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. Keeping that in mind, here are two large-cap stocks with attractive long-term potential and one whose momentum may slow.
One Large-Cap Stock to Sell:
U.S. Bancorp (USB)
Market Cap: $86.75 billion
With roots dating back to 1863 and a presence across 26 states primarily in the Midwest and West, U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) is one of America's largest banks providing lending, deposit services, wealth management, payment processing, and merchant services to individuals and businesses.
Why Do We Think Twice About USB?
- Scale is a double-edged sword because it limits the firm’s growth potential compared to its smaller competitors, as reflected in its below-average annual net interest income increases of 5.9% for the last five years
- Net interest margin of 2.7% reflects its high servicing and capital costs
- Earnings per share lagged its peers over the last five years as they only grew by 4.7% annually
At $55.54 per share, U.S. Bancorp trades at 1.4x forward P/B. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including USB in your portfolio.
Two Large-Cap Stocks to Buy:
Natera (NTRA)
Market Cap: $30.84 billion
Founded in 2003 as Gene Security Network before rebranding in 2012, Natera (NASDAQ: NTRA) develops and commercializes genetic tests for prenatal screening, cancer detection, and organ transplant monitoring using its proprietary cell-free DNA technology.
Why Will NTRA Outperform?
- Average unit sales growth of 19.4% over the past two years reflects steady demand for its products
- Adjusted operating profits increased over the last two years as the company gained some leverage on its fixed costs and became more efficient
- Free cash flow margin is now positive, showing the company has crossed a key inflection point
Natera’s stock price of $213.26 implies a valuation ratio of 10.9x forward price-to-sales. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Accenture (ACN)
Market Cap: $109.4 billion
With a workforce of approximately 774,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is a professional services firm that helps organizations transform their businesses through consulting, technology, operations, and digital services.
Why Is ACN a Top Pick?
- Impressive 9.6% annual revenue growth over the last five years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Unparalleled revenue scale of $72.11 billion gives it an edge in distribution
- Free cash flow margin grew by 5.4 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more chips to play with
Accenture is trading at $177.15 per share, or 12.5x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
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-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
