In this article, we will look at the 11 Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.
On August 16, FedWatch’s Ben Emons joined CNBC Television for an interview to elaborate on his bull case that the all-time record highs are still to come. He noted that the retail sales data have shown economic acceleration as the control group, which is an important economic metric for the GDP, was revised upwards. Emons explained that this means that the economy is coming out of the summer slow phase and entering an acceleration. He acknowledged the weakness in the labour market but believes that it will trigger a Fed rate cut, which, combined with the retail sales data, will lead the stocks to hit a new record high.
Emons mentioned that the results of the upcoming Fed meeting could lead to a pullback; however, he sees this as a buying opportunity. He sees the possibility of a 50 basis point cut as viable to ensure labour market weakness is tackled. Thus, he noted that even if the Fed decides to show caution in the upcoming meeting, other members might make it happen in October.
He also discussed the Fed’s balance sheet runoff, which removes liquidity by letting mortgage-backed securities and Treasuries mature without replacement. This is a subtle form of tighter financial conditions. Emons suggests that the Fed may soon end this runoff, which could benefit the mortgage market and narrow spreads between MBS and Treasuries.
While providing investment advice, he noted that sectors related to electric equipment and AI have outperformed; therefore, he likes materials, staples, and energy stocks, which have lagged but could benefit from the upcoming market rally.
With that, let’s take a look at the 11 most profitable large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
Stocks
Our Methodology
To compile the list of 11 most profitable large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts, we used the Finviz stock screener, Yahoo Finance, and CNN as our sources. Using the screener, we aggregated a list of profitable large-cap stocks with market capitalization between $10 billion and $200 billion and a TTM net income of more than $500 million. Lastly, we ranked the stocks in ascending order of the analyst upside potential sourced from CNN. We have also added the number of hedge fund holders sourced from Insider Monkey’s Q1 2025 database. Please note that the data was recorded on August 15, 2025.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
11 Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts
11. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW)
Market Capitalization: $118.285 billion
TTM Net Income: $1.24 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 77
Analyst Upside Potential: 24.23%
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 14, Shrenik Kothari from Robert W. Baird maintained a Buy rating on Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) with a price target of $230.
The analyst noted that the company is heading into its fiscal fourth quarter with favorable conditions. Kothari expects the revenue and annual recurring revenue to grow significantly year-over-year due to easier comparison. Moreover, the company acquired CYBR, and the analyst believes that this strategically improves the company’s platform. He also likes the current valuation of the company, making it an attractive risk/reward situation.
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) provides AI-powered security solutions for networks, cloud environments, and security operations.
10. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG)
Market Capitalization: $172.162 billion
TTM Net Income: $2.61 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 106
Analyst Upside Potential: 24.31%
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On July 23, Evercore ISI lowered the firm’s price target on Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) from $550 to $535, while keeping an In Line Rating on the stock.
The rating follows the company’s fiscal second-quarter earnings call for 2025. The company exceeded both revenue and EPS expectations during the quarter, driven by improved system sales. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) posted $2.44 billion in revenue, up 21.4% year-over-year and ahead of expectations by $87.21 million. The EPS of $2.19 also came in ahead of consensus by $0.27.
Despite these impressive sales figures, the firm remains uncertain regarding the company’s potential to sustain the momentum gained in the second quarter, thus maintaining a Hold rating on the stock.
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) develops and markets advanced robotic-assisted surgical systems, including the da Vinci surgical systems and the Ion endoluminal system.
9. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:VRTX)
Market Capitalization: $100.708 billion
TTM Net Income: $3.64 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60
Analyst Upside Potential: 24.75%
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:VRTX) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 11, Goldman Sachs analyst Salveen Richter reiterated a Buy rating on Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:VRTX) with a price target of $624.
The reiterated bullish sentiment follows the announcement of strong fiscal second-quarter results by the company. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:VRTX) delivered $2.96 billion during the quarter, reflecting a 12.06% increase year-over-year and ahead of expectations by $58.16 million. The EPS of $4.52 also exceeded expectations by $0.27. Management noted that this growth was driven by the successful launch of three products CASGEVY, ALYFTREK, and JOURNAVX. Moreover, its clinical programs for Suzetrigine, Zimislecel, Povetacicept, and Inaxaplin are also progressing quickly.
Looking ahead, management has reaffirmed its expected full-year revenue range of $11.85 billion to $12 billion.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:VRTX) is a global biotechnology company focused on developing transformative medicines for serious diseases, particularly in specialty markets.
8. Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU)
Market Capitalization: $135.269 billion
TTM Net Income: $6.22 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 96
Analyst Upside Potential: 24.93%
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 12, JPMorgan raised the firm’s price target on Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) from $165 to $185, while keeping an Overweight rating on the stock.
The improved price target follows the company’s updated fiscal fourth quarter 2025 guidance. Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) had previously projected fourth quarter guidance expecting revenue of $10.7 billion ± $300 million, non-GAAP gross margins between the range of 41% to 43%. However, on August 11, the company updated this guidance and now expects fourth quarter revenue to reach $11.2 billion ± $100 million, with non-GAAP margins in the range of 44% to 44.5%. Management noted that this improved guidance reflects better pricing of DRAM and strong execution.
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) designs and manufactures high-performance memory and storage products, including DRAM, NAND, and NOR technologies.
7. Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT)
Market Capitalization: $129.808 billion
TTM Net Income: $6.76 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 83
Analyst Upside Potential: 26.73%
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 15, Morgan Stanley analyst Shane Brett raised the firm’s price target on Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) from $169 to $172, while keeping an Equal Weight rating on the stock.
The analyst noted that he raised the price target, taking confidence from a strong July quarter, which was slightly better than the firm’s and broader market’s expectations. This was driven by a stronger-than-expected performance in China. However, despite this, the company’s guidance for the October quarter fell short of Morgan Stanley’s forecast by around $500 million, thereby justifying a cautious rating. Brett also noted that the guidance miss is mainly due to the challenges in leading-edge logic chips and DRAM.
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) expects fiscal third-quarter revenue of around $7.2 billion, with gross margins at 48.3%.
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) provides equipment, services, and software for manufacturing semiconductor chips and advanced displays.
6. Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD)
Market Capitalization: $119.15 billion
TTM Net Income: $7.11 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25
Analyst Upside Potential: 31.96%
Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 5, Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD) announced a new $9 million investment in its Baldwinsville, NY brewery.
This investment is part of the company’s plan to invest over $300 million in the US facilities in 2025. Over the past 5 years, the company has invested more than $2 billion in its US operations. Management noted that the purpose of these investments is to support the manufacturing ability of the United States. The goal of Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD) is to create and sustain jobs, advance technical training, and strengthen career opportunities for veterans.
Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD) is a leading brewing company. It produces and sells famous beer brands like Budweiser, Michelob ULTRA, and Stella Artois.
5. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN)
Market Capitalization: $153.851 billion
TTM Net Income: $7.95 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69
Analyst Upside Potential: 34.41%
Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 15, Reuters reported that Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) will buy CyberCX, an Australian cybersecurity firm. The Australian Financial Review valued the deal at over A$1 billion.
This move comes after a series of major cyberattacks in Australia. Optus faced a huge data breach affecting 10 million users in 2022. Moreover, Medibank and Qantas also suffered attacks, exposing the customer information of millions of their users. CyberCX was created in 2019 after merging 12 smaller companies and has around 1400 employees in Australia, New Zealand, London, and New York.
Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is a services company that helps businesses with strategy, consulting, technology, and operations.
4. Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE)
Market Capitalization: $150.527 billion
TTM Net Income: $6.87 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 111
Analyst Upside Potential: 35.27%
Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 11, Melius Research analyst Ben Reitzes downgraded Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) from Hold to a Sell Rating with a price target of $310.
The analyst noted that the software-as-a-service companies are at risk of being eaten by artificial intelligence. He noted these companies are in the early innings of multiple contractions due to AI. The firm sees SaaS companies losing to the shift towards infrastructural winners. He also highlighted increased competition from the Figma IPO as a threat to Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE).
Despite the bearish sentiment, Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) during its fiscal second quarter of 2025 exceeded Wall Street estimates. The company posted $5.87 billion in revenue, reflecting a 10.62% increase year-over-year and ahead of consensus by $73.73 million. The EPS of $5.06 also exceeded expectations by $0.09.
Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) is a global technology company that creates tools to help people and businesses design, manage, and deliver digital content.
3. ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW)
Market Capitalization: $179.969 billion
TTM Net Income: $1.66 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 106
Analyst Upside Potential: 35.49%
ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 4, Citizens JMP analyst Patrick Walravens reiterated a Buy rating on ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) with a $1,300 price target.
The rating follows the company’s fiscal second quarter 2025 earnings release. The company delivered robust results that exceeded Wall Street expectations. ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) delivered total revenue of $3.22 billion, indicating 22.38% year-over-year growth and ahead of estimates by $91.34 million. This growth was driven by improved subscription revenue, which reached $3.11 billion after growing 22.5% during the same time. Management highlighted the growing demand for the company’s AI platform and also showed confidence in reaching its $1 billion new contract value target by 2026.
ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) provides a cloud-based AI platform called the Now Platform that helps businesses digitize and automate workflows.
2. Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO)
Market Capitalization: $35.49 billion
TTM Net Income: $17.42 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60
Analyst Upside Potential: 48.51%
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 15, Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) announced that the FDA had approved the use of its new drug Wegovy to treat adults with noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. The drug also moderates advanced liver fibrosis.
The approval follows positive results from the ESSENCE trial, where the drug depicted better results compared to the placebo. At week 72, 36.8% of patients taking Wegovy improved their liver fibrosis without worsening steatohepatitis. Whereas the placebo only improved results in 22.4% of the patients. With the approval, Wegovy is now the first and only GLP-1 drug approved for noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) is a global healthcare company specializing in diabetes and obesity care.
1. Strategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR)
Market Capitalization: $103.871 billion
TTM Net Income: $4.73 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33
Analyst Upside Potential: 59.97%
Strategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 11, TD Cowen analyst Lance Vitanza maintained a Buy rating on Strategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR) with a price target of $680.
The analyst highlighted the launch of the PBTC Comp Sheet, which monitors public bitcoin treasury companies, noting that this indicates growing interest in bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset. Vitanza added that this trend is evident with the growing number of companies and believes that the launch of PBTC will help the company attract more capital into bitcoin.
The analyst noted that as more companies join the bitcoin sector, it will add to the legitimacy of bitcoin, resulting in increased capital flow and utilization of blockchain technology to create an overall positive environment for Strategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR).
Strategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR), formerly known as MicroStrategy, is a bitcoin treasury and business intelligence company.
While we acknowledge the potential of MSTR to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MSTR and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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