Eversource Energy Stock: Is ES Underperforming the Utilities Sector?

Company Overview - Eversource Energy (ES) is valued at $23.5 billion and operates as a utility holding company in New England, providing regulated electric, natural gas, and water delivery services to approximately 4.4 million customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire [1][2] Market Position - ES is classified as a "large-cap stock" due to its market capitalization exceeding $10 billion, highlighting its size and influence in the regulated electric utility industry [2] - The company has divested non-core businesses, such as offshore wind and water utilities, which has strengthened its balance sheet and positioned it for stable, long-term growth [2] Stock Performance - Over the past three months, ES shares have gained marginally, underperforming the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU), which returned 5% [3] - Year-to-date, ES shares have risen 10.2%, but this is below XLU's 11.4% increase [4] - Over the past 52 weeks, ES stock has dropped 7.2%, compared to XLU's 6.7% return [4] Recent Developments - On August 25, Eversource shares fell over 4% following the Trump administration's decision to block the construction of Ørsted's Revolution offshore wind project, which exposed the company to liabilities related to its sale to Global Infrastructure Partners [5] - Rival PPL Corporation (PPL) has outperformed ES with a 9.9% gain over the past 52 weeks, although it has lagged behind ES with a 9.7% return year-to-date [5] Analyst Ratings - The stock has a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating from 17 analysts, with a mean price target of $70.77, indicating a potential upside of 11.8% from current price levels [6]