In the dynamic universe of stock trading, there’s always a hunger for those stellar picks that promise excellent returns. Today, we’re bringing you an exclusive shortlist from an elite realm: eight ‘Triple A’ stocks that have received the highest accolades in Louis Navellier’s Portfolio Grader system. This isn’t just another stock list; it’s a carefully curated, cream-of-the-crop selection, winnowed down from an exhaustive catalog of 4,213 stocks. Each of these stocks has consistently demonstrated top-tier performance in overall fundamental grade, quantitative grade, and total grade.
Imagine having a crystal ball that guides you directly to the best investments in the market. That’s what the Portfolio Grader system offers—a trusted, sophisticated tool that adds layers of credibility and precision to stock selection. These stocks are the titans within this robust grading mechanism, tailored for discerning investors seeking high-quality and high-return investments.
These stocks have outstripped the broader market indices, showing remarkable growth and robust fundamentals. Let’s dive into these eight golden opportunities, shedding light on why they stand out and deserve a spot in your investment portfolio.
Editor's Note: Analysis and insight for this article were originally sourced from our friends at InvestorPlace
1. AMN Healthcare (NYSE:AMN)
Industry:
Healthcare Staffing
Investment Case:
Since January 1, AMN Healthcare’s stock has surged by an incredible 25.7%, dwarfing the S&P 500’s gain of 12.9%. AMN specializes in recruiting nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, feeding into a sector with perpetual demand. The ongoing need for healthcare services fuels their growth, making this stock a reliable bet for promising returns.
The impressive gains AMN has delivered underscore its strategic positioning in a critical and ever-growing industry. This extraordinary performance is not just a flash in the pan; it signals a robust demand in the healthcare staffing sector, which is crucial for both current and long-term growth.
Analyst Ratings and Forecasts for AMN Healthcare
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate Buy | $68.20 / $77.88 / $75.57 | $57.21 / $62.26 | 9.54% / 36.13% / 35.48% | 5 / 8 / 8 |
Summary of Analyst Outlook
- Consensus Rating: The consensus rating is generally “Moderate Buy,” indicating that analysts suggest buying the stock but not strongly recommending it.
- Average Price Target: The average price targets vary slightly across different sources, ranging from $68.20 to $77.88 to $75.57, indicating potential increases of up to 36.13% to 35.48%.
- Upside Potential: Analysts estimate a potential increase of up to 9.54% to 36.13% based on their price targets.
2. Alon USA Energy (NYSE:ALJ)
Industry:
Petroleum Refining and Marketing
Investment Case:
With an 11.4% increase since the beginning of the year, Alon USA Energy reflects the strong operational performance and lucrative opportunities within the energy sector. Operating mainly in South Central, Southwestern, and Western United States, Alon USA Energy stands out as a resilient player amid fluctuating economic conditions and rising energy demands.
As the global economy rebounds, the demand for energy is set to skyrocket. Alon USA Energy, with its focused regional operations, is poised to capitalize on this growing need, making it a compelling stock to watch.
Analyst Ratings and Forecasts for Alon USA Energy
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate Buy | $29.43 | $23.26 | 24.83% | 3 |
Summary of Analyst Outlook
- Consensus Rating: The consensus rating for Alliance Resource Partners (ALJ) is a Moderate Buy, indicating that a majority of analysts recommend buying the stock.
- Average Price Target: The average price target is $29.43, suggesting a potential gain of 24.83% if the stock reaches that price.
- Current Price: The current stock price is $23.26.
- Number of Ratings: There are a total of 3 ratings for ALJ.
3. Geospace Technologies (NASDAQ:GEOS)
Industry:
Seismic Data Instruments and Equipment
Investment Case:
Geospace Technologies focuses on designing and manufacturing seismic data instruments for oil and gas exploration. Despite a modest 0.8% rise since January 1, the company remains a steady performer in a vital sector. The stock’s steadiness underscores its role in supporting oil and gas exploration—a backbone industry with enduring demand.
Stability in a volatile industry can offer much-needed assurance to investors. Geospace Technologies’ continuous support in oil and gas exploration ensures a reliability factor that many other stocks can’t promise.
Analyst Ratings and Forecasts for Geospace Technologies
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Buy | $165.55 | $150.00 | 10.37% | Based on 3 analysts’ ratings |
Summary of Analyst Outlook
Analysts have a consensus rating of Strong Buy for GEOS, with an average price target of $165.55. The current price is $150.00, indicating a potential gain of 10.37%. The high forecast is $172.00, and the low forecast is $158.00, with an average price target representing a 10.37% increase from the last price.
4. Liberty Media Corp. Class A (NASDAQ:LMCA)
Industry:
Media, Communications, and Entertainment
Investment Case:
Liberty Media Corp. has a diversified portfolio that spans various high-growth sectors, making it a resilient and versatile investment. This diversity provides a cushion against market volatility and opens multiple avenues for substantial returns.
In an age where media, communications, and entertainment are rapidly evolving and consistently profitable, Liberty Media’s diverse interests make it an adaptable and promising pick.
Analyst Ratings and Forecasts for Liberty Media Corp.
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None (Not Available) | None (Not Available) | Not Available | Not Available | Not Provided |
Summary of Analysts’ Outlook
Analyst ratings and forecasts for LMCA are not currently available. However, the sources include detailed information on other stocks such as Walmart (WMT), Lululemon Athletica (LULU), and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), which could be useful for market research and investment decisions.
5. AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. (NYSE:MITT)
Industry:
Residential Mortgage Assets
Investment Case:
With a 9.8% rise since January 1 and a 3.2% dividend yield, AG Mortgage is a solid investment for those seeking both growth and income. The company’s trailing PE Ratio of 3.70 makes it an exceptionally attractive pick for value-oriented investors looking for substantial returns from residential mortgage assets.
For investors prioritizing income and value, AG Mortgage stands out with its compelling combination of growth potential and attractive dividends. Properly managed residential mortgage assets make it a reliable source of steady income.
Analyst Ratings and Forecasts for AG Mortgage Investment Trust
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate Buy | $7.75 | $7.51 | 3.13% | 4 |
| Strong Buy | $8.00 | $7.51 | 6.52% | 5 |
| Moderate Buy | $7.83 | $7.51 | 3.21% | 7 |
| Strong Buy | $8.00 | $7.51 | 7.40% | 8 |
Summary of Analyst Outlook
Analysts for AG Mortgage Investment Trust (MITT) have generally positive outlooks, with some variations in their predictions.
- Consensus Ratings: Moderate Buy and Strong Buy ratings indicate a significant portion of analysts believe the stock will outperform the market.
- Average Price Targets: The range for average price targets is from $7.75 to $8.00, which suggests a moderate to strong increase in stock value.
- Current Price and Potential Gain: The current stock price is around $7.51. Based on the average price targets, potential gains range from 3.13% to 6.52%.
6. Par Pharmaceutical (NYSE:PRX)
Industry:
Pharmaceuticals
Investment Case:
Par Pharmaceutical’s focus on both generic and branded pharmaceuticals ensures a consistent demand for its products. This dual focus on high-demand essentials equips it for steady performance, backed by strong fundamentals and growth prospects.
In a world where healthcare and pharmaceuticals remain imperatives, Par Pharmaceutical’s extensive portfolio appeals to both conservative and growth-oriented investors.
Analyst Ratings and Forecasts for Par Pharmaceutical
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | $155.50 | $50.98 | 205.02% | 8 |
Summary of Analyst Outlook
Analysts have a generally positive outlook for Par Pharmaceutical with an average price target of $155.50, a potential gain of 205.02% from the current price of $50.98. Over the past three months, eight analysts have given ratings to PRX, of which eight are “Strong Buy” ratings. This suggests a strong consensus among analysts for a significant increase in the stock price.
7. Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO)
Industry:
Recreational Vehicles
Investment Case:
Stock prices surged 22% since the start of the year, significantly reflecting the booming interest in recreational activities. Winnebago, with a trailing PE Ratio of 8.80, stands out as an undervalued yet potential-packed investment.
The global pandemic has underscored the value of recreational activities, pushing Winnebago to the forefront as leisure travel and outdoor recreation gain unprecedented popularity.
Analyst Ratings and Forecasts for Winnebago Industries
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate Buy | $69.57 | $58.19 | 19.56% | 7 |
| Buy | $75.99 | $58.19 | 16.77% | 9 |
| Moderate Buy | $67.67 | $58.19 | 16.77% | 9 |
| Moderate Buy | $72.33 | $58.19 | 24.31% | 12 |
| Average Not Defined | $68.60 | $58.19 | 17.08% | N/A |
Summary of Analyst Outlook
Analysts generally have a positive outlook for Winnebago Industries (WGO), with most consensus ratings indicating a moderate to strong buy. The average price target ranges from $67.67 to $75.99, suggesting a potential gain of 16.77% to 24.31% from the current price of $58.19. This consensus is supported by the fact that the majority of recent analyst ratings are buy or hold, with fewer sell ratings.
As we unearth the potential within these ‘Triple A’ stocks, remember that these aren’t just top performers—they embody the promise of substantial financial gains, underpinned by strong fundamentals and quantitative strength. For investors eager to capitalize on elite opportunities, these stocks present well-rounded prospects validated by the sophisticated Portfolio Grader system.
Louis Navellier’s proprietary Portfolio Grader stock ranking system assesses roughly 5,000 companies each week based on a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. Stocks are given a letter grade based on their results—with