RBC Capital cuts Western Gas stock target to $38, retains rating

Published 29/05/2025, 15:18
RBC Capital cuts Western Gas stock target to $38, retains rating

On Thursday, RBC Capital Markets adjusted its financial outlook for Western Gas Partners (NYSE:WES), reducing the firm’s price target from $39.00 to $38.00 while maintaining a Sector Perform rating. The revision was prompted by a reassessment of the crude oil market dynamics, which have introduced a level of uncertainty that influenced the analyst’s projections. According to InvestingPro data, WES maintains a robust 9.49% dividend yield and has raised its dividend for three consecutive years, demonstrating strong shareholder returns despite market volatility.

Elvira Scotto of RBC Capital noted that Western Gas’s first-quarter results for 2025 aligned with market expectations, and the company has preserved its outlook for the year. The company’s performance is supported by strong fundamentals, with InvestingPro data showing an 11.48% revenue growth and a healthy P/E ratio of 11.84. Despite a stable forecast from Western Gas’s customer base in terms of well counts and production expectations, the volatility in crude oil prices has led to a more cautious estimate from RBC Capital.

Scotto highlighted Western Gas’s robust financial position, suggesting that the company’s strong balance sheet and the potential to adjust capital expenditures in 2026 position it well to navigate potential market challenges. This assessment aligns with InvestingPro’s "GOOD" Financial Health score of 2.93, while the company’s EBITDA stands at $2.24 billion for the last twelve months. The lowered price target reflects a revised EBITDA forecast, taking into account the current economic environment surrounding the energy sector.

Western Gas’s financial performance and forward-looking statements indicate a steady operational course, despite the broader market’s unpredictability. The company’s ability to adapt its capital spending plans could serve as a buffer against fluctuating crude oil prices, which remain a concern for the industry.

Investors and market watchers will likely continue to monitor Western Gas’s performance and strategic decisions, especially as they relate to the company’s capital management and response to ongoing shifts in the energy market. The updated price target by RBC Capital signifies a slight adjustment to expectations, while the retained Sector Perform rating suggests a neutral outlook on the stock’s near-term trajectory.

In other recent news, Western Midstream Partners LP reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, missing both earnings per share (EPS) and revenue forecasts. The company’s actual EPS was $0.79, falling short of the projected $0.85, while revenue reached $917.12 million, below the expected $925.71 million. Despite these misses, Western Midstream increased its quarterly distribution by 4% to $0.91 per unit and maintained a strong liquidity position with $2.4 billion available. The company also completed the commissioning of the North Loving plant, which increased its natural gas processing capacity by 13%. Analysts have not reported any recent upgrades or downgrades for the company, but Western Midstream continues to focus on strategic expansions in West Texas and the Uinta Basin. The company has reiterated its 2025 financial guidance ranges, signaling confidence in its strategic initiatives. Western Midstream’s management emphasized their commitment to prudent capital allocation to support future growth and profitability.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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