Stocks

Understanding Lamb Weston's Potential as a Strong Growth Stock

Published November 22, 2023

Investing in the stock market is an endeavor aimed at finding stocks that not only perform well but also have the potential to outstrip market averages. A solid strategy for identifying such stocks can significantly enhance an investor's portfolio. One method for discovering high-potential stocks is by examining their Style Scores, which serve as a reliable indicator of a stock's prospective performance over a set period.

What are Style Scores?

Style Scores are a set of analytical tools that help investors to assess the potential of stocks. They are based on different widely-recognized investing methodologies, each focusing on particular traits of a stock. These scores rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum metrics, assigning ratings from A to F, with A implying the highest potential for outperformance.

Value investors often look for stocks that are underpriced compared to their actual worth, and the Value Score helps by considering financial ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales. On the other hand, Growth Score caters to investors interested in a company's financial robustness and future earnings potential by inspecting earnings, sales, and cash flow projections. Meanwhile, Momentum Score caters to those who prioritize stock price trends and earnings outlook to identify the right time to invest in high-momentum stocks. There's also a VGM Score, which is a composite measure for investors who employ all three investing styles.

Combining Style Scores with Zacks Rank

Style Scores are particularly effective when combined with the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock-rating method hinging upon earnings estimate revisions. This system has shown remarkable success, with strong-buy ranked stocks exhibiting exceptional returns. However, to narrow down the best choices among many top-rated stocks, Style Scores can be a critical differentiator.

Investors stand to gain the most by selecting stocks that not only hold a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) but also possess Style Scores of A or B. This fusion offers the highest probability of success, ensuring that the stocks chosen have a strong earnings forecast and are likely to outpace the market.

Even stocks with great Style Scores can be risky investments if their Zacks Rank indicates a negative earnings trend. Hence, stocks rated #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) are generally not recommended, even if they have high Style Scores.

Case Study: Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW)

Lamb Weston Holdings, a major global supplier of value-added frozen potato products, is a prime example of a stock warranting attention due to its strong scores. With a Zacks Rank of #1 and a VGM Score of B, it stands out as a compelling investment option. Also noteworthy is its Growth Style Score of B, suggesting significant earnings growth for the company.

The positive outlook is bolstered by earnings estimate revisions from analysts, who expect the company's figures to improve. The consistency of LW's earnings surprises further reinforces its potential as a growth stock. Such robust indicators make it a top candidate for growth-focused investors, showcasing why Style Scores, when used alongside the Zacks Rank, can be invaluable tools for constructing a robust investment portfolio.

growth, stock, investment