Since July 2020, the S&P 500 has delivered a total return of 97.8%. But one standout stock has doubled the market - over the past five years, Cencora has surged 196% to $296 per share. Its momentum hasn’t stopped as it’s also gained 31.7% in the last six months, beating the S&P by 26.1%.

Is now still a good time to buy COR? Or is this a case of a company fueled by heightened investor enthusiasm? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Why Is Cencora a Good Business?

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.

1. Economies of Scale Give It Negotiating Leverage with Suppliers

Larger companies benefit from economies of scale, where fixed costs like infrastructure, technology, and administration are spread over a higher volume of goods or services, reducing the cost per unit. Scale can also lead to bargaining power with suppliers, greater brand recognition, and more investment firepower. A virtuous cycle can ensue if a scaled company plays its cards right.

With $310.2 billion in revenue over the past 12 months, Cencora is one of the most scaled enterprises in healthcare. This is particularly important because health insurance providers companies are volume-driven businesses due to their low margins.

2. Outstanding Long-Term EPS Growth

We track the long-term change in earnings per share (EPS) because it highlights whether a company’s growth is profitable.

Cencora’s EPS grew at a spectacular 14.5% compounded annual growth rate over the last five years, higher than its 10.8% annualized revenue growth. This tells us the company became more profitable on a per-share basis as it expanded.

3. Stellar ROIC Showcases Lucrative Growth Opportunities

Growth gives us insight into a company’s long-term potential, but how capital-efficient was that growth? A company’s ROIC explains this by showing how much operating profit it makes compared to the money it has raised (debt and equity).

Cencora’s five-year average ROIC was 57.3%, placing it among the best healthcare companies. This illustrates its management team’s ability to invest in highly profitable ventures and produce tangible results for shareholders.

Final Judgment

These are just a few reasons Cencora is a rock-solid business worth owning, and with its shares outperforming the market lately, the stock trades at 18.2× forward P/E (or $296 per share). Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More Than Cencora

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

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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 Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.