Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Hilltop Holdings (HTH) - Hilltop Holdings currently has a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating potential for solid momentum [3] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which historically outperforms the market when combined with a Style Score of A or B [4] Performance Metrics - HTH shares have increased by 4.93% over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, which rose by 1.25% [6] - Over the past month, HTH's price change is 13.5%, compared to the industry's 5.81% [6] - In the last quarter, HTH shares rose by 19.06%, and over the past year, they gained 21.6%, while the S&P 500 only moved 0.3% and 13.4%, respectively [7] Trading Volume - HTH's average 20-day trading volume is 391,947 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, two earnings estimates for HTH have been revised upwards, increasing the consensus estimate from $2.08 to $2.16 [10] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have also moved upwards with no downward revisions [10] Conclusion - Considering all factors, HTH is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a strong candidate for near-term investment [12]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Southwest Airlines (LUV) - Southwest Airlines currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum potential [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which historically outperforms the market when combined with a Style Score of A or B [4] Price Performance - Over the past week, LUV shares have increased by 13.28%, while the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry has remained flat [6] - In the last month, LUV's price has risen by 22.34%, significantly outperforming the industry's 0.09% [6] - Over the past quarter, LUV shares have risen by 58.93%, and over the last year, they have increased by 68.9%, compared to the S&P 500's 0.3% and 13.4% respectively [7] Trading Volume - LUV's average 20-day trading volume is 10,427,790 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, 7 earnings estimates for LUV have been revised upwards, with no downward revisions, boosting the consensus estimate from $2.77 to $4.13 [10] - For the next fiscal year, 4 estimates have also moved upwards, indicating positive sentiment [10] Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, LUV is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a compelling investment opportunity [12]

Core Viewpoint - LATAM (LTM) is identified as a strong momentum stock with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating potential for near-term price increases [3][11]. Momentum Characteristics - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of capitalizing on established price directions [1]. - The Zacks Momentum Style Score incorporates price changes and earnings estimate revisions to evaluate stocks [2]. Price Performance - LATAM shares have increased by 3.44% over the past week, while the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry remained flat during the same period [5]. - Over the past month, LATAM's stock price has risen by 11.77%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 0.09% [5]. - In the last quarter, LATAM shares have surged by 42.38%, and over the past year, they have gained 109.54%, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 0.3% and 13.4%, respectively [6]. Trading Volume - LATAM's average 20-day trading volume is 1,208,978 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7]. Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for LATAM has increased, while none have decreased, raising the consensus estimate from $5.81 to $6.06 [9]. - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has also moved upwards with no downward revisions [9].

Market Overview - The U.S. equity markets have experienced a downtrend over the past three trading days, with intensified sell-offs in the technology sector as investors shift focus away from riskier bets due to fears of AI disruption [1] - A significant decline in the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin dropping below $70,000 to a low of $60,062, has contributed to the negative sentiment [1][2] Labor Market Concerns - Weakness in the labor market has added to the downbeat sentiment, highlighted by the ADP report showing fewer-than-expected job additions in January [2] Momentum Investing Strategy - Momentum investing is characterized by the strategy of "buying high and selling higher," based on the belief that stocks with established trends are likely to continue in that direction [3] - This strategy aims to capitalize on the human tendency to project current trends into the future before mean reversion occurs [3] Screening Parameters for Momentum Stocks - The screening process identifies the top 50 stocks with the best percentage price change over the last 52 weeks, ensuring selection of stocks that have appreciated steadily [5] - From these, the bottom 10 performers over a one-week period are chosen to identify those experiencing short-term pullbacks [6] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a Momentum Style Score of B or better are prioritized, indicating a higher probability of success [7] - Additional criteria include a current price greater than $5, being among the top 3000 in market capitalization, and an average 20-day trading volume exceeding 100,000 [8] Selected Momentum Stocks - Micron Technology has seen a 305% increase over the past year but experienced a 12.1% decline in the past week, holding a Momentum Score of B [11] - Lam Research has surged 157.5% in the past year but lost 14.1% in the past week, with a Momentum Score of A [12] - KLA Corporation has increased by 74.7% over the past year but faced a 21% decline in the past week, also holding a Momentum Score of A [13]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1]. Company Overview: Hershey (HSY) - Hershey currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating a favorable momentum characteristic [2]. - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting strong potential for outperformance in the market [3]. Performance Metrics - Over the past week, Hershey's shares increased by 1.86%, outperforming the Zacks Food - Confectionery industry, which rose by 0.44% [5]. - In a longer timeframe, Hershey's shares have appreciated by 14.28% over the past month, compared to the industry's 4.21% [5]. - Over the last quarter, Hershey's shares have risen by 15.44%, and over the past year, they have gained 41.03%, while the S&P 500 only increased by 1.9% and 15.32%, respectively [6]. Trading Volume - Hershey's average 20-day trading volume is 1,851,394 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7]. Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, 5 earnings estimates for Hershey have been revised upwards, while none have been lowered, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $5.99 to $6.01 [9]. - For the next fiscal year, 7 estimates have also moved higher, with no downward revisions during the same period [9]. Conclusion - Given the positive momentum indicators and earnings outlook, Hershey is positioned as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a strong candidate for near-term investment [10].

Company Overview - Yum China Holdings (YUMC) currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating a positive outlook based on momentum investing principles [3][12] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), which is supported by a strong track record of outperforming the market [4][12] Price Performance - YUMC shares have increased by 0.69% over the past week, while the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry has declined by 3.76% during the same period [6] - Over the past month, YUMC's price change is 11.78%, significantly outperforming the industry's 2.28% [6] - In the last quarter, YUMC shares rose by 14.87%, and over the past year, they gained 16.74%, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 1.9% and 15.32%, respectively [7] Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for YUMC is 1,198,519 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for YUMC have been revised upwards, while none have been lowered, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $2.85 to $2.90 [10] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have also moved upwards with no downward revisions [10]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Manulife Financial (MFC) - Manulife Financial currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating potential as a solid momentum pick [3][12] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), which is associated with strong historical performance [4] Performance Metrics - Over the past week, MFC shares increased by 3.14%, outperforming the Zacks Insurance - Life Insurance industry, which rose by 1.59% [6] - In the last quarter, MFC shares rose by 8.86%, and over the past year, they increased by 25.48%, while the S&P 500 only moved 1.9% and 15.32%, respectively [7] - The average 20-day trading volume for MFC is 1,740,134 shares, indicating a bullish sign with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, two earnings estimates for MFC have been revised upwards, increasing the consensus estimate from $2.86 to $2.96 [10] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have also moved upwards, with no downward revisions during the same period [10]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Emcor Group (EME) - Emcor Group currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating a favorable momentum characteristic [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting strong potential for outperformance in the market [3] Performance Metrics - Over the past week, EME shares increased by 3.82%, while the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry rose by 0.25% [5] - In the last month, EME's price change was 8.86%, compared to the industry's 9.87% [5] - Over the past quarter, EME shares have risen by 10.14%, and they are up 55.18% over the last year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which increased by 1.9% and 15.32% respectively [6] Trading Volume - EME's average 20-day trading volume is 321,799 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for EME has increased, while none have decreased, raising the consensus estimate from $25.24 to $25.25 [9] - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has moved upwards with no downward revisions during the same period [9] Conclusion - Given the positive momentum indicators and earnings outlook, EME is positioned as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a strong candidate for near-term investment [11]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1]. Company Overview: United Bankshares (UBSI) - United Bankshares currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum potential [3]. - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which historically outperforms the market when combined with a Style Score of A or B [4]. Performance Metrics - Over the past week, UBSI shares increased by 2.1%, outperforming the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, which rose by 1.25% [6]. - In the last month, UBSI's price change was 13.82%, significantly higher than the industry's 7.74% [6]. - Over the past quarter, UBSI shares rose by 22.06%, while the S&P 500 only increased by 1.9% [7]. - Year-to-date, UBSI shares are up 15.38%, compared to the S&P 500's 15.32% increase [7]. Trading Volume - UBSI's average 20-day trading volume is 1,000,581 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when the stock price rises with above-average volume [8]. Earnings Outlook - In the last two months, two earnings estimates for UBSI have been revised upward, increasing the consensus estimate from $3.41 to $3.58 [10]. - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have also moved higher, with no downward revisions [10]. Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, UBSI is positioned as a strong momentum pick and should be considered for investment [12].

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of buying high and selling even higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] Company Overview: Western Digital (WDC) - Western Digital currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum potential [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which is associated with a historical outperformance in the market [4] Performance Metrics - Over the past week, WDC shares have increased by 5.85%, while the Zacks Computer-Storage Devices industry has decreased by 1.1% [6] - In a longer timeframe, WDC shares have risen by 62.19% over the past quarter and 316.27% over the last year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which has moved 1.9% and 15.32% respectively [7] Trading Volume - WDC's average 20-day trading volume is 10,191,897 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, 5 earnings estimates for WDC have been revised upwards, increasing the consensus estimate from $7.63 to $8.95 [10] - For the next fiscal year, 3 estimates have also moved higher, with no downward revisions [10] Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, WDC is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a compelling investment option [12]