The stock market always has some surprises for investors. However, for almost two years now, a specific factor is being used to determine the most profitable stocks. Yes, you guessed that right—COVID-19. Last year, the top-performing stocks were those of companies that profited from the lockdowns. However, as the market picks up following a healing economy and a return to normalcy, a few other companies are expected to join the fray.

Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Agios is a biopharmaceutical company that works on cellular metabolism. The brand develops several medicines, which help cure genetically defined diseases. The top product in its clinical portfolio is Mitapivat—a drug to treat conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Currently, Agios’ stock price is at around 56.42, the market cap is 3.5 billion, and the 12-month trailing P/E ratio is 2.5.

Amazon
Amazon is undeniably one of the largest companies on the planet. It has shown a remarkable growth rate, making it one of the most profitable stocks in 2021.   For many years, the e-commerce giant expanded its market coverage with little to no focus on profitability. Instead, they worked with thin margins and plowed back every dollar into their long-term investment. This year, AMZN, Amazon’s listed stock, assures investors with good returns, thanks to its top-of-the-line growth. The company has a year-to-date return of +1.1 percent.

Facebook
Facebook has about 4.7 billion users. Of them, 3.3 billion actively use the platform every month. In the first quarter of 2021, Facebook’s stock price showed an upward movement of 7.8 percent. It is reasonably valued at about 27 times forward earnings, which is indeed a decent multiple when stacked against the forward price-to-earnings ratio of 29 for the wider Nasdaq-100. Moreover, in their late-Jan report, FB announced an extra $25 billion buyback program, which would offer additional support for shares going ahead. So we can say for sure, FB stock will show steady progress in the days to come.

Annaly Capital Management Inc.
Anally is a diversified capital management company, which finances and invests in commercial and residential assets. Its investment strategies comprise commercial and residential real estate, agency mortgage-backed securities, and middle-market lending. The brand has approximately $100 billion in total assets. Anally announced a $0.22 per share of common stock as a dividend for Q2 2021. And we think that this figure will only get better.