Since the start of the year, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) (Index: ^AORD) gained a decent 8.5%, but as of late it has been trading sideways. Over the past month, it is slightly down 0.8%, staying just under the 6,000 mark. Psychological barrier or not, the market seems skittish without a strong lead from the US markets.
Still, there are a number of stocks individually smashing the market's gain over the past month.
TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM) ended December a little shaky because of regulatory changes related to its proposed NBN broadband service network. Since then, it has sprung back into action, making a takeover offer for number two internet service provider iiNet Limited (ASX: IIN).
Adding iiNet to the business would bring in almost 1 million subscribing customers, including about 60,000 NBN users. TPG Telecom also announced cracking half-year results with revenue and net earnings up 59% and 18%, respectively. The stock has gained 20% since the beginning of March.
Protective wear manufacturer Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN) rose 14% over the past four weeks, during which it also announced an acquisition. The producer, well known for its plastic gloves used in homes, factories and medical facilities, will buy UK-based Microgard, a protective clothing producer. The company said this move complements recent acquisitions and is another critical step to building up Ansell's body protection business. Ansell generates the majority of its revenue overseas. Analysts forecast earnings to grow annually around 20% in the next several years.
ResMed Inc (CHESS) (ASX: RMD) is also on a roll recently, gaining 13% in the past month. The maker of breathing aids and respiratory devices scored a success with its new S+ device that allows people to monitor and analyse their sleeping, breathing and heart rate patterns wirelessly at home. Developed along with an app for Apple iPhones, consumers can buy the S+ device at Apple stores and use it through the Apple HealthKit. The potential for ResMed is big as it moves more into the mainstream consumer market connected with the Apple brand. I would definitely have this stock on my watchlist, but it is pricey currently.
