Verint Systems (VRNT) Hits Fresh Highs: Is There Still Room To Run?

Have you been paying attention to shares of Verint Systems (NASDAQ:VRNT) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 8.4% over the past month. VRNT hit a new 52-week high of $45.40 in the previous session. Verint Systems has gained 8.2% since the start of the year compared to the 9.5% move for the Computer and Technology sector and the 18.3% year-to-date return for its peer group.

What's Driving the Outperformance?

The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, having beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on June 7, 2018, Verint Systems reported EPS of $0.53 versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.5 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 3.44%.

For the current fiscal year, Verint Systems is expected to post earnings of $3.1 per share on $1.23 billion in revenues. This represents a 10.32% change in EPS on a 7.2% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $3.39 per share on $1.31 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 9.14% and 6.46%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Verint Systems may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for VRNT? 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 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.

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

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 14.6X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 12.6X versus its peer group's average of 25.5X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 1.46. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.

Verint Systems Inc. Price and Consensus

Verint Systems Inc. Price and Consensus | Verint Systems Inc. Quote

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, Verint Systems 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 and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Verint Systems meets the list of requirements. Thus, it seems as though VRNT shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.

How Does Verint Systems Stack Up to the Competition?

Shares of Verint Systems have been rising, 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 Bottomline Technologies (NASDAQ:EPAY) , Citrix Systems (NASDAQ:CTXS) , and Intuit (NASDAQ:INTU) , 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.

The Zacks Industry Rank is in the top 21% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for VRNT, even beyond its own solid fundamental situation.