Firstservice saw an improvement in its IBD SmartSelect Composite Rating Thursday, from 94 to 96.

The new rating is a sign the stock is outpacing 96% of all stocks when it comes to the most important stock-picking criteria. The top-performing stocks tend to have a 95 or better grade as they launch a significant move so be sure to keep that in mind when looking for the best stocks to buy and watch.

Firstservice broke out earlier, but has fallen back below the prior 191.89 entry from a flat base. If a stock you're tracking clears a buy point then declines 7% or more below the original entry price, it's considered a failed base. Wait for the stock to set up and breakout from a new base and buy point. Understand that it's a thinly traded stock, with average daily dollar volume under $8 million. Such stocks may show wider daily or weekly fluctuations than stocks with greater trading volume.

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The stock earns a 94 EPS Rating, which means its recent quarterly and longer-term annual earnings growth is outpacing 94% of all stocks.

Its Accumulation/Distribution Rating of B shows moderate buying by institutional investors over the last 13 weeks.

In Q2, the company reported 41% earnings growth. Top line growth increased 34%, up from 12% in the prior report. That marks one quarter of rising revenue increases. The company's next quarterly report is expected on or around Oct. 28.

Firstservice earns the No. 7 rank among its peers in the Real Estate-Development/Operations industry group. Landmark Infrastructure, C B R E Group and Colliers International are among the top 5 highly-rated stocks within the group.