Stocks to watch: on the prowl for big gain.

Six investment pros shared their favorite North Carolina stocks for 2017 and companies to avoid, continuing a long Business North Carolina tradition. With the ranks of publicly held companies dwindling, this year's forecasts include some companies based outside the state but with large Tar Heel operations. The picks range from international giants to speculative small-cap stocks.

RULES OF THE GAME

Pickers were asked to select their three favorite North Carolina stocks. Graphs are based on each stock's performance between Jan. 12016 and Dec 13, 2016. Expected growth rates and percentage of industry analysts with "buy ratings" is based on data from Thomson/First Call.

Ann Benjamin Zuraw

President. Zuraw Financial Advisors LLC, Greensboro

LOWE'S COS. (low)

MARKET CAP: $63.4 BILLION

P/E RATIO: 27 EXPECTED FIVE-YEAR EPS GROWTH: 16%

Lowe's is the second-largest home-improvement retailer in the world with 2,300 stores. Recent earnings were disappointing, particularly in same-store sales growth compared with Home Depot, leaving a valuation discount. More household formation and bank lending should prompt more home-improvement spending. The company plans to repurchase more than 30% of its shares over the next five years.

ANALYSTS WITH BUY RECOMMENDATIONS: 63%

LABORATORY CORP. OF AMERICA (LH)

MARKET CAP: $12.9 BILLION

P/E RATIO: 20 EXPECTED FIVE-YEAR EPS GROWTH: 10%

The second-largest independent U.S. clinical laboratory with 1,800 service sites has cost and automation advantages compared with most rivals, and an aging population and increased focus on preventive care should boost revenue. The 2015 purchase of New Jersey-based contract-research organization Covance gives Labcorp exposure to a fast-growing health care sector.

ANALYSTS WITH BUY RECOMMENDATIONS: 71%

IBNC BANCORP (BNCN)

MARKET CAP: $1.5 BILLION

P/E RATIO: 22 EXPECTED FIVE-YEAR EPS GROWTH: 10%

Formerly operating as Bank of North Carolina, the parent of BNC Bank is poised to take advantage of increased lending, rising interest rates and potentially reduced regulations. Since 2010, it has completed about 15 acquisitions with management showing skill in consolidation. The purchase of High Point Bank Corp. increased assets to $7.5 billion.

ANALYSTS WITH BUY RECOMMENDATIONS: 67%

AVOID: SONIC AUTOMOTIVE (SAH)

The third-largest U.S. auto dealership company faces challenges because sales have peaked and Trump administration policies could boost the prices of imported cars. The founding family holds a fraction of the stock but almost total voting power. As a fiduciary, I am uncomfortable with shareholders not having equal voting rights.

Patrick Rush

Chief executive officer. Triad Financial Advisors. Greensboro

SYNGENTA AG (SYT)

MARKET CAP: $38.1 BILLION

P/E RATIO: 31 EXPECTED FIVE-YEAR EPS GROWTH: 8%

A leading Swiss agricultural company with significant operations in North Carolina, it is being acquired by ChemChina at about $93 per share. Regulators are considering the buyout and have delayed...