Despite a stellar earnings season in February, led by some of Australia's largest corporations, the S&P/ASX 200 Index's (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) performance has been rather disappointing so far in 2014.
In fact, as of Tuesday afternoon when the ASX 200 closed at 5,403 points, the index had risen just 1% since the beginning of the year. Hardly the same level of excitement that we experienced in 2013 when the market was rallying on the back of high-yielding dividend stocks! However, just because the market has failed to impress, there are still plenty of exhilarating stocks ripe for the picking.
Entertainment and media group Village Roadshow Limited (ASX: VRL) has been a solid performer for investors over the last five or so years. In that time, it has risen 731% from just 84c to today's price of $6.98 (although it soared as high as $8.05 in November). While the company operates theme parks in Queensland and the US, it recently opened a new Wet 'n' Wild park in Sydney and is looking to venture into Asia in the coming years, making it a company to get (very) excited over.
Another good way to add some fizz to your portfolio is by adding beverage behemoth Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL). Although the company is coming off a rather poor 2013, the issues it's facing appear to only be short-term in nature, whereby its long-term growth prospects (particularly in Indonesia) should heavily outweigh any short-term slip-ups.
Almond producer Select Harvests Limited (ASX: SHV) is yet another exhilarating stock. Last year alone it soared over 300% while it has added a further 25% since the beginning of 2014, heavily outperforming the broader market. The company is set to continue benefitting from the drought currently affecting California (the world's largest producing region) which will push prices of the nut upwards, improving Select Harvests' margins and profitability. At $6.88 a share, the company is trading on a P/E ratio of 12 times.
Receivables management (debt collection, to you and I) group Collection House Limited (ASX: CLH) delivered solid returns in 2013, yet remains an excellent buy at today's price of $1.82. The group has shown impressive growth in profits and should benefit when interest rates inevitably rise (given that bad debts will also increase).
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) is also running on all cylinders, with shares having climbed 86% over the last 12 months. In February, the group announced that it had raised its full-year earnings guidance while it would also be expanding its manufacturing facility in Mexico as it positions itself at the forefront of the industry to benefit from growing respiratory issues.
Foolish takeaway
These five stocks would be a great way to turbocharge your portfolio.
