Talos Energy (NYSE: TALO) faced a downgrade from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating by analysts at Wall Street Zen, as outlined in a report released on Monday. This decision reflects a growing divergence in analyst opinions regarding the company, particularly following recent changes in price targets by various research firms.
In a contrasting evaluation, Mizuho raised its price target for Talos Energy shares from $11.00 to $14.00, maintaining a “neutral” rating. This adjustment was reported on December 12, 2023. Meanwhile, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “sell (d)” rating on December 29, 2023. KeyCorp also modified its stance, increasing the price target from $12.00 to $13.50 while assigning an “overweight” rating in a report on December 5, 2023.
The current landscape indicates a mixed sentiment among analysts. Four have issued a Buy rating, two have maintained a Hold rating, and one has assigned a Sell rating. According to MarketBeat.com, the consensus rating for Talos Energy stands at “Hold,” with an average target price of $14.25.
Changes in Institutional Holdings
Recent trading activity shows a notable shift in institutional investments in Talos Energy. Firms have either increased their stakes or divested entirely from their positions. For instance, Virtus Fixed Income Advisers LLC acquired a new stake worth approximately $25,000 during the second quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC significantly boosted its stake by 142.9% in the third quarter, now holding 3,301 shares valued at around $32,000.
Smartleaf Asset Management LLC also expanded its position, growing its holdings by 134.4% during the second quarter and owning 3,703 shares post-purchase, also valued at $32,000. Quarry LP invested in a new stake worth about $36,000 during the third quarter, while CWM LLC increased its stake by an impressive 186.3%, bringing its total to 6,027 shares valued at $51,000. Currently, institutional investors and hedge funds own approximately 89.35% of Talos Energy’s stock.
About Talos Energy
Talos Energy Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is an independent company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production. Founded in 2012 by industry veterans Tim Duncan and Jeremy Rights, the firm made its initial public offering in 2021 and trades under the ticker symbol TALO on the New York Stock Exchange. The company is primarily focused on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of offshore hydrocarbon reserves, particularly in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico basin. Talos Energy’s portfolio includes interests in various producing fields and exploration blocks in both deepwater and shelf areas of the Gulf.
As analysts continue to reassess their outlook on Talos Energy, the coming weeks will be crucial for the company as it navigates a complex market environment marked by fluctuating investor sentiment and evolving industry dynamics.
