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. Keeping that in mind, here are three large-cap stocks with attractive long-term potential.
O'Reilly (ORLY)
Market Cap: $71.46 billion
Serving both the DIY customer and professional mechanic, O’Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ:ORLY) is an auto parts and accessories retailer that sells everything from fuel pumps to car air fresheners to mufflers.
Why Do We Love ORLY?
- Comparable store sales rose by 4.4% on average over the past two years, demonstrating its ability to drive increased spending at existing locations
- Highly efficient business model is illustrated by its impressive 19.4% operating margin
- Industry-leading 42.4% return on capital demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments
At $86.38 per share, O'Reilly trades at 26x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
Altria (MO)
Market Cap: $115.6 billion
Best known for its Marlboro brand of cigarettes, Altria (NYSE:MO) offers tobacco and nicotine products.
Why Are We Positive on MO?
- Unique products and pricing power lead to a best-in-class gross margin of 87.7%
- Excellent operating margin of 52.7% highlights the efficiency of its business model, and its profitability increased over the last year as it eliminated unnecessary expenses
- MO is a free cash flow machine with the flexibility to invest in growth initiatives or return capital to shareholders
Altria is trading at $69.33 per share, or 12x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Zoetis (ZTS)
Market Cap: $32.02 billion
Originally spun off from Pfizer in 2013 as the world's largest pure-play animal health company, Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS) discovers, develops, and sells medicines, vaccines, diagnostic products, and services for pets and livestock animals worldwide.
Why Do We Like ZTS?
- Steady constant currency growth over the past two years shows the company can pursue its global ambitions, even in uncertain economic times
- Strong free cash flow margin of 21.3% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently, and its improved cash conversion implies it’s becoming a less capital-intensive business
- Stellar returns on capital showcase management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures
Zoetis’s stock price of $76.20 implies a valuation ratio of 11.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
ALSO WORTH WATCHING: Top 5 Momentum Stocks. The best time to own a great stock is when the market is finally noticing it. These aren’t just high-quality businesses. Something is happening with them right now. Elite fundamentals meet near-term momentum — both boxes checked at the same time.
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Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.