Knife River (KNF) Draws Bullish Stance from B. Riley Securities Amid Institutional Buying

fren_with_benefits · 2026-01-21T02:07:05+00:00

B. Riley Securities has initiated coverage of Knife River (KNF) with positive expectations, forecasting a 24.83% rise in stock price to $100.16. Mixed institutional activity reflects selective profit-taking, but overall market sentiment is bullish as indicated by a low put-call ratio and increased stakes from key investors.

fren_with_benefits

2026-01-21 02:07:05

Abstract generation in progress

B. Riley Securities has begun following Knife River with an optimistic outlook, signaling confidence in the mid-cap company’s near-term performance. The stock analysis emerged on January 16, 2026, positioning KNF among the names attracting fresh analyst attention.

Price Target Points to Significant Upside Potential

The consensus one-year price objective for KNF stands at $100.16 per share as of mid-January 2026, reflecting a 24.83% gain from the stock’s then-current $80.24 closing price. Analyst projections stretch from $75.75 at the conservative end to $126.00 at the optimistic end, underscoring divided sentiment on the company’s trajectory.

Operationally, Knife River is expected to generate $3,200 million in annual revenue, representing a 4.98% year-over-year expansion. Non-GAAP earnings per share are projected at $3.89, providing fundamental support for the bullish calls.

Institutional Positioning Reveals Mixed Conviction

The fund landscape for KNF shows nuanced positioning. Approximately 824 institutional investors and funds hold stakes in the company—down 63 positions quarter-over-quarter, a 7.10% decline. The average portfolio weight allocated to Knife River stands at 0.20% across these funds, up from the prior period despite the reduction in owner count.

Interestingly, total institutional share holdings slipped 2.10% over the past three months to 67,889,000 shares, suggesting selective profit-taking even as new capital enters.

Key Holders Adjust Exposure

Price T Rowe Associates maintains a 6.69% ownership stake through 3,792,000 shares, a notable 21.30% increase from its prior disclosed position of 2,984,000 shares. The firm has expanded its portfolio allocation in KNF by 13.00% in the recent quarter, indicating growing conviction.

Conversely, Capital Research Global Investors trimmed its Knife River exposure by 2.15%, reducing its holding to 1,863,000 shares (3.29% ownership). The firm’s allocation weight fell 13.62% period-over-period, reflecting a more cautious stance.

Passive index vehicles also participate in KNF ownership. The iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) holds 1,845,000 shares (3.26%), while the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund maintains 1,831,000 shares (3.23%). Both index products have marginally reduced their weightings despite maintaining stable or marginally higher absolute share counts.

Baillie Gifford rounds out the top holders with a 3.88% stake of 2,199,000 shares.

Market Sentiment Turns Constructive

The put-call ratio for KNF sits at 0.29, a decidedly bullish indicator suggesting options traders expect upward price movement. Combined with B. Riley’s new buy call and T Rowe’s increased conviction, the technical and institutional backdrop appears supportive for Knife River in the near term.

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