Evergy(US:EVRG) ZACKSยท2024-09-20 15:41Core Viewpoint - Evergy, Inc. (EVRG) is positioned as a solid investment option in the Utility sector due to its strategic capital investments aimed at expanding operations, strengthening infrastructure, and improving reliability [1] Growth Projections & Surprise History - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EVRG's 2024 earnings per share (EPS) is $3.85, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 8.8% [2] - The consensus estimate for 2024 sales is $5.65 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 2.5% [2] - EVRG's long-term earnings growth rate is projected at 5.8% over the next three to five years [2] Dividend Yield - Evergy has a current dividend yield of 4.21%, surpassing the industry average of 3.32% [3] - The company aims for a dividend payout ratio in the range of 60-70% per year [3] Debt Position - Evergy's total debt to capital ratio stands at 59.12%, which is below the industry average of 60.5% [4] - The time-to-interest earned ratio was 2.4 at the end of the second quarter, indicating the company's capability to meet future interest obligations [4] Systemic Investments - Evergy plans to invest nearly $12.5 billion in capital by 2028, focusing on transmission, distribution, infrastructure upgrades, and customer-facing platforms [5] - The capital expenditures align with the new Integrated Resource Plan, targeting net-zero emissions by 2045 and a 70% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 [5] Stock Price Performance - EVRG shares have increased by 17.2% over the past three months, outperforming the industry's growth of 11.5% [6]