The IBD SmartSelect Composite Rating for The Bancorp increased from 93 to 98 Monday.
The upgrade means the stock is now outperforming 98% of all other stocks in terms of key performance metrics and technical strength. The market's biggest winners often have a 95 or higher rating in the early stages of a new price run, so that's an important benchmark to look for when looking for the best stocks to buy and watch.
The Bancorp has now climbed above a proper buy zone after breaking out from a 57.24 entry in a cup with handle.
Looking For The Best Stocks To Buy And Watch? Start Here
The stock sports a 97 EPS Rating, meaning its recent quarterly and annual earnings growth tops 97% of all stocks.
Its Accumulation/Distribution Rating of B shows moderate buying by institutional investors over the last 13 weeks.
In Q4, the company reported 21% EPS growth. Sales growth climbed 25%, up from 9% in the prior quarter. The company has now posted rising growth in each of the last two quarters.
The Bancorp holds the No. 1 rank among its peers in the Banks-Northeast industry group. NB Bancorp and Hanover Bancorp are also among the group's highest-rated stocks.
