Evercore initiates Phillips 66 stock with outperform rating on portfolio strength

Published 18/06/2025, 11:04
Evercore initiates Phillips 66 stock with outperform rating on portfolio strength

Evercore ISI initiated coverage of Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) with an outperform rating and a $130 price target on Wednesday, citing the company’s "dynamic portfolio configuration" in the U.S. downstream sector. The stock, currently trading at $124.54 with a market cap of ~$51 billion, appears undervalued according to InvestingPro analysis.

The research firm highlighted that Phillips 66 is undergoing a "deliberate transformation" following periods of underperformance in refining and margin compression in chemicals. This transformation includes operational upgrades, midstream consolidation, and strategic repositioning efforts. InvestingPro data shows the company maintains a FAIR overall financial health score, with particularly strong marks in price momentum and profit metrics.

Recent acquisitions, including DCP and EPIC, have strengthened Phillips 66’s midstream integration, allowing for more complete participation from wellhead to market, according to Evercore. The firm noted these moves bolster the company’s overall business model.

Evercore pointed out that Phillips 66 currently trades at more than 10% discount to peers, with investor sentiment affected by concerns over midstream capital moves and the integrated model structure following activist engagement. However, the firm expects this discount to narrow as tangible improvements emerge in refining capture rates, cost control, and clarity around divestitures and deleveraging.

The positive outlook is supported by expected mid-cycle EBITDA improvement and growing contributions from midstream and marketing operations to cash flow, despite near-term earnings facing pressure from the Los Angeles refinery shutdown. With an attractive 3.85% dividend yield and analyst targets ranging from $110 to $156, investors seeking detailed analysis can access comprehensive valuation models and 12+ additional ProTips through InvestingPro’s exclusive research reports.

In other recent news, Phillips 66 held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, with significant developments reported. Shareholders elected four directors, including two nominated by Elliott Management, signaling a shift in the board composition. The election of Sigmund Cornelius and Michael Heim, backed by Elliott, highlights shareholder demand for change within the company. A proposal to declassify the Board of Directors was not approved, despite a majority voting in favor, as it fell short of the required 80% affirmative vote. Additionally, the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2025 was ratified with overwhelming support. Shareholders also approved the compensation of the company’s executive officers on an advisory basis. Elliott Management, a top-five shareholder, emphasized its ongoing involvement with Phillips 66, aiming to enhance operational execution and strategic direction. The board, while acknowledging Elliott’s influence, remains committed to its integrated business model, opposing Elliott’s proposal for annual director resignations.

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