Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three stocks in the S&P 500 that have shown significant upward momentum after a period of underperformance, suggesting potential for continued growth in 2026 [1][2][12]. Group 1: Albemarle (ALB) - Albemarle's stock has increased by 39% over the past month, making it the best performer in the S&P 500 during this period [4]. - The company specializes in lithium extraction and refining, which is in high demand for electric vehicle batteries and large-scale power storage systems [4][7]. - Despite sluggish global EV sales, demand for Albemarle's lithium products is rising in other sectors such as battery storage and solar energy [7]. Group 2: Solventum (SOLV) - Solventum's stock has risen nearly 25% over the past month, positioning it as the second-best performer in the S&P 500 [8]. - The company, spun off from 3M in April 2024, produces a variety of medical products and has seen its stock surge following strong third-quarter earnings that exceeded forecasts [10]. - A $1 billion share repurchase program announced by Solventum has further boosted investor confidence in the company's growth potential [11]. Group 3: Merck (MRK) - Merck's stock has increased by nearly 22% over the past month, following a strong quarterly report that surpassed earnings and revenue expectations [12]. - The company's Keytruda cancer drug achieved quarterly sales exceeding $8 billion, marking a 10% increase from the previous year [12]. - Merck's management has successfully reduced costs, leading to an improved earnings outlook for 2025 [12].