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.
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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.
9. Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $161.83 Billion
Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) takes up a rank in our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. Analyst opinion is mixed following a sizeable growth in the quarterly and annual earnings.
The quarterly earnings of Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) for Q4 2025 reached $1.33 per share, beating the consensus estimate of $1.2 per share. The company’s revenue has sequentially increased to $5.17 billion. Additionally, as the quarter marked the end of FY25, the company also reported its annual revenue. The figure stands at $18.44 billion and surpassed the previous year’s annual revenue of $14.91 billion.
The quarterly and annual performance is followed by mixed opinions among analysts. Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock from Underweight to Equal Weight and also raised the price target from $92 to $125. On the other hand, KeyBanc downgraded the stock to Sector Weight from Overweight, pointing to a sizable recent rally in the shares.
However, the market cap of $161.83 billion partly reflects a notable semiconductor equipment demand, thus appealing to investors seeking consistent growth.
Headquartered in California, Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) is a leading global supplier of wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry. Founded in 1980, the company specializes in thin film deposition, plasma etch, and cleaning solutions critical for manufacturing advanced integrated circuits.
8. The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $173.28 Billion
The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) gains a spot in our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. Following a strong second quarter, the company expands its branch network.
For the quarter ending July 18, 2025, the company reported net income of $2.1 billion, or $1.08 earnings per share. The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) has managed to drive the client assets growth by 14% year-over-year to a record $10.76 trillion.
On September 17, 2025, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) announced branch network expansion. Currently operating 400 branches, the company intends to open up 16 new branches. Its plan also includes expanding or relocating 25 existing locations to increase capacity and optimize real estate. This brings the number of new locations across the country to more than 40. The company’s Head of Branch Network gave the following statement.
“While we continually enhance our award-winning digital platforms and see an increasing number of clients interact with us online and on mobile, our branch network is without a doubt a competitive differentiator for Schwab and a critical part of how we help clients build trusted relationships and achieve their financial goals.”
The optimization of the business presence is coupled with a market cap of $173.28 billion, making the stock ideal for investors looking to set-and-forget.
The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) was founded in 1971. The Texas-based multinational financial services company is a pioneer in discount brokerage and offers brokerage, banking, wealth management, and advisory services, among others, to both retail and institutional clients.
7. Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $176.00 Billion
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) finds its way into our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. The company completes the FY25 with strong positive results and witnesses a rise in its price target.
On September 23, 2025, Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) reported revenue of $37.4 billion for the fiscal year 2025, an almost 50% increase year-over-year. Primary contributor to the growth was the company’s data center business, which achieved 56% of total company revenue, with gross margins of 52%. Additionally, the company’s HBM revenue increased to almost $2 billion in the fourth quarter.
Following the strong fourth quarter and positive FY25, Citi raised Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU)’s price target from $175 to $200, while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. CNN noted a consensus upside potential of 19.36% from its current price as of September 29, 2025, indicating the analysts’ confidence in the company’s strong growth.
Additionally, the company’s market cap of $176 billion projects a strong positive outlook among investors pursuing long-term growth strategies.
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) founded in 1978 and headquartered in Idaho, is a global leader in the semiconductor industry. The company manufactures innovative DRAM (memory) and NAND/NOR Flash (storage) products, which are vital for computing, mobile, and data center applications.
6. BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $188.72 Billion
BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) secures a spot in the list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. The company reaches a new high in AUM, and it is followed by a positive monthly performance and a massive price target rise.
On July 15, 2025, BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) reported a record high $12.53 trillion in assets under management (AUM) for the second quarter of 2025. With this figure, the company became the first asset manager to surpass $12 trillion in AUM. Subsequently, the company’s Adjusted EPS for the quarter reached a significant $12.05, surpassing the consensus estimate of $10.66 and achieving 16% growth in comparison to the quarter a year ago.
With the company’s monthly stock performance reaching a 3.95% uptick as of September 29, 2025, Citi raised BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK)’s price target significantly from $1,200 to $1,350, while reiterating the stock’s Buy rating.
BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) holds a market cap of $188.72 billion, promising broad asset management exposure to potential investors interested in long-term, hands-off portfolio growth.
Founded in 1988, the New York-based company, BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) is the world’s largest asset manager. It provides investment, risk management, and technology services, including the popular iShares exchange-traded funds, to clients across the world.
5. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $232.44 Billion
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) enters our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. Amid a positive second quarter and a top executive sale, the company gains an expansion opportunity from Medtronic.
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) reported a 6.9% increase in sales for the second quarter of 2025. The earnings report, announced on July 17, 2025, also highlighted an Adjusted EPS of $1.26, which beat the consensus estimates. The company is also making progress in its biosimilars portfolio and anticipates multiple launches in 2026.
Following the second quarter results, the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Philip P Boudreau, sold 5,550 shares on August 11, 2025, in a transaction valued at $746,752, signaling negative sentiment. However, on September 2, 2025, the FDA cleared Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G system. The system involves an integration with Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)’s Instinct sensor. It presents the company with an opportunity to expand its diabetes technology.
With a significant market cap of $232.44 billion, reflecting a strong foothold in the industry, Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) is a solid choice for long-term, low-maintenance investors.
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) is a diversified global healthcare leader. With headquarters in Illinois, the company has been in operation since 1888. It develops, manufactures, and sells a wide range of medical devices, diagnostics, nutritional products, and established branded generic pharmaceuticals worldwide.
4. Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $1868.27 Billion
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) takes a spot in our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. The company earns a consensus Buy rating amid a strong second quarter and the decision to soon roll out new ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram.
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) reported a 22% year-over-year increase in its Q2 2025 revenue, reaching $47.52 billion. One of the significant contributors to the growth was the increase in Family daily active people (DAP) by 6% year-over-year. Ad impressions delivered across the company’s Family of Apps also saw an upward trend of 11% year-over-year.
Later, on September 26, 2025, the company announced it would soon roll out ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram to UK users for a monthly subscription fee. Account holders using web versions will pay £2.99 per month, while it stands at £3.99 per month for iOS and Android device users. The new subscription plan is anticipated to bring in additional revenue for the company from users who dislike ads.
With a consensus Buy rating from 70 analysts, as recorded by CNN, and a market cap of $1868.27 billion, the company ranks well in our list of best stocks to invest in and forget.
Founded in 2004, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is a technology conglomerate based in California. The company owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and is heavily focused on building and developing the interconnected digital ecosystem known as the Metaverse.
3. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $2343.93 Billion
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) ranks among our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. Following the strong second quarter, the company made a significant investment in its DSP program.
Net sales at Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) for the second quarter ending June 30, 2025, reached a 13% increase compared to the previous year’s Q2. North America Segment sales have contributed to the growth with $100.1 billion. The International Segment Sales and AWS Segment sales, though comparatively less in terms of revenue, have achieved year-over-year growth of 16% and 17.5% respectively, casting a positive overview of the company’s business operations.
Additionally, on September 29, 2025, the company announced $1.9 billion in the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program. It brings the total investment in the DSP program to $16.7 and potentially increases driver pay to a national average of nearly $23 per hour.
With the second quarter and new investment building a positive outlook, it is complemented by Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s substantial market cap of $2343.93 billion, justifying its inclusion in our list of 12 set-it and forget-it stocks.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) was founded in 1994. Its headquarters is located in Washington. The global e-commerce and cloud computing giant dominates online retail and operates Amazon Web Services (AWS), a world-leading provider of cloud infrastructure and computing services.
2. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $2985.13 Billion
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) holds a position in our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. Google Cloud exceeds $50 billion with its annual run rate and gains positive momentum following a favorable court ruling.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) saw double-digit revenue growth in the search engine, Google, and the media-sharing platform, YouTube. The company’s new launches under the AI trend, including AI Mode and AI Overviews, have gained significant usage across the globe. With its annual revenue run rate surpassing $50 billion, the company’s cloud services have immensely contributed to the overall revenue growth.
On September 2, 2025, the U.S. court ruled in favor of Google against the government’s request to sell its Chrome browser and Android operating system. The ruling enabled the company to maintain its relationship with Apple. Additionally, following the ruling, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s monthly performance gained an uptick of 14.63%, signaling the wide positive reception of the court’s decisions to deny Google’s breakup.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) operates with a market cap of $2,985.13 billion, exposing its investors to the consistent demand in tech and advertising.
Founded in 2015, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is a multinational technology conglomerate. The California-based company is best known as the parent company of Google, which includes the highly popular search engine Google Search and other products, including YouTube and the Android operating system.
1. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Market Cap as of Sept 29, 2025: $3801.77 Billion
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) secures a rank among our list of 12 set-it-and-forget-it stocks to buy now. The company announces collaboration with Nvidia amid strong performance from its cloud and AI platforms.
On July 30, 2025, in its earnings release for Q4 2025, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) reported an 18% year-over-year growth in its revenue, reaching $76.4 billion. The growth was attributed to the company’s Microsoft Cloud and AI. Pointing to this contribution, the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Satya Nadella, made the following statement.
“We’re innovating across the tech stack to help customers adapt and grow in this new era, and this year, Azure surpassed $75 billion in revenue, up 34 percent, driven by growth across all workloads”
On September 22, 2025, Nvidia announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s OpenAI to deploy 10GW of Nvidia systems. Following the announcement, a moderate Bullish activity was seen, with the company’s stock price witnessing an uptick of 0.03% in the last 5 days, as of September 30, 2025.
Adding to the positive outlook, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s market cap of $3801.77 billion enhances the stock’s appeal among investors seeking long-term stocks with low maintenance.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) was founded in 1975. Based in Washington, the company is a technology leader focusing on software, services, and hardware. It is primarily known for its Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, and the recently popular Azure cloud platform.
While we acknowledge the potential of MSFT 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 MSFT and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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