SCANA Corporation (SCG) reported financial results for its third quarter of 2009. Earnings per share came in at 84 cents, compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 77 cents and year-earlier earnings of 80 cents. Results for the quarter were significantly benefited by the resolution of a state tax issue, partially offset by lower electric and [...]

(SCG) SCANA Corporation Beats Earnings Estimates

We are initiating coverage on SCANA Corp. (SCG) with a Neutral recommendation and a target price of $36. Our rating stems from the early-stage nature of the company’s nuclear generation project and potential dilution risk coming from its plan to move equity from debt. However, potential for positive earnings momentum with modest growth is expected to [...]

(SCG) SCANA Corporation Coverage Initiated at Neutral

Fortunately my portfolio management methods don’t revolve around  frequent trading.  One of my kids came up to me recently and said, “What did you do today, Dad?”  I said, “I made one trade, and I did a bunch of research.”  He then asked, “How often do you trade?”  I answered, “That was my first trade in a week, and I haven’t traded much in the last two months, but that’s not normal.  There is no normal for me. When the market is really volatile, I trade a lot more, selling when stocks are rising, and buying when they are selling off.  When the market is relatively placid, I don’t do much.” He looked at me, kind of smiled, and moved on.  Information overload from Dad. Most people and investment managers trade too often.  They sell their winners too rapidly, and panic too soon on their losers.  Now, I’m not advocating “buy and forget,” or Buffett’s statement, “Our favorite holding period is forever.”[More...]

You may have heard that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to offer $18.5 billion in loan guarantees for the construction of more nuclear power plants. Not only would additional nuclear capacity reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it would also help private energy companies boost their market positions. Federal loan guarantees will reduce the cost [...]

The President, in his speech on Wednesday, outlined his plans for financial regulatory reform.  The raison d'etre of this effort, it would appear, is to prevent what just happened from happening again.  "Happened" might be a poor choice of words here as the world is still ...[More...]