10 Best Performing Stocks of the Past Decade
Investing in the stock market is a powerful strategy for growing your wealth over time. As companies increase their earnings, shareholders can benefit from rising stock prices and dividend payouts.
While holding a diversified portfolio, like an S&P 500 index fund, is a solid investment approach, some individual stocks have significantly outperformed market indexes.
Here’s a look at the top-performing stocks from the past decade.
1. Nvidia (NVDA)
Nvidia has been one of the standout performers in the stock market, delivering exceptional returns to its shareholders over the past decade. Initially known for its video game graphics chips, Nvidia’s success soared in late 2022 with the surge in artificial intelligence. The company’s revenue surged to $60.9 billion in fiscal year 2024, up from $27.0 billion in 2023.
- 10-year annualized return: 74.4%
- Market cap: $2.93 trillion
2. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
AMD, a leading semiconductor company, produces components for data centers, supercomputers, and more. It has also benefited from the growing demand for AI and machine learning technologies. In 2023, AMD achieved $22.7 billion in revenue.
- 10-year annualized return: 44.1%
- Market cap: $246.4 billion
3. Champion Homes (SKY)
Champion Homes, a major North American manufacturer of mobile homes and modular buildings, operates 48 facilities across the U.S. and Western Canada. The company also builds tiny homes and park-model RVs. It reported $2.6 billion in annual revenue for 2023, marking an 18.1% increase from the previous year.
- 10-year annualized return: 42.8%
- Market cap: $5.5 billion
4. Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO)
Fair Isaac, best known for its FICO credit scoring system, provides applied analytics and credit risk assessment tools used by financial institutions and retailers. The company generated $1.5 billion in revenue during its 2023 fiscal year.
- 10-year annualized return: 41%
- Market cap: $46.1 billion
5. Builders FirstSource (BLDR)
Builders FirstSource is a major manufacturer and supplier of building materials, components, and construction services for homebuilders, subcontractors, remodelers, and consumers. Since 1998, the company has completed over 60 acquisitions and achieved $17.1 billion in revenue for 2023.
- 10-year annualized return: 39.7%
- Market cap: $21.9 billion
6. Casella Waste Systems (CWST)
Casella Waste Systems offers comprehensive resource management services, including waste collection, disposal, recycling, and organics processing. The company saw revenue of $1.3 billion in 2023, reflecting a 16.5% increase from the previous year.
- 10-year annualized return: 38.5%
- Market cap: $6.3 billion
7. Comfort Systems USA (FIX)
Comfort Systems USA is a leading provider of HVAC services, focusing on installation, maintenance, and repair for commercial and industrial facilities such as manufacturing plants, office buildings, and government structures. The company reported $5.2 billion in revenue for 2023, a 25.8% increase from the prior year.
- 10-year annualized return: 38%
- Market cap: $12.4 billion
8. Broadcom (AVGO)
Broadcom designs and supplies semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions. The company made headlines with its $86.3 billion acquisition of VMware in November 2023. Broadcom generated $35.8 billion in revenue for the 2023 calendar year.
- 10-year annualized return: 37.8%
- Market cap: $781.9 billion
9. Camtek (CAMT)
Camtek, a smaller Israeli company, has made a significant impact in the semiconductor industry with its metrology equipment, crucial for maintaining quality control. Their technology has enhanced semiconductor manufacturing processes and improved profitability. Camtek reported $315 million in annual revenue for 2023.
- 10-year annualized return: 36.3%
- Market cap: $3.7 billion
10. Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR)
Monolithic Power Systems offers advanced semiconductor-based power solutions and is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, with additional offices in Asia and Europe. The company achieved $1.8 billion in revenue in 2023.
- 10-year annualized return: 36.1%
- Market cap: $44.5 billion
In Conclusion
While a diversified portfolio like an S&P 500 index fund is a reliable investment strategy, certain stocks have significantly outperformed the market over the past decade. Companies such as Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and Camtek have experienced remarkable growth, driven in part by the rise of artificial intelligence. Regardless of the investment’s past performance, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and consider the associated risks.
