Category: Stock Report

NTNX – Why Nutanix (NTNX) is a Top Momentum Stock for the Long-Term

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.

It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores?

Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on — that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value Score

For value investors, it’s all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth Score

While good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company’s financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum Score

Momentum traders and investors live by the saying “the trend is your friend.” This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock’s price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.

VGM Score

If you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It’s also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank

The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company’s earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +25.41% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500’s performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.

That’s where the Style Scores come in.

To have the best chance of big returns, you’ll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you’re looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it’s important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

The direction of a stock’s earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.

Here’s an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Nutanix (NTNX Free Report)

San Jose, CA-based Nutanix Inc. provides enterprise cloud operating system that combines server, storage, virtualization and networking software into one integrated solution. Nutanix’s solution can be delivered either as an appliance that is configured to order or as software only. The company currently offers two software product families — Acropolis and Prism.

NTNX is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Momentum investors should take note of this Computer and Technology stock. NTNX has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 22.9% over the past four weeks.

Three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2023. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.05 to $0.26 per share. NTNX boasts an average earnings surprise of 93.8%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, NTNX should be on investors’ short list.

INTT – Is inTest (INTT) Outperforming Other Computer and Technology Stocks This Year?

For those looking to find strong Computer and Technology stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is inTest Corporation (INTT Free Report) one of those stocks right now? A quick glance at the company’s year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Computer and Technology sector should help us answer this question.

inTest Corporation is one of 641 individual stocks in the Computer and Technology sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #9 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. inTest Corporation is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for INTT’s full-year earnings has moved 26.7% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock’s earnings outlook is more positive.

Based on the latest available data, INTT has gained about 112.8% so far this year. In comparison, Computer and Technology companies have returned an average of 31.8%. As we can see, inTest Corporation is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.

Another stock in the Computer and Technology sector, Spark Networks, Inc. (LOV Free Report) , has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock’s year-to-date return is 35.4%.

The consensus estimate for Spark Networks, Inc.’s current year EPS has increased 62.5% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Looking more specifically, inTest Corporation belongs to the Electronics – Measuring Instruments industry, a group that includes 5 individual stocks and currently sits at #114 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, stocks in this group have lost 3.2% this year, meaning that INTT is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

Spark Networks, Inc. however, belongs to the Internet – Content industry. Currently, this 16-stock industry is ranked #26. The industry has moved +13.6% so far this year.

Investors interested in the Computer and Technology sector may want to keep a close eye on inTest Corporation and Spark Networks, Inc. as they attempt to continue their solid performance.

ADMA – Are Medical Stocks Lagging ADMA Biologics (ADMA) This Year?

The Medical group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Has Adma Biologics (ADMA Free Report) been one of those stocks this year? By taking a look at the stock’s year-to-date performance in comparison to its Medical peers, we might be able to answer that question.

Adma Biologics is a member of our Medical group, which includes 1144 different companies and currently sits at #5 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups.

The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. Adma Biologics is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ADMA’s full-year earnings has moved 55.2% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock’s earnings outlook is more positive.

Our latest available data shows that ADMA has returned about 5.2% since the start of the calendar year. Meanwhile, stocks in the Medical group have lost about 4.4% on average. This shows that Adma Biologics is outperforming its peers so far this year.

Another Medical stock, which has outperformed the sector so far this year, is Novartis (NVS Free Report) . The stock has returned 7.9% year-to-date.

For Novartis, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 2.3% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Looking more specifically, Adma Biologics belongs to the Medical – Biomedical and Genetics industry, which includes 552 individual stocks and currently sits at #99 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has lost an average of 8.6% so far this year, so ADMA is performing better in this area.

On the other hand, Novartis belongs to the Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry. This 12-stock industry is currently ranked #77. The industry has moved +0.5% year to date.

Going forward, investors interested in Medical stocks should continue to pay close attention to Adma Biologics and Novartis as they could maintain their solid performance.

CELH – Are Consumer Staples Stocks Lagging Celsius (CELH) This Year?

For those looking to find strong Consumer Staples stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is Celsius Holdings Inc. (CELH Free Report) one of those stocks right now? A quick glance at the company’s year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Consumer Staples sector should help us answer this question.

Celsius Holdings Inc. is one of 192 individual stocks in the Consumer Staples sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #7 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. Celsius Holdings Inc. is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CELH’s full-year earnings has moved 19.7% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock’s earnings outlook is more positive.

Based on the latest available data, CELH has gained about 21.5% so far this year. In comparison, Consumer Staples companies have returned an average of -1.5%. As we can see, Celsius Holdings Inc. is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.

Another stock in the Consumer Staples sector, PepsiCo (PEP Free Report) , has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock’s year-to-date return is 1.6%.

The consensus estimate for PepsiCo’s current year EPS has increased 1% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Looking more specifically, Celsius Holdings Inc. belongs to the Food – Miscellaneous industry, a group that includes 49 individual stocks and currently sits at #37 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, stocks in this group have gained 1.5% this year, meaning that CELH is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

PepsiCo, however, belongs to the Beverages – Soft drinks industry. Currently, this 16-stock industry is ranked #24. The industry has moved +5% so far this year.

Investors interested in the Consumer Staples sector may want to keep a close eye on Celsius Holdings Inc. and PepsiCo as they attempt to continue their solid performance.

EME – Are Construction Stocks Lagging EMCOR Group (EME) This Year?

For those looking to find strong Construction stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is Emcor Group (EME Free Report) one of those stocks right now? A quick glance at the company’s year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Construction sector should help us answer this question.

Emcor Group is a member of our Construction group, which includes 96 different companies and currently sits at #1 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups.

The Zacks Rank is a successful stock-picking model that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions. The system highlights a number of different stocks that could be poised to outperform the broader market over the next one to three months. Emcor Group is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for EME’s full-year earnings has moved 7% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.

Our latest available data shows that EME has returned about 15.4% since the start of the calendar year. At the same time, Construction stocks have gained an average of 13.4%. This shows that Emcor Group is outperforming its peers so far this year.

One other Construction stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is Sterling Infrastructure (STRL Free Report) . The stock is up 43.7% year-to-date.

Over the past three months, Sterling Infrastructure’s consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 2%. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

To break things down more, Emcor Group belongs to the Building Products – Heavy Construction industry, a group that includes 10 individual companies and currently sits at #99 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 15.4% so far this year, so EME is slightly underperforming its industry in this area.

In contrast, Sterling Infrastructure falls under the Engineering – R and D Services industry. Currently, this industry has 20 stocks and is ranked #26. Since the beginning of the year, the industry has moved +8.4%.

Investors interested in the Construction sector may want to keep a close eye on Emcor Group and Sterling Infrastructure as they attempt to continue their solid performance.

BLDR – Is Builders FirstSource (BLDR) Stock Outpacing Its Retail-Wholesale Peers This Year?

For those looking to find strong Retail-Wholesale stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is Builders FirstSource (BLDR Free Report) one of those stocks right now? A quick glance at the company’s year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Retail-Wholesale sector should help us answer this question.

Builders FirstSource is one of 219 individual stocks in the Retail-Wholesale sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #8 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. Builders FirstSource is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for BLDR’s full-year earnings has moved 41.8% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock’s earnings outlook is more positive.

Based on the latest available data, BLDR has gained about 78.1% so far this year. In comparison, Retail-Wholesale companies have returned an average of 9.3%. As we can see, Builders FirstSource is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.

Another stock in the Retail-Wholesale sector, Urban Outfitters (URBN Free Report) , has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock’s year-to-date return is 31.3%.

The consensus estimate for Urban Outfitters’ current year EPS has increased 17.7% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Looking more specifically, Builders FirstSource belongs to the Building Products – Retail industry, a group that includes 8 individual stocks and currently sits at #16 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, stocks in this group have gained 0.4% this year, meaning that BLDR is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

Urban Outfitters, however, belongs to the Retail – Apparel and Shoes industry. Currently, this 44-stock industry is ranked #193. The industry has moved -9.9% so far this year.

Investors interested in the Retail-Wholesale sector may want to keep a close eye on Builders FirstSource and Urban Outfitters as they attempt to continue their solid performance.

BCO – Is Brink’s (BCO) Stock Outpacing Its Business Services Peers This Year?

The Business Services group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Is Brink’s (BCO Free Report) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock’s year-to-date performance in comparison to its Business Services peers, we might be able to answer that question.

Brink’s is one of 334 individual stocks in the Business Services sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #11 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the sector to gauge the strength of each group.

The Zacks Rank is a successful stock-picking model that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions. The system highlights a number of different stocks that could be poised to outperform the broader market over the next one to three months. Brink’s is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for BCO’s full-year earnings has moved 2.4% higher. This means that analyst sentiment is stronger and the stock’s earnings outlook is improving.

Our latest available data shows that BCO has returned about 27.2% since the start of the calendar year. Meanwhile, the Business Services sector has returned an average of 4.9% on a year-to-date basis. As we can see, Brink’s is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.

One other Business Services stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is Bitfarms Ltd. (BITF Free Report) . The stock is up 150% year-to-date.

The consensus estimate for Bitfarms Ltd.’s current year EPS has increased 98.4% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

To break things down more, Brink’s belongs to the Outsourcing industry, a group that includes 14 individual companies and currently sits at #84 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has lost an average of 6.5% so far this year, meaning that BCO is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

Bitfarms Ltd. however, belongs to the Technology Services industry. Currently, this 194-stock industry is ranked #110. The industry has moved +10.5% so far this year.

Brink’s and Bitfarms Ltd. could continue their solid performance, so investors interested in Business Services stocks should continue to pay close attention to these stocks.

AGM – Is Federal Agricultural Mortgage (AGM) Stock Outpacing Its Finance Peers This Year?

The Finance group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Is Federal Agricultural Mortgage (AGM Free Report) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock’s year-to-date performance in comparison to its Finance peers, we might be able to answer that question.

Federal Agricultural Mortgage is one of 872 individual stocks in the Finance sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #16 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the sector to gauge the strength of each group.

The Zacks Rank is a successful stock-picking model that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions. The system highlights a number of different stocks that could be poised to outperform the broader market over the next one to three months. Federal Agricultural Mortgage is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for AGM’s full-year earnings has moved 7.9% higher. This means that analyst sentiment is stronger and the stock’s earnings outlook is improving.

Our latest available data shows that AGM has returned about 21% since the start of the calendar year. Meanwhile, the Finance sector has returned an average of -0.9% on a year-to-date basis. As we can see, Federal Agricultural Mortgage is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.

One other Finance stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is CME Group (CME Free Report) . The stock is up 5.1% year-to-date.

The consensus estimate for CME Group’s current year EPS has increased 3.9% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

To break things down more, Federal Agricultural Mortgage belongs to the Financial – Mortgage & Related Services industry, a group that includes 15 individual companies and currently sits at #219 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has gained an average of 7.1% so far this year, meaning that AGM is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

CME Group, however, belongs to the Securities and Exchanges industry. Currently, this 8-stock industry is ranked #94. The industry has moved +3.8% so far this year.

Federal Agricultural Mortgage and CME Group could continue their solid performance, so investors interested in Finance stocks should continue to pay close attention to these stocks.

LSEA – Should Value Investors Buy Landsea Homes (LSEA) Stock?

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.

Of these, value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. Value investors use a variety of methods, including tried-and-true valuation metrics, to find these stocks.

On top of the Zacks Rank, investors can also look at our innovative Style Scores system to find stocks with specific traits. For example, value investors will want to focus on the “Value” category. Stocks with high Zacks Ranks and “A” grades for Value will be some of the highest-quality value stocks on the market today.

One stock to keep an eye on is Landsea Homes (LSEA Free Report) . LSEA is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and an A for Value. The stock is trading with a P/E ratio of 6.69, which compares to its industry’s average of 9.37. Over the last 12 months, LSEA’s Forward P/E has been as high as 6.83 and as low as 1.72, with a median of 3.50.

Finally, investors will want to recognize that LSEA has a P/CF ratio of 4.18. This metric focuses on a firm’s operating cash flow and is often used to find stocks that are undervalued based on the strength of their cash outlook. This stock’s P/CF looks attractive against its industry’s average P/CF of 5.66. Within the past 12 months, LSEA’s P/CF has been as high as 4.53 and as low as 1.97, with a median of 3.39.

If you’re looking for another solid Building Products – Home Builders value stock, take a look at Taylor Morrison Home (TMHC Free Report) . TMHC is a # 2 (Buy) stock with a Value score of A.

Additionally, Taylor Morrison Home has a P/B ratio of 0.97 while its industry’s price-to-book ratio sits at 1.23. For TMHC, this valuation metric has been as high as 1.02, as low as 0.57, with a median of 0.75 over the past year.

These are just a handful of the figures considered in Landsea Homes and Taylor Morrison Home’s great Value grade. Still, they help show that the stock is likely being undervalued at the moment. Add this to the strength of its earnings outlook, and we can clearly see that LSEA and TMHC is an impressive value stock right now.

KR – Are Investors Undervaluing The Kroger Co. (KR) Right Now?

While the proven Zacks Rank places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find strong stocks, we also know that investors tend to develop their own individual strategies. With this in mind, we are always looking at value, growth, and momentum trends to discover great companies.

Of these, perhaps no stock market trend is more popular than value investing, which is a strategy that has proven to be successful in all sorts of market environments. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are undervalued, leaving room for profits.

On top of the Zacks Rank, investors can also look at our innovative Style Scores system to find stocks with specific traits. For example, value investors will want to focus on the “Value” category. Stocks with high Zacks Ranks and “A” grades for Value will be some of the highest-quality value stocks on the market today.

One company to watch right now is The Kroger Co. (KR Free Report) . KR is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and an A for Value. The stock is trading with P/E ratio of 10.84 right now. For comparison, its industry sports an average P/E of 20.79. Over the last 12 months, KR’s Forward P/E has been as high as 13.65 and as low as 10.15, with a median of 10.98.

We also note that KR holds a PEG ratio of 1.81. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company’s expected earnings growth rate. KR’s PEG compares to its industry’s average PEG of 3.71. KR’s PEG has been as high as 1.86 and as low as 0.87, with a median of 1.33, all within the past year.

We should also highlight that KR has a P/B ratio of 3.50. The P/B is a method of comparing a stock’s market value to its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. KR’s current P/B looks attractive when compared to its industry’s average P/B of 3.89. Over the past 12 months, KR’s P/B has been as high as 4.07 and as low as 3.08, with a median of 3.46.

Finally, our model also underscores that KR has a P/CF ratio of 5.91. This data point considers a firm’s operating cash flow and is frequently used to find companies that are undervalued when considering their solid cash outlook. This stock’s P/CF looks attractive against its industry’s average P/CF of 13.95. KR’s P/CF has been as high as 6.89 and as low as 5.14, with a median of 5.80, all within the past year.

Another great Retail – Supermarkets stock you could consider is Tesco (TSCDY Free Report) , which is a # 2 (Buy) stock with a Value Score of A.

Tesco is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 11.91 at the moment, with a PEG ratio of 2.54. This compares to its industry’s average P/E of 20.79 and average PEG ratio of 3.71.

Over the last 12 months, TSCDY’s P/E has been as high as 13.89, as low as 9.09, with a median of 11.81, and its PEG ratio has been as high as 4.15, as low as 0.32, with a median of 3.34.

Additionally, Tesco has a P/B ratio of 1.44 while its industry’s price-to-book ratio sits at 3.89. For TSCDY, this valuation metric has been as high as 1.58, as low as 0.99, with a median of 1.22 over the past year.

These are just a handful of the figures considered in The Kroger Co. and Tesco’s great Value grade. Still, they help show that the stock is likely being undervalued at the moment. Add this to the strength of its earnings outlook, and we can clearly see that KR and TSCDY is an impressive value stock right now.