Stocks

Harnessing Momentum: How a Powerful Stock Could Boost Your Investment Portfolio

Published December 15, 2023

No matter whether you're a seasoned investor or a novice in the world of stock markets, our shared objective is clear — invest with confidence and capitalize on the market's offerings. Navigating the stock universe, however, can be daunting without the right tools. One solution for investors is to make use of comprehensive research services that provide daily insights, rankings, and analysis to facilitate informed decisions.

One such service is a premium investment research platform, which provides daily updates on stock and industry rankings, access to highly-ranked stock lists, equity research reports, and advanced stock screens. This service is designed to empower investors to make smarter, more assured investment choices.

Introducing the Zacks Style Scores

The Zacks Style Scores are an integral component of this platform, guiding investors by categorizing stocks based on three mainstream investing styles. These scores work as additional tools alongside the Zacks Rank, amplifying the ability of investors to pick stocks with superior potential for market outperformance within the upcoming month.

Stocks are evaluated and assigned ratings — A, B, C, D, or F — based on their adherence to value, growth, and momentum criteria. Naturally, higher scores suggest a greater likelihood of exceeding market average returns, with 'A' being the highest score attainable.

Understanding the Style Scores Categories

Investing approaches vary, and so the Style Scores are categorized to suit different investor preferences:

Value Score: This score is for those who seek undervalued gems. It takes into account several financial ratios to identify stocks priced lower than their intrinsic value.

Growth Score: Focused on a stock's future potential and the financial robustness of its company, this score examines earnings, sales, and cash flow projections to find stocks poised for sustainable growth.

Momentum Score: Here, the principle of 'the trend is your friend' applies. Investors looking to capitalize on stock price trends will find this score indicating opportune times to enter or exit a stock position.

VGM Score: For those desiring a blended approach, the VGM Score combines all three Style Scores to identify highly promising investments across value, growth, and momentum metrics.

The Synergy of Style Scores and Zacks Rank

The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model based on the dynamic nature of earnings estimate revisions. With an impressive track record, it rates stocks to help investors build an effective portfolio. Pairing high Zacks Rank stocks with favorable Style Scores significantly increases the odds of success.

Investors are advised to look for stocks rated as a Strong Buy or Buy by Zacks, which also possess high Style Scores, to maximize their investment returns. These indicators, when combined, offer a higher probability of stock performance that beats the market. Caution is suggested for stocks rated as Hold with lower Style Scores, as their upside potential may be limited.

Case Study: The Campbell Soup Company

Consider, for example, Campbell Soup Company — a prominent business in the convenience food sector with a significant global presence established since 1922. It currently holds a #3 (Hold) Rank on the Zacks scale along with an impressive VGM Score of B.

Given its robust Momentum Score of B and a share price increase of 8% over recent weeks, as well as positive earnings estimate revisions for the upcoming fiscal year, Campbell Soup shows promise. It's a solid representation of an investment worth considering, thanks to its strong Zacks Rank and top-tier momentum and VGM Style Scores.

investment, momentum, stock