Johnson Rice Upgrades APA Corporation (APA) To Accumulate, Lifts Price Target

APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA) is among the Top 15 Lowest P/E Ratios of the S&P 500 in 2025. On December 5, Johnson Rice upgraded its rating on the stock to Accumulate from Hold and lifted its price target to $40 from $35.

Johnson Rice Upgrades APA Corporation (APA) To Accumulate, Lifts Price Target

Stock market data showing an upward trajectory. Photo by Burak The Weekender on Pexels

The adjustment follows Goldman Sachs’ update on December 1, when it raised its price target for the stock to $21 from $19. However, the analyst maintained a Sell rating for the company’s shares, citing a slowdown in the U.S. shale oil market after over a decade of substantial growth.

As of December 5, based on the recommendations of 29 Wall Street analysts, APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA) has a consensus Hold rating. Despite recent price target increases, the stock has a one-year average share price target of $25.89, suggesting a potential downside of 4%.

The energy company’s shares have soared 25% over the past month, with a major spike following its third-quarter earnings beat and production exceeding guidance for the period. APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA) credited the strong results to the successful execution of operational efficiencies, strategic initiatives, and cost reduction.

The company also strengthened its balance sheet in Q3 by reducing net debt by $431 million. It ended the quarter with $475 million in cash, boosting its liquidity ahead of 2026. Moreover, it returned $154 million to investors through dividends and share repurchases.

APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA) is focused on exploration and production of oil and natural gas across the United States, the United Kingdom, Egypt, and offshore Suriname. The stock is up 17% year-to-date, as of the close on December 5.

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Disclosure: None.