2 Large-Cap Stocks to Target This Week and 1 We Avoid
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 is precisely where StockStory comes in - our job is to find you high-quality companies that can win regardless of the conditions. That said, here are two large-cap stocks whose competitive advantages create flywheel effects and one whose momentum may slow.
One Large-Cap Stock to Sell:
Autodesk (ADSK)
Market Cap: $43.41 billion
Starting with AutoCAD in the 1980s and evolving into a comprehensive design ecosystem, Autodesk (NASDAQ:ADSK) provides software solutions for architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and entertainment industries to design, simulate, and visualize projects.
Why Does ADSK Fall Short?
- 14% annual revenue growth over the last five years was slower than its software peers
- Long payback periods on sales and marketing expenses limit customer growth and signal the company operates in a highly competitive environment
- Operating profits and efficiency rose over the last year as it benefited from some fixed cost leverage
At $206.14 per share, Autodesk trades at 5.2x forward price-to-sales. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including ADSK in your portfolio.
Two Large-Cap Stocks to Buy:
Amphenol (APH)
Market Cap: $187.6 billion
With over 90 years of connecting the world's technologies, Amphenol (NYSE:APH) designs and manufactures connectors, cables, sensors, and interconnect systems that enable electrical and electronic connections across virtually every industry.
Why Will APH Outperform?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 42.1% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
- Incremental sales significantly boosted profitability as its annual earnings per share growth of 55.5% over the last two years outstripped its revenue performance
- APH is a free cash flow machine with the flexibility to invest in growth initiatives or return capital to shareholders, and its improved cash conversion implies it’s becoming a less capital-intensive business
Amphenol’s stock price of $162.63 implies a valuation ratio of 31.7x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Ameriprise Financial (AMP)
Market Cap: $40.49 billion
Founded in 1894 and spun off from American Express in 2005, Ameriprise Financial (NYSE:AMP) provides financial planning, wealth management, asset management, and insurance products to help individuals and institutions achieve their financial goals.
Why Is AMP a Good Business?
- Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 23.9% to outpace its revenue gains
- Annual tangible book value per share growth of 18.7% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting strong capital accumulation this cycle
- ROE punches in at 63.7%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
Ameriprise Financial is trading at $500.09 per share, or 11.1x 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
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI is taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.
Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662%. AppLovin before it ran 753%. Nvidia before it ran 1,178%. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.
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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.