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Shares of FMC Technologies (FTI) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 2.3% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $33.45 in the previous session. FMC Technologies has gained 9.5% since the start of the year compared to the 6.2% move for the Zacks Oils-Energy sector and the -5.1% return for the Zacks Oil and Gas - Field Services 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 October 24, 2024, FMC Technologies reported EPS of $0.64 versus consensus estimate of $0.39 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 0.3%.
For the current fiscal year, FMC Technologies is expected to post earnings of $2.01 per share on $9.01 billion in revenues. Meanwhile, for the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $2.50 per share on $9.83 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 24.73% and 9.18%, respectively.
Valuation Metrics
FMC Technologies 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. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
FMC Technologies has a Value Score of B. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and D, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 15.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is a premium to the peer industry average of 15.6X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 23.8X versus its peer group's average of 7X. 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, FMC Technologies 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 FMC Technologies passes the test. Thus, it seems as though FMC Technologies shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.