10 Best Performing Utilities Stocks So Far in 2025

5) NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG)

% Gain on a YTD Basis: 21.2%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 53

NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) operates as an energy and home services company in the United States and Canada. Evercore ISI analyst Durgesh Chopra upped the company’s stock to “Outperform” from “In Line,” providing a price target of $126, up from $74. The firm has a positive outlook for the power and utilities group, highlighting improving fundamentals and a favorable valuation backdrop. The firm believes that these factors are expected to support outperformance through H1 2025.

As per the analyst, factors such as inflation moderating, expected interest rate cuts, and higher electricity demand are expected to act as growth enablers. Evercore expects elevated investment in utility infrastructure, mainly fueled by data centers, with more deals and announcements anticipated in 2025. Elsewhere, Guggenheim analyst Shahriar Pourreza raised NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG)’s price target to $134 from $118, keeping a “Buy” rating.

For 2025, the company expects adjusted EBITDA in the range of $3,725 million – $3,975 million and adjusted net income of between $1,235 million – $1,385 million. NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) remains focused on adding new capacity to its portfolio, and its partnership with Renew Home offers further validation of its customer-focused strategy. NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) has provided 2024 ranges for adjusted net income and adjusted EPS of $1,235 – $1,385 and $5.95 – $6.75, respectively.