The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is packed with companies that have built dominant market positions, making it a core index for investors. A select few continue to innovate and expand, setting themselves up for long-term success.
Not every big company is a great investment, and we’re here to help you find the best opportunities. That said, here are three S&P 500 stocks leading the market forward.
Insulet (PODD)
Market Cap: $24.61 billion
Revolutionizing diabetes care with its tubeless "Pod" technology, Insulet (NASDAQ: PODD) develops and manufactures innovative insulin delivery systems for people with diabetes, primarily through its Omnipod product line.
Why Is PODD a Top Pick?
- Average constant currency growth of 26.4% over the past two years demonstrates its ability to grow internationally despite currency fluctuations
- Free cash flow margin jumped by 25.4 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more resources to pursue growth initiatives, repurchase shares, or pay dividends
- Returns on capital are growing as management capitalizes on its market opportunities
At $347 per share, Insulet trades at 73.7x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
Cencora (COR)
Market Cap: $57.75 billion
Formerly known as AmerisourceBergen until its 2023 rebranding, Cencora (NYSE: COR) is a global pharmaceutical distribution company that connects manufacturers with healthcare providers while offering logistics, data analytics, and consulting services.
Why Do We Love COR?
- Unparalleled scale of $316.7 billion in revenue enables it to spread administrative costs across a larger membership base
- Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 15.2% to outpace its revenue gains
- Stellar returns on capital showcase management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures
Cencora’s stock price of $297.86 implies a valuation ratio of 17.5x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
W. R. Berkley (WRB)
Market Cap: $27.46 billion
Founded in 1967 and operating through more than 50 specialized insurance units across the globe, W. R. Berkley (NYSE: WRB) underwrites commercial insurance and reinsurance through specialized subsidiaries serving industries from healthcare to construction to transportation.
Why Is WRB Interesting?
- Market penetration was impressive this cycle as its net premiums earned expanded by 12.7% annually over the last five years
- Performance over the past five years was turbocharged by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue
- Exciting book value per share outlook for the upcoming 12 months calls for 28.2% growth, an acceleration from its two-year trend
W. R. Berkley is trading at $72.41 per share, or 2.8x forward P/B. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.
Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
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