2 Momentum Stocks with Competitive Advantages and 1 We Ignore

Sep 10, 2026
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The stocks featured in this article have all approached their 52-week highs. When these price levels hit, it typically signals strong business execution, positive market sentiment, or significant industry tailwinds.

However, not all companies with momentum are long-term winners, and many investors have lost money by following short-term trends. Keeping that in mind, here are two stocks with the fundamentals to back up their performance and one best left ignored.

One Stock to Sell:

Invesco (IVZ)

One-Month Return: +2%

With roots dating back to 1935 when it pioneered the first mutual fund with an objective of capital growth, Invesco (NYSE:IVZ) is a global asset management firm that offers investment solutions across equities, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset strategies.

Why Do We Pass on IVZ?

  1. Flat sales over the last five years suggest it must find different ways to grow during this cycle
  2. Performance over the past five years shows each sale was less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 1.5% annually
  3. High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 5× increases the risk of forced asset sales or dilutive financing if operational performance weakens

At $32.36 per share, Invesco trades at 10.7x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including IVZ in your portfolio.

Two Stocks to Watch:

Coca-Cola (KO)

One-Month Return: +0.9%

A pioneer and behemoth in carbonated soft drinks, Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) is a storied beverage company best known for its flagship soda.

Why Is KO on Our Radar?

  1. Differentiated product offerings are difficult to replicate at scale and result in a best-in-class gross margin of 61.7%
  2. Disciplined cost controls and effective management resulted in a strong two-year operating margin of 28.8%, and its operating leverage amplified its profits over the last year
  3. Free cash flow margin jumped by 30.1 percentage points over the last year, giving the company more resources to pursue growth initiatives, repurchase shares, or pay dividends

Coca-Cola’s stock price of $87.64 implies a valuation ratio of 26x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Affiliated Managers Group (AMG)

One-Month Return: -2.3%

Using a partnership approach that preserves entrepreneurial culture at its portfolio companies, Affiliated Managers Group (NYSE:AMG) is an investment firm that acquires stakes in boutique asset management companies while allowing them to maintain operational independence.

Why Should You Buy AMG?

  1. Performance over the past two years was turbocharged by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue
  2. Industry-leading 21.5% return on equity demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments

Affiliated Managers Group is trading at $355 per share, or 9.1x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI is taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.

Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662% between October 2022 and February 2026. AppLovin before it ran 753% between February 2024 and February 2026. Nvidia before it ran 1,178% between January 2023 and February 2026. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+1,154% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

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