These 7 Stocks Have Crushed The Market In 2015

2015 hasn’t been the greatest year for the stock market. A quick glance at the major indices paints this picture; the Nasdaq (QQQ) composite has remained relatively flat, while the DJIA (DIA) and the S&P 500 (SPY) are down about 8.5% and 5.5% respectively.

Even still, there have been some spectacular performers so far this year. Not only have these stocks had great growth this year, but they also display solid Zacks Ranks and other metrics. Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the market’s best stocks so far in 2015.

 

1. Dynavax Technologies (DVAX - Snapshot Report)

Dynavax discovers and develops innovative products to treat and prevent allergies, infectious diseases, and inflammatory diseases. The company researches and uses versatile strategies to alter immune system responses. In July, an independent board decided to continue Dynavax’s clinical trial for its hepatitis B vaccine.

In an industry that has dropped an average of 5% year-to-date, DVAX is currently up about 68%. As the company stands poised to break into a hepatitis B vaccination market that is dominated by just two other products, many predict a bullish future for DVAX. In the past 30 days, we’ve seen three positive earnings estimate revisions. Currently, DVAX has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

2. Recro Pharma Inc. (REPH - Snapshot Report)

Recro Pharma is another innovative drug maker, operating as a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company. The company develops non-opioid pain treatments in the post-operative setting. Currently, REPH has two late-stage pain reduction products that appear very promising and have made investors very excited about the future for this company.

REPH is both our most significant gainer and smallest cap stock on the list. With a market cap around $115 million, Recro Pharma certainly isn’t the biggest company, but a year-to-date price growth of 365% is very impressive. A Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) also highlights the strength of this stock.

3. Skechers USA (SKX - Analyst Report)

Skechers is a designer and manufacturer of shoes for men, women, and children. The company sells its shoes directly to department stores like Nordstrom (JWN) and Macy’s (M), as well as specialty retailers like Journeys and Foot Locker. Skechers also operates its own concept and outlet stores.

Shares of SKX have grown over 150% on the year, compared to an industry average of -2.49%. This is helped by a Net Margin and Projected Sales Growth that also beat out the industry average. Currently, SKX has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and we’ve seen four positive earnings estimate revisions for this year in the past 60 days.

4. Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (SWHC - Snapshot Report)

Smith & Wesson is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of handguns, law enforcement products, and firearm safety tools. The company markets to firearm enthusiasts, collectors, law enforcement personnel, target shooters, and the military alike. Having been in business for over 150 years, Smith & Wesson has become a household name for its quality products.

Propelled by a Projected Sales Growth that is nearly 12 times that of the industry average, shares of SWHC have gained over 90% this year, while comparable companies have fallen about 15%. A Momentum Style Score of “A” and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) indicate that it is not too late to consider this smoking hot stock.

5. Alon USA Partners (ALDW - Snapshot Report)

Alon USA operates a petroleum refining and marketing business in the South Central and Southwestern regions of the United States. The company refines crude oil into finished products. Through its wholesale distribution network, ALDW sells products to Alon Energy’s retail convenience stores and other third-party distributors.

In what has been a rocky year for the energy sector, shares of ALDW have grown over 100%. With a Net Margin, P/E Ratio, and Return on Equity that all crush the industry average, ALDW has stood out in 2015. Currently, the company has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

6. Carrols Restaurant Group (TAST- Snapshot Report)

Operating through its subsidiaries, Carrols Restaurant Group is one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States. The company owns and operates its own chains, including Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana. However, Carrols is most known for being the largest Burger King franchisee in the world.

Shares of TAST have grown over 65% on the year. With a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Carrolls sits atop a strong retail restaurants industry that ranks in the top 24% of the Zacks Industry Rank. A Growth Style Score of “A” also highlights the great run this stock has been on.

7. Amazon (AMZN - Analyst Report)

Originally just an online marketplace, Amazon’s business is no so diverse that it is almost hard to define. While the online retail side is still thriving, Amazon has expanded to provide everything from its own line of electronics to cloud-based web services. 2015 has been a great year for the company, as several new programs and products have taken off.

After a price surge following its latest earnings report, Amazon overtook Wal-Mart (WMT) in market cap. With shares gaining over 65% on the year, Amazon has been on an impressive run for such a large cap stock. Currently, AMZN has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and 15 positive earnings estimate revisions in the past 60 days indicate that this stock could still be on the rise.

Bottom Line

Although it’s been a rough year for much of the market, these stocks have had impressive success. Although these companies have already been performing well, they all possess a strong Zacks Rank, meaning that their growth isn’t necessarily over yet.