Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock’s recent trend in either direction. In the ‘long’ context, investors will be essentially be “buying high, but hoping to sell even higher.” With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock’s price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.
Even though momentum is a popular stock characteristic, it can be tough to define. Debate surrounding which are the best and worst metrics to focus on is lengthy, but the Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.
Below, we take a look at Idexx Laboratories (IDXX), a company that currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B. We also talk about price change and earnings estimate revisions, two of the main aspects of the Momentum Style Score.
It’s also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Idexx Laboratories currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B outperform the market over the following one-month period.
You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>
Set to Beat the Market?
Let’s discuss some of the components of the Momentum Style Score for IDXX that show why this Animal diagnostic and health care company shows promise as a solid momentum pick.
Looking at a stock’s short-term price activity is a great way to gauge if it has momentum, since this can reflect both the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand at the moment. It is also useful to compare a security to its industry, as this can help investors pinpoint the top companies in a particular area.
For IDXX, shares are up 3.43% over the past week while the Zacks Medical – Instruments industry is up 3.51% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 10.98% compares favorably with the industry’s 3.27% performance as well.
While any stock can see a spike in price, it takes a real winner to consistently outperform the market. Shares of Idexx Laboratories have increased 30.87% over the past quarter, and have gained 25.75% in the last year. In comparison, the S&P 500 has only moved 15.74% and 11.21%, respectively.
Investors should also pay attention to IDXX’s average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. IDXX is currently averaging 400,176 shares for the last 20 days.
Earnings Outlook
The Zacks Momentum Style Score encompasses many things, including estimate revisions and a stock’s price movement. Investors should note that earnings estimates are also significant to the Zacks Rank, and a nice path here can be promising. We have recently been noticing this with IDXX.
Over the past two months, 1 earnings estimate moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost IDXX’s consensus estimate, increasing from $4.91 to $4.98 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 1 estimate has moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.
Bottom Line
Given these factors, it shouldn’t be surprising that IDXX is a #2 (Buy) stock and boasts a Momentum Score of B. If you’re looking for a fresh pick that’s set to soar in the near-term, make sure to keep Idexx Laboratories on your short list.
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