Core Insights - U.S. stock markets have started 2026 positively, with all three major indexes in positive territory and a strong fourth-quarter 2025 earnings season projected [1] - The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain the current lending rate range in January [1] - A selection of stocks has shown significant price strength, particularly those on a recent bull run, indicating potential for continued momentum [1][2] Stock Performance Highlights - RF Industries Ltd. (RFIL) has seen a stock price increase of 79.6% over the past four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate of 7.5% for the current year [7][6] - Betterware de México S.A.P.I. de C.V. (BWMX) experienced a 32.7% price jump in four weeks, supported by a 44.4% expected earnings growth rate [9][8] - Forum Energy Technologies Inc. (FET) has climbed 17.9% in stock price over the past four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate exceeding 100% [11][10] - Krystal Biotech Inc. (KRYS) shares rose 10.5% in four weeks, with expected earnings growth of 31.6% for the current year [14][12] - Mama's Creations Inc. (MAMA) advanced 9.5% in stock price, with an expected earnings growth of 84.6% for the current year [16][15] Screening Parameters for Stock Selection - Stocks must show a percentage change in price greater than zero over the last four weeks, indicating upward movement [4] - A percentage change in price greater than 10% over the last 12 weeks is required to ensure sustained momentum [4] - Stocks must have a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and an average broker rating of 1, indicating strong future performance expectations [5] - Current stock prices must be above $5 and trading near their 52-week high, specifically more than 85% of the high-low range [6]

Industry Overview - Semiconductor sales have been experiencing rapid growth, driven by optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and demand from various industries [1][10] - Global semiconductor sales reached $64.9 billion in August, marking a 4.4% increase from July and a 21.7% rise year-over-year from $53.3 billion in August 2024 [3][10] - The semiconductor market is expected to maintain double-digit growth through 2025, fueled by rising demand for data center processors and memory components as AI investments increase [6][10] Regional Performance - Sales growth in August was particularly strong in the Asia Pacific and the Americas, with year-over-year increases of 43.1% and 25.5% respectively [4] - China and Europe also saw sales growth, with increases of 12.4% and 4.4% year-over-year [4] Company Highlights - Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (AEIS) focuses on power-conversion solutions for the semiconductor industry, with an expected earnings growth rate of 53.1% for the current year and a Zacks Rank of 2 [7][8] - Analog Devices (ADI) specializes in analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing integrated circuits, with an expected earnings growth rate of 21.5% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [9][11] - RF Industries, Ltd. designs and manufactures coaxial connectors, with an expected earnings growth rate of over 100% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [12]

Industry Overview - The semiconductor industry has rebounded significantly, driven by strong sales and increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI) by major companies [1][2] - Robust demand across various sectors has led to a notable increase in chipmakers' revenues, contributing to overall market gains and the tech rally [2] Sales Performance - Global semiconductor sales reached $179.7 billion in Q2 2025, marking a 7.8% increase from Q1 2025 and a 19.6% rise year-over-year from $50.1 billion in June 2024 [4][5] - The semiconductor market is projected to continue growing, with strong performance in the Asia Pacific and Americas regions [5] Revenue Growth - In 2024, global semiconductor revenues were $627.6 billion, a 19.1% increase from $526.8 billion in 2023 [6] - The first quarter of 2025 generated $167.7 billion in revenues, reflecting an 18.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [6] Demand Drivers - High demand for data center chips and memory products has been a significant factor in the industry's growth, with expectations of maintaining double-digit growth into 2025 due to ongoing AI investments [7] Investment Opportunities - Recommended semiconductor stocks include RF Industries, Ltd. (RFIL), Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (MPWR), and Microchip Technology (MCHP), all of which have strong earnings growth and favorable Zacks rankings [3][9] - RFIL is expected to see over 100% earnings growth this year, with a Zacks Rank 1 [10] - MPWR anticipates a 21% earnings growth rate, holding a Zacks Rank 2 [12] - MCHP projects a 5.3% earnings growth rate, also with a Zacks Rank 2 [14]