Palo Alto Downgraded as Chip Bulls Stay Bullish

PANW was downgraded this week in the most eye-catching analyst move of recent days. The cybersecurity giant now carries a lower rating, with the consensus average target sitting at $391. Short interest is just 2.7% of free float, suggesting bears aren't piling in yet despite the downgrade.

AMD saw its target price trimmed. Analysts shaved the consensus target to $612.62 from $613.84. The cut is modest. But it comes as AMD's market cap sits close to $780 billion and short interest remains low at 2.5% of free float.

MU attracted a fresh new recommendation. The new consensus target is $1,513 — a striking number for a stock that has grown into a $1.1 trillion market cap name. 44 out of 50 analysts back a buy, making it one of the most unanimously bullish calls in the semiconductor space right now.

On the retail side, TGT and ULTA both received target price upgrades. Target's consensus moved to $162.76. Ulta's climbed to $628.54. Both signals suggest analysts see resilience in consumer spending heading into the autumn.

WMT and AKAM both had targets cut, adding a cautious note to the week's overall tone.