Keppel Corp. (BN4.SG) is +4.9% at $11.90 in active trade of almost 9 million shares, at its highest level since June 2008, as analysts laud the rig builder’s 4Q results and increase target prices and earnings estimates. 

DMG raises its target to $13.00 from $12.00, keeps at Buy, after raising FY11-12 EPS estimates by 8% and 7% respectively “as we tweak our O&M billing schedule and raised margins for old orders.” 

 

Deutsche Bank, which has a Buy rating, raises its target to $14.20 from $13.50, saying Keppel “is well positioned to benefit from any upgrade, replacement and new build opportunities in the O&M sector. Property also seems promising with its strong launch pipeline and capital deployment opportunities.”

 

Goldman Sachs, which reiterates its Buy call, raises its target to $13.50 from $13.00, saying stock catalysts include a strong pipeline for new order wins, rising crude oil prices (house 2011 forecast is US$100/bbl) and consensus earnings upgrades. 

 

Orderbook suggests $12.00 is likely to cap gains today.