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.
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 that could deliver good returns.
Apple (AAPL)
Market Cap: $4.85 trillion
Creator of the iPhone and App Store, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is a legendary developer of consumer electronics and software.
Why Does AAPL Catch Our Eye?
- Apple’s revenue base is so large because nearly everyone in the U.S. has an iPhone, but this is a double-edged sword. Growth must now come from upgrades, a harder pitch that has resulted in sluggish top-line performance recently.
- Still, Apple’s devices have endured for decades, speaking to its brand, design ethos, and technological chops. Its success is rare in the world of consumer electronics, which is fraught because of commoditization, competition, and obsolescence risk.
- The company may not have the best gross margin because of its hardware orientation, but it still manages to produce elite operating and free cash flow margins. This shows it doesn’t need over-the-top marketing campaigns to convince people to buy its products.
Apple is trading at $332.59 per share, or 35.5x forward price-to-earnings. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
Ameriprise Financial (AMP)
Market Cap: $49.26 billion
Founded in 1894 and spun off from American Express in 2005, Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP) provides financial planning, wealth management, asset management, and insurance products to help individuals and institutions achieve their financial goals.
Why Is AMP a Good Business?
- 9.4% annual revenue growth over the last two years was better than the sector average, highlighting the value of its products and services
- Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 20.8% to outpace its revenue gains
At $557.53 per share, Ameriprise Financial trades at 11.3x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Corpay (CPAY)
Market Cap: $26.8 billion
Formerly known as FLEETCOR until its 2024 rebrand, Corpay (NYSE: CPAY) provides specialized payment solutions for businesses to manage vehicle expenses, corporate payments, and lodging costs with enhanced control and reporting capabilities.
Why Do We Love CPAY?
- Impressive 15.2% annual revenue growth over the last five years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Share buybacks propelled its annual earnings per share growth to 18.1%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last two years
- Market-beating return on equity illustrates that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures
Corpay’s stock price of $408.89 implies a valuation ratio of 13.9x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI is taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.
Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662% between October 2022 and February 2026. AppLovin before it ran 753% between February 2024 and February 2026. Nvidia before it ran 1,178% between January 2023 and February 2026. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+214% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
