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On Thursday, Barclays (LON:BARC) began coverage on Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (ARAMCO:SB), assigning an Overweight rating and establishing a price target of SAR31.00 per share. The move comes amid a backdrop of institutional investor caution in the energy sector, which has seen interest near historic lows due to fears of declining oil prices and long-term uncertainty around fossil fuel demand.
Saudi Aramco (TADAWUL:2222), as the leading global oil and gas company, has experienced a performance lag, trailing the broader Saudi Tadawul index by approximately 7% over the past year. This underperformance is attributed to a mix of the uncertain macroeconomic environment and a forecasted drop in 2025 expected free cash flow, influenced by increased capital expenditures aimed at supporting future growth.
Despite these challenges, Barclays sees an opportunity. The firm suggests that Aramco’s current stock price presents an appealing entry point for investors. They believe that the company’s position and future prospects are not fully reflected in its current valuation.
The Overweight rating indicates that Barclays expects the company to outperform the average total return of the stocks in the analyst’s coverage universe over the next 12 to 18 months. The price target of SAR31.00 is set with a view that the stock will reach this level within the specified time frame.
Saudi Aramco’s stock performance and Barclays’ initiation of coverage with a positive outlook will be closely watched by investors as they navigate the energy sector’s evolving landscape and assess the potential for Saudi Aramco’s growth amidst a shifting macroeconomic outlook.
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