The 10 Best Performing Stocks in the Last 25 Years
Published: November 3, 2025 | Analysis by YCharts Research Team
Introduction
Understanding which companies have stood the test of time is invaluable for advisors guiding clients through uncertain markets. That’s why we used the YCharts Stock Screener to identify the best performing stocks across key lookback periods, including year-to-date, 1, 3, 5, 10, and 25 years, across the entire Russell 1000.
Rather than focus solely on recent winners, this analysis reveals which companies consistently rewarded investors over time, whether through capital appreciation, strong fundamentals, or dividend reinvestment. These insights help advisors put short-term volatility in context while positioning for long-term growth.
From 2025’s year-to-date leaders to the stunning 25-year returns of household names like Monster Beverage and NVIDIA, here’s what advisors need to know about the stocks that delivered year after year.
Click to jump to a section:
- Best-Performing Stocks YTD
- Best-Performing Stocks in the Last Year
- Best-Performing Stocks in the Last 3 Years
- Best-Performing Stocks in the Last 5 Years
- Best-Performing Stocks in the Last 10 Years
- Best-Performing Stocks in the Last 25 Years
- What Was the Growth of $10,000 Over the Last 25 Years?
- How Would Making Regular Contributions Affect Overall Returns?
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Best Performing Stocks YTD
MP Materials‘ massive surge reflects the critical importance of rare earth elements in the EV and technology supply chain, with the company benefiting from reshoring initiatives and strategic partnerships. Robinhood‘s 294% gain comes as retail trading volumes spike and the platform expands into new financial services. AST SpaceMobile‘s 280% surge highlights investor enthusiasm for satellite-based cellular connectivity as the company advances toward commercial launch.
Western Digital Corp. (WDC) delivered 233.37% price returns as the storage solutions leader benefits from AI data center demand, while Anglogold Ashanti (AU) posted 194.63% price returns (206.21% total return including dividends), signaling renewed investor interest in gold miners amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Insmed (INSM) gained 174.62% driven by positive clinical trial results, and Tempus AI (TEM) at 166.14% represents the convergence of artificial intelligence and precision medicine. Micron Technology (MU) and Palantir Technologies (PLTR) round out the top 10 with 165.89% and 165.07% returns respectively, both capitalizing on AI infrastructure demand.
| Ticker | Name | YTD Price Return | YTD Total Return | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP | MP Materials Corp. | 304.42% | 304.42% | $11.17B |
| HOOD | Robinhood Markets, Inc. | 293.93% | 293.93% | $130.44B |
| ASTS | AST Spacemobile, Inc. | 280.33% | 280.33% | $21.82B |
| QS | QuantumScape Corp. | 255.30% | 255.30% | $11.09B |
| WDC | Western Digital Corp. | 233.37% | 234.35% | $51.36B |
| AU | Anglogold Ashanti Plc | 194.63% | 206.21% | $34.32B |
| INSM | Insmed, Inc. | 174.62% | 174.62% | $40.44B |
| TEM | Tempus AI, Inc. | 166.14% | 166.14% | $15.61B |
| MU | Micron Technology, Inc. | 165.89% | 166.66% | $251.17B |
| PLTR | Palantir Technologies, Inc. | 165.07% | 165.07% | $475.58B |
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Q: What do these gains mean for client portfolios in 2025?
A: With year-to-date standouts concentrated in thematic growth, advisors should reexamine portfolio weightings. YCharts’ tools help assess whether clients are over leveraged in speculative positions, or missing key innovation trends altogether.
Best Performing Stocks in the Last Year
Over the past 12 months, the best performing stocks in the Russell 1000 delivered extraordinary returns led by fintech and space infrastructure plays. Robinhood Markets (HOOD) absolutely dominated with a staggering 524.86% return as the platform successfully expanded beyond retail trading into retirement accounts and crypto services.
Rocket Lab Corp. (RKLB) surged 488.60%, securing major launch contracts and demonstrating reusable rocket capabilities. Palantir Technologies (PLTR) continued its remarkable run with 382.36% returns, driven by expanding commercial contracts and AI platform adoption across enterprise and government sectors. Applovin Corp. (APP) delivered 276.25% returns, benefiting from AI-powered advertising optimization and strong mobile gaming monetization.
QuantumScape Corp. (QS) posted 258.06% gains as the solid-state battery developer advances toward commercialization, while MP Materials Corp. (MP) gained 250.69%, capitalizing on critical mineral supply chain concerns and domestic production initiatives. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) delivered 237.04% returns as the satellite-based cellular service approaches commercial launch. Lumentum Holdings (LITE) gained 215.58%, Western Digital (WDC) returned 204.38% (205.27% total return), and Ciena Corp. (CIEN) rounded out the top ten with 199.04% returns, all benefiting from AI infrastructure and data center demand.
| Ticker | Name | 1Y Price Return | 1Y Total Return | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOOD | Robinhood Markets, Inc. | 524.86% | 524.86% | $130.44B |
| RKLB | Rocket Lab Corp. | 488.60% | 488.60% | $30.38B |
| PLTR | Palantir Technologies, Inc. | 382.36% | 382.36% | $475.58B |
| APP | Applovin Corp. | 276.25% | 276.25% | $215.58B |
| QS | QuantumScape Corp. | 258.06% | 258.06% | $11.09B |
| MP | MP Materials Corp. | 250.69% | 250.69% | $11.17B |
| ASTS | AST Spacemobile, Inc. | 237.04% | 237.04% | $21.82B |
| LITE | Lumentum Holdings, Inc. | 215.58% | 215.58% | $14.29B |
| WDC | Western Digital Corp. | 204.38% | 205.27% | $51.36B |
| CIEN | Ciena Corp. | 199.04% | 199.04% | $26.79B |
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Q: How should advisors respond when speculative stocks dominate performance?
A: Context matters. Use tools like the YCharts Stock Screener to assess whether recent gains reflect fundamentals or speculative euphoria. These workflows help guide client conversations and avoid emotionally driven allocation decisions.
Best Performing Stocks in the Last 3 Years
Long-term outperformers over the past three years have delivered extraordinary gains, with Applovin Corp. (APP) leading the Russell 1000 with an exceptional 3,657.84% return. This AI-powered advertising platform revolutionized mobile app monetization and reshaped how developers acquire users.
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) followed with 2,180.66% returns, representing a complete transformation for the data analytics company as it expanded from government contracts into commercial AI applications. Carvana Co. (CVNA) staged a remarkable comeback with 2,165.63% gains after near-bankruptcy concerns in 2022, while Summit Therapeutics (SMMT) delivered 1,634.86% returns driven by breakthrough clinical trial results in its oncology pipeline.
NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA) maintained its AI dominance with 1,400.26% price returns (1,402.03% total return), cementing its position as the AI revolution’s primary enabler. Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) capitalized on data center infrastructure demand with 1,247.73% price returns (1,252.46% total return). Robinhood Markets (HOOD) posted 1,156.68% gains as retail trading evolved, Rocket Lab Corp. (RKLB) delivered 1,137.33% returns from the commercial space race, and AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) rounded out the top 10 with 1,009.96% returns as satellite connectivity approaches reality.
| Ticker | Name | 3Y Price Return | 3Y Total Return | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APP | Applovin Corp. | 3657.84% | 3657.84% | $215.58B |
| PLTR | Palantir Technologies, Inc. | 2180.66% | 2180.66% | $475.58B |
| CVNA | Carvana Co. | 2165.63% | 2165.63% | $43.35B |
| SMMT | Summit Therapeutics, Inc. | 1634.86% | 1634.86% | $14.08B |
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp. | 1400.26% | 1402.03% | $4.930T |
| VRT | Vertiv Holdings Co. | 1247.73% | 1252.46% | $73.74B |
| HOOD | Robinhood Markets, Inc. | 1156.68% | 1156.68% | $130.44B |
| RKLB | Rocket Lab Corp. | 1137.33% | 1137.33% | $30.38B |
| ASTS | AST Spacemobile, Inc. | 1009.96% | 1009.96% | $21.82B |
| INSM | Insmed, Inc. | 994.69% | 994.69% | $40.44B |
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Q: Are triple-digit returns a sign to buy or a reason to pause?
A: Not always. Advisors should combine price return analysis with valuation tools like the YCharts EV/EBITDA chart to assess whether future upside is priced in. Past performance is a signal, but valuation clarity ensures better decision-making.
Best Performing Stocks in the Last 5 Years
The five-year leaders showcase companies that capitalized on transformative trends. NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA) dominates with 3,583.81% price returns (3,587.46% total return), establishing itself as the indispensable infrastructure provider for the AI revolution. Palantir Technologies (PLTR) delivered 2,739.49% returns as it successfully transitioned from a government-focused defense contractor to a commercial AI powerhouse.
Applovin Corp. (APP) posted 2,471.36% gains by perfecting AI-driven mobile advertising, while Vertiv Holdings (VRT) gained 2,184.95% price returns (2,192.52% total return) supplying critical cooling and power infrastructure for data centers. Carvana Co. (CVNA) delivered 1,868.35% returns after restructuring and proving the viability of online used car sales.
Celsius Holdings (CELH) surged 1,673.87% disrupting the energy drink market with health-conscious positioning, Arista Networks (ANET) returned 1,642.17% dominating cloud networking infrastructure, Tesla Inc. (TSLA) gained 1,435.12% accelerating EV adoption globally, Vistra Corp. (VST) posted 1,425.09% price returns (1,565.00% total return) from power generation demand, and Powell Industries (POWL) rounded out the top ten with 1,414.04% price returns (1,471.36% total return) supplying electrical equipment for industrial infrastructure.
| Ticker | Name | 5Y Price Return | 5Y Total Return | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WFRD | Weatherford International plc | 3425.84% | 3493.97% | $5.29B |
| SMCI | Super Micro Computer, Inc. | 2186.97% | 2186.97% | $30.88B |
| FIX | Comfort Systems USA, Inc. | 2008.25% | 2062.13% | $34.06B |
| PR | Permian Resources Corp. | 1926.79% | 2172.30% | $8.83B |
| PLTR | Palantir Technologies, Inc. | 1878.97% | 1878.97% | $475.58B |
| CRS | Carpenter Technology Corp. | 1707.21% | 1845.49% | $15.74B |
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp. | 1515.53% | 1520.39% | $4.930T |
| MSTR | Strategy, Inc. | 1513.16% | 1513.16% | $77.38B |
| DDS | Dillard's, Inc. | 1241.56% | 1560.91% | $9.37B |
| FTAI | FTAI Aviation Ltd. | 1186.39% | 1460.88% | $17.73B |
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Q: How can I verify if long-term stock performance is sustainable?
A: Use the YCharts Fundamental Chart to overlay multi-year price returns with valuation metrics like P/E ratio or earnings growth. This reveals whether strong performance aligns with fundamentals or sentiment-driven volatility.
Best Performing Stocks in the Last 10 Years
Over a decade, NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA) stands alone with an astronomical 28,449.88% price return (29,264.48% total return), transforming from a gaming chip maker into the most critical enabler of modern AI. Its GPUs became the gold standard for training large language models and powering data center infrastructure worldwide.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) followed with 11,981.13% returns, successfully competing against Intel in processors and capturing market share in both consumer and data center segments. Celsius Holdings (CELH) delivered 9,310.94% returns by creating a new category in functional energy drinks appealing to fitness-conscious consumers.
Arista Networks Inc. (ANET) gained 3,811.08% by dominating high-speed data center switching infrastructure, while Tesla Inc. (TSLA) delivered 3,209.53% as it revolutionized the automotive industry and achieved sustained profitability. Axon Enterprise Inc. (AXON) returned 3,027.85% as law enforcement technology adoption accelerated with body cameras and cloud evidence management. Comfort Systems USA (FIX) delivered 2,924.05% price returns (3,135.53% total return) from HVAC and building automation demand, while Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) gained 2,901.95% price returns (3,777.46% total return) through strategic semiconductor and software acquisitions. Ubiquiti Inc. (UI) posted 2,597.67% price returns (2,789.98% total return), and Leonardo DRS Inc. (DRS) rounded out the top ten with 2,474.65% price returns (2,493.42% total return) on defense technology contracts.
| Ticker | Name | 10Y Price Return | 10Y Total Return | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp. | 28449.88% | 29264.48% | $4.930T |
| AMD | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | 11981.13% | 11981.13% | $415.64B |
| CELH | Celsius Holdings, Inc. | 9310.94% | 9310.94% | $15.54B |
| ANET | Arista Networks, Inc. | 3811.08% | 3811.08% | $198.20B |
| TSLA | Tesla, Inc. | 3209.53% | 3209.53% | $1.518T |
| AXON | Axon Enterprise, Inc. | 3027.85% | 3027.85% | $57.48B |
| FIX | Comfort Systems USA, Inc. | 2924.05% | 3135.53% | $34.06B |
| AVGO | Broadcom Inc. | 2901.95% | 3777.46% | $1.746T |
| UI | Ubiquiti, Inc. | 2597.67% | 2789.98% | $47.62B |
| DRS | Leonardo DRS, Inc. | 2474.65% | 2493.42% | $9.73B |
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Q: Are these long-term leaders still investable today?
A: That depends on their current valuation. Advisors can use YCharts’ Stock Screener to filter top-returning names and apply valuation filters (e.g. P/E, PEG) to identify whether strong returns are supported by fundamentals or priced for perfection.
Best Performing Stocks in the Last 25 Years
Over a 25-year stretch, time separates the extraordinary from the average. Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST) reigns supreme with an astounding 119,149.85% total return, transforming a $10,000 investment into over $11 million through strategic brand building and distribution expansion.
NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA) delivered 78,119.22% price returns (85,197.21% total return), evolving from a gaming graphics company to powering the world’s AI infrastructure. Apple Inc. (AAPL) posted 77,306.48% price returns (91,990.83% total return), revolutionizing multiple industries from computers to phones to wearables.
Tractor Supply Co. (TSCO) gained 47,679.25% price returns (57,921.08% total return) by dominating rural lifestyle retail, while Texas Pacific Land Corp. (TPL) delivered 39,896.32% price returns (50,774.19% total return) from perpetual oil and gas royalties in the Permian Basin. Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. (ODFL) returned 33,573.05% price returns (34,861.90% total return) through superior less-than-truckload shipping execution. Comfort Systems USA (FIX) posted 32,742.86% price returns (40,855.13% total return), Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) gained 29,239.98% building UGG into a global lifestyle brand and successfully launching HOKA running shoes, Tyler Technologies Inc. (TYL) returned 19,418.85% by providing software solutions to local governments, and Clean Harbors Inc. (CLH) rounded out the top ten with 17,589.92% returns from environmental and industrial services.
| Ticker | Name | 25Y Price Return | 25Y Total Return | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MNST | Monster Beverage Corp. | 119149.85% | 119149.85% | $64.79B |
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp. | 78119.22% | 85197.21% | $5.063T |
| AAPL | Apple, Inc. | 77306.48% | 91990.83% | $3.970T |
| TSCO | Tractor Supply Co. | 47679.25% | 57921.08% | $27.80T |
| TPL | Texas Pacific Land Corp. | 39896.32% | 50774.19% | $21.34B |
| ODFL | Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. | 33573.05% | 34861.90% | $28.61B |
| FIX | Comfort Systems USA, Inc. | 32742.86% | 40855.13% | $34.29B |
| DECK | Deckers Outdoor Corp. | 29239.98% | 29239.98% | $11.78B |
| TYL | Tyler Technologies, Inc. | 19418.85% | 19418.85% | $20.05B |
| CLH | Clean Harbors, Inc. | 17589.92% | 17589.92% | $11.04B |
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Q: Should clients care about performance from 20+ years ago?
A: Yes, but not for stock picking. Use these examples to reinforce the power of compounding and staying invested. Visuals showing long-term CAGR can support behaviorally sound planning conversations with clients.
What Was the Growth of $10,000 Over the Last 25 Years?
If you invested $10,000 25 years ago into any of the ten best-performing stocks over the last 25 years, your balance today would be in the millions of dollars.
The best-performing stock in the last 25 years was Monster Beverage (MNST). A $10,000 investment into Monster Beverage 25 years ago would be worth $11.92 million today. Right behind it is NVIDIA (NVDA); $10,000 invested into NVIDIA back in 2000 would’ve turned into $7.822 million today, or $8.530 million after dividend reinvestment. Apple (AAPL) would have grown to $7.741 million ($9.209 million with dividends reinvested).
| Ticker | Name | 25Y Price Growth | 25Y Total Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| MNST | Monster Beverage Corp. | $11.92 million | $11.92 million |
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp. | $7.822 million | $8.530 million |
| AAPL | Apple, Inc. | $7.741 million | $9.209 million |
| TSCO | Tractor Supply Co. | $4.778 million | $5.802 million |
| TPL | Texas Pacific Land Corp. | $4.000 million | $5.087 million |
| ODFL | Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. | $3.367 million | $3.496 million |
| FIX | Comfort Systems USA, Inc. | $3.284 million | $4.096 million |
| DECK | Deckers Outdoor Corp. | $2.934 million | $2.934 million |
| TYL | Tyler Technologies, Inc. | $1.952 million | $1.952 million |
| CLH | Clean Harbors, Inc. | $1.769 million | $1.769 million |
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How Would Making Regular Contributions Affect Overall Returns?
Using NVIDIA (NVDA), one of the world’s most valuable companies and second-best performer over the last 25 years–as an example, contributing $100 each month since November 2000 would’ve equaled a net total contribution of $30,000, with a total return of $15 million.
If the monthly contribution was $250 each month ($75,000 total), the net balance after those 25 years would be nearly $37.5 million today.
Though total returns achieved via monthly contributions over the 25 year time horizon wouldn’t have been as large as an upfront lump-sum investment, tools like Scenarios illustrate the importance of “staying the course” as an equity investment strategy to clients.
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Though total returns achieved via monthly contributions over the 25 year time horizon wouldn’t have been as large as an upfront lump-sum investment, tools like Scenarios illustrate the importance of “staying the course” as an equity investment strategy to clients.
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