S&P 500 Stocks Analysts Do Not Recommend Holding in 2026

Despite generally positive expectations for the U.S. stock market, analysts increasingly warn that index growth does not automatically mean every individual stock will rise. According to FactSet forecasts, the overall growth potential of the S&P 500 for 2026 is estimated at around +15.5%, yet within the index there is already a group of companies for which the consensus forecast looks noticeably weaker than the market. Such stocks most often become so-called “traps” for investors — they remain in portfolios by inertia despite deteriorating fundamental and industry factors.

Below is a list of S&P 500 companies that, according to analysts, carry the highest risk of disappointing in 2026.

Albemarle (ALB), Materials Sector
Forecast: around -18.3%
Albemarle is one of the largest lithium producers, and this is where the main problem lies. After the euphoria around electric vehicles, the market faced an oversupply of lithium and falling prices. Margin pressure, high capital intensity, and uncertainty of demand from automakers make ALB shares vulnerable, despite the long-term attractiveness of the electrification theme.

Expeditors International (EXPD), Industrial Sector
Forecast: around -15.7%
Logistics companies have faced pressure due to the normalization of global supply chains after the pandemic. Lower tariffs, increased competition, and weaker global trade dynamics limit profit potential. Expeditors appears operationally stable, but the market expects further pressure on financial results.

Southwest Airlines (LUV), Industrial Sector
Forecast: around -14.1%
Airlines continue to face rising fuel, labor, and fleet maintenance costs. For Southwest, the situation is complicated by operational constraints and the need for significant investments. Opportunities to pass costs onto passengers are limited, which restrains the potential of the stock.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT), Industrial Sector
Forecast: around -13.1%
Freight transportation is sensitive to the economic cycle. Slower U.S. economic growth and margin pressure in the transport sector create an unfavorable backdrop for JBHT. Analysts fear that demand recovery will be slower than previously expected.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), Communications Sector
Forecast: around -11.8%
The media industry is undergoing a challenging transition period. Rising content costs, slowing advertising markets, and uncertainty around streaming monetization continue to pressure financial results. High debt levels increase risks for shareholders.

Goldman Sachs (GS), Financial Sector
Forecast: around -9.3%
Investment banks may face pressure if capital market activity declines. Volatility, possible economic slowdown, and cautious corporate clients limit the potential for fee income. Additionally, the financial sector overall appears less attractive compared to IT.

Seagate Technology (STX), Information Technology
Forecast: around -7.4%
The data storage market remains competitive and cyclical. Weak demand from corporate clients and price pressure limit profit growth. Despite technological significance, analysts expect muted stock performance.

Target (TGT), Consumer Goods Sector
Forecast: around -6.2%
Retailers face changing consumer habits and margin pressure. Rising costs, price competition, and cautious buyers make Target’s prospects less straightforward than a few years ago.

Centene (CNC), Healthcare Sector
Forecast: around -6.1%
The company operates in the health insurance segment, which is heavily dependent on regulation. Rising healthcare costs and uncertainty regarding government programs create risks to profitability.

American Express (AXP), Financial Sector
Forecast: around -5.9%
Despite a strong brand and loyal client base, American Express is sensitive to economic cycles. Slower consumer spending and rising credit risks could limit company growth in 2026.

Overall market backdrop

Analysts forecast the IT sector remains the market favorite with expected growth of about +19.8%. Meanwhile, the financial sector looks like one of the laggards in potential returns. There is also a noted decline in the dominant role of the so-called “Magnificent Seven” — the market is gradually seeking new growth leaders beyond the largest tech giants.

Investor Takeaways

2026 could be a year of opportunities, but only for those ready to carefully analyze portfolio structure. Historical leaders and past “stars” may not maintain their positions. Analyst forecasts, sector trends, and company fundamentals become decisive.

The key idea is simple: index growth does not guarantee that every stock will rise. Flexibility, diversification, and regular review of investment decisions become critically important conditions for a successful strategy in a market that increasingly punishes passive approaches.