Wall Street Splits on Beverages, Defense, and Pets

Analysts delivered a striking mix of calls today. The biggest move hit Monster Beverage. Consensus target prices dropped sharply — from $98.13 to $48.74. That is a near 50% cut. The $90B energy drinks giant faces growing pressure from private label competition and slowing volume growth.

Zoetis took a Citigroup target cut from $112 to $96. Analyst Daniel Grosslight maintained his Buy rating but trimmed expectations for the animal health company. Short interest sits at 4.6% of free float — modest but worth watching.

In contrast, defense contractor Leidos Holdings got a clear vote of confidence. Citigroup's John Godyn lifted his target from $138 to $161. That is a 17% jump. The $17.5B company benefits from steady US government IT spending.

Allstate was downgraded today — a rare consensus move pushing the insurer from Hold territory toward a softer view. Average targets fell from $270 to $273 range, though sentiment shifted.

Eli Lilly continued its upward march. Analyst consensus nudged the target to $1,299 from $1,292. The weight-loss drug giant keeps attracting bullish revisions.

Cardinal Health also saw a small target lift, with consensus moving from $252 to $253. The healthcare distributor remains a quiet Wall Street favourite.