California Utilities EIX, PCG, And SRE Offer Strong Buy Opportunities Despite Past Wildfire Concerns, Says BofA Analyst
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BofA Securities analyst Ross Fowler reinstated the Buy rating on Edison International (NYSE:EIX), Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (NYSE:PCG) and Sempra (NYSE:SRE).
The analyst writes that the companies are trading at discounts due to past wildfire concerns. Despite higher customer rates and concerns over affordability, California’s mechanisms for managing wildfire risks are among the best in the country, and recent developments create a favorable entry point for investors, adds the analyst.
Last month, the Park fire, the largest wildfire currently burning in the U.S., ravaged over 426,000 acres in Northern California, particularly within Lassen National Forest.
The fire spread rapidly due to hot, dry conditions and dense vegetation. Due to the region's rugged terrain, firefighters face difficulties in managing the fire. This fire has become the fourth largest in California history and could surpass the third-largest Mendocino Complex fire.
EIX: The analyst reinstates the Buy rating with a $95 price target.
Fowler writes that the proposed settlement covering ~60% of wildfire liabilities could positively impact recovery from Woolsey fire expenses. The analyst adds that as an electric-only California utility, EIX is well-positioned to benefit from the state’s electrification policy.
The analyst expects project EPS of $4.97 (vs. consensus: $4.94) for 2024, $5.63 (same as consensus) for 2025, and $6.09 (street view: $5.99) for 2026.
PCG: Fowler reinstates the Buy rating with a price target of $24.
The analyst writes that management has effectively cleaned up the company post-emergence, and PCG is evolving into a more regulated utility.
Customer rates are high, but the analyst expects the company to resemble peers by 2026.
Projected EPS are $1.37 (vs. consensus: $1.36) for 2024, $1.50 (vs. consensus: $1.49) for 2025, and $1.62 (vs. street view of $1.61) for 2026.
SRE: Fowler reinstates the Buy rating with a price target of $94.
The analyst says that SRE’s performance is often overshadowed by LNG headlines, though the regulated utilities in California and Texas drive value.
Capital plans shift earnings toward regulated sectors, and future LNG projects offer equity sell-down opportunities, adds the analyst.
Fowler projects EPS of $4.80 (vs. cons.: $4.77) for 2024, $5.16 (vs. $5.15 street view) for 2025 and $5.67 (vs. analyst cons. of $5.53) for 2026.
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