The Best Stock Ideas Of September

After a steep decline in the month of August in response to economic weakness in China, the S&P 500 declined another 2.6 percent in the month of September. However, it wasn’t all bad news for index members in September.

Here’s a list of the five best-performing S&P 500 stocks over the past month.

1. NiSource Inc.

Energy holding company NiSource Inc. NI has mostly dodged the bullet of the collapsing energy sector, and that trend continued in the month of September.

Shares climbed 10.5 percent on the strength of a mid-month upgrade at Argus from Sell to Hold.

2. Iron Mountain Inc

REIT Iron Mountain Inc. IRM reported EPS of $0.48 versus consensus expectations of $0.32, sending the stock higher by 11.3 percent on the month.

It was a welcome relief for shareholders, but the REIT remains down about 19.8 percent year-to-date.

Related Link: Painful September, 3Q Wrap With Fresh Uncertainty About Jobs, Fed Stance

3. Molson Coors Brewing Company

Molson Coors Brewing Company TAP hit new 52-week highs after rumors of a merger between Anheuser Busch Inbev SA (ADR) BUD and SABMILLER PLC ORD SBMRF started circulating in September.

Potential benefits from the merger for Molson Coors’ joint venture with SABMiller sent Molson Coors’ stock soaring 21.9 percent on the month.

4. TECO Energy, Inc.

Investors love TECO Energy, Inc. TE’s stability during times of market uncertainty. The company has reported consistent earnings, revenue growth and improving cash flows.

TECO was the largest gainer in the S&P 500 in Q3 and the second largest gainer in the month of September, climbing 24.6 percent.

5. Cablevision Systems Corporation

The biggest winner of September was Cablevision Systems Corporation CVC, which spiked on news of a $17.7 billion buyout by ALTICE S A ATCEY.

Cablevision finished the month up 29.0 percent and has now gained 58.8 percent in 2015.

Disclosure: The author holds no position in the stocks mentioned.

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