Big-name stocks like BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) often dominate the financial news headlines.
Not only do they often have big announcements to make, but their "household name" status means they are often referred to in general news also.
These three S&P/ASX 200 companies are keeping a lower profile, but it doesn't mean they're not kicking goals.
They have somehow slipped under the radar, and they're proof that every good investor needs to keep an eye on the peripheral.
Freedom Foods Group Ltd (ASX: FNP)
Shares in diversified food company Freedom Foods Group hit a 52-week high on June 12 when its share price soared to $6.28 at day's close – up from just $5.86 one week earlier and $4.75 this time last year.
As a $1.53 billion market cap company, Freedom is anything but small fry, and its unique position in the burgeoning health and wellness sector means the company is holding its own on a global basis as the company's products begin to gain traction in the south-east Asian market.
As yet Freedom hasn't seen the type of success the likes of Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) has gleaned from overseas market expansion, but with a unique range of allergen-friendly products, it could aspire to such heights, with rising demand for its UHT products in particular.
Many of us may now reach for Freedom products on the supermarket shelves without even knowing it, with its So Natural, Paramount and Brunswick brands dominating offerings at the local Wesfarmers Ltd's (ASX: WES) Coles, or Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).
As we see the demand for healthy food products zoom – hitting the likes of Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) where it hurts – there is plenty of opportunity for Freedom to steadily gain market share and customer trust and preference both at home and overseas.
This stock is certainly one to consider if you are looking for a mid-cap growth star.
Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC)
Australian horticultural company Costa Group Holdings Ltd has printed a 52-week high this week when its share price hit $8.36 on June 12 – up 77% from its $4.71 share price at this time last year.
Costa operates in the produce, farms, logistics and international space with 3,500 hectares of planted farmland, 30 hectares of glasshouse facilities and seven mushroom-growing facilities.
News out of the company has been slim of late, but perhaps this is because it has been so focused on booking gains and gobbling up market share.
UBS has certainly had its eye on the company – issuing a buy rating this week with the belief its berry and avocado lines will grow well into the future.
Costa Group shares are certainly not on a low right now, but if you're hoping to snag them cheaper you might be waiting a while.
Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR)
Gold-focused mineral exploration and development company Saracen Mineral Holdings shares hit a 52-week high this week to close off June 12 trading at $2.20.
With a portfolio of exploration assets in the North Eastern Kalgoorlie Goldfields in Western Australia, Saracen recently upgraded its FY18 guidance as record production saw cash and equivalents rise 22% to $102 million.
Strong drilling results point to mine life extensions on the company's Carosue Dam and Thunderbox projects with "exceptional growth potential" close to its existing mills.
With a $1.8 billion market cap, Saracen is certainly smaller than the likes of gold peers Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), but recent results show they are a serious competitor in the space.
