Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Progress Software Corporation (PRGS) Soars to 52-Week High, Time to Cash Out?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Have you been paying attention to shares of Progress Software (PRGS - Free Report) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 10.6% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $65.84 in the previous session. Progress Software has gained 17.7% since the start of the year compared to the 24.2% move for the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the 14.8% return for the Zacks Computer - Software 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 September 24, 2024, Progress Software reported EPS of $1.26 versus consensus estimate of $1.14 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 1.67%.

Valuation Metrics

Progress Software 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 these give investors a variety of ways to comb 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.

Progress Software has a Value Score of B. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are C and C, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 13.4X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is not in-line with the peer industry average of 28.7X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 10.3X versus its peer group's average of 27.7X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 6.69. 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, Progress Software currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to favorable earnings estimate revisions from covering analysts.

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 Progress Software passes the test. Thus, it seems as though Progress Software shares could have a bit more room to run in the near term.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Progress Software Corporation (PRGS) - free report >>

Published in