Wall Street Updates: Major Analyst Calls on Key Stocks

In the world of finance, Tuesday brought notable actions from analysts with significant implications for various companies. Heres a rundown of the major calls made by Wall Street institutions that could shape market movements.
Cantor Fitzgerald Initiates Eli Lilly as Overweight
Cantor Fitzgerald has begun coverage of Eli Lilly, a biopharmaceutical company, designating it as overweight. Analysts expressed confidence in the company's prospects, particularly within the obesity treatment market, stating, "Initiating coverage of Eli Lilly at Overweight with a 12-month price target of $975." This bullish stance indicates a strong belief in Eli Lilly's potential to capitalize on the growing demand for obesity-related therapeutics.
Morgan Stanley Reiterates Apple as Overweight
Morgan Stanley has reaffirmed its overweight rating on Apple, citing a survey that reveals positive trends for the tech giant despite current economic headwinds. The firm noted, "Amidst a challenging fundamental backdrop, our March '25 AlphaWise US iPhone survey screens positively." Key findings included better-than-expected adoption of Apple Intelligence, high upgrade intentions among U.S. consumers, and considerable interest in future products like a thin, foldable iPhone.
Deutsche Bank Reiterates Nvidia as Hold
Deutsche Bank has downgraded its price target for Nvidia from $135 to $125, maintaining a hold rating. Analysts pointed out that while the valuation appears attractive given historical averages, increasing uncertainties about the sustainability of AI-related capital expenditures loom large, especially amid ongoing trade tensions affecting technology companies.
Goldman Sachs Downgrades Macys to Neutral
Goldman Sachs has downgraded Macys from buy to neutral, highlighting several negative catalysts impacting the retail giant. Although the firm remains optimistic about Macys growth initiatives, they believe that these efforts will likely be overshadowed by slowing GDP growth, tariff risks, and prevailing inflationary pressures.
Citi Upgrades StoneCo and PagSeguro to Buy
Citi has upgraded two Brazilian payment companies, StoneCo and PagSeguro, to buy from neutral. Analysts noted that both companies are gaining market share in an increasingly competitive landscape. The new price targets have been set at $15.00 for StoneCo and $10.00 for PagSeguro, reflecting a positive outlook for the firms.
Jefferies Initiates Sonoco as Buy
Jefferies has initiated coverage of Sonoco, a paper and packaging company, with a buy rating. They indicated that the firm is nearing the completion of a significant portfolio transformation initiated in 2020. Analysts believe this shift will enhance margins and free cash flow conversion, justifying the favorable rating.
Bank of America Upgrades Sportradar
Bank of America has raised its rating on Sportradar, a sports betting technology provider, from underperform to buy. Analysts see significant growth potential for the company, raising the price objective to $28 from an earlier $12.
Baird Upgrades Verra Mobility
Baird has upgraded Verra Mobility from neutral to outperform, citing the company's robust business model within traffic mobility technology. Despite some macroeconomic uncertainties regarding travel volumes, Baird believes this presents a compelling opportunity to invest in a company with a strong competitive advantage.
Needham Reiterates Disney as Buy
Needham has reiterated a buy rating on Disney ahead of its upcoming earnings report. Analysts are keen to gauge how global factors like tariffs and geopolitical tensions might impact theme park attendance and cruise bookings.
McDonalds Named a Top Idea by Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has identified McDonald's as a top investment idea, highlighting its defensive characteristics and potential for recovery following weaker first-quarter trends. The firm is optimistic about upcoming product launches and improvements in market sentiment.
Other Noteworthy Ratings
UBS has initiated coverage on Gulfport Energy with a buy rating, while Bank of America has also initiated CoreWeave, a cloud AI company, as a buy. Meanwhile, Barclays downgraded Texas Instruments to underweight, citing high consensus estimates that may not be sustainable amidst geopolitical unrest.
Conclusion
As earnings season approaches, analysts are making strategic adjustments to their ratings based on market sentiment and economic conditions. Investors should stay informed about these changes, as they can significantly influence market dynamics and individual stock performance.