
By Mill Chart
Last update: Jan 14, 2026
For investors who use charts and price action to guide their decisions, a methodical way to spot possible opportunities is important. One method looks for stocks that are both technically sound and making a constructive price pattern, a pairing that can point to a possible breakout. This approach centers on two specific metrics: the ChartMill Technical Rating, which measures the general condition and direction of a stock, and the ChartMill Setup Quality Rating, which judges the state of its present consolidation pattern. The aim is to locate stocks in clear uptrends that are pausing to gather force, giving a more distinct point of entry with clear risk.

A recent search using this method has pointed to Portland General Electric Co. (NYSE:POR) as a candidate for more review. The Oregon-based electric utility shows a profile that fits the main ideas of this breakout approach, joining a firm basic trend with a good setup pattern.
The first part of this approach is a stock's technical soundness, measured by the ChartMill Technical Rating. A high rating here is important because it shows the stock is in a clear uptrend and doing better than similar stocks, giving a helpful condition for any breakout try. Portland General Electric gets a Technical Rating of 7, which puts it in an uptrend.
A closer view of the full technical report shows the parts making up this score:
This firm technical background is needed for the approach, as it raises the chance that a breakout from consolidation will lead to a notable rise instead of a false signal.
A clear trend alone is not a buy signal; entering at a bad time can lead to quick losses. This is where the second metric, the Setup Quality Rating, becomes important. It finds times of price consolidation, tight, low-volatility trading ranges, that often come before the next upward move. POR has a very good Setup Rating of 9.
The technical report explains why the present pattern is seen as high-quality:
For a technical trader, this high setup score answers the "when" question. It suggests the stock is not stretched but is instead tightening, offering a possible entry point with a nearby support level to use for controlling risk.
Based on this review, the automated report suggests a specific, though example-only, trading setup. The proposed idea is to enter on a breakout above the immediate resistance at $49.29, confirming the end of the consolidation. A stop-loss order would be placed just below the marked support area at $47.36, capping the possible loss on the trade to about 3.9%. This form shows how the two ratings, technical soundness and setup state, are joined to create a trade with a good reward-to-risk profile.
Find More Possible Breakout Setups
The search that found Portland General Electric is run each day, finding new candidates that meet these strict technical and setup conditions. Investors looking for a methodical way to find similar opportunities can review the present list of results via the Technical Breakout Setups screen.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. The trading setup mentioned is an automatically generated example for educational illustration and is not a recommendation. All investing and trading involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Readers should conduct their own research, consider their financial situation, and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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