Lazard Experiences Price Target Increase Amid Positive Deal Outlook: Analysts Forecast $46.57 Average Target Price with 10.30% Downside from Current Price of $51.92.

Lazard's price target has been raised to $57 from $46 by Keefe Bruyette, who maintained a Market Perform rating. Analysts expect the merger and acquisition landscape to improve in the latter half of the year, despite uncertainties in policy and geopolitics. The average one-year price target for Lazard is $46.57, with a high estimate of $55 and a low of $38. The average brokerage recommendation is 2.8, indicating a "Hold" status.

Flowserve Corporation (FLS) and the Merger with Chart Industries

Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS), a leading provider of flow management solutions, is set to report its Q2 2025 earnings on July 30. The company's financial momentum will be closely watched, especially in the context of its impending merger with Chart Industries, expected to close by year-end 2025. The merger, valued at $19 billion, aims to create a leader in industrial process technologies by combining Flowserve's expertise in flow management systems with Chart's cryogenic and thermal technologies. Key to the deal are $300 million in annual cost synergies and 2% incremental revenue growth from synergies over three years.

Analysts project a Q2 EPS of $0.81, building on a strong Q1 performance where EPS of $0.72 beat estimates by $0.13. The full-year 2025 guidance of $3.10–$3.30 EPS aligns with a 16.7% earnings growth forecast for 2026. Investors should watch for aftermarket bookings, operating margin expansion, and backlog execution, which are critical drivers of recurring revenue and revenue growth.

Flowserve's valuation, with a trailing P/E of 22.31 and forward P/E of 15.02, suggests a discount relative to its industrial peers. The merger's accretive EPS upside and dividend resilience ($0.72 annualized) offer a 1.8% yield, attractive in a rising rate environment. However, risks include integration execution, regulatory approvals, and cyclical exposure to energy sector volatility.

Cargo Therapeutics (CRGX) Acquisition by Concentra Biosciences

Cargo Therapeutics (CRGX), a clinical-stage biotech firm, has agreed to be acquired by Concentra Biosciences. The acquisition, at $4.379 per share in cash, includes a contingent value right (CVR) entitling shareholders to additional proceeds. The deal is expected to complete in August 2025, following a tender offer initiated by July 21, 2025. The merger is supported by a majority of CARGO's stockholders, including key figures, who have already agreed to tender and support the merger.

Wall Street analysts forecast an average target price of $5.33, indicating an upside of 16.07% from the current price of $4.60. The average brokerage recommendation is 3.2, indicating a "Hold" status.

Lazard's Price Target and Brokerage Recommendation

Lazard's price target has been raised to $57 from $46 by Keefe Bruyette, who maintained a Market Perform rating. The average one-year price target for Lazard is $46.57, with a high estimate of $55 and a low of $38. The average brokerage recommendation is 2.8, indicating a "Hold" status. Analysts expect the merger and acquisition landscape to improve in the latter half of the year, despite uncertainties in policy and geopolitics.

Conclusion

Flowserve's Q2 earnings and post-merger strategy present a compelling narrative of growth and resilience. Cargo Therapeutics' acquisition by Concentra Biosciences offers shareholders an attractive exit, with a significant upside potential. Investors should monitor these developments closely, especially the upcoming earnings reports and merger integration timelines.

References:
1. [1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/flowserve-corporation-q2-earnings-post-merger-strategy-catalyst-industrial-resilience-2507/
2. [2] https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2972539/cargo-therapeutics-crgx-agrees-to-acquisition-by-concentra-biosciences-crgx-stock-news