5 Incredible Momentum Stocks to Buy This Spring

Similar to last year, which saw a major tussle between bulls and bears, the seesaw in the financial stock markets continues across the globe, giving investors the jitters. With crude oil prices hitting a record low, the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) adopting negative interest rates and the European Central Bank (“ECB”) announcing an expansion to their bond-buying stimulus program, so much has happened so recently in the world economy.

Amid all this, in a bid to lift the confidence of investors, top Chinese officials have assured that while China's economy is showing signs of improvement, capital outflows from the country are cooling off.Meanwhile, the Mar 16 release of the U.S. Federal Reserve reaffirmed the current 0.25–0.50% interest rate and scaled back its number of rate hikes to two instead of four as was projected last December. Maintaining its dovish stance, the release mentioned that the Federal Open Market Committee expects “economic activity will expand at a moderate pace and labor market indicators will continue to strengthen.”

However, a note of uncertainty still prevails with a plethora of questions on our minds – if the Fed is going to hike rates twice this year – when will it actually come about? When will the major oil producers decide on the freezing of crude oil production? What will be the implications of steps undertaken by BOJ and ECB on the global economy?

In such rough conditions, investors could still look for some “momentum stocks.” It’s not at all a wild idea. Though it’s easy to spot a momentum stock in a bull phase, it’s not that easy to find a momentum stock in uncertain times. A great way to narrow down momentum stocks is by looking at the short-term price activity as this reflects the current interest in a stock as well as seeing into their earnings momentum.

We have picked five stocks using our Zacks style score system that promises momentum picks at the moment. Not only do these stocks have a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) but also have a momentum score of ‘A’ and a value, growth and momentum (VGM) score of ‘A.’

The VGM score rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping to identify those with the most attractive value, best growth, and most promising momentum, across the board.

All these stocks have also seen an upward trend in their stock price over the past 60 days.

5 Momentum Stocks Ready to Bloom

Defense and security products and services company, Arotech Corporation (ARTX - Snapshot Report) is focused on two business areas: interactive simulation for military, law enforcement and commercial markets; and batteries and charging systems for the military, commercial and medical markets. The stock of this Ann Arbor, MI-based company has seen its current year earnings per share (EPS) estimate spiraling upward by 58.3% over the past 60 days. The stock has a current year EPS growth estimate of a whopping 216.7%, compared to the industry average of 9.4%.

Columbus, GA-based Carmike Cinemas Inc. (CKEC - Snapshot Report) is one of the largest motion picture exhibitors in the U.S. The current year EPS estimate has been revised upward by 18.5% over the past 60 days. The stock has a current year EPS growth estimate of 43.3%, compared to the industry average of 19.4%.

SpartanNash Company (SPTN - Snapshot Report) is a leading multi-regional grocery distributor and grocery retailer serving military commissaries and exchanges in the U.S. The current year EPS estimate of the stock has gone up by 4.5% over the past 60 days. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, the stock has a current year EPS growth estimate of 6.4%, compared to the industry average of 4.3%.

Superior Industries International, Inc. (SUP - Analyst Report) designs and manufactures aluminum wheels with wheel manufacturing operations in the U.S. and Mexico. The current year EPS estimate of the stock has increased by 33% over the past 60 days. The stock has a current year EPS growth estimate of 43.6%, compared to the industry average of 5.3%. The company is headquartered in Southfield, MI.

The current year EPS estimate of the stock has increased by 17.8% over the past 60 days. The stock has a current year EPS growth estimate of 39.5%, compared to the industry average of 11.7%.Headquartered in Syracuse, NY, Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (TAST - Snapshot Report) is one of the largest restaurant companies in the U.S. It is also one of the largest Burger King franchisees in the U.S., based on number of restaurants, and has operated Burger King restaurants since 1976.

In this tug of war between the bulls and the bears, it will be prudent to take note of the top-ranked momentum stocks discussed above.

by Zacks Equity Research

- Source: http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/211056/5-incredible-momentum-stocks-to-buy-this-spring#sthash.2M6lHFWP.dpuf