Wall Street Cuts Kroger, Lifts REITs and Cruises

Kroger took the sharpest hit in Monday's analyst sweep. Citigroup slashed its target from $71 to $61, keeping a Hold rating. The grocer carries a $34 billion market cap. Short interest sits at a modest 4.8% of free float, so bears aren't leading the charge — but the 14% target cut signals real concern about margins or competition.

REITs moved the other way. Truist Securities upgraded Simon Property Group to Hold and lifted its target to $215 from $196. The mall giant's $70 billion valuation reflects its dominance in premium retail real estate. Truist also upgraded Public Storage to Buy, raising the target sharply to $338 from $302 — a 12% jump. Self-storage demand is holding firm despite a slower housing market.

The cruise sector caught a bullish call too. TD Cowen raised its target on Norwegian Cruise Line to $24 from $22 and reiterated Buy. That matters more given NCLH's 15.8% short interest — one of the higher readings among large consumer names. A sustained bullish consensus could pressure those shorts.

Elsewhere, TD Cowen lifted Ares Management to $153 from $144, maintaining Buy on the alternative asset manager. Domino's Pizza saw its consensus target edge down to $400, with TD Cowen initiating at Hold for $350.