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Best Momentum Stocks

55 Top Trend Stocks Ranked by 1Y Return.

Curated by Anish Das
Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Identify stocks with sustained momentum across two timeframes: 50%+ annual return (established trend) and 10%+ 3-month return (recent confirmation). The RS Rating ≥ 70 filter validates that these stocks are true market leaders.

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Screen VitalsEOD Data
Companies
55
Avg 1Y Return
93.17%
Avg 3M Return
27.02%
Avg RS Rating
89
Primary Trend
1Y Return ≥ 50%
Recent Strength
3M Return ≥ 10%
Market Leader
RS Rating ≥ 70
Profitable
ROE ≥ 8%

Market Signal

Data Insight

This screen is currently exhibiting strong clustering in the Energy sector (24% of constituents). This concentration is heavily driven by Oil Refining & Marketing companies.

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Compare Top 3 Open Screener
TickerCompanyReturn 1YReturn 3MReturn 1MRS RatingYTD Ret
TER logoTER
Teradyne, Inc.200.6%17.1%19.5%91.0114.2%
VSCO logoVSCO
Victoria's Secret & Co.198.4%11.9%—90.063.3%
ILMN logoILMN
Illumina, Inc.190.7%51.1%39.1%95.0118.6%
VLO logoVLO
Valero Energy Corporation156.6%55.1%9.5%94.0153.7%
MTRN logoMTRN
Materion Corporation153.5%21.9%24.8%96.0148.3%
INSW logoINSW
International Seaways, Inc.153.3%36.8%12.3%93.0148.1%
PARR logoPARR
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.148.4%44.1%6.6%91.0144.3%
KRT logoKRT
Karat Packaging Inc.134.2%57.2%13.1%96.0144.4%
MATX logoMATX
Matson, Inc.133.6%12.8%3.3%87.086.5%
MPC logoMPC
Marathon Petroleum Corporation124%61.1%9%95.0162.5%
KEYS logoKEYS
Keysight Technologies, Inc.121.6%20.1%15.2%89.085.9%
AAMI logoAAMI
Acadian Asset Management113.6%21.5%4.4%90.0103%
FTNT logoFTNT
Fortinet, Inc.113.2%13.4%16.9%94.0136.4%
HAE logoHAE
Haemonetics Corporation111.3%39.5%1.8%92.030.9%
NUTX logoNUTX
Nutex Health, Inc.107.1%16.3%18%95.051.8%
CHEF logoCHEF
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc.103.4%16.9%2%92.078%
LPG logoLPG
Dorian LPG Ltd.103.3%52.6%7.8%93.0132.9%
PSX logoPSX
Phillips 66102.9%52.1%4.1%92.0106.6%
CAKE logoCAKE
The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated100.5%41.8%1.7%93.0106.5%
ARW logoARW
Arrow Electronics, Inc.95.5%21.4%10.5%91.0112.5%
FIGS logoFIGS
FIGS, Inc.93.9%38%-0.4%80.019.7%
SN logoSN
SharkNinja, Inc.93.6%22.7%4.3%90.060.5%
AMRX logoAMRX
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.92.9%20.3%19.4%90.060.7%
PANW logoPANW
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.91.3%13.8%20.7%96.0126.8%
GCT logoGCT
GigaCloud Technology Inc.90.4%60.4%4.7%88.041%
OII logoOII
Oceaneering International, Inc.87.4%17.4%-9.9%78.083.7%
NTAP logoNTAP
NetApp, Inc.85.8%36.8%18.3%95.0110.2%
NUE logoNUE
Nucor Corporation85.4%12.3%-1.9%76.048.4%
ANF logoANF
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.81.6%57.5%-6.6%92.014.3%
CXW logoCXW
CoreCivic, Inc.76.7%10.9%-3.8%91.077.3%
TER logoTER
Teradyne, Inc.
200.6%
200.6%Return 1Y
Return 3M17.1%
Return 1M19.5%
RS Rating91.0
YTD Ret114.2%
VSCO logoVSCO
Victoria's Secret & Co.
198.4%
198.4%Return 1Y
Return 3M11.9%
Return 1M—
RS Rating90.0
YTD Ret63.3%
ILMN logoILMN
Illumina, Inc.
190.7%
190.7%Return 1Y
Return 3M51.1%
Return 1M39.1%
RS Rating95.0
YTD Ret118.6%
VLO logoVLO
Valero Energy Corporation
156.6%
156.6%Return 1Y
Return 3M55.1%
Return 1M9.5%
RS Rating94.0
YTD Ret153.7%
MTRN logoMTRN
Materion Corporation
153.5%
153.5%Return 1Y
Return 3M21.9%
Return 1M24.8%
RS Rating96.0
YTD Ret148.3%
INSW logoINSW
International Seaways, Inc.
153.3%
153.3%Return 1Y
Return 3M36.8%
Return 1M12.3%
RS Rating93.0
YTD Ret148.1%
PARR logoPARR
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.
148.4%
148.4%Return 1Y
Return 3M44.1%
Return 1M6.6%
RS Rating91.0
YTD Ret144.3%
KRT logoKRT
Karat Packaging Inc.
134.2%
134.2%Return 1Y
Return 3M57.2%
Return 1M13.1%
RS Rating96.0
YTD Ret144.4%
MATX logoMATX
Matson, Inc.
133.6%
133.6%Return 1Y
Return 3M12.8%
Return 1M3.3%
RS Rating87.0
YTD Ret86.5%
MPC logoMPC
Marathon Petroleum Corporation
124%
124%Return 1Y
Return 3M61.1%
Return 1M9%
RS Rating95.0
YTD Ret162.5%
KEYS logoKEYS
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
121.6%
121.6%Return 1Y
Return 3M20.1%
Return 1M15.2%
RS Rating89.0
YTD Ret85.9%
AAMI logoAAMI
Acadian Asset Management
113.6%
113.6%Return 1Y
Return 3M21.5%
Return 1M4.4%
RS Rating90.0
YTD Ret103%
FTNT logoFTNT
Fortinet, Inc.
113.2%
113.2%Return 1Y
Return 3M13.4%
Return 1M16.9%
RS Rating94.0
YTD Ret136.4%
HAE logoHAE
Haemonetics Corporation
111.3%
111.3%Return 1Y
Return 3M39.5%
Return 1M1.8%
RS Rating92.0
YTD Ret30.9%
NUTX logoNUTX
Nutex Health, Inc.
107.1%
107.1%Return 1Y
Return 3M16.3%
Return 1M18%
RS Rating95.0
YTD Ret51.8%
CHEF logoCHEF
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc.
103.4%
103.4%Return 1Y
Return 3M16.9%
Return 1M2%
RS Rating92.0
YTD Ret78%
LPG logoLPG
Dorian LPG Ltd.
103.3%
103.3%Return 1Y
Return 3M52.6%
Return 1M7.8%
RS Rating93.0
YTD Ret132.9%
PSX logoPSX
Phillips 66
102.9%
102.9%Return 1Y
Return 3M52.1%
Return 1M4.1%
RS Rating92.0
YTD Ret106.6%
CAKE logoCAKE
The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated
100.5%
100.5%Return 1Y
Return 3M41.8%
Return 1M1.7%
RS Rating93.0
YTD Ret106.5%
ARW logoARW
Arrow Electronics, Inc.
95.5%
95.5%Return 1Y
Return 3M21.4%
Return 1M10.5%
RS Rating91.0
YTD Ret112.5%
FIGS logoFIGS
FIGS, Inc.
93.9%
93.9%Return 1Y
Return 3M38%
Return 1M-0.4%
RS Rating80.0
YTD Ret19.7%
SN logoSN
SharkNinja, Inc.
93.6%
93.6%Return 1Y
Return 3M22.7%
Return 1M4.3%
RS Rating90.0
YTD Ret60.5%
AMRX logoAMRX
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
92.9%
92.9%Return 1Y
Return 3M20.3%
Return 1M19.4%
RS Rating90.0
YTD Ret60.7%
PANW logoPANW
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
91.3%
91.3%Return 1Y
Return 3M13.8%
Return 1M20.7%
RS Rating96.0
YTD Ret126.8%
GCT logoGCT
GigaCloud Technology Inc.
90.4%
90.4%Return 1Y
Return 3M60.4%
Return 1M4.7%
RS Rating88.0
YTD Ret41%
OII logoOII
Oceaneering International, Inc.
87.4%
87.4%Return 1Y
Return 3M17.4%
Return 1M-9.9%
RS Rating78.0
YTD Ret83.7%
NTAP logoNTAP
NetApp, Inc.
85.8%
85.8%Return 1Y
Return 3M36.8%
Return 1M18.3%
RS Rating95.0
YTD Ret110.2%
NUE logoNUE
Nucor Corporation
85.4%
85.4%Return 1Y
Return 3M12.3%
Return 1M-1.9%
RS Rating76.0
YTD Ret48.4%
ANF logoANF
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
81.6%
81.6%Return 1Y
Return 3M57.5%
Return 1M-6.6%
RS Rating92.0
YTD Ret14.3%
CXW logoCXW
CoreCivic, Inc.
76.7%
76.7%Return 1Y
Return 3M10.9%
Return 1M-3.8%
RS Rating91.0
YTD Ret77.3%
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Learn more about Best Momentum Stocks

How We Build This List

  • 1-Year Return ≥ 50%Establishes the stock is in a strong primary uptrend. 50%+ annual return places it in the top performers — not a random fluctuation.
  • 3-Month Return ≥ 10%Confirms momentum is continuing, not fading. A stock up 80% for the year but down 5% recently has broken momentum.
  • RS Rating ≥ 70Relative Strength Rating compares performance vs. all other stocks. RS 70+ means outperforming 70% of the market.
  • ROE ≥ 8%Quality floor excluding fundamental disasters. A profitable business with momentum is more sustainable than a loss-making stock riding speculation.
  • Market Cap ≥ $1BInstitutional-grade liquidity. Momentum strategies require the ability to enter and exit without moving the price.
  • US-Domiciled Companies OnlyConsistent data for RS Rating calculation. ADRs introduce currency effects that distort relative performance comparisons.
Open Screener

What Makes a Stock a Momentum Stocks List constituent?

This momentum screen identifies market leaders by filtering for a 1-year return of 50%+, a 3-month return of 10%+, and an RS Rating of 70+. By combining these technical triggers with an 8% ROE floor, we isolate stocks like NVIDIA in 2023, which surged 239% while maintaining high profitability, rather than speculative bubbles.

1YR > 50%
Trend Strength
1-Year Return >= 50%
RS > 70
Relative Strength
RS Rating >= 70
ROE 8%
Quality Floor
ROE >= 8%
1

Filter for Primary Uptrends

We require a 1-year return of 50%+ to ensure the stock is a clear leader. For example, Super Micro Computer displayed this strength in 2023 before its massive rally.

2

Verify Recent Momentum

A 3-month return of 10%+ ensures the trend is active. This avoids 'dead' leaders like Peloton in 2022, which had high historical gains but negative recent momentum.

3

Apply Quality and Liquidity

An 8% ROE and $1B market cap filter out 'junk' stocks. This prevents buying speculative penny stocks that lack the institutional backing seen in giants like Eli Lilly.

Performance Dynamics: When Does This Strategy Outperform?

Strategy performance behaves differently based on market conditions. Let's analyze when this strategy outperforms and when it lags:

When Momentum Leads

  • ✓ During the 2020-2021 bull market, momentum stocks like Tesla outperformed the S&P 500 by over 40% annually.
  • ✓ In low-volatility environments like 2017, momentum strategies consistently beat the broader market by 12%.
  • ✓ During early-cycle recoveries, such as 2009, high-beta momentum stocks often lead the market by 20%+.

When Momentum Trails

  • ✗ During the 2022 Fed rate hike cycle, high-momentum growth stocks fell 30% while value stocks held steady.
  • ✗ In sharp market reversals like March 2020, momentum stocks often crash harder than the index due to crowded trades.
  • ✗ During periods of extreme mean reversion, such as late 2000, momentum leaders often underperform by 15% as valuations collapse.

How to Use the Screener Results Table

To build a resilient portfolio, do not buy stocks on simple statistics alone. Use the key columns in our table to audit the durability, safety, and returns of each stock:

RS Rating Ratio

Measures performance against the market. An RS of 95 for Apple in 2020 indicated it was outperforming 95% of all other stocks.

1-Year Return Percentage

Shows long-term trend strength. A 50% return for Meta in 2023 signaled a powerful recovery from its 2022 lows.

ROE Percentage

Ensures profitability. Microsoft's consistent 30%+ ROE justifies its premium momentum valuation compared to loss-making tech firms.

Market Cap Currency

Ensures liquidity. A $1B+ cap ensures you can trade stocks like AMD without the slippage seen in micro-cap stocks.

Risk Factors & Warning Signs to Track

The 'Blow-Off Top' Trap

Momentum stocks often reach a 'blow-off top' where technicals look perfect but the business is peaking. In 2000, Cisco Systems had perfect momentum and massive growth, yet the stock fell 80% over the next two years as the tech bubble burst.

What are Best Momentum Stocks?

Finds stocks exhibiting established, accelerating price momentum. It requires a 50%+ 1-year return and a 10%+ 3-month return to filter for strong, active trends.

  • 1-Year Return ≥ 50%
  • 3-Month Return ≥ 10%
  • Relative Strength (RS) Rating ≥ 70
  • Return on Equity (ROE) ≥ 8%

Why Invest in Best Momentum Stocks?

Trend Persistence

Capitalizes on the strong historical momentum anomaly

Market Leadership

Selects market leaders outperforming the broader indices

Quality Floor

Enforces a profitability floor to avoid speculative hype

Dual Confirmation

Ensures momentum is active, filtering out fading trends

Anish Das
SCREEN CURATED BY

Anish Das

MBA, IIM Kozhikode · Founder & Individual Investor

LinkedIn
5+ years experience
Methodology Verified
Review: Oct 2026

Founder of VCP Scanner, former Flipkart Brand Manager, and active US equity investor focused on transparent research workflows.

Editorial Disclosure: The data in this screener is systematically filtered using transparent rules, ensuring unbiased results. Reviewed for E-E-A-T standards. Not financial advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use an 8% ROE filter?
It ensures the company is actually profitable. In 2021, many 'meme' stocks had high momentum but negative ROE, leading to 90% drawdowns.
What if a stock has high momentum but low liquidity?
You risk being unable to exit. Stocks under $1B market cap, like many biotech firms in 2022, can gap down 20% on low volume.
Does this screen work in a bear market?
Momentum usually fails in bear markets. In 2008, almost all stocks with high 1-year returns eventually succumbed to the broader market crash.
How often should I re-run this screen?
Weekly is best. Momentum is fleeting; a stock like Zoom in 2020 was a leader, but its momentum faded rapidly by 2021.
Why exclude ADRs?
Currency fluctuations distort RS ratings. An ADR might look like a winner, but it's often just a currency play, not business strength.
What is the biggest mistake with this screen?
Buying stocks that are 'extended'. If a stock is up 200% in 3 months, like GameStop in early 2021, the risk of a 50% pullback is extreme.
Should I use stop-losses with this screen?
Yes. A 10-15% trailing stop is standard. Even winners like Amazon in 2000 needed strict stops to avoid the 90% total decline.
Does this screen find value stocks?
Rarely. Value stocks like Ford often have low momentum. This screen focuses on growth leaders like NVIDIA, not turnaround plays.

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Financial Data & Software Notice: VCP Scanner is an educational financial research database and stock screening software platform. VCP Scanner does not generate, recommend, or package trade decisions, buy/sell signals, or personalized investment advice. Screener filters sort historical financial metrics and quantitative data for research filtering. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.