FE

Utilities

FirstEnergy Corp. · Regulated Electric · $27B

UQS Score — Balanced Preset
46.9
Below Average

FirstEnergy Corp. scores 46.9/100 using the Balanced preset.

UQS vs Utilities Sector
FE
46.9
Sector avg
43.5
Quality
Neutral
Moat
Neutral
Growth
Neutral
Risk
Weak
Valuation
Good

What is FirstEnergy Corp.?

FirstEnergy Corp. is a regulated electric utility serving roughly six million customers across six states in the eastern United States. Incorporated in 1996 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, the company operates through transmission and distribution subsidiaries.

FirstEnergy generates, transmits, and distributes electricity through two core segments: Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission. The company owns a diverse mix of generating assets — including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, wind, and solar facilities — and maintains tens of thousands of miles of transmission lines and distribution circuits. Revenue is primarily earned through state-regulated rate structures, which provide a degree of earnings predictability tied to approved returns rather than commodity price swings.

FirstEnergy was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Akron, Ohio.

  • Regulated electric distribution across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York
  • High-voltage transmission infrastructure spanning thousands of circuit miles
  • Diverse generation portfolio including nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar assets
  • Residential, commercial, and industrial electricity service to approximately six million customers

Is FE a Good Stock to Buy?

UQS Score rates FE as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed profile where some pillars hold up better than others.

Valuation stands out as the relative bright spot in FirstEnergy's pillar profile, suggesting the stock is not priced at a premium relative to its fundamentals. Quality, Moat, and Growth each register as Neutral — neither a clear strength nor a drag — which is typical for a large regulated utility operating in a stable but low-growth environment.

The Risk pillar is rated Weak, the most notable concern in the profile. Elevated financial leverage and a history of regulatory and legal challenges weigh on this dimension.

Pro members can view the exact pillar scores and the full financial metrics behind each rating. Sign up free →

Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.

Does FE pay dividends?

Yes — FirstEnergy Corp. pays a dividend.

FirstEnergy pays a regular dividend, consistent with the income-oriented profile common among regulated utilities. The company's rate-regulated revenue base supports recurring cash distributions to shareholders. Investors focused on dividend income often consider regulated utilities like FE as a core holding, though the Risk pillar rating is worth factoring into any income-focused thesis.

When does FE report earnings?

FirstEnergy reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, standard for US-listed equities.

As a regulated utility, FirstEnergy's quarterly results are largely shaped by approved rate structures, weather-driven demand, and capital investment recovery. Transmission and distribution segment performance tends to be more stable than merchant power peers, though regulatory proceedings and financing costs can introduce variability.

For the most recent quarter's results and upcoming reporting dates, visit FirstEnergy's investor relations page directly.

FE Price History

+55.4% over 5Y

Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.

Return Calculator

What if I invested in FirstEnergy Corp.?

$
Today it would be worth
$16,397
That's a +64.0% total return, or +10.4% annualized.

Based on FirstEnergy Corp.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.

FE Long-term Outlook

FirstEnergy's Growth pillar is rated Neutral, consistent with the modest expansion trajectory typical of regulated utilities. Rate case outcomes and infrastructure investment recovery are the primary levers for earnings growth. The Weak Risk rating, however, signals that balance sheet pressures and ongoing regulatory obligations could constrain the pace of improvement. The Good Valuation label suggests the market has already priced in a cautious outlook.

Growth drivers

  • Ongoing transmission and distribution infrastructure investment recoverable through regulated rate mechanisms
  • Potential rate case approvals across multiple state jurisdictions supporting gradual earnings growth
  • Expansion of renewable generation assets aligned with state clean-energy mandates

Key risks

  • Elevated financial leverage contributing to the Weak Risk pillar rating
  • Regulatory and legal overhang from past compliance issues affecting investor confidence
  • Rising interest rates increasing the cost of debt refinancing for a capital-intensive utility

FE vs Peers

FirstEnergy operates in a competitive regulated utility landscape alongside several peers with overlapping geographic and business profiles.

FTSSimilar UQS
Fortis Inc.

Fortis is a Canadian-based regulated utility with a geographically diversified footprint spanning the US, Canada, and the Caribbean, offering broader international exposure than FE.

PPLFE scores lower
PPL Corporation

PPL focuses on regulated transmission and distribution in the US Northeast and Kentucky, making it a close operational peer to FirstEnergy with a similarly income-oriented profile.

CNPFE scores higher
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

CenterPoint serves electric and natural gas customers across the South and Midwest, giving it a dual-commodity regulated utility model that differs from FE's primarily electric focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FirstEnergy Corp. do?

FirstEnergy generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. The company operates through regulated distribution and transmission segments, earning revenue through state-approved rate structures rather than open-market electricity sales.

Does FE pay dividends?

Yes, FirstEnergy pays a regular dividend. Regulated utilities commonly return cash to shareholders through dividends given the predictable, rate-regulated nature of their revenue. Investors should weigh the dividend against the company's Weak Risk pillar rating before building an income position.

When does FE report earnings?

FirstEnergy reports on a quarterly cadence, as is standard for US-listed companies. The exact schedule for upcoming quarters is available on FirstEnergy's investor relations page, which is the most reliable source for confirmed reporting dates.

Is FE a good stock to buy?

UQS Score rates FE as Below Average overall. The Valuation pillar is rated Good, and Quality, Moat, and Growth are each Neutral — but the Weak Risk pillar is a meaningful concern. Whether FE fits your portfolio depends on your income needs, risk tolerance, and view on the company's regulatory outlook. See the full breakdown with a Pro account.

Is FE overvalued?

The UQS Valuation pillar for FE is rated Good, suggesting the stock is not trading at an elevated premium relative to its fundamentals. For a regulated utility carrying above-average risk, a reasonable valuation can still be meaningful — but it does not offset concerns in other pillars on its own.

How does FE compare to its competitors?

FirstEnergy competes with regulated utilities like Fortis, PPL Corporation, and CenterPoint Energy. Each peer has a distinct geographic footprint and business mix. FE's multi-state eastern US focus and its current Risk profile distinguish it within the group. The UQS competitor comparison tool shows relative pillar ratings side by side.

What is FE's market cap bracket?

FirstEnergy is classified as a large-cap company, placing it among the more substantial regulated utilities in the US market. Large-cap utilities often attract income-focused and defensive investors given their scale and regulated revenue streams.

Who founded FirstEnergy Corp.?

FirstEnergy was incorporated in 1996 through the merger of Ohio Edison and Centerior Energy. The company's founding history is publicly documented and widely available through its corporate and regulatory filings.

Is FE a long-term quality investment?

From a long-term quality standpoint, FE's UQS profile shows Neutral readings across Quality, Moat, and Growth — which are stable but not exceptional. The Weak Risk pillar is the key factor to monitor over a longer horizon, as balance sheet health and regulatory standing will shape the company's ability to sustain dividends and fund infrastructure investment.

What is the main competitive advantage of FirstEnergy?

FirstEnergy's primary advantage is its position as a regulated monopoly utility across six states. Customers in its service territories cannot switch providers for distribution services, and approved rate structures provide a degree of revenue stability. However, the UQS Moat pillar rates this advantage as Neutral, reflecting the regulatory and financial constraints that limit its strength.

What sector does FE belong to?

FirstEnergy belongs to the Utilities sector, specifically operating as a regulated electric utility. Utilities are generally considered defensive investments due to their essential-service nature, though individual company risk profiles — like FE's Weak Risk rating — can vary meaningfully within the sector.

Is FE a growth stock or value stock?

Based on the UQS pillar profile, FE leans toward a value-oriented characterization. The Valuation pillar is rated Good while the Growth pillar is Neutral, consistent with a slow-growth regulated utility that may appeal more to income and value investors than to those seeking above-average earnings expansion.

Unlock Full FE Analysis

Sign in to unlock the detailed analysis behind the UQS Score.

  • View exact UQS pillar scores across all five dimensions
  • Access detailed financial metrics behind each rating
  • Compare FE side-by-side with regulated utility peers
  • Track Risk and Valuation changes over time
  • Screen utilities by pillar strength with Pro filters
Analyze FE in Detail →

Pro Analysis

FE — Score History

40455055Apr 2Apr 12Apr 22May 2May 12May 22May 24v5
Score changes· 16 most recent
DateUQSQualityMoatGrowthRiskValueChange
May 10, 202646.025.047.049.139.481.7+0.1
May 8, 202645.925.047.049.139.481.0-1.4
May 7, 202647.355.447.049.12.576.8+0.1
May 3, 202647.255.447.049.12.575.9+0.2
May 2, 202647.055.447.049.12.574.7+0.2
May 1, 202646.855.447.048.22.574.70.0
Apr 26, 202646.855.447.047.82.574.7+0.1
Apr 25, 202646.755.447.047.82.574.6+0.1
Apr 20, 202646.655.447.047.12.574.6+0.4
Apr 19, 202646.255.447.045.02.574.6+0.1

FE — Pillar Breakdown

Quality

53.1/100 (25%)

FirstEnergy Corp. has average quality metrics, with room for improvement in margins or capital efficiency.

Capital Efficiency (ROIC)Weak

How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.

Return on EquityModerate

Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.

Operating ProfitabilityStrong

Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.

Net ProfitabilityModerate

Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.

Gross Profit / AssetsModerate

Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.

Cash GenerationStrong

Free cash flow relative to market value.

Growth

50.7/100 (20%)

FirstEnergy Corp. shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.

Recent Revenue TrendModerate

Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.

3Y Revenue CAGRWeak

Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.

EPS GrowthWeak

Year-over-year earnings per share growth.

Forward Revenue OutlookWeak

Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.

Forward EPS GrowthStrong

Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.

Risk

2.1/100 (15%)

FirstEnergy Corp. presents elevated risk with concerns around leverage or financial stability.

Financial LeverageWeak

Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.

Debt/EquityWeak

Total debt relative to shareholder equity.

Current RatioWeak

Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.

Interest CoverageWeak

Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.

Valuation

76.3/100 (15%)

FirstEnergy Corp. appears attractively valued relative to its earnings, cash flows, and sector peers.

Earnings YieldModerate

Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.

PEG RatioStrong

P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.

EV/EBITDA vs SectorModerate

Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.

Moat

47/100 (25%)

FirstEnergy Corp. possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for FE.

Score Composition

Quality
53.1×25%13.3
Growth
50.7×20%10.1
Risk
2.1×15%0.3
Valuation
76.3×15%11.4
Moat
47.0×25%11.8
Total
46.9Below Average

Financial Data

More Stock Analysis

How is the FE UQS Score Calculated?

The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for FirstEnergy Corp. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.

Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.

Moat (25%) assesses FirstEnergy Corp.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.

Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.

Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.

Valuation (15%) measures whether FirstEnergy Corp. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.

Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.