Analysts Trim Targets on Industrials, Back Energy

Analyst activity on Friday centred on earnings-driven target price cuts across US industrials while energy names caught modest upgrades.

GE Aerospace led the downgrades in spirit, with consensus target price trimmed to $378.95 from $382.81 after results. The stock carries a near-unanimous buy skew from 20 covering analysts. HON also saw its average target slipped to $253.48 from $255.09, reflecting caution about Honeywell's ongoing restructuring pace.

ABT got a consensus target cut to $118.52 from $118.64 following Abbott's quarterly update. Despite the trim, 24 analysts maintain hold or buy ratings on the stock.

On the buy side, MRK received a target lift to $159.76 from $158.56. Merck has 18 buy-rated analysts and no sells, suggesting the Street sees value after recent underperformance.

SLB and COIN also received upward target revisions. SLB's consensus price moved to $62.34 from $62.28, a slim but directionally positive call from oilfield services bulls. Coinbase target edged up to $213.55, with 22 analysts bullish on the crypto exchange.

BE saw multiple changes, including a removed recommendation, leaving 15 sell-side analysts split across the spectrum. Bloom Energy has attracted growing attention as a power-infrastructure play.

PG saw multiple changes lifting the consensus target to $172.35 from $166.27. Six more analysts now hold versus previously, a notable shift toward caution on the consumer staples giant.

COP received a new initiation, pushing coverage to 28 analysts with a bullish lean. ConocoPhillips continues to draw fresh sell-side attention despite softer oil prices.