Interpublic (IPG) Soars to 52-Week High, Time to Cash Out?

Shares of Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. The (NYSE:IPG) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 9.8% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $33.76 in the previous session. Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. The has gained 39.3% since the start of the year compared to the -0.3% move for the Zacks Business Services sector and the 24.8% return for the Zacks Advertising and Marketing 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 April 28, 2021, Interpublic reported EPS of $0.45 versus consensus estimate of $0.16 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 2.81%.

For the current fiscal year, Interpublic is expected to post earnings of $2.12 per share on $8.64 billion in revenues. This represents a 22.54% change in EPS on a 7.12% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $2.31 per share on $8.96 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 8.65% and 3.75%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Interpublic 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.

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

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 15.4X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 12.4X versus its peer group's average of 9.1X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 1.71. 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, Interpublic 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 Interpublic fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Interpublic shares could have a bit more room to run in the near term.

How Does Interpublic Stack Up to the Competition?

Shares of Interpublic have been moving higher, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? Some of its industry peers are also looking good, including Publicis Groupe SA (PA:PUBP) (PUBGY), ManpowerGroup (NYSE:MAN), and Concentrix (CNXC), all of which currently have a Zacks Rank of at least #2 and a VGM Score of at least B, making them well-rounded choices.

However, it is worth noting that the Zacks Industry Rank for this group is in the bottom half of the ranking, so it isn't all good news for Interpublic. Still, the fundamentals for Interpublic are promising, and it still has potential despite being at a 52-week high.