Many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, but this can be very tough to define. There is great debate regarding which metrics are the best to focus on in this regard, and which are not really quality indicators of future performance. Fortunately, with our new style score system we have identified the key statistics to pay close attention to and thus which stocks might be the best for momentum investors in the near term.

This method discovered several great candidates for momentum-oriented investors, but today let’s focus in on MKS Instruments, Inc. (MKSI Quick QuoteMKSI - Free Report) as this stock is looking especially impressive right now. And while there are numerous ways in which this company could be a great choice, we have highlighted three of the most vital reasons for MKSI’s status as a solid momentum stock below:

Longer Term Price Change for MKS Instruments

While any stock can see a spike in price, it takes a real winner to consistently outperform the market. That is why looking at longer term price metrics—such as performance over the past three months or year-- and comparing these to an industry at large can be very useful.

And in the case of MKSI, the results are quite impressive. The company has beaten out the industry at large over the past 12 weeks by a margin of 20.5% to 14.4% while it has also outperformed when looking at the past year, putting up a gain of 104.4%. Clearly, MKSI is riding a bit of a hot streak and is worth a closer look by investors.

MKS Instruments, Inc. Price

Fiscal Year EPS Estimate Change for MKSI

In addition to price performance, it is also important to take a look at earnings estimate changes for the full year. This can show if MKSI is poised to make a run based on fundamentals, or if the company is simply moving on speculation.

Over the past month, the full year earnings estimate for MKSI has risen by 11.1%. On its own this is impressive, but consider that it also beats the industry average of 7.6% too. The trend is undeniably in MKS Instruments’ favor right now, and it suggests that the momentum might be long lasting for this stock.

Earnings Estimate Revisions Moving in the Right Direction

While the great momentum factors outlined in the preceding paragraphs might be enough for some investors, we should also take into account broad earnings estimate revision trends. A nice path here can really help to show us a promising stock, and we have actually been seeing that with MKSI as of late too.

Over the past two months, five earnings estimates have gone higher compared to none lower for the full year, while we are also seeing that one estimate has moved upwards with no downward revision for the next year time frame too. These revisions have helped to boost the consensus estimate as two months ago MKSI was expected to post earnings of $3.49 per share for the full year, though today it looks to have EPS of $3.88 for the full year, representing an increase which is something that should definitely be welcomed news to would-be investors.

Bottom Line

Given these factors, investors shouldn’t be surprised to note that we have MKSI as a security with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a Momentum Score of ‘A’. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

So if you are looking for a fresh pick that has potential to move in the right direction, definitely keep MKSI on your short list as this looks be a stock that is very well-positioned to soar in the near term.

Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017

In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest tickers for the entirety of 2017?

Who wouldn't? These 10 are painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. They are our primary picks to buy and hold. Be among the very first to see them >>