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Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the 'long' context, investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following 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 in that direction. 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 Stock Yards Bancorp (SYBT), which currently has a Momentum Style Score of B. We also discuss some of the main drivers of the Momentum Style Score, like price change and earnings estimate revisions.
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. Stock Yards Bancorp 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?
In order to see if SYBT is a promising momentum pick, let's examine some Momentum Style elements to see if this holding company for Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co. Holds up.
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's also helpful to compare a security to its industry; this can show investors the best companies in a particular area.
For SYBT, shares are up 13.82% over the past week while the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry is up 4.14% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 24.39% compares favorably with the industry's 12.92% performance as well.
Considering longer term price metrics, like performance over the last three months or year, can be advantageous as well. Shares of Stock Yards Bancorp have increased 30.98% over the past quarter, and have gained 28.13% in the last year. On the other hand, the S&P 500 has only moved 7.18% and 20.85%, respectively.