Espey Mfg & Electronics (ESP) had the highest return between 1980 and 1981 by a US stock, returning 466.6%.

ASSET	YEARS	% RETURN
Espey Mfg & Electronics (ESP)	1980-1981	466.61%
McDonald’s (MCD)	1980-1981	449.13%
Kirby (KEX)	1980-1981	330.55%
Service Corporation International (SCI)	1980-1981	319.09%
Standard Motor Products (SMP)	1980-1981	262.16%
Essential Utilities (WTRG)	1980-1981	248.47%
Koss (KOSS)	1980-1981	212.44%
Progressive (PGR)	1980-1981	210.84%
Sysco (SYY)	1980-1981	170.06%
Sony (SONY)	1980-1981	164.13%
Jefferies Financial (JEF)	1980-1981	162.42%
Walmart (WMT)	1980-1981	160.98%
Newtek Business Services (NEWT)	1980-1981	160.01%
CACI International (CACI)	1980-1981	159.07%
PulteGroup (PHM)	1980-1981	157%
State Street (STT)	1980-1981	154.45%
Altria (MO)	1980-1981	150%
Myers Industries (MYE)	1980-1981	146.23%
Southwest Airlines (LUV)	1980-1981	145.61%
Tutor Perini (TPC)	1980-1981	137.25%
Carlisle Companies (CSL)	1980-1981	137.15%
Stryker (SYK)	1980-1981	132.54%
Skyworks Solutions (SWKS)	1980-1981	132.54%
American Financial (AFG)	1980-1981	126.04%
Oxford Industries (OXM)	1980-1981	123.75%