Barclays analyst Eric Beaumont upgraded both NextEra Energy (NEE) and FirstEnergy (FE) to Overweight from Equal Weight while downgrading NorthWestern (NWE) to Underweight from Equal Weight. The rating changes reflect the analyst's updated valuations based on 2021 estimates combined with price performance over the past quarter. On NextEra, he believes "top industry growth" combined with an above-average regulatory environment will drive the valuation. FirstEnergy currently looks like a "deep value or show-me story," but with a transformative 2018 behind it, execution on the story in 2019 will be the key driver to stock performance, Beaumont tells investors in a research note. For NorthWestern, the analyst thinks the stock is discounting too optimistic of an outcome for the Montana rate case.

BMO Capital raised the firm's price target on NextEra Energy to $72 from $70 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares after its Q1 earnings beat. The company's 2.765 MWs of originations, net 1.5 GWs added to NEER's backlog, and positive outlook for robust data center-related demand drove the outperformance on the day, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The stock warrants a premium valuation given its fundamental and thematic drivers, including one of the world's largest renewable backlogs and favorable recovery of investments, the firm added.

BofA raised the firm's price target on FirstEnergy to $35 from $30 and keeps an Underperform rating on the shares. The firm, which is adjusting its 2024 through 2026 EPS estimates to $2.67, $2.86 and $3.00, respectively, still sees the need for further pension de-risking and deleveraging for FirstEnergy's discount to dissipate.

Continues to expect to grow its dividends per share at a roughly 10% rate per year through at least 2026, off a 2024 base.

Reports Q1 revenue $5.73B, consensus $6.05B. "NextEra Energy delivered strong Q1 results, growing adjusted EPS by approximately 8.3% year-over-year," said CEO John Ketchum. "Both FPL and NextEra Energy Resources delivered solid financial and operating performances to start off the year. FPL placed into service 1,640 megawatts of new, cost-effective solar, while NextEra Energy Resources added approximately 2,765 megawatts of new renewables and storage to its backlog, marking its second-best origination quarter ever and its best quarter for both solar and storage origination. Our two businesses are well positioned to meet future power demand with renewables, storage and transmission, while leveraging our combination of enterprise-wide scale, decades of experience and investment in technology to drive long-term value for customers and shareholders. We will be disappointed if we are not able to deliver financial results at or near the top of our adjusted EPS expectations ranges in each year through 2026, while maintaining our strong balance sheet and credit ratings."