Wunderlich Securities Sees Growth Potential and Valuation for ALLETE, Inc.

In a report published Thursday, Wunderlich Securities analyst James L. Dobson reiterated a Buy rating and $57.00 price target on

. In the report, Wunderlich Securities noted, "We continue to have a Buy rating on the shares of ALLETE (ALE). We had an opportunity to visit with the management team yesterday. Although the recent decline in taconite prices offers the risk of some decline in 4Q and 2016 industrial sales, new industrial customer growth continues to offer the prospect of higher industrial sales in 2016 and 2017. Further, potential wind projects and the associated earnings benefits for ALE in 2Q and 3Q could provide near-term catalysts for the stock. ALE continues to trade at a 4% discount to small- and midcap peers, despite above-average EPS growth prospects. Further, ALE's dividend growth could accelerate in 2016. With low customer rates, growing sales, above-average EPS growth prospects, and near-term catalysts, we maintain our Buy rating on ALE." ALLETE, Inc. closed on Wednesday at $52.96.