Analysts Raise Expand Energy Price Target to $128.32 Amid Strong Performance

Shares of Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:EXE) have garnered a consensus recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from twenty-two analysts covering the company, according to Marketbeat.com. The analysts’ assessments include three hold ratings, seventeen buy recommendations, and two strong buy ratings. This positive outlook has led to an average 12-month price target of **$128.32**.

In recent evaluations, multiple research firms have provided insights on Expand Energy. On December 1, **Weiss Ratings** reaffirmed a “hold (C+)” rating for the company. Earlier in October, **William Blair** initiated coverage with an “outperform” rating, highlighting the company’s strong market position.

Additionally, **Morgan Stanley** raised its price target on Expand Energy from **$135.00** to **$136.00** while maintaining an “overweight” rating as of October 30. Conversely, **Roth Capital** adjusted its stance by lowering its rating from “buy” to “neutral” and reducing the target price from **$125.00** to **$98.00** on August 18. Notably, **Mizuho** set a target price of **$136.00** on September 15.

Stock Performance and Financials

As of Friday, shares of Expand Energy opened at **$117.46**, reflecting a slight decline of **1.4%**. The company reports a market capitalization of **$27.98 billion**, and its financial ratios indicate a debt-to-equity ratio of **0.28**, a current ratio of **0.81**, and a quick ratio of **0.81**. The stock has shown a 50-day moving average price of **$111.16** and a 200-day moving average price of **$107.33**. Over the past year, Expand Energy has fluctuated between a low of **$91.01** and a high of **$126.62**.

Expand Energy’s financial performance has been robust, with the company announcing its quarterly earnings results on **October 28**. The firm reported earnings per share of **$0.97**, exceeding the consensus estimate of **$0.88** by **$0.09**. Revenue for the quarter reached **$2.97 billion**, significantly higher than the anticipated **$1.98 billion**. The company’s net margin stood at **7.99%**, and its return on equity was **6.31%**. Analysts forecast an earnings per share of **1.33** for the current fiscal year.

Dividend Announcement

In addition to its positive earnings report, Expand Energy recently declared a quarterly dividend of **$0.575 per share**, which was paid on **December 4**. Shareholders of record as of **November 13** received this dividend, with an ex-dividend date also noted on **November 13**. This dividend represents an annualized figure of **$2.30** and a yield of **2.0%**. The company’s current dividend payout ratio is **65.34%**.

Expand Energy Corporation, formerly known as Chesapeake Energy Corporation, is an independent natural gas producer primarily operating in the United States. Based in **Oklahoma City**, it continues to attract attention from analysts and investors alike as it navigates the complexities of the energy sector.

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