Best Momentum Stocks to Buy for February 26th

Contrary to what investors have seen this earnings season, earnings growth is traditionally one of the key indicators of stock price growth. For calendar year 2026, FactSet forecasts earnings growth of companies in the S&P 500 to come in at 15%.

The de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict sent oil prices surging, before a dramatic reversal when President Donald Trump said the conflict might end. Stocks fell as oil prices surged amid concerns that rising energy costs could fuel inflation, reducing the odds of near-term interest rate cuts. Companies that stand to benefit from oil supply disruptions include integrated energy giants and companies involved in oil exploration, production, and shipping.

Here is how Marathon Petroleum (MPC) and Oceaneering International (OII) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.