Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Total S.A. (TOT) Hits 52-Week High on Steady Performance

Read MoreHide Full Article

TOTAL S.A. , an integrated oil and gas company has hit a new 52-week high of $54.34 during May 19 trading session before closing a tad lower at $53.97. The stock has delivered a one-year return of about 19.5% compared with the Zacks categorized Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry’s gain of 12.3%.

Over the past 52 weeks, TOTAL’s share price has ranged from a low of $44.06 to a high of $54.34. Average volume of shares traded over the last three months is approximately 2.38 million.

Factors behind the Gain

TOTAL’s shares have been on the rise following its strong first-quarter 2017 results that were declared on Apr 27.  The company posted earnings per share of $1.01, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 95 cents by 6.3%. Reported earnings were also up by 49% year over year.

TOTAL has been a consistent performer, having delivered positive earnings surprises in three out of last four quarters with an average surprise of 7.37%. The long-term earnings growth of the company is presently pegged at 8%.

Furthermore, TOTAL expects to improve its top-line production by 4% in 2017, owing to new projects that are lined up to start during the year. Its long-term outlook is to increase production by an average of 5% per year between 2014 and 2020.

The company is geared to achieve its targeted production growth on the back of 12 major start-ups lined up in 2017-18 time-period.

Going forward, the company will benefit from upstream startups and cost management initiatives. Contribution from acquired assets and non-core asset divestures are also expected to strengthen its existing portfolio.

TOTAL’s focus to lower debts and reduce its capital cost will boost the company’s performance.

TotalFinaElf, S.A. Price and Consensus

Other Stocks to Consider

TOTAL currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors can consider better-ranked stocks from the Oil & Energy sector carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Ocean Rig UDW Inc. posted first-quarter 2017 earnings from continuing operations of 48 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 33 cents per share by 45.45%. The company’s 2017 estimates have increased by 24 cents per share to 34 cents per share in the last 30 days.

RPC, Inc. (RES - Free Report) posted first-quarter 2017 earnings from operations of 1 cent per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate of stood at a loss of13 cents per share. The company’s 2017 estimates have increased by 39 cents per share to 58 cents per share in the last 90 days.

W&T Offshore, Inc. (WTI - Free Report) posted first-quarter 2017 earnings from operations of 16 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 9 cents per share by 77.78%. The company’s 2017 estimates have increased by 3 cents per share to 64 cents per share in the last 60 days.

Zacks' 2017 IPO Watch List

Before looking into the stocks mentioned above, you may want to get a head start on potential tech IPOs that are popping up on Zacks' radar. Imagine being in the first wave of investors to jump on a company with almost unlimited growth potential? This Special Report gives you the current scoop on 5 that may go public at any time.

One has driven from 0 to a $68 billion valuation in 8 years. Four others a re a little less obvious but already show jaw-dropping growth.

Download this IPO Watch List today for free >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


W&T Offshore, Inc. (WTI) - free report >>

RPC, Inc. (RES) - free report >>

Published in