J.P.Morgan raises PT on APA Corp citing improved operations

J.P.Morgan raises price target on oil and gas producer APA Corp APA.O to $23 from $20

New PT represents an upside of about 15% to stock's last close

Company's "self-help" efforts as a whole were ahead of schedule, owing to efficiency gains and lower corporate costs, brokerage says

"We felt there was better body language from the company on overall operations, with management appearing to have a better command of its business" - JPM

Six out of 30 brokerages rate stock "buy" or higher, 19 "hold" and 5 "sell"; median PT is $22 - data compiled by LSEG

As of last close, APA shares down 13.3% YTD