As the first five months of 2025 come to a close, investors are closely examining which stocks have delivered the strongest returns. Despite macroeconomic uncertainty and elevated interest rates, several S&P 500 constituents have significantly outperformed the broader market. From tech to energy and healthcare to industrials, the best performers of the year thus far reveal important trends shaping investor sentiment and sector rotation.

Palantir Leads with AI Momentum

Topping the list is Palantir Technologies ($PLTR) with an impressive +74.2% return year-to-date. The data analytics and artificial intelligence firm continues to benefit from robust demand for secure AI-driven platforms across government and enterprise sectors. As AI adoption accelerates globally, Palantir’s positioning at the intersection of national security and machine learning has fueled strong investor interest.

Energy Stocks Surge: NRG and Howmet Soar

NRG Energy ($NRG) follows closely with a +72.8% gain, reflecting broader strength in the utility and power generation space amid ongoing energy transitions. Meanwhile, Howmet Aerospace ($HWM) has surged +55.3%, supported by rising demand for aerospace-grade materials and military-grade components as global defense budgets expand and commercial aviation rebounds.

Traditional Giants Show Renewed Strength: Philip Morris and GE

Consumer staple Philip Morris ($PM) posted a +50.1% gain, signaling market confidence in its high-margin nicotine product portfolio and continued growth in reduced-risk alternatives. Industrial conglomerate General Electric ($GE) climbed +47.4%, bolstered by its restructuring efforts and the successful spin-off of its energy division, which has gained market traction in the clean energy space.

Healthcare and Industrials Show Resilience

In the healthcare sector, CVS Health ($CVS) rose +42.7%, Cardinal Health ($CAH) advanced +30.6%, and Cencora ($COR) gained +29.6%—all driven by expanded pharmacy services, supply chain optimization, and broader access to healthcare delivery.

On the industrial side, GE Vernova ($GEV) gained +43.8%, supported by a wave of investment in renewable infrastructure, while Johnson Controls ($JCI) posted a +28.4% return amid higher demand for smart building technologies and energy efficiency solutions.

Tech Names Still in Play: Netflix and Uber Impress

Despite facing tougher comps and macro headwinds, tech and platform-based companies still feature among the top performers. Netflix ($NFLX) gained +35.4% on the back of international subscriber growth and monetization of ad-supported tiers. Uber ($UBER) delivered +39.5%, aided by cost discipline, higher engagement across mobility services, and a profitable delivery unit.

Other Standouts: Cybersecurity, Semiconductors, and More

CrowdStrike ($CRWD), a cybersecurity leader, is up +37.8%, while Super Micro Computer ($SMCI) gained +31.3%, reflecting strong enterprise demand for high-performance computing and server solutions. Seagate Technology ($STX) also rose +36.7%, benefiting from stabilization in the data storage market.

Additional names on the leaderboard include Constellation Energy ($CEG) with +36.9%, Newmont ($NEM) at +41.6%, Verisign ($VRSN) with +31.7%, and Amphenol ($APH) at +29.5%—demonstrating diverse sector strength.

Conclusion: Selective Optimism in a Complex Market

The strong showing of names like Palantir, NRG, and GE reflects a broader investor shift toward companies with clear earnings visibility, innovation pipelines, and sectoral tailwinds. While the macro backdrop remains challenging, the S&P 500’s top performers signal where capital is flowing—and which trends are likely to shape the rest of 2025.

With mid-year earnings season approaching and central bank policy remaining in focus, the next few months will test the durability of this rally. Still, early movers have already delivered compelling gains and could continue to set the tone for strategic positioning into year-end.