BCB Bancorp saw an improvement in its IBD SmartSelect Composite Rating Monday, from 94 to 96. Despite that, the stock has given up all of the gains earned on Friday's big move up on volume.
The revised score means the stock currently tops 96% of all other stocks in terms of key performance metrics and technical strength. History shows the top market performers tend to have a 95 or higher score as they launch their major moves.
BCB Bancorp is currently forming a consolidation, with a 20.81 buy point. Look for the stock to break out in volume at least 40% higher than normal. Be aware that it is a thinly traded stock, with average daily dollar volume under $8 million. Less liquid stocks are more prone to large daily or weekly fluctuations since it takes fewer shares bought or sold to move the share price.
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The stock sports a 96 EPS Rating, meaning its recent quarterly and annual earnings growth is outpacing 96% of all stocks.
Its Accumulation/Distribution Rating of B shows moderate buying by institutional investors over the last 13 weeks.
Earnings update
In Q3, the company reported 62% earnings-per-share growth. Revenue growth increased 22%, up from -2% in the prior quarter. The company has now posted increasing growth in each of the last two quarters.
BCB Bancorp holds the No. 2 rank among its peers in the Banks-Northeast industry group. Amalgamated Financial is the No. 1-ranked stock within the group.
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