We’re nearing the end of the calendar-year Q1, with many S&P 500 stocks delivering strong performances year-to-date despite recent volatility stemming from tariff talks and other economic developments.

And concerning the all-star performers, Philip Morris PM, CVS Health CVS, and Newmont NEM all reflect top-performing S&P 500 stocks. Let’s take a closer look at what’s been driving the positivity.

PM Pays Shareholders Handsomely

Philip Morris shares have benefited nicely from its latest set of better-than-expected results, with EPS growing 14% alongside a strong 7% move higher in sales. Demand has remained strong for the tobacco titan, with product innovations remaining key for its future.

Notably, smoke-free products exceeded 40 billion units for the first time throughout its FY24, with full-year net revenues for its Smoke-free Business (SFB) increasing by 14.2% alongside an 18.7% move higher in gross profit.

Shares also provide a high level of passive income, currently yielding a market-beating 3.5% annually. Dividend growth has been rock-solid, with PM also holding the ranks of a Dividend King. Below is a chart illustrating the company’s dividends paid on an annual basis.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

CVS Finally Bounces Back

CVS shares have bounced back big in 2025, up 50% so far and snapping a years-long decline for the stock. As shown below, its recent set of quarterly results perked shares up nicely, with the company seeing a 4% year-over-year sales increase alongside a 44% decline in EPS.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Rising costs have been a significant challenge for the company, contributing to the aforementioned profitability crunch. But it’s worth noting that analysts have taken a bullish stance on the company’s upcoming quarterly results expected in early May, with the current $1.62 per share consensus estimate up 12% over recent months.

The estimate reflects 23% year-over-year EPS growth, with sales also expected to increase by 5% from the year-ago period.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Newmont Benefits from Gold Surge

Colorado-based Newmont is one of the world's largest producers of gold, owning several active mines in Nevada, Peru, Australia, and Ghana. The surge in gold prices has been a driving factor behind the stock’s strong YTD performance, up nearly 30%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Notably, the average gold price per oz reached $2,643 throughout its latest period, melting higher from the $2,004 mark in the same period last year. Free cash flow of $1.6 billion throughout the period was the company’s highest read ever.

Below is a chart illustrating NEM’s free cash flow on a quarterly basis. The amplified cash-generating abilities are a huge positive, allowing the company to shell out dividend payments or pay down any debt.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Bottom Line

The 2025 calendar-year Q1 is nearing its end with the close of March. Several stocks have delivered notably strong performances in 2025 so far, a list that includes Philip Morris PM, CVS Health CVS, and Newmont NEM.

Interestingly enough, none of the group above belong to the tech sector, likely a side effect of recent fears that have thrown cold water on the AI frenzy. 

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Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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