Why Integer (ITGR) is a Top Pick for Momentum Investors

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In the 'long' context, investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With 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 that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.

While many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, this can be very tough to define. There is a lot of debate surrounding which metrics are the best to focus on and which are poor quality indicators of future performance. The Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.

Below, we take a look at Integer (ITGR), 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. Integer currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong 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 ITGR is a promising momentum pick, let's examine some Momentum Style elements to see if this medical device outsource manufacturer company holds up.

A good momentum benchmark for a stock is to look at its short-term price activity, as this can reflect both current interest and if buyers or sellers currently have the upper hand. It is also useful to compare a security to its industry, as this can help investors pinpoint the top companies in a particular area.

For ITGR, shares are up 7.77% over the past week while the Zacks Medical - Instruments industry is up 1.42% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 8.44% compares favorably with the industry's 1.68% performance as well.

While any stock can see a spike in price, it takes a real winner to consistently outperform the market. Over the past quarter, shares of Integer have risen 20.06%, and are up 71.93% in the last year. On the other hand, the S&P 500 has only moved 6.93% and 20.03%, respectively.

Investors should also pay attention to ITGR's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. ITGR is currently averaging 244,461 shares for the last 20 days.

Earnings Outlook

The Zacks Momentum Style Score looks at estimate revision trends as well as price changes, though investors should also note that any direction in a stock's price remains key to the Zacks Rank. A nice path here can be promising, and we have recently been noticing that with ITGR.

Over the past two months, 2 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost ITGR's consensus estimate, increasing from $3.37 to $3.57 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 2 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.

Bottom Line

Given these factors, it shouldn't be surprising that ITGR is a #1 (Strong Buy) stock and boasts a Momentum Score of B. If you're looking for a fresh pick that's set to soar in the near-term, make sure to keep Integer on your short list.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Integer Holdings Corporation (ITGR) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research