Analyst desks were busy this week. A handful of notable rating moves stand out across energy, semiconductors, and utilities.
First Solar lost a recommendation from the consensus. The solar giant holds an average target of $243. Short interest sits at 8.2% of free float — elevated for the sector. With tariff uncertainty still hanging over US solar manufacturers, the removed recommendation adds to a cautious mood.
Applied Materials picked up a new recommendation with a sharp target jump. The new analyst target came in at $503 — well above the prior consensus of $451. The $346 billion chip equipment maker benefits from continued semiconductor capex. The new buy signal pushes the consensus firmly into bullish territory.
Consolidated Edison was upgraded by an analyst this week. The utility's average target holds at $111. It now counts 6 buy ratings against 3 sells. Defensive utility names are drawing fresh interest as rate-cut expectations firm up.
Equifax and Fair Isaac both saw modest target price cuts. FICO's consensus target edged down to $1,560 from $1,562. Neither move was dramatic. Both still carry overwhelmingly sell-heavy consensuses.
Pfizer was the lone big pharma target raise. Its average price target ticked up to $29.19 from $29.15 — a small move on a $29 stock, but sentiment is stabilising.
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