Five Top Performing Stocks to Consider for Long-Term Investment

A “monster Stock” can evoke fear through sharp declines or concerning traits like falling sales, tightening profit margins, or rising debt levels. For this article, however, we define monster stocks as those that have demonstrated strong performance and show potential for continued success. These are stocks with appealing attributes such as market leadership, robust balance sheets, and promising growth trajectories—ideal candidates for long-term holdings.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team has unveiled what they believe to be the 10 best stocks to buy currently. Continue »

With that in mind, here are five “monster stocks” worth considering for your long-term portfolio.

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1. The Trade Desk

The Trade Desk (NASDAQ: TTD) has captured the market’s attention in recent years, boasting an average annual return of nearly 16% over the past 15 years. The stock has experienced significant volatility; for instance, it was down 44% in the past year. Such a dip makes The Trade Desk appealing to growth investors. Currently, its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 43.8, a substantial drop from its five-year average of 88.5.

With a market value of around $24 billion, The Trade Desk excels in digital advertising, helping clients launch effective online advertising campaigns. While online advertising demand remains robust, a recession could lead businesses to cut back on advertising expenses, which could negatively impact The Trade Desk in the short run.

2. Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) is a powerhouse in the cybersecurity sector, recently valued at $111 billion. Over the past decade, the stock has averaged annual returns exceeding 21% and more than 40% over the past five years, although it was down 6.6% year to date. Its forward P/E ratio recently measured 46.3, below its five-year average of 52.5.

For long-term investors willing to accept some risk, Palo Alto Networks deserves attention. As virtually everyone using digital devices becomes more concerned about security, the demand for cybersecurity services is likely to persist. The company is streamlining its customer platforms and successfully incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its cloud-based subscription services, which are attractive for providing dependable recurring revenue.

3. Amazon.com

Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) has established itself as a giant, recently approaching a market value of nearly $2 trillion. The company offers more than just a vast online marketplace; its Amazon Web Services (AWS) represents a leading cloud computing platform. While the retail segment generates significant revenue, it often operates at lower margins, unlike the higher-margin AWS and digital advertising services.

Though a recession could affect the retail business, Amazon’s competitive pricing may afford it more resilience compared to other retailers. Currently, with a forward P/E ratio of 28, well below its five-year average of 50, the stock appears to be attractively priced.

4. Coupang

Coupang (NYSE: CPNG) may not be widely recognized in the U.S., but it is a fast-emerging player comparable to Amazon in South Korea. The company’s diverse portfolio includes an online marketplace, restaurant delivery, video streaming, and fintech offerings.

Coupang exhibits a strong balance sheet and has reported double-digit growth in gross profit, expanding by 29% year-over-year in its fourth quarter of 2024. The company is also growing its presence in Taiwan, where it saw a 23% increase in revenue quarter over quarter. Its forward P/E ratio sits at a compelling 16.2, especially given its rapid growth rate.

5. CRISPR Therapeutics AG

CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ: CRSP) is the fifth stock to consider, though it carries a higher degree of speculation. A leader in gene editing technology, CRISPR operates in a nascent field where substantial development time is required for biotechnology products. It does, however, have a promising development pipeline and has partnered with Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

If you’re interested, take a deeper look into CRISPR and any of the previously mentioned companies.

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John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, serves on The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Selena Maranjian holds positions in Amazon, CRISPR Therapeutics, Palo Alto Networks, The Trade Desk, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, CRISPR Therapeutics, The Trade Desk, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, The Motley Fool endorses Coupang and Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The views and opinions expressed herein represent the author’s views and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.