Analysts Lift Targets on Darden, Gilead

Analyst desks were busy on Friday. Target price upgrades dominated the tape, with restaurants, healthcare, and financials all seeing upward revisions.

DRI led the consumer names. Darden Restaurants' consensus target rose to $226.23, up from $225.58. The stock carries just 5.1% short interest. That low figure suggests bears are not betting against the recovery in casual dining.

GILD drew the most notable healthcare move. Gilead Sciences' consensus target climbed to $157.57. Analysts remain broadly bullish. The stock has 23 buy ratings, 7 holds, and zero sells. Short interest sits at a slim 2.1% of free float.

LEN was the standout downgrade on target price. Lennar's consensus slipped to $89.50 from $90.14. The homebuilder carries 8.8% short interest. Bears remain more active here than in other large-caps, reflecting concern about housing affordability.

Financials were broadly positive. SCHW and RF both received upward target revisions. Regions Financial's target nudged to $30.73. Charles Schwab's moved to $116.05.

MA was a rare downward revision in payments. Mastercard's consensus target fell slightly to $644.89. The stock still holds 35 buy ratings. The cut was modest and the bull case remains intact.