New York, January 20, 2026, 10:38 EST
- Late Monday, StockStory flagged six S&P 500 stocks across sectors including travel, industrials, tech, consumer staples, and insurance
- U.S. stocks dropped in early Tuesday trading after new tariff threats sparked a risk-off reaction
- Last week, a separate Benzinga list tagged Tesla, GE HealthCare, and UnitedHealth as potential “sell” picks for 2026
Late Monday, StockStory released two commentaries naming six S&P 500 companies investors should “steer clear of,” pointing to slowing growth, shrinking margins, and weak returns on capital.
Wall Street reopened after a U.S. market holiday with a sharp selloff, spurred by fresh tariff threats linked to a Greenland dispute. At 9:39 a.m. ET, the S&P 500 had fallen 1.29% to 6,850.39, while the CBOE Volatility Index hit a two-month peak, Reuters reported. “We’re getting the weakness because the headlines are going to drive angst and concern about what the future holds,” said David Lundgren, chief market strategist at Little Harbor Advisors. 1
The timing is crucial as earnings season ramps up and traders face a packed schedule of U.S. economic data, squeezing patience for companies that slip on growth or guidance. This period often sees “index” investing unravel into targeted stock-by-stock selloffs.
StockStory’s latest “questionable fundamentals” roundup flagged Expedia, United Rentals, and IBM. The online travel company showed signs of slowing revenue growth and a drop in average revenue per booking. United Rentals’ “organic” sales—excluding acquisitions—fell short, while its profit growth trailed the broader sector. Valuations also came under scrutiny, with forward multiples raised as concerns. IBM’s forward P/E hit 25.3, and Expedia’s forward EV/EBITDA stood at 10.2. 2
StockStory’s “risky” list includes packaged-food giant J.M. Smucker, building-products firm Masco, and insurer AIG. The report flagged a steep fall in Smucker’s operating margin over the past year and warned of a weak sales outlook for Masco. AIG’s multi-year decline in net premiums earned also drew scrutiny. Notably, StockStory highlighted that AIG trades at about 0.9 times forward price-to-book, a ratio comparing the stock price to anticipated book value per share. 3
Both StockStory articles focused mainly on past growth rates, margin trends, and return metrics, instead of highlighting any new catalyst. This type of screening usually grabs attention when markets start to jitter.
Another list has been circulating, though it came out before this week’s selloff. On Jan. 16, Benzinga flagged Tesla, GE HealthCare, and UnitedHealth as S&P 500 stocks to “sell” in 2026. Tesla faces competition and pricing pressure, including from China’s BYD. GE HealthCare is wrestling with sales challenges in China, while UnitedHealth is exposed to medical-cost and policy risks. 4
The three articles cover a wide spread—from consumer-focused brands to industrials and insurers weighed down by heavy balance sheets. It’s a clear sign that “risk” isn’t confined to any single sector in today’s market.
These lists aren’t predictions and can change quickly. A robust quarter, leaner costs, or shifts in rates and risk appetite can boost even stocks with weak growth and margin metrics—especially when the broader market settles down.
