Five Large-Cap Stocks Poised to Climb

BOSTON (TheStreet) - The Dow Jones Industrial Average outpaced the S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq in October as investors scooped up steady-performing stocks. Here are five strong names to consider.

5. Express Scripts(ESRX Quote) is a pharmacy benefit manager.

The numbers: Third-quarter net income declined 2% to $198 million and earnings per share fell 12% to 71 cents, hurt by a higher share count. Revenue grew 3% to $5.6 billion. The company's gross margin increased from 10% to 11%, and its operating margin inched from 6% to 7%. Express Scripts has $5.2 billion of cash and $4 billion of debt.

The stock: Express Scripts has advanced 55% this year, more than major U.S. indices. The stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 27, a premium to the market and health care service peers. Express Scripts doesn't pay dividends.