Shares of ABM Industries Incorporated (ABM - Free Report) have gained 31.4% so far this past year, much ahead of 1.1% growth of the industry it belongs to.
Let’s delve into factors that have contributed to the company’s outperformance.
Consecutive Earnings Beat
ABM Industries came up with better-than-expected earnings performance in five of the past six quarters. The company’s bottom line continued to benefit from higher margin improvement in Work Orders and persistent management of direct labor to align with the operating environment. Continuous operational investments in the company’s EnhancedClean program and re-engaged corporate projects within certain areas like information technology (which were previously paused due to the pandemic) have also been aiding the bottom line.
Fiscal 2021 Guidance
For fiscal 2021, ABM Industries raised its guidance for adjusted income from continuing operations to the range of $3.30 to $3.50 per share from the prior guidance of $3.00-$3.25. The Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.42 lies within the updated guidance.
Shareholder-Friendly Moves
ABM Industries paid out dividends of $49.3 million in fiscal 2020 and $47.7 million in fiscal 2019. The company also returned $5.1 million through share buybacks in fiscal 2020. Such shareholder-friendly moves indicate the company’s commitment to create value for shareholders and also underline its confidence in its business. These initiatives not only instill investors’ confidence, but also positively impact the company's earnings per share.
Strategic Acquisitions Bode Well
ABM Industries' strategy entails growth through strategic acquisitions while maintaining desirable profit margins. The acquisition of GCA Services Group has expanded the company’s long-term operational and financial positions. The GCA integration has been completed and is making meaningful contributions to ABM Industries' overall operational results, predominantly within the Technology & Manufacturing, Business & Industry, and Education segments. Recently, the company has inked a deal to acquire a facilities services company, Able Services, for $830 million in cash. Subject to approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Act and other closing conditions, the deal is anticipated to complete by September end. The latest deal is expected to boost ABM Industries' adjusted earnings per share along with its engineering and technical services' revenues.
Zacks Rank and Other Stocks to Consider
ABM Industries currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Some similarly ranked stocks in the broader Zacks Business Services sector are Equifax (EFX - Free Report) , BGSF Inc. (BGSF - Free Report) and Avis Budget (CAR - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) as well.
The long-term expected earnings per share (three to five years) growth rate for Equifax, BGSF and Avis Budget is 15.2%, 20% and 57.2%, respectively.
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Shares of ABM Industries Incorporated (ABM - Free Report) have gained 31.4% so far this past year, much ahead of 1.1% growth of the industry it belongs to.
Let’s delve into factors that have contributed to the company’s outperformance.
Consecutive Earnings Beat
ABM Industries came up with better-than-expected earnings performance in five of the past six quarters. The company’s bottom line continued to benefit from higher margin improvement in Work Orders and persistent management of direct labor to align with the operating environment. Continuous operational investments in the company’s EnhancedClean program and re-engaged corporate projects within certain areas like information technology (which were previously paused due to the pandemic) have also been aiding the bottom line.
Fiscal 2021 Guidance
For fiscal 2021, ABM Industries raised its guidance for adjusted income from continuing operations to the range of $3.30 to $3.50 per share from the prior guidance of $3.00-$3.25. The Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.42 lies within the updated guidance.
Shareholder-Friendly Moves
ABM Industries paid out dividends of $49.3 million in fiscal 2020 and $47.7 million in fiscal 2019. The company also returned $5.1 million through share buybacks in fiscal 2020. Such shareholder-friendly moves indicate the company’s commitment to create value for shareholders and also underline its confidence in its business. These initiatives not only instill investors’ confidence, but also positively impact the company's earnings per share.
Strategic Acquisitions Bode Well
ABM Industries' strategy entails growth through strategic acquisitions while maintaining desirable profit margins. The acquisition of GCA Services Group has expanded the company’s long-term operational and financial positions. The GCA integration has been completed and is making meaningful contributions to ABM Industries' overall operational results, predominantly within the Technology & Manufacturing, Business & Industry, and Education segments. Recently, the company has inked a deal to acquire a facilities services company, Able Services, for $830 million in cash. Subject to approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Act and other closing conditions, the deal is anticipated to complete by September end. The latest deal is expected to boost ABM Industries' adjusted earnings per share along with its engineering and technical services' revenues.
Zacks Rank and Other Stocks to Consider
ABM Industries currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Some similarly ranked stocks in the broader Zacks Business Services sector are Equifax (EFX - Free Report) , BGSF Inc. (BGSF - Free Report) and Avis Budget (CAR - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) as well.
The long-term expected earnings per share (three to five years) growth rate for Equifax, BGSF and Avis Budget is 15.2%, 20% and 57.2%, respectively.
Buy 5 Stocks BEFORE Election Day
Biden or Trump? Zacks is releasing a FREE Special Report, Profit from the 2024 Presidential Election (no matter who wins).
Since 1950, presidential election years have been strong for the market. This report names 5 timely stocks to ride the wave of electoral excitement.
They include a medical manufacturer that gained +11,000% in the last 15 years… a rental company absolutely crushing its sector… an energy powerhouse planning to grow its already large dividend by 25%... an aerospace and defense standout that just landed a potentially $80 billion contract… and a giant chipmaker building huge plants in the U.S.
Don’t Wait. Download FREE >>
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