Sempra Energy Reaffirmed at Outperform by Mizuho, With Confidence in LNG Strategy

Sempra (NYSE:SRE) is a prominent energy infrastructure company that operates in the utilities sector, providing electricity and natural gas services. It competes with other major players like Duke Energy and Southern Company. Recently, Sempra has come under scrutiny as Levi & Korsinsky investigates potential violations of federal securities laws following the company's disappointing financial results for 2024.

Sempra's financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 revealed an annual revenue of $3.76 billion, which was $970 million below consensus estimates. This shortfall, coupled with a revised 2025 earnings guidance to a midpoint of $4.50 per share from the previous $5.00, has raised concerns among investors. The company attributes these results to increased interest and operating expenses, as well as reduced consumption due to mild weather conditions.

The impact of these financial disclosures was immediate, with Sempra's stock price dropping by over 19% on the day of the announcement, leading to significant investor losses. In response, Levi & Korsinsky, a well-known securities litigation firm, has launched an investigation. The firm has a strong track record in securing substantial settlements for shareholders in high-stakes cases.

On April 14, 2025, Jefferies maintained its "Hold" rating for Sempra, with a price target adjustment from $77 to $75. At that time, Sempra's stock was priced at $69.73, indicating a potential upside of approximately 7.56% from the target. This suggests that while Jefferies sees some potential for recovery, they remain cautious about the stock's near-term prospects.

Sempra's financial health is also under scrutiny, with a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.95, indicating a moderate level of debt compared to its equity. Additionally, the company's current ratio of about 0.55 suggests potential challenges in covering short-term liabilities with current assets. These financial metrics highlight the company's need to manage its resources carefully amid ongoing challenges.

Sempra (NYSE:SRE) is a prominent energy infrastructure company that operates in the utilities sector, providing electricity and natural gas services. It competes with other major players like Duke Energy and Southern Company. Recently, Sempra has come under scrutiny as Levi & Korsinsky investigates potential violations of federal securities laws following the company's disappointing financial results for 2024.

Sempra's financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 revealed an annual revenue of $3.76 billion, which was $970 million below consensus estimates. This shortfall, coupled with a revised 2025 earnings guidance to a midpoint of $4.50 per share from the previous $5.00, has raised concerns among investors. The company attributes these results to increased interest and operating expenses, as well as reduced consumption due to mild weather conditions.

The impact of these financial disclosures was immediate, with Sempra's stock price dropping by over 19% on the day of the announcement, leading to significant investor losses. In response, Levi & Korsinsky, a well-known securities litigation firm, has launched an investigation. The firm has a strong track record in securing substantial settlements for shareholders in high-stakes cases.

On April 14, 2025, Jefferies maintained its "Hold" rating for Sempra, with a price target adjustment from $77 to $75. At that time, Sempra's stock was priced at $69.73, indicating a potential upside of approximately 7.56% from the target. This suggests that while Jefferies sees some potential for recovery, they remain cautious about the stock's near-term prospects.

Sempra's financial health is also under scrutiny, with a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.95, indicating a moderate level of debt compared to its equity. Additionally, the company's current ratio of about 0.55 suggests potential challenges in covering short-term liabilities with current assets. These financial metrics highlight the company's need to manage its resources carefully amid ongoing challenges.

Mizuho analysts reaffirmed their Outperform rating for Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE), maintaining a price target of $88 on the stock.

Following investor meetings in Boston and Toronto with Sempra’s CFO Karen Sedgwick, the analysts noted the company’s confidence in managing challenges related to the ECA delay and recent changes in the Cost of Capital (COC) mechanism as they approach 2025. The analysts highlighted that California’s regulatory environment continues to offer balanced returns and strong wildfire protection for both customers and investors.

Sempra’s subsidiary, Oncor, is also expected to receive approval for its SRP plan later this year, which has not yet been factored into Sempra's five-year forecast. Additionally, the $13-15 billion Permian Transmission project, in which Sempra holds a 40% stake, could provide further capital opportunities through 2038 but is not currently included in the company’s capex outlook.

The analysts also emphasized Sempra’s confidence in its LNG strategy, with management reaffirming plans to secure all output for the Port Arthur 2 (PA2) project by the third-quarter earnings call.