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.
Some large-cap stocks are past their peak, and StockStory is here to help you separate the winners from the laggards. That said, here are three S&P 500 stocks to avoid and some better alternatives instead.
Constellation Brands (STZ)
Market Cap: $24.75 billion
With a presence in more than 100 countries, Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) is a globally renowned producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits.
Why Are We Cautious About STZ?
- Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth
- Forecasted revenue decline of 6.1% for the upcoming 12 months implies demand will fall off a cliff
- Underwhelming 9% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities, and its falling returns suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up
Constellation Brands is trading at $141.64 per share, or 11.9x forward P/E. If you’re considering STZ for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP)
Market Cap: $35.89 billion
Born out of a 2018 merger between Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple, Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a consumer staples powerhouse boasting a portfolio of beverages including sodas, coffees, and juices.
Why Are We Hesitant About KDP?
- Scale is a double-edged sword because it limits the company’s growth potential compared to its smaller competitors, as reflected in its below-average annual revenue increases of 5.9% for the last three years
- Day-to-day expenses have swelled relative to revenue over the last year as its operating margin fell by 6.1 percentage points
- Below-average returns on capital indicate management struggled to find compelling investment opportunities
Keurig Dr Pepper’s stock price of $26.50 implies a valuation ratio of 12.6x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than KDP.
Principal Financial Group (PFG)
Market Cap: $17.75 billion
Founded in 1879 by a Civil War veteran seeking to provide financial security for families, Principal Financial Group (NASDAQGS:PFG) provides retirement solutions, asset management, and employee benefits to businesses, individuals, and institutional clients globally.
Why Do We Pass on PFG?
- Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 1.1% annually over the last five years
- 1.8% annual declines in net premiums earned for the past five years indicates policy sales struggled this cycle
- Policy losses and capital returns have eroded its book value per share this cycle as its book value per share declined by 1.7% annually over the last five years
At $78.66 per share, Principal Financial Group trades at 1.5x forward P/B. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why PFG doesn’t pass our bar.
Stocks We Like More
Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.
Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. 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 Exlservice (+354% 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.
