![](https://cdn.benzinga.com/files/imagecache/2048x1536xUP/images/story/2022/05/04/bz-briefs-canada-v3_2.jpg)
- MEG Energy Corp (TSX:MEG) (OTC:MEGEF) price target has been raised to C$22 from C$21 by RBC Capital analyst Greg Pardy.
- The analyst maintained his Outperform rating on the shares.
- The analyst stated that the bullish stance towards MEG Energy reflects its capable leadership team, top-quartile oil sands operations at Christina Lake, balance sheet deleveraging, and emerging shareholder returns.
- Pardy mentioned that the company indicated that Christina Lake is likely to move into post-payout status in the fourth quarter of 2022.
- He added that the company’s stated that it is experiencing industry-wide inflationary pressures on its capital and operating costs with respect to labour, steel, fuel, and chemicals and expects this to continue.
- MEG Energy’s 2022 budget factors in 10% year/year cost inflation with 15% or so anticipated in 2023 at this juncture, added the analyst.
- Price Action: MEG shares are trading higher by 7.49% at C$21.95 on TSX, and MEGEF is higher by 7.67% at $17.13 on the last check Wednesday.