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.

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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