As the saying goes, “You can’t go broke by taking a profit,” right?
Unfortunately, my fellow Fool Matt Koppenheffer reminded us last year that adage often hurts returns more than it helps, and you should never sell a stock simply because its price has gone up.
With that in mind, here are three top stocks that I’m convinced have room to run even higher:
| Company | 6-Month Return | % Below 52-Week High | Recent Price | CAPS Rating (out of five) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Beer Co Inc (NYSE:SAM) | 32.9% | 12.4% | $150.65 | *** |
| Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) | 29.1% | 13.9% | $361.15 | *** |
| Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) | 28.9% | 10% | $83.10 | **** |
Source: Motley Fool CAPS.
Profits with integrity
Image source: Chipotle.
First up, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) has proven a strong performer of late, with shares up more than 29% over the past six months. Zoom out a little further, however, and you’ll see this top stock still sits almost 14% below its 52-week high set last June.
So why shouldn’t you sell Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) now, especially after it popped more than 10% in a single day following its strong first-quarter results last month?
Luckily for long-term investors, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG)’s margins are improving as the company focuses on streamlining operations to offset increasing food costs. In addition, management reiterated they’re confident they can deliver at the high end of their existing guidance for new restaurant openings of between 165 and 180 in 2013.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is also focusing on opening smaller restaurants for the time being, which offer lower development occupancy and operating costs and should serve to improve margins that much more. Combine that with strong returns on capital of 22% and $700 million in cash on their balance sheet with no debt, and it’s safe to say Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) has positioned itself for success going forward.
A world-changing industry
Image source: Stratasys.
Next, I think Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) is another top stock with room to run as it sits around 10% below its 52-week high. Like Chipotle, Stratasys is currently riding a wave of optimism after the company turned in strong results with its most recent quarterly earnings report.
However, those most recent numbers were reported in March, and Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) has yet to report its first quarter of 2013. Keep in mind, however, that other competitors in the space have posted strong results so far, including 3D Systems and newcomer ExOne, so we know the additive manufacturing industry as a whole continues to grow like a weed.
In addition to perennial concerns for how organic growth is holding up, then, Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) investors will also be eager to see how the company is benefiting from its recent merger with fellow 3-D printing behemoth Objet.
Remember, because the merger only officially closed in the middle of Q4, the most recent quarterly net sales of $71.2 million represented a full quarter from Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) combined with a partial quarter from Objet. When the company reports next Monday, it will be the first full quarter for which both companies’ results are compiled.
Finally, it’ll also be interesting to see how well Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) has been able to leverage its new global network of more than 260 resellers and independent sales agents inherited from the merger.
Crafting long-term gains
Image source: Boston Beer.
Last but not least, while shares of Boston Beer Co Inc (NYSE:SAM) have performed exceptionally well for investors over the past six months, this top stock is actually reeling from a difficult quarter, during which the company saw net income fall 8% year over year in spite of a 20% increase in total sales.
Even so, I’m not alone in viewing this pullback as a perfect buying opportunity for patient investors with a long-term mind-set. After all, the company was primarily hit by the high cost of goods and “slight softness” in its Samuel Adams Spring seasonal selection last quarter, and they’re wasting no time moving onto the wildly popular Summer offerings. What’s more, Boston Beer Co Inc (NYSE:SAM)’s wares will soon be available in an innovative new can, which should serve to boost sales further while preserving the taste of the craft brews that made the company famous.
In the end, I’m convinced Boston Beer Co Inc (NYSE:SAM)’s reputation for high-quality beer should eventually supersede this short-term weakness, and its stock price should continue to follow suit.
The article 3 Top Stocks With Room to Run originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Steve Symington.
Fool contributor Steve Symington owns shares of 3D Systems. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of 3D Systems, Boston Beer, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Stratasys and has the following options: short Jan. 2014 $36 calls on 3D Systems and short Jan. 2014 $20 puts on 3D Systems.
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