ZACKS·2025-12-31 21:01Core Insights - In 2026, investors are expected to prioritize companies with consistent earnings growth, as this indicates profitability, but earnings acceleration is even more critical for driving stock prices higher [1][8] - Research shows that top-performing stocks often experience earnings acceleration before their share prices rise [1] Earnings Acceleration - Earnings acceleration refers to the incremental growth in a company's earnings per share (EPS), specifically when the quarter-over-quarter earnings growth rate increases over time [2] - This metric helps identify stocks that have not yet attracted investor attention, which can lead to a price rally once they are recognized [3] Earnings Growth Trends - An increasing percentage of earnings growth suggests a company is fundamentally sound, while a stagnant or decelerating growth percentage may indicate consolidation or a slowdown, potentially dragging prices down [4] Screening Parameters - Stocks should be screened based on the last two quarter-over-quarter EPS growth rates exceeding previous periods' growth rates, with projected EPS growth rates for the upcoming quarter expected to surpass prior periods [5][6] - Additional criteria include a current price of at least $5 and an average 20-day trading volume of 50,000 or more to ensure adequate liquidity [7] Top Stocks Identified - Screening for accelerating EPS growth narrowed the universe of approximately 7,735 stocks to just 11, with Silicon Laboratories Inc. (SLAB), Patria Investments Limited (PAX), and Fabrinet (FN) leading the list [8] - Expected earnings growth rates for 2026 are 197.8% for SLAB, 22.8% for PAX, and 16.1% for FN [8][9][10][11]