Benchmark Downgrades Permian Resources Corporation (PR) to 'Hold'

Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR) is among the 14 Best Oil and Gas Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR) is an independent oil and natural gas company focused on the development of crude oil and associated liquids-rich natural gas reserves in the United States.

On March 5, Benchmark downgraded Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR) from ‘Buy’ to ‘Hold’, without assigning it a price target. The move comes after the stock exceeded the analyst firm’s previous target. That said, Benchmark highlighted how PR’s YTD gains of over 30% have outpaced both the XLE and the XRP, with the stock ending FY 2025 on a high by reporting a better-than-expected EBITDA and guidance for 2026.

Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR) set records across several key operational metrics in Q4 2025, including its highest oil production, lowest D&C cost per foot, and lowest controllable cash cost in the company’s history. The energy firm reported oil production of 188,600 bpd for the quarter, with total production standing at 401,500 boepd.

Moreover, Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR) generated adjusted free cash flow of $1.6 billion in the full-year 2025, representing a 20% growth from the previous year. This allowed the company to increase its quarterly dividend by 7% to $0.16 per share on February 26.

Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR) is targeting to deliver 5% higher production in 2026 when compared to 2025, while also reducing its CapEx by $120 million to $1.85 billion.

While we acknowledge the potential of PR as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.