TSC Rating's Updates: Kinder Morgan

TSC Ratings provides exclusive stock, ETF and mutual fund ratings and commentary based on award-winning, proprietary tools. Its "safety first" approach to investing aims to reduce risk while seeking solid outperformance on a total return basis.

The following ratings changes were generated on Friday, April 17.

We've upgraded aerospace components and services supplier Goodrich(GR) from hold to buy, driven by its revenue growth, compelling growth in net income, good cash flow from operations, notable return on equity and impressive record of earnings per share growth. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins.

Revenue increased by 1.6% since the same quarter last year, and EPS are up by 29.8%, though we anticipate underperformance in the coming year relative to the company's two-year pattern of EPS growth. Net income increased by 28.6% compared with the year-ago quarter, from $131.2 million to $168.7 million. Net operating cash flow increased 78.7% to $325.8 million. Return on equity also increased compared with the year-ago quarter.

We've upgraded oil and natural gas company Imperial Oil(IMO) from hold to buy, driven by its notable return on equity, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and attractive valuation levels. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows weak operating cash flow.

ROE has improved compared with the year-ago quarter, implying a modest strength in the organization. Imperial Oil's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02 is below the industry average, implying successful management of debt levels. Its quick ratio is 0.8. Revenue fell 12.3% since the year-ago quarter, and EPS are down 20.8%.

We've upgraded energy transportation and storage company Kinder Morgan Energy Partners(KMP) from hold to buy, driven by its expanding profit margins over time. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had lackluster performance in the stock itself.