Berry Global (BERY) Soars to 52-Week High, Time to Cash Out?

Have you been paying attention to shares of Berry Global Group (BERY)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 9.7% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $67.69 in the previous session. Berry Global Group has gained 20.2% since the start of the year compared to the 16.8% move for the Zacks Industrial Products sector and the 14.8% return for the Zacks Containers - Paper and Packaging 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 May 4, 2021, Berry Global reported EPS of $1.59 versus consensus estimate of $1.31 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 6.47%.

For the current fiscal year, Berry Global is expected to post earnings of $5.64 per share on $12.95 billion in revenues. This represents a 16.49% change in EPS on a 10.61% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $6.19 per share on $13 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 9.58% and 0.35%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Berry Global 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.

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

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 12X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 6X versus its peer group's average of 11.7X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 1.2. 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, Berry Global 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 Berry Global meets the list of requirements. Thus, it seems as though Berry Global shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Berry Global Group, Inc. (BERY) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research