2 Stocks Up 50% In 2017 That Have Further Room For Upside

For many investors deciding what to do with a stock that's up 50 percent in a few months is a difficult task. On the one hand, few can fault an investor for cashing in on an impressive gain but they risk selling early.

Among the five S&P 500 stocks up at least 50 percent this year, CSX Corporation CSX still has upside ahead, Chad Morganlander, portfolio manager at Washington Crossing Advisors, said during a recent CNBC "Trading Nation" segment. The rail company's stock has benefited so far from strong earnings, a consistent free cash flow generation and strong balance sheet. But looking forward, the company's outlook appears stronger after naming Hunter Harrison as CEO.

Investors are also encouraged to continue holding on to shares of the casino operator Wynn Resorts, Limited WYNN, Craig Johnson, chief market technician at Piper Jaffray, added to the conversation. Based on the technicals, Wynn Resorts has the most upside and is the least extended among all stocks up at least 50 percent this year.

Yet despite Wynn's strong performance in 2017, the stock is still notably lower versus its all-time high of $249.31 set back in March 2014.

The other three stocks highlighted by "Trading Nation" that are up at least 50 percent include:

• Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated VRTX +74.2 percent.
• Activision Blizzard, Inc. ATVI +56.8 percent.
• Align Technology, Inc. ALGN + 56.4 percent.

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