Analysts Split on Airlines, Sweep Utility Targets Lower

Morgan Stanley cut price targets on five utility stocks in a single session Friday. The move hit NEE, PPL, PCG, PNW, and NRG. Analyst David Arcaro trimmed NextEra's target to $111 from $114. PG&E fell to $20 from $22. The sweep signals caution on the power sector despite strong demand narratives around AI data centers.

Airlines drew a split verdict from Rothschild & Co. Analyst James Goodall raised his target on DAL to $105. He cut UAL to $150 from $165 at the same time. Delta carries a $52 billion market cap versus United's $35 billion. Short interest on both names is light, below 6% of free float, so neither is a squeeze candidate.

The standout upgrade of the session came from JP Morgan. Jeffrey Zekauskas lifted BALL — the $16 billion aluminum packaging maker — from Hold to Buy, keeping his $65 price target. Ball has seen short interest of just 3.1% of free float. That low short base removes a key headwind if the stock re-rates higher.

RDDT drew a fresh consensus recommendation, with 22 analysts now covering the name at a consensus target near $214.