Do you have $500? Buy these two fast-growing stocks for superior returns

Growth stocks have the potential to grow their financial values ​​at a rate well above the industry average, giving investors the opportunity for outsized returns. Given this strong growth potential, these companies often trade at a premium valuation. However, their evolving business models and relatively expensive valuations can increase volatility, making them better suited to investors with a higher risk tolerance.

Against this backdrop, let’s look at two high-growth stocks you could buy for $500 to generate superior long-term returns.

5N Plus

Given the exposure to fast-growing end markets such as semiconductors, terrestrial renewable energy and space-based solar, I opted for 5N Plus (TSX:VNP) as my top choice. The semiconductor industry has experienced robust growth amid the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, expanding the company’s addressable market and increasing demand for its specialty materials.

In addition, the company recently received an $18.1 million grant from the U.S. government to improve germanium recycling and refining capabilities at its St. George, Utah plant. This funding should support efforts to recover germanium from industrial residues and mining byproducts, strengthening critical supply chains for optics and solar germanium crystals.

In addition, 5N Plus has announced plans to expand the solar cell production capacity of its subsidiary AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH by 25%. Backed by its global sourcing network, established manufacturing footprint and ongoing product development initiatives, the company appears well positioned to benefit from favorable industry trends. Given the favorable industry dynamics and ongoing expansion initiatives, I expect the positive momentum in 5N Plus’ financial performance to continue.

Amid strong buying interest in recent months, 5N Plus now trades at a forward twelve-month price-to-earnings ratio of 4.1 and a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.7, reflecting a richer valuation. However, given the solid growth prospects and growing presence in demanding end markets, I think investors with a long-term investment horizon of more than three years could consider accumulating the shares at current levels to generate superior returns.

Celestica

Another growth stock I’m bullish on is Celestica (TSX:CLS), which posted an impressive fourth-quarter performance last month and raised its 2026 outlook. In the fourth quarter, revenue rose 44% year over year to $3.7 billion, driven by a 64% increase in the Connectivity & Cloud Solutions (CCS) segment to $2.9 billion. Within CCS, the Hardware Platform Solutions (HPS) business generated $1.4 billion in revenue, reflecting strong 72% year-over-year growth and highlighting increasing demand from cloud and hyperscale customers. However, Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) segment revenue fell 1% to $0.8 billion, partially offsetting overall growth.

In addition to robust revenue growth, Celestica’s adjusted operating margin improved from 6.8% to 7.7%, supporting strong revenue growth. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter came in at $1.89, up 70.3% from the same period last year.

Buoyed by the solid performance in 2025 and improving momentum heading into 2026, management has raised its full-year 2026 guidance. The company now expects revenues of $17 billion, implying 37.2% year-over-year growth. Additionally, expected adjusted earnings per share of $8.75 reflects an annual increase of 44.6%.

Looking ahead, increasing investments in AI-ready data centers to support the growing adoption of artificial intelligence create significant long-term opportunities for Celestica. The company is also focused on launching innovative products to meet the changing needs of customers and expand its market share. Given favorable industry conditions, margin expansion and strong growth initiatives, I expect Celestica’s financial momentum to continue, potentially delivering outsized returns over the long term.