The S&P 500 is home to the biggest and most well-known companies in the market, making it a go-to index for investors seeking stability. But not all large-cap stocks are created equal - some are struggling with slowing growth, declining margins, or increased competition.

Some large-cap stocks are past their peak, and StockStory is here to help you separate the winners from the laggards. Keeping that in mind, here are two S&P 500 stocks leading the market forward and one that may struggle.

One Stock to Sell:

F5 (FFIV)

Market Cap: $13.79 billion

Initially started as a hardware appliances company in the late 1990s, F5 (NASDAQ: FFIV) makes software that helps large enterprises ensure their web applications are always available by distributing network traffic and protecting them from cyberattacks.

Why Are We Wary of FFIV?

1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last three years as its 2.7% annual growth was well below the typical software company
2. Products, pricing, or go-to-market strategy may need some adjustments as its 4.5% average billings growth over the last year was weak
3. Anticipated sales growth of 4.5% for the next year implies demand will be shaky

At $237 per share, F5 trades at 4.7x forward price-to-sales. To fully understand why you should be careful with FFIV, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Two Stocks to Watch:

Tractor Supply (TSCO)

Market Cap: $27.85 billion

Started as a mail-order tractor parts business, Tractor Supply (NASDAQ: TSCO) is a retailer of general goods such as agricultural supplies, hardware, and pet food for the rural consumer.

Why Is TSCO on Our Radar?

1. Bold push to open new stores demonstrates an ambitious strategy to establish itself in underpenetrated territories
2. Estimated revenue growth of 5.8% for the next 12 months implies its momentum over the last five years will continue
3. Stellar returns on capital showcase management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures

Tractor Supply is trading at $52.04 per share, or 23.9x forward price-to-earnings. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

Amphenol (APH)

Market Cap: $71.56 billion

With over 90 years of connecting the world's technologies, Amphenol (NYSE: APH) designs and manufactures connectors, cables, sensors, and interconnect systems that enable electrical and electronic connections across virtually every industry.

Why Is APH a Good Business?

1. Annual revenue growth of 13.1% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
2. Massive revenue base of $15.22 billion makes it a well-known name that influences purchasing decisions
3. Earnings per share have massively outperformed its peers over the last five years, increasing by 15.1% annually

Amphenol’s stock price of $58.50 implies a valuation ratio of 27x forward price-to-earnings. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.

While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking 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 175% over the last five years.

Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Sterling Infrastructure (+1,096% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.