Large-cap stocks usually command their industries because they have the scale to drive market trends. The flip side though is that their sheer size can limit growth as expanding further becomes an increasingly challenging task.
This is precisely where StockStory comes in - our job is to find you high-quality companies that can win regardless of the conditions. That said, here are two large-cap stocks with attractive long-term potential and one whose existing offerings may be tapped out.
One Large-Cap Stock to Sell:
Fastenal (FAST)
Market Cap: $45.98 billion
Founded in 1967, Fastenal (NASDAQ: FAST) provides industrial and construction supplies, including fasteners, tools, safety products, and many other product categories to businesses globally.
Why Are We Wary of FAST?
- Muted 3.3% annual revenue growth over the last two years shows its demand lagged behind its industrials peers
- Annual earnings per share growth of 1.7% underperformed its revenue over the last two years, showing its incremental sales were less profitable
- 6 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
Fastenal is trading at $80.15 per share, or 36.5x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why FAST doesn’t pass our bar.
Two Large-Cap Stocks to Watch:
Adobe (ADBE)
Market Cap: $168.7 billion
One of the most well-known Silicon Valley software companies around, Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) is a leading provider of software as service in the digital design and document management space.
Why Could ADBE Be a Winner?
- Superior software functionality and low servicing costs are reflected in its best-in-class gross margin of 89.2%
- Disciplined cost controls and effective management resulted in a strong trailing 12-month operating margin of 36.3%, and it turbocharged its profits by achieving some fixed cost leverage
- Strong free cash flow margin of 41.7% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently
Adobe’s stock price of $394.25 implies a valuation ratio of 7.3x forward price-to-sales. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
McKesson (MCK)
Market Cap: $86.02 billion
With roots dating back to 1833, making it one of America's oldest continuously operating businesses, McKesson (NYSE: MCK) is a healthcare services company that distributes pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and provides technology solutions to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers.
Why Is MCK a Good Business?
- Annual revenue growth of 13.9% over the last two years beat the sector average and underscores the unique value of its offerings
- Unparalleled scale of $359.1 billion in revenue gives it negotiating leverage and staying power in an industry with high barriers to entry
- Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 17.2% to outpace its revenue gains
At $675.50 per share, McKesson trades at 18.7x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.
While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.
