*By Michael Teich* As 2018 draws to a close, we're taking a look at the year's best Wall Street comeback stories. That is, the stocks that that took a beating in 2017, but bounced back with a strong 2018. **#5 Starbucks** The coffee giant has squeezed out an 8 percent gain so far in 2018, rebounding after its stock underperformed the broader market in 2017 by a long-shot. Starbucks ($SBUX) benefited from a boost in U.S. same-store sales and continued growth in its loyalty program. In its latest earnings report, the company said Starbucks Rewards members were behind nearly 40 percent of U.S. sales. That helped Starbucks achieve quarterly revenue of $6.3 billion. **#4 Macy's** The fourth-biggest comeback of 2018 belongs to Macy's ($M). Shares of the retailer were up about 15 percent this year after losing nearly a third of its value in 2017. Macy's turnaround plan is being driven by its adoption of new technologies and new in-store concepts. Mobile checkout is expected to be introduced at all Macy's locations by the end of the year, and the retailer has been expanding its Macy's Backstage brand, which is characterized by discounted items and lesser-known brand names. **#3 Chipotle** In 2018, investors were no longer sick of Chipotle. Chipotle's market value increased by about 40 percent this year, recovering from a 23 percent drop a year earlier. The fast-casual burrito chain, which has been plagued by a string off food illness outbreaks that began in 2015, gained from pricier menu items and a increase in mobile orders. So far, Chipotle's ($CMG) new CEO Brian Niccol, who took the helm earlier this year, is off to a strong start with a strategy of emphasizing fresh marketing and digital sales. Digital sales grew 48.3 percent in the latest quarter, and Chipotle plans to have online order pick-up shelves in all its locations by mid-2019. **#2 Under Armour** 2017 was not kind to Under Armour. After losing half its value last year, the sports retailer is now up about 20 percent in 2018. The Baltimore-based company's rebound has been driven by a surge in overseas sales, as well as a reduction in promotions. Under Armour's ($UAA) stock jumped after the company's latest earnings report when it raised its earnings outlook for the full year. **#1 Pandora** Pandora is the winner of 2018's biggest comeback. Despite tough competition from Spotify and Apple Music, Pandora ($P) managed to expand its paid user base in its latest quarter. Its shares jumped about 64 percent this year after plummeting 63 percent last year. Pandora says its pending acquisition by SiriusXM ($SIRI) for $3.5 billion will put it in an even stronger position for 2019 by growing its advertising business and expanding its subscription offerings. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019.
