Just Energy Group Inc. (TO:JE) reported adjusted loss of 84 cents per share in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, wider than both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 17 cents and the prior-year quarter loss of 47 cents.
Total Revenue
Just Energy reported net sales of $738.9 million (C$992.8 million) in the fiscal second quarter, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $870 million by 15.1%. Quarterly revenues were also down 8.7% from (C$1,087.3 million) on a year-over-year basis.
Highlights of the Release
Administrative expenses increased 15.9% from $29.9 million (C$40.3 million) to $34.8 million (C$46.7 million).
Gross margin improved 9.8% to $136.6 million (C$183.5 million) primarily on the back of continued margin improvement efforts and strong contribution from the U.S. markets.
Base EBITDA grew 24.5% to $42.3 million (C$56.9 million) from the year-ago tally of $34 million (C$45.7 million).
JUST ENERGY GRP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Financial Screening
As of Sep 30, 2016, Just Energy had cash and cash equivalents of $88.4 million (C$118.8 million), compared with $95 million (C$127.6 million) as of Mar 31, 2016.
Total debt as of Sep 30, 2016 was $479.3 million(C$644 million), down from $491.6 million (C$660.5 million) as of Mar 31, 2016.
Guidance
Just Energy reiterated its fiscal 2017 base EBITDA guidance of $166–$173.4 million (C$223–C$233 million).
Peer Releases
ONE Gas, Inc.’s (NYSE:OGS) third-quarter earnings of 24 cents per share outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 19 cents by 26.3%.
ONEOK Inc. (NYSE:OKE) reported third-quarter 2016 operating earnings of 44 cents per share, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 43 cents by 2.3%.
MDU Resources Group Inc. (NYSE:MDU) reported third-quarter 2016 operating earnings of 45 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 43 cents by 4.7%.
Zacks Rank
Just Energy Group carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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ONEOK INC (OKE): Free Stock Analysis Report
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ONE GAS INC (OGS): Free Stock Analysis Report
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