Wall Street Analysts Issue Major Stock Upgrades and Downgrades Across Tech, Finance Sectors

Financial Services Sector Sees Widespread Upgrades

Wall Street analysts reportedly initiated several bullish positions across the financial technology and payments sector on Thursday. According to analyst reports, Citi began coverage on multiple fintech companies with buy ratings, including Visa, Mastercard, Block, Toast, Affirm, Global Payments, and Bill Holdings. The firm indicated it was bullish on the payment processing and digital finance landscape.

Financial Services Sector Sees Widespread Upgrades
Banking and Crypto Companies Gain Analyst Support
Technology and Travel Stocks in Focus
Enterprise Technology and Consumer Brands
Additional Notable Analyst Actions

Meanwhile, sources indicate that JPMorgan upgraded Lending Club to overweight from neutral, suggesting the stock has reached an inflection point. Analysis reportedly showed improved profit outlook driven by strong loan buyer demand following the company’s latest quarterly results.

Banking and Crypto Companies Gain Analyst Support

Deutsche Bank reportedly upgraded US Bancorp to buy from neutral, citing multiple positive catalysts for the banking institution. According to the analysis, the upgrade reflected “a relatively low bar for both earnings and the stock,” improved credibility in meeting guidance, better transparency, enhanced capital position, and reduced merger and acquisition risk.

In the cryptocurrency space, Rosenblatt Securities reportedly maintained its buy rating on Galaxy Digital, noting the company delivered a record quarter against high expectations. The firm’s analysis suggested Galaxy achieved much higher net revenue amplified by significant gains in its operations.

Technology and Travel Stocks in Focus

KeyBanc initiated coverage on Booking Holdings with an overweight rating, according to analyst reports. The firm reportedly stated that the travel company is well positioned with a strong track record of executing strategic initiatives, global scale, best-in-class marketing efficiency, significant capital returns to shareholders, and valuable niche supply with a large loyalty program.

Bernstein reiterated its outperform rating on Netflix, suggesting investors should consider buying recent dips in the streaming giant’s stock. Analysis reportedly indicated that while Netflix recorded its highest-ever TV viewing share, questions remain about whether engagement growth is keeping pace with subscriber growth, creating what analysts described as an “engagement overhang.”

Enterprise Technology and Consumer Brands

Bank of America reportedly maintained its buy rating on IBM and raised its price target to $315 from $310 following earnings. According to the analysis, IBM delivered what analysts characterized as “an overall clean quarter,” beating both top-line revenue and earnings per share expectations.

Deutsche Bank also reiterated its buy rating on Microsoft, raising its price target to $440 from $435. The firm reportedly came away from meetings with company executives feeling more bullish about Microsoft’s positioning in Azure cloud services, particularly for hybrid customers and AI inferencing, as well as its applications business.

JPMorgan upgraded Avery Dennison to overweight from neutral, citing the digital ID company’s partnership with Walmart. According to reports, the collaboration involves using RFID tags in fresh food categories including bakery, meat, and deli departments.

Additional Notable Analyst Actions

UBS initiated coverage on UP Fintech with a buy rating, suggesting the Asia-focused wealth management platform has additional growth potential. Analysis reportedly indicated the company is positioned to benefit from strong wealth market growth in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Bernstein began coverage on Bellring Brands with an outperform rating, recommending investors buy recent dips in the protein shake and food company’s stock. According to the report, the stock has declined significantly from recent highs due to retailer inventory shifts and increased promotional activity.

Jefferies initiated Gulfport Energy with a buy rating, suggesting the energy company is executing well while its stock remains undervalued. Analysis reportedly indicated the market misunderstands the company’s inventory position and underappreciates its cost execution.

Roth Capital upgraded Core Scientific to buy from neutral, assuming no deal materializes with CoreWeave. According to the analysis, increasing activity and commentary around voting against the potential deal influenced the upgrade decision.