The commercial banking, electric utilities, infrastructure, household products and gas utilities sectors are rising to the top this week on the Portfolio Grader database.
Commercial banking is thriving this week with 100% of stocks in the sector (5 out of 5) currently rating a “buy”. Out of the commercial banking stocks, StellarOne Corporation (STEL) and Citizens Republic Bancorp (CRBC) are out front with B’s. Pacific Capital Bancorp (PCBC) also ranks a solid A.
The electric utilities sector’s track record is proving one of the best with 85% of its stocks (35 out of 41) rating a “buy”. Among electric utilities stocks, Edison International (EIX), Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HE) and Xcel Energy (XEL) are leading the way with A’s. Edison International is performing the best overall in the sector, with a 47.6% increase from 12 months ago.
Infrastructure stands out with 80% of the sector’s stocks (4 out of 5) rating a “buy”. Among infrastructure stocks, Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation (MIC) and Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte SAB de CV Sponsored ADR Class B (OMAB) are leading the way with grades of A. Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV Sponsored ADR Class B (PAC) also has a top grade of B. Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation is the top stock in its sector, with a 193.2% increase from 12 months ago.
Household products is excelling, with 78% of stocks in the sector (7 out of 9) rating a “buy”. Clorox Company (CLX) and Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) are lifting the sector overall, each earning a high grade of A. Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) currently ranks B. Over the last 12 months, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is the best performer in this sector, with an 88.6% increase.
With 76% of the sector’s stocks (13 out of 17) rating a “buy,” the gas utilities sector is one of the strongest. With a score of A, WGL Holdings, Inc. (WGL), New Jersey Resources Corporation (NJR) are buoying the sector. ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS) also has a solid B. The best performer in this sector is WGL Holdings, Inc., which saw its price rise 26.5% in the last 12 months.
Louis Navellier’s proprietary Portfolio Grader stock ranking system assesses roughly 5,000 companies every week based on a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. Stocks are given a letter grade based on their results — with A being “strong buy,” and F being “strong sell.” Explore the tool here.
