Below, we take a look at Automatic Data Processing (ADP - Free Report)	, a company that currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B. We also talk about price change and earnings estimate revisions, two of the main aspects of the Momentum Style Score.
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. Automatic Data Processing 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.
Let's discuss some of the components of the Momentum Style Score for ADP that show why this payroll and human resources company shows promise as a solid momentum pick.
For ADP, shares are up 3.86% over the past week while the Zacks Outsourcing industry is up 3.14% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 6.59% compares favorably with the industry's 4.43% performance as well.
Considering longer term price metrics, like performance over the last three months or year, can be advantageous as well. Shares of Automatic Data Processing have increased 21.05% over the past quarter, and have gained 36.45% in the last year. On the other hand, the S&P 500 has only moved 14.77% and 10.75%, respectively.
Investors should also pay attention to ADP'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. ADP is currently averaging 1,882,238 shares for the last 20 days.
The Zacks Momentum Style Score encompasses many things, including estimate revisions and a stock's price movement. Investors should note that earnings estimates are also significant to the Zacks Rank, and a nice path here can be promising. We have recently been noticing this with ADP.
Over the past two months, 1 earnings estimate moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost ADP's consensus estimate, increasing from $5.36 to $5.37 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.
Taking into account all of these elements, it should come as no surprise that ADP is a #2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B. If you've been searching for a fresh pick that's set to rise in the near-term, make sure to keep Automatic Data Processing on your short list.