5 Large-Cap Stocks at All-Time Highs
As the U.S. economy continues to make strides in its recovery from the Great Recession with an improving jobs and housing market scene, the stock market’s positive momentum shows no signs of slowing.
The S&P 500 (.INX), Wall Street’s benchmark barometer for equities, closed at a record high May 26 after notching a new all-time, intra-day high of 2,418.71 points. And the Nasdaq Composite Index (.IXIC) also hit an all-time, intra-day high at 6,217.34 points May 25.
Among these broader gains, some sectors are faring better than others. But nearly every industry has a stand-out company with stock trading at record levels. Here are five stocks that are riding this bull market to their own all-time highs:
McDonald’s Turnaround Plan Impresses Investors
McDonald’s Corp. (MCD) shares hit an all-time high of $ 150.24 in Friday’s session. The stock is up 23.1 percent year to date, and up 21.2 percent the past year.
The fast-food chain earlier this year announced an aggressive plan to revive flat sales after losing some 500 million customers since 2012. Among its strategies: initiating mobile orders, overhauling its menu to include fresh-beef options and renovating stores. (See also: McDonald’s Plans to Win Back Customers.)
Amazon Soars Amid Online Shopping Frenzy
Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) forged fresh highs just short of $ 1,000 last week as online retailing has been taking off with shifting consumer shopping habits. Shares now trade in a 52-week range of $ 682.11 to $ 999.00. The stock is up 32.8 percent year to date, and up 39.8 percent the past year.
Amazon is testing a variety of ways to reach consumers outside of its dominant online platform. The online retailer is working to open a cashier-less store in Seattle, as well as launch a grocery-pickup business, among other efforts. (See also: Amazon Launches Online Grocery Pickup Service.)
Ulta Rides Surging Demand for Beauty Products
Ulta Beauty Inc. (ULTA) is up 18.6 percent year to date, and up 29.7 percent the past year. The stock is trading in a 52-week range of $ 225.13 to $ 310.00, an all-time high it hit May 26.
While much of the retail sector is ailing amid sagging sales, bankruptcies and store closures, Ulta Beauty produced impressive first-quarter results as it focused on online sales. Same-store sales rose 14.3 percent, with digital sales improving by 71 percent year over year. (See also: Beauty Companies Innovate.)
Tesla’s Stock Charged with Optimism
Tesla Inc. (TSLA) shares tapped an all-time high of $ 327.66 in recent sessions. Shares are up 52.2 percent year to date, and up 45.8 percent the past year.
The electric vehicle maker is experimenting with self-driving cars and finding its footing in the solar panel industry after its $ 2.6 billion acquisition of SolarCity Corp. late last year. (See also: Tesla’s Solar Roof Tiles Sold Out ‘Well Into 2018.’)
BlackRock a Standout Among Financials
While much of the financial sector’s explosive post-election rally has cooled off, the financial sector is still thriving.
Among the stronger performers in financials, BlackRock Inc. (BLK) shares’ positive momentum is continuing after the money manager posted first-quarter earnings of $ 5.25 per share, above the Street view of $ 4.89 per share. BlackRock recently said it is cutting jobs and reducing fees in its active management business.
BlackRock’s stock hit an all-time high of $ 407.93 in recent sessions. Shares are up 7.0 percent year-to-date, and up 11.5 percent the past year. (See also: BlackRock Replacing Asset Managers with Robots.)
