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Fortis Hold Rating: Balancing Strong EPS Growth with Financial Leverage Concerns and Regulatory Uncertainties

Fortis Hold Rating: Balancing Strong EPS Growth with Financial Leverage Concerns and Regulatory Uncertainties

In a report released on February 14, Benjamin Pham from BMO Capital maintained a Hold rating on Fortis (FTSResearch Report), with a price target of C$66.00.

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Benjamin Pham has given his Hold rating due to a combination of factors, including Fortis’s solid financial performance and growth prospects. The company demonstrated a significant increase in earnings per share (EPS) in recent quarters, a trend expected to continue in the near future. Despite these positive indicators, the firm’s financial leverage remains a concern, with its funds from operations to debt ratio falling slightly below the threshold required by credit rating agencies.
Additionally, while Fortis’s investment plans and regulatory environment appear favorable, potential uncertainties, such as ongoing rate cases and infrastructure negotiations, contribute to a cautious outlook. Therefore, although the company’s assets are largely regulated and offer visible growth, Pham believes the stock’s current valuation justifies a Hold rating rather than a more aggressive recommendation.

In another report released yesterday, RBC Capital also maintained a Hold rating on the stock with a C$69.00 price target.

Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 86 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is neutral on the stock.

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