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.
But not every company with momentum is a long-term winner, and plenty of investors have lost money betting on short-term fads. Keeping that in mind, here are two stocks with lasting competitive advantages and one that may correct.
One Stock to Sell:
Columbia Financial (CLBK)
One-Month Return: +7.9%
Founded during the Roaring Twenties in 1926 and headquartered in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Columbia Financial (NASDAQ: CLBK) operates federally chartered savings banks in New Jersey that offer traditional banking services including loans, deposits, and insurance products.
Why Do We Steer Clear of CLBK?
- Net interest income was flat over the last five years, indicating it’s failed to expand this cycle
- Net interest margin of 2.1% is well below other banks, signaling its loans aren’t very profitable
- Sales over the last five years were less profitable as its earnings per share fell by 3.8% annually while its revenue was flat
Columbia Financial’s stock price of $20.74 implies a valuation ratio of 1.7x forward P/B. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why CLBK doesn’t pass our bar.
Two Stocks to Watch:
Cohen & Steers (CNS)
One-Month Return: +5.2%
Founded in 1986 as a pioneer in real estate investment trusts (REITs), Cohen & Steers (NYSE: CNS) is an investment manager specializing in real estate securities, infrastructure, real assets, and preferred securities for institutional and individual investors.
Why Should CNS Be on Your Watchlist?
- Impressive 20.7% annual tangible book value per share growth over the last two years indicates it’s building equity value this cycle
- Market-beating return on equity illustrates that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures
At $76.00 per share, Cohen & Steers trades at 20.9x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
Wintrust Financial (WTFC)
One-Month Return: +5.2%
Founded in 1991 as a community-focused alternative to big banks in the Chicago area, Wintrust Financial (NASDAQGS:WTFC) operates community banks in the Chicago area and provides specialty finance services including insurance premium financing and wealth management.
Why Does WTFC Stand Out?
- Annual net interest income growth of 17% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
- Non-interest operating profits and efficiency rose over the last five years as it benefited from some fixed cost leverage
- Annual tangible book value per share growth of 10.2% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting strong capital accumulation this cycle
Wintrust Financial is trading at $155.85 per share, or 1.4x forward P/B. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
ALSO WORTH WATCHING: Top 5 Momentum Stocks. The best time to own a great stock is when the market is finally noticing it. These aren’t just high-quality businesses. Something is happening with them right now. Elite fundamentals meet near-term momentum — both boxes checked at the same time.
Find out which stocks our AI platform is flagging this week. See this week’s Strong Momentum stocks — FREE. Get Our Strong Momentum Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 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.
