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.
These trade-offs can cause headaches for even the most seasoned professionals, which is why we started StockStory - to help you find high-quality companies that can grow their earnings no matter what. That said, here are three large-cap stocks with attractive long-term potential.
Qualcomm (QCOM)
Market Cap: $177.8 billion
Having been at the forefront of developing the standards for cellular connectivity for over four decades, Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) is a leading innovator and a fabless manufacturer of wireless technology chips used in smartphones, autos and internet of things appliances.
Why Are We Positive On QCOM?
- Annual revenue growth of 16.6% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Robust free cash flow margin of 30.1% gives it many options for capital deployment
- ROIC punches in at 51.2%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
At $157.61 per share, Qualcomm trades at 13.9x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.
Cardinal Health (CAH)
Market Cap: $37.35 billion
Operating as a critical link in the healthcare supply chain since 1979, Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) distributes pharmaceuticals and manufactures medical products for hospitals, pharmacies, and healthcare providers across the global healthcare supply chain.
Why Do We Like CAH?
- Massive revenue base of $222.6 billion in a highly regulated sector makes the company difficult to replace, giving it meaningful negotiating power
- Projected revenue growth of 11.9% for the next 12 months indicates demand will rise above its two-year trend
- Earnings per share grew by 8.6% annually over the last five years, above the peer group average
Cardinal Health is trading at $158.17 per share, or 16.7x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.
Progressive (PGR)
Market Cap: $142 billion
Starting as a small auto insurance company in 1937 with a pioneering focus on high-risk drivers, Progressive (NYSE:PGR) is a major auto, property, and commercial insurance provider that offers policies through independent agents, online platforms, and over the phone.
Why Should You Buy PGR?
- Strong 20.3% annualized net premiums earned expansion over the last two years shows it’s capturing market share this cycle
- Impressive 41.7% annual book value per share growth over the last two years indicates it’s building equity value this cycle
- Capital strength will likely rise over the next 12 months as its expected book value per share growth of 32.5% is robust
Progressive’s stock price of $241.44 implies a valuation ratio of 3.8x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free for active Edge members.
Stocks We Like Even More
Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.
Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
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-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
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