Megacap Stocks: Best Alternatives to the Magnificent Seven

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By Tyler Matthews

The market has experienced significant turbulence over the past year, prompting investors to shift their focus away from the traditional Mag 7 stocks—namely Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla—in pursuit of more robust opportunities. In this evolving landscape, megacap companies with solid financial fundamentals and lower exposure to current market risks are increasingly seen as attractive alternatives.

The S&P 500 index has retreated approximately 8% from its record high reached in February. High-valuation stocks have borne the brunt of investors’ concerns over a looming economic slowdown brought on by the tariff policies implemented by President Donald Trump. In this environment, companies with market capitalizations exceeding US$100 billion and consistent growth forecasts are emerging as more appealing prospects.

Eli Lilly and Salesforce: Pioneering Growth Projections

One of the megacaps drawing considerable attention is Eli Lilly. With a market valuation of roughly US$804 billion, analysts anticipate that its revenue could increase by about 16% annually by 2026, eventually reaching almost US$93 billion by 2028. This strong growth is largely fueled by its portfolio of obesity medications, where products such as Zepbound and Mounjaro have already secured a leading market position.

Projections indicate that the demand for obesity treatments might exceed US$100 billion per year, establishing Eli Lilly as a dominant force in this sector. Investors are also encouraged by expectations of a roughly 23% annual rise in the company’s earnings over the coming three years. Although the share price has experienced a decline in line with broader market trends, it now trades at about 34 times its estimated earnings—still significantly above the average valuation within the S&P 500.

Salesforce is another company that has captured market interest. Boasting a market capitalization of around US$268 billion, the firm is forecast to achieve approximately 10% annual growth through 2028, potentially reaching revenues of nearly US$54 billion. Its innovative strategy, which leverages artificial intelligence to enhance sales and marketing services, is steadily fueling increased industry adoption and justifying higher future valuations.

Stability and Long-Term Prospects: Visa, Oracle, and Netflix

In addition to the breakthroughs led by Eli Lilly and Salesforce, other megacap entities such as Visa, Oracle, and Netflix are demonstrating noteworthy resilience. These companies combine steady growth rates with robust business models and a loyal consumer base, positioning them favorably in a volatile market.

Visa and Mastercard maintain their leadership in driving global electronic payments, while Oracle continues to expand its cloud services footprint. Netflix, on its part, has worked to stabilize its subscriber base and improve profit margins through a focused strategy on original content and advertising. Recent research indicates that these firms, characterized by a balanced approach to sales growth and limited short exposure, typically outperform other large-cap stocks during periods when market conditions are under pressure.

In summary, megacap companies that blend high-growth potential with strong financial health and scalable business operations are steadily carving out their place as viable alternatives to the traditional Mag 7 stocks. For investors seeking robust returns while mitigating risk, these companies represent an increasingly strategic option in today’s dynamic market environment.

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