5 Strong Stocks We Loved Throughout 2017

As 2017 nears its close, it is time to look back and reflect upon what was another remarkably bullish year throughout the stock market. Tech giants certainly led the way, but a number of indexes soared to new highs, and profits were enjoyed by value, growth, and momentum investors alike.

This type of yearly performance means that the holiday season can be even more celebratory. Another great thing about this season is that it opens the door for members of the media to dole out their end-of-year awards.

Here at Zacks, we definitely have award-season fever, and looking back on a great 2017, there are a number of great stocks that skyrocketed throughout the year—and sported strong Zacks Ranks for many months.

Check out five of our favorite stocks from 2017:

1. Nvidia Corporation ( (NASDAQ:NVDA) )

From the emergence of artificial intelligence to self-driving cars and bitcoin mining, Nvidia dominated 2017 because of increased demand for its products from a variety of markets. Nvidia spent a staggering 30 weeks as a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) or higher, including 24 weeks as a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Heading into today, the stock was up nearly 80% on the year, and current full-year projections are calling for the company to wrap things up with sales growth of 37% and earnings growth of 63%.

2. KLA-Tencor Corporation ( (NASDAQ:KLAC) )

2017 was a great year for semiconductor manufacturers, and as logic implies, it was also a great year for the companies that supply equipment to the chipmakers. One such firm is KLA-Tencor. Shares of KLAC have soared about 35% in 2017, and the company is expected to conclude its fiscal year with earnings growth of 23% and sales growth of 14%. During the year, KLAC spent a whopping 39 weeks as a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) or better, including 23 weeks as a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

3. TAL Education Group ( (NYSE:TAL) )

Throughout the year, we saw a renewed interest in Chinese stocks, and one of the highest-flying Chinese stocks of 2017 was TAL Education Group. Shares of this tutoring services company were up more than 150% heading into Tuesday. It was also a year of aggressive top and bottom line expansion for the firm, and full-year estimates are calling for TAL to finish up with earnings growth of 68% and revenue growth of 64%. TAL has spent 10 weeks as a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 16 weeks as a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) this year.

4. Thor Industries, Inc. ( (NYSE:THO) )

2017 has also been packed with encouraging economic news, including low unemployment rates and rising consumer confidence. This helps companies that benefit from discretionary spending, such as RV maker Thor Industries. Shares of Thor have gained about 50% in 2017, and full-year estimates are now calling for sales growth of 14% and earnings growth of 29%. Thor is currently a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and has spent 34 weeks as a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) or better.

5. ZAGG Inc. ( (NASDAQ:ZAGG) )

Finally, we have seen several notable low-priced, small-cap stocks have a breakout year. One of our favorites is ZAGG Inc., a designer of protective accessories for consumer electronics. Shares of ZAGG have soared more than 183% so far in 2017. Our current consensus estimates are calling for the company’s full-year earnings to grow 234% and revenue to swell 27%. ZAGG has spent 27 weeks as a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) or better, including 20 weeks as a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Want more stock market analysis from this author? Make sure to follow @Ryan_McQueeney on Twitter!

Zacks Editor-in-Chief Goes "All In" on This Stock

Full disclosure, Kevin Matras now has more of his own money in one particular stock than in any other. He believes in its short-term profit potential and also in its prospects to more than double by 2019. Today he reveals and explains his surprising move in a new Special Report.

Download it free >>