Here are Friday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Intel, Micron, UPS, Stellantis, Toast, CoreWeave & more

Wall Street analysts issued a diverse set of ratings, with several companies receiving upgrades based on improving fundamentals, attractive valuations, or strategic positioning, such as PagSeguro (valuation), Micron (NAND outlook), and Tesla (AI inflection). Conversely, UPS faced a downgrade due to persistent demand weakness and macro headwinds, while Intel garnered mixed sentiment, with one firm downgrading on valuation and foundry concerns, and another recommending buying the dip post-Nvidia deal. JPMorgan also raised Apple's price target, citing strong iPhone 17 demand.

Analysis

Wall Street analysts presented a largely bullish outlook across several sectors, though with notable points of contention and caution. In technology, sentiment is strong for semiconductor and hardware leaders; Barclays raised its price target on Micron (MU) to $175, anticipating materially stronger guidance from NAND volume and average selling price, while JPMorgan increased its Apple (AAPL) target to $280, citing early demand for the iPhone 17 series that could surpass the iPhone 16 cycle. Intel (INTC), however, received sharply conflicting ratings following its Nvidia agreement: Citi downgraded the stock to Sell, questioning the valuation and the viability of its foundry business, whereas Benchmark upgraded to Buy, recommending investors use any price weakness as a buying opportunity. The artificial intelligence theme continued to drive upgrades, with Baird moving Tesla (TSLA) to Outperform on a perceived "physical AI inflection" and Loop initiating CoreWeave (CRWV) as a Buy. Beyond tech, fintech demonstrated strength with Bank of America upgrading PagSeguro (PAGS) to Buy on an attractive 6.5x P/E valuation and 15% EPS CAGR forecast, alongside upgrades for Bill.com (BILL) and Klaviyo (KVYO). In contrast, macro headwinds led to a BMO downgrade of UPS to market perform, citing elusive demand recovery in the B2B segment and shifting US trade policies. Finally, a theme of 'turnaround stories' emerged with upgrades for Lincoln National (LNC), Beauty Health (SKIN), and SiteOne (SITE), while the downgrade of MetLife (MET) to Neutral by Piper Sandler serves as a reminder of valuation discipline.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should closely monitor Intel (INTC) for heightened volatility given the starkly divergent analyst views, weighing Citi's fundamental concerns about its foundry business against Benchmark's 'buy the dip' thesis.
• Consider the sustained positive momentum in the technology sector, particularly in Apple (AAPL) driven by strong product cycle signals, and memory-chip makers like Micron (MU) on the back of improving component pricing.
• Evaluate opportunities in the fintech sector, where firms like PagSeguro (PAGS) are being highlighted for attractive valuation metrics, and in identified 'turnaround' situations such as Lincoln National (LNC) and SiteOne (SITE).
• Exercise caution with companies exposed to macroeconomic headwinds, such as UPS, where persistent demand weakness and trade policy risks are causing concern, and remain disciplined on valuation, as demonstrated by the downgrade of MetLife (MET) as it approaches its price target.