Looking to get a handle on which stocks were the big winners in 2025? It was a wild year for the market, with some surprising ups and downs. We saw tariffs cause a stir, and then talk of an AI bubble started to make people nervous. But even with all that, the S&P 500 still managed to climb. So, what companies really stood out? We’ve put together a list of the best performing stocks 2025, based on how they did over the past year. This should give you a good idea of which companies showed serious strength.
Key Takeaways
- Western Digital Corp. led the pack with an impressive 484.82% gain over the year.
- Seagate Technology Holdings Plc also saw significant growth, up 340.10%.
- Micron Technology Inc. wasn’t far behind, finishing the year with a 308.99% increase.
- Comfort Systems USA, Inc. showed strong performance, rising 182.14%.
- Lam Research Corp. rounded out the top performers with a 179.40% return.
1. Western Digital Corp
Alright, let’s talk about Western Digital Corp. This company has been on a serious run, and it’s definitely worth a closer look for anyone keeping an eye on the storage market. Their stock has seen a pretty wild surge, climbing by over 480% in the past year. That’s not something you see every day, and it tells you something is going right over there.
What’s driving this? Well, a big part of it is the ever-growing need for data storage. Think about everything these days – from your phone photos to massive data centers powering AI. Western Digital is right in the middle of that demand. They’ve been putting out solid numbers, consistently beating what folks expected, and their outlook for the next couple of years looks pretty good too. It seems like the market is really responding to their performance and their plans for the future.
Here’s a quick look at how they’ve been doing:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Stock Performance (1 Year) | +484.82% |
| Stock Performance (YTD) | +63.35% |
| Key Driver | AI Demand |
It’s not just about the numbers, though. The company is really leaning into the opportunities presented by new technologies, especially artificial intelligence. As AI models get bigger and require more data to train and run, the need for high-capacity, fast storage solutions becomes even more important. Western Digital seems to be positioning itself well to capitalize on this trend. If you’re interested in the tech sector, especially companies that handle data, Western Digital is a name that’s hard to ignore right now. You can find more details on their recent performance and future guidance on their investor relations pages.
2. Seagate Technology Holdings Plc
Seagate Technology Holdings Plc, a big name in data storage solutions, really made waves in 2025. It’s kind of wild to think about how much data we all create these days, and companies like Seagate are right there, building the hardware to keep it all. They saw some pretty impressive growth over the past year.
Here’s a quick look at their performance:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| One-Year Return | 340.10% |
| Year-to-Date | 53.66% |
It wasn’t just a fluke, either. Their business is all about making sure people and businesses can store their digital lives, from photos and videos to all sorts of important company information. With the world generating more data than ever, it makes sense that a company providing the physical storage for it would do well. They’ve been around for a while, so they know the storage game pretty well. It seems like they’ve managed to keep up with the demand and the changing tech landscape, which is no small feat in this industry.
3. Micron Technology Inc
Micron Technology Inc. (MU) has had quite a year, really. We’re talking about a stock that’s seen a massive jump, something like a 314.8% gain over the past year. That’s a pretty big deal, especially when you look at how the rest of the market was doing. It makes you wonder if it’s still a good time to jump in, right?
When you look at the numbers from early 2026, Micron was sitting pretty with a 308.99% gain over the previous year and a 32.27% year-to-date performance. That kind of momentum is hard to ignore. They’re a big player in memory and storage solutions, which are pretty important for everything from your phone to massive data centers. As technology keeps pushing forward, the demand for better and faster memory is pretty much a given.
Here’s a quick look at how Micron stacked up against some other big names in the S&P 500 based on one-year returns as of February 10, 2026:
| Ticker | Company | Performance (Year) | Performance (YTD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| WDC | Western Digital Corp | 484.82% | 63.35% |
| STX | Seagate Technology Holdings | 340.10% | 53.66% |
| MU | Micron Technology Inc | 308.99% | 32.27% |
| FIX | Comfort Systems USA, Inc | 182.14% | 39.08% |
| LRCX | Lam Research Corp | 179.40% | 34.38% |
Of course, past performance isn’t a crystal ball for the future. Figuring out if a stock is a good buy involves looking at a lot more than just recent gains. You’ve got to consider things like the company’s financial health, what the overall economy is doing, and even how their specific products are selling. It’s a whole process, and honestly, even the experts don’t get it right all the time. If all this stock-picking sounds like too much, many people just go with index funds or ETFs. They’re a way to spread your money across a bunch of different stocks without having to research each one individually. You can find out more about how to research stocks if you’re curious about digging deeper.
4. Comfort Systems USA, Inc
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX) has been a solid performer, showing impressive growth throughout 2025. This company focuses on providing building services, which includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Think about all the new construction and renovations happening – that’s their bread and butter.
Their financial reports show a healthy business. As of September 30, 2025, they generated a significant $717.8 million in operating cash flow, which was a nice jump up from the previous year. Plus, they had a good chunk of cash on hand, with $860.5 million in cash and equivalents. This kind of financial stability is always good to see in a company.
Here’s a quick look at their performance metrics:
- Yearly Performance (2025): Up 182.14%
- Year-to-Date Performance (early 2026): Up 39.08%
What makes Comfort Systems stand out?
- Diversified Services: They offer a wide range of services, from HVAC installation to fire protection, making them a one-stop shop for many building needs.
- Strong Market Position: They’ve managed to secure a good spot in the market, especially with the ongoing demand for infrastructure and commercial building upgrades.
- Focus on Efficiency: The company seems to be good at managing its operations, which helps translate into those strong cash flow numbers we saw.
While past performance isn’t a crystal ball for the future, Comfort Systems USA, Inc. has certainly given investors something to cheer about in 2025. It’s a company that benefits from broader economic activity and infrastructure spending, making it an interesting player to watch in the building services sector. If you’re looking into companies that are tied to physical infrastructure development, Comfort Systems USA is definitely worth a closer look.
5. Lam Research Corp
Lam Research Corp (LRCX) had a pretty solid year in 2025, ending up with a 179.40% gain. That’s a big jump, and it shows the company is doing something right in the semiconductor equipment space.
This company makes the gear that chip manufacturers use to build their products. Think of them as the folks who supply the tools for making the brains of our computers and phones. When demand for new tech is high, companies like Lam Research tend to do well because chipmakers need their specialized machinery.
Here’s a quick look at how they performed:
- Yearly Performance (2025): +179.40%
- Year-to-Date Performance (early 2026): +34.38%
It’s interesting to see that momentum carrying into the new year. Of course, past performance isn’t a crystal ball for the future, but it’s a good sign that investors were feeling positive about Lam Research’s prospects throughout 2025 and into the start of 2026. The semiconductor industry can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but LRCX seems to have found its stride.
6. Teradyne, Inc
Teradyne, Inc. (TER) had a pretty solid year in 2025, showing up on our list of top performers. This company is mainly known for making testing equipment for semiconductors and other electronics. Think of them as the folks who make sure all those tiny computer chips work correctly before they get put into your phone or car.
Their strong performance in 2025, with a one-year return of 175.46%, really put them on the map. This kind of growth suggests that the demand for their specialized testing gear is high, likely driven by the ongoing boom in chip manufacturing and the increasing complexity of electronic devices.
Here’s a quick look at how they stacked up:
- Yearly Performance (2025): +175.46%
- Year-to-Date Performance (as of Feb 10, 2026): +25.09%
What does this mean for investors? Well, Teradyne’s success points to a healthy semiconductor industry. As more advanced chips are developed, the need for sophisticated testing solutions only grows. This could mean continued opportunities for Teradyne, especially as companies push the boundaries of technology. It’s not just about making chips anymore; it’s about making sure they work perfectly, and Teradyne seems to be a key player in that process.
7. Warner Bros. Discovery Inc
Alright, let’s talk about Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (WBD). This company has been through a lot, merging and restructuring, which can make its stock performance a bit of a rollercoaster. But looking at 2025, things have certainly picked up. The company saw a significant jump in its stock value over the past year.
It’s been an interesting ride for WBD. They’ve been working on integrating their vast library of content and figuring out the best way to present it to audiences, whether that’s through streaming or traditional channels. This period of adjustment has definitely been watched closely by investors.
Here’s a quick look at how WBD performed in 2025, based on available data:
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| One-Year Return | 167.32% |
| Year-to-Date | -5.76% |
While the one-year return looks pretty strong, the year-to-date figure shows there’s still some ground to cover in 2026. It highlights the volatility that can come with media companies navigating the changing landscape of entertainment consumption. Investors are keeping an eye on how they manage their streaming services and how their film and TV production slate performs. It’s a complex business, for sure, and understanding the Warner Bros. Discovery’s stock movements requires looking at more than just the headline numbers. They’re really trying to find their footing in a very competitive market.
8. Newmont Corp
Newmont Corp (NEM) had a pretty solid year in 2025, showing up on our list with a 166.26% gain over the past year. It also managed a respectable 19.57% year-to-date return as of February 10, 2026. This gold mining giant seems to have benefited from market conditions, though it’s always a bit of a gamble trying to predict what happens next in the commodities world.
When you look at companies like Newmont, it’s worth remembering that the mining sector can be pretty cyclical. Things like the price of gold, global demand, and even political stability in the regions where they operate can really move the needle. So, while the past performance is impressive, it’s not a crystal ball for what’s coming.
Here’s a quick look at how NEM stacked up:
- Yearly Performance (2025): +166.26%
- Year-to-Date Performance (as of Feb 10, 2026): +19.57%
For investors considering NEM, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on broader economic trends and gold prices. It’s not quite the same as picking a tech stock, you know? Different ballgame entirely.
9. Intel Corp
Alright, let’s talk about Intel. This company has been around for ages, and while it’s had its ups and downs, it’s still a major player in the semiconductor world. In 2025, Intel saw some pretty solid performance, finishing the year with a 163.51% gain. That’s a significant jump, especially considering the market’s general mood swings throughout the year.
Intel’s comeback story in 2025 was largely driven by its efforts in advanced chip manufacturing and its renewed focus on data center solutions. They’ve been pouring resources into their foundries, trying to catch up and even surpass competitors in chip production technology. It’s a tough race, but they seem to be making headway.
Here’s a quick look at how Intel stacked up in terms of performance:
- Yearly Performance (2025): +163.51%
- Year-to-Date Performance (as of Feb 10, 2026): +36.40%
Of course, past performance isn’t a crystal ball for the future. Intel’s revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $13.7 billion, a slight dip year-over-year. For the full year, revenue held steady at $52.9 billion. This shows that while the stock price was climbing, the actual business revenue faced some headwinds. It’s a complex picture, and investors are watching closely to see if their manufacturing investments pay off in the long run. If you’re thinking about investing, it’s always a good idea to look at the broader semiconductor industry trends and Intel’s specific strategies for staying competitive.
10. Corning, Inc
Corning, Inc. (GLW) had a pretty solid year in 2025, finishing up with a 150.14% gain. That’s a good chunk of change, and it even carried some of that momentum into the new year, showing a 51.32% increase year-to-date as of February 10, 2026.
Corning is one of those companies that’s been around for a while, and they’re involved in a bunch of different areas. You might know them for their Gorilla Glass, which is used in a lot of smartphones and tablets. But they do more than just that. They’re also big in optical communications, making fiber optics and other gear for the internet infrastructure. Plus, they have divisions focused on specialty materials, life sciences, and even automotive glass.
What’s interesting about Corning is how they manage to stay relevant across so many different industries. It seems like they’re always finding new ways to apply their material science know-how. For instance, their work in fiber optics is pretty important given how much we rely on fast internet these days. And with the ongoing demand for electronics, their display technologies and specialty materials keep them in the game.
Here’s a quick look at their performance:
| Company | Ticker | Performance (2025) | Performance (YTD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corning, Inc | GLW | 150.14% | 51.32% |
It’s not just about the numbers, though. Corning’s strategy seems to be about innovation and diversification. They invest a lot in research and development, which helps them create new products and improve existing ones. This approach has helped them weather different economic conditions and stay competitive. While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, Corning’s broad reach and focus on innovation make it a company worth keeping an eye on.
Wrapping It Up
So, looking back at 2025, it was definitely a year with some ups and downs for the stock market. We saw big swings, especially with those tariff talks and then the whole AI thing. But even with all that, the S&P 500 still managed to grow, and some companies really stood out. Remember, though, just because a stock did well last year doesn’t mean it’s a sure bet for the future. Picking stocks is tricky business, and what works for one person might not be right for you. It really comes down to your own goals and how much risk you’re comfortable with. Maybe you want to chase those big gains, or perhaps you prefer a steadier approach with index funds. Whatever you decide, doing your homework is key. Good luck out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What made the stock market jumpy in 2025?
The stock market had some ups and downs in 2025. A big reason for this was a new tariff plan from President Trump that caused stocks to drop for a bit. Later, people started worrying that tech stocks were getting too expensive, which also made things a little shaky. But overall, the market ended up growing by 16%.
What is a ‘best performing stock’?
A ‘best performing stock’ is a company’s stock that has grown the most in value over a certain period, like the past year. It means investors who owned that stock made a lot of money because its price went up a lot.
Are the best performing stocks guaranteed to keep doing well?
Not at all! Even though these stocks did great last year, there’s no promise they’ll keep growing. The stock market can be unpredictable, and what’s best today might not be best tomorrow. Experts find it hard to guess the future, even for the top stocks.
Why is Western Digital Corp mentioned as the top performer?
Western Digital Corp. (WDC) was the top performer because its stock price increased by a massive 484.82% over the past year. This means it grew much more than other stocks in the S&P 500 index.
What’s the difference between Year-over-Year (Year) and Year-to-Date (YTD) performance?
Year-over-Year performance shows how much a stock’s price has changed in the last 12 months. Year-to-Date performance shows how much it has changed since the beginning of the current year. They give you different views of a stock’s recent success.
What are index funds, and why might they be a good choice?
Index funds are like a basket holding many different stocks, often following a big market list like the S&P 500. They’re a simpler way to invest because you don’t have to pick individual stocks. They spread out your risk, meaning if one stock does poorly, others might do well, making them less risky than picking just a few stocks.
