TUTOR PERINI CORP (NYSE:TPC) Screens as High-Growth Momentum Stock with Strong Technicals

TUTOR PERINI CORP (NYSE:TPC) has surfaced as a noteworthy candidate through a screening process that combines Mark Minervini’s rigorous Trend Template with a High Growth Momentum (HGM) filter. This dual-pronged approach identifies companies not only exhibiting strong technical momentum and alignment with long-term uptrends but also demonstrating fundamental characteristics consistent with high-growth enterprises. The strategy is based on the principle that stocks in powerful Stage 2 advances, supported by accelerating business fundamentals, often present superior risk/reward opportunities.

The screening methodology is rooted in Minervini’s SEPA (Specific Entry Point Analysis) framework, which emphasizes the synergy of trend, fundamentals, a catalyst, and precise entry/exit points. The Trend Template provides the technical blueprint, filtering for stocks in confirmed uptrends, while the HGM rating acts as a fundamental overlay, seeking companies with exceptional growth in earnings, sales, and operational efficiency. A stock must perform well in both dimensions to be considered a prime candidate.

Technical Excellence: Adherence to the Minervini Trend Template

A detailed look into the technicals reveals that TPC aligns almost perfectly with Minervini’s criteria for a stock in a strong Stage 2 advance. The current price of $56.02 is positioned well above all key moving averages, the 50-day SMA ($48.24), the 150-day SMA ($33.64), and the 200-day SMA ($31.93). More importantly, the trajectory of these averages confirms sustained momentum; both the 150-day and 200-day moving averages have been trending upwards, a non-negotiable condition in the Trend Template that signals healthy long-term investor accumulation.

The moving averages are also stacked bullishly, with the shorter-term 50-day SMA above both the 150-day and 200-day SMAs. This structure indicates accelerating momentum across multiple timeframes, a hallmark of leading stocks. Furthermore, the stock’s position relative to its 52-week range is exemplary. Trading at $56.02, it sits a staggering 205% above its 52-week low of $18.34 and within 13% of its 52-week high of $63.96. This meets the Trend Template’s requirement of being at least 30% above the low and within 25% of the high, indicating the stock has strong momentum without being excessively extended.

Finally, the stock exhibits tremendous relative strength, with a ChartMill Relative Strength (CRS) score of 97.24. This means it is outperforming nearly 98% of all stocks in the market, a critical factor Minervini emphasizes for identifying true market leaders. This high RS score, combined with a perfect ChartMill Technical Rating of 10, confirms its technical superiority.

Fundamental Vigor: The Case for High Growth Momentum

Beyond the strong chart, TPC’s fundamental profile justifies its high growth momentum rating. While its trailing twelve-month (TTM) Earnings Per Share (EPS) of -$2.52 appears negative, this figure obscures a powerful and recent inflection point in profitability. The most recent quarter’s EPS growth surged by an remarkable 1,800% year-over-year, a dramatic reversal from the deep losses reported in prior quarters. This explosive quarter-over-quarter improvement is a classic characteristic Minervini seeks—a significant earnings surprise that can act as a catalyst, attracting institutional attention.

This earnings turnaround is supported by strong and accelerating revenue growth. Sales growth for the last quarter came in at 21.84%, building upon solid growth of 18.84% and 4.52% in the two preceding quarters. This consistent acceleration suggests strengthening demand for the company’s construction and engineering services. The company has also demonstrated an impressive ability to convert this top-line growth into cash, with Free Cash Flow per share soaring 783% over the past year to $7.04. This massive improvement in cash generation provides financial flexibility and is a strong positive signal for growth investors.

Profitability metrics are also turning a corner. The profit margin in the most recent quarter expanded to 2.25%, a significant recovery from the meager 0.07% margin seen three quarters prior. This expansion indicates improved operational efficiency and pricing power, which are key drivers of sustainable high growth.

Synthesis and Technical Summary

In summary, TUTOR PERINI CORP (NYSE:TPC) presents a strong case where exceptional technical strength converges with a fundamental business turnaround. It satisfies the mechanical rules of the Trend Template, confirming its participation in a strong market trend, while its explosive recent growth in earnings, sales, and cash flow fulfills the fundamental requirements for a high-momentum stock.

A review of its detailed technical analysis report confirms this bullish stance. The report awards the stock a maximum technical rating of 10, highlighting its positive long and short-term trends, superior relative strength, and leadership within its industry. It also identifies several key support zones below the current price, which can help define risk levels. The primary note of caution from the report is on the setup quality, which is rated a medium 5, suggesting investors should seek a more defined consolidation or pullback to a support level for an optimal risk-adjusted entry, rather than chasing the current price.

For investors seeking other opportunities that meet this stringent blend of technical and fundamental excellence, further research can be conducted using the predefined High Growth Momentum + Trend Template screen.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. All investing and trading involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.