Actuant (ATU) Downgraded to Sell, Q3 EPS Guidance Trimmed

On Jun 12, Zacks Investment Research downgraded Actuant Corporation ATU to a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) from a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Going by the Zacks model, companies holding a Zacks Rank #4 have chances of performing weaker than the broader market over the upcoming quarters.

Over the last one month, Actuant's shares recorded a loss of 3.65%, as against 3.32% growth recorded by the Zacks categorized Machine-Tools & Related Products industry.

Inside Picture

Actuant recently (Jun 8, 2017) trimmed its earnings guidance for third-quarter fiscal 2017 (ended May 31, 2017). Quarterly earnings are now anticipated to lie within the 30–33 cents per share range, as against the previously estimated guidance of 38–43 cents per share. The company believes that poor upstream offshore demand, along with weak customer spending and maintenance activities within the Energy segment's businesses, would weigh over its profitability in the quarters ahead. Dismal pricing conditions in the energy market have been limiting investments made by energy companies, in turn hurting profitability of manufacturing and industrial companies like Actuant.

Moreover, other headwinds such as stiff industry rivalry or a stronger U.S. dollar might also depress top- and bottom-line performances in the upcoming quarters.

Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock moved down 7.1% to $1.04 for fiscal 2017 and 2.3% to $1.27 for fiscal 2018. The downside reflects negative market sentiments toward the stock.

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks in the industry are listed below:

Caterpillar Inc. CAT delivered a positive average earnings surprise of 40.25% over the trailing four quarters and currently boasts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. AIT, which sports a Zacks Rank #1 at present, pulled off an average positive earnings surprise of 9.78% over the last four quarters.

Acco Brands Corporation ACCO currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and has an average positive earnings surprise of 79.74% for the past four quarters.

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