In 2025, Nvidia did not emerge as the top S&P 500 stock, with SanDisk, Western Digital, and Robinhood Markets leading the index. WDC and HOOD shares are up over 200% YTD, while SNDK is up 8x from April. Citi analysts predict SNDK stock to hit $280 next year due to AI demand for eSSDs.

WDC stock replaced Lululemon in the Nasdaq-100 Index, drawing interest from funds like QQQ. AI tailwinds boosted WDC’s free cash flow, leading to dividend reinstatement and a $2 billion share repurchase program. Management expects WDC stock to reach $228 next year, a 25% increase from current levels.

Robinhood Markets’ foray into prediction markets is anticipated to drive growth, with Steve Quirk noting it as the company’s fastest-growing business. Truist analysts maintain a “Buy” rating on HOOD stock with a $155 price target, projecting a 30% upside from current levels. HOOD’s growth prospects and scale economics could lead to margin expansion despite competitive pricing.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold the Top 3 S&P 500 Stocks of 2025?