Shares of Virtus Investment Partners (VRTS - Free Report) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 7.6% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $326.96 in the previous session. Virtus Investment Partners has gained 48.2% since the start of the year compared to the 19.2% move for the Zacks Finance sector and the 29.7% 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 July 28, 2021, Virtus reported EPS of $9.07 versus consensus estimate of $8.1.
For the current fiscal year, Virtus is expected to post earnings of $35.92 per share on $852.44 million in revenues. This represents a 121.73% change in EPS on a 58.93% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $43.13 per share on $1.03 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 20.06% and 21.01%, 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 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. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
Virtus has a Value Score of B. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and A, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of A.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 9X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 13.5X versus its peer group's average of 12.4X. 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 have potential in the weeks and months to come.
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Shares of Virtus Investment Partners (VRTS - Free Report) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 7.6% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $326.96 in the previous session. Virtus Investment Partners has gained 48.2% since the start of the year compared to the 19.2% move for the Zacks Finance sector and the 29.7% 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 July 28, 2021, Virtus reported EPS of $9.07 versus consensus estimate of $8.1.
For the current fiscal year, Virtus is expected to post earnings of $35.92 per share on $852.44 million in revenues. This represents a 121.73% change in EPS on a 58.93% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $43.13 per share on $1.03 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 20.06% and 21.01%, 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 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. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
Virtus has a Value Score of B. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and A, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of A.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 9X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 13.5X versus its peer group's average of 12.4X. 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 have potential in the weeks and months to come.
Buy 5 Stocks BEFORE Election Day
Biden or Trump? Zacks is releasing a FREE Special Report, Profit from the 2024 Presidential Election (no matter who wins).
Since 1950, presidential election years have been strong for the market. This report names 5 timely stocks to ride the wave of electoral excitement.
They include a medical manufacturer that gained +11,000% in the last 15 years… a rental company absolutely crushing its sector… an energy powerhouse planning to grow its already large dividend by 25%... an aerospace and defense standout that just landed a potentially $80 billion contract… and a giant chipmaker building huge plants in the U.S.
Don’t Wait. Download FREE >>
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