The S&P / ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has delivered another flat day as investors' attention is perhaps more focused on the Melbourne Cup than the markets. That hasn't stopped several stocks outperforming, with some of them regularly featuring in the list of top risers recently. This means they may be worth a closer look given the market excitement swirling around them.
Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) has climbed 33 cents or 3.52% to $9.71 on the back of a recent profit upgrade issued at its AGM. The company now expects a minimum of 41.8% EBITDA growth on the prior year and says it continues to experience strong new client wins and a strong domestic corporate travel market.The company's bright outlook is reflected by the rocketing earnings growth and as the business grows it will come onto the radar of more institutional investors.
Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) climbed 35 cents or 2.61% to $13.74 on the back of strengthening global equity markets, particularly in North America. The group's phenomenal rise has been based on a sweet spot of investment outperformance combined with strong new business development.
The group is expanding its retail distribution channels, with institutional business development remaining equally, if not more important. Given there's little to suggest Magellan cannot continue to leverage off its successful business model, it appears well positioned for growth providing equity markets don't head south for a prolonged basis.
Trade Me Group Ltd (ASX: TME) has seen its shares climb 6 cents or 1.70% as investors reassess its valuation given its growth prospects and handy dividend yield of around 4% based on FY 2015's expected payout.
Trade Me is an online marketplace and classified advertising business that simply dominates the New Zealand market, this gives it a wide moat and the benefits of a network effect. The stock remains a decent option for those seeking an online advertising business on a reasonable valuation.
Retail Food Group Limited (ASX: RFG) is in the pizza, cakes and donut business via its ownership of the franchise rights to multiple fast-food outlets. However, it's the prospect of the group becoming a giant coffee retailer through the recently announced $163.5 million purchase of the Gloria Jean's coffee chain that is encouraging investors to pile into the stock. Today it has gained 32 cents or 5.65% to $6.02 a share.
The group recently issued equity to institutional investors at $4.80 a share to help fund the purchase, but it's no surprise the market has now bid the stock up way beyond that level given the transformative potential of the Gloria Jean's purchase.
