Top Momentum Names to Ride the Rally!

The U.S. stock market has been on a tear to start 2012. The S&P 500 has added roughly 11% so far on the year, while the Nasdaq 100 has jumped more than 21%. The early returns suggest that 2012 could be a record breaking year for the stock market. What are some of the best momentum names to ride a continued rally? Benzinga has compiled a list of very strong stocks. If you adhere to the old adage "buy high, sell higher" then these names may be for you. All of these stocks are up more than 50% over the last year and have added at least 10% in the last month alone. Alexion Pharmaceuticals ALXN - This biotech name has been soaring in recent years and the stock's momentum has picked up in 2012. The company developed and distributes a drug known as Soliris, which is used in treating a number of ultra-rare disorders. The drug has been approved in the EU and Japan and on September 23, 2011 Soliris was officially approved by the FDA. ALXN shares have risen roughly 79% over the last 52-weeks, including a 32% gain in 2012. Lululemon Athletica LULU - This yoga-inspired apparel retailer has been growing at an amazing pace and the stock is among the momentum favorites in the market. Shares have already soared almost 65% in 2012 alone, and the stock has added nearly 12% over the last month. If the market is moving higher, LULU is a good name to reach for in order to ride the wave. Momentum oriented hedge funds and other traders love to pour money into this name during strong rallies. Monster Beverage Corp. MNST - This energy drink maker is one of the hottest names in the market. Shares have more than doubled over the last year and the stock is up more than 35% in 2012 alone. The move in the name has been driven by extremely impressive top line revenue growth. When the market is hot, companies that are exhibiting strong growth are always a good bet for explosive moves in their stock prices. When you want to play the momentum game, MNST fits the bill. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals REGN - This biotech company had its EYLEA drug approved by the FDA in November 2011. EYLEA is used in the treatment of (Wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). In addition, the company also markets a drug called ARCALYST. Not only does REGN have two marketed products, but it also has a very interesting pipeline of drugs and multiple potential catalysts. The stock has exploded higher in 2012 after creating a strong base throughout much of 2011. Over the last 52-weeks, shares have risen 168% and in 2012 the stock is up more than 122%. This is definitely a name to keep an eye on, and given the company's strong launch of EYLEA and pipeline, REGN could continue to rack up big gains. Starbucks SBUX - This stock may not be synonymous with momentum trading, unlike stocks such as Chipotle CMG and Priceline.com PCLN, but that is exactly what SBUX has become in 2012. Shares have risen around 60% over the last 52-weeks and are up more than 26% on the year. Not only is SBUX a name that you can ride during market rallies, but it also has a lot of qualities that long-term investors will find attractive. The stock is also yielding 1.17% at current levels. Polaris Industries PII - This company is smaller than the others listed here, but it has become a momentum favorite in recent years and is sitting at new all-time highs. When money starts pouring into Polaris during market rallies, the gains can be explosive. Over the last 52-weeks, the stock has added 64% and in 2012 shares have jumped 30%. PII also yields 2.03% at current levels. Traders looking for strong top-line growers that are known to be big movers should keep an eye on Polaris.