Edited by Peter Hillerberg1 min readStories are generated from ORTEX data and reviewed by the ORTEX team. How we publish
A wave of target price cuts hit financials and utilities Friday. The moves follow strong gains in both sectors and come as US inflation data complicates the rate outlook.
SCHW saw its consensus target trimmed to $120.86 from $122.32. The cut follows Charles Schwab's Q3 earnings beat but reflects analyst caution on net interest margin pressure. USB also had its target shaved, to $68.41 from $69.00.
The utility sector took the most uniform hit. SO, DTE, and CMS all had consensus targets cut. Southern Company's target slipped to $96.29 from $97.08. That backdrop matters: US core CPI hit 339.287 in September 2026, its highest reading since the series began in 1997, per ORTEX Alt Data. A higher-for-longer rate environment compresses utility valuations.
On the positive side, JNJ picked up a target upgrade to $279.41, as analysts grow more comfortable with its litigation position.
JBHT had its target cut to $280 from $282. Trucking stocks remain under pressure from soft freight demand.
JPM saw multiple changes with its consensus holding steady near $372.57. Analysts reshuffled views after strong Q3 results but left the overall rating unchanged.
WDAY faced multiple changes too. Its target was largely flat near $207.92, with two analysts trimming and one adding a buy.
The pattern is clear. Rising inflation is forcing analysts to reassess rate-sensitive names, with utilities and regional banks absorbing most of the downward pressure today.
ORTEX Market Intelligence content is generated by AI from a snapshot of ORTEX's proprietary data and reviewed by the ORTEX team. Content is informational only and does not constitute investment advice.
