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Northern Technologies (NTIC) Soars to 52-Week High, Time to Cash Out?

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Have you been paying attention to shares of Northern Technologies International (NTIC - Free Report) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 4.5% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $18.76 in the previous session. Northern Technologies International has gained 73% since the start of the year compared to the 19.7% move for the Zacks Basic Materials sector and the 11.3% return for the Zacks Chemical - Diversified 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 8, 2021, Northern Technologies reported EPS of $0.21 versus consensus estimate of $0.13.

For the current fiscal year, Northern Technologies is expected to post earnings of $0.68 per share on $54.5 million in revenues. This represents a 2166.67% change in EPS on a 14.4% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $1 per share on $65 million in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 47.06% and 19.27%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Northern 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 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.

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

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 26.9X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 125X versus its peer group's average of 11.1X. 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, Northern 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 Northern Technologies passes the test. Thus, it seems as though Northern Technologies shares could have a bit more room to run in the near term.


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