Large-cap stocks are known for their staying power and ability to weather market storms better than smaller competitors. However, their sheer size makes it more challenging to maintain high growth rates as they’ve already captured significant portions of their markets.
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 two large-cap stocks with attractive long-term potential and one whose existing offerings may be tapped out.
One Large-Cap Stock to Sell:
United Airlines (UAL)
Market Cap: $36.55 billion
Founded in 1926, United Airlines Holdings (NASDAQ: UAL) operates a global airline network, providing passenger and cargo air transportation services across domestic and international routes.
Why Should You Sell UAL?
- Sluggish trends in its revenue passenger miles suggest customers aren’t adopting its solutions as quickly as the company hoped
- Operating margin of 9.1% falls short of the industry average, and the smaller profit dollars make it harder to react to unexpected market developments
- Projected 5.5 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin next year reflects the company’s plans to increase its investments to defend its market position
United Airlines is trading at $135.24 per share, or 15.1x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with UAL, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Two Large-Cap Stocks to Buy:
Moody's (MCO)
Market Cap: $77.18 billion
Founded in 1900 during America's railroad boom when investors needed reliable information on bond risks, Moody's (NYSE: MCO) provides credit ratings, risk assessment tools, and analytical solutions that help organizations evaluate financial risks and make informed investment decisions.
Why Is MCO a Good Business?
- Offerings and unique value proposition resonate with customers, as seen in its above-market 12.4% annual sales growth over the last two years
- Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 22.5%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last two years
- Stellar return on equity showcases management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures
Moody’s stock price of $452.00 implies a valuation ratio of 26.3x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
ConocoPhillips (COP)
Market Cap: $140.5 billion
Operating the famous Prudhoe Bay field discovered in 1968 that transformed Alaska's economy, ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and liquefied natural gas across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Why Should You Buy COP?
- Annual revenue growth of 8% over the past ten years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
- Massive revenue base of $60.5 billion makes it a household name that influences purchasing decisions
- Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends
At $104.30 per share, ConocoPhillips trades at 10.2x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI is taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.
Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662%. AppLovin before it ran 753%. Nvidia before it ran 1,178%. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.
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-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
