Analysts Lift Targets Across Finance, Defence

Analyst desks were broadly active on Wednesday, with upgrades and rising price targets spread across financial services, defence, and healthcare.

Northrop Grumman picked up a formal upgrade, pushing consensus to a more bullish split. The average target price moved to $629.83, up from $620.25. Defence spending optimism has supported the sector for months.

Capital One Financial saw its consensus target nudge to $252.00 from $250.48, as analysts continued to warm to the lender after a string of solid credit metrics. The stock carries 18 buy ratings and no sells.

Intuitive Surgical also got a target lift, with the consensus moving to $480.77. The robotic surgery firm holds 26 buy ratings, one of the most heavily backed calls in the medtech space.

Moderna bucked a tough stretch. Analysts raised the average target to $127.16 from $124.72. The stock carries a mixed consensus with 15 holds, but direction is improving.

On the downside, Align Technology saw its target trimmed to $191.64. The dental device maker has faced softer consumer spending.

Netflix also saw a small target cut to $88.73, though it still holds 34 buy ratings. The trim looks modest against a wall of bullish sentiment.

MSCI Inc. rounds out the upgrades, target rising to $677.94. Worth noting: ORTEX Index Rebalance Radar data shows $287.6 billion tracks the MSCI World, where a November quarterly review announcement falls on 11 November.