One important metric to look for in a stock is an 80 or higher Relative Strength Rating. Dish Network stock now clears that threshold, with a jump from 77 to 81 Thursday.

As you try to find the best stocks to buy and watch, keep a close on eye on relative price strength.

IBD's unique rating identifies market leadership with a 1 (worst) to 99 (best) score. The rating shows how a stock's price performance over the last 52 weeks holds up against all the other stocks in our database.

History reveals that the market's biggest winners tend to have an RS Rating north of 80 in the early stages of their moves.

See How IBD Helps You Make More Money In Stocks

Is Dish Network Stock A Buy?

Dish Network stock is trying to complete a cup without handle with a 47.15 entry. See if it can break out in heavy volume. Read "Looking For The Next Big Stock Market Winners? Start With These 3 Steps" for more tips. Also, check out "Stocks To Buy And Watch: Top IPOs, Big And Small Caps, Growth Stocks."

The satellite service provider's earnings-per-share growth decreased last quarter from 662% to 36%, but the top line rose from 40% to 41%.

Investing In The Underserved Market

Dish Network's Boost Mobile recently announced it plans to buy L.A.-based Gen Mobile, a prepaid mobile service that specializes in serving cost-minded and low-income consumers.

The stock earns the No. 3 rank among its peers in the Telecom Services-Cable/Satellite industry group. J2 Global and Calix are also among the group's highest-rated stocks. For more industry news, check out "Telecom Stocks To Watch And Industry News."