Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Gartner, Inc. (IT) Hit a 52 Week High, Can the Run Continue?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Have you been paying attention to shares of Gartner (IT - Free Report) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 4.1% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $559 in the previous session. Gartner has gained 21.7% since the start of the year compared to the 27% move for the Zacks Business Services sector and the 21.9% return for the Zacks Consulting Services industry.

What's Driving the Outperformance?

The stock has an impressive 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 November 5, 2024, Gartner reported EPS of $2.5 versus consensus estimate of $2.45.

For the current fiscal year, Gartner is expected to post earnings of $11.88 per share on $6.24 billion in revenues. This represents a 4.85% change in EPS on a 5.61% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $13.35 per share on $6.74 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 12.38% and 8.07%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Gartner 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 is due for a pullback from this level.

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.

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

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 46.2X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is a premium to the peer industry average of 27.8X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 39.1X versus its peer group's average of 20.9X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 3.43. 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 look at the Zacks Rank for the stock, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Gartner 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 Gartner passes the test. Thus, it seems as though Gartner shares could have a bit more room to run in the near term.

How Does IT Stack Up to the Competition?

Shares of IT have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? One industry peer that looks good is Charles River Associates (CRAI - Free Report) . CRAI has a Zacks Rank of # 2 (Buy) and a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of D.

Earnings were strong last quarter. Charles River Associates beat our consensus estimate by 12.03%, and for the current fiscal year, CRAI is expected to post earnings of $7.47 per share on revenue of $676.12 million.

Shares of Charles River Associates have gained 6.3% over the past month, and currently trade at a forward P/E of 28.84X and a P/CF of 21.86X.

The Consulting Services industry is in the top 23% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for IT and CRAI, even beyond their own solid fundamental situation.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


Charles River Associates (CRAI) - free report >>

Gartner, Inc. (IT) - free report >>

Published in