KeyBanc Capital Markets has adjusted its outlook on FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: NYSE:FE), increasing the price target to $48 from $47 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock.
The firm's analyst highlighted FirstEnergy as a preferred value name in the sector, noting that the company is trading at an undeserved discount compared to its peers.
The analyst pointed out that concerns regarding Ohio's contribution to FirstEnergy's rate base, which is approximately 17% of the total, are exaggerated. The expectation is that investor focus will shift towards the company management's execution capabilities and the extensive $26 billion five-year capital plan.
This plan is anticipated to support a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% in the rate base and translate to an earnings per share (EPS) growth rate of 6-8%.
The capital plan's influence on FirstEnergy's growth prospects is significant, as it is expected to lead to a more favorable valuation of the company's stock. The analyst predicts that as a result of these growth factors, FirstEnergy's market valuation will realign more closely with that of its industry counterparts.
In other recent news, FirstEnergy Corp. has made notable strides in both its financial performance and renewable energy initiatives. The company reported a 9% increase in revenue and a 19% increase in operating earnings for the second quarter of 2024, reaching $0.56 per share.
FirstEnergy also secured a $5 million federal grant to enhance electric service reliability for over 3,000 customers in rural West Virginia. In terms of analyst ratings, Jefferies initiated coverage on FirstEnergy, assigning the stock a Hold rating, while Argus upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy.
FirstEnergy's subsidiaries, Mon Power and Potomac Edison, have expanded their solar footprint in West Virginia with the completion of a new 5.5-megawatt solar power facility. This move aligns with the company's larger plan to develop 200 megawatts of solar capacity over time.
The company also settled with the Securities and Exchange Commission, incorporating a $100 million civil penalty, and resolved all pending disputes with the Ohio Attorney General and the Summit County Prosecutor's Office.
FirstEnergy reaffirmed its 2024 operating earnings guidance of $2.61 to $2.81 per share and continues to make significant investments through the Energize365 capital investment program.
InvestingPro Insights
In line with KeyBanc's optimistic outlook on FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE), recent data from InvestingPro provides additional context to the company's financial position and market performance. FirstEnergy's market capitalization stands at $25.04 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the utility sector. The company's P/E ratio of 28.8 suggests that investors are willing to pay a premium for its earnings, possibly due to the anticipated growth highlighted in the analyst's report.
InvestingPro Tips indicate that FirstEnergy is trading at a low P/E ratio relative to its near-term earnings growth, which aligns with the analyst's view that the stock is undervalued compared to its peers. This is further supported by the company's PEG ratio of 0.31, indicating that the stock may be undervalued relative to its expected growth rate.
Additionally, FirstEnergy has maintained dividend payments for 27 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns that complements its growth strategy. The current dividend yield of 3.89% may be attractive to income-focused investors. The company's one-year price total return of 29.39% and YTD return of 23.13% suggest strong recent performance, consistent with the analyst's positive outlook.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 5 additional tips that could provide further insights into FirstEnergy's investment potential.
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