JFrog stock rises as Cantor Fitzgerald maintains Overweight rating after strong Q2
On Monday, DA Davidson analysts adjusted their stance on Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises (NYSE:BW), downgrading the stock rating from Buy to Neutral. The firm also revised its price target for the company’s shares, reducing it significantly to $1.00 from the previous target of $3.50.
The downgrade was prompted by Babcock & Wilcox (NYSE:BWXT)’s financial performance, which ended both 2024 and 2023 with negative free cash flow (FCF). Despite management’s expectations for positive cash generation in 2025, DA Davidson cited concerns over the impact of substantial U.S. tariffs and the uncertain prospects of refinancing debt maturities that are due within the next 12 months. The analysts highlighted that the current economic environment might lead to a narrower appetite for risk, influencing their decision to lower the rating.
The analysts noted that while the power generation market’s needs could be a positive factor for Babcock & Wilcox, the company must navigate challenges such as tariffs and a potentially deteriorating near-term economic climate, especially during efforts to refinance. These factors contribute to the heightened risks associated with the company’s outlook.
In their commentary, DA Davidson analysts stated, "Lowering rating. We are lowering our PT to $1 (from $3.50) which represents a modest multiple of FCF." They elaborated on the external factors, including U.S. tariffs, that add new risks in their view, influencing the revised price target and stock rating.
The new price target of $1.00 is based on a conservative valuation of the company’s free cash flow, reflecting the analysts’ cautious perspective on Babcock & Wilcox’s financial prospects in light of the mentioned challenges and uncertainties.
In other recent news, Babcock & Wilcox reported its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings, revealing an earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.52, which missed the forecasted EPS of $0. The company’s revenue for the quarter was $200.8 million, falling short of the expected $212.3 million. Despite these misses, Babcock & Wilcox experienced a 15% year-over-year increase in revenue and a significant improvement in operating income, which reached $11.6 million. The company also reported an adjusted EBITDA of $24 million, marking a 55% increase year-over-year. Analysts from Craig Hallum and Lake Street Capital Markets discussed the company’s financial outlook, with ongoing projects and refinancing efforts being key points of interest. Babcock & Wilcox is targeting an adjusted EBITDA of $70-85 million for 2025 and aims for $1 billion in BrightLoop bookings by 2028. The company is also actively working on projects like the Brightwood hydrogen production facility and is in discussions to refinance its debt obligations. These developments indicate Babcock & Wilcox’s strategic focus on growth and financial management in the renewable energy sector.
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