As previously reported, Morgan Stanley analyst Stephen Byrd downgraded Entergy (ETR) to Equal Weight from Overweight while raising his price target for the shares to $115 from $114. He also upgraded NRG Energy (NRG) to Overweight from Equal Weight and raised his price target for the shares to $49 from $47. Sector outperformance relative to the broader market has resulted in a very high relative valuation for the lowest risk stocks, leaving opportunities to invest in U.S. utility stocks that have been "left behind," contends Byrd. Entergy has outperformed the UTY index year-to-date by about 14%, while NRG has underperformed by 16% year-to-date versus its closest peer, Vistra Energy (VST), explained Byrd. He also increased his price target on Xcel Energy (XEL) to $63 from $60, on Ameren (AEE) to $80 from $78 and on CMS Energy (CMS) to $63 from $59 as he sees these Midwest utilities offering above-average earnings growth. Byrd still recommends investors avoid utility stocks with "fat tail risks," including Edison International (EIX), PG&E (PCG), Pinnacle West (PNW) and Southern (SO).

Reports Q1 revenue $2.18B, consensus $2.34B. "We experienced a warmer than normal winter but remain on track to deliver our full year earnings guidance," said Garrick Rochow, President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. "I continue to be pleased with our performance, namely in the progress of our electric Reliability Roadmap and economic development efforts while continuing to lead the clean energy transformation, which will be further supported by Michigan's new clean energy law."

"Our focus on safety and reducing wildfire risk continues every day as we deliver for our customers and our hometowns here in California. We remain committed to building a clean, climate-resilient energy system to meet our customers' future needs at the lowest price for them," said PG&E Corporation CEO Patti Poppe.

Wells Fargo raised the firm's price target on Entergy to $122 from $115 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm thinks recent positive regulatory developments plus Entergy's compelling long-term load growth outlook warrant a price to earnings multiple re-rating.

"We made very important regulatory progress in recent weeks that will deliver meaningful value for customers and provide certainty for all stakeholders," said Drew Marsh, Entergy chair and CEO. "We remain squarely on track with clear line of sight to achieve our commitments in 2024 and beyond."