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.
Identifying the best companies in the S&P 500 isn’t always easy, and that’s why we started StockStory. Keeping that in mind, here are three S&P 500 stocks leading the market forward.
O'Reilly (ORLY)
Market Cap: $74.67 billion
Serving both the DIY customer and professional mechanic, O’Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY) is an auto parts and accessories retailer that sells everything from fuel pumps to car air fresheners to mufflers.
Why Will ORLY Beat the Market?
- Comparable store sales rose by 4.4% on average over the past two years, demonstrating its ability to drive increased spending at existing locations
- Excellent operating margin of 19.4% highlights the efficiency of its business model
- Market-beating returns on capital illustrate that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures
At $89.53 per share, O'Reilly trades at 27.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
Allstate (ALL)
Market Cap: $56.52 billion
Born from a Sears, Roebuck & Co. initiative during the Great Depression with its famous "You're in good hands" slogan, Allstate (NYSE: ALL) is one of America's largest personal property and casualty insurers, offering protection for autos, homes, and personal property.
Why Are We Fans of ALL?
- 9.4% annual revenue growth over the last five years surpassed the sector average as its policies resonated with customers
- Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 139% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years
- Annual book value per share growth of 34.9% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting strong capital accumulation this cycle
Allstate is trading at $221.63 per share, or 1.8x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Expand Energy (EXE)
Market Cap: $20.83 billion
Rebranded from Chesapeake Energy in 2024 after emerging from bankruptcy, Expand Energy (NASDAQ: EXE) produces natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids from underground shale formations in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Why Is EXE a Top Pick?
- Annual revenue growth of 23.8% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Enormous revenue base of $12.96 billion provides significant leverage in supplier negotiations
- EBITDA profits increased over the last five years as the company gained some leverage on its fixed costs and became more efficient
Expand Energy’s stock price of $87.20 implies a valuation ratio of 11x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
