5 Growth Stocks to Buy in May 2025 for Aggressive Investors

As markets navigate macroeconomic uncertainty, high-growth stocks remain a magnet for risk-tolerant investors seeking outsized returns. The five stocks highlighted below—selected for their explosive one-year returns, sector dominance, and catalyst-driven trajectories—offer compelling opportunities for those willing to stomach volatility.

1. Palantir Technologies (PLTR): The AI Infrastructure Titan

• Performance: 425.89% one-year return as of April 30, 2025.
• Why Buy?
  Palantir’s AI-driven data analytics platform is a linchpin for governments and enterprises racing to integrate AI infrastructure. Its Q4 2024 revenue surged 36% YoY to $827 million, with net profit jumping to $462 million annually. The TITAN system for the U.S. military and commercial AIP adoption are key growth engines.
• Valuation: Trading at 100x trailing sales and 548x P/E, Palantir’s premium reflects aggressive growth expectations. Analysts like Dan Ives of Wedbush see a $1 trillion market cap within 2–3 years.
• Risk: Regulatory scrutiny and valuation corrections could pressure shares.

2. VNET Group (VNET): China’s Data Center Play

• Performance: 298.10% one-year return.
• Why Buy?
  VNET’s 48,516 self-built retail cabinets and 297 MW of under-construction data center capacity position it to capitalize on China’s tech infrastructure boom. Its Q2 2024 revenue beat estimates by $8 million, with FY 2024 guidance at $1.1 billion.
• Valuation: Forward P/E of 192x (based on 2025 EPS projections of $0.32) is sky-high, but its 1,500% YoY earnings growth estimate justifies optimism.
• Risk: Negative free cash flow ($93.2M in Q3 2024) and high debt-to-equity (215%) pose liquidity concerns.

3. AppLovin (APP): Mobile Gaming’s Growth Machine

• Performance: 264.82% one-year return.
• Why Buy?
  AppLovin’s e-commerce advertising product (now contributing 10% of revenue) and its AI-powered ad tech are driving Q4 2024 revenue to $1.4 billion (+44% YoY). The company’s addressable market expanded to 10 million global businesses, unlocking new monetization avenues.
• Valuation: A 53x P/E ratio and 1.2 PEG ratio suggest reasonable pricing relative to its 45% 2025 earnings growth forecast.
• Risk: Over-reliance on app store algorithms and short-seller scrutiny.

4. Adma Biologics (ADMA): Biotech’s Plasma Play

• Performance: 263.36% one-year return.
• Why Buy?
  Adma’s plasma-derived therapies, including ASCENIV for primary immunodeficiency, are riding a wave of demand. Q1 2025 estimates predict $119M revenue (+45% YoY), with long-term targets of $1 billion by 2030. A fivefold expansion in plasma supply capacity and a preclinical pipeline for pneumonia treatments add upside.
• Valuation: A 10.59x forward P/S ratio exceeds industry norms, but its $26.4M adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2024 signals operational leverage.
• Risk: Regulatory delays and competition in biologics.

5. TG Therapeutics (TGTX): High-Risk, High-Reward Biotech

• Performance: 237.86% one-year return.
• Why Buy?
  TG’s FDA-approved MS drug BRIUMVI® is its cash cow, with Q1 2025 revenue projected at $118.5M (+87% YoY). GuruFocus’s GF Value model sees a 507% upside to $263.99/share, assuming pipeline success.
• Valuation: Near-term analyst targets are conservative ($42.57 vs. $43.44 price), but long-term catalysts (e.g., autoimmune drug approvals) could redefine the stock.
• Risk: Clinical trial failures and insider selling (5 insiders offloaded shares in 6 months).

Conclusion: Buy with a Safety Net

These stocks are not for the faint-hearted. While Palantir (PLTR) and AppLovin (APP) offer sector-leading growth with relative valuation sanity, their high P/E multiples demand execution perfection. VNET (VNET) and Adma (ADMA) are bets on infrastructure and biotech tailwinds, respectively, but their balance sheet risks require caution. TGTX (TGTX) is a speculative play on drug commercialization success.

Key Data Points to Remember:
- Palantir’s 548x P/E vs. AppLovin’s 53x P/E highlight divergent valuations within tech.
- VNET’s 1,500% earnings growth projection vs. its negative cash flow underscores the “growth at all costs” strategy.
- Adma’s $1B 2030 target and TG’s GF Value upside reflect high-reward scenarios.

For investors willing to hold through volatility, a 20% allocation to this quintet—with the rest in defensive assets like JNJ or index funds—could yield double-digit returns. But remember: past performance ≠ future results.

Final Verdict: PLTR and APP are the core buys; VNET and ADMA for sector exposure; TGTX only for risk lovers. Let these stocks ride while keeping an eye on clinical milestones, macroeconomic shifts, and valuation sanity checks.

Always consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.