Kansas City, Missouri-based Evergy, Inc. (EVRG), generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity. Valued at $19.2 billion by market cap, the company generates electricity through coal, landfill gas, uranium, and natural gas and oil sources, as well as solar, wind, other renewable sources.
Shares of this utility company have underperformed the broader market over the past year. EVRG has gained 14.4% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 22.4%. However, in 2026, EVRG stock is up 15%, surpassing the SPX’s 13.3% rise on a YTD basis.
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Narrowing the focus, EVRG’s outperformance is apparent compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The exchange-traded fund has gained marginally over the past year. Moreover, EVRG’s double-digit returns on a YTD basis outshine the ETF’s 2.2% gains over the same time frame.
www.barchart.com EVRG lagged due to rising rates hitting its debt-heavy balance sheet and utility yields. Additionally, big capex needs, slow rate-case approvals, weather volatility, and inflation all squeezed margins, pushing investors toward tech and other growth areas.
On Aug. 6, EVRG shares closed down slightly after reporting its Q2 results. Its adjusted EPS came in at $0.88, up 7.3% year over year. The company’s revenue stood at $1.5 billion, up 4.4% from the year-ago quarter. EVRG expects full-year adjusted EPS in the range of $4.14 to $4.34.
For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect EVRG’s EPS to grow 11% to $4.25 on a diluted basis. The company’s earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat the consensus estimates in two of the last four quarters while missing the forecast on two other occasions.
Among the 14 analysts covering EVRG stock, the consensus is a “Moderate Buy.” That’s based on seven “Strong Buy” ratings, one “Moderate Buy,” and six “Holds.”
www.barchart.com The configuration has been consistent over the past three months.
On Aug. 8, Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) analyst Shahriar Pourreza maintained a “Hold” rating on EVRG and set a price target of $87, implying a potential upside of 4.3% from current levels.
The mean price target of $92.79 represents an 11.3% premium to EVRG’s current price levels. The Street-high price target of $103 suggests an upside potential of 23.5%.
On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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