ATS Co. (TSE:ATS) Given Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” by Brokerages

ATS Co. (TSE:ATS) has been given an average recommendation of “Moderate Buy” by the eight analysts that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is C$42.25.

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Desjardins lowered their price target on shares of ATS from C$52.00 to C$46.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their target price on ATS from C$50.00 to C$41.00 in a research report on Monday. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on ATS from C$52.00 to C$44.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 7th. Scotiabank raised their price objective on shares of ATS from C$48.00 to C$51.00 and gave the company a “sector outperform” rating in a report on Tuesday, April 28th. Finally, Raymond James Financial cut their target price on shares of ATS from C$46.00 to C$33.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 7th.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Giuseppe (Joe) Tassone sold 4,842 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$41.55, for a total value of C$201,185.10. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 7,026 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately C$291,930.30. This represents a 40.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Also, insider Miroslav Kafedzhiev acquired 4,737 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 7th. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$39.12 per share, for a total transaction of C$185,311.44. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider owned 4,737 shares of the company’s stock, valued at C$185,311.44. This trade represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. Insiders have purchased a total of 7,311 shares of company stock valued at $358,222 over the last quarter. 0.97% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

ATS Trading Up 3.1%

Shares of ATS stock opened at C$28.35 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of C$2.75 billion, a PE ratio of 59.06 and a beta of 1.20. The firm’s 50 day moving average is C$37.98 and its 200 day moving average is C$41.04. ATS has a 1 year low of C$27.36 and a 1 year high of C$49.48.

ATS (TSE:ATS) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 6th. The company reported C$0.35 EPS for the quarter. ATS had a net margin of 1.61% and a return on equity of 2.66%. The business had revenue of C$698.30 million during the quarter.

Key Stories Impacting ATS

Here are the key news stories impacting ATS this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Even after the reductions, TD’s C$33 target and RBC’s C$41 target remain above the recently cited C$27.51 share price, implying analysts still see potential recovery if operating performance improves.
• Neutral Sentiment: RBC lowered its target to C$41 from C$50, while Raymond James, National Bank Financial, Desjardins and Stifel Nicolaus reduced their targets to C$33, C$42, C$46 and C$44, respectively. The broad-based revisions suggest analysts are recalibrating valuation rather than abandoning the stock. Raymond James Cuts ATS Price Target National Bank Financial Cuts ATS Price Target
• Negative Sentiment: The combination of multiple price-target cuts and TD’s rating downgrade is weighing on sentiment. ATS shares are trading well below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages and near their 52-week low, indicating persistent investor concern about growth, profitability and valuation. BayStreet analyst ratings
• Neutral Sentiment: An article about India’s “UP ATS” pursuing a counterfeit-currency suspect concerns a law-enforcement unit and is unrelated to ATS Co. (TSX: ATS); it should not affect the company’s shares. UP ATS counterfeit currency article

About ATS

ATS Corp formerly, ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc is a Canada-based company that provides automation systems. The company designs and builds customized automated manufacturing and testing systems for customers, and provides pre- and post-automation services. The company’s products comprise conveyor systems, automated electrified monorails, tray handlers, laser systems, and other hardware and software products. The company also provides pre-automation solutions, including strategic direction and planning services, as well as aftermarket support.