$ES

HSBC initiated coverage on Eversource Energy (ES) with a Hold rating and $70 price target. The stock trades at $65.60, near its 52-week low. HSBC expects 7% rate base growth and 6% EPS growth from 2026 to 2030, driven by electrification and modernization. ES's dividend yield is 4.8%, with a 2026 estimate of 5%. Q2 2026 earnings missed estimates, but management cited internal expectations met. Moody’s upgraded its outlook to stable, and Mizuho raised its price target to $74.

FERC ordered New England electric utilities to refund $1.5B for excess profits from 2015-2024, with $150M allocated to New Hampshire. Utilities delayed refunds, now due by May 20, 2027. Governors urged swift action, and Massachusetts' governor requested refund details by Oct. 27. The dispute centers on regulated returns for transmission line investments.

Eversource Energy's (D/B/A) average price target was reduced from $72.36 to $71.82 by 11 analysts, with a range of $49 to $85. This implies an 11% upside from the Oct. 19 closing price. The consensus rating remains 'Hold' among 18 analysts, with 6 Buys, 9 Holds, and 3 Sells.

Edison International (EIX) and Eversource Energy (ES) both target 5-7% EPS growth through 2030. Edison's stock trades at 5.4x earnings, while Eversource's is at 14.3x. Edison reported Q2 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.54/share, up from $0.97 a year prior, and maintained its 2026 guidance. Edison has higher debt (204% of market value) and negative free cash flow ($389M), while Eversource has lower debt (121%) and positive free cash flow ($237M).

Eversource filed a lawsuit challenging a decision by Connecticut regulators to cut $500M from its storm cost reimbursement, including $400M in interest. The company claims regulators ignored state law and precedent, while officials argue Eversource delayed the process. PURA approved 90% of Eversource's $1B request but denied interest payments. The case impacts future storm cost recovery and customer bills.

Southern Company (SO) and Eversource Energy (ES) are compared for dividend investors. Eversource offers a higher yield (5.0%) and faster dividend growth (5.8% annually) than Southern (3.7% yield, 3.0% growth). Southern's earnings are rising due to data center demand, while Eversource faces regulatory challenges. Analysts expect Eversource's EPS to dip in 2026 but grow again afterward. Southern has lower debt and a longer dividend history.

Goldman Sachs reduced its price target for Eversource Energy from $82 to $80. The company's stock is currently trading at $66.67, with a 5-day change of -0.98%. The adjustment reflects changes in valuation and earnings per share revisions.

Goldman Sachs adjusted utility sector estimates, lowering its baseline multiple by 0.5x due to higher interest rates. It expects 20% total return to updated price targets. The firm anticipates Q3 updates from Xcel Energy, American Electric Power, Ameren, and WEC Energy Group, with potential EPS growth outlook raises. Sempra Energy is seen outperforming consensus, while Eversource Energy may underperform.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey urged National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil to issue early refunds to customers for excessive transmission rates. The refunds, legally due in late spring, were demanded in a letter sent to the utility companies.

Gov. Maura Healey urged federal regulators to expedite review of Enbridge's Algonquin Gas Transmission Pipeline expansion project. The upgrades, estimated to finish in 2028, aim to reduce bottlenecks and save Eversource customers $40M annually by cutting reliance on imported LNG. The project includes replacing 8 miles of pipeline and upgrading a compressor station. Healey's letter to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlights the project's potential to lower energy costs in the region.