Zacks screens five stocks with strong momentum and rising estimates

Zacks Investment Research identified five stocks exhibiting relative price strength and positive earnings estimate revisions, including PBF Energy, BP plc, Delek US Holdings, Cenovus Energy and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. The selection process prioritized companies outperforming the S&P 500 over one, four and 12 weeks, while maintaining a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM Score of A or B. This approach aims to isolate equities with firm momentum and solid fundamental support as U.S. stocks enter the final quarter with a mildly bullish setup. The S&P 500 remains close to record territory, supported by favorable seasonality and resilient corporate earnings, though elevated Treasury yields and Federal Reserve policy continue to weigh on valuations.

PBF Energy, an independent refiner based in Parsippany, NJ, leads the group with a projected three-to-five-year EPS growth rate of 55.2%, significantly exceeding the industry average of 32.7%. Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for PBF's 2026 earnings has risen by 44.5%, pointing to 648.7% growth for the year. The stock has gained 173.3% in the last year, reflecting its strong relative performance against the broader market.

BP plc, an integrated oil and gas company with global upstream and downstream operations, also met the screening criteria. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BP's 2026 earnings indicates 152.8% growth. The company has beaten earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters, resulting in a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of roughly 17.9% on average. BP shares have appreciated by 31.4% over the past year.

Delek US Holdings, headquartered in Brentwood, TN, operates as an independent refiner and transporter of petroleum products. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Delek's 2026 earnings has increased from $8.32 to $16.06 per share over the last 60 days, indicating 143.3% growth for the year. The company holds a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of approximately 243%, and its shares have climbed 130.2% in a year.

Cenovus Energy, an integrated energy company with operations in Canada and the United States, has a market capitalization of $59 billion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cenovus's 2026 earnings has risen by 11.6% over the past 60 days, projecting 131.8% growth for the year. Cenovus shares have gained 88.9% in the last twelve months.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, which operates full-service restaurants combining dining and retail spaces, shows an expected three-to-five-year EPS growth rate of 27%, compared to an industry rate of 14.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cracker Barrel's fiscal 2027 earnings has moved up by 21.9% over the past 60 days, indicating 81.3% growth for the fiscal year. The stock has gained 17% in a year.

These five names were selected from a broader list of ten stocks that satisfied specific liquidity and performance metrics, including a minimum share price of $5 and average daily volume exceeding 50,000 shares.