home to the biggest and most well-known companies in the market, making it a go-to index for investors seeking stability. But not all large-cap stocks are created equal - some are struggling with slowing growth, declining margins, or increased competition.
Some large-cap stocks are past their peak, and StockStory is here to help you separate the winners from the laggards. That said, here are two S&P 500 stocks positioned to outperform and one best left off your watchlist.
Market Cap: $22.79 billion
Born from the legendary Silicon Valley garage startup founded by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard in 1939, HP (NYSE:HPQ) designs and sells personal computers, printers, and related technology products and services to consumers, businesses, and enterprises worldwide.
Why Should You Dump HPQ?
HP’s stock price of $24.78 implies a valuation ratio of 8x forward P/E. If you’re considering HPQ for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Market Cap: $187.6 billion
Having been at the forefront of developing the standards for cellular connectivity for over four decades, Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) is a leading innovator and a fabless manufacturer of wireless technology chips used in smartphones, autos and internet of things appliances.
Why Could QCOM Be a Winner?
Qualcomm is trading at $175.55 per share, or 14.9x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.
Market Cap: $119 billion
With over $1 trillion in assets under management and investments spanning real estate, private equity, credit, and hedge funds, Blackstone (NYSE:BX) is a global alternative asset manager that invests capital on behalf of pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors.
Why Are We Backing BX?
At $152.51 per share, Blackstone trades at 24.6x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free for active Edge members .
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 6 Stocks for this week. 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 Comfort Systems (+782% 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.