When looking back from 2025, 2014 was one of the busiest IPO years in recent memory. Investors were introduced to a broad mix of companies, from fast-growing software names to massive international platforms and consumer hardware brands. The buzz around those debuts was huge at the time, but a decade later, it’s clear that hype doesn’t always translate into lasting success.
| Stock (Ticker) | Total Return | Annualized Return |
|---|---|---|
| CyberArk (CYBR) | +2,825.8% | 36.0% |
| HubSpot (HUBS) | +1,875.6% | 31.4% |
| Paycom (PAYC) | +1,385.8% | 26.7% |
| Paylocity (PCTY) | +904.9% | 22.3% |
| Arista Networks (ANET) | +230.7% | 11.2% |
| Wayfair (W) | +200.6% | 10.6% |
| Alibaba (BABA) | +124.5% | 7.6% |
| JD.com (JD) | +78.0% | 5.2% |
| LendingClub (LC) | +11.5% | 1.0% |
| GoPro (GPRO) | –91.9% | –20.0% |
Looking back is valuable because it shows what really drives long-term returns. Some of the 2014 class turned into category leaders with sticky business models and recurring revenue. Others struggled with competition, changing consumer trends, or reliance on products that didn’t age well.
For today’s investors, the lesson is simple: IPOs are just the starting line. What matters is how companies execute over the next 5–10 years. The Class of 2014 is a perfect case study in separating sustainable growth stories from those that fizzled out.
1. CyberArk (CYBR)
Find the best buy-and-hold stocks with TIKR (It’s free) >>>
CyberArk focuses on protecting privileged accounts and credentials, often described as the “keys to the kingdom” inside IT systems. As cyberattacks grew more sophisticated, the company became a go-to vendor for identity security. Since its $16 IPO, the stock has multiplied many times over, making it one of the standout winners from the 2014 class.
2. HubSpot (HUBS)
HubSpot began as a marketing automation platform for small and mid-sized businesses and has since expanded into sales, service, and CRM software. Its freemium model helped it land customers early and grow with them over time. The stock has delivered substantial long-term gains as recurring revenue and margins scaled after the IPO.
Value stocks in less than 60 seconds with TIKR’s new Valuation Model (It’s free) >>>
3. Paycom (PAYC)
Paycom provides payroll and human capital management software through a single, integrated platform. The company carved out a loyal base in the mid-market by making HR processes more efficient and sticky. Investors who bought in at the $15 IPO have seen exceptional returns thanks to steady growth and operating leverage.
4. Paylocity (PCTY)
Paylocity also operates in the payroll and HCM space, but it focuses more on small and medium-sized businesses. By bundling features like timekeeping and benefits into its platform, it built strong retention and recurring revenue. Its shares have climbed almost tenfold since going public at $17.
5. Arista Networks (ANET)
Arista develops high-performance networking equipment used in cloud data centers and, more recently, in AI infrastructure. Its software-driven approach has helped it steadily take share from legacy networking giants. Since its $43 IPO, Arista has compounded into one of Europe and America’s strongest networking players.
6. Wayfair (W)
Track the top holdings & recent investments of over 10,000 top hedge funds with TIKR (It’s free) >>>
Wayfair sells home furnishings online, using scale and logistics to compete with big-box retailers. The business surged during the pandemic as online shopping boomed, but demand later normalized. Even with ups and downs, the stock is still worth well more than its $29 IPO price.
7. Alibaba (BABA)
Alibaba is China’s largest e-commerce platform, with businesses spanning online retail, logistics, payments, and cloud computing. Its record-breaking IPO in 2014 marked one of the biggest stock offerings in history. While the stock has had a volatile ride since, it remains above its $68 IPO price.
8. JD.com (JD)
JD.com operates one of China’s largest e-commerce platforms, distinguished by its first-party logistics network, which enables it to offer fast delivery. The company has grown steadily in categories like electronics and groceries, though macro pressures have weighed on results. From its $19 IPO, shares have produced moderate but positive returns.
9. LendingClub (LC)
LendingClub started as a peer-to-peer lending marketplace connecting borrowers with retail investors. After facing business model and regulatory challenges, it pivoted toward becoming a digital bank while keeping its platform roots. The stock has eked out a small gain from its $15 IPO, making it a slower grower compared to the cohort’s leaders.
10. GoPro (GPRO)
GoPro built a global brand around its action cameras, which became popular with athletes and content creators. But the rise of smartphones and heavy reliance on hardware cycles eroded its competitive edge. After peaking early, the stock has fallen far below its $24 IPO price and stands as one of the cautionary tales of 2014.
What the 2014 IPO Winners Have in Common
The winners from 2014 shared a few clear traits. They were software-driven businesses with recurring revenue, high customer retention, and large markets to grow into. CyberArk, HubSpot, Paycom, and Paylocity all turned those advantages into durable growth, compounding steadily as they expanded their platforms.
By contrast, companies that relied on single products, like GoPro, or ran into regulatory challenges, like LendingClub, struggled to keep momentum. The common thread is that durable business models, not launch-day hype, separate the long-term winners from the rest. For investors, the Class of 2014 shows that recurring revenue, sticky customers, and disciplined growth are the hallmarks of IPOs built to last.
Quickly value any stock with TIKR’s powerful new Valuation Model (It’s free!) >>>
AI Compounders With Massive Upside That Wall Street Is Overlooking
Everyone wants to cash in on AI. But while the crowd chases the obvious names benefiting from AI like NVIDIA, AMD, or Taiwan Semiconductor, the real opportunity may lie on the AI application layer where a handful of compounders are quietly embedding AI into products people already use every day.
TIKR just released a new free report on 5 undervalued compounders that analysts believe could deliver years of outperformance as AI adoption accelerates.
Inside the report, you’ll find:
- Businesses are already turning AI into revenue and earnings growth
- Stocks trading below fair value despite strong analyst forecasts
- Unique picks most investors haven’t even considered
If you want to catch the next wave of AI winners, this report is a must-read.
Click here to sign up for TIKR and get your free copy of TIKR’s 5 AI Compounders report today.
Looking for New Opportunities?
- See what stocks billionaire investors are buying so you can follow the smart money.
- Analyze stocks in as little as 5 minutes with TIKR’s all-in-one, easy-to-use platform.
- The more rocks you overturn… the more opportunities you’ll uncover. Search 100K+ global stocks, global top investor holdings, and more with TIKR.
Disclaimer:
Please note that the articles on TIKR are not intended to serve as investment or financial advice from TIKR or our content team, nor are they recommendations to buy or sell any stocks. We create our content based on TIKR Terminal’s investment data and analysts’ estimates. Our analysis might not include recent company news or important updates. TIKR has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading, and happy investing!
