Each stock in this article is trading near its 52-week high. These elevated prices usually indicate some degree of investor confidence, business improvements, or favorable market conditions.
However, not all companies with momentum are long-term winners, and many investors have lost money by following short-term trends. All that said, here are two stocks we think live up to the hype and one best left ignored.
One Stock to Sell:
Belden (BDC)
One-Month Return: +4.1%
With its enamel-coated copper wire used in WWI for the Allied forces, Belden (NYSE: BDC) designs, manufactures, and sells electronic components to various industries.
Why Are We Cautious About BDC?
- Sales were flat over the last two years, indicating it’s failed to expand this cycle
- Anticipated sales growth of 5% for the next year implies demand will be shaky
- Flat earnings per share over the last two years lagged its peers
Belden’s stock price of $125.59 implies a valuation ratio of 16.8x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with BDC, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Two Stocks to Watch:
Altria (MO)
One-Month Return: +12.3%
Best known for its Marlboro brand of cigarettes, Altria (NYSE: MO) offers tobacco and nicotine products.
Why Are We Fans of MO?
- Unique products and pricing power result in a best-in-class gross margin of 70.7%
- Highly efficient business model is illustrated by its impressive 54.6% operating margin
- Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends
At $65.65 per share, Altria trades at 11.9x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
GE Aerospace (GE)
One-Month Return: +2.3%
One of the original 12 companies on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, General Electric (NYSE: GE) is a multinational conglomerate providing technologies for various sectors including aviation, power, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Why Are We Backing GE?
- Impressive 13.9% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- GE is a free cash flow machine with the flexibility to invest in growth initiatives or return capital to shareholders
- Improving returns on capital reflect management’s ability to monetize investments
GE Aerospace is trading at $270.82 per share, or 45.7x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.
Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.
