HCI Group, Inc. (HCI) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

Have you been paying attention to shares of HCI Group (HCI)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 14.9% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $140.72 in the previous session. HCI Group has gained 20.1% since the start of the year compared to the 4.9% move for the Zacks Finance sector and the 11.4% return for the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty 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 February 27, 2025, HCI Group reported EPS of $0.31 versus consensus estimate of $-2.75 while it missed the consensus revenue estimate by 1.22%.For the current fiscal year, HCI Group is expected to post earnings of $14.98 per share on $908.2 million in revenues. This represents a 102.16% change in EPS on a 21.08% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $13.70 per share on $953.62 million in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of -8.56% and 5%, respectively.Valuation MetricsHCI Group 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 these give investors a variety of ways to comb 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.HCI Group has a Value Score of B. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and A, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of A.In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 9.3X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is not in-line with the peer industry average of 11.4X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 16.8X versus its peer group's average of 12.6X. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.Zacks RankWe also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, HCI Group currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong 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 HCI Group meets the list of requirements. Thus, it seems as though HCI Group shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.How Does HCI Stack Up to the Competition?Shares of HCI have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? One industry peer that looks good is The Progressive Corporation (PGR). PGR has a Zacks Rank of # 1 (Strong Buy) and a Value Score of D, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of A.Earnings were strong last quarter. The Progressive Corporation beat our consensus estimate by 18.95%, and for the current fiscal year, PGR is expected to post earnings of $15.08 per share on revenue of $87.47 billion.Shares of The Progressive Corporation have gained 14.5% over the past month, and currently trade at a forward P/E of 18.91X and a P/CF of 42.07X.The Insurance - Property and Casualty industry is in the top 13% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for HCI and PGR, even beyond their own solid fundamental situation.Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and SellsWe're not kidding.Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent.Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators,and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone.See Stocks Now >>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 HCI Group, Inc. (HCI): Free Stock Analysis Report The Progressive Corporation (PGR): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks