It's a holiday-shortened Thanksgiving week, so over the next few days, we plan on writing about some of the stocks that investors can be most thankful for. Yesterday we looked at the best performing stocks over the last five years, and in this post, we're highlighting the 30 best-performing stocks in the S&P 1500 on a total return basis over the last twenty years. In the table below we rank them from 1st to 30th and show how much a $1,000 investment in each stock twenty years ago (on 11/25/04) would be worth today. Below the table, we provide a one-sentence blurb generated by AI that describes what each company does.

AI chip maker NVIDIA (NVDA) has easily been the best-performing stock over the last twenty years, and it has made a large number of investors extremely wealthy.  Incredibly, a $1,000 investment in NVDA twenty years ago would have almost turned you into a millionaire today!  Unbelievably, $1,000 in NVDA back on 11/25/04 would be worth roughly $944k today.  (By the same math, $10k would be worth $9.44 million, while $100k would be worth $94.4 million.)

Twenty-year returns for streaming giant Netflix (NFLX) haven't been too shabby either.  $1,000 in NFLX twenty years ago would be worth more than $550k today.  Rounding out the top five are Texas Pacific Land (TPL), Apple (AAPL), and Booking Holdings (BKNG).

In total, eight stocks have turned $1,000 into more than $100k over the last twenty years.  This includes the aforementioned NVDA, NFLX, TPL, AAPL, and BKNG along with Monster Beverage (MNST), Intuitive Surgical (ISRG), and Amazon.com (AMZN).

Other notables on the list include Deckers Outdoor (DECK), Salesforce (CRM), Domino's Pizza (DPZ), and United Rentals (URI).

For anyone out there who has been riding any of these big winners for the last twenty years, bravo to you, and Happy Thanksgiving!

For a quick description of each company listed above, we asked AI to give us its best one-sentence blurb:

• NVIDIA (NVDA): A leader in graphics processing units (GPUs) for gaming, artificial intelligence, and data centers, driving innovation in computing and visual technologies.
• Netflix (NFLX): A global streaming service offering a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, accessible on-demand across various devices.
• Texas Pacific Land (TPL): Manages oil and gas royalties, land leases, and water services for energy production in Texas.
• Apple (AAPL): Designs and sells consumer electronics like the iPhone, Mac, and iPad, along with software and services like the App Store and iCloud.
• Booking Holdings (BKNG): Operates online travel brands like Booking.com, Priceline, and Agoda, providing services for hotel reservations, car rentals, and flights.
• Monster Beverage (MNST): Produces energy drinks, including the flagship Monster Energy brand, targeting consumers looking for enhanced energy and focus.
• Intuitive Surgical (ISRG): Manufactures robotic-assisted surgical systems, including the da Vinci system, enhancing precision and minimally invasive procedures.
• Amazon.com (AMZN): A global e-commerce leader offering retail, cloud computing, and digital streaming services, alongside innovations like Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• XPO (XPO): Provides freight transportation and logistics services, specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) and last-mile delivery solutions.
• UFP Technologies (UFPT): Designs and manufactures custom packaging, components, and engineered products for medical, automotive, and industrial applications.
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN): Develops biopharmaceuticals to treat serious medical conditions, including eye diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
• Comfort Systems USA (FIX): Provides mechanical systems installation and services, specializing in HVAC and building systems for commercial clients.
• RadNet (RDNT): Operates outpatient diagnostic imaging centers offering MRI, CT scans, and other radiology services across the U.S.
• NeoGenomics (NEO): A cancer diagnostics company providing genetic and molecular testing for oncologists, pathologists, and researchers.
• Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK): Markets lifestyle footwear and apparel under brands like UGG, Teva, and HOKA ONE ONE, known for comfort and performance.
• AAON (AAON): Manufactures heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, focusing on energy efficiency and innovative designs.
• Salesforce (CRM): A cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform that enables businesses to manage sales, service, and marketing operations.
• Tyler Technologies (TYL): Provides software and technology services for local governments, focusing on public safety, tax, and financial management.
• Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL): A leading less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier offering efficient freight transportation across North America.
• Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO): Best known for its FICO credit scoring system, it provides analytics and decision-making software for risk management.
• Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR): Designs power management solutions for electronics in industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
• Repligen (RGEN): Develops bioprocessing technologies and materials used in the production of biologic drugs and gene therapies.
• O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY): A retailer and distributor of automotive parts, tools, and equipment, serving professional and DIY customers.
• Domino's Pizza (DPZ): A global leader in pizza delivery and carryout services, leveraging technology for fast and convenient ordering.
• EMCOR Group (EME): Provides construction and facilities services, specializing in mechanical and electrical systems installation and maintenance.
• Lennox International (LII): Produces HVAC and refrigeration equipment for residential and commercial applications.
• United Rentals (URI): The largest equipment rental company in the world, offering construction, industrial, and specialty equipment.
• Manhattan Associates (MANH): Provides supply chain and omnichannel commerce solutions to help retailers and wholesalers optimize operations.
• Quanta Services (PWR): Delivers infrastructure services for energy and communications, including electric power and pipeline construction.
• Copart (CPRT): An online vehicle auction company specializing in salvaged and used cars, serving insurance companies, dealerships, and buyers worldwide.

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