Best Stocks For 2010

The best stocks for 2010 were strongly tied to technology and commerce. The recent years have been a bit difficult for blue chip stocks, but new companies and cutting-edge corporations are making an impact in the markets. Several stocks doubled and even tripled their stock price during 2010. Here is a list of the ten best stocks for 2010.

1. Acme Packet, Inc. (NASDAQ: APKT) Acme Packet produces session border controllers that are required for secure Internet communications. The company had an incredible year in 2010, increasing its stock price by a whopping 424 percent.
2. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) Netflix was easily one of the best stocks of 2010, opening the year at $53 a share and climbing to $191 by the end of 2010, almost quadrupling its stock price. With the decline of brick-and-mortar video rental stores, Netflix has successfully cornered its share of the internet media market.
3. Riverbed Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: RVBD) Based in San Francisco, California, Riverbed Technology is a cloud computing company that makes equipment for system networking used by more than 9,200 companies. Last year, Riverbed's stock increased 206.2 percent, cementing its status as one of the best stocks for 2010.
4. Las Vegas Sands Corporation (NYSE: LVS) The Las Vegas Sands Corporation operates several famous resorts around the world, including The Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company's stock opened at $18 a share in January 2010 and was trading at almost $46 by year's end.
5. Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX) Despite the low levels of consumer confidence in 2010, the Crocs company proved to be resilient, gaining 197.7 percent during the year. Following the dismal retail season of 2009, Crocs Inc.'s stock was trading at $6.5 a share in January 2010, but rebounded nicely to $17.12 by December 2010.
6. Atmel Corporation (NASDAQ: ATML) Atmel Corporation makes computer chips and consumer electronic components for use in several countries. While sales have remained sluggish in the United States, Atmel has cut operating costs and boosted international sales to keep the company profitable. Atmel's stock rose 167.2 percent during 2010, making it one of the best stocks for 2010.
7. F5 Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIV) Another cloud computing company, F5 Networks produces components and programs that improve the efficiency of corporate computer networks. F5's stock price opened 2010 at $52.96 a share and closed the year at $130.16 a share, almost tripling in value.
8. Quiksilver, Inc. (NYSE: ZQK) Quiksilver, a beach clothing company, has had a rough few years in the market. The company's stock price took a nosedive during the economic crisis of 2008, but began to show signs of recovery in 2010. The actual increase in Quiksilver's stock price was minimal, but the percentage increase in stock value exceeded 150 percent, qualifying Quiksilver, Inc. as one of the best stocks for 2010.
9. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) Chipotle Mexican Grill has weathered the stock market crisis very well since the company operates on very little debt and continues to cater to an upscale clientele. Chipotle's stock is easily one of the best stocks for 2010, since it opened at $91 a share and closed the year at $212.
10. Cummins, Inc. (NYSE: CMI) Cummins, Inc. produces diesel engines and has been selling them extensively in developing countries. This international sales growth propelled Cummins to gain over 140 percent in stock value during 2010. Cummins' stock was trading at $110 a share in December 2010.