Crocs (CROX) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

Shares of Crocs (CROX) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 13.9% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $163.18 in the previous session. Crocs has gained 160.1% since the start of the year compared to the -4.1% move for the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the 15.9% return for the Zacks Textile - Apparel industry.

What's Driving the Outperformance?

The stock has a great 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 July 22, 2021, Crocs reported EPS of $2.23 versus consensus estimate of $1.62.

For the current fiscal year, Crocs is expected to post earnings of $6.89 per share on $2.27 billion in revenues. This represents a 113.98% change in EPS on a 63.62% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $8.53 per share on $2.58 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 23.84% and 13.92%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Crocs 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.

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

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 23.7X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 44.3X versus its peer group's average of 17.8X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 1.58. 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, Crocs 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 Crocs passes the test. Thus, it seems as though Crocs shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.

How Does Crocs Stack Up to the Competition?

Shares of Crocs 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 impressive, including Gildan Activewear (GIL), Oxford Industries (OXM), and Columbia Sportswear (COLM), 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 4% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for Crocs, even beyond its own solid fundamental situation.

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
 
Crocs, Inc. (CROX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Gildan Activewear, Inc. (GIL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Oxford Industries, Inc. (OXM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.