Top 10 Best Performing Stocks of 2025: The Market Rebels You Can’t Ignore

• What Were the Best Performing Stocks of 2025?
• 1. Moderna Inc. (MRNA): The Biotech Powerhouse
• 2. Devon Energy Corporation (DVN): Riding the Energy Wave
• 3. NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): The AI Chip King
• 4. Bath & Body Works Inc. (BBWI): The Retail Phoenix
• 5. Ford Motor Co (F): The EV Dark Horse
• 6. Marathon Oil Corp (MRO): The Energy Comeback Kid
• 7. Diamondback Energy Inc. (FANG): The Permian Basin Star
• 8. Nucor Corporation (NUE): The Steel Giant
• 9. Fortinet Inc. (FTNT): The Cybersecurity Sentinel
• 10. Gartner Inc. (IT): The Research Titan
• How to Invest in These Top Performers
• Key Takeaways From 2025's Market Stars
• Frequently Asked Questions

The stock market in 2025 has been a rollercoaster of surprises, with certain stocks defying expectations and delivering exceptional returns. After the turbulence of 2024, the market rebounded strongly, creating new opportunities for investors. This article dives DEEP into the 10 best-performing stocks of 2025, analyzing their growth trajectories, fundamental strengths, and what made them stand out in a bullish market. From biotech giants to energy powerhouses, these companies have rewritten the rules of investing this year.

What Were the Best Performing Stocks of 2025?

The year 2025 witnessed an impressive market recovery following the pandemic-induced downturn of 2024. As the global economy stabilized, certain sectors experienced explosive growth, propelling their stocks to remarkable heights. The S&P 500 Index, a benchmark for the US stock market, demonstrated this recovery with consistent upward movement throughout the year.

According to TradingView data, the index maintained an upward trajectory with higher highs and higher lows, reflecting growing investor confidence. This bullish run created the perfect environment for our top 10 stocks to shine, with some delivering returns exceeding 170% year-to-date.

1. Moderna Inc. (MRNA): The Biotech Powerhouse

Moderna led the charge in 2025 with an astonishing 174.5% growth. The biotechnology company continued to capitalize on its mRNA technology platform, expanding beyond COVID-19 vaccines into new therapeutic areas. Their Q3 2025 financials showed a net income of $3.3 billion, with profit margins reaching 59.68% - numbers that WOULD make any investor take notice.

What's particularly impressive is Moderna's transformation from a research-focused biotech to a profitable commercial enterprise. Institutional investors have taken note, with heavyweights like Baillie Gifford and Vanguard holding significant stakes. The company's 450.45 million outstanding shares give it a market cap of $122.24 billion, making it one of the most valuable biotech firms globally.

2. Devon Energy Corporation (DVN): Riding the Energy Wave

Devon Energy captured the energy sector's resurgence with a 159% return in 2025. As oil prices fluctuated between $51.09 and $86.4 during the year (per TradingView data), Devon's strategic positioning allowed it to capitalize on these movements. The company's Q3 net income reached $838 million, a significant improvement from previous quarters.

With 677 million outstanding shares and a market cap of $28.278 billion, Devon represents a compelling case in the energy sector. However, investors should note that 90.11% of shares are institutionally held, indicating strong professional confidence but potentially less retail investor influence on price movements.

3. NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): The AI Chip King

NVIDIA's 134.1% growth in 2025 cemented its position as the undisputed leader in GPU technology. The company benefited from multiple tailwinds - the AI revolution, continued gaming demand, and data center expansion. Their Q3 financials showed $2.46 billion in net income with profit margins at 33.81%.

What makes Nvidia particularly interesting is its 2.49 billion outstanding shares creating a massive $764.87 billion market cap. While this might suggest limited upside, the company continues to innovate, recently gaining market share from AMD in the competitive GPU space.

4. Bath & Body Works Inc. (BBWI): The Retail Phoenix

BBWI's 131.7% surge in 2025 surprised many analysts, proving the resilience of specialty retail. The company's US-centric supply chain (over 90% domestic) insulated it from global logistics challenges. While fundamental indicators showed some inconsistency (net income fell from $860 million to $88 million), the market clearly believed in BBWI's long-term potential.

With 257.72 million shares outstanding and a $19.29 billion market cap, BBWI attracted significant institutional interest (92.74% institutional ownership). The company's ability to maintain growth despite pandemic-related uncertainties makes it a fascinating case study in retail adaptability.

5. Ford Motor Co (F): The EV Dark Horse

Ford's 124.6% growth in 2025 turned heads in the automotive sector. The company's aggressive push into electric vehicles paid off handsomely, with Q3 net income reaching $1.83 billion. While profit margins remained modest at 2.13%, the trajectory was clearly positive.

Ford's 3.93 billion shares create a $76.69 billion market cap, with institutional investors holding 53.96%. As the EV market continues expanding (projected to reach $802.81 billion by 2027), Ford's ability to maintain momentum will be crucial for investors.

6. Marathon Oil Corp (MRO): The Energy Comeback Kid

Marathon Oil's 123.9% return in 2025 showcased the energy sector's dramatic recovery. From a Q4 2024 net loss of $338 million, the company swung to a Q3 2025 profit of $184 million. While profit margins remained slightly negative (-0.87%), the improvement trajectory was undeniable.

With 778.54 million shares outstanding and a $11.904 billion market cap, MRO represents a more speculative play in energy. The 75.36% institutional ownership suggests professional investors see potential, but the long-term viability depends on oil price stability.

7. Diamondback Energy Inc. (FANG): The Permian Basin Star

Diamondback's 116.6% growth in 2025 highlighted the Permian Basin's continued importance in US energy production. The company's dramatic turnaround - from a $739 million Q4 2024 loss to $649 million Q3 2025 profit - demonstrates the oil market's volatility and potential.

FANG's 181.8 million shares create a $19.20 billion market cap, with an astonishing 88.92% institutional ownership. This heavy institutional presence (including Vanguard and Blackrock) suggests strong confidence in Diamondback's Permian Basin assets.

8. Nucor Corporation (NUE): The Steel Giant

Nucor's 110.4% return in 2025 reflected both steel price increases and the company's operational excellence. From $397 million Q4 2024 net income to $2.1 billion in Q3 2025, Nucor's growth was nothing short of spectacular. Their 15.78% profit margin and 39.81% ROE demonstrate remarkable efficiency.

With 285.8 million shares and a $30.37 billion market cap, Nucor is well-positioned to benefit from infrastructure spending. The company's expansion moves, including a $100 million melt shop investment, suggest management confidence in continued demand.

9. Fortinet Inc. (FTNT): The Cybersecurity Sentinel

Fortinet's 108% growth in 2025 underscored the critical importance of cybersecurity in our digital age. While net income grew from $107 million to $163 million, some metrics like ROE declined slightly (63.48% to 55.18%) due to increased equity and operating expenses.

FTNT's 163.5 million shares create a $51.19 billion market cap, with 70.66% institutional ownership. As the cybersecurity market expands (projected $352.25 billion by 2026), Fortinet's innovative solutions like FortiGate position it well for continued growth.

10. Gartner Inc. (IT): The Research Titan

Gartner rounded out our top 10 with a 95.7% return in 2025. The company's unique position in research and consulting allowed it to grow net income from $120 million to $149 million, with profit margins reaching 15.50%.

With 82.24 million shares and a $25.44 billion market cap, Gartner boasts 94.06% institutional ownership - an exceptionally high figure that speaks to professional investor confidence. As the consulting industry grows (projected $1.2 trillion by 2025), Gartner's specialized knowledge gives it a competitive edge.

How to Invest in These Top Performers

While these stocks have delivered impressive returns, investors should approach them with careful consideration. The BTCC trading platform offers access to these and other international stocks with zero commission fees and no minimum investment requirements. Their fractional share feature allows investors to participate in high-priced stocks without needing full share amounts.

Remember, past performance doesn't guarantee future results. These stocks' exceptional 2025 returns came from specific market conditions that may not persist. Always conduct thorough research or consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions.

Key Takeaways From 2025's Market Stars

The top performers of 2025 shared several characteristics: strong sector tailwinds, operational excellence, and often heavy institutional ownership. From Moderna's biotech dominance to Nucor's steel prowess, these companies demonstrated how to thrive in a post-pandemic market.

As we look ahead, investors should watch how these companies adapt to new challenges. Will Moderna expand beyond vaccines? Can Ford maintain its EV momentum? The answers to these questions will determine whether these 2025 stars can continue their impressive runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made Moderna the top performing stock in 2025?

Moderna's 174.5% growth in 2025 was driven by continued COVID-19 vaccine demand and expansion into new therapeutic areas using its mRNA technology platform. The company achieved remarkable profitability with Q3 net income reaching $3.3 billion.

Why did energy stocks perform so well in 2025?

Energy stocks like Devon Energy and Marathon Oil benefited from fluctuating oil prices and increased post-pandemic demand. OPEC production decisions and the global economic recovery created favorable conditions for energy companies.

How sustainable is NVIDIA's growth?

NVIDIA's growth appears sustainable due to multiple demand drivers: AI development, gaming, data centers, and autonomous vehicles. However, competition from AMD and potential semiconductor market fluctuations could impact future performance.

What risks do these top performers face?

Each company faces sector-specific risks: biotech regulatory hurdles for Moderna, oil price volatility for energy companies, and technological disruption for all. Market conditions that drove 2025's growth may not persist indefinitely.

Should I invest in these stocks now?

Investment decisions should be based on individual financial goals and risk tolerance. While these stocks performed exceptionally in 2025, future performance depends on numerous unpredictable factors. Consider consulting a financial advisor before investing.