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. Keeping that in mind, here are three S&P 500 stocks leading the market forward.
Airbnb (ABNB)
Market Cap: $88.21 billion
Founded by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia in their San Francisco apartment, Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB) is the world’s largest online marketplace for lodging, primarily homestays.
What Makes ABNB Stand Out?
- Nights and Experiences Booked are rising, meaning the company can increase revenue without incurring additional customer acquisition costs if it can cross-sell additional products and features
- Highly efficient business model is illustrated by its impressive 35.3% EBITDA margin, and its profits increased over the last few years as it scaled
- Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends
Airbnb’s stock price of $148.58 implies a valuation ratio of 15.9x forward EV/EBITDA. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
Chipotle (CMG)
Market Cap: $45.22 billion
Born from a desire to offer quick meals with fresh, flavorful ingredients, Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) is a fast-food chain known for its healthy, Mexican-inspired cuisine and customizable dishes.
Why Does CMG Catch Our Eye?
- Fast expansion of new restaurants to reach markets with few or no locations is justified by its same-store sales growth
- Enormous revenue base of $12.14 billion provides significant leverage in supplier negotiations
- Industry-leading 19.4% return on capital demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments, and its returns are growing as it capitalizes on even better market opportunities
At $35.28 per share, Chipotle trades at 29x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
First Solar (FSLR)
Market Cap: $24.48 billion
Headquartered in Arizona, First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) specializes in manufacturing solar panels and providing photovoltaic solar energy solutions.
Why Is FSLR a Top Pick?
- Impressive 23.3% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Free cash flow margin is now positive, showing the company has crossed a key inflection point
- Returns on capital are climbing as management makes more lucrative bets
First Solar is trading at $228.44 per share, or 11.8x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
ONE MORE THING: Top 5 Growth Stocks. The biggest stock winners almost always had one thing in common before they ran. Revenue growing like crazy. Meta. CrowdStrike. Broadcom. Our AI flagged all three. They returned 315%, 314%, and 455%, respectively.
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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 Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
