UBS led a wave of analyst upgrades on Friday, with three notable target price raises spanning energy, consumer staples, and retail.
First Solar got the biggest lift. UBS analyst Jon Windham raised his target to $330 from $290, reiterating a Buy rating. The solar panel maker carries a market cap of $26.8 billion. Short interest sits at 8.5% of free float — moderate pressure that could amplify any further upside.
Casey's General Stores was another standout. UBS raised its target to $945 from $805, a $140 jump. The convenience store chain now has a consensus target of $908. Its $33.8 billion market cap underlines growing confidence in its fuel-and-food model.
J.M. Smucker also caught a UBS upgrade in target price, moving to $130 from $121. Analyst Peter Grom kept a Buy rating. The packaged food company has faced pressure this year but short interest remains modest at just over 5% of free float.
On the downside, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola both saw target price cuts from consensus changes. Beverage giants face ongoing margin headwinds amid soft volume trends.
Insulet Corporation also saw its target trimmed. The diabetes device maker carries strong analyst coverage but the downward revision signals caution ahead of the next earnings cycle.
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