StockStory flags several stocks for caution

Recent StockStory research, as reported on March 24, 2026, reviews both S&P 500 (SPX) constituents and smaller companies, identifying several names where slowing growth, weaker margins, or competitive pressures raise concerns. The analyses span sectors from e-commerce and beer to healthcare, homebuilding and industrial technology, and include detailed comments on recent financial trends and valuation.

Two separate StockStory pieces focus on S&P 500 (SPX) stocks that it believes may struggle. In consumer and internet, eBay (EBAY) is cited for choppy 1.2% average growth in active buyers, with competition seen as pulling attention away from its marketplace. Anticipated sales growth of 8.4% over the next year is described as implying shaky demand, while expenses have risen as a share of revenue, contributing to a 3.2 percentage point decline in EBITDA margin. eBay (EBAY) trades at $90.02 per share, or 12 times forward EV/EBITDA.

In beverages, Molson Coors is highlighted for shrinking unit sales over the past two years, suggesting it may need product investment to regain momentum. The company’s costs have risen faster than revenue over the last year, leading to a 36.1 percentage point decline in operating margin. Below-average returns on capital and falling returns are described as signs that earlier profit pools are drying up. Molson Coors shares change hands at $41.74, or 8.7 times forward earnings.

Another article turns to healthcare and housing. CVS Health (CVS) has grown revenue 6% annually over the last two years, but that pace is described as falling short of other healthcare companies. Sales are projected to remain flat over the next 12 months as demand slows from the recent trend. Over the last five years, earnings per share have fallen 2.1% annually even as revenue rose, suggesting new sales were less profitable. CVS trades at $71.09 per share, or 10 times forward earnings.

Homebuilder PulteGroup is also flagged. Its 3.8% annual revenue growth over the last two years is characterized as lagging other industrial companies, while earnings per share have dipped 1.4% annually over the same period. StockStory notes diminishing returns on capital, which it interprets as prior profit pools drying up. PulteGroup’s stock price of $118.64 implies a valuation of 11.2 times forward earnings.

Beyond the S&P 500, StockStory examines smaller companies and identifies several names it says investors should avoid or sell. For IPG Photonics, a designer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers, sales have declined 3.5% annually over the last five years, which the report characterizes as an unfavorable market trend. Operating margin has fallen over that period and, combined with a track record of losses, is presented as evidence of intense competition and a suboptimal cost structure.

IPG Photonics has also seen its free cash flow margin decline by 18.6 percentage points in five years, attributed to increased investment to defend its market position. The shares trade at $119.10, or 64.9 times forward earnings, according to the report.

Fresh Del Monte Produce is cited for flat sales over the last three years, which StockStory interprets as a lack of excitement among consumers for its fruit and vegetable products. It estimates sales will decline 2.9% over the next 12 months, pointing to a more challenging demand environment. The company’s low gross margin of 8.8% is described as reflecting commoditized products, weak unit economics and high competition. Fresh Del Monte trades at $41.96 per share, corresponding to 12.8 times forward earnings.

Across these reports, StockStory contrasts companies it questions with a smaller number it favors, including Progressive and Merck, though the articles do not provide detailed current financial metrics for those two beyond basic business descriptions and market capitalizations. Progressive is presented as a major auto, property and commercial insurer, while Merck is described as a large pharmaceutical company with products in oncology, infectious diseases, cardiovascular and other areas.