Planet Fitness (PLNT) Hits 52-Week High, Can the Run Continue?

Have you been paying attention to shares of Planet Fitness (PLNT)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 1.3% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $59.91 in the previous session. Planet Fitness has gained 8.9% since the start of the year compared to the 12.3% move for the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the 13.6% return for the Zacks Leisure and Recreation 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 November 6, 2018, Planet Fitness reported EPS of $0.28 versus consensus estimate of $0.24.

For the current fiscal year, Planet Fitness is expected to post earnings of $1.43 per share on $573.39 million in revenues. Meanwhile, for the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $1.73 per share on $642.61 million in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 18.94% and 12.07%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Planet Fitness 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. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.

Planet Fitness 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 40.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 48.7X versus its peer group's average of 8.4X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 2.09. 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, Planet Fitness 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 Planet Fitness passes the test. Thus, it seems as though Planet Fitness shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.

How Does Planet Fitness Stack Up to the Competition?

Shares of Planet Fitness have been soaring, 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 SeaWorld Entertainment (SEAS), Cinemark Holdings (CNK), and Marcus (MCS), 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 39% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for Planet Fitness, even beyond its own solid fundamental situation.

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