Bernstein downgrades Equinor stock rating to Market Perform on lower EPS

Published 17/10/2025, 07:52
Bernstein downgrades Equinor stock rating to Market Perform on lower EPS

Investing.com - Bernstein has downgraded Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) (OB:EQNR) from Outperform to Market Perform, while reducing its price target to NOK275.00 from NOK315.00.

The downgrade follows Bernstein’s reduction of earnings per share and free cash flow estimates for the Norwegian energy company, which drove the 13% price target cut.

Bernstein has lowered its Equinor EPS estimates by an average of 13% annually for 2025-2027, citing Equinor’s recent weak third-quarter trading update, lower production estimates, and below-guidance outlook for midstream earnings beyond 2025.

The research firm has also nearly halved its share buyback estimates to approximately $2.0-$2.5 billion annually for 2026-2027, noting reduced free cash flows provide less balance sheet room for buybacks.

Bernstein identified a new source of strategic uncertainty following Equinor’s participation in Orsted’s rights issue and changed narrative regarding potential collaboration between the companies.

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