The latest quarterly assessments of Hess (NYSE:HES) by 11 analysts have revealed a mixed bag of bullish and bearish sentiments, leaving investors wondering which way the stock will swing.
Their recent ratings, summarized in a table, offer a glimpse into the evolving analyst sentiment over the past 30 days and compared to previous months. A breakdown of their ratings shows 3 analysts taking a somewhat bearish stance, 7 analysts adopting a neutral or indifferent stance, and only 1 analyst showing a somewhat bullish stance.
Looking at the ratings over the past few months, a trend of declining bullish sentiment becomes apparent. 3 months ago, 2 analysts held a somewhat bullish view and 10 analysts were neutral. 2 months ago, there were 1 bullish analyst, 10 neutral analysts, and 2 bearish or somewhat bearish analysts. Last month, this sentiment shifted, with no bullish analysts, 3 neutral analysts, and 10 bearish or somewhat bearish analysts.
These shifting analyst sentiments are further backed by declining price targets. In the latest estimates, the average 12-month price target for Hess stands at $167.55, down 5.63% from the previous average price target. The high estimate is $194.00, while the low estimate is $145.00.
An in-depth examination of recent analyst actions highlights how key analysts perceive Hess. The actions taken by prominent analysts, including their ratings and price target adjustments, paint a detailed picture of the current market sentiment towards the company.
Among the key analysts is Roger Read of Wells Fargo, who recently lowered Hess' rating to Equal-Weight, citing a price target of $151.00, down from $171.00. Josh Silverstein of UBS also lowered the price target, from $192.00 to $173.00, while maintaining a Buy rating.
Nitin Kumar of Mizuho lowered the price target for Hess from $210.00 to $194.00, choosing to maintain a Neutral stance. Scott Gruber of Citigroup also reduced the price target from $160.00 to $145.00, sticking to a Neutral rating.
Biju Perincheril of Susquehanna lowered the price target three times, reflecting an increasingly bearish stance, with the most recent price target standing at $149.00, down from $151.00. However, they still choose to maintain a Neutral rating.
Bob Brackett of Bernstein, one of the few analysts who see a positive future for Hess, raised the rating from Market Perform to Outperform, upping the price target from $166.00 to $172.00.
Paul Cheng of Scotiabank took a bearish stance, lowering the price target from $165.00 to $157.00 and changing the rating to Sector Perform.
These differing analyst perspectives underscore the current market uncertainty and varied viewpoints on Hess. Whether you're a seasoned investor or looking to dip your toes into the market, understanding these shifting sentiments and ratings adjustments can provide valuable insights to inform your investment decisions.