The Top 10 Highest-Returning Stocks in the US Market Over the Last Three Years (as of March 2026)
The past three years (roughly March 2023 to March 2026) have delivered extraordinary gains for select US-listed stocks, driven by breakthroughs in AI, data centers, quantum technology, fintech disruption, biotech innovation, and e-commerce resilience. While the broader market (S&P 500) posted solid but more modest returns, a handful of companies—many in emerging tech and healthcare—produced returns exceeding 2,000%, turning modest investments into life-changing wealth.
Data is sourced from leading market screeners (stockanalysis.com and financecharts.com, updated March 27, 2026) and reflects price returns only (excluding dividends, which are minimal for most high-growth names here). These are among the absolute top performers across US exchanges, though many are small- to mid-cap stocks with higher volatility and risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results; these stocks can experience sharp drawdowns.
Below, we examine each of the top 10 one by one, including a company profile, the 3-year return percentage, the outcome of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made three years ago, and an assessment of future potential based on industry trends, growth drivers, and risks as of early 2026.
1. MDxHealth SA (MDXH) – 243,900% Return
MDxHealth SA is a commercial-stage precision diagnostics company (headquartered in Belgium with major US operations) that provides actionable molecular diagnostic tests for prostate cancer and other urologic diseases. Its flagship products include non-invasive urine and tissue tests (Select mdx, Confirm mdx, Resolve mdx) that use genetic and epigenetic biomarkers to personalize diagnosis and treatment.
3-Year Return: 243,900% (one of the most explosive gains on record). $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $24,400,000. Future Potential: Strong upside in an aging population and rising prostate cancer incidence. Expanding adoption of liquid biopsy and AI-enhanced diagnostics could drive further revenue growth. However, competition in precision medicine, reimbursement challenges, and regulatory hurdles remain risks. Analysts see continued commercialization potential, but volatility is high given the small market cap (~$121M).
2. Quantum eMotion Corp. (QNC) – 4,000% Return Quantum eMotion Corp. (formerly Quantum Numbers Corp.) develops quantum-based cryptographic solutions and quantum random number generators (QRNG) for cybersecurity. Its products include Sentry-Q (cloud-based quantum-secure data transmission), QRNG2 chips, and entropy-as-a-service offerings for sectors like healthcare, blockchain, and communications. Headquartered in Montreal, it targets quantum-safe encryption amid rising cyber threats.
3-Year Return: 4,000%. $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $410,000. Future Potential: Extremely high. Quantum computing and cybersecurity are national priorities; demand for post-quantum encryption is exploding with AI-driven threats. Strategic partnerships (e.g., with chipmakers) position it well, though commercialization scale-up and competition from larger players are key watchpoints. The quantum tech boom could fuel multi-year growth.
3. Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI) – 3,975.1% Return Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells fiber-optic networking products, including optical modules, lasers, transceivers, and equipment for data centers, cable TV, telecom, and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) markets. It operates primarily in the US, Taiwan, and China and benefits directly from hyperscale data center expansion.
3-Year Return: 3,975.1%. $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $407,510. Future Potential: Very bullish. The AI infrastructure buildout requires massive bandwidth and optical connectivity; AAOI is a key supplier to data center operators. Continued hyperscaler spending on 800G/1.6T optics could sustain growth, though supply chain risks and competition from larger semiconductor peers exist. Strong secular tailwinds in AI make this a core long-term play.
4. Regencell Bioscience Holdings Limited (RGC) – 3,682.23% Return Regencell Bioscience Holdings Limited is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) bioscience company focused on developing and commercializing TCM-based treatments for neurocognitive disorders, particularly ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Headquartered in Hong Kong, it emphasizes research into herbal formulations with modern clinical validation.
3-Year Return: 3,682.23%. $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $378,223. Future Potential: Promising in the growing alternative and personalized medicine space. Rising awareness of neurodevelopmental disorders and demand for non-pharmaceutical options could drive adoption, especially in Asia and expanding Western markets. Early-stage clinical progress is key; risks include regulatory approval for TCM therapies and limited large-scale efficacy data.
5. Carvana Co. (CVNA) – 3,587.91% Return Carvana Co. operates an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars, offering a fully digital experience with vehicle vending machines, home delivery, and financing. It has transformed the traditionally fragmented auto retail industry through technology and logistics.
3-Year Return: 3,587.91%. $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $368,791. Future Potential: Solid. E-commerce penetration in auto sales continues to rise, supported by inventory recovery and consumer preference for convenience. Margin improvements and geographic expansion provide runway, though interest rate sensitivity and used-car price cycles remain headwinds. Positioned as a disruptor with scalable operations.
6. Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. (DRUG) – 3,301.26% Return Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. is a biotechnology company developing next-generation serotonin (5-HT2) receptor agonists for epilepsy, neuropsychiatric disorders, and rare conditions like Prader-Willi Syndrome. Its pipeline includes candidates in Phase 2 trials for seizure disorders.
3-Year Return: 3,301.26%. $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $340,126. Future Potential: High in the neuroscience and psychedelic-derived therapeutics space. Positive clinical data and unmet needs in epilepsy/neuropsychiatry could lead to regulatory milestones and partnerships. Classic biotech risks apply: clinical trial outcomes, funding needs, and competition from larger pharma.
7. Dave Inc. (DAVE) – 2,791.74% Return Dave Inc. operates a mobile financial services platform offering budgeting tools, ExtraCash overdraft protection, Side Hustle job matching, and digital checking accounts. It targets underserved consumers seeking fee-free banking alternatives.
3-Year Return: 2,791.74%. $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $289,174. Future Potential: Strong in the neobank and financial wellness sector. Rising gig economy participation and demand for accessible credit tools support growth. User base expansion and monetization improvements are positive, but regulatory scrutiny on fintech lending and competition from established banks are considerations.
8. D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) – 2,625.49% Return D-Wave Quantum Inc. develops and commercializes quantum computing systems (annealing quantum computers), software (Ocean SDK), and cloud services (Leap). Applications span optimization problems in logistics, drug discovery, finance, and manufacturing.
3-Year Return: 2,625.49%. $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $272,549. Future Potential: Transformative. Practical quantum advantage in hybrid quantum-classical computing is accelerating, with enterprise adoption in supply chain and AI optimization. Government funding and commercial pilots are tailwinds, though scaling error-corrected systems remains a long-term technical challenge.
9. AppLovin Corporation (APP) – 2,590.19% Return AppLovin Corporation delivers end-to-end AI-powered advertising solutions for mobile apps, gaming, and connected TV. Key platforms include Axon (automated marketing), MAX (in-app bidding), and Adjust (analytics). It serves app developers and advertisers globally.
3-Year Return: 2,590.19%. $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $269,019. Future Potential: Excellent. Digital advertising is shifting toward AI-driven automation and performance marketing; AppLovin’s technology edge positions it to capture share in mobile and CTV. Gaming recovery and international expansion add upside, with typical ad-tech cyclicality as the main risk.
10. TSS, Inc. (TSSI) – 2,379.34% Return TSS, Inc. provides IT infrastructure services, including planning, design, deployment, maintenance, and systems integration for data centers and enterprise environments. It serves OEMs, technology firms, and end-users through procurement and facilities management.
3-Year Return: 2,379.34%. $10,000 Invested Three Years Ago → Today: Approximately $247,934. Future Potential: Robust. The AI-driven data center boom requires rapid deployment and refresh services. TSS benefits from hyperscaler capex and edge computing trends. Growth depends on execution in a competitive services market, but secular demand for IT infrastructure is a clear positive.
Key Takeaways for Investors These stocks highlight how innovation in AI infrastructure, quantum tech, precision medicine, and digital disruption can generate outsized returns. However, many started from low bases and carry elevated risk—sharp corrections are common in such high-flyers. Diversification, thorough due diligence, and a long-term horizon are essential. Always consult a financial advisor, as individual circumstances vary. Market conditions evolve rapidly; the AI and quantum themes powering many of these gains are expected to remain dominant drivers into the late 2020s.
Data as of March 27, 2026. Returns calculated on price appreciation only. Hypothetical $10,000 investments assume purchase at the closing price three years prior and sale at the most recent close, with no transaction costs or taxes.