BofA Securities has initiated coverage on Portland General Electric Company (NYSE: NYSE:POR) with an Underperform rating and a price target of $47.00.
The firm's analysis suggests that the current earnings per share (EPS) outlook for the Oregon-based regulated utility warrants a larger discount.
The underperformance expectation is driven by several factors including below-average growth prospects and above-average risks.
The risks outlined by the firm include large equity needs, uncertainty surrounding the current request for proposal (RFP) process, potential volatility in power costs, and the risk associated with wildfires. These factors contribute to the embedded earnings volatility for Portland General Electric (NYSE:GE).
BofA Securities projects the EPS for the fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 to be $3.07, $3.20, and $3.30 respectively. These figures are slightly below the consensus estimates of $3.08, $3.24, and $3.39 for the same periods.
The price target of $47.00 represents a 2% price downside and a 2% total return for shareholders.
The price target is based on the estimated 2026 EPS, utilizing a base price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 15.8x, which is common among electric utility peers.
In other recent news, Portland General Electric has reported a considerable increase in its second-quarter earnings, with earnings per share (EPS) of $0.69, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.65. This positive outcome was attributed to higher demand from industrial customers. Additionally, the company announced an expansion of its equity at-the-market (ATM) offering facility from $300 million to $400 million.
The company has also entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding an investigation into its energy trading losses. Mizuho Securities adjusted its stock price target for Portland General Electric, raising it to $46 from the previous $45, while maintaining a neutral stance on the stock.
On the downside, Moody's (NYSE:MCO) revised Portland General Electric's outlook to negative, despite affirming their credit ratings. In terms of renewable energy, the company is progressing with strategic initiatives such as the North Plains Connector project in partnership with Grid United and ALLETE.
InvestingPro Insights
As we consider the analysis provided by BofA Securities on Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR), InvestingPro data and tips offer additional context that may be valuable for investors. Notably, the company is trading at a P/E ratio of 16.46, which is relatively low when considering its near-term earnings growth, as highlighted by an InvestingPro Tip indicating a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth. This could suggest that the stock is undervalued if the company can maintain its earnings trajectory.
InvestingPro data also reveals a robust revenue growth of 13.73% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, which may contrast with BofA Securities' view of below-average growth prospects. Moreover, the company's commitment to shareholder returns is evident, with a dividend yield of 4.18% and a history of raising its dividend for 18 consecutive years, an impressive streak that is rare for many companies and serves as another InvestingPro Tip.
While the risks noted by BofA Securities are important considerations, it is also worth noting that Portland General Electric has been profitable over the last twelve months, and analysts predict the company will be profitable this year. This aligns with the broader trend of the company's stock trading near its 52-week high, at 97.08% of this peak, suggesting market confidence in the firm's stability and future prospects.
Overall, the InvestingPro platform lists numerous additional tips for Portland General Electric, providing a deeper dive into the company's financial health and market position. For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, these tips can be accessed through the InvestingPro platform.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.