These Were the 3 Top-Performing Stocks in the S&P 500 in August 2025

Key Points

• The S&P 500 gained just about 2% in August, but some stocks absolutely crushed the index.

• Two top-performing stocks surged after big stakes, one from Warren Buffett and another from the U.S. government.

• 10 stocks we like better than UnitedHealth Group ›

The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) index, a leading benchmark of the U.S. stock market, rose about 1.9% in August. However, at least 20 stocks in the S&P 500 index rallied over 10% in the month, with the top three rallying over 20% each. Here's what propelled them higher.

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1. Albemarle

Albemarle (NYSE: ALB) is among the world's largest miners of lithium, a key raw material for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, electronics, and energy storage systems. Lithium carbonate prices hit a one-year high in August after Chinese EV battery giant and lithium producer CATL suspended operations at a mine as its license expired. Albemarle stock surged 25.2%, making it August's biggest S&P 500 mover.

With CATL about to resume operations and lithium prices falling back to the ground, Albemarle stock has already reversed course. It's down 14% this month, as of this writing.

2. UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) was among the biggest losers in the S&P 500, dropping 50% through the end of July. But it made a dramatic comeback, surging 24.2% in August after legendary investor Warren Buffett disclosed a $1.6 billion stake in the beleaguered health insurer.

On July 29, UnitedHealth reissued an outlook for 2025 after suspending it in May. UnitedHealth projects around 12% revenue growth and net earnings of at least $14.65 per share versus 2024 earnings of $15.51 per share. UnitedHealth stock is up another 12% this month so far.

3. Intel

Two announcements sent Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) shares 23% higher last month. On Aug. 18, Japanese conglomerate SoftBank (OTC: SOBK.Y) agreed to invest $2 billion in Intel at a price of $23 per share. Days later, the U.S. government announced an investment of $8.9 billion in Intel stock, equivalent to a 10% stake, funded with $5.7 billion in unpaid grants under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act and $3.2 billion from the Secure Enclave program.

Investors believe the funding could help Intel turn things around as the Trump administration tries to boost the domestic semiconductor industry.

Neha Chamaria has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intel. The Motley Fool recommends UnitedHealth Group and recommends the following options: short August 2025 $24 calls on Intel and short November 2025 $21 puts on Intel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.