-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:
FirstEnergy delivered strong Q1 results with core EPS of $0.72, in line with consensus, and 7.5% EPS growth driven by formula rate investment returns. Revenue increased 10.5% to $4.2B with meaningful ROE improvement to 9.8%, supported by $1.4B in capital deployments (up 33%). Earnings growth was broad-based across segments, with Distribution leading at $0.03 per share contribution from higher rates and disciplined expense management, while transmission segments benefited from robust rate base expansion of 11-19%. Management reaffirmed 2026 core EPS guidance of $2.62-$2.82 and long-term growth targets near the top of the 6-8% CAGR range through 2030. The $36B Energize365 capital plan for 2026-2030 represents a 30% increase over the previous program and should drive ~10% compounded annual rate base growth. Customer demand showed modest improvement with weather-adjusted sales up 0.5%, while 90% of investment increases were in formula rate programs providing regulatory certainty.