First Resources' earnings should be better in 4Q than in 3Q on higher palm oil prices, Maybank Research's Ong Chee Ting says in a research report. Higher crude palm oil prices and stronger earnings for the palm oil producer's downstream division should outweigh lower output, the analyst says. Its downstream division's refining margin is looking even more positive in 4Q than in 3Q thanks to rising prices. The brokerage lifts its EPS forecasts for the Singapore-listed company by 25% for 2024, 24% for 2025 and 18% for 2026. It also raises the stock's target price to S$1.60 from S$1.46 while maintaining a hold rating. Shares are 1.3% higher at S$1.54. (ronnie.harui@wsj.com)