Hubbell (HUBB) stock surged 5.01% in intraday trading on Wednesday, following a series of analyst upgrades and positive outlooks. The electrical and electronic products manufacturer saw its shares climb as several major financial institutions raised their price targets, citing strong acceleration in the utility sector and improved price and cost leverage.
Wells Fargo, Barclays, Morgan Stanley, and Bernstein all increased their price targets for Hubbell. Wells Fargo raised its target to $500 from $490, maintaining an Overweight rating. Barclays lifted its target to $456 from $431, while Morgan Stanley increased its target to $475 from $435. Bernstein made the most significant adjustment, raising its price target to $530 from $511 and maintaining an Outperform rating.
Morgan Stanley analysts highlighted Hubbell's strong acceleration in utility, better absorption, and improved price and cost leverage. They expect Q4 earnings per share of $4.75, at the high end of Hubbell's implied guidance, driven by 8% organic growth and a 23.7% operating margin. The firm also anticipates additional margin and EPS uplift from Hubbell's acquisition of DMC Power. With these positive factors in play, investors seem to be betting on Hubbell's continued growth and profitability in the electrical products market.