Have you been paying attention to shares of Arch Resources ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 12.8% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $175.99 in the previous session. Arch Resources has gained 86.1% since the start of the year compared to the 32.2% move for the Zacks Oils-Energy sector and the 87.8% return for the Zacks Coal 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 15, 2022, Arch Resources reported EPS of $13.19 versus consensus estimate of $13.03 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 17.28%.

For the current fiscal year, Arch Resources is expected to post earnings of $60.48 per share on $3.49 billion in revenues. This represents a 195.46% change in EPS on a 58.04% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $25.52 per share on $2.67 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of -57.8% and -23.51%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Arch Resources 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 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. 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.

Arch Resources has a Value Score of B. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are C and C, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 2.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is not in-line with the peer industry average of 4.1X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 5.1X versus its peer group's average of 5.4X. 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, Arch Resources currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong 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 Arch Resources fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Arch Resources shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.

How Does ARCH Stack Up to the Competition?

Shares of ARCH have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? One industry peer that looks good is Warrior Met Coal (HCC Quick QuoteHCC - Free Report) . HCC has a Zacks Rank of # 1 (Strong Buy) and a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of B.

Earnings were strong last quarter. Warrior Met Coal beat our consensus estimate by 75.14%, and for the current fiscal year, HCC is expected to post earnings of $10.64 per share on revenue of $1.5 billion.

Shares of Warrior Met Coal have gained 1.3% over the past month, and currently trade at a forward P/E of 3.66X and a P/CF of 5.34X.

The Coal industry is in the top 2% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for ARCH and HCC, even beyond their own solid fundamental situation.