FirstEnergy Corp., through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, and distributes electricity in the United States. It operates through Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments. The company owns and operates coal-fired, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and solar power generating facilities. It operates 24,080 circuit miles of overhead and underground transmission lines; and electric distribution systems, including 274,518 miles of overhead pole line and underground conduit carrying primary, secondary, and street lighting circuits. The company serves approximately 6 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. FirstEnergy Corp. was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Akron, Ohio.

FirstEnergy Corp.

FirstEnergy Corp. FE is focusing on strengthening its infrastructure through upgrades to its transmission and distribution networks. At the same time, the company is pursuing grid modernization with a structured, long-term capital investment plan to effectively serve the needs of its growing customer base.
The company’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is projected at 6.46%.
Tailwinds
FirstEnergy successfully expanded its regulated activities and underwent a complete transition to become a fully regulated utility company in the past few years. This positions the company to capitalize on accelerating AI-driven data center expansion, both within its service territory and across the broader region.
FirstEnergy is strengthening its transmission and renewable generation assets to ensure reliable power delivery during adverse weather conditions while providing emission-free electricity to customers. The company is also focused on grid modernization technologies to reduce outage frequency.
FirstEnergy’s ‘Energize365’ is a multi-year grid evolution platform that serves as a significant tailwind, focusing on enhancing the customer experience and service reliability while maintaining its strong affordability position, with rates at or below those of in-state peers. The company plans a strategic, long-term capital investment of $28 billion during 2025–2029 to install advanced equipment and technologies to modernize its transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Headwinds
FirstEnergy’s financial results are exposed to demand volatility, which comes from its service territory’s climate. The company’s revenue stream is cyclical in nature, experiencing peak load during the summer and winter months. Conversely, extended periods of mild weather significantly reduce residential and commercial consumption, creating periods of low demand that directly affect the company’s financial performance.
Price Performance
Over the past six months, FE shares have risen 11.4%, which beat the industry’s growth of 7.5%.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider
FE currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the same industry are The AES Corporation AES, Dominion Energy, Inc. D and NextEra Energy, Inc. NEE, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
AES, D and NEE have delivered an average earnings surprise of 14.68%, 12.72% and 4.39%, respectively, over the past four quarters.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AES, D, and NEE’s 2025 EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 1.87%, 22.74% and 7.58%, respectively.
Zacks Naming Top 10 Stocks for 2026
Want to be tipped off early to our 10 top picks for the entirety of 2026? History suggests their performance could be sensational.
From 2012 (when our Director of Research Sheraz Mian assumed responsibility for the portfolio) through November, 2025, the Zacks Top 10 Stocks gained +2,530.8%, more than QUADRUPLING the S&P 500’s +570.3%.
Now Sheraz is combing through 4,400 companies to handpick the best 10 tickers to buy and hold in 2026. Don’t miss your chance to get in on these stocks when they’re released on January 5.
Be First to New Top 10 Stocks >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

FE to Benefit From Infrastructure Upgradation & Grid Modernization

The Board of Directors of American Express declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.82 per common share, payable on February 10, 2026, to shareholders of record on January 2, 2026.
The Board of Directors of FirstEnergy today declared a quarterly dividend of 44.5 cents per share of outstanding common stock payable March 1, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 6, 2026.
Franklin Resources announced a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.33 per share payable on January 9, 2026 to stockholders of record holding shares of common stock at the close of business on December 30, 2025. The quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share represents a 3.1% increase over the dividends paid for the prior quarter and the same quarter last year. The Company has raised its dividend every year since 1981.
Mid-America Apartment Communities, today announced that its board of directors approved a quarterly dividend payment of $1.53 per share of common stock to be paid on January 30, 2026, to shareholders of record on January 15, 2026. The increase will raise the annualized dividend payment to $6.12 per share of common stock representing compounded growth of 8.3% over five years. This is the 16th consecutive year MAA has increased its dividend to shareholders.
TE Connectivity announced today that its board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.71 per ordinary share, payable on March 13, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2026.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Daily Dividend Report: AXP,FE,BEN,MAA,TEL

Fintel reports that on December 17, 2025, UBS maintained coverage of FirstEnergy (NYSE:FE) with a Neutral recommendation.
Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 13.76% Upside
As of December 6, 2025, the average one-year price target for FirstEnergy is $50.61/share. The forecasts range from a low of $44.87 to a high of $56.70. The average price target represents an increase of 13.76% from its latest reported closing price of $44.49 / share.
See our leaderboard of companies with the largest price target upside.
The projected annual revenue for FirstEnergy is 12,466MM, a decrease of 12.72%. The projected annual non-GAAP EPS is 2.84.
What is the Fund Sentiment?
There are 1,526 funds or institutions reporting positions in FirstEnergy. This is an increase of 1 owner(s) or 0.07% in the last quarter. Average portfolio weight of all funds dedicated to FE is 0.17%, an increase of 7.83%. Total shares owned by institutions increased in the last three months by 2.25% to 635,912K shares. The put/call ratio of FE is 0.73, indicating a bullish outlook.
What are Other Shareholders Doing?
Capital World Investors holds 78,328K shares representing 13.56% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 78,023K shares , representing an increase of 0.39%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in FE by 7.37% over the last quarter.
Blackstone Group holds 28,832K shares representing 4.99% ownership of the company. No change in the last quarter.
AMECX - INCOME FUND OF AMERICA holds 23,663K shares representing 4.10% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 22,118K shares , representing an increase of 6.53%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in FE by 1.50% over the last quarter.
AWSHX - WASHINGTON MUTUAL INVESTORS FUND holds 21,234K shares representing 3.68% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 19,709K shares , representing an increase of 7.18%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in FE by 1.85% over the last quarter.
ANCFX - AMERICAN FUNDS FUNDAMENTAL INVESTORS holds 20,879K shares representing 3.61% ownership of the company. No change in the last quarter.
Fintel is one of the most comprehensive investing research platforms available to individual investors, traders, financial advisors, and small hedge funds.
Our data covers the world, and includes fundamentals, analyst reports, ownership data and fund sentiment, options sentiment, insider trading, options flow, unusual options trades, and much more. Additionally, our exclusive stock picks are powered by advanced, backtested quantitative models for improved profits.
This story originally appeared on Fintel.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

UBS Maintains FirstEnergy (FE) Neutral Recommendation

Looking at the universe of stocks we cover at Dividend Channel, in trading on Monday, shares of FirstEnergy Corp (Symbol: FE) were yielding above the 4% mark based on its quarterly dividend (annualized to $1.56), with the stock changing hands as low as $38.78 on the day. Dividends are particularly important for investors to consider, because historically speaking dividends have provided a considerable share of the stock market's total return. To illustrate, suppose for example you purchased shares of the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) back on 12/31/1999 — you would have paid $146.88 per share. Fast forward to 12/31/2012 and each share was worth $142.41 on that date, a decrease of $4.67/share over all those years. But now consider that you collected a whopping $25.98 per share in dividends over the same period, for a positive total return of 23.36%. Even with dividends reinvested, that only amounts to an average annual total return of about 1.6%; so by comparison collecting a yield above 4% would appear considerably attractive if that yield is sustainable. FirstEnergy Corp (Symbol: FE) is an S&P 500 company, giving it special status as one of the large-cap companies making up the S&P 500 Index.
In general, dividend amounts are not always predictable and tend to follow the ups and downs of profitability at each company. In the case of FirstEnergy Corp, looking at the history chart for FE below can help in judging whether the most recent dividend is likely to continue, and in turn whether it is a reasonable expectation to expect a 4% annual yield.
Click here to find out which 9 other dividend stocks just recently went on sale »
Also see:
High Yield Stocks
Funds Holding XKFF
Top Ten Hedge Funds Holding BGIO
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

FE Crosses Above 4% Yield Territory

OGE Energy Corp. OGE focuses on consistent investments in infrastructure upgrades to better serve its customers. The company is also steadily expanding its renewable generation assets. Given its strong growth prospects, OGE makes for a solid investment option in the Zacks Utility Electric Power industry.
Let us focus on the reasons that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock a strong investment pick at the moment.
OGE’s Growth Outlook & Surprise History
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share is pegged at $2.28, which indicates year-over-year growth of 4.1%.
The consensus estimate for 2025 sales is $3.28 billion, which indicates year-over-year growth of 9.8%.
OGE’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 7%.
The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 10.45% in the last four quarters. It beat the estimates in two quarters and missed the estimates in two quarters.
OGE’s Return on Equity
Return on equity (ROE) indicates how efficiently a company has been utilizing its funds to generate higher returns. Currently, OGE’s ROE is 10.77% compared with its industry’s average of 9.9%. This indicates that the company has been utilizing its funds more constructively than its peers in the industry.
OGE’s Return to Shareholders
OGE Energy has been increasing shareholder value by steadily paying dividends. Currently, the company’s dividend yield is 3.95%, better than the industry's average of 3.22%.
OGE’s Infrastructure Investments & Renewable Focus
OGE Energy is undertaking substantial infrastructure investments to enhance customer service efficiency. Between 2025 and 2029, the company aims to invest $6.50 billion, with a focus on strengthening the safety, resiliency and reliability of its transmission and distribution grids, along with its generation fleet.
OGE Energy continues to make steady investments in expanding its renewable generation assets. As of December 2024, the company owned the 120-megawatt (MW) Centennial, 101 MW OU Spirit and 228 MW Crossroads wind farms, along with six solar sites across Oklahoma and one in Arkansas. It also plans to add more renewable resources with zero greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts are expected to strengthen OGE Energy’s renewable energy portfolio while supporting revenue growth from its renewable assets.
OGE Stock Price Performance
In the past year, OGE shares have risen 2.8% compared with the industry’s growth of 20.2%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Other Stocks to Consider
A few other top-ranked stocks from the same industry are PG&E Corp. PCG, FirstEnergy FE and Ameren AEE, each carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
PCG delivered an average earnings surprise of 0.47% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PCG’s 2025 sales is pinned at $26.06 billion, which indicates year-over-year growth of 6.7%.
FE delivered an average earnings surprise of 5.15% in the last four quarters. The consensus estimate for FE’s 2025 sales is pinned at $14.40 billion, which indicates year-over-year growth of 6.9%.
Ameren delivered an average earnings surprise of 0.22% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEE’s 2025 sales is pinned at $8.97 billion, which indicates year-over-year growth of 17.7%.
5 Stocks Set to Double
Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include
Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience
Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip
Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market
Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth
Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring
Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%.
Download Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback free today.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Here's Why You Should Add OGE Stock to Your Portfolio Right Now

(RTTNews) - FirstEnergy Corp. (FE) said its subsidiary FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC, has launched an offer to exchange up to $450 million of its outstanding 4.750% senior notes due 2033 for an equal amount of new notes with the same terms.
The exchange offer launched to satisfy obligations under a prior registration rights agreement will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York time on January 7, 2026, unless extended.
Noteholders may withdraw tenders at any time before the offer expires.
On Friday, FirstEnergy closed trading 0.20% lesser at $45.14 on the New York Stock Exchange.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

FirstEnergy Launches $450 Mln Exchange Offer

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Edison International (EIX). Shares have added about 6.7% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Edison International due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Edison International before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
Edison International Q3 Earnings Top Estimates, Revenues Increase Y/Y
Edison International reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $2.34 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.16 by 8.3%. The bottom line also increased 55% from $1.51 in the year-ago quarter.
The company recorded GAAP earnings of $2.16 per share compared with $1.33 in the third quarter of 2024.
EIX’s Total Revenues
Edison International's third-quarter operating revenues totaled $5.75 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.61 billion by 2.6%. The top line also increased 10.6% from the year-ago quarter’s figure of $5.2 billion.
Operational Highlights of Edison International
During the third quarter of 2025, total operating expenses increased 2.7% year over year to $4.32 billion.
Purchased power and fuel costs decreased 10.4% year over year, while depreciation and amortization expenses rose 21.4% during the same time frame.
Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs decreased 15.6% in the quarter. Property and other taxes also declined 4.2%.
The operating income amounted to $1.43 billion compared with $0.99 billion in the prior-year period.
Segmental Results of EIX
Southern California Edison’s third-quarter adjusted earnings were $2.58 per share compared with $1.74 in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase was due to higher revenues from the 2025 GRC final decision.
Edison International Parent and Other incurred an adjusted loss of 24 cents per share compared with the year-ago quarter’s loss of 23 cents. This was due to higher interest expense.
Edison International’s Financial Update
As of Sept. 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents amounted to $364 million compared with $193 million as of Dec. 31, 2024.
The long-term debt was $34.48 billion as of Sept. 30, 2025, higher than the 2024-end level of $33.53 billion.
Net cash flow from operating activities during the first nine months of 2025 was $4.23 billion compared with $3.84 billion in the prior-year period.
Total capital expenditures were $4.62 billion as of Sept. 30, 2025, higher than $4.21 billion in the year-ago period.
EIX’s 2025 Guidance
The company has narrowed its 2025 earnings outlook. EIX expects to generate earnings in the range of $5.95-$6.20 per share compared with the previous guidance of $5.94-$6.34. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is currently pegged at $6.10 per share, which lies higher the midpoint of the company’s revised guided range.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates review.
The consensus estimate has shifted -22.06% due to these changes.
VGM Scores
Currently, Edison International has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with a D. However, the stock was allocated a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision indicates a downward shift. Notably, Edison International has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry Player
Edison International belongs to the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry. Another stock from the same industry, FirstEnergy (FE), has gained 3.4% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended September 2025.
FirstEnergy reported revenues of $4.15 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +11.2%. EPS of $0.83 for the same period compares with $0.85 a year ago.
For the current quarter, FirstEnergy is expected to post earnings of $0.59 per share, indicating a change of -11.9% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -2% over the last 30 days.
FirstEnergy has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of D.
Quantum Computing Stocks Set To Soar
Artificial intelligence has already reshaped the investment landscape, and its convergence with quantum computing could lead to the most significant wealth-building opportunities of our time.
Today, you have a chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this technological revolution. In our urgent special report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power, you'll discover the little-known stocks we believe will win the quantum computing race and deliver massive gains to early investors.
Access the Report Free Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Is Edison International (EIX) Up 6.7% Since Last Earnings Report?

FirstEnergy Corp. (FE) benefits from its extensive transmission and distribution operations. The company’s ongoing investments are expected to strengthen grid reliability and improve service efficiency for its customers. Considering its promising growth prospects, FE offers a robust investment opportunity in the Zacks Utility Electric Power industry.
Let us focus on the reasons that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock a solid investment pick at the moment.
FE’s Growth Outlook & Surprise History
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FE’s 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased 0.4% to $2.54 in the past 30 days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FE’s 2025 revenues stands at $14.4 billion, which indicates growth of 6.9% from the 2024 reported figure.
FE’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 6.46%. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 5.15% in the last four quarters.
FE’s Return on Equity
Return on equity (ROE) measures how effectively a company has used its funds to generate higher returns. FirstEnergy currently has an ROE of 11.15% compared to the industry’s average of 9.64%. This indicates that the company has been utilizing its funds more constructively than its peers in the industry.
FE’s Multi-Year Investment Priorities
FirstEnergy’s strategic investments are expected to enhance service efficiency for its six million customers. In the past several years, Regulated Distribution has achieved rate base growth driven by ongoing investments.
The company planned $28 billion in capital spending for 2025-2029, which will support the deployment of advanced equipment and technologies to modernize and reinforce its transmission and distribution infrastructure. FirstEnergy intends to continue increasing capital investments to further strengthen its operations.
FE’s Return to Shareholders
FirstEnergy has been enhancing shareholder value through consistent dividend payments. The company’s board of directors approved a revised dividend policy, raising the targeted payout ratio to 60-70%. Currently, its quarterly dividend is 44.5 cents per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $1.78. FE’s current dividend yield is 3.76%, better than the Zacks S&P 500 Composite's average of 1.49%.
FE’s Solvency
FE’s times interest earned ratio (TIE) at the end of the third quarter of 2025 was 2.6. The TIE ratio is an important indicator of a company’s financial stability, measuring its capacity to meet long-term debt obligations. The TIE ratio of more than 1 indicates that the company will be able to meet its interest payment obligations in the near term without any problems.
FE Stock Price Performance
In the past six months, FE shares have rallied 15% compared with the industry’s growth of 13.1%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Other Stocks to Consider
A few other top-ranked stocks from the same industry are Dominion Energy, Inc. (D), NiSource Inc. (NI) and Edison International (EIX), each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
D’s long-term earnings growth rate is 10.26%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2025 EPS stands at $3.40, which calls for a year-over-year rise of 22.7%.
NI’s long-term earnings growth rate is 7.93%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2025 EPS is pegged at $1.88, which suggests year-over-year growth of 7.4%.
EIX’s long-term earnings growth rate is 10.93%. The consensus estimate for its 2025 EPS is pegged at $6.10, which indicates a year-over-year jump of 22.7%.
Quantum Computing Stocks Set To Soar
Artificial intelligence has already reshaped the investment landscape, and its convergence with quantum computing could lead to the most significant wealth-building opportunities of our time.
Today, you have a chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this technological revolution. In our urgent special report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power, you'll discover the little-known stocks we believe will win the quantum computing race and deliver massive gains to early investors.
Access the Report Free Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Here's Why You Should Include FirstEnergy Stock in Your Portfolio Now

Investors with an interest in Utility - Electric Power stocks have likely encountered both FirstEnergy (FE) and American Electric Power (AEP). But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks? Let's take a closer look.
Everyone has their own methods for finding great value opportunities, but our model includes pairing an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system with a strong Zacks Rank. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight companies with specific traits.
Currently, FirstEnergy has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while American Electric Power has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). This means that FE's earnings estimate revision activity has been more impressive, so investors should feel comfortable with its improving analyst outlook. However, value investors will care about much more than just this.
Value investors are also interested in a number of tried-and-true valuation metrics that help show when a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.
Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use.
FE currently has a forward P/E ratio of 18.64, while AEP has a forward P/E of 20.65. We also note that FE has a PEG ratio of 2.89. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. AEP currently has a PEG ratio of 3.19.
Another notable valuation metric for FE is its P/B ratio of 1.93. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, AEP has a P/B of 2.08.
These metrics, and several others, help FE earn a Value grade of B, while AEP has been given a Value grade of C.
FE is currently sporting an improving earnings outlook, which makes it stick out in our Zacks Rank model. And, based on the above valuation metrics, we feel that FE is likely the superior value option right now.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. Little-known AI firms tackling the world's biggest problems may be more lucrative in the coming months and years.
See "2nd Wave" AI stocks now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

FE vs. AEP: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for FirstEnergy (FE). Shares have added about 0.1% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is FirstEnergy due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for FirstEnergy Corporation before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
FirstEnergy Q3 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Capital Spending Up
FirstEnergy reported third-quarter 2025 operating earnings of 83 cents per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 76 cents by 9.2%. In the year-ago quarter, the company reported earnings of 76 cents per share.
The year-over-year increase in core earnings was due to the impact of new base rates in Pennsylvania and growth in transmission rate base under formula rate programs. These drivers were partially offset by higher planned operating expenses that were approved with new base rates and work that was accelerated into 2025.
The company generated GAAP earnings of 76 cents per share compared with 73 cents in the third quarter of 2024.
Total Revenues of FE
Operating revenues of $4.14 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.91 billion by 5.8%. The top line increased 11.2% from $3.72 billion recorded in the year-ago quarter.
FE’s Segmental Performance
Distribution: Revenues from this segment totaled $2.02 billion, up 11.2% from the prior-year quarter’s level.
Integrated: Revenues from this segment amounted to $1.65 billion, up 13.8% from $1.45 billion in the year-ago quarter.
Stand-Alone Transmission: Revenues from this segment amounted to $488 million, up 2.7% from the prior-year quarter.
Highlights of FE’s Q3 Earnings Release
Total operating expenses were $3.3 billion, up 10.5% from the year-ago quarter’s level of $3 billion.
Operating income totaled $830 million, up 14.2% from the year-ago recorded number of $727 million.
The company reported an interest expense of $312 million, up 13% from the prior-year level of $276 million.
FE’s 2025 Guidance
FirstEnergy narrows its 2025 core earnings per share (EPS) in the range of $2.50- $2.56 from the prior range of $2.40-$2.60. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $2.53 per share, which is on par with the midpoint of the company’s guided range.
FirstEnergy expects a long-term EPS growth rate of 6-8%. FE has a capital investment plan of $28 billion for the 2025-2029 period.
The company increased its 2025 capital investment to $5.5 billion from $5 billion, with more than half of the increase to be invested in strengthening its Transmission operation.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates review.
VGM Scores
Currently, FirstEnergy has a subpar Growth Score of D, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock has a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the top 40% for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, FirstEnergy has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
5 Stocks Set to Double
Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the coming year. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +112%, +171%, +209% and +232%.
Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor.
Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

FirstEnergy Corp.

Sign up and unlock all the capabilities of the AI-screener