UPDATE: Bank Of America Reiterates On MRC Global On Lowered EPS Estimates

In a report published Monday, Bank of America analyst Vaibhav Vaishnav reiterated a Neutral rating on

, but lowered the price target from $31.00 to $28.00. In the report, Bank of America noted, “MRC Global (MRC) is aggressively trying to replace revenues from its top midstream customers through offering low margin line pipe to new customers and then ‘upselling' higher margin products six-to-nine months later as sales to top midstream line pipe customers have not rebounded as expected. Accordingly, the company increased its 2014 revenues guidance but lowered EBITDA guidance by 2% from unfavorable mix. "We are maintaining our 2014/2015E EPS at $1.66/$2.10. Notably, our 2014E EPS is 4% below the consensus estimate. Our PO declines to $28 from $30 as we lower our target multiple to 13x from 14x reflecting lower returns. Increasing activity and bottoming of pricing in line pipe provides a positive read through for NOW Inc. as the shift in mix is a company specific issue for MRC.” MRC Global closed on Friday at $25.68.