Investing in the stock market can feel like navigating through a maze. With thousands of tickers, endless news updates, and sudden market shifts, finding consistent winners isn’t easy. That’s why identifying the best performing stocks of the last five years isn’t just about celebrating past glory—it’s about learning what works, what doesn’t, and where smart money might flow next.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top market performers since 2020, uncover the reasons behind their explosive growth, and discuss what we can learn from these standout companies. For more detailed stock analysis, visit our insights at TradeXee.
Why Focus on the Best Performing Stocks?
Before diving into the tickers and charts, let’s understand why this matters. The best performing stocks often:
- Indicate future market trends
- Belong to high-growth sectors
- Reflect strong fundamentals and leadership
And if you’re a long-term investor, knowing which companies have weathered crises and still delivered can offer insight for future picks.
What Defines a Top Performing Stock?
A best performing stock isn’t just one that had a good run. It’s one that has shown:
- Strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
- Positive earnings per share (EPS) growth
- Market capitalization growth
- Increasing institutional interest
- Sector-leading innovation or dominance
Now let’s look at the list that turned heads and built fortunes.
The Top 10 Best Performing Stocks Since 2020
1. NVIDIA (NVDA)
- 5-Year Return: Over 1,000%
- Sector: Technology (Semiconductors)
NVIDIA has been the poster child of the AI revolution. With the surge in demand for graphics processing units (GPUs), particularly in AI and gaming, NVDA became a must-own stock. In 2023 alone, the stock more than doubled.
Real-world example: Hedge funds and institutional investors massively increased their stake after ChatGPT’s launch triggered an AI investment boom.
Learn more from CNBC on NVIDIA’s AI surge
2. Tesla (TSLA)
- 5-Year Return: Approx. 900%
- Sector: Automotive / Clean Energy
Despite volatility, Tesla’s domination in electric vehicles (EVs), battery tech, and energy storage has kept it at the top. Its forward-thinking CEO Elon Musk continues to drive innovation and investor interest.
Key insight: Even during market corrections, retail and institutional investors held on, proving long-term conviction.
Check Tesla’s long-term performance on MarketWatch
3. Apple (AAPL)
- 5-Year Return: Approx. 400%
- Sector: Technology (Consumer Electronics)
Apple may not post wild numbers like new tech players, but its consistent revenue growth, strong ecosystem, and massive buyback programs have made it a steady climber.
Expert note: Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway continues to hold AAPL as its largest single stock position.
See Apple’s fundamentals on Yahoo Finance
4. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
- 5-Year Return: Over 650%
- Sector: Semiconductors
AMD’s rise has been nothing short of legendary. Once in Intel’s shadow, AMD has become a leader in CPUs and GPUs, stealing significant market share and delivering innovation in both consumer and enterprise markets.
Fun fact: AMD stock was once under $10 a share in 2016. Now? A favorite among institutional investors.
5. Microsoft (MSFT)
- 5-Year Return: Approx. 250%
- Sector: Technology (Software & Cloud)
Microsoft’s move into cloud computing with Azure and its strategic AI investments (e.g., OpenAI partnership) have boosted growth. It remains one of the most reliable best performing stocks in the tech world.
Stat check: Azure is now second only to AWS in global cloud dominance.
Read more from Microsoft’s investor relations
6. Shopify (SHOP)
- 5-Year Return: Over 350%
- Sector: E-commerce / SaaS
The pandemic gave Shopify a boost, and while the e-commerce frenzy cooled down post-COVID, its long-term prospects remain solid. Its ability to empower small businesses has created an entire ecosystem.
7. Broadcom (AVGO)
- 5-Year Return: Approx. 300%
- Sector: Semiconductors / Infrastructure Software
As a key supplier in connectivity, storage, and enterprise software, Broadcom has quietly delivered impressive returns. The company’s dividend growth and shareholder-friendly policies also attract long-term investors.
8. ASML Holding (ASML)
- 5-Year Return: Approx. 400%
- Sector: Semiconductor Equipment
This Netherlands-based company makes the machines that produce the most advanced microchips in the world. With global reliance on semiconductors, ASML’s tech became indispensable.
Did you know? ASML has a near-monopoly on extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) machines.
9. Enphase Energy (ENPH)
- 5-Year Return: Over 600%
- Sector: Renewable Energy
Clean energy saw explosive interest, and Enphase led the charge with its solar microinverter tech. The company capitalized on the growing global demand for residential solar solutions.
10. The Trade Desk (TTD)
- 5-Year Return: Approx. 500%
- Sector: Ad Tech
As digital advertising shifted away from third-party cookies, The Trade Desk’s platform gave advertisers better tools. Its transparent, real-time bidding model proved highly scalable.
What We Can Learn from These Winners
Innovation Wins Every Time
Almost every company on our best performing stocks list was an innovator in its field. From NVIDIA’s GPUs to Enphase’s solar tech, innovation drives exponential returns.
Sector Timing Matters
Many of these stocks surged because they were in the right sector at the right time—AI, cloud computing, clean energy, and e-commerce all benefited from global tailwinds.
Conviction Over Noise
Tesla, AMD, and others faced heavy criticism at various points. But long-term conviction—based on product quality and leadership—overcame short-term volatility.
Expert Insights: What Analysts Say About Best Performing Stocks
Cathie Wood (ARK Invest)
Wood’s early bets on Tesla and other disruptive tech made her a key voice in growth investing. While controversial, her emphasis on innovation aligns with most names on this list.
Morningstar & MarketWatch
Many of the best performing stocks were rated as “wide moat” businesses by analysts, meaning they have long-term competitive advantages that protect against rivals.
How to Spot the Next Best Performing Stock
Look for the Following:
- Disruptive product or tech
- Strong balance sheet
- Increasing institutional ownership
- Visionary leadership
- Expanding total addressable market (TAM)
Tools That Help
- Yahoo Finance & Google Finance: Basic analysis
- Finviz & Seeking Alpha: Screeners & charts
- EarningsWhispers & TipRanks: Insider insights
LSI Keywords to Keep in Mind
These semantically related terms improve your SEO juice:
- top performing stocks
- stock market winners 2020-2025
- high return equities
- growth stocks to watch
- long term investment stocks
Final Thoughts: Betting on the Right Horses
The best performing stocks of the past five years weren’t just lucky. They were built on visionary ideas, disciplined execution, and bold moves. If you’re looking to replicate that success in your portfolio, start by studying what made these companies tick.
Investing is never about chasing past performance—but it is about recognizing patterns and preparing for the future. Stay curious, stay informed, and remember: time in the market beats timing the market.
For more stock market insights and news, check out our latest updates at TradeXee.
FAQs on Best Performing Stocks
Are best performing stocks safe to buy now?
Not always. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns. Always evaluate current fundamentals.
Can I still invest in these stocks?
Yes, but understand their valuation levels and growth potential going forward.
What sectors are expected to lead the next 5 years?
AI, clean energy, cybersecurity, and biotech are gaining strong momentum.
Pro Tip: Set alerts on platforms like TradingView and Yahoo Finance to track stocks showing breakout potential. Many of today’s biggest winners were once ignored by the crowd.
