: This biotechnology firm was a standout, posting a 426% return in 2017. Its growth was driven by positive clinical trial results for its cholesterol-reducing drug candidate.
: A top performer in the S&P 500 with a 132% gain . High risk stemmed from a major corporate overhaul, where the company shed clean energy assets and cut costs under pressure from activist investors.
The following stocks represented some of the most successful speculative plays for the year: