Expensive stocks often command premium valuations because the market thinks their business models are exceptional. However, the downside is that high expectations are already baked into their prices, leaving little room for error if they stumble even slightly.
Finding the right balance between price and quality can challenge even the most skilled investors. Luckily for you, we started StockStory to help you identify the real opportunities. Keeping that in mind, here are three high-flying stocks to hold for the long term.
Monster (MNST)
Forward P/E Ratio: 40.9x
Founded in 2002 as a natural soda and juice company, Monster Beverage (NASDAQ: MNST) is a pioneer of the energy drink category, and its Monster Energy brand targets a young, active demographic.
Why Is MNST a Top Pick?
- Excellent operating margin of 28.4% highlights the efficiency of its business model, and its operating leverage amplified its profits over the last year
- Strong free cash flow margin of 23.8% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently
- Industry-leading 36.1% return on capital demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments, and its rising returns show it’s making even more lucrative bets
At $96.93 per share, Monster trades at 40.9x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Medpace (MEDP)
Forward P/E Ratio: 31.3x
Founded in 1992 as a scientifically-driven alternative to traditional contract research organizations, Medpace (NASDAQ: MEDP) provides outsourced clinical trial management and research services to help pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies develop new treatments.
Why Is MEDP Interesting?
- Core business is healthy and doesn’t need acquisitions to boost sales as its organic revenue growth averaged 17.2% over the past two years
- Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 29.6% exceeded its revenue gains over the last five years
- Free cash flow margin expanded by 6 percentage points over the last five years, providing additional flexibility for investments and share buybacks/dividends
Medpace’s stock price of $576.66 implies a valuation ratio of 31.3x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
ATI (ATI)
Forward P/E Ratio: 40.5x
With its materials flying in nearly every commercial and military aircraft in service today, ATI (NYSE: ATI) produces highly specialized materials and components for aerospace, defense, medical, and energy applications using advanced metallurgy and manufacturing processes.
What Makes ATI Stand Out?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 11.1% annual revenue growth over the last five years was exceptional
- Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 24.8%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last two years
- Free cash flow margin increased by 21.7 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more capital to invest or return to shareholders
ATI is trading at $184.83 per share, or 40.5x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
ONE MORE THING: Top 5 Growth Stocks. The biggest stock winners almost always had one thing in common before they ran. Revenue growing like crazy. Meta. CrowdStrike. Broadcom. Our AI flagged all three. They returned 315%, 314%, and 455%, respectively.
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Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+214% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
