In this article, we will look at the 10 Best Performing Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.
Q4 2024 Market Performance Overview
On January 6, Pathstone released its quarterly Flash Report for Q4 2024. The report highlighted several key trends and challenges for the financial markets. It highlighted that despite some volatility towards the end of the quarter in December, the US equity market continued to outperform the international markets, particularly led by the large-cap stocks. Large-cap stocks gained 7.1% during the fourth quarter, driven by strong economic fundamentals, including robust labor market data and high consumer spending during the holiday season. On the other hand, the continued strength of the USD and the persistent inflation led to a decline in other developed markets internationally.
In comparison to the large-cap stocks, small-caps faced significant challenges, experiencing a sharp monthly decline of 8.3% in December, though the sector managed a slight quarterly gain of 0.3%. As per the report, this underperformance was partly due to policy uncertainty and rising long-term yields, which dampened expectations for smaller companies. The fixed-income market also struggled, with long-term Treasury bonds declining by 9.7% for the quarter as the 10-year Treasury yield increased to 4.6%. Moreover, while elaborating on the labor market quarterly performance, the report highlighted that the US labor market demonstrated resilience in November, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 227,000 jobs, surpassing expectations of 200,000. This growth marked a significant recovery from October’s numbers, which were affected by hurricanes and strikes. Although the unemployment rate increased to 4.2%, the labor market showed fundamental strength despite higher interest rates.
One of the key market trends that have helped large-cap growth stocks is the strength of the American consumer market. Consumer spending was exceptionally strong during the holiday season, breaking previous records across both traditional retail and online channels. However, regardless Inflation remains a significant concern as the Consumer Price Index reached 2.7% in November, above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Persistent inflationary pressures are influencing the Fed’s monetary policy approach, leading to a more cautious stance on future rate cuts. Lastly, the report highlights that the economic landscape ahead presents a complex mix of resilience and risk. While the labor market and spending provide a solid foundation to the market persistent inflation, higher interest rates, and policy uncertainty pose potential challenges.
With that let’s take a look at the 10 best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
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Our Methodology
To curate the list of 10 best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts, we used the Finviz stock screener to get an aggregated list of stocks. Using the screener we aggregated a list of large-cap stocks that have performed positively over the past year and analysts still see upside potential over the next 12 months. Next, we cross-checked the performance and analyst upside potential of each stock from CNN and ranked these stocks in ascending order of analysts’ upside potential. We have also added the number of hedge funds holding each stock, sourced from Insider Monkey’s Q4 2024 database. Please note that the data was collected on February 28th, 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).
10 Best Performing Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts
10. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)
1-Year Performance: 20.43%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59
Analyst Upside Potential: 11.17%
Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) specializes in providing water and hygiene solutions for industries like manufacturing, food processing, and healthcare. The company also provides infection prevention in hospitals and healthcare facilities by providing specialized cleaning products. Their industrial services include solutions for industries like mining, power generation, and paper production to manage water and cleaning processes. It is one of the best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
Analysts have recently provided positive assessments of Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL), reflecting optimism about the company’s future performance. On February 18, Piper Sandler raised its price target to $370 from the previous target of $270, while maintaining an Overweight rating. The firm noted that they expect the company to continue growing earnings at its historical rate, despite challenges such as weaker economic growth and currency headwinds in 2025. They believe the company is on track to achieve a 20% operating margin sooner than anticipated.
Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) delivered record growth in fiscal 2024. During the fiscal Q4 of 2024 alone, organic sales of the company grew by 4% in Q4, driven by consistent volume growth and value pricing. Management noted that the US market, which accounts for more than half of the company’s sales, showed mid-single-digit organic sales growth and is expected to strengthen further in 2025.
9. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM)
1-Year Performance: 76.09%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36
Analyst Upside Potential: 12.86%
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) is a Canadian company that specializes in the streaming of precious metals. The company partners with mining companies around the world to provide them cash upfront in return for the right to buy a portion of the mining companies’ future precious metal production at a fixed price. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) then sells these metals on the market at the current price, making a profit from the difference between the fixed price they paid and the market price. This model allows the company to benefit from the mining companies’ success without the risks and costs of operating mines themselves.
On February 19, David Hove from Jefferies maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $79. Hove noted that the company performed well in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, exceeding expectations across all metals, which strengthens its position compared to peers. While the analyst acknowledged that 2025 production guidance is slightly below estimates, however, he sees the long-term forecast from 2030 to 2034 to be very positive. Moreover, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) strategic projects and stable production profiles contribute to its promising outlook. David Hove noted that key projects like Blackwater, Platreef, and Goose are expected to support increased production, particularly due to higher silver grades. It is one of the best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
8. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG)
1-Year Performance: 44.02%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 99
Analyst Upside Potential: 15.13%
Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) helps people plan and book their trips and dining experiences online. It operates through several well-known brands including Bookings.com, Priceline.com, Agoda.com, KAYAK, and OpenTable. On February 24, DA Davidson raised the price target on the stock from $5,005 to $5,800 and kept a Buy rating. The firm noted that the fiscal fourth quarter results presented a substantial upside in comparison to the market consensus. Moreover, the firm also liked the 13% room night growth, which was driven by growth across all regions.
In addition, Cooper Investors Global Equities Fund in their Q4 2024 investor letter mentioned that Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) was one of their largest contributors to returns. The fund also noted that it is a leading platform larger than two of its leading competitors combined in terms of room nights booked. Moreover, the operations trends also continue to benefit from the tailwinds coming from increased global travel. During the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, the company grew its gross bookings by 17% and revenue by 14%, both metrics came in above the high end of management’s guidance. It is one of the best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
Cooper Investors Global Equities Fund stated the following regarding Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) in its Q4 2024 investor letter:
“The largest contributors to returns were Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) and Liberty Formula One (FWONK). BKNG is the leading global travel platform (larger than Airbnb and Expedia combined on an annual room nights booked basis). Operating trends continue to be strong driven by tailwinds from global travel demand and new CFO Ewout Steenbergen finding cost efficiencies following a period of investment. This resulted in third quarter revenue growth of 9% driving Earnings Per Share growth of 16%, a run rate we believe is now sustainable for the business. BKNG has been a highly successful investment, delivering returns of 130% since our first investment in December 2022. But going forward we see less value latency and have consequently begun to redeploy capital into more compelling opportunities.”
7. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD)
1-Year Performance: 35.22%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60
Analyst Upside Potential: 15.45%
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD) is a leading industrial gas company that provides essential gases and related equipment to various industries. It produces and supplies gasses including oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium to manufacturing, food processing, and electronics industries. The company is also involved in developing and operating clean hydrogen projects to support the transition to low-carbon energy, especially in the transportation and industrial sectors.
On February 25, John Roberts, an analyst at Mizuho Securities maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $385. The analyst noted that the company’s new CEO has announced significant project write-downs of $3 billion. Despite the substantial amount, these write-downs do not affect its adjusted EPS targets. Roberts believes this move will further reduce the capital expenditure, particularly for the projects that have not been completed yet. Moreover, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD) continues to focus on major clean hydrogen projects in Alberta, NEOM, and Louisiana. The analyst believes these projects will leverage cheap North American natural gas and will also take advantage of the credits that offset carbon capture and sequestration operating expenses. It is one of the best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
ClearBridge Large Cap Value Strategy stated the following regarding Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD) in its Q3 2024 investor letter:
“Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD) has also made strong contributions recently, delivering operationally and announcing a major offtake agreement for its NEOM green hydrogen project in June. Strong fundamentals for APD are shining through a soft Chinese industrial economy, and it continues to shore up the strength of its core industrial gases franchise, committing to not invest additional capital on big projects until they soak up existing capacity, putting a management structure in place to allow for more accountability and announcing board-initiated succession planning that will help built investor confidence for the future. The company is also tightening up its operational focus by divesting non-core assets and streamlining operations.”
6. AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU)
1-Year Performance: 72.08%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
Analyst Upside Potential: 18.14%
AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) is another best performing large cap stock to buy according to analysts. It operates as a global gold mining company based in the United Kingdom. The company mines gold across nine countries on four continents, with mines operating in Ghana, Guinea, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and the United States. Besides gold, the company also produces silver in Argentina and sulfuric acid in Brazil.
During the fiscal third quarter of 2024, AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) reported their Tier 1 Assets performed well due to higher tons and grades mined, contributing to overall production growth. Moreover, management has implemented initiatives to enhance performance at Tier 2 mines, which led to lower costs. As a result, the production rose by 2% year-on-year, with a significant boost in the second quarter, where the production rose 12% in comparison to the first quarter.
With that being said, AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) expects an even stronger second half of the year. The third quarter performance along with a positive future outlook led to RBC Capital maintaining their Buy rating on the stock. On February 20, Analyst Josh Wolfson maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $36.
5. Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB)
1-Year Performance: 57.98%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57
Analyst Upside Potential: 18.56%
Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB) is like the Uber of Southeast Asia. The company operates a super app that provides a wide range of services including ride hailing and mobility, food and grocery delivery, package deliveries, digital financial services, and other services including hotel bookings and more.
On February 21, JPMorgan upgraded the stock from Neutral to Overweight with a price target of $5.60. The firm believes that the earnings delivery over the next 12 months is expected to bring positive revisions in earnings expectations for the company. Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB) recently released its fiscal fourth quarter results for 2024. The results highlight significant milestones that the company achieved during the year, driven by strategic initiatives to improve its services and financial performance. The company grew its Q4 revenue by 17% year-over-year, driven by On-Demand GMV growth. Management noted that its On-Demand GMV growth grew by 20% during the same time reflecting increased usage of services like ride-hailing, food delivery, and package delivery.
Moreover, the company has not only set a new record for the number of transacting users on its platform, indicating strong product-market fit and growing customer demand, but also outperformed its revenue guidance for the year. Looking ahead, Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB) aims to continue its GMV growth while maintaining profitability.
4. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM)
1-Year Performance: 45.47%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69
Analyst Upside Potential: 19.99%
Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) is one of the world’s leading gold mining companies and a significant producer of copper, silver, zinc, and lead. It operates in various mining jurisdictions across the globe, including Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea.
The management has been focused on three main strategies including the integration of the acquired assets, rationalization of the portfolio, and stabilization of the business. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) faced challenges in integrating the assets acquired from Newcrest, particularly Cadia and Lihir. Despite the hurdles, the company is investing in robust operational and technical plans to enhance these assets, aiming to unlock their long-term potential. Moreover, under its rationalization strategy, the company executed a divestment program and reached an agreement to sell six non-core operations, which is expected to generate up to $4.3 billion in pre-tax proceeds.
In terms of financial performance Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, generated a record $1.6 billion cash flow. This was driven by strong gold prices, higher sales volumes, and positive working capital movements. On February 21, Citi analyst Kate McCutcheon maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of A$95.00. It is one of the best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
3. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC)
1-Year Performance: 124.80%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
Analyst Upside Potential: 21.64%
Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) is another Canadian company that engages in gold mining. It explores, extracts, and processes gold from various locations around the world, including the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada. The company operates several mines, including Fort Knox in Alaska and Paracatu in Brazil, and is involved in developing new projects like Manh Choh in Alaska.
On February 13, Lawson Winder from Bank of America Securities maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $12.75. Winder mentioned that he likes the stable gold production of the company and also believes in the potential for increased capital returns. The analyst noted that Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) has maintained a stable production guidance of 2 million gold equivalent ounces annually from 2025 to 2027. This stability has overshadowed the concerns of potential acquisitions. Winder also likes the Great Bear project and believes it presents a long-term opportunity for the company.
During the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) successfully repaid $800 million in debt and also achieved a record free cash flow of more than $1.3 billion. It generated 2.13 million gold equivalent ounces during the year and achieved a net profitability of $948.8 million, making it one of the best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
2. DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (NYSE:DD)
1-Year Performance: 17.54%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58
Analyst Upside Potential: 22.29%
DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (NYSE:DD) specializes in creating and providing advanced materials and solutions across various industries. It operates through the Electronics & Industrial Solutions segment and the Water & Protection segment. The Electronic & Industrial Solutions segment deals with providing materials and solutions for making electronic components like semiconductors and integrated circuits. On the other hand, the water & protection segment creates products related to worker safety, water purification, and other industries. The company operates through some well-known brands including Nomex, Kevlar, Tyvek, FilmTec, Amberlite, and Styrofoam.
On February 13, Arun Viswanathan, analyst at RBC Capital maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $101. The company has been experiencing strong demand from its Electronics & Industrial segment. During the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (NYSE:DD) reported a 7% increase in sales, driven by strong demand for electronics and water solutions. Moreover, the Electronics & Industrial segment saw double-digit organic growth, while the Water & Protection grew 6% organically. The management also pointed towards their plan to spin off the Electronics business to create a leading pure-play electronics company. It is one of the best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
1. Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)
1-Year Performance: 24.95%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44
Analyst Upside Potential: 23.61%
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) is a Canadian company that primarily produces gold and copper. The company has mines in several countries, including Argentina, Canada, Chile, and others, producing gold, copper, and sometimes silver.
The company aims to be the best gold and copper producer while focusing on sustainability. During the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) reported a 15% subsequent increase in gold production with a focus on cost efficiencies. Management noted that the Nevada operations played a crucial role in increased throughput and production. In addition, the company also added significant new gold and copper reserves, including 12.7 million ounces of gold and 13 million tons of copper.
More recently, Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) filed technical reports for two significant projects including the Lumwana copper mine expansion and the Reko Diq project. The Lumwana copper mine expansion is estimated to cost nearly $2 billion, with construction set to begin by the end of 2024 and first production anticipated in 2028. It is the best-performing large-cap stocks to buy according to analysts.
Sound Shore Management stated the following regarding Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) in its Q3 2024 investor letter:
“For example, global gold and copper miner Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) rose after posting earnings that topped forecasts driven by improved cost performance as well as higher metals prices. We initiated our investment earlier this year when the stock was trading at below normal price to earnings and price to book valuations. The depressed valuation was largely due to long-term issues driven by poor acquisitions and shorter-term inflationary pressures that had been a drag on profitability. Following Barrick’s 2019 merger with Randgold, the latter’s senior management team took the reins and have since streamlined and optimized the company’s once sprawling asset base. Today, Barrick is set to improve operations and drive organic growth which, along with a better price environment, we believe should improve returns on capital. Bolstered by a nearly debt-free balance sheet and strong free cash flows, the company is well positioned to increase dividends, share buybacks and improve its valuation.”
While we acknowledge the potential of Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than GOLD but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap.
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