Here at StreetAuthority, we often talk about "catalyst investing." Simply put, it's not enough to find stocks that are inexpensive — hundreds of stocks can bubble up on various value screens. This often leads to the question "Why now?" After all, will this stock still be inexpensive six months from now?

Instead, it's wise to focus on stocks with near-term drivers. This can be a new product launch or an entry into a new market. Other times, it may be the imminent issuance of a first-time dividend or a key acquisition. Whatever the catalyst, these stocks have upcoming events, mandates or milestones that can get shares finally moving up.

Let me give an example. If you follow my $ 100,000 Real-Money Portfolio (which is available free for a limited time), then you know I'm a fan of Calgon Carbon (NYSE: CCC), which I added to my portfolio roughly two months ago. This stock has been stuck in a trading range, but this should change in coming quarters. New mandates that require ships to treat their ballast water are expected to go into effect before the end of the year. This should set the stage for rising sales in 2013 and beyond. Analysts appear to under-appreciate this catalyst, anticipating sales to grow less than 10% in 2013 (to about $ 650 million). This low bar spells opportunity.

Here are three other stocks with upcoming catalysts…

1. AMD (NYSE: AMD)
This chip maker has been steadily growing stronger under new management as new high-performance low-cost chips are helping retain market share against mighty Intel (Nasdaq: INTC).  Just a few days ago, AMD launched a new microprocessor called Trinity, which is targeted to the burgeoning niche of "ultra-books." These are sleek, lightweight high-end laptops that represent the first solid chance to push back against the tablet computer juggernaut.