Earlier today I revealed that Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC), Platinum Asset Management Limited (ASX: PTM), and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) shares have been the worst performers on the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) so far in 2019.
The good news is that not all shares on the benchmark index have fared so poorly this year. In fact, some have carved out some impressive gains despite the year being just over two weeks old.
Three of the best performers so far this year are listed below. Is it too late to invest?
The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price has stormed 21.2% higher so far in 2019 thanks to a recovery in oil prices. Beach Energy's shares fell heavily in the final quarter of 2018 after oil prices sank to multi-year lows. While prices are still a long way off their highs, production cuts from OPEC and positive trade war talks have taken them higher by around 12% year to date. If oil prices continue to run higher then I think Beach could be a good option for investors at these levels.
The Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) share price has surged a massive 22% year to date thanks to the receipt of a $3.25 cash per share takeover offer from Jangho Hong Kong. Healius, previously known as Primary Health Care, has rejected the offer and labelled it "opportunistic". However, it appears that some investors believe that this is not the end of the matter and expect Jangho to come back with a better offer in the coming weeks. I suspect that this could prove to be the case as well, but I wouldn't recommend investing purely because of this. After all, if no further bid materialises then its shares could tumble lower.
The Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) share price has been the best performer on the ASX 200 this year with a stunning gain of 31%. News that it has produced its first spherical graphite from its BAM Facility in the U.S. and achieved commercial production status at its Balama project have been the catalysts for this gain. Things certainly appear to be improving for Syrah and it could be one to watch in 2019 if graphite prices improve.
