It’s every investors dream to find a stock right before it takes off in an upward direction. Unfortunately, it’s much more common to find a stock after it’s used up all of its momentum. Nevertheless, by identifying key metrics, it’s possible for investors to find momentum stocks that will keep soaring higher. Here at Zacks, we use the “Momentum” category of our Style Scores system to help identify these stocks. On top of this, we can recognize that companies with strong Zacks Ranks are also more likely to outperform the market. With that said, today we have highlighted three stocks that all have a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), as well as an “A” grade in Momentum. While these companies have all been on an uptick lately, the fundamentals suggest that there could be room for further growth. 1. Barracuda Networks (CUDA) Barracuda Networks is engaged in designing and delivering security and storage solutions. The company’s products span the content security, networking and application delivery, and data storage markets. It is one of the leading cyber-security firms in the world, with a specialty in cloud-based solutions. Over the past 12 weeks, Barracuda has gained an impressive 51.63%. The stock’s price movement has been driven by the magnitude of its earnings estimate revisions; in the past month, estimates for the company’s annual earnings have swelled by 175%. Barracuda also has a positive Earnings ESP of 200% for the current quarter. 2. Gilead Sciences (GILD) Gilead Sciences is an independent biopharmaceutical company that seeks to provide accelerated solutions for patients and care providers. The company focuses on developing drugs to treat people with viral infections, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and cancer. Gilead specializes in liposomal drug delivery technology, which is thought to be safer and easier for patients to tolerate. Over the past 12 weeks, shares of GILD are up 8.16%, compared to its industry peers which have gained 4.52% on average. In the past month, we have seen the company’s earnings estimates grow by 6.18%. Gilead also has a “B” grade for Value, boosted by its impressive P/E ratio of 7.79. 3. Darden Restaurants (DRI) Darden Restaurants is the world's largest casual dining restaurant company based on market share, sales and number of company-owned and operated restaurants. The company’s brands include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Bahama Breeze. In a three month period, Darden Restaurants has gained 8.3%, and over the past month we have seen the company’s earnings estimates rise 5.91%. This year, the company’s earnings are expected to grow by over 33%. Overall, DRI currently has an “A” grade in our VGM category, which takes a weighted average of all the metrics that go into our Style Scores system. Bottom Line Finding quality “momentum stocks” can be challenging. Luckily, the Zacks Rank and Style Scores system give investors the tools needed to find stocks that are not only on the uptick, but also have further room to grow. Using a screen for stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and an “A” grade in Momentum, we were able to locate three of the best momentum stocks right now. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report GILEAD SCIENCES (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report DARDEN RESTRNT (DRI): Free Stock Analysis Report BARRACUDA NTWRK (CUDA): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research