In this article, we will be looking at 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now.
Inflation continues a downward trend, and the Federal Reserve has signaled the possibility of a looser monetary policy, making the emerging new market environment a favorable one for long-term investors. According to CNBC, the core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index, the Fed’s often preferred tool for measuring inflation, remained steady at 2.9% in August, with a 0.2% rise for the month. Personal income and spending, on the other hand, reflected resilient consumers and a healthy savings rate of 4.6%. Under these conditions, the market’s expectation for rate cuts in October is increasing.
In such an environment, investors can focus on long-term, steady growth stocks capable of withstanding the short-term volatility. According to a CNN report, as of December 2024, growth stocks have consistently outperformed value stocks over the past three decades, thus making them a must-have stock in the portfolio for building resilience.
With that in mind, here are the 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks worth adding to your portfolio today. We curated the list based on the recently available data, so that you could take a timely and informed decision that strengthens your portfolio.
Copyright: rostislavsedlacek / 123RF Stock Photo
Our Methodology
We have put together our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now by following a few criteria. We began by compiling a list of stocks with large market caps, as it ensures endurance against market volatility. We filtered the stocks further based on past performance. Stocks with a P/E ratio of more than 40 were excluded to prepare a list that could offer optimal growth. For ranking the stocks, we have used the market cap. All the data used in the article was taken from financial databases and analyst reports, with all information updated as of September 29, 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).
12. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $76.86 Billion
Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is among our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. The stock’s price target goes up following the second quarter earnings report and $500 million Notes issuance.
On July 29, 2025, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) reported double-digit earnings growth despite global headwinds. Strong value pricing and innovation specifically led to a 3% rise in Organic sales. Additionally, the company announced that it anticipates an adjusted earnings growth of 12% to 15% between the third quarter of 2025 and into 2026.
Last month, on August 27, 2025, the company issued $500 million in 5% Notes. The proceeds from the Notes, due in 2035, are anticipated to cover the previously announced acquisition and debt repayment. Following the issuance, the stock’s price target sees a rise. Seaport Research elevated it from $300 to $325, while keeping a Buy rating on the stock. BMO, on the other hand, increased the price target from $307 to $310.
With the price target increase reflecting confidence in the stock’s growth prospects, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) holds a significant market cap of $76.86 billion.
Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL), founded in 1923, is a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions for commercial and industrial customers across many sectors. The Minnesota-based company advances food safety and optimizes water and energy use.
11. General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $88.86 Billion
General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) manages a spot in our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. The company’s rating was upgraded to Buy after being awarded a $1.5 billion contract.
The second quarter 2025 report, released on July 23, 2025, highlighted a revenue of 13 billion, an 8.9% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Diluted EPS saw a 14.7% increase from the year-ago quarter and also beat the consensus estimate of $3.59 by 4.2%. The company further announced a backlog of $103.7 billion at the end of the quarter, projecting a positive perception towards its future operations.
Later, on September 25, 2025, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) was awarded a $1.5 billion enterprise IT modernization contract to strengthen the U.S. Strategic Command’s STRATCOM. General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), received the contract, after which, the company’s rating was upgraded from Neutral to Buy by Seaport Research.
With a sizable market cap of $88.86 billion, General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) projects a stable performance, improving its appeal among investors seeking long-term, low-maintenance portfolio growth.
Founded in 1952, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD), based in Virginia, is a global aerospace and defense company known for producing combat vehicles, nuclear submarines, and Gulfstream business jets. The company also offers military IT services.
10. Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $103.49 Billion
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) makes its way into our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. The company gains in monthly performance following the 20-year power purchase agreement with Meta.
On August 7, 2025, Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) surpassed last year’s second quarter performance with this year’s Q2 GAAP earnings of $2.67 per share and adjusted operating earnings of $1.91 per share. The Q2 earnings report further highlighted a 20-year power purchase agreement with Meta that ensures over 1,100 megawatts of emissions-free nuclear energy. Following the Meta transaction, the company engaged in accelerated repurchasing, amounting to a significant $400 million.
Following these strategic moves, the company saw a 4.6% uptick in its monthly performance as of September 29, 2025. The consensus rating from 16 analysts, as reported by CNN, stands at a Buy, adding value to the stock.
Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG) leverages its favorable position, complemented by a notable market capitalization of $103.49 billion, to optimize its reliability as a hands-off, long-term investment.
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG), officially founded in 2021, is a spin-off from Exelon. One of the largest U.S. producers of carbon-free energy, the company operates nuclear, wind, solar, and hydro generation facilities. The Maryland-based company supplies power, natural gas, and sustainable solutions to millions of customers.
Hedge Fund Resource Center