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Virtus (VRTS) Hits 52-Week High, Can the Run Continue?
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Shares of Virtus Investment Partners (VRTS - Free Report) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 10.1% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $281.99 in the previous session. Virtus Investment Partners has gained 24.4% since the start of the year compared to the 16.3% move for the Zacks Finance sector and the 21.3% return for the Zacks Financial - Investment Management industry.
What's Driving the Outperformance?
The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on April 28, 2021, Virtus reported EPS of $6.78 versus consensus estimate of $5.46.
For the current fiscal year, Virtus is expected to post earnings of $30.75 per share on $834.98 million in revenues. This represents an 89.81% change in EPS on a 55.68% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $35.3 per share on $970.64 million in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 14.8% and 16.25%, respectively.
Valuation Metrics
Virtus may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself.
On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
Virtus has a Value Score of D. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and B, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 8.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 11.3X versus its peer group's average of 13.8X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 0.19. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.
Zacks Rank
We also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Virtus currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.
Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Virtus meets the list of requirements. Thus, it seems as though Virtus shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.
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Virtus (VRTS) Hits 52-Week High, Can the Run Continue?
Shares of Virtus Investment Partners (VRTS - Free Report) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 10.1% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $281.99 in the previous session. Virtus Investment Partners has gained 24.4% since the start of the year compared to the 16.3% move for the Zacks Finance sector and the 21.3% return for the Zacks Financial - Investment Management industry.
What's Driving the Outperformance?
The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on April 28, 2021, Virtus reported EPS of $6.78 versus consensus estimate of $5.46.
For the current fiscal year, Virtus is expected to post earnings of $30.75 per share on $834.98 million in revenues. This represents an 89.81% change in EPS on a 55.68% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $35.3 per share on $970.64 million in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 14.8% and 16.25%, respectively.
Valuation Metrics
Virtus may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself.
On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
Virtus has a Value Score of D. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and B, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 8.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 11.3X versus its peer group's average of 13.8X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 0.19. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.
Zacks Rank
We also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Virtus currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.
Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Virtus meets the list of requirements. Thus, it seems as though Virtus shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.