Goldman Sachs Upgrades Phillips 66, Removes From Sell List


Crypto Whales Are Loading Up — Are You?

New research shows the biggest crypto buyers are back. And this time? They could hold for the possibility that Bitcoin will surpass $100,000 in 2024. You don’t want to miss the next massive crypto bull run like we saw in 2020 and 2021. To know exactly what’s going on and what to buy… Get Access To Benzinga’s Best Crypto Research and Investments For Only $1.


Following the significant cut to the consensus forecasts for Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), Goldman Sachs’ Neil Mehta believes there no longer is risk of any further meaningful cut to the consensus expectations.

Mehta upgraded the rating on the company from Sell to Neutral, while raising the price target from $74 to $85.

ENTER TO WIN $500 IN STOCK OR CRYPTO

Enter your email and you'll also get Benzinga's ultimate morning update AND a free $30 gift card and more!

Consensus Forecasts Cut

Since November 2015, the consensus EPS forecasts for 2016 and 2017 for Phillips 66 have been negatively revised by 52 percent and 32 percent, respectively, driven by softer benchmark refining margins and lower midstream contribution expectations.

The analyst believes the consensus EPS forecasts for 2016-2018 are unlikely to see a sharp cut going forward and that the expectations are more achievable now.

Capex Down

“One of our historical concerns around PSX has been the elevated levels of capital spending, but the company has reduced capex guidance to levels where we expect modestly positive free cash flow in 2017,” Mehta mentioned.

The analyst has raised the free cash flow estimates based on the lower capex guidance.

Mehta pointed out the valuation assumption for Phillips 66 was higher at midstream and chemicals, saying, “We continue to assume an M&A component in our valuation, with a 15 percent probability of a takeout in our forecasts.”

However, among refineries, the analyst believes there could be greater valuation upside elsewhere among the company’s peers.

Do you have ideas for articles/interviews you'd like to see more of on Benzinga? Please email feedback@benzinga.com with your best article ideas. One person will be randomly selected to win a $20 Amazon gift card!


Crypto Whales Are Loading Up — Are You?

New research shows the biggest crypto buyers are back. And this time? They could hold for the possibility that Bitcoin will surpass $100,000 in 2024. You don’t want to miss the next massive crypto bull run like we saw in 2020 and 2021. To know exactly what’s going on and what to buy… Get Access To Benzinga’s Best Crypto Research and Investments For Only $1.


Posted In: Analyst ColorUpgradesPrice TargetAnalyst RatingsGoldman SachsNeil Mehta