We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Moody's (MCO) Hikes Dividend; Is the Stock Worth a Look?
Read MoreHide Full Article
Moody's Corporation (MCO - Free Report) declared a quarterly cash dividend of 38 cents per share, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous payout. Based on yesterday’s closing price of $96.49, the stock reflects a dividend yield of 1.58% (annualized basis).
The new dividend will be paid on Mar 10, 2017 to stockholders of record as of Feb 20, 2017.
The latest move certainly reaffirms Moody's commitment toward enhancing shareholders’ value through steady capital deployment activities. The company also has a share buyback program in place. As of Sep 30, 2016, $787 million shares remained outstanding under its existing share repurchase authorization.
Moody's sound financial position also supports its growth through inorganic routes. Notably, in Jul 2016, Moody’s fully acquired Korea Investors Service, while in Sep 2016, it announced its collaboration with Hamburg-based ratings agency – Euler Hermes Rating GmbH (EHRG) – to provide credit ratings for small- and medium-sized enterprise and mid-cap companies across Europe.
Additionally, extending its insurance risk offerings and analytical capabilities, Moody’s acquired a prominent actuarial software company – GGY – in Mar 2016.
Driven by strength in its diverse operations, the New York-based credit ratings giant has been experiencing a solid revenue growth momentum. Also, it remains focused on expense management initiatives. In fact, the company raised its earnings guidance for 2016 to $4.62–$4.72 per share from the previous outlook of $4.55–$4.65. Revenues are projected to be up in low-single digits.
However, Moody’s key hurdle remains from the Department of Justice (DOJ), as the regulator might file a lawsuit against the company related to RMBS and CLO ratings assigned prior to the 2008 financial crisis. In addition, heightened political risks and market volatility remain other headwinds for the company.
Stock Performance
Moody’s shares lost 3.8% year to date compared to the 6.3% gain for the Zacks categorized Miscellaneous Financial Services industry.
Currently, it is difficult to get too excited about this stock given the near-term concerns. However, looking at the fundamentals, hanging on the stock should not disappoint investors. Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged at $4.70 for 2016 and at $5.09 for 2017.
Moody’s carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to Consider
E*TRADE Financial Corporation : Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increased 2.2% to $1.83 and advanced 6.9% to $1.87 for 2017. The company sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Synchrony Financial (SYF - Free Report) : The Zacks Consensus Estimate inched up 1% for both 2016 and 2017 to $2.68 and $3.08, respectively. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search
Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 ""Strong Buy"" stocks – absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 ""Strong Sells"" and other private research. See these stocks free >>
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
Moody's (MCO) Hikes Dividend; Is the Stock Worth a Look?
Moody's Corporation (MCO - Free Report) declared a quarterly cash dividend of 38 cents per share, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous payout. Based on yesterday’s closing price of $96.49, the stock reflects a dividend yield of 1.58% (annualized basis).
The new dividend will be paid on Mar 10, 2017 to stockholders of record as of Feb 20, 2017.
The latest move certainly reaffirms Moody's commitment toward enhancing shareholders’ value through steady capital deployment activities. The company also has a share buyback program in place. As of Sep 30, 2016, $787 million shares remained outstanding under its existing share repurchase authorization.
Moody's sound financial position also supports its growth through inorganic routes. Notably, in Jul 2016, Moody’s fully acquired Korea Investors Service, while in Sep 2016, it announced its collaboration with Hamburg-based ratings agency – Euler Hermes Rating GmbH (EHRG) – to provide credit ratings for small- and medium-sized enterprise and mid-cap companies across Europe.
Additionally, extending its insurance risk offerings and analytical capabilities, Moody’s acquired a prominent actuarial software company – GGY – in Mar 2016.
Driven by strength in its diverse operations, the New York-based credit ratings giant has been experiencing a solid revenue growth momentum. Also, it remains focused on expense management initiatives. In fact, the company raised its earnings guidance for 2016 to $4.62–$4.72 per share from the previous outlook of $4.55–$4.65. Revenues are projected to be up in low-single digits.
However, Moody’s key hurdle remains from the Department of Justice (DOJ), as the regulator might file a lawsuit against the company related to RMBS and CLO ratings assigned prior to the 2008 financial crisis. In addition, heightened political risks and market volatility remain other headwinds for the company.
Stock Performance
Moody’s shares lost 3.8% year to date compared to the 6.3% gain for the Zacks categorized Miscellaneous Financial Services industry.
Currently, it is difficult to get too excited about this stock given the near-term concerns. However, looking at the fundamentals, hanging on the stock should not disappoint investors. Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged at $4.70 for 2016 and at $5.09 for 2017.
Moody’s carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to Consider
E*TRADE Financial Corporation : Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increased 2.2% to $1.83 and advanced 6.9% to $1.87 for 2017. The company sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (VRTS - Free Report) : The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 climbed 6.7% to $5.75 and 20.7% for to $7.88 for 2017. The company also boasts a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Synchrony Financial (SYF - Free Report) : The Zacks Consensus Estimate inched up 1% for both 2016 and 2017 to $2.68 and $3.08, respectively. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search
Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 ""Strong Buy"" stocks – absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 ""Strong Sells"" and other private research. See these stocks free >>