Range Resources Surpasses Industry Gains: What Should Investors Know?

Core Viewpoint - Range Resources Corporation (RRC) has shown resilience with a 5.5% share price increase over the past six months, contrasting with a 20.7% decline in the oil-energy sector and a 3.6% rise in the S&P 500 composite [1][6] Financial Performance - RRC's market capitalization stands at $9.3 billion [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 38.3% year-over-year increase in RRC's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) and a 14.3% rise in revenues to $3.2 billion [3][6] - The company has achieved a 34.3% earnings growth over the last five years, surpassing the industry average of 26.1% [3] - Long-term earnings growth is anticipated at 40.8%, exceeding the industry average of 20.5% [4] Valuation and Price Targets - The average price target for RRC, based on 22 analysts, is $42.18 per share, indicating an 8.26% upside from the last closing price [5] - RRC is currently trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA of 10.01X, which is lower than the broader industry average of 11.07X [8] - The 2026E EV/EBITDA multiple is projected at 6.5X, significantly below sector peers and broader equity indices [14] Cash Flow and Capital Management - RRC has consistently generated free cash flow, with a cumulative $3.2 billion from 2021 to 2024 [13] - The forecast for 2025 free cash flow exceeds $450 million, with potential to surpass $1 billion at $4.50/MMBtu natural gas prices [6][13] - The company operates with a capital reinvestment rate below 50%, allowing for a production growth of approximately 20% through 2027 while returning capital to shareholders [13] Resource Base and Operational Efficiency - RRC holds over 30 years of high-quality, undrilled Marcellus inventory, with approximately 28 million lateral feet of drilling potential [10] - The inventory breaks even at natural gas prices below $2.50/MMBtu, with some assets viable under $2.00/MMBtu [12] - The company benefits from low capital intensity and peer-leading well costs, enabling sustained value creation even in modest commodity price scenarios [15] Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practices - RRC achieved net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 and reduced methane intensity by 83% since 2019 [16] - The company recycles more than 100% of its produced water and has implemented an extensive leak detection program [16] - These practices enhance stakeholder relations and support a long-term license to operate in Appalachia [17]