Large-cap stocks usually command their industries because they have the scale to drive market trends. The flip side though is that their sheer size can limit growth as expanding further becomes an increasingly challenging task.

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 that may face near-term headwinds and some other investments you should consider instead.

Delta (DAL)

Market Cap: $38.33 billion

One of the ‘Big Four’ airlines in the US, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is a major global air carrier that serves both business and leisure travelers through its domestic and international flights.

Why Do We Steer Clear of DAL?

1. Performance surrounding its revenue passenger miles has lagged its peers
2. Free cash flow margin is forecasted to shrink by 1.2 percentage points in the coming year, suggesting the company will consume more capital to keep up with its competitors
3. Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value

Delta’s stock price of $58.98 implies a valuation ratio of 8.5x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with DAL, check out our full research report (it’s free).

CME Group (CME)

Market Cap: $113.7 billion

Born from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange founded in 1898 as a butter and egg trading venue, CME Group (NASDAQ: CME) operates the world's largest derivatives marketplace where traders can buy and sell futures and options contracts across interest rates, equities, currencies, commodities, and more.

Why Do We Think Twice About CME?

1. 6% annual revenue growth over the last five years was slower than its financials peers
2. Earnings per share lagged its peers over the last two years as they only grew by 9.6% annually

CME Group is trading at $316.43 per share, or 26.5x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including CME in your portfolio.

Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB)

Market Cap: $42.66 billion

Named after the merger of Third National Bank and Fifth National Bank in 1908, Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ: FITB) is a financial services company that provides banking, lending, wealth management, and investment services to individuals and businesses across the Midwest and Southeast.

Why Are We Out on FITB?

1. Annual net interest income growth of 4.6% over the last five years was below our standards for the banking sector
2. Flat earnings per share over the last two years lagged its peers
3. Tangible book value per share was flat over the last five years, indicating it’s failed to build equity value this cycle

At $47.24 per share, Fifth Third Bancorp trades at 1.4x forward P/B. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than FITB.

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