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HSBC Adjusts Price Target on Fair Isaac to $707 From $1,032

Fair Isaac (FICO) has an average rating of overweight and mean price target of $1,515.65, according to analysts polled by FactSet.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://finwires.com/en/contact)Price: $972.55, Change: $-71.02, Percent Change: -6.81%

$FICO

Wire104d ago

Wells Fargo Adjusts Price Target on Fair Isaac to $1,400 From $1,650

$FICO

Wire104d ago

Market Chatter: Citigroup Pares Back Physical Trading in Industrial Metals

Citigroup (C) is stepping back from physical trading in industrial metals and has notified a number of staff from the commodities team about potential redundancies, Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing an employment tribunal in London.Citi said in a January letter that physical metals trading will no longer be a "core business activity," as the bank warned about 11 employees that they were at risk of redundancy and has let go a number of them since then, according to the report.Citi did not immediately respond to' request for comment.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)Price: $128.19, Change: $+0.58, Percent Change: +0.45%

Wire104d ago

Markel Group Faces Activist Push as Jana Partners Urges Ventures Divestiture, $2 Billion Tender

Markel Group (MKL) faces activist pressure from Jana Partners, which called on the company to divest its Markel Ventures unit and launch a $2 billion tender offer to address what it calls years of persistent undervaluation.In a letter to the board on Thursday, Jana said Markel's years of weak shareholder returns can no longer be explained by an underperforming insurance segment or by the market failing to understand its "unique flywheel" of combining insurance and Ventures.Markel's decision to acquire "a disparate collection" of Ventures businesses that public equity investors would not have funded on similar terms is weighing on its improving specialty insurance franchise, Jana said.Markel didn't immediately reply to a request for comment from.Price: $1775.43, Change: $+16.21, Percent Change: +0.92%

$MKL

Wire104d ago

Palantir Seen Benefiting From AI Platform Strength, Defense Spending, Commercial Growth, Oppenheimer Says

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) could benefit from a sticky AI software platform with high switching costs, rising government defense spending, expanding commercial adoption and valuation support, Oppenheimer said in a research note Thursday.The company's customized ontology-based systems become difficult to replace once embedded in customer operations. The company continues to expand in commercial markets and its customer count rose to 780 in 2025 from 375 in 2023, the investment firm said.Oppenheimer said US and allied military spending is shifting toward AI-enabled software. This supports Palantir's government opportunity. Government software and services spending is expected to grow to $666 billion by 2029 from $490 billion in 2025.The firm said Palantir still has a long runway for commercial expansion which is supported by a $2.1 trillion addressable market by 2030. The company's premium valuation is supported by its government contracts, accelerating commercial growth and improving margins, according to the note.Oppenheimer initiated coverage with an outperform rating and a $200 price target.Price: $138.98, Change: $+1.01, Percent Change: +0.73%

$PLTR

Wire104d ago

Regeneron's Eylea Franchise on 'Solid Footing' Despite HD Sales Miss in Q1, Oppenheimer Says

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' (REGN) Q1 results reflected mixed trends, as weaker-than-expected sales of high-dose Eylea weighed on shares, though the broader franchise remains "on solid footing," Oppenheimer said in a note Wednesday.The biotechnology company posted non-GAAP earnings of $9.47 per diluted share, surpassing analyst expectations, but the stock faced downward pressure after Eylea HD recorded $468 million in sales, below the $490 million consensus, the brokerage said.The Eylea franchise got a boost with the US Food and Drug Administration approval of "extended dosing" intervals for HD in wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema, according to the note. A decision on a pre-filled syringe is expected in Q2 and Oppenheimer said label expansion for HD could support adoption and help offset market share pressure.Dupixent remains a "key growth driver," supported by "durable demand" and new indications, including chronic spontaneous urticaria and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, according to the note.Despite competition, the company's outlook is balanced, supported by Dupixent growth, expanding Eylea HD uptake, and expected higher collaboration profits with Sanofi (SNY), the brokerage said.Oppenheimer maintained an outperform rating on Regeneron, with a price target of $865.Shares of Regeneron were up more than 3% in Thursday trading.Price: $707.76, Change: $+21.40, Percent Change: +3.12%

$REGN$SNY

Wire104d ago

APi Group Files Shelf Registration For Potential Equity, Debt Offerings

APi Group (APG) may offer and sell common stock, preferred stock and debt securities from time to time, according to a shelf registration statement filed on Thursday with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.The company said the securities could be issued in one or more offerings, with specific terms, including pricing and amounts, to be detailed in future.APi said the net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, unless stated otherwise.Price: $46.79, Change: $-1.87, Percent Change: -3.84%

$APG

Wire104d ago

Cognizant Technology Solutions' Soft Q2 Guidance Comes Amid Complex Macro Backdrop, Wedbush Says

Cognizant Technology Solutions' (CTSH) relatively soft Q2 guidance comes amid a dynamic macroeconomic backdrop as clients remain careful about making major investments, Wedbush said in a Thursday research report.Robust Q1 bookings indicate steady demand for the company's services, but it will take time to deliver on this backlog considering the longer durations of such major deals, analysts wrote.The acquisition of AI-based IT managed services provider Astreya is a favorable move by the company to bolster its AI builder strategy and become a "stronger operations engine," according to the note.Cost savings from Project Leap that involves workforce restructuring and investments in AI-enabled skills for streamlining operations will be reinvested into future growth opportunities, according to analysts.The brokerage reiterated its neutral rating on the stock and cut its price target to $56 per share from $61.Price: $52.50, Change: $-2.20, Percent Change: -4.02%

$CTSH

Wire104d ago

ManpowerGroup Sells Jefferson Wells US Business to Sikich

ManpowerGroup (MAN) said Thursday it is selling its Jefferson Wells US business to Sikich in a transaction valued at $100 million.ManpowerGroup will recognize a gain on sale in Q2, the company said, adding that the transaction closed on Thursday.The company will receive net cash proceeds at closing of approximately $88 million after working capital and other items, and it plans to use the proceeds to strengthen its balance sheet, according to a statement.Price: $30.40, Change: $-0.28, Percent Change: -0.91%

$MAN

Wire104d ago

Trian Urges Solventum to Create Value in Letter to Board

Solventum (SOLV) is being significantly "under-managed" following its spin-out from 3M (MMM) and must take steps to restore its performance, Trian Fund Management said Thursday in an open letter to Solventum's board.Trian, which owns nearly 5% of Solventum, said the company should right-size overhead costs, simplify its portfolio, and improve capital allocation.Solventum didn't immediately reply to a request for comment from.Price: $67.36, Change: $+0.87, Percent Change: +1.31%

$MMM$SOLV

Wire104d ago

Microsoft Posts Solid Fiscal Q3 Results, But Bearish Case Focuses on High Capital Expenditures, Oppenheimer Says

Microsoft's (MSFT) fiscal Q3 results were solid, but bearish investors are focused on the company's capital expenditure guidance exceeding net income, which implies poor returns on capital spending, Oppenheimer said in a Thursday note.The downside case against the company highlights declining margins across Intelligent Cloud, the note said. The bears will highlight that overall gross margin is also under pressure due to Microsoft embedding lower-margin artificial intelligence features across its products, according to the note.The upside case for Microsoft focuses on Azure revenue growth accelerating in fiscal Q3 and Q4, even with harder year-ago comparisons, Oppenheimer noted. The bulls will highlight that the Microsoft 365 segment is also continuing growth amid AI disruption, while AI-related business is increasing in the triple-digits, according to the note.Oppenheimer maintained the company's stock rating at outperform with a price target of $515.Price: $400.70, Change: $-23.76, Percent Change: -5.60%

$MSFT

Wire104d ago

Viking Therapeutics Q1 Viewed as Supporting Maintenance Profile, Oppenheimer Says

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) increased focus on maintenance dosing in its obesity program, with additional maintenance arms expected to further refine long-term dosing of VK2735, Oppenheimer said.The company added four additional subcutaneous maintenance arms, bringing the total to eight, which are expected to inform dosing decisions for its Vanquish extension studies and ongoing maintenance evaluation.Oppenheimer said in a Wednesday note that it expects data from the subcutaneous maintenance program in 3Q26, with flat weight loss outcomes viewed as a positive result. The brokerage said the company's approach to maintenance is differentiated from competitors and aligned with its healthy aging thesis.The investment firm also said insights from new CCO Neil Aubuchon are helping refine VK2735's development strategy and overall product positioning.Oppenheimer has an outperform rating on the stock with a price target of $100.Shares of Viking were down 4.1% in Thursday trading.Price: $30.02, Change: $-1.31, Percent Change: -4.18%

$VKTX

Wire104d ago

Trian Urges Solventum to Create Value in Open Letter to Board

$SOLV

Wire104d ago

Brinker's Guidance Appears Achievable, Led by Chili's Chicken Sandwich Launch, UBS Says

Brinker International's (EAT) top end of full-year 2026 guidance seems achievable with a strong Chili's chicken sandwich launch and continued traction across sales initiatives, UBS Securities said in a note Thursday.The brokerage expects mid-single-digit same-store-sales growth and positive traffic at Chili's as reachable in fiscal Q4, with momentum likely continuing in fiscal 2027, driven by contribution from everyday value, marketing, menu enhancements, operational improvements, and remodel benefits over time, according to the note.Additional future catalysts for Brinker include accelerating unit growth, an eventual Maggiano's turnaround, strong balance sheet, and share repurchases, the brokerage said.UBS maintained a buy rating on Brinker with a price target of $190.Price: $151.10, Change: $+3.30, Percent Change: +2.23%

$EAT

Wire104d ago

Microsoft Cements AI Leadership With Azure, Capex, Wedbush Says

Microsoft (MSFT) is cementing its AI leadership with Azure acceleration and capital expenditure guide after its Q3 results beat all key metrics, Wedbush said in a note Thursday."This was another standout quarter," the report said, pointing to triple-digit AI annual recurring revenue growth and accelerating Azure trajectory into the end of FY26.The note also said any knee-jerk reactions to the elevatedcapex framework represent "strong" buying opportunities.The company guided Q4 capex to over $40 billion, well above the $31.9 billion in Q3, and provided a CY26 capex framework of about $190 billion as it plans to double its global data center footprint within two years to meet demand, the report said.Wedbush kept its outperform rating and $575 price target.Price: $400.54, Change: $-23.93, Percent Change: -5.64%

$MSFT

Wire104d ago

Freshpet Seen on Track for Full-Year Targets Despite Cost Pressures, Oppenheimer Says,

Freshpet (FRPT) remains well positioned to deliver on full-year targets even with rising freight costs, Oppenheimer said Thursday in a report.Oppenheimer sees upside potential to Wall Street forecasts for Q1 sales growth of 10.9%, driven in part by significant distribution gains at Costco Wholesale (COST).Amid a more uncertain cost and consumer-spending landscape, Oppenheimer expects Freshpet to at least reaffirm full-year 2026 guidance, which could set the company up for beats and raises later in the year.Kirkland Signature, Costco's private-label line, is a formidable competitor, though Freshpet's stronger product offering and significant presence at the retailer should allow healthy growth to continue, the report said.Investor sentiment toward Freshpet's intermediate- to longer-term prospects remains mixed, driven by concerns about new competition and mixed signals in the pet category, the report said.Q1 results are due Wednesday. Freshpet remains Oppenheimer's top small-cap pick in a difficult consumer-staples backdrop.Oppenheimer has an outperform rating on Freshpet stock with an $80 price target.Price: $66.19, Change: $+0.05, Percent Change: +0.08%

$COST$FRPT

Wire104d ago

Market Chatter: FDA Panel Votes Against Benefits of AstraZeneca's Breast Cancer Drug

The US Food and Drug Administration's Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee rejected the benefits AstraZeneca's (AZN) Camizestrant drug candidate to treat breast cancer, Bloomberg reported Thursday.Six committee members voted against the drug due to disagreement over the trial design and the potential implications in the clinical setting, according to Bloomberg.The drug trial met is primary endpoint of progression-free survival as well as the progression-free survival 2 endpoint, however, FDA does not consider PFS2 a suitable endpoint for regulatory decision making, according to a briefing document.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)Price: $189.60, Change: $+4.40, Percent Change: +2.37%

$AZN

Wire104d ago

AppLovin Seen Delivering Steady Growth, Strong Margins Beyond Quarter, Wedbush Says

AppLovin (APP) is expected to deliver steady growth at strong profit margins beyond the quarter on the back of its expansion initiatives, Wedbush Securities said in a note on Thursday.The brokerage said the company maintains a strong competitive position in mobile gaming advertising and that its expansion into eCommerce and, eventually, CTV is expected to provide protection against long-term competitive pressure.Wedbush also said AppLovin's "core gaming business continues to benefit from ongoing UA momentum" and its "AI-integrated flywheel remains exceptionally difficult for competitors to replicate at scale."The firm noted the stock has weathered a recent short report and an active SEC inquiry without fundamental impact, and said it maintains confidence in the company's long-term strategy of perfecting its eCommerce rollout before scaling.Wedbush maintained an outperform rating on the company's stock with a price target of $640.Shares of AppLovin were down 1.6% in Thursday trading.Price: $436.43, Change: $-7.01, Percent Change: -1.58%

$APP

Wire104d ago

Alphabet's Q1 Highlights Search, Cloud Strength While Costs Climb, UBS Says

Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) Q1 search and cloud results point to a stronger revenue contribution from generative AI, while rising investment costs and valuation concerns are shifting attention to margins, UBS Securities said Thursday in a report.UBS raised ad-revenue estimates by about 1% for 2027 and 2% for 2028 and increased cloud revenue projections by 23% for 2027 and 7% for 2028. As growth expectations reset, the focus is turning to costs, with Google expecting 2027 to be another heavy investment year, the report said."It may take several quarters for the right level of 2027 capital expenditure to be added to estimates as Google does not generally give outer-year guidance, and that leaves potential for earnings per share print risks going forward," the report said. Given Google's elevated valuation, better risk-reward opportunities are seen in other internet megacap names, UBS said.The firm raised GAAP diluted earnings-per-share estimates to $3.07 from $3 for Q2, to $3.07 from $3.06 for Q3, to $14.42 from $12.05 for 2026, to $15.78 from $13.96 for 2027, and to $16.70 from $16.15 for 2028.UBS boosted its price target on Alphabet stock to $410 from $375 and maintained its neutral rating.Price: $376.19, Change: $+28.88, Percent Change: +8.32%

$GOOG$GOOGL

Wire104d ago

Market Chatter: OpenAI, Meta Targeted in AI Child Protection Bill Backed by Senate Panel

Microsoft-backed (MSFT) OpenAI, Meta Platforms (META) and other artificial intelligence companies face a proposed legislation backed by a Senate committee that would require the companies to stop minors from using chatbots amid growing concerns about harm to children and teenagers, Bloomberg reported Thursday.The bill would mandate strict age verification and prohibit AI companions for minors, as well as ban sexually explicit content and any chatbot messages that encourage self-harm, the report added.Meta and Microsoft didn't immediately reply to' request for comments.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)Price: $400.03, Change: $-24.43, Percent Change: -5.76%

$META$MSFT

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