Value Investment Memo: FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE)

Company Overview

  • Ticker: FE
  • Current Price (July 14, 2025): ~$40.36 — FinanceCharts :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • Market Cap: ~$23.3 billion; EV ≈ $49.2 billion
  • Industry: Regulated Electric Utilities

Investment Thesis

FirstEnergy is a large regulated utility serving approximately 6 million customers across the U.S. Its earnings are backed by regulated rate bases and supported by the “Energize365” grid modernization plan, under which management plans to invest about $28 billion over five years (investors.firstenergycorp.com) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Analysts forecast mid-single‑digit EPS growth (6–8% CAGR) through 2029, in line with recent results and guidance.

Business Model & Infrastructure Plan

  • Revenue from regulated distribution, transmission, and generation operations
  • Rate base expansion driven by $28 billion infrastructure program over five years (investors.firstenergycorp.com) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Current dividend yield of ~4.4%

Financial Performance & Outlook

  • Q1 2025 GAAP EPS: $0.62 (+41% YoY); Core EPS: $0.67 (+37%) (investors.firstenergycorp.com) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • 2025 guidance: Core EPS $2.40–2.60; 6–8% annual growth through 2029 (investors.firstenergycorp.com) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Third‑party estimates: 2025 EPS ~$2.53; 2026 ~$2.76; 2027 ~$3.00 (+17% CAGR) — WallStreetZen :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Valuation & Forward PEG

MetricValue / Estimate
Forward P/E~15.8× — Yahoo Finance
EPS Growth Rate (2025–27)~16.9% CAGR
Forward PEG~0.93
Industry Benchmark (Utilities)~1.5×+; FE below average

Analyst Coverage & Sentiment

  • Consensus Rating: Neutral to Moderate Buy; 6 Buys, 8 Holds, 0 Sells — MarketBeat
  • Price Target Range: $44.83–$46.15 — StockAnalysis, TipRanks
  • Alternative Estimates: $45.85 average; $42.40–$50.40 — Fintel

Dividend Profile & Yield

  • Current Yield: ~4.4%
  • Payout Ratio: ~100% of earnings; supported by regulated cash flows
  • Stability: Dividends supported by regulated rates and free cash flow generation

Risk Factors

RiskMitigation
Regulatory shiftsDiversified rate base and transmission footprint
Rising interest ratesRate base valuations moderate sensitivity
Infrastructure executionBacked by multi‑year capital programs
Severe weather eventsInsurance coverage and cost recovery mechanisms

Short Interest & Float Dynamics

  • Float: ~575 M shares — GuruFocus
  • Short Interest: ~20 M shares (~3.5% of float) — Fintel
  • Days to Cover: ~4.2 days — Finviz

Valuation Considerations

Analysts’ target ranges imply potential price levels between $44.83 and $46.15, alongside a dividend yield near 4.4%. The forward PEG of approximately 0.93 suggests valuation in line with projected earnings growth, consistent with utility-sector norms.

Summary

FirstEnergy provides regulated utility exposure with stable cash flows, a dividend yield around 4.4%, and projected mid-single-digit EPS growth. Regulatory frameworks and grid investments support earnings visibility, while infrastructure execution and rate-case risk warrant attention. This profile may suit allocations oriented toward income and capital preservation rather than high-growth objectives.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. The author is not a registered investment advisor. All opinions are the author’s own. Readers are encouraged to do their own research and consult with a licensed financial professional before making investment decisions.

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