Analysts Split on Media and Tobacco

Philip Morris International (PM) earned a rare upgrade today. The $301 billion tobacco giant moved to Buy from Hold at consensus level. The average analyst target now sits at $201.47. Shares carry just 1.1% short interest as a % of free float — bears are thin on the ground.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) took a hit. Analysts downgraded the media group, dropping consensus from Hold toward Sell territory. The average target slipped to $29.82 from $29.92. The $65 billion company faces ongoing concerns about streaming competition and debt.

Comfort Systems USA (FIX) drew an eye-catching target price lift. Analysts raised the average to $2,150 from $2,135. The HVAC and mechanical services firm has surged on data centre construction demand. Nine analysts cover the stock. None rates it a Sell.

Elsewhere, RTX and LMT both received target price increases today. Defence names continue to benefit from elevated government spending expectations. AAPL also saw its consensus target nudged higher to $319.

AXP bucked the trend. American Express saw its target trimmed to $374.06. Analysts appear cautious on consumer spending durability heading into the second half.