Large-cap stocks have the power to shape entire industries thanks to their size and widespread influence. With such vast footprints, however, finding new areas for growth is much harder than for smaller, more agile players.
This is precisely where StockStory comes in - our job is to find you high-quality companies that can win regardless of the conditions. Keeping that in mind, here are two large-cap stocks that still have big upside potential and one whose existing offerings may be tapped out.
One Large-Cap Stock to Sell:
IQVIA (IQV)
Market Cap: $42.84 billion
Created from the 2016 merger of Quintiles (a clinical research organization) and IMS Health (a healthcare data specialist), IQVIA (NYSE:IQV) provides clinical research services, data analytics, and technology solutions to help pharmaceutical companies develop and market medications more effectively.
Why Does IQV Fall Short?
- Scale is a double-edged sword because it limits the company’s growth potential compared to its smaller competitors, as reflected in its below-average annual revenue increases of 5.6% for the last five years
- Adjusted operating margin didn’t move over the last two years, showing it couldn’t increase its efficiency
- Free cash flow margin has stayed in place over the last five years
IQVIA is trading at $260.25 per share, or 19x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with IQV, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Two Large-Cap Stocks to Buy:
Monster (MNST)
Market Cap: $95.84 billion
Founded in 2002 as a natural soda and juice company, Monster Beverage (NASDAQ:MNST) is a pioneer of the energy drink category, and its Monster Energy brand targets a young, active demographic.
Why Is MNST a Good Business?
- Excellent operating margin of 28.6% highlights the efficiency of its business model, and its rise over the last year was fueled by some leverage on its fixed costs
- Robust free cash flow margin of 23.4% gives it many options for capital deployment
- Market-beating returns on capital illustrate that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures, and its returns are growing as it capitalizes on even better market opportunities
Monster’s stock price of $49.08 implies a valuation ratio of 38.8x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Nubank (NU)
Market Cap: $71.3 billion
With well over one hundred million customers across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia through its viral member-get-member referral program, Nubank (NYSE:NU) is a digital banking platform that offers financial services including spending, saving, investing, borrowing, and protection products to millions of customers across Latin America.
What Makes NU Stand Out?
- Annual revenue growth of 40.6% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
- Incremental sales over the last two years have been highly profitable as its earnings per share increased by 53% annually, topping its revenue gains
- Industry-leading 14% return on equity demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments
At $14.77 per share, Nubank trades at 15.8x 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
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.
Find out which stocks our AI platform is flagging this week. See this week’s Strong Momentum stocks — FREE. Get Our Strong Momentum Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+271% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.