Best-Performing Stocks To Buy for Long-Term Investors
Written by
Andrew Lisa
Edited by
Joe Evans
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Best-performing stocks are not simply the biggest recent gainers. Over time, the companies that perform best tend to share common traits: consistent earnings growth, durable competitive advantages and disciplined management. These stocks often outperform because their business models scale efficiently and adapt to changing economic conditions.
Rather than chasing short-term momentum, many investors focus on stocks that have demonstrated strong performance across multiple market cycles while still offering room for future growth.
At a Glance: Best-Performing Stocks
Company Ticker Primary Driver Risk Profile/Use Case One-Line Reason It Stands Out Apple AAPL Ecosystem and services growth Medium Reliable cash flow and brand strength Microsoft MSFT Cloud computing and AI Medium Diverse revenue with high margins NVIDIA NVDA AI and data center demand High Central role in AI infrastructure Amazon AMZN Cloud profitability Medium to high AWS drives long-term earnings Alphabet GOOGL Digital ads and AI Medium Strong free cash flow Meta Platforms META Ad efficiency and AI tools Medium to high Margin recovery and scale Berkshire Hathaway BRK.B Capital allocation Medium Long-term performance discipline
What Makes a Stock “Best Performing”?
Stocks that perform well over time typically show revenue growth, expanding margins and strong returns on invested capital. According to S&P Dow Jones Indices, a small group of consistently profitable companies has historically driven a large share of overall market returns.
Sustained performance is typically associated with fundamentals, rather than short-term price fluctuations.
Best-Performing Stocks To Consider
Apple (AAPL)
Apple’s performance has been supported by its global device ecosystem and growing services revenue. According to company filings, services deliver higher margins and recurring cash flow. Hardware demand cycles can influence short-term results.
Microsoft (MSFT)
Microsoft benefits from enterprise software, cloud services and AI integration. Company disclosures show Azure continues to contribute meaningfully to revenue growth. Its diversified model helps stabilize performance during market shifts.
NVIDIA (NVDA)
NVIDIA has delivered strong performance due to demand for AI and data center chips. According to filings, data center revenue has been a key growth driver. Semiconductor cycles can introduce volatility.
Amazon (AMZN)
Amazon’s stock performance increasingly reflects the profitability of AWS. Company disclosures show cloud services generate a significant share of operating income. Retail margins and capital spending affect short-term earnings.
Alphabet (GOOGL)
Alphabet combines advertising scale with long-term AI investment. According to filings, Google Cloud continues to grow while margins improve. Advertising cycles and regulation remain risks.
Meta Platforms (META)
Meta’s recent performance reflects improved cost discipline and AI-driven ad targeting. Company reports show margin recovery following restructuring. Revenue remains tied to digital ad demand.
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B)
Berkshire Hathaway has delivered long-term outperformance through disciplined capital allocation. According to filings, its diversified businesses and equity holdings reduce reliance on any single sector. Performance mirrors management decisions over decades.
Best-Performing Stocks vs. Market Timing
| Approach | Focus | Risk Level | Long-Term Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy Best Performers | Business fundamentals | Medium | Compounding over time |
| Market Timing | Short-term price moves | High | Inconsistent results |
| Index Investing | Market averages | Medium | Broad diversification |
The Federal Reserve notes that long-term equity returns have historically exceeded inflation despite periodic drawdowns.
Risks To Consider
Even historically strong stocks can decline. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission cautions that past performance does not guarantee future results.
Valuation, interest rates and competitive shifts can all affect future returns.
How Best-Performing Stocks Fit Into a Portfolio
Many investors use best-performing stocks as core growth holdings, complemented by index funds, bonds or income investments. Vanguard research shows that diversification and time horizon matter more than picking recent winners.
Position sizing helps manage risk.
Final Take to GO
The best-performing stocks tend to be companies with strong fundamentals, consistent cash flow and competitive advantages. Apple, Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway exemplify long-term performance driven by business strength rather than speculation.
For most investors, focusing on quality and diversification is more effective than chasing short-term gains.
Best-Performing Stocks FAQ
- What are the best-performing stocks?
- Best-performing stocks are companies that have delivered strong returns over time due to business fundamentals.
- Are best-performing stocks risky?
- They can still be volatile, especially during market downturns.
- Should I buy stocks after they’ve already performed well?
- Strong past performance can signal quality, but valuation and future growth matter.
- Are best-performing stocks good for beginners?
- They can be, especially when combined with diversified funds.
- How often should best-performing stocks be reviewed?
- Periodic reviews help ensure the company still meets long-term goals.
Data was compiled on Jan. 30, 2026, and is subject to change.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- Vanguard "Focus on the things you can control"
- S&P Global "S&P 500"
- Bank of America "Surprising resilience of the S&P 500"
- J.P. Morgan "Beyond bonds: How to protect against inflation-led shocks"
- SEC Investor.gov "What is Risk?"
- Apple "Apple Form 10-K, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission"
- Microsoft "Microsoft Form 10-K, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission"
- NVIDIA "NVIDIA Form 10-K, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission"
- Amazon "Amazon Form 10-K, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission"
- Alphabet "Alphabet Form 10-K, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission"
- Berkshire Hathaway "Berkshire Hathaway Form 10-K, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission"
