Green Plains Inc. (GPRE) Plunges 10.80% Amid Earnings Miss, Analyst Downgrades

Green Plains Inc. (GPRE) shares plummeted 10.80% intraday, marking the lowest level since May 2009. The stock has been on a downward spiral, declining 8.23% today and 28.74% over the past four days.

One of the key factors influencing Green Plains' stock price is the recent increase in ethanol production. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a 1% rise in U.S. fuel ethanol output for the week ending March 28. This development could potentially benefit Green Plains, given its significant focus on ethanol production.

Analysts have also been adjusting their ratings and price targets for Green Plains. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded the stock from a "buy" to a "hold," reducing its price objective from $14.00 to $6.00. Truist Financial maintained a "buy" rating but lowered its price target from $18.00 to $12.00. BMO Capital Markets set a "market perform" rating, cutting the price objective from $13.00 to $8.00. UBS Group shifted from a "buy" to a "neutral" rating, lowering the price target from $20.50 to $7.00. These changes reflect varying levels of confidence and expectations for Green Plains' future performance.

Green Plains' latest quarterly earnings report showed a negative EPS of ($0.86), significantly missing estimates. The company's negative net margin and return on equity further contribute to the stock's decline, indicating current market challenges and potential volatility in the near future.