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3 Stocks Looking To Move Even Higher After Hitting 52-Week Highs

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Many investors know that screening is a very powerful way to find the best stocks, but creating your own screens can be difficult and time consuming. However, with Zacks Premium Screens, finding the best stocks is just a few clicks away.

To show just how easy it can be, I have used on of Zacks Premium Screens, named the “Zacks #1 Rank New Highs” screen. Though they are already implemented for you, the parameters of this screen is that the stocks must be a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), a stock price over $5, volume over 100,000, and a current price that is at least 95% of its 52-week high.

As the S&P 500 and Dow both trade near and above their all-time highs, these 3 stocks could hit new highs as well, as they trade around their 52-week highs. Below are three of the stocks the “Zacks #1 Rank New High” Premium Screen produced, which could be headed to new highs in the near future as they look to continue their strong recent performance level.

Casella Waste Systems Inc. (CWST - Free Report)

Casella Waste Systems Inc. is a regional, integrated solid waste services company that provides collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services, generates steam, and manufactures finished products utilizing recyclable materials. The company primarily operates throughout the eastern portion of the U.S. and parts of Canada.

In addition to its top individual Zacks Rank, CWST also operates in an industry that is ranked in the top 6% of all industries by Zacks. The company has been on a roll this year, surging more than 49% year-to-date, and hitting new 52-week highs, earning itself a B Momentum Style Score. Analyst EPS estimate revision activity has added to its momentum too, as current year estimates have increased 46.4% during the quarter.

CWST offers good value and interesting growth possibilities too, which has earned the stock A Style Scores for both categories. Behind its Value score are figures like a cash to price ratio of 40.97, cash flow per share of 1.43, and a low price to sales ratio of .64. In regards to its Growth score, that can be attributed to current year projections of 2.38% for sales growth, and 91.67% for EPS growth, in addition to an ROE figure of 64.65%.

Trustmark Corporation (TRMK - Free Report)

Trustmark Corporation is a multi-bank holding company. Its primary business activities are conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Trustmark National Bank and Trustmark National Bank’s wholly-owned nonbanking subsidiaries, Trustmark Financial Services Inc and Trustmark Insurance Agency Inc.

In addition to its Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Trustmark’s industry is also highly ranked, coming in the top 36% of all industries. The company has a Momentum Style Score of an A, thanks to the upward movement seen in its stock price. Year-to-date Trustmark Corp. is up 11.46%, with 7.14% coming in just the last month.

Analyst EPS revision activity has been positive as late too, with the current year estimate jumping 5.53% higher during the quarter. The activity from analysts has moved the current year EPS estimate from $1.60 90 days ago to the current level of $1.69. Trustmark has been on a roll when it comes to meeting and beating earnings expectations too actually, as it has done so in each of the last 4 quarters.

Carter’s Inc. (CRI - Free Report)

Carter’s Inc. is a leading provider of apparel and related products exclusively babies and young children. The company owns the Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh Brands, two of the most recognized brands in the marketplace. These brands are sold in leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally and through Company-operated stores and on-line.

Carter’s is a top ranked stock by Zacks, and is trading right around its 52-week high of $110 per share. The company has an A for its Momentum Style Score, thanks to its year-to-date performance of 22.45%, and a 1-month price change of 7.42%.

Carter’s also has solid Style Scores for Value and Growth, with a B and an A respectively. Behind its Value Style Score is a cash to price ratio of 21.63, a PE ratio of 21.38, and cash flow per share of 6.03. The company’s A Growth Style Score can be attributed to a solid net margin of 7.92%, and an ROE figure of 27.39%. Carter’s also has current year projected sales growth of 6.32%, and EPS growth of 11.58%.

Bottom Line

As the three stocks above show, the capabilities of the Zacks Premium Stocks offer top stock investment options with just a few clicks. The screens are already made for investors, all they have to do is choose the screen they wish to use, whether it be for “Zacks #1 Rank New High” stocks like these, or for stocks that the multitude of other screens can help investors find. As the U.S. markets currently trade around all-time highs, these stocks that are trading at and around their 52-week highs could be in for a new breakout soon.

Use more than 45 predefined screens strategically created to find the best stocks or create your own screens using the Zacks Rank for stocks, ETFs and mutual funds. Plus, gain access to the Zacks #1 Rank list; in-depth analysis on more than 1,000 stocks with Zacks Equity Research Reports; Focus List portfolio of 50-longer-term stocks and more. Start your 30-day free trial to Zacks Premium


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Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST) - free report >>

Trustmark Corporation (TRMK) - free report >>

Carter's, Inc. (CRI) - free report >>