On Friday, BMO Capital Markets adjusted its outlook on Southern Co . (NYSE: NYSE:SO), increasing the utility company's stock price target to $80 from the previous $77, while reaffirming its Outperform rating. The revision comes on the heels of Southern Co.'s reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.03 for the first quarter of 2024, which surpassed both the consensus estimate of $0.90 and the company's own guidance range.
The company's management has been credited with executing well in the early part of the year, which has led to the positive financial results. Southern Co. has also confirmed its full-year 2024 EPS guidance range of $3.95 to $4.05. This projection aligns with the company's performance expectations for the year.
In addition to the financial results, the Board of Directors at Southern Co. announced last week a dividend increase of approximately 3%, adding $0.08 to the payout. This decision underscores the company's commitment to delivering shareholder value and its confidence in the financial stability and outlook.
BMO Capital Markets has not modified its EPS estimates for Southern Co. for the years 2024 through 2026, maintaining them at $4.00, $4.29, and $4.55, respectively. The firm's decision to adjust the price target to $80 reflects a recalibration to market conditions and peer group multiples, as part of its sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) valuation framework.
This stock price target adjustment by BMO Capital Markets signals its positive view on Southern Co.'s stock, reflecting the company's solid start to the year and consistent financial guidance. The increased dividend and the strong quarterly performance are likely factors contributing to this optimistic stance.
InvestingPro Insights
As Southern Co. (NYSE: SO) garners attention with its recent earnings beat and dividend increase, insights from InvestingPro can provide a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market performance. Southern Co. has demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns, raising its dividend for an impressive 22 consecutive years and maintaining dividend payments for over half a century.
The company's stock is trading near its 52-week high, reflecting a robust market sentiment. With a market capitalization of $82.38 billion and a P/E ratio of 19.31, Southern Co. is positioned as a significant player in the utility sector. Despite a slight decrease in revenue over the last twelve months, the company has maintained a strong gross profit margin of 48.11%, underscoring efficient operations.
InvestingPro Tips highlight Southern Co.'s low price volatility, which may appeal to investors seeking stability in their portfolios. Additionally, analysts predict profitability for the company this year, a sentiment that is bolstered by the positive earnings per share (EPS) reported for Q1 2024. For investors interested in exploring further insights and tips, including 6 additional InvestingPro Tips for Southern Co., visit InvestingPro. Remember to use coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an extra 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.
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