DTE Energy (NYSE: NYSE:DTE), a diversified energy company, received new coverage from Jefferies with a Hold rating and a price target set at $137.00.
The research firm forecasts a 7.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in earnings per share for DTE Energy, which aligns with the company's own guidance of 6%-8%.
Jefferies expects that both the electric and gas utilities under DTE Energy's umbrella will achieve a return on equity (ROE) of 9.9% in the years 2027 and 2028. Additionally, the firm projects the company's free funds flow to debt ratio to be around 15% during the period from 2024 to 2028.
The coverage also includes expectations for DTE Vantage, the non-utility business segment of DTE Energy, to experience a slightly faster growth than approximately $15 million per year in earnings, translating to an 11% CAGR through 2028. Despite these positive growth projections, Jefferies indicates that the current share price may already reflect these outcomes.
In other recent news, DTE Energy reported a substantial 69% year-over-year growth in its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.67 and $296 million in operating earnings for the second quarter.
BMO Capital maintained its Market Perform rating on DTE Energy, while increasing the price target to $140 from $135, reflecting favorable weather conditions, a reversal of storm-related costs, and relief from electric and gas rate cases. Meanwhile, analysts from Mizuho and Ladenburg Thalmann have also responded positively to these developments, raising their price targets for DTE Energy.
DTE Energy has committed to reducing power outages by 30% and cutting the duration of outages by 50% within the next five years, following a third-party audit by the Michigan Public Service Commission. This initiative is part of an accelerated plan to modernize its grid.
In addition, Mizuho maintained its Outperform rating on DTE Energy and raised its price target to $133 from $121, following a recent Proposal for Decision in DTE's Natural Gas rate case in Michigan. On the other hand, BMO Capital increased its price target for DTE Energy to $135, maintaining a Market Perform rating, following a recent decision by an administrative law judge regarding DTE Energy's gas case.
InvestingPro Insights
DTE Energy's financial metrics and market performance offer additional context to Jefferies' recent coverage. The company's P/E ratio of 19.16 suggests a relatively high valuation compared to its near-term earnings growth, aligning with Jefferies' view that the current stock price may already reflect anticipated growth. This is further supported by an InvestingPro Tip indicating that DTE is trading at a high P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth.
Despite this, DTE Energy has shown resilience in its dividend policy, maintaining payments for 54 consecutive years according to another InvestingPro Tip. This consistency is reflected in the company's current dividend yield of 3.17% and a dividend growth rate of 7.09% over the last twelve months. These figures may appeal to income-focused investors, even as the stock trades near its 52-week high.
The company's revenue growth of 7.12% in the most recent quarter and an EBITDA growth of 7.69% over the last twelve months demonstrate DTE's ability to expand its business, which supports Jefferies' growth projections. However, investors should note that DTE's short-term obligations exceed its liquid assets, as highlighted by an InvestingPro Tip, which could impact the company's financial flexibility.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 7 additional tips for DTE Energy, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.
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