Virtus Investment

Virtus Investment Partners Inc earns a 5-star quantitative star rating, indicating our belief that this share class offers a compelling opportunity for investors. The stock currently trades at a 34% discount to our quantitative fair value estimate of $197.53 per share; however, caution is warranted due to this estimate's high uncertainty rating.

The company's valuation metrics increase 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 106.7%, which ranks in the top 30% 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.

The firm's balance sheet is an additional encouraging factor. Leverage can enable a company to invest in growth, potentially boosting shareholder value more than equity financing alone. The firm's EBITDA/interest coverage ratio of 1.2, a core component of leverage, lies in the bottom 20% compared with peers globally. Although the firm's ability to cover interest payments with EBITDA is limited, shares could sharply rebound if economic circumstances change or recent investments reduce fears of default. This characteristic further promotes our favorable price/fair value ratio.

With its quantitative economic moat rating of none, we do not expect this company to materially outearn its cost of capital in the long run. Additionally, the firm's moderate financial health score suggests it is acceptably positioned against adverse economic circumstances.