UBS maintains MPLX stock buy rating, $64 price target

Published 01/04/2025, 14:34
UBS maintains MPLX stock buy rating, $64 price target

On Tuesday, UBS reiterated its Buy rating on MPLX LP (NYSE:MPLX) shares with a steady price target of $64.00. UBS analysts adjusted their first-quarter 2025 EBITDA estimate for MPLX to $1,733 million, a slight increase from the previous $1,686 million projection. This revision brings the estimate in line with the consensus on Wall Street, which stands at $1,730 million. The quarter-over-quarter decline is attributed to two fewer days in the first quarter, as well as Marathon Petroleum Corporation’s (NYSE:MPC) reduced refining utilization. However, these factors are somewhat mitigated by the benefit of higher natural gas liquids (NGL) prices, which UBS estimates could contribute approximately $5 million. InvestingPro data shows that three analysts have recently revised their earnings estimates upward for the upcoming period, supporting the positive outlook. The company’s last twelve months EBITDA stands at $5.77 billion, demonstrating its substantial operational scale.

The Crude Oil and Product Logistics segment is expected to generate an EBITDA of $1,107 million, a slight decrease from $1,123 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. Similarly, the Natural Gas and NGL segment EBITDA is projected to be $626 million, down from $639 million in the prior quarter. Despite these decreases, the company is anticipated to remain profitable with a healthy margin. According to InvestingPro analysis, MPLX maintains a robust gross profit margin of 56.8% and has demonstrated strong financial health with an overall score of 2.88 (GOOD).

For the first quarter of 2025, UBS forecasts MPLX will achieve free cash flow (FCF) after capital expenditures and distributions of $170 million. This figure is lower compared to the $344 million FCF reported in the fourth quarter of 2024. The expected reduction in FCF reflects the company’s capital allocation and distribution strategy, which continues to be a crucial aspect of MPLX’s financial management.

MPLX, a master limited partnership involved in midstream energy infrastructure and logistics, has been under scrutiny by analysts who closely monitor its financial performance and industry trends. The company’s ability to generate consistent EBITDA and FCF is vital for its operations, investor confidence, and its capacity to maintain distributions.

UBS’s maintained Buy rating and price target suggest a continued positive outlook on MPLX’s stock, indicating confidence in the company’s ability to navigate the changing market dynamics and maintain its financial health.

In other recent news, MPLX LP announced its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings release and annual report, which prompted RBC Capital Markets to raise its price target for the company from $55.00 to $58.00 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The firm highlighted MPLX’s strategic initiatives in enhancing its natural gas liquids value chain as a key factor for this upgrade. Additionally, MPLX LP has secured full control of the BANGL pipeline by purchasing the remaining 55% stake for $715 million, aiming to integrate this asset with its Gulf Coast fractionation complex. This acquisition is expected to close in July 2025, pending regulatory approval.

Furthermore, MPLX has priced $2 billion in senior notes to manage its debt, with plans to use the proceeds to repay existing obligations and for general partnership purposes. The company also announced an underwriting agreement and updated indentures, as detailed in a recent SEC filing, to solidify its financial foundation. These developments reflect MPLX’s ongoing efforts to maintain a robust financial structure.

Lastly, MPLX has submitted its 2024 annual report to the SEC, providing a detailed overview of its financial performance and operational activities. Investors can access this report through MPLX’s website or request a hard copy from the company’s Investor Relations department. These recent developments underscore MPLX’s strategic focus on growth and financial management.

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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