Australia's Woodside Energy rises after Morningstar turns upbeat on rising energy prices

*Shares of Australia's Woodside Energy WDS.AX rise as much as 1.7% to A$34.190

Morningstar leans towards WDS on near-term increase in energy prices amid the Middle-East conflict

Says "Woodside is unique among Australian energy companies"

Brokerage places bets on co's LNG project developments, off-take agreements with Asian blue-chip energy companies

Upgrades earnings per share estimates for 2026 by 109% to $2.09/share, 2027 EPS by 90% to $2.52/share

Five of 13 analysts rate the stock "Buy" or higher, six "Hold", and two "Sell" or lower; their median PT is A$30 - data compiled by LSEG

Stock up 42.5% YTD