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LKQ (LKQ) Hits 52-Week High, Can the Run Continue?

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Have you been paying attention to shares of LKQ (LKQ - Free Report) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 6.2% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $60.23 in the previous session. LKQ has gained 70.4% since the start of the year compared to the 0% move for the Zacks Auto-Tires-Trucks sector and the 0% return for the Zacks Automotive - Replacement Parts 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 October 28, 2021, LKQ reported EPS of $1.02 versus consensus estimate of $0.86 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 1.84%.

For the current fiscal year, LKQ is expected to post earnings of $3.87 per share on $12.97 billion in revenues. Meanwhile, for the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $4 per share on $13.34 billion in revenues.

Valuation Metrics

LKQ 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.

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

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 15.5X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 17X versus its peer group's average of 16.3X. 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, LKQ 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 LKQ fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though LKQ shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.


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