Large-cap stocks usually command their industries because they have the scale to drive market trends. The flip side though is that their sheer size can limit growth as expanding further becomes an increasingly challenging task.

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 momentum may slow.

Two Large-Cap Stocks to Sell:

Carnival (CCL)

Market Cap: $38.14 billion

Boasting outrageous amenities like a planetarium on board its ships, Carnival (NYSE: CCL) is one of the world's largest leisure travel companies and a prominent player in the cruise industry.

Why Does CCL Worry Us?

1. Estimated sales growth of 4.1% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend
2. Ability to fund investments or reward shareholders with increased buybacks or dividends is restricted by its weak free cash flow margin of 8.9% for the last two years
3. Push for growth has led to negative returns on capital, signaling value destruction

Carnival is trading at $29.24 per share, or 14.7x forward P/E. If you’re considering CCL for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

AMETEK (AME)

Market Cap: $42.11 billion

Started from its humble beginnings in motor repair, AMETEK (NYSE: AME) manufactures electronic devices used in industries like aerospace, power, and healthcare.

Why Are We Wary of AME?

1. Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth
2. Estimated sales growth of 2.1% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend
3. Free cash flow margin dropped by 2.1 percentage points over the last five years, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up

AMETEK’s stock price of $182.37 implies a valuation ratio of 25.2x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than AME.

One Large-Cap Stock to Watch:

Boston Scientific (BSX)

Market Cap: $153.6 billion

Founded in 1979 with a mission to advance less-invasive medicine, Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) develops and manufactures medical devices used in minimally invasive procedures across cardiovascular, urological, neurological, and gastrointestinal specialties.

Why Is BSX on Our Radar?

1. Core business is healthy and doesn’t need acquisitions to boost sales as its organic revenue growth averaged 14.9% over the past two years
2. Forecasted revenue growth of 14.4% for the next 12 months indicates its momentum over the last two years is sustainable
3. Additional sales over the last five years increased its profitability as the 12.2% annual growth in its earnings per share outpaced its revenue

At $105 per share, Boston Scientific trades at 35.2x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

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.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market 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-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% 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