PG&E stock a core utility pick—BMO sees 20% discount and visible growth

EditorEmilio Ghigini
Published 01/13/2025, 05:29 AM
PCG
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On Monday, BMO Capital Markets initiated coverage on PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) stock, assigning an Outperform rating and setting a price target of $21.00. The firm's analysts see PG&E stock as a core investment in the regulated utility sector, offering a unique deep value opportunity combined with promising visible growth prospects.

The coverage launch by BMO Capital Markets is based on a comprehensive five-year forecast that anticipates a consolidated earnings per share (EPS) growth of approximately 9.2% and a rate base growth of around 10%. These projections align with PG&E's own long-term EPS guidance, which anticipates a minimum of 9% growth.

The analysts at BMO Capital Markets have highlighted the attractive valuation of PG&E shares, noting that their $21 price target implies a roughly 20% discount. This valuation presents what the firm believes to be a compelling entry point for investors, with the potential for a total return of approximately 23%.

PG&E Corporation, a company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NYSE:PCG, is recognized as a significant player in the utility sector. With the new Outperform rating and positive growth forecast from BMO Capital Markets, the company stands out for its potential in the market.

The target price set by BMO Capital Markets suggests a confident outlook for PG&E's performance. The firm's analysis underscores the potential for shareholders to realize substantial gains, underpinned by the company's projected earnings and rate base growth in the coming years.

In other recent news, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has secured a record $15 billion loan from the Biden administration to fund a range of projects aimed at combating climate change and enhancing the electrical grid. The loan will be provided in installments over several years and is expected to save PG&E customers close to $1 billion over the life of the financing.

The company plans to use this funding for several infrastructure projects including increasing the capacity of its hydroelectric dams and exploring "virtual power plants".

In addition to the loan, PG&E has announced several governance changes, including the appointment of Leo P. Denault to the boards of both PG&E Corporation and its subsidiary. Denault, who has over four decades of experience in the power industry, will also serve on the Audit Committees of both boards and the Finance and Innovation Committee of the PG&E Corporation Board.

RBC Capital Markets has maintained an "Outperform" rating for PG&E, highlighting the company's effective wildfire mitigation and capital investment strategies. The company has also announced its intent to raise $2.4 billion through new stock offerings, which will be used for general corporate uses, including the financing of PG&E's five-year capital investment strategy. These developments reflect recent changes and plans within PG&E Corporation as it continues to navigate its financial and governance strategies in the power industry.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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