50 Best Performing S&P 500 Stocks in 2026: Top 50 YTD Gainers (As of November 6)

The U.S. stock market has delivered significant opportunities for investors in 2026, with several S&P 500 companies recording substantial gains since the beginning of the year. While some stocks have benefited from strong business performance and favorable industry conditions, others have experienced major changes in investor expectations and market valuations.

As of November 6, 2026, Moderna leads the ranking of the 50 best performing stocks in the list analyzed, with an extraordinary year-to-date (YTD) gain of 761.95%. Dell Technologies ranks second with a 160.99% return, followed by Micron Technology at 141.76%.

This ranking compares the 50 stocks based on their year-to-date performance and also includes their respective one-year returns. It provides investors with a snapshot of the strongest stock market performers in 2026 and highlights companies across industries such as biotechnology, semiconductors, energy, cybersecurity, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing.

Whether you are researching market leaders, comparing investment opportunities, or looking for stocks that have outperformed the broader market, this list offers a useful starting point for further analysis.

30-Second Summary: Best Performing S&P 500 Stocks in 2026

• Top-performing stock: Moderna ranks first with a 761.95% YTD gain as of November 6, 2026.
• Second place: Dell Technologies has gained 160.99% since the beginning of the year.
• Third place: Micron Technology has delivered a 141.76% YTD return.
• Strong industries: The ranking includes semiconductor companies, energy businesses, healthcare providers, and technology firms.
• YTD vs. 1-year performance: Both metrics help investors understand recent stock performance and longer-term price movements.
• Important consideration: A stock’s historical return does not guarantee future performance. Valuation, earnings, business fundamentals, and investment risks should also be considered.

50 Best Performing S&P 500 Stocks in 2026: Full Ranking

The following table ranks the 50 stocks according to their year-to-date percentage gains as of November 6, 2026. The one-year return column provides an additional perspective on how each stock has performed over a longer period.

The ranking and return figures below are based on the supplied market data. Returns are presented as provided and have not been independently recalculated.

Data as of November 6, 2026. YTD Change represents the percentage change since the beginning of 2026. 1-Year Change represents the percentage change over the preceding one-year period. Figures are based on the supplied dataset.

Top 10 Best Performing Stocks in 2026: A Closer Look

The top 10 stocks in the ranking have delivered particularly strong returns in 2026. Their businesses operate in different industries, ranging from biotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing to energy refining and cybersecurity.

Understanding what these companies do can help investors interpret the composition of the ranking and identify the different business models represented among the leading performers.

1. Moderna (MRNA): 761.95% YTD Return

Moderna is a biotechnology company known for developing messenger RNA (mRNA)-based medicines and vaccines. Its research platform has applications across infectious diseases, oncology, and other therapeutic areas.

With a 761.95% year-to-date gain and a 935.82% one-year return, Moderna is the standout performer in this ranking. Its exceptional stock performance makes it particularly important to examine the company’s pipeline, clinical trial developments, commercial outlook, financial position, and the sustainability of investor expectations.

Biotechnology stocks can experience substantial price movements when clinical data, regulatory decisions, or commercial developments change expectations. However, exceptionally high historical returns should not be interpreted as evidence that similar gains will continue.

2. Dell Technologies (DELL): 160.99% YTD Return

Dell Technologies provides personal computers, enterprise hardware, servers, storage solutions, and IT infrastructure products. Its business serves both individual consumers and corporate customers.

Dell’s position near the top of the ranking highlights the importance of examining demand for enterprise technology, infrastructure investment, server systems, and the changing needs of data centers.

Investors evaluating Dell should consider revenue growth, operating margins, product demand, cash flow, competitive pressures, and the company’s valuation.

3. Micron Technology (MU): 141.76% YTD Return

Micron Technology is a major semiconductor manufacturer specializing in memory and storage products, including DRAM and NAND technologies.

Memory chips are essential components in computers, smartphones, servers, and data-center infrastructure. Demand conditions, semiconductor supply cycles, pricing trends, and capital investment can significantly influence Micron’s financial results.

Its 141.76% YTD return and 190.01% one-year gain place it among the strongest performers in the ranking. Investors should pay attention to memory pricing, inventory levels, production capacity, and the company’s long-term competitive position.

4. Marathon Petroleum (MPC): 129.20% YTD Return

Marathon Petroleum operates in the energy sector, with a major focus on refining, marketing, and transportation of petroleum products.

Refining businesses can be affected by crude oil prices, refined-product demand, refinery utilization, operating costs, and refining margins. These factors may create significant differences in profitability across market cycles.

Its 129.20% YTD return makes Marathon Petroleum the highest-ranked energy refining company in this list.

5. Valero Energy (VLO): 112.82% YTD Return

Valero Energy is an international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels and petrochemical products. Its refining operations are influenced by energy demand, crude oil supply, refining margins, and operating efficiency.

Valero’s 112.82% YTD gain places it among the five best-performing stocks in the ranking. Investors should examine refining margins, utilization rates, capital expenditure, and the company’s exposure to changing energy-market conditions.

6. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): 109.68% YTD Return

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) designs high-performance processors, graphics processing units (GPUs), and other semiconductor products used in personal computers, gaming systems, and data centers.

The semiconductor industry has become increasingly important as businesses invest in computing infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and advanced processing technologies.

AMD’s 109.68% YTD return makes it one of the leading technology stocks in the ranking. Investors may want to monitor product competitiveness, data-center demand, market share, gross margins, and competition in the semiconductor industry.

7. Phillips 66 (PSX): 90.42% YTD Return

Phillips 66 is an integrated energy manufacturing and logistics company with operations spanning refining, midstream activities, chemicals, and marketing.

Its financial performance can be influenced by refining margins, transportation volumes, energy demand, and operational efficiency.

The company’s 90.42% YTD gain places it among the top seven performers in this ranking.

8. Hewlett Packard: 86.39% YTD Return

Hewlett Packard operates in the technology hardware market. The company’s broader business ecosystem is associated with computing products, enterprise technology, and related services.

Technology hardware companies are influenced by corporate IT spending, product replacement cycles, demand for computing equipment, and competitive pricing.

Its 86.39% YTD gain demonstrates the strong performance recorded by this stock in the supplied ranking.

9. CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD): 85.08% YTD Return

CrowdStrike Holdings is a cybersecurity company that provides cloud-delivered security solutions. Its Falcon platform is designed to help organizations detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.

Cybersecurity has become a strategic priority for businesses as digital infrastructure expands and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated.

CrowdStrike’s 85.08% YTD gain places it among the strongest-performing technology companies in the ranking. Investors should examine subscription revenue, customer retention, operating margins, competition, and valuation.

10. APA Corporation (APA): 82.46% YTD Return

APA Corporation is an independent energy company involved in oil and natural gas exploration and production.

Exploration and production businesses are particularly sensitive to commodity prices, production costs, reserves, capital expenditure, and operational performance.

APA’s 82.46% YTD return completes the top 10. Investors should consider the company’s production profile, balance sheet, reserve base, and sensitivity to changes in oil and natural gas prices.

Which Industries Are Represented Among the Best Performing Stocks?

One of the most interesting features of the 2026 ranking is the variety of industries represented among the leading stocks. Rather than being concentrated in a single business category, the list includes companies operating in several important segments of the U.S. economy.

Technology and Semiconductors

Technology companies have a significant presence in the ranking. Dell Technologies, Micron Technology, AMD, Hewlett Packard, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Seagate, Texas Instruments, NetApp, Western Digital, and Intel represent different segments of the technology ecosystem.

These businesses operate in areas such as computing infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, data storage, networking, and cybersecurity.

When analyzing technology stocks, investors should pay attention to innovation, research and development spending, competitive positioning, product demand, and valuation.

Energy and Oil Companies

Energy companies also feature prominently in the ranking. Marathon Petroleum, Valero Energy, Phillips 66, APA Corporation, ConocoPhillips, Targa Resources, EOG Resources, and Chevron represent different parts of the energy value chain.

However, not all energy companies have the same business model. Refiners, exploration and production companies, and midstream operators are exposed to different industry dynamics.

For example, refining companies are influenced by refining margins and product demand, while exploration and production businesses are more directly exposed to oil and natural gas prices.

Healthcare and Biotechnology

Healthcare and biotechnology companies represent another important group in the ranking. Moderna, Centene, Humana, Charles River Laboratories, DaVita, Revvity, Viatris, Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, Biogen, Amgen, Merck, and Becton Dickinson operate in different healthcare-related markets.

These companies have varying exposure to pharmaceutical research, medical products, healthcare services, diagnostics, insurance, and biotechnology.

Investors should consider regulatory developments, reimbursement policies, research pipelines, patent protection, clinical outcomes, and healthcare spending trends when analyzing this group.

Industrial, Consumer, and Financial Companies

The remaining companies provide exposure to a wide range of industries, including industrial manufacturing, retail, financial services, online marketplaces, travel, and consumer products.

Companies such as Nucor, Deere & Company, Stanley Black & Decker, W.W. Grainger, Target, Best Buy, Hasbro, Airbnb, eBay, and Franklin Resources demonstrate the diversity of businesses represented among the leading performers.

These companies are influenced by different factors, including consumer demand, business investment, interest rates, manufacturing activity, housing conditions, and discretionary spending.

YTD Return vs. 1-Year Return: What Is the Difference?

When comparing the best-performing stocks, it is important to understand the difference between year-to-date performance and one-year returns.

What Is Year-to-Date (YTD) Stock Performance?

Year-to-date performance measures the percentage change in a stock’s price from the beginning of the calendar year to a specific date.

For example, if a stock begins the year at $100 and reaches $150 by November 6, its YTD price return is 50%.

YTD performance is particularly useful for identifying which stocks have gained the most during the current calendar year.

What Is the 1-Year Stock Return?

The one-year return measures the percentage change in a stock’s price over the preceding 12 months.

Unlike YTD performance, this measurement does not restart at the beginning of January. It provides a rolling one-year perspective.

Comparing the two metrics can help investors understand whether a stock’s recent performance has been stronger or weaker than its performance over the preceding year.

Why Should Investors Compare Both Metrics?

Consider Moderna, which has gained 761.95% year to date and 935.82% over one year. Its one-year return is higher than its YTD return, indicating that part of its overall one-year appreciation occurred before the beginning of 2026.

By contrast, Dell Technologies has a 160.99% YTD gain and a 123.95% one-year return. This indicates that its price appreciation during 2026 has been particularly strong relative to its full one-year performance.

These comparisons provide useful historical context, but they do not establish whether a stock is currently undervalued or likely to outperform in the future.

Should You Buy the Best Performing Stocks in 2026?

Stocks that have delivered exceptional returns naturally attract investor attention. However, buying a stock simply because it has recently outperformed the market can be a risky strategy.

Past performance is only one part of an investment decision. A company may have strong business fundamentals, but its share price may already reflect optimistic expectations. Similarly, a stock that has experienced a substantial rally may face increased volatility or a valuation that leaves limited room for disappointment.

Before investing in any of the top-performing stocks, consider the following factors.

1. Evaluate Company Fundamentals

Examine revenue growth, earnings, operating margins, cash flow, debt, and profitability. A company’s financial performance can help investors understand whether its share-price appreciation is supported by improvements in the underlying business.

Our guide on how to use fundamental analysis to choose stocks explains the key financial metrics and evaluation techniques investors can use.

2. Consider Stock Valuation

A rapidly rising stock is not necessarily an attractive investment at its current price. Investors should compare valuation measures such as the price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-sales ratio, and enterprise value multiples with relevant competitors and historical levels.

It is also important to consider expected earnings growth and the assumptions already reflected in the market price.

3. Understand Industry-Specific Risks

Different industries face different challenges. Semiconductor companies may be exposed to technology cycles and capital expenditure requirements, while energy businesses may be affected by commodity prices and refining margins.

Healthcare companies can face regulatory and clinical risks, while consumer businesses may be sensitive to economic conditions and household spending.

4. Avoid Chasing Performance

Buying a stock solely because it has delivered a large recent gain can lead to emotional investment decisions. Investors should avoid making decisions based on fear of missing out (FOMO).

Instead, consider the company’s financial position, competitive advantages, future growth prospects, and the potential downside if expectations are not met.

5. Consider Portfolio Diversification

Concentrating investments in a small number of high-performing stocks can increase portfolio risk. Diversification across companies, industries, and asset classes can help reduce dependence on the performance of individual investments.

For more information, read our guide to the risks of investing in stocks.

6. Use a Consistent Stock Analysis Process

Investors can combine fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and broader industry research when evaluating potential investments.

Our guide to stock analysis methods explains how these approaches can be used to assess investment opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Performing S&P 500 Stocks in 2026

1. What is the best-performing S&P 500 stock in 2026?

According to the supplied performance ranking as of November 6, 2026, Moderna is the best-performing stock, with a year-to-date gain of 761.95%. Its one-year return is 935.82%.

2. Which S&P 500 stock has the highest YTD return in 2026?

Moderna ranks first in the supplied list, with a 761.95% YTD return as of November 6, 2026. Dell Technologies and Micron Technology rank second and third, respectively.

3. What are the top 5 performing stocks in 2026?

The top five stocks in the supplied ranking are Moderna (761.95%), Dell Technologies (160.99%), Micron Technology (141.76%), Marathon Petroleum (129.20%), and Valero Energy (112.82%).

4. Which technology stocks are among the best performers in 2026?

Technology companies in the ranking include Dell Technologies, Micron Technology, AMD, Hewlett Packard, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Seagate, Texas Instruments, NetApp, Western Digital, and Intel.

5. Which energy stocks have performed best in 2026?

Marathon Petroleum leads the energy-related companies in the supplied ranking with a 129.20% YTD return, followed by Valero Energy at 112.82% and Phillips 66 at 90.42%.

6. What does YTD mean in stocks?

YTD stands for year-to-date. It measures the percentage change in a stock’s price from the beginning of the calendar year to a specified date.

7. Is YTD return the same as a 1-year return?

No. YTD return measures performance since January 1 of the current calendar year, while a one-year return measures performance over the preceding 12 months. The two periods may overlap but are not necessarily identical.

8. Are the best-performing stocks always the best stocks to buy?

No. A stock’s past performance does not guarantee future returns. Investors should evaluate company fundamentals, valuation, business risks, industry conditions, and their own investment objectives before making a decision.

9. How often should investors review the best-performing stock rankings?

Investors can review stock performance rankings monthly or quarterly to identify changes in market leadership. However, rankings should be used as research tools rather than automatic buy or sell signals.

10. Can a stock with a high YTD return continue rising?

Yes, a stock can continue rising after a strong year-to-date performance, but it can also experience a significant correction. Future performance depends on business results, market expectations, valuation, and broader economic conditions.

11. What is the difference between stock price appreciation and total return?

Price appreciation measures the change in a stock’s market price. Total return also accounts for distributions such as dividends, assuming the applicable reinvestment methodology. Investors should check which return methodology is used when comparing stocks.

12. Why do some stocks outperform the broader market?

Stocks can outperform because of stronger earnings growth, improved business outlooks, industry developments, favorable market conditions, valuation changes, or shifts in investor expectations. The reasons differ across companies and should be evaluated individually.

Conclusion: The Best Performing S&P 500 Stocks in 2026

The 2026 performance ranking highlights the wide range of companies that have delivered substantial gains in the U.S. stock market. Moderna leads the list with an exceptional 761.95% year-to-date return, while Dell Technologies, Micron Technology, Marathon Petroleum, and Valero Energy complete the top five.

The presence of companies from technology, energy, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and consumer sectors also demonstrates that strong stock performance is not limited to one industry.

However, investors should remember that historical returns are not a reliable guarantee of future performance. A stock that has already delivered an extraordinary gain may still offer opportunities, but it may also carry higher valuation, volatility, or company-specific risks.

The most effective approach is to use performance rankings as a starting point for further research. By combining financial statement analysis, valuation, industry research, and risk management, investors can make more informed decisions rather than simply following the stocks with the highest recent returns.

Data reference date: November 6, 2026. This ranking is based on the supplied list of 50 stocks and their reported YTD and one-year percentage changes. Market prices and rankings can change over time.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell securities, or a guarantee of future returns. Investors should conduct their own research and consider their financial circumstances and risk tolerance before making investment decisions.