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.

Estée Lauder (EL)

Market Cap: $33.86 billion

Named after its founder, who was an entrepreneurial woman from New York with a passion for skincare, Estée Lauder (NYSE: EL) is a one-stop beauty shop with products in skincare, fragrance, makeup, sun protection, and men’s grooming.

Why Do We Think Twice About EL?

1. Organic sales performance over the past two years indicates the company may need to make strategic adjustments or rely on M&A to catalyze faster growth
2. Operating margin declined by 11.7 percentage points over the last year as its sales cratered
3. Performance over the past three years shows each sale was less profitable as its earnings per share dropped by 40.8% annually, worse than its revenue

At $87.03 per share, Estée Lauder trades at 44.9x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with EL, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

Boeing (BA)

Market Cap: $163.3 billion

One of the companies that forms a duopoly in the commercial aircraft market, Boeing (NYSE: BA) develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems.

Why Is BA Risky?

1. Flat unit sales over the past two years show it’s struggled to increase its sales volumes and had to rely on price increases
2. Cash burn makes us question whether it can achieve sustainable long-term growth
3. Unfavorable liquidity position could lead to additional equity financing that dilutes shareholders

Boeing is trading at $212.27 per share, or 27.8x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including BA in your portfolio.

3M (MMM)

Market Cap: $81.43 billion

Producers of the first asthma inhaler, 3M Company (NYSE: MMM) is a global conglomerate known for products in industries like healthcare, safety, electronics, and consumer goods.

Why Do We Steer Clear of MMM?

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. Earnings per share have contracted by 2.2% annually over the last five years, a headwind for returns as stock prices often echo long-term EPS performance
3. Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value

3M’s stock price of $150.50 implies a valuation ratio of 18.6x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with MMM, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

Stocks We Like More

Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.

The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - 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 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-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

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.