As previously reported, Seaport Global upgraded Pioneer Energy to Buy from Neutral with a $5 price target on shares. Analyst Mark Brown came away from speaking with management that Pioneer is a good way to play a NAM market recovery. Management feels that it is in the early stages of a recovery this year and expects better comps in 2017 vs. 2016 and in 2018 vs. 2017. Over the second half of 2016, Brown believes Pioneer Energy is well positioned to participate in a moderate US-led shale market improvement at $45-$50/bbl oil prices. If WTI surpasses $50/bbl, then it would likely result in an increased pace of the recovery, the analyst wrote.