Providing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish, 7 analysts have published ratings on Spire (NYSE:SR) in the last three months.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $64.21, a high estimate of $68.00, and a low estimate of $57.50. This current average represents a 0.83% decrease from the previous average price target of $64.75.
Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look
The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of Spire by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Byrd | Morgan Stanley | Lowers | Equal-Weight | $64.00 | $67.00 |
| Stephen Byrd | Morgan Stanley | Raises | Equal-Weight | $67.00 | $64.00 |
| Sarah Akers | Wells Fargo | Raises | Equal-Weight | $66.00 | $64.00 |
| Gabriel Moreen | Mizuho | Lowers | Neutral | $62.00 | $64.00 |
| Paul Fremont | Ladenburg Thalmann | Announces | Neutral | $57.50 | - |
| Shelby Tucker | RBC Capital | Maintains | Sector Perform | $65.00 | - |
| William Appicelli | UBS | Announces | Buy | $68.00 | - |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Spire. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
- Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of Spire compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts provide insights into price targets, offering estimates for the future value of Spire's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.
Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of Spire's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
Stay up to date on Spire analyst ratings.
Unveiling the Story Behind Spire
Spire Inc is a public utility holding company with three reportable business segments: Gas Utility , Gas Marketing and Midstream. The Gas Utility segment includes the regulated operations of Laclede Gas, Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco), and EnergySouth Inc. The Utilities businesses operations include the purchase, retail, distribution, and sale of natural gas in Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi. The Gas Utility segment generates a majority of the company's revenue but is subject to seasonal fluctuations. The Gas Marketing segment includes Laclede Energy Resources, Inc, whose operations include the marketing of natural gas and related activities on a non-regulated basis and the Midstream segment includes transportation and storage of natural gas.
Financial Insights: Spire
Market Capitalization Analysis: Falling below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a reduced size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Spire's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 0.45% as of 31 March, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Utilities sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 17.75%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Spire's ROE falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 6.72%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): Spire's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 1.88%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Debt Management: Spire's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 1.43. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in Benzinga Pro.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.