4 Top-Ranked Liquid Stocks to Enhance Portfolio Returns in 2026

Core Insights - High liquidity stocks are in demand due to their potential for maximum returns, making them attractive for investors seeking solid gains [1][3] - Four top-ranked stocks identified for potential portfolio addition are Ciena Corporation (CIEN), EverQuote, Inc. (EVER), PJT Partners Inc. (PJT), and Commercial Metals Company (CMC) [2][10] Liquidity Measures - Current Ratio: Measures current assets against current liabilities; a ratio below 1 indicates more liabilities than assets, while a range of 1-3 is ideal [5] - Quick Ratio: Indicates ability to pay short-term obligations, with a desirable ratio of more than 1 [6] - Cash Ratio: The most conservative measure, focusing on cash and equivalents relative to current liabilities; a ratio greater than 1 is desirable but may indicate inefficiency [7] Screening Parameters - Asset Utilization: A measure of efficiency, calculated as total sales over the last 12 months divided by the average total assets; a higher ratio than the industry average indicates efficiency [8] - Growth Score: A proprietary measure ensuring that liquid and efficient stocks have solid growth potential; stocks with a Growth Score of A or B tend to outperform [9][11] Company-Specific Insights - Commercial Metals Company (CMC): Engaged in M&A to enhance financial profile; recent acquisitions include Concrete Pipe & Precast for $675 million and Foley for $1.84 billion, expected to generate annual synergies of $25-$30 million by the third year [12][13] - EverQuote, Inc. (EVER): An online insurance marketplace benefiting from exclusive data assets and technology; reported revenues of $173.9 million, a 20% year-over-year increase, with strong growth in automotive insurance [15][16] - PJT Partners Inc. (PJT): An advisory-focused investment bank reporting third-quarter revenues of $447 million, up 37% year-over-year, driven by strategic advisory revenues [18][19] - Ciena Corporation (CIEN): A provider of optical networking equipment, reporting a 20% year-over-year revenue increase; expects further gains in 2026 with a revenue outlook of $5.7-$6.1 billion, driven by strong demand from cloud and AI infrastructure [20][21][22]