1. Nvidia (NVDA)
Over the last ten years, Nvidia has skyrocketed to legendary status among top-tier stocks, generously rewarding its investors. Initially gaining fame through its graphics processing units designed for gaming, the company’s fortunes soared dramatically by late 2022, propelled by the explosive surge in artificial intelligence technologies. In the fiscal year 2024 alone, Nvidia’s revenue catapulted from $27.0 billion in 2023 to an impressive $60.9 billion.
10-year annualized return: 70.1 percent
Market cap: $2.7 trillion
2. Sterling Infrastructure (STRL)
Specializing in construction and infrastructure within the United States, Sterling Infrastructure has built a reputation by focusing on transportation and e-infrastructure sectors. The company thrives in fast-expanding niches, including data center construction, highway development, and civil engineering projects tightly linked to the expanding digital economy.
10-year annualized return: 46.9 percent
Market cap: $4.4 billion
3. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
Offering a broad spectrum of semiconductor solutions, AMD services data centers, supercomputers, and various high-tech arenas. The company rides the wave of burgeoning AI and machine-learning advancements, generating $25.8 billion in revenue for the year 2024 alone.
10-year annualized return: 42.2 percent
Market cap: $155.7 billion
Mid-Decade Statistical Snapshot
According to recent data, the tech sector has dominated the stock market, with semiconductor stocks like Nvidia and AMD often surpassing 40% annualized returns over the last decade. Market capitalization across these top performers stretches from a few billion to multiple trillions, highlighting the vast scale differences among these industry giants and emerging contenders alike.
4. Gravity (GRVY)
Primarily known for its MMORPG title Ragnarok Online, Gravity captivates gamers in Japan and Taiwan, producing a suite of online and mobile games supplemented by branded merchandise. Although it flies under the radar in the American market, Gravity holds its ground as a profitable niche contender across the global gaming landscape.
10-year annualized return: 40.2 percent
Market cap: $433.9 billion
5. Champion Homes (SKY)
As one of North America’s foremost manufacturers of mobile — or manufactured — homes, Champion Homes operates 48 production sites throughout the U.S. and Western Canada. The company also excels at crafting tiny homes, park-model RVs, and modular structures, boasting a robust $2.02 billion in revenue for 2024.
10-year annualized return: 39.8 percent
Market cap: $4.8 billion
6. Camtek (CAMT)
A modest-sized player from Israel, Camtek has been making significant inroads in the semiconductor realm with its precision metrology instruments. These tools are crucial for optimizing manufacturing processes and elevating output quality. Camtek’s revenues surged to $429.2 million in 2024—a striking 36 percent climb over the previous year.
10-year annualized return: 37.3 percent
Market cap: $2.8 billion
7. Casella Waste Systems (CWST)
Handling everything from waste collection to recycling and organics processing, Casella Waste Systems stands out in resource management services. The company enjoyed a 23 percent revenue increase in fiscal 2024, reaching $1.56 billion, a testament to its expanding footprint in sustainable waste solutions.
10-year annualized return: 37 percent
Market cap: $7.4 billion
8. Builders FirstSource (BLDR)
Supplying building materials, prefabricated components, and construction services, Builders FirstSource caters to pro homebuilders, subcontractors, remodelers, and end consumers alike. With over 60 strategic acquisitions since 1998, the firm achieved an impressive $16.4 billion in revenue in 2024.
10-year annualized return: 36.3 percent
Market cap: $13.6 billion
9. Axon Enterprise (AXON)
Once known as Taser International, Axon Enterprise has carved out a niche supplying law enforcement equipment — from TASER devices to body cams, in-vehicle video recording systems, and cloud-hosted digital evidence handling. Widely adopted by U.S. law enforcement agencies, Axon posted $2.1 billion in revenue in 2024, marking a solid 33 percent growth year-over-year.
10-year annualized return: 35.2 percent
Market cap: $45.1 billion
10. IES Holdings (IESC)
Operating as a holding company, IES Holdings offers industrial infrastructure expertise across the United States. Its subsidiaries deliver comprehensive electrical and mechanical contracting services that cater to data centers, residential projects, plus commercial and industrial facilities.
10-year annualized return: 35.1 percent
Market cap: $3.8 billion
Broader Perspective on Market Outperformance
While diversifying investments via vehicles like an S&P 500 index fund remains a sensible plan, select stocks have dramatically outpaced the general market during the past decade. Firms such as Nvidia, AMD, and Camtek owe much of their impressive ascent to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. As with all investing, returns vary and previous performance never guarantees future gains.
Investor Advisory
All market participants are encouraged to perform thorough, independent diligence before committing capital. Historical success should not be misconstrued as assurance of forthcoming profitability.
