Utilities

Jefferies is out with its report today on Dynegy (NYSE: DYN), maintaining Hold. In its report, Jefferies writes, "We believe Dynegy is expensive at current levels based on our EV/EBITDA valuation absent unsecured debt refinancing. In order for the stock to become attractive, we projected the...

Central Vermont Public Service (NYSE: CV) has signed two new power supply contracts, filling the 2012 gap in its portfolio created by the end of the existing contract with Vermont Yankee, at attractive prices. "These contracts serve to ensure our reliable power supply through the end of 2012 at...

Jefferies & Company has published a research report on American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) after the company report a 2Q earnings beat of $0.73 vs. Jefferies' estimate of $0.70. In the report, Jefferies writes, "AEP expects to receive $900 million from TCC customers due to the recent judgment...

Wunderlich Securities reiterated its Buy rating on Calpine (NYSE: CPN). At the same time, the rating agency left its price target on the company's stock unchanged at $18. On Friday, CPN lost 3.73% of its value to end the week at $16.25.

According to Deutsche Bank, American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) 2Q11 results missed expectations slightly, but management reaffirmed guidance for 2011 and 2012. Deutsche Bank said that it values AEP at $40.50 by applying an 11.9x P/E multiple to the 2013 EPS estimate of $3.40. “Our multiple...

Deutsche Bank made a number of updates in a research report published today. American Axle & Manufacturing (NYSE: AXL) had its rating reiterated at Hold. On Friday, AXL added 8.82% to its value to finish the week at $11.47. Tenneco (NYSE: TEN) had its rating reiterated at...

Deutsche Bank has published a report on Calpine Corporation (NYSE: CPN) reporting on Q2 results. In the report, Deutsche Bank wrote, "CPN reported strong Q2 results but lowered its 2011 EBITDA guidance to the bottom of the range. The publicly announced auction of two gas plants was unsuccessful,...

Jefferies & Company has lowered the price target on American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) from $39.50 to $39 and maintains its Hold rating.

Merger activity declined last week with three new deals announced and three closing. You can find all the active deals listed below in our Merger Arbitrage Tool that automatically updates itself during market hours. Deal Statistics: Total Number of Deals Closed in 2011 131 Total Number of...

On CNBC's Mad Money, Jim Cramer said during the Lightning Round that PPL Corp (NYSE: PPL) is “very reliable and very good and I'd buy it right here." For Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL), he said, "I think these companies are terrific bets and I want to be in this one." Cramer said that GlaxoSmithKline...

Stocks trading at or near 52-week highs and lows provide excellent trading opportunities, as volatility tends to increase at such levels and exit/entry points become more clearly defined. The following stocks hit new 52-week highs in Friday's trading session (listed from highest total volume to...

Quarterly reports of note scheduled for this week include those from Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM), General Motors (NYSE: GM), MasterCard (NYSE: MA), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and Time Warner (NYSE: TWX), all of which are expected to post earnings growth, as well as Pfizer (NYSE: PFE)...

Westar Energy Inc., (NYSE: WR) today announced the promotion of two officers effective Aug. 1 along with the formation of a new organization to address strategic imperatives, including stringent environmental mandates. Tony Somma will become senior vice president and chief financial officer. Greg...

Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE: PEG) announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, August 3, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Public Service Enterprise Group's second quarter earnings report. Earnings and Revenue: Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS of 55 cents...

The Empire District Electric Company (NYSE: EDE) announces Mr. Greg Knapp, vice president - finance and chief financial officer, will retire July 31, 2011. Mr. Knapp was elected vice president – finance and chief financial officer in 2002. He was previously general manager of finance for the...