Stability is at the top of the list of traits investors look for in dividend stocks, regardless of the sector or industry. The go-to dividend plays of long-term buy-and-hold strategists are not flashy companies or those in red-hot industries, but rather "boring" firms with a proven track record of consistency, even in difficult markets or economic climates. That's not to say, though, that there aren't often-overlooked names that may fit this bill.Get Essential Utilities alerts:Investors may hesitate to pick ...

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum methodologies, helping investors identify stocks likely to outperform the market in the short term [2][3] - Stocks are rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future growth potential, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score assesses stocks based on price trends and earnings outlook, utilizing factors like recent price changes and earnings estimate revisions [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores, providing a comprehensive rating to identify stocks with the best overall potential [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in stock selection, with a historical average annual return of +25.41% for 1 (Strong Buy) stocks since 1988 [7][8] - There are over 800 stocks rated 1 or 2, making it essential for investors to utilize Style Scores to narrow down choices [9] Stock Example: Southwest Gas (SWX) - Southwest Gas Corporation is a regulated utility with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of A, indicating solid performance potential [11] - The company has a Value Style Score of B, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 20, making it attractive for value investors [11] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates have increased the Zacks Consensus Estimate to $3.72 per share for fiscal 2025, with an average earnings surprise of 6% [12]

Core Viewpoint - Stock markets are experiencing significant volatility due to the ongoing trade war, economic slowdown expectations, and rising inflation, leading the Federal Reserve to maintain steady interest rates, which poses challenges for retail investors in stock selection and achieving returns [1] Group 1: Broker Recommendations - Following brokers' recommendations can simplify stock selection, with Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN), Inogen, Inc. (INGN), and Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (SWX) identified as worthwhile investments [2] - Brokers have direct communication with top management, providing them with insights into company performance and industry conditions, which aids in assessing stock potential [3] Group 2: Stock Selection Strategy - A screening strategy for potential winners includes stocks with broker rating upgrades of 1% or more over the last four weeks, current prices above $5, and an average 20-day trading volume greater than 100,000 [5] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) have a proven success record, and those with a VGM Score of A or B combined with a Zacks Rank 1 or 2 offer the best upside potential [6] Group 3: Company Insights - Urban Outfitters, based in Philadelphia, is a lifestyle specialty retailer with a projected 20% year-over-year earnings increase for fiscal 2026 and a 9.1% upward revision in broker ratings over the past four weeks, currently holding a Zacks Rank 2 [7][8] - Inogen, a medical technology company focused on respiratory health, is expected to see a 24.3% year-over-year earnings growth in 2025, with a 25% upward revision in broker ratings and a Zacks Rank 2 [9][10] - Southwest Gas, a regulated utility providing natural gas services, anticipates an 18.4% year-over-year earnings increase in 2025, with a 14.3% upward revision in broker ratings and currently holding a Zacks Rank 1 [10][11]

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 popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well. What are the Zacks Style Scores? ...