While the S&P 500 (^GSPC) includes industry leaders, not every stock in the index is a winner. Some companies are past their prime, weighed down by poor execution, weak financials, or structural headwinds.
Even among blue-chip stocks, not all investments are created equal - which is why we built StockStory to help you navigate the market. Keeping that in mind, here are two S&P 500 stocks that could deliver good returns and one that may struggle.
One Stock to Sell:
Hartford (HIG)
Market Cap: $34.98 billion
Recognizable by its iconic stag logo that dates back to 1810, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) provides property and casualty insurance, group benefits, and investment products to individuals and businesses across the United States.
Why Are We Wary of HIG?
- Large revenue base constrains its growth potential, as seen in its unexciting 6.5% annualized increases in net premiums earned over the last two years fell below our expectations for the insurance sector
- Sales are projected to tank by 27.6% over the next 12 months as demand evaporates
- Sizable asset base leads to capital growth challenges as its 6.8% annual book value per share increases over the last five years fell short of other insurance companies
Hartford’s stock price of $127.37 implies a valuation ratio of 1.8x forward P/B. If you’re considering HIG for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Two Stocks to Watch:
Amgen (AMGN)
Market Cap: $186.6 billion
Founded in 1980 during the early days of the biotechnology revolution, Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and manufactures innovative medicines to treat serious illnesses like cancer, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases.
Why Does AMGN Stand Out?
- Offerings and unique value proposition resonate with customers, as seen in its above-market 12.3% annual sales growth over the last two years
- Economies of scale give it more fixed cost leverage than its smaller competitors
- Robust free cash flow margin of 27.7% gives it many options for capital deployment
Amgen is trading at $347 per share, or 5x forward price-to-sales. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
ConocoPhillips (COP)
Market Cap: $144.8 billion
Operating the famous Prudhoe Bay field discovered in 1968 that transformed Alaska's economy, ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and liquefied natural gas across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Why Do We Love COP?
- Annual revenue growth of 8% over the last ten years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Dominant market position is represented by its $60.5 billion in revenue and gives it fixed cost leverage when sales grow
- Strong free cash flow margin of 17.3% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently
At $118.86 per share, ConocoPhillips trades at 11.2x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
ALSO WORTH WATCHING: Top 5 Momentum Stocks. The best time to own a great stock is when the market is finally noticing it. These aren’t just high-quality businesses. Something is happening with them right now. Elite fundamentals meet near-term momentum — both boxes checked at the same time.
Find out which stocks our AI platform is flagging this week. See this week’s Strong Momentum stocks — FREE. Get Our Strong Momentum 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.
