10 Utility Stocks THAT HAVE A BUY RATING .....

The S&P 500 Index has gained 4.9% so far in 2011, while the Dow Jones Utilities Average(XME) advanced 2.2%. Overall, utility stocks are less volatile because of stable cash flows and provide limited upside, or downside, in comparison to other sectors. The 100 Best Technology Stocks for the Long Run: Investing in the New Economy and the Companies That Make it Click, 2E

10 Stocks

10 Energy Stocks for Rising Crude10 Health Care Stocks With 100% Buy Ratings10 Energy Stocks Analysts Favor10 Stocks Favored by Hedge Funds10 Fad Stocks That Bounced Back in 201010 Brazilian Stocks for 2011Market Activity

Covanta Holding Corporation
CVA Middlesex Water Company
MSEX York Water Co.
YORW For instance, upsides for industry majors such as Southern Company(SO), Exelon(EXC), Dominion Resources(D), Duke Energy(DUK), NextEra Energy(NEE), PG&E(PCG), American Electric Power(AEP) and Spectra Energy(SE) are expected in the range of -3% to 9% over the next 12 months, according to consensus estimates of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

Nonetheless, the following 10 utility stocks with an upside range of 14%-65% will likely outperform their peers, according to analysts' estimates of 12-month target prices. Most of these stocks have superior buy and hold ratings, compared
Nonetheless, the following 10 utility stocks with an upside range of 14%-65% will likely outperform their peers, according to analysts' estimates of 12-month target prices. Most of these stocks have superior buy and hold ratings, compared to peers. In addition to growth potential, these stocks offer high dividend yields relative to several other sectors.


However, rising energy costs will likely moderate dividends of electric utility companies. To sustain profits and for higher dividend yields, utility companies may seek mergers and acquisitions. Last month, Duke Energy announced to buy Progress Energy(PGN_) for $13.7
10. Middlesex Water(MSEX) treats, stores and distributes water for residential, commercial, industrial and fire control purposes and is under contract of municipal and private clients in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania.


10 Stocks

10 Energy Stocks for Rising Crude10 Health Care Stocks With 100% Buy Ratings10 Energy Stocks Analysts Favor10 Stocks Favored by Hedge Funds10 Fad Stocks That Bounced Back in 201010 Brazilian Stocks for 2011Market Activity

GenOn Energy Inc.
GEN Middlesex Water Company
MSEX York Water Co.
YORW Analysts polled by Bloomberg expect the company to report earnings of 15 cents per share during 2010 fourth quarter, compared to earnings of 12 cents per share in the year-ago and quarter-ago periods. The company is likely to report earnings per share of 94 cents for 2010 and 95 cents for 2011, compared to earnings of 72 cents per share for 2009. Fisher Investments on Utilities

The stock offers a dividend yield of 4.3%, higher than its larger competitors. American Water Works(AWK), Aqua America(WTR) and SJW(SJW) have dividend yields of 3.7%, 2.9% and 2.8%, respectively
9. AES Corporation(AES) acquires, develops, owns, and operates power generation plants and distribution systems in several countries.


10 Stocks

10 Energy Stocks for Rising Crude10 Health Care Stocks With 100% Buy Ratings10 Energy Stocks Analysts Favor10 Stocks Favored by Hedge Funds10 Fad Stocks That Bounced Back in 201010 Brazilian Stocks for 2011Market Activity

GenOn Energy Inc.
GEN Middlesex Water Company
MSEX York Water Co.
YORW For 2010 fourth quarter, analysts polled by Bloomberg expect the company to report earnings of 26 cents per share, up from 8 cents and 5 cents reported for the year-ago and quarter-ago periods, respectively. Analysts expect AES to report earnings per share of 85 cents for 2010, $1.18 for 2011 and $1.61 for 2012.

The stock's return-on-equity during the past 12 months was 15.8%. In comparison, Duke Energy(DUK), NRG Energy(NRG), Enersis(ENI), Dynegy(DYN), Constellation Energy(CEG) and Edenor(EDN) had ROEs of 5.1%, 13.2%, 13.4%, -33.6%, -11.9% and 4.2%, respectively
8. California Water Service Group(CWT_) is a holding company of several water utilities, providing regulated and non-regulated water services in California, New Mexico and Washington.


10 Stocks

10 Energy Stocks for Rising Crude10 Health Care Stocks With 100% Buy Ratings10 Energy Stocks Analysts Favor10 Stocks Favored by Hedge Funds10 Fad Stocks That Bounced Back in 201010 Brazilian Stocks for 2011Market Activity

Covanta Holding Corporation
CVA U.S. Geothermal Inc.
HTM Middlesex Water Company
MSEX Analysts polled by Bloomberg expect the company to report earnings of 33 cents per share during 2010 fourth quarter, compared to earnings of 31 cents per share in the year-ago period. The company is likely to report earnings per share of $1.90 for 2010 and $2.16 for 2011.

The stock will likely provide an upside of 14% over the next 12 months with a consensus target price of $41.3, according to analysts polled by Bloomberg. On the other hand, Aqua America, American Water Works, and Artesian Resources(ARTNA_) are expected to return around -1%, 7% and 9%, respectively.
6. American States Water(AWR), a holding company, purchases, distributes and sells water.


10 Stocks

10 Energy Stocks for Rising Crude10 Health Care Stocks With 100% Buy Ratings10 Energy Stocks Analysts Favor10 Stocks Favored by Hedge Funds10 Fad Stocks That Bounced Back in 201010 Brazilian Stocks for 2011Market Activity

Middlesex Water Company
MSEX York Water Co.
YORW U.S. Geothermal Inc.
HTM Analysts polled by Bloomberg expect the company to report earnings of 46 cents per share for 2010 fourth quarter, compared to 18 cents and 30 cents per share reported for the year-ago and quarter-ago periods, respectively. For the full year, analysts foresee the company reporting earnings per share of $1.89 for 2010, $2.17 for 2011 and $2.30 for 2012, in comparison to earnings of $1.62 per share reported for 2009.

At $33.7, the stock is trading at a lower price-to-earnings multiple of 17.7, compared to its peers. Aqua America, Artesian Resources, SJW, and Pennichuck(PNNW) are trading at PE multiples of 25.8, 18.4, 24.8 and 33.6, respectively. In addition, American States Water's EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 7.8 is below that of its competitors.
5. Covanta Holding(CVA_) has diverse operations such as waste disposal, energy services and specialty insurance.


10 Stocks

10 Energy Stocks for Rising Crude10 Health Care Stocks With 100% Buy Ratings10 Energy Stocks Analysts Favor10 Stocks Favored by Hedge Funds10 Fad Stocks That Bounced Back in 201010 Brazilian Stocks for 2011Market Activity

Connecticut Water Service
CTWS Middlesex Water Company
MSEX York Water Co.
YORW The company is expected to report earnings of 17 cents per share for 2010 fourth quarter, compared to earnings of 13 cents per share in the quarter-ago period, according to analysts polled by Bloomberg. The company is likely to report earnings per share of 50 cents for 2010, 66 cents for 2011 and 75 cents for 2012.

The stock's dividend yield of 9.5% surpasses that of its peers. Exelon, Dominion Resources, Public Service Enterprise Group(PEG_) and Ormat Technologies(ORA_) have dividend yields of 5.1%
4. Connecticut Water Service(CTWS), operating through its subsidiary Connecticut Water Company, supplies water to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in Connecticut.


10 StocksStocks for the long run: take a long-term view when it comes to investments.(Financial Planning): An article from: SaskBusiness

10 Energy Stocks for Rising Crude10 Health Care Stocks With 100% Buy Ratings10 Energy Stocks Analysts Favor10 Stocks Favored by Hedge Funds10 Fad Stocks That Bounced Back in 201010 Brazilian Stocks for 2011Market Activity

GenOn Energy Inc.
GEN Middlesex Water Company
MSEX York Water Co.
YORW Analysts polled by Bloomberg expect the company to report earnings of 18 cents per share for 2010 fourth quarter, as opposed to earnings of 12 cents reported in the year-ago period. For the full year, analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $1.20 for 2010, $1.20 for 2011, compared to earnings of $1.19 per share for 2009
3. GenOn Energy(GEN_) generates and wholesales electricity to investor-owned utilities, municipalities and cooperatives.


10 Stocks

10 Energy Stocks for Rising Crude10 Health Care Stocks With 100% Buy Ratings10 Energy Stocks Analysts Favor10 Stocks Favored by Hedge Funds10 Fad Stocks That Bounced Back in 201010 Brazilian Stocks for 2011Market Activity

China Hydroelectric Corp
CHC Middlesex Water Company
MSEX York Water Co.
YORW Analysts polled by Bloomberg expect the company to report loss of 5 cents per share for 2010 fourth quarter, compared to a loss of 71 cents per share in the year-ago period. For the full year, analysts foresee the company reporting earnings per share of 66 cents for 2010, a significant turnaround from a loss of $1.36 per share reported for 2009.
10 Utility Stocks


The stock has a 21% upside over the next 12 months with a consensus target price of $5.1, according to analysts polled by Bloomberg, whereas ALLETE(ALE_), ITC Holdings(ITC_), Integrys Energy Group(TEG_), Calpine(CPN_), and CenterPoint Energy(CNP_) are likely to return around 4%, 10%, -5%, 9% and 5%, respectively.
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The Equity Risk Premium: The Long-Run Future of the Stock Market

Top 10 'Buy'-Rated Stocks ...... ( MA,RSG,CMS,BTU,HAL,F,C,PEG )

Apple [AAPL  243.44    -2.14  (-0.87%)   ], Citigroup [C  4.03    0.05  (+1.26%)   ] and Ford [F  11.4899    0.0099  (+0.09%)   ] are tirelessly touted by the media and fund managers. Yet, analysts favor lesser-followed companies.

Here are 10 large-cap stocks, all S&P 500 members, that receive rave reviews from analysts but get little attention from investors. The stocks are ordered by the share of "buy" ratings received, from bullish to most-bullish sentiment.

10. AES [AES  10.03    -0.04  (-0.4%)   ] is a global power company, selling electricity to utilities and other wholesale customers. Since 2007, AES has increased earnings per share 121% annually, on average, trumping the profit growth of competitors. Yet, its stock dropped 23% a year over that span. It currently trades at a price-to-projected-earnings ratio of 9.5 and a price-to-cash-flow ratio of 2.8, 51% and 39% discounts to peer averages. Of analysts covering AES, 5, or 83%, rate its stock "buy" and one ranks it "hold." A median target of $16.67 suggests 67% of upside.

 

9. Public Service Enterprise Group [PEG  32.83    -0.47  (-1.41%)   ] sells electricity and natural gas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. During the past three years, it has boosted net income 24% a year. Public Service shares sell for a price-to-projected-earnings ratio of 11, a modest discount to the multi-utility industry average. They offer a dividend yield of 4.1%, with a payout ratio of 41%. Of researchers following Public Service, 16, or 84%, advise purchasing its shares and three recommend holding. A median target of $35.81 implies 7% of upside.

8. ACE Limited [ACE  52.76    -0.56  (-1.05%)   ] sells insurance and reinsurance products. Since 2007, it has increased revenue 4% annually, on average. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter numbers July 27. First-quarter profit increased 33% to $755 million, or $2.22, as revenue gained 10%. ACE trades at a price-to-projected-earnings ratio of 7.4 and a price-to-cash-flow ratio of 5.2, markdowns of 35% and 52% to peer averages. Of analysts covering the stock, 20, or 87%, rate it "buy" and three rate it "hold." A median target of $64.93 reflects a potential 20% return. 

 7. Flowserve [FLS  88.94    -0.66  (-0.74%)   ] makes industrial flow-control equipment, specifically pump systems and components, used by oil and gas, chemical, power-generation and water-treatment companies. During the past three years, it has grown net profit 47% annually, on average. Its stock trades at a forward earnings multiple of 11 and a cash flow multiple of 11, 43% and 24% discounts to machinery industry averages. Of researchers rating the stock, 13, or 87%, advise purchasing and two suggest holding. A median target of $134.89 implies 52% of upside.

6. Peabody Energy [BTU  42.48    0.17  (+0.4%)   ] explores for and sells coal. Its coal products generate an estimated 10% of U.S. electricity. Since 2007, Peabody has expanded net sales 6.3% a year. Its stock dropped 4.5% a year over that same span. It sells for a PEG ratio, a measure of value relative to predicted long-run growth, of 0.3, indicating a 70% discount to fair value. Its forward earnings multiple of 9.4 indicates a 26% discount to the peer average. Of firms evaluating Peabody, 23, or 88%, advise purchasing its stock, two say to hold and one recommends selling the shares.

5. Halliburton [HAL  29.84    0.67  (+2.3%)   ] provides products and services to oil and gas companies, including production-optimization technology. The company is due to release second-quarter numbers July 19. First-quarter profit tumbled 46% to $206 million, or 23 cents, as the operating margin contracted to 12% from 16%. Halliburton has dropped 7.9% in 2010, in part due to reputational damage from the BP [BP  35.71    -0.04  (-0.11%)   ] spill. Its stock trades at a price-to-projected-earnings ratio of 13, a 40% discount to its peer average. Of analysts covering the stock, 89% rank it a "buy."

4. Life Technologies [LIFE  46.55    -0.71  (-1.5%)   ] designs and sells the tools that researchers use for drug discovery. During the past three years, the company has increased revenue 42% annually, on average. Its stock returned 6.9% a year over that span. Life is expected to report its second-quarter performance July 29. First-quarter profit rose six-fold to $92 million, or 48 cents. The stock sells for a PEG ratio of 0.1, a 90% discount to fair value. Roughly 89% of researchers covering the shares rank them "buy." A median target of $61.46 suggests 31% of upside lies ahead.

. Republic Services [RSG  29.83    -0.29  (-0.96%)   ] collects and disposes of waste. It merged with Allied Waste in 2008. During the past three years, Republic has boosted revenue 38% annually, on average, helped by the merger. Republic is scheduled to release second-quarter results July 28. First-quarter profit tumbled 42%, to $65 million, or 17 cents a share, as revenue declined 5%. Republic shares sell for a PEG ratio of 0.9, a 10% discount to fair value. Researchers are bullish on the stock, with 91% rating it "buy." A median target of $36.29 implies a return of 21%.

2. CMS Energy [CMS  15.67    -0.18  (-1.14%)   ] is an electric and gas utility in Michigan. Since 2007, it has boosted earnings per share 49% a year, on average. Its stock has gained 29% in the past 12 months, beating indices. The company will announce second-quarter results July 28. First-quarter profit advanced 22% to $88 million, or 35 cents. The stock trades at a PEG ratio of 0.3, a 70% discount to fair value. It offers a dividend yield of 3.8%, with a payout ratio of 63%. Roughly 93% of analysts covering the stock rate it "buy" A median target of $18.08 suggests 15% of upside.

1. MasterCard [MA  200.94    5.11  (+2.61%)   ] provides transaction-processing services. During the past three years, it has grown revenue 14% annually, on average, and more than doubled profit, on average, each year. Its stock returned 7.8% a year over that span, outperforming tech peers. MasterCard is due to release second-quarter numbers Aug. 3. Its stock sells for a forward earnings multiple of 13, a 20% discount to its peer average. Of researchers following MasterCard, 94% advise purchasing shares. A median target of $289.62 indicates a potential 44% return.

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