Kearny Financial

Kearny Financial Corp earns a 3-star quantitative star rating, reflecting our opinion that this share class is a balanced choice, but prudent investors should consider looking elsewhere. The stock currently trades at a minor 1% discount to our quantitative fair value estimate of $9.22 per share; however, caution is warranted due to this estimate's high uncertainty rating.

The firm's valuation metrics strengthen our estimated fair value. A company's valuation metrics provide insights into the market's expectations for its future growth and profitability. Reflecting the firm's valuation is its book value yield of 133.5%, which sits in the top 20% globally. The market price is low relative to the book (accounting) value of the company's equity, which contributes to our view that shares are undervalued.

Alternatively, the firm's lack of growth is potentially concerning. Stagnant revenue and earnings growth indicates a company's challenges in increasing market share and profitability. The firm's EPS 5-year growth of -6.1%, for example, sits in the bottom 20% globally. On a relative basis, EPS growth has lagged over the last five years, which, despite our favorable price/fair value ratio, is a negative attribute.

In addition to the aforementioned drivers, our model considers momentum as part of its comprehensive analysis. This share class has outperformed the broader universe over the past year. While we believe the stock is undervalued, this outperformance had a negative impact on our valuation estimate.

With its quantitative economic moat rating of none, this business is unlikely to consistently outearn its cost of capital without structural protection from competition. Additionally, the firm's moderate financial health score suggests it is acceptably positioned against adverse economic circumstances.