3 Momentum Stocks Near 52-Week Highs to Watch for More Growth

Investing in stocks that are trading at or near their 52-week highs can indicate a bullish trend. Many investors view the past 52 weeks as an essential timeframe to assess a stock’s performance in relation to its upcoming potential. When a stock rises due to forthcoming catalysts, reaching a 52-week high could be just the tip of the iceberg for further growth.

A key reason for purchasing stocks near their 52-week highs lies in psychological factors. Investors often perceive this as a strong indicator of upward momentum and may start bidding the stock even higher.

However, it is crucial for investors to understand the reasons behind a stock’s ascent. Sometimes, the surge is due to short squeezes, as seen with GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) in 2021, where the stock moved on factors unrelated to the company's fundamentals. Those who invest in such scenarios without caution might face severe losses when the stock inevitably retracts.

If the upward movement is due to organic growth—like new business opportunities or robust economic conditions—then it might represent a solid buying opportunity. MarketBeat follows stocks trading at, or close to, their 52-week highs. Below are three stocks that show promising catalysts poised to drive them higher.

Strategic Acquisitions Drive Fiserv’s Innovation and Growth

Fiserv Inc. (NYSE: FI) is a well-established fintech company with a global footprint. Its focus on innovation, quality, and excellent management has earned it a spot as one of Fortune’s "World's Most Admired Companies" for ten out of the last eleven years.

The stock hit its 52-week peak in early March 2025, coinciding with its all-time high. The rise is largely attributed to investors anticipating Fiserv’s acquisition of CCV, a payment solutions provider in the Netherlands. This acquisition is expected to facilitate the swift deployment of its Clover platform across Europe.

Moreover, Fiserv has also enhanced its capabilities by incorporating expertise from Payfare in card program management, further strengthening its reach in the gig economy and emerging workforce models.

Nevertheless, after initial excitement, shares saw some profit-taking before the acquisition confirmation on March 19, 2025. Analysts project a consensus price target of $242.32 for Fiserv, indicating further room for growth, with several analysts setting even higher price targets.

Darden Restaurants Outperforms Amidst Bullish Sentiment

Darden Restaurants International (NYSE: DRI) is currently outperforming many of its peers in the consumer discretionary sector while trading at its 52-week high as of March 27, 2025. As the parent company of popular dining chains such as Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Capital Grille, Darden has seen significant interest from investors.

The driving force behind Darden’s success is a recent earnings report that demonstrated significant year-over-year increases in revenue and earnings, along with optimistic guidance for the upcoming quarter. Analysts have responded positively, adjusting their price targets upward by 10% or more beyond the average consensus noted on MarketBeat.

The stock has appreciated approximately 25% over the past year and 11.8% in 2025. Despite this growth, the stock's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is around 22x, slightly above its five-year average yet not high enough to confirm overvaluation. Furthermore, following the suspension of its dividend in 2020, Darden reinstated it in 2025, which is projected to grow.

Kinross Gold: A Safe Haven Amidst Market Volatility

For those seeking refuge in a volatile market, gold mining stocks can be appealing. Kinross Gold Corp. (NYSE: KGC) has reached an all-time high as of March 27, 2025, mirroring the surge in the spot price of gold, which continues to reach new peaks.

The rationale for KGC’s upward trend aligns with the overall market sentiment towards gold. Anticipated inflation due to trade-related tensions ignited by the previous administration's tariffs also adds to gold's attractiveness as a safe investment. Concerns linger over the efficacy of programs aimed at reducing national debt and deficits.

The next crucial moment for Kinross will arrive in early May, when the company is set to announce its earnings. This event could potentially drive KGC's price targets higher than the current consensus, which sits about 6.6% lower than the stock's closing price of $12.46 on March 27, 2025.

Considerations for Investment

Before making any decisions regarding investments in Kinross Gold, it's essential to consider the broader market outlook. Currently, while analysts rate Kinross Gold with a Buy recommendation, a few suggest that other stocks might offer better opportunities at this time.

In the energy sector, nuclear energy stocks are seeing significant movement. With companies like Cameco Corp, Paladin Energy, and BWX Technologies up more than 40% in 2024, experts believe there could be even more upward potential, with several nuclear energy stocks poised for substantial growth in the coming months.

Investors should stay informed and carefully evaluate their investment strategies as market conditions evolve to maximize their opportunities.

Stocks, Growth, Investing