E Large Cap Best And Worst Stocks – Tuesday, April 18

The average large cap score is 58.16 and the score over the past four weeks averages 60.96. The typical large cap stock in our universe is trading -12.09% below its 52 week high, 2.21% above its 200 dma, has 2.56 days to cover short, and is expected to grow EPS by 13.14% in the coming year.

The strongest scoring sector is utilities. Technology, healthcare, and industrial goods also score strong. Financials, services, consumer, and basics score below average.

The following stocks score best and worst in large cap this week.

The next chart provides insight into sector scores over time.

The top large cap industries are cigarettes (MO, RAI, PM), scientific & technical instruments (WAT, A, MTD), diversified communication services (CCI, AMT), healthcare plans (AET, UNH, HUM, CI), and internet software (EQIX, CTXS, SYMC, CRM, AMZN, VRSN).

In basics, only major chemicals (FMC, SHW, ASH) scores above average. Cigarettes, processed & packaged goods (PEP, MJN, CPB), and beverages (DPS, STZ, DEO) are best in consumer goods. Insurance brokers (AJG), P&C insurers (XL, WRB, RE), and credit services (SLM, EFX) are top scoring in financials. The best healthcare baskets are healthcare plans, medical instruments (BCR, BAX, COO), and medical appliances (ISRG, SNN, EW). Focus on industrial equipment (PNR, PH) and aerospace/defense (BA, GD) in industrial goods. The best services industries are restaurants (MCD, QSR, YUM), CATV (CMCSA, VIAB), and diversified entertainment (TWX, DIS). Concentrate on scientific & technical instruments, diversified communication, and Internet software in technology. Electric utilities (EIX, DTE, NRG, AEP), foreign utilities (CIG), and diversified utilities (PEG) all score above average this week — normal for this time of year.