Investors following Mark Minervini's approach look for a rare combination: a stock that is already in a powerful uptrend, yet still has the fundamental acceleration that can extend the move. The methodology blends the Trend Template's technical checklist with high-growth momentum filters to separate market leaders from laggards. ASTRONICS CORP (NASDAQ:ATRO) is one of the names that passed both screens, making it a candidate for further research under this strategy.
What the screen looks for
The Minervini Trend Template is designed to identify stocks in the strongest stage of an uptrend, often referred to as Stage 2. The rules require that price stays above key long-term moving averages, that those averages are rising, and that the stock trades with high relative strength and near its 52-week high. These conditions reduce the odds of buying a stock that is still basing or already rolling over.
Adding a high-growth momentum component tightens the setup further. The screen used here requires a High Growth Momentum rating of at least 4, which ensures the company shows meaningful earnings and revenue acceleration, margin expansion, and positive estimate revisions. In Minervini's framework, technical strength without fundamental confirmation is incomplete; the best performers tend to display both.
ATRO fits the trend template
Astronics Corp, which designs and manufactures power generation, distribution, avionics, and automated test systems for aerospace and defense, clears the technical checklist with room to spare. The current price of $81.67 trades above every major moving average in the report, and the long-term averages are pointing higher.
- Price: $81.67 vs SMA20 at $77.26, SMA50 at $77.27, SMA150 at $76.16, SMA200 at $70.43
- The SMA200 is rising: $70.43 versus $70.27 in the prior period
- The SMA50 sits above both the SMA150 and SMA200, confirming bullish alignment
- The 52-week low is $35.58, putting the stock more than 100% above that level
- The 52-week high is $99.89, so the stock is within roughly 18% of its high
- ChartMill Relative Strength is 95.44, outperforming 95% of the market
These are the hallmarks of a leadership stock. Price strength alone is not enough, but when it is confirmed by rising moving averages and a high relative strength rank, it signals institutional demand. That is exactly the kind of environment Minervini traders want to work with.
High-growth fundamentals support the thesis
The technical picture becomes more compelling when the fundamentals are added. The screen also flagged ATRO because of its strong growth profile, which is consistent with Minervini's belief that big earnings attract big attention. Several metrics stand out:
- EPS growth over the trailing twelve months is roughly 2,208%, with the latest quarter up about 1,650% year over year
- Revenue growth over the trailing twelve months is around 14.5%, with the most recent quarter up 27% year over year
- EPS estimates were beaten in 3 of the last 4 quarters, with an average beat of about 9.9%
- Next-year EPS estimates have been revised upward by about 5.1% over the past three months
- Profit margin improved from 11.07% in the prior quarter to 13.49% in the latest reported quarter
- Free cash flow per share stands at $1.69, with trailing free cash flow growth of roughly 526%
This combination of accelerating earnings, rising margins, and upward estimate revisions is a core part of the high-growth momentum framework. It suggests the stock is not just moving on multiple expansion; the underlying business is delivering improving results that can attract further institutional buying.
What the technical report says
The ChartMill technical assessment is strong on trend but cautious on timing. ATRO earns a technical rating of 10 out of 10, reflecting its solid long-term and short-term trends and its outperformance within the Aerospace & Defense industry. At the same time, the setup rating is just 3 out of 10, because the recent price movement has been too volatile to offer a clean entry and exit point.
For Minervini-style traders, this distinction matters. A stock can have excellent technical health and still need time to form a proper consolidation base. The report notes support zones below the current price, starting around $81.42 to $81.66, and resistance near $93.45 and $96.00. Traders who want to see the full technical breakdown, including support and resistance levels, can review the technical analysis report.
Investors looking for more stocks that combine the Minervini Trend Template with high-growth momentum criteria can find additional candidates using the dedicated screening page.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
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Astronics (NASDAQ:ATRO) Passes Minervini Trend Template With High-Growth Momentum
Investors following Mark Minervini's approach look for a rare combination: a stock that is already in a powerful uptrend, yet still has the fundamental acceleration that can extend the move. The methodology blends the Trend Template's technical checklist with high-growth momentum filters to separate market leaders from laggards. ASTRONICS CORP (NASDAQ:ATRO) is one of the names that passed both screens, making it a candidate for further research under this strategy.
What the screen looks for
The Minervini Trend Template is designed to identify stocks in the strongest stage of an uptrend, often referred to as Stage 2. The rules require that price stays above key long-term moving averages, that those averages are rising, and that the stock trades with high relative strength and near its 52-week high. These conditions reduce the odds of buying a stock that is still basing or already rolling over.
Adding a high-growth momentum component tightens the setup further. The screen used here requires a High Growth Momentum rating of at least 4, which ensures the company shows meaningful earnings and revenue acceleration, margin expansion, and positive estimate revisions. In Minervini's framework, technical strength without fundamental confirmation is incomplete; the best performers tend to display both.
ATRO fits the trend template
Astronics Corp, which designs and manufactures power generation, distribution, avionics, and automated test systems for aerospace and defense, clears the technical checklist with room to spare. The current price of $81.67 trades above every major moving average in the report, and the long-term averages are pointing higher.
These are the hallmarks of a leadership stock. Price strength alone is not enough, but when it is confirmed by rising moving averages and a high relative strength rank, it signals institutional demand. That is exactly the kind of environment Minervini traders want to work with.
High-growth fundamentals support the thesis
The technical picture becomes more compelling when the fundamentals are added. The screen also flagged ATRO because of its strong growth profile, which is consistent with Minervini's belief that big earnings attract big attention. Several metrics stand out:
This combination of accelerating earnings, rising margins, and upward estimate revisions is a core part of the high-growth momentum framework. It suggests the stock is not just moving on multiple expansion; the underlying business is delivering improving results that can attract further institutional buying.
What the technical report says
The ChartMill technical assessment is strong on trend but cautious on timing. ATRO earns a technical rating of 10 out of 10, reflecting its solid long-term and short-term trends and its outperformance within the Aerospace & Defense industry. At the same time, the setup rating is just 3 out of 10, because the recent price movement has been too volatile to offer a clean entry and exit point.
For Minervini-style traders, this distinction matters. A stock can have excellent technical health and still need time to form a proper consolidation base. The report notes support zones below the current price, starting around $81.42 to $81.66, and resistance near $93.45 and $96.00. Traders who want to see the full technical breakdown, including support and resistance levels, can review the technical analysis report.
Investors looking for more stocks that combine the Minervini Trend Template with high-growth momentum criteria can find additional candidates using the dedicated screening page.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
Read full article here »