A lucky stock picker could have smashed the passive index returns of 2020, if only they knew which stocks to pick.
Year to date, the S&P 500 returned 15.42% as of the markets’ open on December 31, 2020. But someone concentrating a portfolio in the top 15 stocks could have more than quintupled their potential return.
Missing among these top 15 are high-flying FANG stocks like Facebook, which nonetheless posted an index-beating 32.46% return; Netflix, which returned 62.1% in our study period; Amazon, which returned 77.82% year to date; and Google, which returned 29.63%.
These are 2020’s top performing S&P 500 stocks year to date, as of 9:39 a.m. on December 31, according to Finviz.com’s stock screener.
15. West Pharmaceutical Services (WST)
86.22% YTD return. West designs and manufactures injectable drug packaging and delivery systems.
14. Align Technology (ALGN)
87.9% YTD return. Align makes digital scanners and clear orthodontic aligners.
13. ABIOMED (ABMD)
89.88% YTD return. Abiomed creates medical devices focused on cardiovascular support.
12. IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX)
90.31% YTD return. IDEXX manufactures and distributes veterinary products.
11. ServiceNow (NOW)
93.89% YTD return. ServiceNow is an enterprise software firm.
10. Cadence Design Systems (CDNS)
95% YTD return. Cadence Design Systems is a software firm.
9. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
101.24% YTD return. AMD is a microprocessor manufacturer.
8. Freeport-McMoran (FCX)
102.21% YTD return. Freeport-McMoran is a mining company.
7. Albemarle Corporation (ALB)
104.39% YTD return. Albemarle is a chemical manufacturer. Its largest business is providing lithium for electric vehicle batteries.
6. L Brands (LB)
109.88% YTD return. L Brands is a fashion retailer.
5. PayPal (PYPL)
114.02% YTD return. PayPal’s core business is a digital payments service.
4. Nvidia (NVDA)
123.47% YTD return. Nvidia manufactures microchips, particularly those that process graphics for consumer computers and devices.
3. Carrier Global (CARR)
214.42% YTD return. Carrier is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning company.
2. Etsy (ETSY)
313.5% YTD return. Etsy is an online marketplace for craftspeople and small businesses.
1. Tesla (TSLA)
730.42% YTD return. Tesla is an electric vehicle, battery and solar cell manufacturer.
