2 S&P 500 Stocks to Own for Decades and 1 We Find Risky Radek Strnad Mon, October 12, 2026 at 11:19 AM EDT 3 min read ^GSPC -0.06% NDSN +1.24% LLY +0.03% MCO +1.42% Explore stocks on Coinbase Trading disclosure Trading disclosure The above button links to Coinbase. Yahoo Finance is not a broker-dealer or investment adviser and does not offer securities or cryptocurrencies for sale or facilitate trading. Coinbase pays us for certain activity generated through this link. Prices displayed are informational.
The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is often seen as a benchmark for strong businesses, but that doesn't mean every stock is worth owning. Some companies face significant challenges, whether it's stagnating growth, heavy debt, or disruptive new competitors.
Some large-cap stocks are past their peak, and StockStory is here to help you separate the winners from the laggards. That said, here are two S&P 500 stocks that could deliver good returns and one best left off your watchlist.
Founded in 1954, Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ:NDSN) manufactures dispensing equipment and industrial adhesives, sealants and coatings.
Organic revenue growth fell short of our benchmarks over the past two years and implies it may need to improve its products, pricing, or go-to-market strategy
Anticipated sales growth of 6.4% for the next year implies demand will be shaky
Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam
At $328.50 per share, Nordson trades at 25.8x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including NDSN in your portfolio, it's free.
Founded in 1876 by a Civil War veteran and pharmacist frustrated with the poor quality of medicines, Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) discovers, develops, and manufactures pharmaceutical products for conditions including diabetes, obesity, cancer, immunological disorders, and neurological diseases.
Market share has increased this cycle as its 43.1% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
Adjusted operating margin expanded by 18.7 percentage points over the last two years as it scaled and became more efficient
Performance over the past five years was turbocharged by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue
Eli Lilly's stock price of $1,177 implies a valuation ratio of 29.3x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it's free.
Founded in 1900 during America's railroad boom when investors needed reliable information on bond risks, Moody's (NYSE:MCO) provides credit ratings, risk assessment tools, and analytical solutions that help organizations evaluate financial risks and make informed investment decisions.
Offerings and unique value proposition resonate with customers, as seen in its above-market 11.6% annual sales growth over the last two years
Share repurchases have increased shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 21.3% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years
Industry-leading 59.9% return on equity demonstrates management's skill in finding high-return investments
Moody's is trading at $463.53 per share, or 25.9x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it's free.
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI is taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.
Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662% between October 2022 and February 2026. AppLovin before it ran 753% between February 2024 and February 2026. Nvidia before it ran 1,178% between January 2023 and February 2026. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.
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-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+1,154% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
