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.
Dell (DELL)
Market Cap: $253.7 billion
Founded by Michael Dell in his University of Texas dorm room in 1984 with just $1,000, Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) provides hardware, software, and services that help organizations build their IT infrastructure, manage cloud environments, and enable digital transformation.
Why Should You Buy DELL?
- Annual revenue growth of 22.2% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 38.8% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years
- Rising returns on capital show management is finding more attractive investment opportunities
Dell’s stock price of $405.75 implies a valuation ratio of 22.3x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Zoetis (ZTS)
Market Cap: $34.13 billion
Originally spun off from Pfizer in 2013 as the world's largest pure-play animal health company, Zoetis (NYSE: ZTS) discovers, develops, and sells medicines, vaccines, diagnostic products, and services for pets and livestock animals worldwide.
Why Could ZTS Be a Winner?
- Business is well-positioned no matter the global macroeconomic backdrop as its constant currency revenue growth averaged 8.7% over the past two years
- Strong free cash flow margin of 21.3% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently, and its rising cash conversion increases its margin of safety
- Stellar returns on capital showcase management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures
Zoetis is trading at $79.31 per share, or 11.4x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
Northern Trust (NTRS)
Market Cap: $31.6 billion
Founded in 1889 during Chicago's post-Great Fire rebuilding boom, Northern Trust (NASDAQ: NTRS) provides wealth management, asset servicing, and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, families, and high-net-worth individuals globally.
Why Do We Watch NTRS?
- Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 32.1%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last two years
- ROE punches in at 13%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
At $174.90 per share, Northern Trust trades at 15.9x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. The best stocks don’t just beat the market once. They do it again. And again. Robust revenue growth, rising free cash flow, returns on capital that leave their competition in the dust. The market has already rewarded these businesses.
But our AI platform says the party isn’t over. Find out which 9 stocks made the cut this week — FREE. Get Our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
