Core Insights - The article highlights ten large-cap stocks that were top performers in the previous week, suggesting potential investment opportunities for portfolios [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - The article identifies ten large-cap stocks that excelled in performance last week, indicating strong market interest and potential for continued growth [1]

Group 1 - The S&P 500 index has achieved total returns of nearly 242% over the last 10 years, making it a strong investment option [1] - Investing in index-tracking funds like S&P 500 ETFs can mitigate risk, while growth stocks and ETFs can enhance earnings potential [2] Group 2 - The Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF contains 197 large-cap stocks, primarily in the technology sector, and has outperformed the S&P 500 with total returns of approximately 394% over the last decade [4][6] - Large-cap stocks are defined as companies with a market capitalization of at least $10 billion, providing a balance of risk and growth potential [5] - The ETF's historical performance suggests a likelihood of continued outperformance, although past results do not guarantee future returns [6][7] Group 3 - The iShares Core S&P 500 Growth ETF includes only high-growth companies listed in the S&P 500, which are subject to strict entry requirements [9] - This ETF also consists solely of large-cap stocks, which are more resilient during economic downturns due to the strength of the companies involved [10]

Company Overview - Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has a market cap of $12.4 billion and operates various medical care facilities including acute care hospitals and behavioral health centers [1] - The company is categorized as a large-cap stock, reflecting its substantial size and influence in the medical care facilities industry [2] Financial Performance - UHS stock reached an all-time high of $243.25 on September 24, 2024, and is currently trading 20% below that peak [3] - Over the past three months, UHS stock has increased by 12.2%, outperforming the iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF), which rose by 3.7% [3] - Year-to-date, UHS stock has climbed 8.5%, but has dropped 19.1% over the past 52 weeks, while IHF saw a 1.8% rise and a 14.7% decline over the same period [3] Technical Indicators - UHS has recently surpassed its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating a potential uptrend [4] Market Position - UHS has underperformed compared to its peer Encompass Health Corporation (EHC), which experienced a 30.6% surge in 2025 and 37.3% returns over the past 52 weeks [5] Analyst Ratings - Among 20 analysts covering UHS stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with a mean price target of $217.75, suggesting an 11.8% upside potential from current price levels [6]

Company Overview - The Campbell's Company (CPB) is based in Camden, New Jersey, and specializes in manufacturing and marketing food and beverage products both domestically and internationally. The company has a market capitalization of nearly $10 billion, categorizing it as a large-cap stock within the packaged food industry [1]. Stock Performance - CPB stock has experienced a significant decline of 34.8% from its 52-week high of $51.01 reached on September 23, 2024. In contrast, the stock has seen a modest increase of 4.4% over the past three months, which is notably lower than the Nasdaq Composite's 17.2% increase during the same period [2]. - Over a longer timeframe, CPB's stock has dropped 20.6% in 2025 and 35.1% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the Nasdaq Composite's 18% increase in 2025 and 27% increase over the past year. The stock has consistently remained below its 200-day moving average since November of the previous year, although it has recently climbed slightly above its 50-day moving average [3]. Financial Results - Following the release of better-than-expected Q4 results on September 3, Campbell's stock prices rose by 7.2%. The company's overall topline revenue was reported at $2.3 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.2%, which was mostly in line with market expectations. However, the adjusted EPS decreased by 1 cent from the previous year to $0.62, surpassing consensus estimates by 8.8% [4]. Peer Comparison - Compared to its peer, Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL), Campbell's has performed slightly better, with HRL experiencing a 22.5% decline in 2025 and a 23.5% decline over the past year. Among the 19 analysts covering CPB stock, the consensus rating is a "Hold," with the stock trading slightly below its mean price target of $33.83 [5].

Company Overview - M&T Bank Corporation, based in Buffalo, New York, operates as a bank holding company providing retail and commercial banking, trust, wealth management, and investment services, with a market cap of $31.1 billion [1] Market Position - M&T Bank is classified as a "large-cap stock" due to its market cap exceeding $10 billion, indicating its substantial size and influence in the regional banking industry [2] Stock Performance - The stock reached an all-time high of $225.70 on November 25, 2024, and is currently trading 12.9% below that peak, while gaining 10.4% over the past three months, outperforming the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 8.7% gains during the same period [3] - Year-to-date, the stock has increased by 4.6% and has soared 16.4% over the past 52 weeks, although it underperformed compared to the Dow's 7.9% gains in 2025, but outperformed the Dow's 10.9% returns over the past year [4] Financial Results - Following the release of mixed Q2 results on July 16, the stock dropped 2.4%. The company reported a 6.5% decline in gross interest income to $2.6 billion, while interest expenses decreased by 16.3% year-over-year to $896 million, leading to a net interest income (NII) of $1.6 billion, up 1.3% year-over-year [5] - Overall topline growth was 5.5% year-over-year to $2.3 billion, although this figure missed market expectations [5] Earnings Performance - M&T Bank's net operating earnings per share increased by 12.9% year-over-year to $4.28, surpassing consensus estimates by 5.9% [6] - Compared to peers, M&T Bank lagged behind Fifth Third Bancorp's 7.3% uptick in 2025 but significantly outperformed FITB's 7.8% gains over the past year [6]

Company Overview - Ross Stores, Inc. is based in Dublin, California, and operates home fashion and off-price retail apparel stores, with a market cap of $49.4 billion [1] - The company offers a variety of products including apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashion items through its outlets in the United States [1][2] Stock Performance - Ross Stores' stock touched a 52-week high of $158.69 on December 9, 2024, and is currently trading 4.5% below that peak [3] - Over the past three months, ROST stock has gained 5.4%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 8.3% surge during the same period [3] - Year-to-date, ROST stock has seen a marginal 20 basis points uptick in 2025 and 69 basis points gains over the past 52 weeks, significantly lagging behind SPX's 10.4% gains year-to-date and 20.1% surge over the past year [4] Recent Financial Results - Following the release of mixed Q2 results on August 21, Ross Stores' stock prices gained 1.1% [5] - The company's topline for the quarter increased 4.6% year-over-year to $5.5 billion, aligning closely with market expectations [5] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter dropped 1.9% year-over-year to $1.56, but surpassed consensus estimates by 2.6% [5] Competitive Landscape - Ross Stores has significantly underperformed compared to its peer, TJX Companies, Inc., which saw 16.6% gains year-to-date and 21.8% surge over the past 52 weeks [6] - The company's performance may be adversely affected in the coming quarters due to high tariffs imposed on Asian countries that manufacture and export textiles and garments to the US [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses the T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF (NYSEARCA: TCHP) as an alternative investment opportunity to the S&P 500 while still providing exposure to large-cap stocks [1]. Group 1 - The author has over 20 years of experience in the financial world, including roles as an advisor, teacher, and writer [1]. - The belief in the efficiency of financial markets is emphasized, suggesting that most stocks reflect their real current value [1]. - The best profit opportunities are identified in stocks that are less widely followed or those that do not accurately reflect existing market opportunities [1].

Group 1 - The stock market is experiencing fluctuations with a tendency towards positive territory amidst macroeconomic uncertainty and tariff issues [1] - The rebound in the stock market is primarily concentrated in large-cap stocks, especially those benefiting from favorable industry trends [1] - The experience of analysts covering technology companies and working in Silicon Valley is influencing the understanding of current industry themes [1] Group 2 - The article is authored by an analyst with a long position in REKR shares, indicating a personal investment interest [2] - The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and not influenced by external compensation [2] - There is no business relationship between the author and any company mentioned in the article, ensuring an independent viewpoint [2]