Steelmaker Cut, Networking Stock Gets Lift

Analysts delivered a split verdict Friday. Nucor took the sharpest blow — a consensus downgrade pushed the $56 billion steelmaker from Hold to Sell territory. The average target price edged down to $283.63. Short sellers hold just 1.9% of free float, suggesting markets haven't yet positioned for further pain.

Ciena moved the other way. Target prices lifted to $507.62 from $505, reflecting continued optimism around optical networking demand. The fiber infrastructure play carries only 2.3% SI of free float — shorts aren't fighting this one.

Homebuilder Lennar saw its average target cut to $81.15 from $83.69. That's a modest trim, but notable given short interest sits at 10.7% of free float — one of the higher readings among large-cap builders. Bears remain active.

UPS also saw target prices nudged lower to $115.81. The logistics giant carries 14 Sell ratings against just 3 Buys — a deeply bearish consensus.

Marathon Petroleum bucked the trend. Targets rose to $375.50 from $370.17, with one analyst shifting to a Buy. Refining margins appear to be the driver.

Not financial advice. Data via ORTEX.