Bears Circle Hershey and KLA as Analysts Cut Ratings

Two downgrades stood out on Friday. HSY and KLAC both lost analyst support as fresh data pointed to ongoing pressure in their respective sectors.

The Hershey Company saw its consensus rating slip a notch, with the average analyst target price falling to $188.40 from $192.15. Bears have steadily been taking aim at the chocolate maker. Commodity cost pressures and volume weakness have weighed on the stock throughout 2026.

KLA Corporation also took a downgrade, trimming the buy-side count from 21 to 20 analysts. The consensus target held at $225.08. The semiconductor equipment maker has faced a choppy demand environment. A weaker wafer fab spending outlook has made analysts more cautious.

On the positive side, Mastercard and Altria both received target price lifts. Mastercard's consensus target edged up to $680.90. Altria's average target rose to $72.55 from $70.00. Analysts appear comfortable with Altria's cash generation and dividend profile.

Quanta Services and Norwegian Cruise Line also picked up upgraded targets. Quanta's average target now sits at $765.49. Power grid infrastructure demand continues to drive the bull case.

Boston Scientific joined the downgrade list despite maintaining a broadly positive consensus. The medtech group's buy count fell from 21 to 20 analysts. A busy earnings season is forcing analysts to recalibrate near-term expectations across several S&P 500 names.