Overview:

• Sandisk has delivered a 172.8% return in early 2026, showing how rising global data creation and storage demand are directly boosting hardware companies on S&P 500.

• Texas Pacific Land has climbed sharply by combining steady oil royalty income with new land-leasing opportunities.

• Moderna and Generac prove that regulatory wins in healthcare and strategic business shifts in industrial companies can both create strong stock momentum.

S&P 500 index is the gold standard for tracking the health of the American economy. It holds hundreds of the largest companies, and on average, it returns about 10% each year. However, 2026 has already shown that some stocks can far outpace that average. While the broader market has seen some ups and downs due to trade tariffs and shifting interest rates, a few specific companies are having a great year. Knowing which stocks are leading the pack helps us understand where the smart money is moving right now.

Top S&P 500 Stocks 

As of February 24, 2026, the list of top S&P  500 stocks shows a mix of tech, energy, and healthcare. At the very top is Sandisk (SNDK), which has seen a massive 172.8% jump. Close behind is Texas Pacific Land (TPL) with a 75.8% gain. The rest of the top ten includes names like Moderna (MRNA) at 68.6%, Generac (GNRC) at 64.8%, and Corning (GLW) at 63.4%. Rounding out the list are Teradyne (TER), Western Digital (WDC), Comfort Systems USA (FIX), Seagate (STX), and Ciena (CIEN). These stocks have all gained between 43% and 60% in just the first few months of the year.

Energy and Land Power: Texas Pacific Land

Texas Pacific Land (TPL) is a unique player that has hit record highs this month. It owns nearly 880,000 acres in the Permian Basin, which is a prime spot for oil and gas. But in 2026, TPL is doing more than just collecting rent from oil companies. It is now leasing land for AI data centers. Because these data centers need a lot of land and power, TPL is in a great spot to grow. The company has no long-term debt and a lot of cash, which makes it a very safe-feeling pick for many investors during uncertain times.

Healthcare Innovation: Moderna’s Big Move

Moderna (MRNA) has also seen a major price surge recently, gaining about 25% in a single week this February. This rally happened because the FDA changed its mind and decided to review Moderna's new flu vaccine. On top of that, many Wall Street experts raised their price targets for the stock. While the company still faces some financial hurdles, the hope for new risky vaccines finally paying off has turned investor feelings from bad to good. This shows how much a single regulatory win can change a company's fortunes in the healthcare sector.

Powering the Future: Generac and AI

Generac Holdings (GNRC) used to be known mostly for home backup generators. However, in 2026, the stock is soaring because the company is shifting its focus toward AI data centers. As more companies build massive computer hubs for artificial intelligence, they need reliable power and cooling systems. Generac recently signed a deal to buy a company called Enercon to help them grow in this area even faster. Investors are excited because they see Generac moving from a slow-growth hardware maker to a key partner in the AI revolution.

Also Read: Salesforce Stock Holds Near $199.46 After Record $41.5 Billion Quarter

Technology and Infrastructure Winners

The rest of the top ten is filled with companies that provide the pipes and wires for our digital world. Sandisk, Western Digital, and Seagate are all benefiting from the huge demand for data storage. As we create more digital info than ever before, the hardware to store it becomes more valuable. On the other hand, companies like Ciena and Corning provide the networking tools and glass fibers that keep the internet running fast. These stocks show that while flashy AI software gets the headlines, the companies building the physical tools are making a lot of money.

Also Read: US Stock Market Today: NVIDIA Faces Sell-Off Amid AI Concerns and Stagnant Price Despite Strong Earnings

What to Keep in Mind

While these gains look very good, it is important to remember that the market can change fast. Some of these stocks are now trading at very high prices compared to their actual earnings. This means the market has already priced in a lot of the good news. On the other hand, some experts believe these companies are still undervalued because they are entering brand-new markets like AI infrastructure. When picking stocks, look for companies with strong cash flow and a clear plan for the future. As we move further into 2026, these leaders will likely continue to set the tone for the rest of the S&P 500.

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FAQs

1. What is the top S&P 500 stock in 2026?

Sandisk has surged more than 170% in early 2026 because demand for data storage keeps growing fast. AI systems, cloud services, and digital tools create massive amounts of data every day. Companies need reliable storage hardware to manage this growth. Investors see Sandisk as a direct way to benefit from the AI and data boom.

2. What makes Texas Pacific Land different from other energy stocks

Texas Pacific Land owns nearly 880,000 acres in the Permian Basin, which is one of the most valuable oil regions in the United States. In 2026, it is also leasing land for AI data centers. This gives the company two income streams: energy royalties and technology infrastructure. It also carries no long-term debt, which adds financial stability.

3. Is Moderna a good stock?

Moderna gained momentum after the FDA decided to review its new flu vaccine. That news changed investor sentiment quickly. Wall Street analysts also raised their price targets. Even though the company still faces financial challenges, investors are hopeful that new vaccines could create fresh revenue streams beyond its earlier COVID-related products.

4. What does Generac do?

Generac used to focus mainly on home backup generators. Now it is shifting toward powering AI data centers. These large facilities need stable electricity and cooling systems to run nonstop. Generac is expanding into this market and even announced an acquisition to grow faster. Investors see this move as a smart way to tap into AI infrastructure demand.

5. Are these top-performing stocks a good buy?

Some of these stocks are trading at high prices compared to their earnings, which means expectations are already strong. That can create risk if growth slows down. However, many of these companies have strong cash flow and are entering fast-growing markets like AI and digital infrastructure. Investors should review financial health and long-term plans before investing.