Core Viewpoint - The "Magnificent Seven" (Mag-7) companies account for approximately one-third of the total market capitalization of the S&P 500 index and have been the primary contributors to recent quarterly earnings growth. In 2023, the S&P 500's earnings growth was 4.1%, but excluding the contributions from Mag-7, the growth rate fell to -1.3%. While Mag-7 is expected to continue growing, earnings growth is anticipated to expand to other components of the index, referred to as "S&P 493" [1][2]. Earnings Growth - In 2024, the earnings growth for Mag-7 is projected to be 33.4%, compared to an overall S&P 500 growth rate of only 10.0%. Excluding Mag-7, the overall index growth rate drops to 5.2%. For 2025, Mag-7's earnings growth is expected to be 18.6%, while the overall index growth rate is forecasted at 14.1%. Excluding Mag-7, the overall index growth rate would still be 13.0%. In 2024, Mag-7 is expected to contribute approximately 57% to the S&P 500's earnings growth, which is projected to decrease to about 28% in 2025. If Nvidia is excluded, Mag-7's contribution drops to 15% [2]. Profit Margins - The ability of companies to protect and enhance profit margins is crucial for sustaining earnings growth. The net profit margin of the S&P 500 is nearing historical peaks, expected to reach 12.3% by 2025, while the Russell 2000 index's net profit margin is at 4.2%, increasing to 5.7% when excluding the healthcare sector [3]. Large-Cap Company Advantages - Large-cap companies are expected to have multiple advantages in the coming year, allowing them to "stabilize," "maintain," and further "expand" their profit margins. These companies benefit from greater operational flexibility, enabling them to leverage stronger operational leverage, especially when earnings growth outpaces revenue growth [4][5]. Economic Trends - Revenue growth is anticipated to reach 5.6% next year, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) is expected to decline. Since Q1 2023, sales growth has outpaced input cost growth measured by the PPI, indicating a favorable trend for profit margin expansion. All S&P 500 sectors are expected to experience a favorable operating leverage environment, particularly in materials, healthcare, and industrial sectors [5]. Small-Cap Company Environment - The Russell 2000 index also shows a favorable operating leverage environment, with all sectors contributing to profit margin growth, except for real estate and utilities. This is significant given that the average interest rate for short-term loans to small businesses is currently 8.8%, down from a 23-year high of 10.1% reached in September 2024 [5]. Market Outlook - Overall, the positive outlook for earnings and profit margins, coupled with uncertainties in trade policy and fiscal spending, suggests that different sectors in the U.S. stock market may be affected variably in 2025 [6].