GE Vernova (GEV) stock is trading comfortably higher Wednesday even after the gas power and renewable energy company missed top- and bottom-line expectations for its fourth quarter.
In the three months ending December 31, GE Vernova's revenue increased 5.1% year over year to $10.6 billion. Its earnings per share (EPS) rose 140.3% from the year-ago period to $1.73.
"GE Vernova built a strong foundation in 2024 with solid orders and revenue growth, as well as significant margin expansion and cash generation," said GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik in a statement. "We saw strength in Power and Electrification and improvement in Wind, while growing our equipment backlog at better margins. Our progress reinforces the important role we play in electrifying and decarbonizing the world as we deliver on accelerating demand for our equipment and services."
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
GEV's results came up short of analysts' expectations. Wall Street was anticipating revenue of $10.7 billion and earnings of $2.30 per share, according to MarketWatch.
On a positive note, though, GE Vernova reaffirmed its outlook for 2025. For the full fiscal year, the company expects to achieve revenue in the range of $36 billion to $37 billion, representing growth of 3% to 5.9% over 2024.
"We had a strong finish to 2024 as we execute our strategy to deliver disciplined revenue growth with increased profitability and positive cash generation," said GE Vernova Chief Financial Officer Ken Parks. "We will invest in growth and innovation, while returning capital to shareholders and maintaining our investment grade balance sheet."
Is GE Vernova stock a buy, sell or hold?
GE Vernova has nearly tripled in value on the price charts since last April, when the gas power and renewable energy business split from the industrial conglomerate formerly known as General Electric and is now trading near record highs. And Wall Street remains bullish on the utility stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the consensus recommendation among the analysts following the stock that it tracks is a Buy.
However, analysts' price targets have had a tough time keeping up with the large-cap stock's rally up the price charts. Indeed, the average analyst target price of $375.87 represents a discount of more than 13% to current levels.
Financial services firm Truist Securities is one of those with a Buy rating on GE Vernova, along with a $420 price target.
"With bullish power demand sentiment and strong bookings commentary/cash generation expectations, GEV continues to be our preferred defensive name as we begin the second Trump administration," wrote Truist Securities analyst Jordan Levy in a January 21 note. He sees even more upside for GE Vernova shares this year thanks to growth in artificial intelligence and data center demand.
Related Content
-
8 Rules for Choosing the Right Financial AdviserNot all advisers are created equal. Here's how to find one qualified to manage your wealth and protect your legacy. From verifying credentials to trusting your gut, follow these rules to find a financial adviser.
-
A Hated TSA Rule Was Finally Phased OutAfter nearly 20 years, the TSA is ending its shoes-off policy. Travelers will still need a Real ID, and advanced screening remains in place. Here’s what to expect on your next flight.
-
Stock Market Today: Trump's Copper Comments Cause a StirMarkets remain resilient and monetary policy makers stand fast against a rising tide of new terms of trade, including around copper.
-
Opportunity Zones: An Expert Guide to the Changes in the One Big Beautiful BillThe law makes opportunity zones permanent, creates enhanced tax benefits for rural investments and opens up new strategies for investors to combine community development with significant tax advantages.
-
Five Ways Retirees Can Keep Perspective Through Market JittersMarket volatility is a recurring event with historical precedents (the dot-com bubble, global financial crisis and pandemic), each followed by recovery. Here's how people who are near or in retirement can navigate economic uncertainty.
-
Stock Market Today: Trump Reextends His Tariff DeadlineWhen it comes to this president, his trade war, the economy, financial markets and uncertainty, "known unknowns" are better than "unknown unknowns."
-
Should You Start a 'Trump Account' for Your Child?"Trump Accounts" for kids is part of the One Big, Beautiful Bill that was just signed. Look at if it's worth it for your children.
-
I'm a Financial Strategist: This Is the Investment Trap That Keeps Smart Investors on the SidelinesForget FOMO. FOGI — Fear of Getting In — is the feeling you need to learn how to manage so you don't miss out on future investment gains.
-
Can You Be a Good Parent to an Only Child When You're Also a Business Owner?Author and social psychologist Susan Newman offers advice to business-owner parents on how to raise a well-adjusted single child by avoiding overcompensation and encouraging chores.
-
How Advisers Can Steer Their Clients Through Market Volatility (and Strengthen Their Relationships)Financial advisers need to be strategic when they communicate with clients during market volatility. The goal is to not only reassure them but to also help them avoid rash decisions, deepen your relationship with them and build lasting trust.
