U.S. analysts provided a mixed outlook on October 9, with upgrades and target increases in software, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, while semiconductors faced downgrades. Financials were divided, with some brokers and exchanges receiving stronger targets, but regional banks, insurers, and mortgage-related businesses saw widespread cuts. Healthcare showed potential in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology but had contrasting views within managed care. Energy received selective support, while industrials, building materials, utilities, and consumer staples faced numerous target reductions.
Notable updates include 3M (MMM) being maintained as Overweight by JPMorgan Chase & Co. with a lowered price target to US$185.00 from US$205.00. AbbVie (ABBV) was reiterated as Buy by Guggenheim with a US$288.00 price target. Acadian Asset Management (AAMI) received a US$102.00 target from Evercore and a raised target to US$85.00 from Royal Bank Of Canada. Adient (ADNT) was maintained as Equal Weight by Barclays with a lowered target to US$22.00 from US$25.00.
Other key changes include AeroVironment (AVAV) initiated with an Equal Weight rating and a US$237.00 target by Barclays. Aflac (AFL) was maintained as Market Perform by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods with a lowered target to US$120.00 from US$125.00. AG Mortgage Investment Trust (MITT) was maintained as Overweight by Piper Sandler with a lowered target to US$8.00 from US$9.00. AGNC Investment (AGNC) was also maintained as Overweight by Piper Sandler with a lowered target to US$10.00 from US$12.00.
Albany International (AIN) was maintained as Neutral by JPMorgan Chase & Co. with a raised target to US$67.00 from US$61.00. Align Technology (ALGN) was maintained as Buy by Stifel Nicolaus with a lowered target to US$175.00 from US$210.00. Alignment Healthcare (ALHC) saw multiple updates, including a downgrade to Market Perform from Outperform by William Blair. AllianceBernstein (AB) was reiterated as Outperform by Sanford C. Bernstein. American Express (AXP) was maintained as Outperform by Royal Bank Of Canada with a lowered target to US$400.00 from US$415.00.