Back to top

Image: Bigstock

FNF Group (FNF) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Shares of Fidelity National Financial (FNF - Free Report) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 8.7% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $42.65 in the previous session. Fidelity National Financial has gained 6.8% since the start of the year compared to the 12.4% move for the Zacks Finance sector and the 11.5% return for the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty 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 February 24, 2021, FNF Group reported EPS of $2.01 versus consensus estimate of $1.25 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 26.94%.

For the current fiscal year, FNF Group is expected to post earnings of $4.88 per share on $11.82 billion in revenues. This represents a -7.12% change in EPS on a 9.66% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $4.75 per share on $11.09 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of -4.13% and -6.18%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

FNF Group 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. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.

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

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 8.6X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 6.9X versus its peer group's average of 14.9X. 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, FNF Group 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 FNF Group passes the test. Thus, it seems as though FNF Group 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:


Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (FNF) - free report >>

Published in