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.

Picking the right S&P 500 stocks requires more than just buying big names, and that’s where StockStory comes in. That said, here is one S&P 500 stock that is positioned to outperform and two that could be in trouble.

Market Cap: $46.98 billion

One of the first companies to address industrial automation, Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK) sells products that help customers extract more efficiency from their machinery.

Why Does ROK Give Us Pause?

Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth

Earnings per share decreased by more than its revenue over the last two years, showing each sale was less profitable

Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging

Rockwell Automation’s stock price of $417.13 implies a valuation ratio of 35.3x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with ROK, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Market Cap: $71.53 billion

Sporting one of the largest air cargo fleets in the world, FedEx (NYSE:FDX) is a global provider of parcel and cargo delivery services.

Why Do We Pass on FDX?

Large revenue base makes it harder to increase sales quickly, and its annual revenue growth of 1.2% over the last two years was below our standards for the industrials sector

Lacking free cash flow generation means it has few chances to reinvest for growth, repurchase shares, or distribute capital

Shrinking returns on capital from an already weak position reveal that neither previous nor ongoing investments are yielding the desired results

FedEx is trading at $303.59 per share, or 15.9x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why FDX doesn’t pass our bar.

Market Cap: $14.42 billion

Operating under a unique business model dating back to 1925, Erie Indemnity (NASDAQ:ERIE) serves as the attorney-in-fact for Erie Insurance Exchange, managing policy issuance, claims handling, and investment services for this reciprocal insurer.

Why Should You Buy ERIE?

Market share has increased this cycle as its 13.2% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional

Annual book value per share growth of 13.1% over the last five years was superb and indicates its capital strength increased during this cycle

Market-beating return on equity illustrates that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures

At $275.78 per share, Erie Indemnity trades at 20.9x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

If your portfolio success hinges on just 4 stocks, your wealth is built on fragile ground. You have a small window to secure high-quality assets before the market widens and these prices disappear.

Don’t wait for the next volatility shock. Check out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

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.