BUSINESS
Nach Flächenbrand dramatischer Kursverfall der Aktien der lokalen Elektroindusrie
August 15, 2023 - Aktien der Hawaiianischen Elektro Industrie (HEI) stürzen ab, es wird geprüft, ob abgerissene Stromleitungen den Flächenbrand auf Maui ausgelöst haben.
Despite no official cause for the deadly blaze on Maui being found yet, multiple lawsuits have already been filed against Hawaiian Electric amid reports that blown down power lines may have started the fire – the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century.
On Monday, August 14, relentless selling by spooked investors sent Hawaiian Electric’s stock price into free fall, wiping out more than a billion dollars by market close – its biggest ever loss since the utility was founded in 1891.
To date, federal estimates for damages from the tragedy have reached in excess of $5.5 billion, far exceeding Hawaiian Electric’s market capitalisation of $2.4 billion and putting its entire future in doubt if found negligent.
Honolulu-based Hawaiian Electric, which operates the Maui Electric utility, has declined to comment.
On Monday, Guggenheim Securities cut its price target for Hawaiian Electric from $32 per share to $18, before warning that it could fall even further.
Shares closed down 34% at $21.46 the same day.