August was a cruel month for stocks, with the major indexes sliding significantly. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed -4%, the S&P 500 lost nearly -5% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gave up almost -6%.
But don’t think that just because the stock market is volatile right now that every stock is losing ground.
Here are five top stocks picks from InvestorPlace experts that tallied significant gains even in a rough August.
#1 – Priceline.com (PCLN)
Recommended by: Louis Navellier, editor of Blue Chip Growth
Return for August: +30% vs. -4% for the Dow Jones
Priceline.com (NASDAQ: PCLN) reported blowout second quarter earnings at the beginning of the month, with EPS that totaled $3.09 per share, compared with the $2.65 per share analysts were expecting. Priceline.com allows buyers to name their own price for everything from airline tickets to rental cars to cruises. With its patented business model, Priceline is connecting with cash-strapped consumers right now. (Editor’s Note: Louis Navellier’s original recommendation of PCLN was in February.)
#2 – Jiangbo Pharmaceuticals (JGBO)
Recommended by: Robert Hsu, editor of Asia Edge
Return for August: +8% vs. -4% for the Dow Jones
Founded in 2003, Jiangbo Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: JGBO) is a leader in drug development and manufacturing in China. The acquisition of competitor Hongrui in January 2009 increased Jiangbo’ product portfolio from six to 28, and the company has recently received the final approval for production of its new Felodipine Sustained Release Tablets. The launch of this medication is expected to add +10% to +12% in forward sales. (Editor’s Note: Robert Hsu’s recommendation of JGBO appeared on 8/10.)
#3 – Dendreon (DNDN)
Recommended by: Hilary Kramer, editor of GameChangers
Return for August: +10% vs. -4% for the Dow Jones
In many ways, Dendreon (NASDAQ: DNDN) is the poster child for game-changing biotech stocks. This company makes a prostate cancer treatment called Provenge, which is taken from the patient’s cells and trains the body’s immune system to fight the cancer. Provenge was approved by the FDA about three months ago to treat advanced prostate cancer, but the company is hopeful the technology will apply to other cancers as well in the future. (Editor’s Note: Hilary Kramer’s recommendation of DNDN appeared on 8/6.)
#4 – Craft Brewers Alliance (HOOK)
Recommended by: Nancy Zambell, editor of Buried Treasures Under $10
Return for August: +42% vs. -4% for the Dow Jones
Founded in 1981, but already the eighth-largest U.S. brewer based on domestic shipments, Craft Brewers Alliance (NASDAQ: HOOK) offers craft beers under the Widmer Brothers Beers, Redhook Beers, Kona Brewing and Goose Island brand names to restaurants, bars and liquor stores. The simple pleasure of a great brew is one of the few expenses consumers are stomaching these days, and thanks to strong earnings report at the beginning of the month HOOK has been on a tear in August. (Editor’s Note: Nancy Zambell’s recommendation of HOOK appeared on 8/10.)
#5 – A.F.P Provida (PVD)
Recommended by: Bryan Perry, editor of Cash Machine
Return for August: +8% vs. -4% for the Dow Jones
Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Provida S.A. (NYSE: PVD), otherwise known as AFP Provida, is a private pension fund administrator in South America. The reliable revenue stream of its healthy, growing retirement business helps PVD yield a whopping 10% dividend. On top of that, growth in Latin America has helped push up Providia shares about 8% in August, making this stock a winner on two fronts. (Editor’s Note: Bryan Perry’s recommendation of PVD appeared 8/16.)
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