Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market in the short term [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - The Style Scores categorize stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, assigning ratings from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] - Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Cash Flow [3] - Growth Score evaluates stocks based on projected earnings and sales growth, targeting companies with strong financial health [4] - Momentum Score assesses stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes, helping investors capitalize on upward or downward movements [5] - VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for investors seeking attractive value, growth, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank and Style Scores Interaction - The Zacks Rank utilizes earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically yielding an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988 [7] - There are over 800 stocks rated as 1 or 2, making it essential for investors to use Style Scores to narrow down their choices [8] - For optimal returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [9] - The direction of earnings estimate revisions is crucial; stocks with lower ranks and declining forecasts pose higher risks despite good Style Scores [10] Company Spotlight: Badger Meter - Badger Meter, established in 1905 and based in Milwaukee, WI, specializes in water solutions, including flow measurement and quality monitoring [11] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has a VGM Score of B, indicating strong growth potential [12] - Badger Meter is projected to achieve year-over-year earnings growth of 13.5% for the current fiscal year, with recent upward revisions in earnings estimates [12] - With a solid Zacks Rank and favorable Style Scores, Badger Meter is recommended for investors seeking growth opportunities [13]