Truist raises Diversified Energy price target to $30, maintains Buy

Published 27/01/2025, 14:32
Truist raises Diversified Energy price target to $30, maintains Buy

On Monday, Diversified Energy Company (NYSE:DEC) received an updated price target from Truist Securities, increasing from $27.00 to $30.00, while the firm maintained a Buy rating on the stock. Currently trading at $15.77, the stock shows significant upside potential according to analyst targets ranging from $19 to $27. InvestingPro data reveals the company maintains a "GOOD" overall financial health score, with particularly strong marks in profitability metrics. The adjustment follows Diversified Energy's confirmation of its largest acquisition to date, the purchase of Maverick Natural Resources, which is a private entity. This strategic move expands Diversified's operations in the Anadarko Basin and marks its entry into the prolific Permian Basin.

The acquisition is noted for its cost-efficiency, with the transaction valued at approximately $21,000 per flowing barrel of oil equivalent (boe), considered inexpensive in comparison to similar recent industry transactions. With a current market capitalization of $837 million and an attractive P/E ratio of 5.4, Diversified Energy appears to be trading below its InvestingPro Fair Value. Truist Securities highlighted the acquisition's potential for additional cost savings due to the complementary nature of the asset base. It also opens opportunities for increased upstream activity.

Truist Securities emphasized the strategic significance of the acquisition, pointing out that it not only enhances Diversified's scale but also reduces its leverage. Moreover, the deal is seen as a catalyst for a potential shift to a primary listing in the United States, which could further benefit the company's market presence and investor base.

In response to the acquisition, Truist Securities has revised its estimates for Diversified Energy. The new price target reflects the anticipated positive impacts on the company's financials and operations. The firm's statement expressed confidence in the deal's ability to drive scale and accelerate Diversified Energy's growth trajectory.

The acquisition by Diversified Energy represents a significant expansion of its asset portfolio and operational capabilities. With the support of Truist Securities' positive outlook and revised price target, the company appears poised for further growth and market development. The company has demonstrated strong performance with a 38% return over the past year and currently offers a substantial 5.15% dividend yield. InvestingPro subscribers have access to 8 additional key insights about Diversified Energy, including detailed analysis of its growth prospects and financial health metrics.

In other recent news, Diversified Energy has made significant strides in its operations. The company agreed to acquire Maverick Natural Resources, a deal valuing Maverick at approximately $1.3 billion, inclusive of debt. The merger will result in a combined entity valued at around $3.8 billion, including debt.

In addition, KeyBanc Capital Markets upgraded Diversified Energy's stock to Overweight and increased the price target to $19.00. This upgrade followed Diversified Energy's announcement of a $45 million acquisition expected to increase earnings and expand the company's interest in coal mine methane wells.

Truist Securities also raised its price target for Diversified Energy from $19.00 to $21.00, maintaining a Buy rating based on the company's Free Cash Flow potential from its Coal Mine Methane capture activities.

Moreover, Diversified Energy announced its third-quarter financial results and a dividend declaration, signaling a positive financial health. The company has also been expanding its operations, with acquisitions of natural gas properties in East Texas and from Crescent Pass Energy.

These are the recent developments for Diversified Energy as it continues to make strides in its sector.

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

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.