Chips Up, Airlines Down in Analyst Sweep

Analyst target prices shifted across several sectors Tuesday, with semis and steel gaining ground while airlines and home improvement stocks lost favour.

Lam Research led the positive moves. Consensus target prices nudged up to $373.13 from $370.87. The chip equipment giant carries a market cap near $385 billion. All 21 analysts covering the stock hold a buy rating — a rare clean sweep.

Steel stocks also caught upgrades. Steel Dynamics saw its consensus target rise to $272.14. Peer Nucor climbed to $283.69. Both moves suggest analysts see steel fundamentals improving into year-end.

Adobe received a target bump to $277.75. The software name has 23 holds and only 12 sells among covering analysts. The modest target increase signals cautious optimism rather than a strong re-rating.

On the downside, Southwest Airlines took a target cut to $50.44 from $50.79. The airline sector faces ongoing cost pressure. Short interest sits at 5.4% of free float.

Home Depot and Lowe's both saw small target trims. Analysts appear to be tempering expectations as the home improvement cycle cools heading into autumn.

CVS Health and Paychex bucked the trend with modest upward revisions, reflecting resilient earnings in healthcare and payroll services.