2 Large-Cap Stocks on Our Buy List and 1 We Question
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 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:
PepsiCo (PEP)
Market Cap: $179.1 billion
With a history that goes back more than a century, PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) is a household name in food and beverages today and best known for its flagship soda.
Why Is PEP Not Exciting?
- Falling unit sales over the past two years indicate demand is soft and that the company may need to revise its product strategy
- Estimated sales growth of 3.3% for the next 12 months is soft and implies weaker demand
- Earnings growth underperformed the sector average over the last three years as its EPS grew by just 5% annually
At $131.30 per share, PepsiCo trades at 14.9x forward P/E. If you’re considering PEP for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Two Large-Cap Stocks to Buy:
MercadoLibre (MELI)
Market Cap: $92.6 billion
Originally started as an online auction platform, MercadoLibre (NASDAQ:MELI) is a one-stop e-commerce marketplace and fintech platform in Latin America.
What Makes MELI Stand Out?
- 63.1% annual increases in its average revenue per user over the last two years show its platform is resonating with power users
- Earnings per share grew by 35% annually over the last three years, massively outpacing its peers
- Strong free cash flow margin of 33.4% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently, and its improved cash conversion implies it’s becoming a less capital-intensive business
MercadoLibre’s stock price of $1,829 implies a valuation ratio of 18.9x forward EV/EBITDA. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Rocket Lab (RKLB)
Market Cap: $43.08 billion
Becoming the first private company in the Southern Hemisphere to reach space, Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) offers rockets designed for launching small satellites.
Why Is RKLB a Good Business?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 53.4% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
- Cash burn has decreased over the last five years, showing the company is becoming a more self-sustaining business
- Returns on capital are increasing as management’s prior bets are starting to bear fruit
Rocket Lab is trading at $72.01 per share, or 3,106.2x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth 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% between October 2022 and February 2026. AppLovin before it ran 753% between February 2024 and February 2026. Nvidia before it ran 1,178% between January 2023 and February 2026. 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 (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,552% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.