Investors in the Finance sector often seek out stocks that outperform their peers. American Assets Trust (AAT) and Applied Digital Corporation (APLD) are two such stocks that have caught our attention. Let's delve into their year-to-date performances and see how they stack up.

Uncover the Hidden Gems in Finance with These Stocks

American Assets Trust: A Sector Leader

The Finance group boasts a plethora of excellent stocks, but it's crucial for investors to identify those that are outperforming. American Assets Trust stands out as one of the 871 individual stocks in the Finance sector, which holds the #1 position in the Zacks Sector Rank. This ranking is based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each sector, with the best performing sectors listed first. American Assets Trust currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), indicating its potential for growth.Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for AAT's full-year earnings has seen a significant 9.1% increase. This upward trend suggests that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is becoming more positive. As of now, AAT has gained approximately 23.7% this year, outperforming the average return of 23.5% for Finance companies. It is also performing better than the REIT and Equity Trust – Retail industry it belongs to. This industry consists of 20 individual companies and is currently ranked #75 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 10.2% so far this year.

Applied Digital Corporation: A Strong Performer

Applied Digital Corporation is another stock in the Finance sector that has been on a roll. With a year-to-date return of 35.9%, it has outperformed the sector. The consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased by a remarkable 65.9% over the past three months. Like American Assets Trust, Applied Digital Corporation also has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).It falls under the Financial – Miscellaneous Services industry, which has 84 stocks and is ranked #59. Since the beginning of the year, this industry has moved up by 17.6%.Both American Assets Trust and Applied Digital Corporation have shown solid performances and could continue to do so. Investors interested in Finance stocks should keep a close eye on these two companies.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report