Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

12 Best Performing NASDAQ Stocks in 2022

In this article, we discuss 12 best performing NASDAQ stocks in 2022. If you want to see more stocks in this selection, check out 5 Best Performing NASDAQ Stocks in 2022

The S&P 500 rose 0.6% to 3,844.82 on December 23, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.2% to close at 10,497.86. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also closed 176.44 points or 0.5% higher at 33,203.93. However, on December 27, stocks posted mixed performance, as yields rose and investors focused on the economic outlook for 2023. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.2% and the S&P 500 dropped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.1%. Stocks with deep links to the Chinese economy jumped as Covid restrictions loosened in the Asian region. Yields also propelled higher, which pressured growth stocks. 

Stocks are headed for their worst annual performance since 2008 and another month of losses, with the Dow and S&P off by 8.2% and 19.4%, respectively, while the Nasdaq’s fell 34.4% year-to-date as of December 27. During December, the S&P has plunged 5.9%, while the Dow and Nasdaq have plummeted 3.6% and 9.2%, respectively. The major averages are on their way for the largest monthly drops since September. Keith Lerner, Truist’s co-chief investment officer, noted: 

“It’s basically the continuation of high yields depressing growth, with redistribution into other sectors that are smaller, but not big enough to change the headline index.”

With this market outlook in mind, investors are looking to buy stocks which have posted share price gains this year, in order to construct a well balanced portfolio. While some traders seek get-rich-quick stocks (see 12 Best Get Rich Quick Stocks To Buy), others tend to gravitate towards stable dividend payers as a hedge against market turbulence (see 12 Dividend Stocks That Outperform S&P 500). Although investors usually pile into the likes of stable income stocks like Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), and The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) to navigate the volatile economic backdrop, another way to combat the consistently battered stock market is to invest in equities which have outperformed benchmark indices significantly and offer meaningful growth potential.  

Our Methodology 

We selected the NASDAQ stocks that offer year-to-date share price gains of more than 100% as of December 27. We have assessed the hedge fund sentiment from Insider Monkey’s database of 920 elite hedge funds tracked as of the end of the third quarter of 2022. The list is arranged according to the number of hedge fund holders in each firm. This means our list demonstrates the best performing NASDAQ stocks to buy according to hedge funds. We also discussed analyst coverage, future growth plans, and the positive catalysts associated with these firms. 

Best Performing NASDAQ Stocks in 2022

12. Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 8

YTD Share Price Gain as of December 27: 191.86%

Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) is headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, and the company focuses on the exploration and development of lithium deposits in Brazil. On December 5, Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) announced that it aims to approximately triple its planned production of battery grade lithium concentrate to nearly 100,000 metric tons per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2024 following results from a study at its Grota do Cirilo project in Brazil. The company plans to start commissioning Grota do Cirilo this month, with production by April 2023.

On December 5, Canaccord analyst Katie Lachapelle raised the firm’s price target on Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) to C$64 from C$45 and reiterated a Speculative Buy rating on the shares.

According to Insider Monkey’s data, Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) was part of 8 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the third quarter of 2022, up from 3 in the prior quarter. Jack Ripsteen’s Potrero Capital Research is the largest position holder in the company, with 596,930 shares worth $16.2 million. 

Like Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), and The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) is one of the stocks on the radar of smart investors this year. 

11. TORM plc (NASDAQ:TRMD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 15

YTD Share Price Gain as of December 27: 274.94%

TORM plc (NASDAQ:TRMD) is a London-based product tanker company that engages in the transportation of refined oil products and crude oil worldwide. The company transports gasoline, jet fuel, and naphtha. TORM plc (NASDAQ:TRMD) is one of the best performing stocks this year, with shares up nearly 275% year-to-date as of December 27. 

On November 10, the company reported Q3 GAAP earnings per share of $2.63 and a revenue of $448.1 million, up 188.2% year-over-year and beating Wall Street consensus by $106.85 million. TORM plc (NASDAQ:TRMD) also paid a quarterly dividend per share of $1.46 to shareholders on December 8. 

Pareto analyst Eirik Haavaldsen initiated coverage of TORM plc (NASDAQ:TRMD) on May 25 with a Buy rating and a DKK 140 price target. The company could pay out dividends equal to 40% of its market value over the next three years, the analyst told investors in a research note. 

According to Insider Monkey’s third quarter database, 15 hedge funds were long TORM plc (NASDAQ:TRMD), compared to 12 funds in the prior quarter. The collective stakes in Q3 2022 increased to $1.16 billion from $760 million in Q2 2022. Howard Marks’ Oaktree Capital Management is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 53.8 million shares worth $1.10 billion. 

10. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16

YTD Share Price Gain as of December 27: 174.04%

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM) is a Massachusetts-based commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for the treatment of rare genetic diseases of obesity. On November 21, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM) announced that it won label expansion for obesity therapy Imcivree in the United Kingdom. Year-to-date as of December 27, the shares have climbed over 174%, making Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM) one of the best performing NASDAQ equities in 2022. 

On August 7, Goldman Sachs analyst Corinne Jenkins upgraded Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM) to Buy from Neutral with a $28 price target. The analyst believes that the outlook for Imcivree was transformed by initial Phase 2 data in patients with Hypothalamic Obesity, which suggests a high probability of clinical success in this indication. 

According to Insider Monkey’s third quarter database, 16 hedge funds held stakes worth $431.5 million in Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM), compared to 16 funds in the last quarter worth $57.8 million. Julian Baker and Felix Baker’s Baker Bros. Advisors is the largest stakeholder of the company, with more than 6 million shares worth $148.5 million. 

9. Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CPRX)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18

YTD Share Price Gain as of December 27: 174.71%

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CPRX) is a Florida-based commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on developing and commercializing therapies for patients with rare debilitating, chronic neuromuscular, and neurological diseases in the United States. On December 19, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CPRX) announced that it will acquire the U.S. rights to the Japanese drugmaker Eisai’s epilepsy drug Fycompa and it will also negotiate the acquisition of a rare epilepsy asset in Eisai’s pipeline.

On December 21, H.C. Wainwright analyst Andrew Fein raised the price target on Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CPRX) to $24 from $18 and kept a Buy rating on the shares, noting that the announced agreement with Eisai for U.S. commercial rights to Fycompa CIII in the treatment of epilepsy “turns a new page” for the Catalyst platform. 

According to Insider Monkey’s Q3 data, 18 hedge funds were long Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CPRX), with collective stakes worth $189.20 million, compared to 16 funds in the prior quarter worth $138.3 million. James E. Flynn’s Deerfield Management is the biggest stakeholder of the company, with approximately 5 million shares worth $62.8 million. 

8. ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18

YTD Share Price Gain as of December 27: 148.30% 

ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMA) is a New Jersey-based biopharmaceutical company that engages in developing, manufacturing, and marketing specialty plasma-derived biologics for the treatment of immune deficiencies and infectious diseases in the United States and internationally. ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMA) announced on December 13 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the room temperature storage conditions for its Asceniv and Bivigam immune globulin drug products for up to 4 weeks during the first 24 months of the 36-month approved shelf life. ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMA) is one of the best performing NASDAQ stocks in 2022, with share price gaining over 148% as of December 27. 

On October 12, Mizuho analyst Anthony Petrone initiated coverage of ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMA) with a Buy rating and a $5 price target. He cited the “still accelerating” adoption of ASCENIV, continued BIVIGAM shares gains and benefits from a transition to an integrated plasma supply chain. He sees a path to 40% gross margins given supply chain benefits, the analyst told investors.

According to Insider Monkey’s Q3 data, 18 hedge funds were long ADMA Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMA), up from 13 funds in the prior quarter. Joseph Edelman’s Perceptive Advisors is the largest stakeholder of the company, with approximately 11 million shares worth $26.5 million.  

7. Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:VRNA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 20

YTD Share Price Gain as of December 27: 214.44%

Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:VRNA) is a London-based clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on development and commercialization of therapies for the treatment of respiratory diseases. On December 20, Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:VRNA) announced a phase 3 trial evaluating a nebulized form of its inhibitor ensifentrine for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that met its primary and secondary goals. Consequently, US-listed shares of Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:VRNA) climbed 26% to $17 in premarket trading.

On December 21, Truist analyst Joon Lee raised the price target on Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:VRNA) to $28 from $20 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares after the company’s “positive” phase 3 trial data evaluating nebulized ensifentrine for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

According to Insider Monkey’s data, 20 hedge funds were bullish on Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:VRNA) at the end of September 2022, compared to 11 funds in the prior quarter. Peter Kolchinsky’s RA Capital Management is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 6.05 million shares worth $61.8 million. 

6. TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMDX)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21

YTD Share Price Gain as of December 27: 192.33%

TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMDX) is a Massachusetts-based commercial-stage medical technology company, engaged in transforming organ transplant therapy for end-stage organ failure patients in the United States and internationally. On November 4, TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMDX) traded approximately 20% higher after the company posted better-than-anticipated Q3 results and forecast revenues above estimates, supported by higher sales of OCS Heart and OCS Liver. The company raised full-year 2022 revenue to be in the range of $80 million to $85 million, from the prior guidance of $67 million to $75 million versus analysts’ estimate of $75.70 million.

On December 16, Cowen analyst Joshua Jennings raised the price target on TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMDX) to $70 from $60 and kept an Outperform rating on the shares. 

According to Insider Monkey’s third quarter database, 21 hedge funds were bullish on TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMDX), compared to 13 funds in the prior quarter. Richard Driehaus’ Driehaus Capital is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 996,569 shares worth $41.6 million. 

In addition to Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), and The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMDX) is one of the stocks preferred by elite hedge funds this year. 

Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Performing NASDAQ Stocks in 2022

Suggested articles:

Disclosure: None. 12 Best Performing NASDAQ Stocks in 2022 is originally published on Insider Monkey.

The $250 Trillion AI Hype is Real. A few years from now, you’ll probably wish you’d bought this stock.

When Jeff Bezos said that one breakthrough technology would shape Amazon’s destiny, even Wall Street’s biggest analysts were caught off guard.

Fast forward a year and Amazon’s new CEO Andy Jassy described generative AI as a “once-in-a-lifetime” technology that is already being used across Amazon to reinvent customer experiences.

At the 8th Future Investment Initiative conference, Elon Musk predicted that by 2040 there would be at least 10 billion humanoid robots, with each priced between $20,000 and $25,000.

Do the math. According to Musk, this technology could be worth $250 trillion by 2040.

Put another way, that’s roughly equal to:

  • 175 Teslas
  • 107 Amazons
  • 140 Metas
  • 84 Googles
  • 65 Microsofts
  • And 55 Nvidias

And here’s the wild part — this $250 trillion wave isn’t tied to one company, but to an entire ecosystem of AI innovators set to reshape the global economy.

It’s a leap so massive, it could reshape how businesses, governments, and consumers operate worldwide.

Even if that $250 trillion figure sounds ambitious, major firms like PwC and McKinsey still see AI unlocking multi-trillion-dollar potential.

How could anything be worth that much?

The answer lies in a breakthrough so powerful it’s redefining how humanity works, learns, and creates.

And this breakthrough has already set off a frenzy among hedge funds and Wall Street’s top investors.

What most investors don’t realize is that one under-owned company holds the key to this $250 trillion revolution.

In fact, Verge argues this company’s supercheap AI technology should concern rivals.

Before I reveal the details, let’s talk about how some of the richest people on the planet are positioning themselves.

  • Bill Gates sees artificial intelligence as the “biggest technological advance in my lifetime,” more transformative than the internet or personal computer, capable of improving healthcare, education, and addressing climate change.
  • Larry Ellison — through Oracle, is spending billions on Nvidia chips and partnering with Cohere to embed generative AI across Oracle’s cloud and apps.
  • Warren Buffett — not known for tech hype — says this breakthrough could have a ‘hugely beneficial social impact.

When billionaires from Silicon Valley to Wall Street line up behind the same idea — you know it’s worth paying attention to.

Even as we admire what Tesla, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Microsoft have built, we believe an even greater opportunity lies elsewhere…

But the real story isn’t Nvidia — it’s a much smaller company quietly improving the critical technology that makes this entire revolution possible.

And judging by what I’m hearing from both Silicon Valley insiders and Wall Street veterans…

This prediction might not be bold at all:

A few years from now, you’ll wish you’d owned this stock.

The best part? You can discover everything about this company and its groundbreaking technology right now.

I’ve compiled everything you need to know about this groundbreaking company in a detailed, members-only report.

Trust me — you’ll want to read this report before putting another dollar into any tech stock.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 a month, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

• Access to our Detailed Report on this Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.

• 11 New Issues of Our Premium Readership Newsletter: You will also receive 11 new issues and at least one new stock pick per month from our monthly newsletter’s portfolio over the next 12 months. These stocks are handpicked by our research director, Dr. Inan Dogan.

• One free upcoming issue of our 70+ page Quarterly Newsletter: A value of $149

• Bonus Reports: Premium access to members-only fund manager video interviews

• Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.

• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee:  If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.

If you’re thinking about getting in, don’t wait – because once Wall Street catches wind of this story, the easy money will be gone.

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99 a month.

2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!

No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a month later!