The biggest companies in the world call the S&P 500 (^GSPC) home, but only a handful are still growing rapidly. Some of these industry leaders are executing exceptionally well and rewarding shareholders.

Not every big company is a great investment, and we’re here to help you find the best opportunities. Keeping that in mind, here are three S&P 500 stocks leading the market forward.

TransDigm (TDG)

Market Cap: $75.83 billion

Supplying parts for nearly all aircraft currently in service, TransDigm (NYSE: TDG) develops and manufactures components and systems for military and commercial aviation.

Why Are We Bullish on TDG?

1. Core business can prosper without any help from acquisitions as its organic revenue growth averaged 16.2% over the past two years
2. Additional sales over the last two years increased its profitability as the 38.4% annual growth in its earnings per share outpaced its revenue
3. Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends, and its recently improved profitability means it has even more resources to invest or distribute

At $1,355 per share, TransDigm trades at 34.8x forward price-to-earnings. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Cencora (COR)

Market Cap: $55.21 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 Will COR Outperform?

1. Dominant market position is represented by its $303.2 billion in revenue, which gives it negotiating power over membership pricing and reimbursement rates
2. Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 14.4% to outpace its revenue gains
3. Stellar returns on capital showcase management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures

Cencora is trading at $284.75 per share, or 18.2x forward price-to-earnings. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

McKesson (MCK)

Market Cap: $86.76 billion

With roots dating back to 1833, making it one of America's oldest continuously operating businesses, McKesson (NYSE: MCK) is a healthcare services company that distributes pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and provides technology solutions to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

Why Is MCK a Top Pick?

1. Offerings and unique value proposition resonate with customers, as seen in its above-market 12.2% annual sales growth over the last two years
2. Unparalleled scale of $344.6 billion in revenue gives it negotiating leverage and staying power in an industry with high barriers to entry
3. Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 15.1% exceeded its revenue gains over the last five years

McKesson’s stock price of $693.50 implies a valuation ratio of 19x forward price-to-earnings. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.

While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years.

Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Comfort Systems (+751% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.