The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) may only be up a paltry 3% this year, but that hasn't stopped a number of shares on the market from going gangbusters.
Three which have caught my eye are listed below. Can they keep climbing from here?
The Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) share price has increased 49% so far this year. Investors have been fighting to get hold of the gaming solutions company's shares since the end of February when the company provided its full-year earnings guidance. After a strong start to the year, management is confident that full-year profit will grow in the range of 20% to 30% compared to the prior corresponding period. Whilst I think it could be a great buy and hold investment, I feel its shares are fully valued now so the near-term upside potential may be limited.
The Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC) share price is up 40% year-to-date. In February Australia's leading grower, packer, and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables announced its first-half results. Strong demand and favourable pricing were behind the impressive growth. These factors and the Avocado Ridge acquisition led management to upgrade its full-year profit growth guidance from 15% to 25%. Whilst I am a big fan of the company, at 31x trailing earnings I think its shares are starting to look a little expensive.
The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price has gained an incredible 63% year-to-date. Low oil prices, cost savings, and bullish broker reports have largely been the reason the airline's shares have soared this year. Despite its sizeable gain, I still see a lot of value in its shares today. Just as long as oil prices remain favourable. Thanks to rising oil production in the United States, I think this will be the case for some time.
