After an impressive run, Palantir Technologies (PLTR) sits at the top of the S&P 500 for 2024, with electricity generator Vistra (VST) close behind. The two newcomers to the index both notched extraordinary gains.

Nvidia (NVDA), which dominated the S&P 500 leaderboards in 2023, maintained its momentum for much of this year. Even though the graphics-chip giant mostly traded flat since late June, it still finished as the S&P 500’s third-best stock in 2024.

United Airlines (UAL) and GE Vernova (GEV) round out the top five, while Axon Enterprise (AXON), Texas Pacific Land (TPL), Broadcom (AVGO), Targa Resources (TRGP), and Howmet Aerospace (HWM) complete the top 10. Notably, all 10 of these companies recorded triple-digit percentage gains in 2024.

Like Palantir and Vistra, both GE Vernova and Texas Pacific Land recently joined the S&P 500. Palantir, Nvidia, and Broadcom are direct beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence revolution, with Vistra and GE Vernova linked to AI indirectly.

Nvidia and Axon shares are on IBD Leaderboard, and Palantir, Axon, and Broadcom also feature on the IBD 50 list.

Top-Performing S&P 500 Stocks (2024)

CompanyTickerYear-To-Date ReturnPalantir TechnologiesPLTR340.5%VistraVST257.92%NvidiaNVDA171.17%United AirlinesUAL135.34%GE VernovaGEV131.61%Axon EnterpriseAXON130.06%Texas Pacific LandTPL111.00%BroadcomAVGO107.70%Targa ResourcesTRGP105.48%Howmet AerospaceHWM102.09%

Below is a closer look at the top five S&P 500 names of 2024.

1. Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

Palantir’s data analytics solutions have been a staple for the U.S. military and various government agencies, but the company has been expanding aggressively into commercial markets. That growth helped drive a steady rise in revenue expansion, hitting 30% in the third quarter. Earnings continue to climb as well, up 43% in Q3.

Reports indicate Palantir and startup Anduril are coordinating with major tech players — including OpenAI and Elon Musk’s SpaceX — on a consortium to bid on U.S. government projects. Meanwhile, Palantir is forging defense-oriented partnerships, strengthening its ties to government clients.

Palantir’s share price skyrocketed 340.5% this year, ignited by an enormous run beginning on August 5 when the stock bottomed at 21.23. After it was announced that PLTR would join the S&P 500, the stock jumped 14% on September 9.

Palantir officially joined the index on September 23, alongside Dell Computer (DELL) and Erie Indemnity (ERIE). Then, on November 5, shares surged an additional 23.5% following another strong earnings report, building further momentum from the late-year “Trump stock market rally.” In November, Palantir shifted its listing from the NYSE to the Nasdaq, spurring rumors of an upcoming addition to the Nasdaq 100 — which did, in fact, occur on December 23.

Since joining the S&P 500 in September, Palantir’s value has more than doubled.

2. Vistra (VST)

Vistra, a broad-based utility and electricity generator, holds natural gas, nuclear, solar, and battery storage assets. The company has been labeled “AI-adjacent” due to the surge in data centers catering to artificial intelligence, which require massive amounts of electricity.

Bolstered by rising power prices, Vistra’s earnings have soared. GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were up 326% in the third quarter, while revenue growth accelerated from -31% to +21% and then +54% in successive reports.

Vistra shares vaulted 257.92% in 2024. Though the stock is off its recent record high of 168.67 from November 22, it’s now testing support at its 50-day line. Should VST regain strength and bounce off that line, it could signal a new buying opportunity as it forms a fresh consolidation.

3. Nvidia (NVDA)

Nvidia remains the undisputed AI chip titan, recording six straight quarters of triple-digit percentage earnings gains. A staggering five consecutive quarters of 100%+ revenue growth finally ended in its fiscal Q3 2025, but sales still came in 93% higher year over year.

The future looks bright as well. Analysts expect Nvidia’s earnings to remain robust in the coming fiscal year, helped by its new AI chip architecture, code-named Blackwell. However, some industry watchers say Nvidia may encounter stronger competition from proprietary “in-house” AI chips built by the likes of Broadcom and other big players.

Nvidia’s share price advanced 171.17% this year. Since hitting a then-record 140.76 on June 20, NVDA has mostly moved sideways or slightly downward. The stock is setting up a shallow double-bottom base with a 146.54 buy point, positioned just next to the top of the previous base. Nvidia is below its 21-day and 50-day moving averages, so a decisive move above those levels would be a sign of renewed momentum.

4. United Airlines (UAL)

United Airlines, one of the world’s major airlines, benefited as travel stocks took off in the latter half of 2024. Despite choppy earnings performance this year following a strong 2023, analysts remain optimistic about the airline’s profits heading into 2025.

United stock soared 135.34% over the course of 2024. Impressively, it dropped to a low of 37.02 as recently as August 5, but has more than tripled since then.

Following that huge move, UAL is currently consolidating and has been testing support around its 10-week moving average — potentially setting up a new launchpad.

5. GE Vernova (GEV)

GE Vernova is the renewable energy offshoot from the former General Electric, going public in April. The company’s quarterly financials can fluctuate widely, but the overarching trend points to robust growth this year and forecasts calling for more of the same in the next.

GE Vernova stock has surged 131.61% since its full public debut on April 2. Shares began an extended run in August by clearing a solid base.

More recently, GEV completed another flat base with a 357.09 buy point, then bounced off its 50-day and 10-week moving averages — a positive sign for potential buyers.