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5 Breakout Stocks Offering Stunning Returns

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Picking breakout stocks is one of the most favored methods for those utilizing an active investing approach since this strategy promises superlative returns. This method involved zeroing in on those stocks whose prices are varying within a narrow band. If the price of the stock falls below this channel, it could be the best time to sell off this stock.

However, the best time to buy a stock as per this strategy is when it is about to break above this trading band. Such stocks offer the prospect of impressive gains.

Identifying Prospective Candidates

In order to identify breakout stocks, you must first determine their resistance and support levels. A resistance level is a barrier which must be broken so as to be identified as a breakout stock. Meanwhile, a support level is the floor for the stock’s movement.

At the breakout level, the demand for the stock has peaked, making it a natural choice for traders. On the other hand, when a stock hits the support floor, traders are eager to offload it. In order to spot breakout stocks, you would have to see which of these are on the brink of breaking the resistance barrier or those that have just breached this level.

Checking Whether It’s for Real

Stocks that have breached their resistance levels should ideally be in high demand among traders. But the test of whether this is a genuine breakout is when they go on to attain higher prices and the old barrier becomes a new support. This is why it is important to determine whether a long-term price trend is about to emerge.

Only a study of long-term trends can determine whether the existing trading channel has been breached effectively. This indicates the strength of the support or resistance levels. If you can identify the effective channel for a stock, picking it even at a not-so-reasonable price would give you significant returns.

Screening Parameters

Percentage price change over four weeks between 10% and 20% (Stocks which are showing considerable price increases, but whose gains are not excessive.)

Current Price /52-Week High greater than or equal to 0.9 (Stocks which are trading 90% close to their 52-week highs.)

Zacks Rank less than or equal to #2
(Only Strong Buy and Buy-rated stocks can get through.)

Beta for 60 months less than or equal to 2
(Stocks which move by a greater degree than the broader market but within a reasonable limit.)

Current price less than or equal to $20 (Stocks which are reasonably priced.)

These criteria narrow down the universe of over 7875 stocks to only 9.

Here are the top 5 stocks that meet these criteria: Each of these has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Johnson Outdoors Inc. (JOUT - Free Report) is a designer, marketer and manufacturer of watercrafts, marine electronics, diving and outdoor equipment. Johnson Outdoors’ average EPS surprise for the last four quarters is more than 100%.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (WTW - Free Report) is the largest provider of weight control programs in the world. Weight Watchers’ average EPS surprise for the last four quarters is more than 100%.

FMC Corp. (FMC - Free Report) is a diversified chemical company that serves agricultural, industrial, environmental and consumer markets across the globe. FMC Corp’s average EPS surprise for the last four quarters is 8.2%.

Momo Inc. (MOMO - Free Report) is the operator of a mobile-based social networking platform primarily in the Peoples Republic of China. Momo Inc.’s average EPS surprise for the last four quarters is 17.2%.

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (SEDG - Free Report) is a designer, seller and developer of direct current optimized inverter systems for solar photovoltaic installations. SolarEdge’s average EPS surprise for the last four quarters is 29.1%.

You can get the rest of the stocks meeting these criteria by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and backtest them first before taking the investment plunge.

The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.

Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today.

Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.

Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks’ portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.

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