Pathward Financial, Inc. (CASH) Hit a 52 Week High, Can the Run Continue?

Company Performance - Pathward Financial (CASH) shares have increased by 25.4% over the past month, reaching a new 52-week high of $95.1 [1] - Year-to-date, Pathward has gained 30.1%, significantly outperforming the Zacks Finance sector's 2.3% and the Zacks Banks - Northeast industry's 13.1% [1] Earnings and Revenue - Pathward has consistently exceeded earnings expectations, reporting EPS of $1.57 against a consensus estimate of $1.38 in its last earnings report [2] - For the current fiscal year, Pathward is projected to achieve earnings of $8.7 per share on revenues of $825.7 million, reflecting a 10.55% increase in EPS and a 0.84% change in revenues [3] - The next fiscal year forecasts earnings of $9.6 per share, indicating a year-over-year EPS growth of 10.34% while revenues are expected to remain stable at $825.7 million [3] Valuation Metrics - Pathward's current trading valuation is at 10.6X the current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is above the peer industry average of 10.1X [7] - On a trailing cash flow basis, Pathward trades at 8.6X compared to the peer group's average of 12.6X, positioning it favorably for value investors [7] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Pathward holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) due to rising earnings estimates, indicating potential for further price appreciation [8] - The stock has a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of D, and a Momentum Score of B, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [6][8] Industry Comparison - The Banks - Northeast industry is performing well, ranking in the top 19% of all industries, providing favorable conditions for both Pathward and its peers [11] - Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania (UVSP), a peer, also has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and shows strong earnings performance, further indicating a competitive industry landscape [9][10]