Wednesday Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

 TopRated
 
  TopRated
 
Follow  Message
 
 
 
TopRatedStocks uncovering top-rated companies. Providing quick insights and recommendations, they help investors discover high-potential stocks based on robust metrics.
 

•  21 May 2025
 

$ADBE slipped 0.86% to $414.03, but Barclays isn’t wavering on Adobe’s potential. The firm reiterated its Buy rating, signaling long-term faith in the software giant’s innovation pipeline despite modest volume today. It’s a steady hand in a volatile tech environment.

$AESI dropped nearly 4% to $12.62, but Stifel initiated coverage on Atlas Energy with a Buy rating, highlighting a “truly differentiated delivery system.” While the stock faces pressure, the bullish coverage suggests potential for a rebound once the market digests the uniqueness of its approach.

$AZO remained relatively flat at $3,872.60, yet the big story is the upgrade from Neutral to Buy. Analysts believe AutoZone stands to benefit as tariffs and economic headwinds drive consumers to repair instead of replace their vehicles. That recession-resilient narrative is compelling, even if the stock isn’t flashy.

$BABA fell 1.27% to $123.59, and while Benchmark maintained its Buy rating, it did trim its price target. The signal here is cautious optimism — confidence in Alibaba’s core operations, tempered by macro challenges and slowing e-commerce trends.

$CDE drifted 0.51% lower to $7.80, but Zacks upgraded Coeur Mining to a Rank #2 Buy, citing improving earnings prospects. Mining names have been struggling for direction, but this shift implies a turning point may be near if commodity momentum picks up.

$CRWD dropped 1.70% to $434.74 as analysts downgraded CrowdStrike to Hold. The caution is rooted in recent developments that suggest a potential growth slowdown or valuation strain, even amid the AI-fueled security boom.

$DHIL was also downgraded to Hold, sliding 1.25% to $141.64. Diamond Hill Investment has analysts on the sidelines until Q2 results confirm income stability — a wait-and-see stance that suggests more clarity is needed before re-entry.

$LYFT tumbled 3.39% to $15.97, but analysts are riding shotgun with a Buy rating and raised price target. Citing record momentum, service innovation, and ads as growth catalysts, the Street is betting Lyft is just getting started despite the drop.

$MTB dipped over 3% to $179.95, yet coverage was just initiated with a Buy rating. Despite today's sell-off, the analyst community is leaning positive on M&T Bank’s fundamentals, which may offer a more grounded opportunity once regional banking dust settles.

$MU lost 2.30% to $95.84, with Wells Fargo holding firm on its Buy rating and a $130 price target. Micron’s long-term AI exposure continues to outweigh near-term volatility in memory chip pricing.

$PANW plunged 6.80% to $181.26 after earnings, but analysts are standing behind Palo Alto Networks with a Buy rating, citing momentum in next-gen security solutions. It’s a dip worth watching if you believe in security’s secular tailwinds.

$PEGA sank 3.60% to $99.57 and was downgraded after surpassing its average analyst price target. When a stock trades above expectations, downgrades often follow as a valuation reset — not necessarily a bearish fundamental call.

$PLAB retreated 2.06% to $20.01, but the outlook is bright. Analysts initiated coverage on Photronics with a Strong Buy, highlighting AI-driven demand for photomasks. This semi-adjacent play might be under the radar — for now.

$PPC fell 0.59% to $50.91 after crossing above analyst targets. Like PEGA, Pilgrim’s Pride’s downgrade isn’t a red flag as much as a reflection of valuation peaking, which may offer a second chance at a discount on any pullback.

$SMCI declined 2.62% to $41.65, yet the buzz around Super Micro Computer remains strong. One analyst almost upgraded it — a signal of hesitation, not rejection. With AI demand surging, this name stays on radar despite no formal upgrade.

$UNH was the day's headline drag, plunging 5.78% to $302.98. UnitedHealth saw both downgrades and a bullish call suggesting its deep selloff may be an overreaction. With volume surging and investor sentiment shaking, this name could see a bounce or breakdown — the divergence in views makes it a battleground.

$WDAY slid nearly 2% to $268.54, but analysts remain upbeat ahead of earnings. Workday is expected to post a beat on both revenue and profit, signaling that despite some slippage in late-quarter deals, its momentum remains intact.

$WOLF cratered 59.11% to a shocking $1.28 after Moody’s downgrade and broader macro concerns. It’s a stunning collapse for Wolfspeed, with Wall Street fleeing. While some traders may be tempted by the rubble, the risk is elevated with no clear bottom in sight.

Bottom line — Among the many shifts, $AZO upgrade stands out for its defensive strength and consistent performance narrative in choppy macro waters. But for bold investors, the contrarian Buy on $PANW post-earnings dip may offer the most attractive near-term opportunity with rebound potential written all over it.