Wall Street Analysts Issue Major Stock Upgrades and Downgrades Across Tech, Retail and Biotech

Major Tech and Consumer Upgrades

Wall Street analysts issued a flurry of significant stock rating changes on Friday, with several major technology and consumer companies receiving upgrades based on strategic positioning and valuation opportunities.

Major Tech and Consumer Upgrades
Software and Semiconductor Sentiment
Retail and E-commerce Adjustments
Biotech and Specialty Sector Moves
Energy and Industrial Upgrades
Notable Downgrades and Cautions

According to analyst reports, Coinbase was upgraded to overweight from neutral by JPMorgan, with analysts suggesting the crypto company’s shares have become “too attractive to ignore.” The upgrade reportedly reflects emerging monetization opportunities and abating risks at what analysts view as an attractive valuation compared to cryptocurrency peers.

Amazon shares were described as compelling by Keybanc, which resumed coverage with an overweight rating. Analysis indicates that with shares trading well below historical levels at 22.9x 2027 estimated P/E, the current price reportedly screens as an attractive entry point for investors.

Evercore ISI reiterated its outperform rating on Apple, with analysts expressing bullish sentiment about the company‘s partnership with Formula One. Sources indicate that while the initial price tag may seem high to some investors, acquiring broadcasting rights is reportedly part of Apple’s long-term strategy of expanding in live sports content.

Software and Semiconductor Sentiment

In the software sector, Jefferies maintained its buy rating on Microsoft ahead of earnings next week. Analyst reports suggest that after what they describe as “its best print in recent memory,” Microsoft is positioned to rerate, driven by Azure and M365 momentum, robust bookings growth and rising AI contribution.

Nvidia received reiterated buy ratings from Truist, with analysts pointing to the company’s autonomous vehicle partnership with Uber as a positive catalyst. According to the analysis, Nvidia recently released a white paper providing updates on the AV-centered strategic partnership originally announced at CES 2025, with Nvidia’s Cosmos platform reportedly utilizing Uber’s driving data to simulate scenarios for training autonomous vehicles.

Morgan Stanley maintained its equal weight rating on Intel but described the company’s recent earnings report as “encouraging.” The firm noted significant upside in the third quarter, particularly on margins, showing what analysts characterize as a pattern of underpromising and over-delivering.

Retail and E-commerce Adjustments

Citizens JMP upgraded eBay to outperform from market perform, establishing a $115 price target. Analysis suggests that artificial intelligence is creating a tailwind for the company, with eBay’s product work reportedly creating a significantly better consumer experience that could drive future performance.

In the retail sector, Morgan Stanley upgraded Tractor Supply to equal weight from underweight, with analysts indicating they see improving margins ahead. Reports suggest comparable growth is normalizing and the company is moving past peak margin pressure from its investment cycle.

Meanwhile, Beyond Meat received a maintained underperform rating from Mizuho, which lowered its price target to $1.50 from $2. Analysis indicates that while recent financing actions have addressed concerns about capital structure, weak fundamentals maintain the negative rating for BYND shares.

Biotech and Specialty Sector Moves

The biotechnology sector saw several significant initiations and upgrades. JPMorgan upgraded Kodiak Sciences to overweight from neutral, adjusting its December 2026 price target to $24 from $15 previously. Analysts reportedly find shares of the biotech company compelling at current levels.

JPMorgan also initiated coverage of Alphatec with an overweight rating and a December 2026 price target of $19. According to the report, the med tech company has what analysts describe as a differentiated offering in its market segment.

Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage of Novavax with an overweight rating and 12-month $18 price target, representing approximately 115% upside from current levels. The firm expressed bullish sentiment on shares of the biotech company based on their analysis.

Energy and Industrial Upgrades

UBS upgraded Alliant Energy to buy from neutral, raising its price target to $79 from $74. Analysts suggest the company has a unique position to capitalize on additional load and generation investment required to meet surging data center demand, with data center growth representing a significant opportunity.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Commercial Metals to overweight from equal weight, noting that the M&A “overhang” has been removed from the stock. The upgrade reportedly follows the completion of upcoming acquisitions that eliminate what analysts had previously perceived as a constraint on the stock’s performance.

Redburn initiated coverage of Albemarle with a buy recommendation, with analysts indicating the lithium company is best positioned in its sector. The firm launched coverage with a positive outlook based on their assessment of market conditions.

Notable Downgrades and Cautions

Stifel downgraded Snap to sell from hold, with analysts stating their checks show too many negative catalysts. According to the report, analysis continues to “skew negative,” and with incremental confidence that TikTok is not going away in the U.S., this trend is unlikely to reverse anytime soon.

Citi upgraded MNTN to buy from neutral, suggesting the connected TV company’s shares have plenty more room to run. The upgrade reportedly reflects what analysts see as compelling growth at a reasonable valuation as connected TV continues to attract incremental budgets.

BTIG initiated coverage of Kyivstar with a buy rating and $17 price target, expressing bullish sentiment on shares of the Ukraine mobile satellite company based on their market analysis and positioning.

References

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