Have you been paying attention to shares of PetIQ (PETQ)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 0.5% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $30.77 in the previous session. PetIQ has gained 55.1% since the start of the year compared to the 10.7% move for the Zacks Medical sector and the 14.6% return for the Zacks Medical - Products industry.
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 August 7, 2024, PetIQ reported EPS of $0.7 versus consensus estimate of $0.49 while it missed the consensus revenue estimate by 12.02%.
For the current fiscal year, PetIQ is expected to post earnings of $1.44 per share on $1.15 billion in revenues. This represents a 16.13% change in EPS on a 4.69% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $1.66 per share on $1.22 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 15.51% and 5.5%, respectively.
PetIQ 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. 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.
PetIQ has a Value Score of A. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are A and F, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of A.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 21.3X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is not in-line with the peer industry average of 24.9X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 11.4X versus its peer group's average of 12X. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.
We also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, PetIQ 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 PetIQ meets the list of requirements. Thus, it seems as though PetIQ shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.
Shares of PETQ 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 Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (PBH). PBH has a Zacks Rank of # 2 (Buy) and a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of D, and a Momentum Score of B.
Earnings were strong last quarter. Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. beat our consensus estimate by 4.65%, and for the current fiscal year, PBH is expected to post earnings of $4.42 per share on revenue of $1.13 billion.
Shares of Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. have gained 5.4% over the past month, and currently trade at a forward P/E of 16.08X and a P/CF of 14.28X.
The Medical - Products industry is in the top 31% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for PETQ and PBH, even beyond their own solid fundamental situation.
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