Atmos Energy
The natural gas company reported on May 2 second-quarter earnings of $109.1 million, or $1.20 a share, down from year-earlier earnings of $132.2 million, or $1.45 a share.
"We upgrade ATO to Buy (from Neutral) and boost our PO to $37 (from $34)," Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysts wrote in a May 17 report. "We see ATO's plan to grow its rate base at a peer-leading CAGR of 8-8.5% over the next few years (versus a peer average growth rate of 5-6%) as auguring for a rerating of ATO among its gas utility peers. Over the past few years, ATO has traded at a significant discount to its peers driven by ATO's acquisitive history and underearning at its largest Distribution segment. However, given forecasted rate base growth, a strong balance sheet, a more progressive regulatory regime, and management's posture of remaining conservative with prospective acquisitions, we see ATO's current discount valuation to peers as unjustified." Forward Annual Dividend Yield: 4.2%Equifax The financial and marketing information solutions company reported on April 25 first-quarter earnings of $71.5 million, or 58 cents a share, up from year-earlier earnings of $57.3 million, or 46 cents a share. "Reflecting a better 1H12 outlook, EFX updated its 2012 guidance to a range well ahead of LT growth targets," Credit Suisse analysts wrote in an April 26 report. "The company now expects 12 revenue growth of 10-12% (7-10% long-term) with implied adj. EPS growth of 12-15% (10-13%). The better than anticipated 1H stems from a stronger than expected mortgage contribution (added ~500bp to YoY growth in 1Q) and OCIS revenue growth of 24% (well ahead of 16% online volume growth reflecting positive pricing and favorable mix). While 2Q revenue growth should be comparable to 1Q (12-14%), we expect a deceleration over 2H12 reflecting tougher comps, lapping of pricing initiatives and acquisitions and a lower mortgage contribution." Forward Annual Dividend Yield: 1.6%
Select the service that is right for you!
COMPARE ALL SERVICESAction Alerts PLUS
TRY IT FREEJim Cramer and Stephanie Link actively manage a real portfolio and reveal their money management tactics while giving advanced notice before every trade.
Product Features:
- $2.5+ million portfolio
- Large-cap and dividend focus
- Intraday trade alerts from Cramer
- Weekly roundups
Dividend Stock Advisor
TRY IT FREENew! $49.95/yr
Jim Cramer's protege, David Peltier, identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
Product Features:
- Diversified model portfolio of dividend stocks
- Alerts when market news affect the portfolio
- Bi-weekly updates with exact steps to take - BUY, HOLD, SELL
Stocks Under $10
TRY IT FREEDavid Peltier, uncovers low dollar stocks with extraordinary upside potential that are flying under Wall Street's radar.
Product Features:
- Model portfolio
- Stocks trading below $10
- Intraday trade alerts
- Weekly roundups
Real Money
TRY IT FREE24/7 market commentary from Jim Cramer and 20+ veteran Wall Street gurus. Get access to the latest trading ideas on stocks, options, and ETFs as well as a real-time forum to see the pros exchanging their investment ideas.
Product Features:
- Jim Cramer + 20 Wall Street pros
- Intraday commentary & news
- Real-time trading forum
- Actionable trade ideas
Real Money Pro
TRY IT FREEAll of Real Money, plus 15 more of Wall Street's sharpest minds delivering actionable trading ideas, a comprehensive look at the market, and fundamental and technical analysis.
Product Features:
- Real Money + Doug Kass + 15 more Wall Street Pros
- Intraday commentary & news
- Ultra-actionable trading ideas
Options Profits
TRY IT FREEOur options trading pros provide daily market commentary and over 100 monthly option trading ideas and strategies to help you become a well-seasoned trader.
Product Features:
- 100+ monthly options trading ideas
- Actionable options commentary & news
- Real-time trading community
- Options TV
