Truist cuts Diversified Energy price target to $29, maintains Buy

Published 20/02/2025, 22:32
Truist cuts Diversified Energy price target to $29, maintains Buy

On Thursday, Truist Securities updated its outlook on Diversified Energy Co. (NYSE: DEC) shares, reducing the price target to $29.00 from $30.00, while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. The adjustment follows Diversified Energy’s announcement of a successful follow-on offering, which generated approximately $130 million. The capital raised is earmarked for debt reduction, supporting the company’s financial health. According to InvestingPro data, the stock has experienced a significant 9.74% decline over the past week, potentially presenting an opportunity as analysis suggests the company is currently undervalued.

The Truist Securities analyst praised Diversified Energy for its unique approach within the exploration and production (E&P) sector. Unlike peers who are maintaining steady production and avoiding significant operational changes, Diversified Energy is actively pursuing growth and leverage reduction. This strategy, according to the analyst, positions the company favorably, especially with the potential shift to a primary listing in the United States.

The recent equity offering, while dilutive, was seen as a minor setback in the company’s valuation, prompting the slight decrease in the price target. Despite this adjustment, Truist Securities remains optimistic about the future prospects of Diversified Energy’s shares. The company maintains an attractive 5.41% dividend yield and has sustained dividend payments for nine consecutive years, as revealed by InvestingPro analysis, which also identifies several additional bullish indicators. The analyst’s commentary highlighted the current market environment, where positive sentiment around natural gas is overshadowing the less enthusiastic outlook for oil.

Diversified Energy’s strategic moves, including the follow-on offering, are part of the company’s broader plan to enhance its scale and financial flexibility. The analyst’s maintained Buy rating suggests confidence in the company’s direction and its ability to navigate the current market conditions.

Investors and market watchers will continue to monitor Diversified Energy’s performance, particularly in light of the evolving energy landscape and the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position within the industry. The revised price target of $29 reflects a tempered yet positive expectation for the stock’s trajectory.

In other recent news, Diversified Energy has announced a public offering in the U.S. to issue up to 8.5 million ordinary shares. The proceeds are intended to repay debt related to its proposed acquisition of Maverick Natural Resources, a deal valued at approximately $1.3 billion, including debt. The acquisition, Diversified’s largest to date, is expected to expand its operations significantly. Truist Securities has raised its price target for Diversified Energy from $27 to $30, maintaining a Buy rating, citing the strategic benefits of the Maverick acquisition. The firm highlighted the potential for cost savings and an increase in upstream activity. Meanwhile, KeyBanc Capital Markets upgraded Diversified Energy to Overweight from Sector Weight, raising the price target to $19. This upgrade follows Diversified’s $45 million acquisition to expand its interest in coal mine methane wells, expected to boost earnings. Analysts at KeyBanc emphasized the potential for increased EBITDA from these wells, independent of 45V tax credits. These developments underscore Diversified Energy’s strategic moves to enhance its asset portfolio and operational capabilities.

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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