UPDATE: Stifel Upgrades Emerge Energy Services LP to Buy, Reiterates $44 PT on Expected Growth Driver

In a report published Friday, Stifel analyst Selman Akyol upgraded the rating on

from Hold to Buy, and reiterated the $44.00 price target. In the report, Stifel noted, “Emerge Energy Services LP began operations as a publicly traded partnership on May 14, 2013. We continue to believe the sand operations will be the growth driver for the partnership through FY14 as it focuses on filling the capacity at its Barron facility (brought online at the end of 4Q12). During the quarter, we estimate production grew approximately 55,000 tons to 344,000 tons at its Barron facility. Additionally, we believe pricing remains firm for at least the next year as the partnership benefits from high demand for its sand.” Emerge Energy Services LP closed on Thursday at $40.01.