The U.S. stock market has a strong history of building wealth for investors, with an average annual return of about 10% over the long term. This return can double your money in roughly seven years. However, choosing the right stocks can lead to much higher gains.
To become a millionaire in less than a decade, investors need a smart strategy and some luck. The six stocks below show how some investors made over 20 times their original investment in 10 years or less—if they bought at the right time and held on.
These companies are all large-cap stocks, meaning they have market values above $10 billion. This shows they are stable and have lasting power. Investing the right amount at the right price in any of these stocks could have made you a millionaire.
1.Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)
Price on May 17, 2011: $33.85
Price on May 17, 2021: $488.94
Profit on $10,000 investment: $134,443
Netflix changed how people watch video by leading the streaming market. Despite ups and downs, investors who held Netflix stock from 2011 to 2021 saw their money grow more than tenfold.
2.Broadcom (AVGO)
Price on Jan. 20, 2015: $7.99
Price on Jan. 17, 2025: $237.44
Profit on $10,000 investment: $287,171
Broadcom is a major tech company, ranking 8th in the S&P 500 alongside giants like Apple and Microsoft. Over the past decade, its stock soared, turning $33,650 into $1 million.
3.Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN)
Price on Sept. 8, 2011: $17.93
Price on Sept. 8, 2021: $570.53
Profit on $10,000 investment: $318,198
Align Technology makes Invisalign, clear dental aligners. Its stock grew more than 31 times in 10 years, rewarding patient investors handsomely.
4.Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)
IPO Price on May 15, 1997: $0.075
Price on Dec. 31, 1999: $3.81
Profit on $10,000 investment: $498,000
Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer. While it returned over 1,400% in the last decade, the biggest gains came for those who bought shares during its first three years, turning $33,000 into $1 million.
5.Nvidia Corp. (NVDA)
Price on Jan. 17, 2015: $0.48
Price on Jan. 17, 2025: $137.71
Profit on $10,000 investment: $2,858,958
Nvidia is now the second-largest U.S. company, just behind Apple. It has been the best-performing stock over 5, 10, and 25 years, providing massive returns to investors.
6.Monster Beverage (MNST)
Price on Aug. 18, 1995: $0.01
Price on Aug. 18, 2005: $25.09
Profit on $10,000 investment: $25,080,000
Monster Beverage delivered the best stock returns over 30 years. A $400 investment in its first 10 years would have made you a millionaire many times over.
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