Key statistics
Previous close$49.11
Open$49.47
Day high$49.88
Day low$48.43
52-week high$52.34
52-week low$40.50
Market cap28.07B
Volume2.66M
Average volume5.09M
P/E ratio18.67
Forward P/E—
EPS2.60
Dividend yield+3.71%
Market context
Why it moved
FirstEnergy (FE), a utility stock with defensive characteristics, edged higher as investors rotated out of semiconductor and AI-related tech stocks amid a broad tech sell-off, seeking refuge in dividend-paying, low-volatility utility names less exposed to AI infrastructure risks.
What is happening
Recent company-specific developments and publisher coverage.
July 17, 2026FirstEnergy closed modestly lower as the broader utilities sector retreated alongside a risk-off session, with the XLU utilities ETF declining notably on the day. Despite the pullback, analyst sentiment remained constructive: Barclays raised its price target on FirstEnergy to $55 from $53 while maintaining an Overweight rating, and Goldman Sachs reiterated its Buy rating — both citing the company's ongoing grid modernization investment thesis and potential valuation upside of roughly 7%. A recent Seeking Alpha analysis also flagged FE as cheap with growth potential, underpinned by low leverage and a strong regulated earnings base.-1.1708
July 15, 2026FirstEnergy gained amid a broader utility sector rally, outperforming peers as investors rotated into defensive names amid geopolitical uncertainty and a cooler-than-expected June CPI print. Analyst coverage highlighted the stock as potentially undervalued, with one estimate pegging fair value at $52.15 and a separate piece citing the company's $36B growth plan, data center tailwinds, and attractive valuation as reasons to buy. The grid investment narrative continues to build, with FirstEnergy's 15% CAGR in transmission rate base underpinning the bullish case even as regulatory overhang and capital intensity remain watchpoints.1.6519
July 14, 2026FirstEnergy shares closed modestly higher, outperforming the broader market as investors rotated into low-beta defensive utilities amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions that sent oil prices surging and equity markets broadly lower. The company was specifically highlighted among top defensive stock picks for the geopolitical environment, while recent analyst coverage pegs fair value at $52.15 — above current levels — citing a $28 billion infrastructure investment plan through 2029 and a 15% CAGR in transmission rate base as key earnings growth drivers. The XLU utilities ETF held relatively steady, underscoring the sector's safe-haven appeal in a volatile macro backdrop heading into earnings season.1.0643
July 10, 2026FirstEnergy edged higher, outperforming the utilities sector (XLU +0.8%) and the broader S&P 500 as investors look ahead to its Q2 2026 earnings report due July 29. Analysts expect core EPS of $0.56, up 7.7% year-over-year, buoyed by higher electricity rates and surging data center demand. The stock has gained 21.4% over the past 52 weeks, topping both the S&P 500 and XLU, with a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating and an average price target of $52.64—roughly 10% above current levels.0.6089
July 10, 2026FirstEnergy closed modestly lower as the broader utilities sector faced pressure, with XLU declining on the day amid a volatile macro backdrop driven by renewed U.S.-Iran military strikes and rising oil prices reigniting inflation concerns. Investor attention is turning toward FirstEnergy's Q2 2026 earnings, due July 29, where analysts expect adjusted Core EPS of $0.56 (+7.7% YoY), supported by data center power demand and grid modernization spending. Recent analyst activity has been constructive—UBS raised its price target to $53 from $51 on July 6, and Morgan Stanley maintained an Overweight rating with a $52 target, reflecting cautious optimism around FE's $36 billion 2026–2030 capital investment plan.-0.9771
July 9, 2026FirstEnergy edged lower amid a broad market risk-off session triggered by President Trump declaring the U.S.-Iran ceasefire 'over,' which sent oil prices surging and Treasury yields higher — headwinds for rate-sensitive utilities. Despite the macro pressure, company-specific momentum remains constructive: UBS recently raised its price target to $53 (from $51), Morgan Stanley maintained an Overweight with a $52 target, and analysts broadly hold a 'Moderate Buy' consensus ahead of Q2 2026 earnings due July 29. Investors are focused on FirstEnergy's $36 billion 2026–2030 capital plan and its Energize365 grid program, with AI data center power demand seen as a key long-term growth catalyst.-0.5993
July 8, 2026FirstEnergy closed higher as investors responded to a UBS price target increase to $53 from $51, reinforcing the cautiously optimistic analyst consensus ahead of Q2 2026 earnings due July 28. The utility's investment narrative is gaining traction around its $36 billion (2026–2030) capital plan and AI data center-driven electricity demand tied to its Energize365 grid program, with analysts projecting 7.5% EPS growth for full-year 2026. Shares outperformed the utilities sector ETF (XLU), which closed lower, and have gained 21.4% over the past 52 weeks—ahead of both the S&P 500 and XLU.1.4253
July 7, 2026FirstEnergy declined as the broader utilities sector (XLU -1.3%) underperformed in a market session where investors rotated into technology and financials. Against this sector headwind, UBS raised its price target on FirstEnergy to $53 from $51, adding to a constructive analyst backdrop that includes Morgan Stanley's Overweight rating with a $52 target. Investor focus is building around the company's AI data center demand narrative and its $28 billion Energize365 grid investment program, with Q2 2026 earnings scheduled for July 28. In after-hours trading, shares recovered modestly to ~$48.10.-1.6897
marketscreener.com · July 17, 2026Barclays Adjusts Price Target on FirstEnergy to $55 From $53, Maintains Overweight Rating↗TradingView · July 16, 2026Can FirstEnergy's Grid Investments Drive Long-Term Earnings Growth?↗The Dominion Post · July 16, 2026Proposed FirstEnergy gas-fired power plant draws universal opposition at public hearing↗Stock Titan · July 2, 2026FirstEnergy to discuss Q2 results on July 29 webcast↗WV News · June 23, 2026Public opposition dominates PSC hearing on FirstEnergy's proposed $2.48 billion Fort Martin gas plant↗ Mt Newswire · July 17, 2026Barclays Adjusts Price Target on FirstEnergy to $55 From $53, Maintains Overweight RatingMt Newswire · July 6, 2026UBS Adjusts Price Target on FirstEnergy to $53 From $51Mt Newswire · June 24, 2026Morgan Stanley Adjusts Price Target on FirstEnergy to $52 From $51, Maintains Overweight RatingMt Newswire · June 17, 2026FirstEnergy Appoints Daniel Puscas as Chief Information OfficerBenzinga · June 11, 2026UBS Maintains Neutral on FirstEnergy, Raises Price Target to $51Mt Newswire · June 11, 2026UBS Adjusts FirstEnergy Price Target to $51 From $50, Maintains Neutral RatingMt Newswire · June 8, 2026FirstEnergy Files $3 Billion Mixed ShelfBenzinga · June 1, 2026FirstEnergy Reaffirms 2026 Core EPS Guidance Of $2.62-$2.82/Share
