California Utility Stocks Drop Amid Iran Drone Threat
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 10 hours ago
0mins
The major averages, along with shares of California utility company's Edison International (EIX) and Sempra Energy (SRE), are trading lower after ABC News reported that the FBI sent an alert to warn police departments in California that Iran wanted to retaliate for American attacks by launching drones at the West Coast.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy EIX?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on EIX
Wall Street analysts forecast EIX stock price to fall
7 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
3 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 71.080
Low
54.00
Averages
63.00
High
70.00
Current: 71.080
Low
54.00
Averages
63.00
High
70.00
About EIX
Edison International is an electric utility holding company. The Company is focused on providing clean and reliable energy and energy services through its independent companies. It is the parent holding company of Southern California Edison Company (SCE) and Trio. SCE is a public utility primarily engaged in the business of supplying and delivering electricity to an approximately 50,000 square mile area across Southern, Central and Coastal California. Trio is a global energy advisory firm providing integrated sustainability and energy advisory services to large commercial, industrial and institutional organizations in North America and Europe. Trio provides integrated strategy and implementation solutions in sustainability, renewables, energy procurement, conventional supply, energy optimization and transportation electrification.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Edison International Downgraded to Sell Amid Earnings Concerns
- Downgrade Impact: Analyst Paul Fremont downgraded Edison International from 'Neutral' to 'Sell', reducing the price target from $59.50 to $63, indicating a potential downside of approximately 17% from the current share price.
- Earnings Forecast Adjustment: Edison International expects core EPS for FY 2026 to range between $5.90 and $6.20, down from $6.55 in FY 2025, reflecting the earnings pressure the company is facing.
- Regulatory Factors: California Assembly Bill 2666 mandates the California Public Utilities Commission to adjust future authorized revenue requirements based on actual past costs, which could impact Southern California Edison’s earnings performance and increase future uncertainties.
- Investor Attention: While Edison International is listed among the best utility stocks for dividends in 2026, analysts believe that certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk, which may attract investor interest.
See More
Dividend History of Edison International's Trust Preference Securities
- Dividend Overview: Edison International's 5.00% Trust Preference Securities (SCE.PRL) recently declared a dividend of $0.3125 per share, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to stable dividends, which enhances investor confidence.
- ETF Composition Insight: According to ETF Finder, Edison International (EIX) constitutes 7.72% of the AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL), indicating its significant presence in the market, which may attract more investor attention.
- Market Performance Update: In Wednesday trading, Edison International's Trust Preference Securities (SCE.PRL) rose approximately 0.1%, while common shares (EIX) increased about 0.6%, reflecting positive market sentiment towards its stock, potentially driving future investment inflows.
- Investor Focus: As market interest in S.A.F.E. dividend stocks grows, Edison International's preferred shares may become a focal point for investors, further enhancing their appeal in the stock market.
See More
Edison International Wins Dismissal of Shareholder Lawsuit
- Lawsuit Dismissal: A U.S. District Court in Los Angeles dismissed a lawsuit against Edison International (EIX) alleging shareholder fraud before the January 2025 wildfires, stating that the company's claims of significantly reducing disaster loss risk were too vague for reasonable investors to rely on.
- Shareholder Allegations: Shareholders accused Southern California Edison of being 'structurally unable' to address extreme weather events and safely implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program for wildfire mitigation, particularly before the devastating Eaton Fire last year.
- Wildfire Impact: The January 2025 wildfires resulted in 31 fatalities and damaged over 16,000 structures, with the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire being the primary sources of destruction, highlighting the company's challenges in disaster management.
- Power Shutoff Option: California's power shutoff option allows utilities to cut power to transmission lines during extreme weather capable of generating dangerous sparks, despite the company's previous claims that hardening power lines and trimming vegetation could reduce wildfire risk by as much as 90%.
See More
Iran War Triggers Surge in Oil Prices
- Surge in Oil Prices: The ongoing war in Iran has pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel, with expectations that this trend will persist, as approximately 20% of global oil supply is stranded due to fighting in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting swift market reactions, particularly in energy-dependent Europe and Asia.
- Investor Flight to Safety: In this uncertain market environment, investors are rapidly seeking low-beta stocks that offer strong dividends and predictable income streams, indicating a strategic shift towards assets that can withstand energy shocks.
- Safe Haven Stocks: Analysis reveals five stocks that meet the criteria for safe havens, each boasting a Benzinga Edge Value Score of at least 85, highlighting their strong fundamentals and technical signals, making them attractive investments in the current market landscape.
- Company Performance Insights: For instance, White Mountain Insurance Group Ltd. has seen its stock reach all-time highs in 2026, trading at just 5 times earnings, indicating a strong buying opportunity, while other companies like APA Corp. and Northern Oil and Gas Inc. are also showing robust performance signals.
See More
Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Changes: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, including upgrades, downgrades, and initiations, reflecting varying market perspectives that could influence investor decisions.
- Market Reaction Expectations: The changes in analyst ratings may lead to price volatility in the respective stocks, prompting investors to pay close attention to these shifts to capitalize on market opportunities, especially in the current economic climate.
- Source of Rating Updates: A complete view of all analyst rating changes can be found on our analyst ratings page, providing comprehensive market insights to help investors make more informed investment choices.
- Investment Advice Reminder: While rating changes are provided, Benzinga does not offer specific investment advice, and investors should assess risks independently before making decisions.
See More
Investors Turn to High-Yield Stocks Amid Market Uncertainty
- Investment Strategy in Turbulent Markets: During times of market turbulence and uncertainty, many investors are turning to high-dividend stocks, which typically have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with substantial dividends, thereby enhancing investor confidence and stability.
- High-Yield Stock Analysis: Analysts have rated three high-yield stocks in the utilities sector, including Edison International (EIX), AES Corp (AES), and Clearway Energy Inc (CWEN), which are favored for their stable cash flows and dividend payments, indicating their investment potential in uncertain market conditions.
- Importance of Dividend Payments: High-dividend stocks not only provide a stable income source for investors but also offer relative safety during market fluctuations, attracting investors seeking to preserve capital, especially as economic uncertainty increases.
- Analyst Accuracy: The ratings from the most accurate analysts on these high-yield stocks highlight their significance in the current economic environment, allowing investors to make more informed investment decisions, which could further enhance the market performance of these companies.
See More
Edison International Downgraded to Sell Amid Earnings Concerns
- Downgrade Impact: Analyst Paul Fremont downgraded Edison International from 'Neutral' to 'Sell', reducing the price target from $59.50 to $63, indicating a potential downside of approximately 17% from the current share price.
- Earnings Forecast Adjustment: Edison International expects core EPS for FY 2026 to range between $5.90 and $6.20, down from $6.55 in FY 2025, reflecting the earnings pressure the company is facing.
- Regulatory Factors: California Assembly Bill 2666 mandates the California Public Utilities Commission to adjust future authorized revenue requirements based on actual past costs, which could impact Southern California Edison’s earnings performance and increase future uncertainties.
- Investor Attention: While Edison International is listed among the best utility stocks for dividends in 2026, analysts believe that certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk, which may attract investor interest.
See More
Dividend History of Edison International's Trust Preference Securities
- Dividend Overview: Edison International's 5.00% Trust Preference Securities (SCE.PRL) recently declared a dividend of $0.3125 per share, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to stable dividends, which enhances investor confidence.
- ETF Composition Insight: According to ETF Finder, Edison International (EIX) constitutes 7.72% of the AGF U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL), indicating its significant presence in the market, which may attract more investor attention.
- Market Performance Update: In Wednesday trading, Edison International's Trust Preference Securities (SCE.PRL) rose approximately 0.1%, while common shares (EIX) increased about 0.6%, reflecting positive market sentiment towards its stock, potentially driving future investment inflows.
- Investor Focus: As market interest in S.A.F.E. dividend stocks grows, Edison International's preferred shares may become a focal point for investors, further enhancing their appeal in the stock market.
See More
Edison International Wins Dismissal of Shareholder Lawsuit
- Lawsuit Dismissal: A U.S. District Court in Los Angeles dismissed a lawsuit against Edison International (EIX) alleging shareholder fraud before the January 2025 wildfires, stating that the company's claims of significantly reducing disaster loss risk were too vague for reasonable investors to rely on.
- Shareholder Allegations: Shareholders accused Southern California Edison of being 'structurally unable' to address extreme weather events and safely implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program for wildfire mitigation, particularly before the devastating Eaton Fire last year.
- Wildfire Impact: The January 2025 wildfires resulted in 31 fatalities and damaged over 16,000 structures, with the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire being the primary sources of destruction, highlighting the company's challenges in disaster management.
- Power Shutoff Option: California's power shutoff option allows utilities to cut power to transmission lines during extreme weather capable of generating dangerous sparks, despite the company's previous claims that hardening power lines and trimming vegetation could reduce wildfire risk by as much as 90%.
See More
Iran War Triggers Surge in Oil Prices
- Surge in Oil Prices: The ongoing war in Iran has pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel, with expectations that this trend will persist, as approximately 20% of global oil supply is stranded due to fighting in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting swift market reactions, particularly in energy-dependent Europe and Asia.
- Investor Flight to Safety: In this uncertain market environment, investors are rapidly seeking low-beta stocks that offer strong dividends and predictable income streams, indicating a strategic shift towards assets that can withstand energy shocks.
- Safe Haven Stocks: Analysis reveals five stocks that meet the criteria for safe havens, each boasting a Benzinga Edge Value Score of at least 85, highlighting their strong fundamentals and technical signals, making them attractive investments in the current market landscape.
- Company Performance Insights: For instance, White Mountain Insurance Group Ltd. has seen its stock reach all-time highs in 2026, trading at just 5 times earnings, indicating a strong buying opportunity, while other companies like APA Corp. and Northern Oil and Gas Inc. are also showing robust performance signals.
See More
Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Changes: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, including upgrades, downgrades, and initiations, reflecting varying market perspectives that could influence investor decisions.
- Market Reaction Expectations: The changes in analyst ratings may lead to price volatility in the respective stocks, prompting investors to pay close attention to these shifts to capitalize on market opportunities, especially in the current economic climate.
- Source of Rating Updates: A complete view of all analyst rating changes can be found on our analyst ratings page, providing comprehensive market insights to help investors make more informed investment choices.
- Investment Advice Reminder: While rating changes are provided, Benzinga does not offer specific investment advice, and investors should assess risks independently before making decisions.
See More
Investors Turn to High-Yield Stocks Amid Market Uncertainty
- Investment Strategy in Turbulent Markets: During times of market turbulence and uncertainty, many investors are turning to high-dividend stocks, which typically have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with substantial dividends, thereby enhancing investor confidence and stability.
- High-Yield Stock Analysis: Analysts have rated three high-yield stocks in the utilities sector, including Edison International (EIX), AES Corp (AES), and Clearway Energy Inc (CWEN), which are favored for their stable cash flows and dividend payments, indicating their investment potential in uncertain market conditions.
- Importance of Dividend Payments: High-dividend stocks not only provide a stable income source for investors but also offer relative safety during market fluctuations, attracting investors seeking to preserve capital, especially as economic uncertainty increases.
- Analyst Accuracy: The ratings from the most accurate analysts on these high-yield stocks highlight their significance in the current economic environment, allowing investors to make more informed investment decisions, which could further enhance the market performance of these companies.
See More
