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Quantitative analyst Chris Prybal of Schaeffer’s Investment Research eyes four stocks with contrarian potential.

Here's an updated list of equities that notched an all-time high Monday against a sturdy backdrop of skepticism. Based on sentiment backdrops, the environment is ripe for continued upside in AutoNation, Inc. (AN), Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT), and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM).

For starters, lofty levels of short interest on outperforming stocks allow the possibility for a short-covering rally. Meanwhile, such high levels of pessimism from the brokerage bunch leaves the door wide open for a round of upgrades and/or price-target hikes. Additionally, heavy accumulations of near-term put open interest could give these equities a lift, as the bearish bets unwind.

Auto retailer AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN)

• The stock is up 30% year-to-date.


• Nearly 20% of its float is sold short.


• 92% of all analysts following AN maintain a "hold" or "sell" recommendation.


• Over the past 50 trading days, more than three times as many puts were bought to open as calls.

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Consumer products maker Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)

• The equity is up 17.5% year-to-date.


• Short Interest is up 23% over the past month.


• 68% of analysts covering CL rate it a "hold" or "sell."


• The equity is trading on par with its 12-month price target.


• There are more puts than calls among options expiring in the next three months, with a bias towards puts over past 10 days.

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