Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Helios Technologies (HLIO) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Shares of Helios Technologies (HLIO - Free Report) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 18.8% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $73.98 in the previous session. Helios Technologies has gained 38.2% since the start of the year compared to the 10.9% move for the Zacks Industrial Products sector and the 4.4% return for the Zacks Manufacturing - General Industrial 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 March 1, 2021, Helios Technologies reported EPS of $0.6 versus consensus estimate of $0.41.

For the current fiscal year, Helios Technologies is expected to post earnings of $2.93 per share on $700.71 million in revenues. This represents a 30.8% change in EPS on a 33.97% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $3.49 per share on $746.22 million in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 19.14% and 6.49%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Helios Technologies 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 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.

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

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 25.2X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 16.2X versus its peer group's average of 16.4X. 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 look at the Zacks Rank for the stock, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Helios Technologies 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 Helios Technologies fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Helios Technologies shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


Helios Technologies, Inc (HLIO) - free report >>

Published in