Despite the recent turmoil in Ukraine and the ongoing mixed economic data signals, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) continues to nudge its way closer to its 52-week high of 5,462 with the index closing today at 5,409. Despite all the market noise, the following three stocks have all just hit fresh 52-week highs and are hot right now.
Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) jumped 15% yesterday and is up 151% in the past 12 months – it's a sensational return for the wholesale distributor of computers which only listed in 2011. In fact since listing the stock is up over 700%! The recent share price gains have been spurred on by the $65.5 million acquisition of Express Data which will significantly boost the size and depth of Dicker Data's offering.
Kathmandu Holdings Ltd's (ASX: KMD) share price continues to test new all-time highs as well. With a half-year end date of 31 January, the outdoor adventure retailer released its interim results last week. Those results showed a 10.7% increase in net profit after tax to NZ$11.4 million, an impressive result considering the performance of the wider retail sector.
Unlike Dicker Data and Kathmandu which are both relatively new to the ASX and experiencing not just 52-week highs but record, all-time highs, property and infrastructure firm Lend Lease Group (ASX: LLC) has been listed for decades and its share price is still a long way below its pre-GFC highs of around $20.
Despite long-term shareholders still potentially being underwater on their investment, the recent performance of Lend Lease has been stellar with the share price rising 21% over the past year. The company has just completed an investor site tour which incorporated the Barangaroo South project which will house Crown Resorts Ltd's (ASX: CWN) Sydney casino. Judging by the performance of the share price (up 1.5%) on the day of the tour, investors must have liked what they heard.
Foolish takeaway
Don't be scared-off by companies hitting new highs, particularly when it is on account of new positive information coming to light. A company that survives and prospers will hit many new highs in its lifetime, so it is not a reason to be shy.