Stock markets thrive on momentum, and August 2025 offered plenty of it. While the S&P 500 managed a modest 2% gain for the month, five standout companies delivered returns of more than 20%.
For investors, these moves were numbers on a chart that told stories of resilience, opportunity, and bold strategic shifts. Let’s look into the five stocks that captured attention and see what made them surge.
Albemarle: Lithium’s Bright Spark
Albemarle (NYSE: ALB), one of the world’s largest lithium suppliers, saw its stock rise after Contemporary Amperex Technology—better known as CATL, the world’s biggest EV battery maker—halted output at a major lithium mine. CATL halted its operation after its license expired on August 9, 2025.
The move sparked expectations that a tighter supply could push lithium prices higher, directly improving Albemarle’s earnings outlook. And it did.
This jump underscores how sensitive lithium producers are to supply disruptions. Lithium is a key element used in rechargeable batteries, powering everything from electric vehicles to large-scale energy storage. Global demand has surged in recent years as automakers ramp up EV production, but prices remain volatile, swinging with changes in mining output, policy shifts, and technology advances.
Albemarle is a critical player in this market, but its August gains leaned more on competitor actions than on its own performance.
UnitedHealth Group: Buffett’s Billion-Dollar Vote of Confidence
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) had been battered, with shares down more than 50% earlier in 2025. Headlines about higher costs, an abrupt CEO resignation, and a Department of Justice investigation painted a grim picture. Yet on August 14, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a $1.6 billion stake, instantly reviving investor confidence (RTE News).
The move signaled that even troubled giants can rebound with the right catalyst. Even though Buffett’s investment didn’t erase concerns overnight, it reminded markets of UnitedHealth’s deep market position and scale. When a legendary investor steps in, people listen—and prices respond.
Intel: Billions To Build The Future
August proved to be a turning point for Intel (NASDAQ: INTC). The chipmaker secured a $2 billion investment from SoftBank on August 18, followed quickly by an $8.9 billion investment from the U.S. government in Intel stock. Those back-to-back boosts sent shares soaring as investors embraced Intel’s revitalization plans.
After years of lackluster results, Intel is betting on scale and infrastructure to reclaim leadership in chipmaking. These investments won’t transform results overnight, but they lay the foundation for long-term competitiveness—a message that clearly resonated with the market in August.
Humana: Steady Growth, Strong Upgrades
Unlike the fireworks of Albemarle or Intel, Humana (NYSE: HUM) advanced with quiet consistency. Following its July earnings release, analysts steadily raised their outlook throughout August, fueling a persistent climb (Investing.com).
The performance investors see here reflects confidence in fundamentals rather than dramatic news. Steady upward moves often prove more sustainable than sudden spikes. Humana’s story in August was more about reliable execution, a quality many long-term investors prize.
Idexx Laboratories: Pets Power The Profit
A leader in veterinary health technology, Idexx Laboratories (NASDAQ: IDXX), impressed investors on August 4 with stronger-than-expected second-quarter results. Management went further, raising guidance for the rest of 2025.
The company’s growth taps into a cultural trend: Americans treating pets like family members. With diagnostics and healthcare services driving demand, Idexx’s long-term growth story has strong foundations. August’s rally was a reflection of a market that continues to expand in tandem with the pet care industry.
The Takeaway
Each of these five companies surged in August for very different reasons: commodity supply shocks, billionaire bets, government backing, analyst upgrades, and strong earnings. Together, they remind you that short-term market moves often tell bigger stories.
If you’re watching the market, use these examples as a reminder: one month doesn’t define a stock, but it can spotlight where investors see tomorrow’s potential.
