EVER Rallies 16.3% YTD, Trades at Premium: Should You Buy the Stock?

Core Insights - EverQuote, Inc. (EVER) has seen a year-to-date share price increase of 16.3%, outperforming its industry, the Finance sector, and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite, which recorded gains of 5.5%, 12.1%, and 11.5% respectively [1] - The company has a market capitalization of $848.9 million, with an average trading volume of 0.5 million shares over the last three months [1] Valuation and Projections - EVER's shares are trading at a price-to-book value of 4.94X, significantly higher than the industry average of 2.05X, indicating an expensive valuation [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EVER's 2025 earnings per share is $1.31, with projected revenues of $648.5 million. For 2026, earnings per share and revenues are expected to rise by 18.3% and 10.6% respectively from 2025 estimates [6] - The average price target from six analysts is $34 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 39.86% from the last closing price [10] Growth Strategy - EverQuote is focusing on long-term growth through investments in data, AI, and auto insurance, with plans to expand beyond auto markets [9] - The company anticipates third-quarter 2025 revenues between $163 million and $169 million, reflecting approximately 15% growth at the midpoint, and aims to exceed $1 billion in annual revenues soon [16] - EVER has authorized a $50 million share repurchase program, indicating management's confidence in the company's performance and cash position [18] Financial Performance - The return on equity (ROE) for the trailing 12 months is 36.9%, outperforming the industry average of 14.8%, showcasing efficiency in utilizing shareholders' funds [13] - Return on invested capital for the trailing 12 months stands at 36.3%, significantly better than the industry average of 2% [14] Challenges and Risks - EverQuote faces rising expenses related to marketing, operations, and technology, which may impact margins [21] - Regulatory risks and competition from larger carriers and rival platforms pose additional challenges to the company's growth [22]