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.
Snowflake (SNOW)
Forward P/S ratio: 14.9x
Named after the unique architecture of its data warehouse which resembles a snowflake pattern, Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW) provides a cloud-based data platform that enables organizations to consolidate, analyze, and share data across multiple cloud providers.
Why Is SNOW a Top Pick?
- Winning new contracts that can potentially increase in value as its billings growth has averaged 24.8% over the last year
- Projected revenue growth of 32.2% for the next 12 months is above its two-year trend, pointing to accelerating demand
- Software platform has product-market fit given the rapid recovery of its customer acquisition costs
At $291 per share, Snowflake trades at 14.9x forward price-to-sales. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Wingstop (WING)
Forward P/E ratio: 32.7x
The passion project of two chicken wing aficionados in Texas, Wingstop (NASDAQ: WING) is a popular fast-food chain known for its flavorful and crispy chicken wings offered in a variety of sauces and seasonings.
Why Is WING Interesting?
- Bold push to open new restaurants demonstrates an ambitious strategy to establish itself in underpenetrated territories
- Asset-lite franchise model is reflected in its superior unit economics and a best-in-class gross margin of 59.3%
- Free cash flow margin jumped by 6.8 percentage points over the last year, giving the company more resources to pursue growth initiatives, repurchase shares, or pay dividends
Wingstop is trading at $163.01 per share, or 32.7x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Helmerich & Payne (HP)
Forward P/E ratio: 32.1x
Operating the largest fleet of super-spec rigs in North America with technology that can drill horizontal wells over two miles long, Helmerich & Payne (NYSE: HP) provides drilling rigs and crews to oil and gas companies that need wells drilled to extract hydrocarbons from underground.
Why Should HP Be on Your Watchlist?
- Annual revenue growth of 30.3% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Revenue base of $4.00 billion gives it economies of scale and some negotiating power with suppliers
- EBITDA margin improvement of 6.3 percentage points over the last five years demonstrates its ability to scale efficiently
Helmerich & Payne’s stock price of $38.85 implies a valuation ratio of 32.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
High-quality stocks for all market conditions
ALSO WORTH WATCHING: Top 5 Momentum Stocks. The best time to own a great stock is when the market is finally noticing it. These aren’t just high-quality businesses. Something is happening with them right now. Elite fundamentals meet near-term momentum — both boxes checked at the same time.
Find out which stocks our AI platform is flagging this week. See this week’s Strong Momentum stocks — FREE. Get Our Strong Momentum 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-micro-cap company Kadant (+214% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
