Investing.com -- Here is your Pro Recap of the top takeaways from Wall Street analysts for the past week.
InvestingPro subscribers always get first dibs on market-moving AI analyst comments. Upgrade today!
Kraft-Heinz Co
What happened? On Monday, Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) downgraded Kraft Heinz Co (NASDAQ:KHC) to Neutral with a $65 price target.
*TLDR: Mizuho downgrades to Neutral as reformulations fail to boost demand. Mondelez preferred for large-cap investors.
What’s the full story? Mizuho downgrades Kraft Heinz to Neutral, trimming its FY25 EPS estimate to $3.00 from $3.08, below the Street’s $3.05. The analysts had been optimistic that years of product reformulations—ditching artificial flavors, colors, etc.—would lure cash-strapped consumers back to KHC’s brands instead of trading down to private label. Instead, U.S. market share is slipping as center-store volumes soften, despite KHC’s efforts to slash low-ROI promotions and boost margins (North America EBIT margins up 300bps since FY22). Reinvestment in brand-building and analytics hasn’t yet paid off, and Q3 earnings dimmed hopes for 2025 growth.
At 8.7x CY25 EBITDA—a 20% discount to U.S. food peers vs. a historical 25% discount—and a 5.5% dividend yield, Mizuho sees limited downside but expects shares to trade range-bound amid macro and execution risks. For large-cap investors, the analysts prefer Mondelez (NASDAQ:MDLZ), which presumably hasn’t been haunted by the ghost of artificial flavors—or Kraft’s soggy volumes.
First Solar
What happened? On Tuesday, Mizuho upgraded First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:FSLR) to Outperform with a $259 price target.
*TLDR: First Solar upgraded for tech edge, resilience. Analysts see tariffs, TOPCon driving outperformance.
What’s the full story? Mizuho’s upgrade is driven by a brighter post-2026 sales outlook. First Solar’s edge lies in its dominance of TOPCon technology, which leaves U.S. competitors stuck with pricier, less efficient PERC cells. Roth’s channel checks suggest this tech advantage solidifies First Solar’s position as the leader in a crowded field.
The stock’s YTD underperformance, the analysts note, likely reflects fears that the 45X manufacturing tax credit could vanish under a Republican administration. But here’s the kicker: even in Mizuho’s base case—where 45X gets a one-year off-ramp before expiring in 2027—First Solar is cushioned by tariffs, giving it stronger negotiating power. This resilience prompts Mizuho to raise 2027-2032 ASP estimates and bump its DCF-based price target by 19% to $259.
In short, First Solar’s tech leadership and tariff protections make it a standout in a shifting landscape. The upgrade reflects confidence that the market is underestimating its long-term potential.
Instacart
What happened? On Wednesday, Seaport started coverage on Instacart ( Maplebear Inc.) (NASDAQ:CART) at Buy with a $62 price target.
What’s the full story? Seaport lays out a bullish case, starting with the massive total addressable market for groceries, which is steadily—if gradually—shifting online. Instacart stands out as the clear leader in third-party online groceries, particularly for larger baskets, a niche where it already dominates the U.S. market.
But Instacart’s strength, Seaport argues, isn’t just about scale—it’s about value. The company delivers for everyone: consumers get convenience, retailers gain reach, brands secure visibility, and shoppers earn flexibility. This ecosystem, the analysts believe, drives a virtuous cycle of growth and loyalty. Looking ahead, Seaport forecasts high-single-digit long-term revenue growth, supported by enviable EBITDA margins north of 35%.
In short, Instacart isn’t just riding the online grocery wave—it’s shaping it. The analysts’ optimism rests on its market leadership, robust value proposition, and a financial profile that leaves room for sustained expansion. If the pieces fall into place, this could be a recipe for long-term success.
MGM Resorts
What happened? On Thursday, CFRA upgraded MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) to Buy with a $45 price target.
What’s the full story? CFRA lifts its 12-month price target to $45, up $3, applying an 8.9x multiple to its 2025 adjusted EBITDAR estimate. The analyst notes this is below MGM’s three-year average forward EV/EBITDAR of 10.0x, reflecting a post-pandemic industry multiple reset as revenue and EBITDAR normalize. CFRA also bumps its 2025 EPS estimate to $3.20, up $0.20, and introduces a 2026 EPS forecast of $3.60.
In Q4, MGM delivered normalized EPS of $0.45, beating consensus by $0.11, on revenues of $4.35B, $80M above estimates.
Vegas revenues dipped 6% Y/Y, while Regional, MGM China (OTC:MCHVY), and Digital segments grew 7%, 4%, and 15%, respectively.
Adjusted EBITDA fell 16.4%, partly due to tough comps from F1 Las Vegas’ prior-year success.
The analyst can’t overlook MGM’s aggressive buyback program, which has repurchased 40% of its float since 2021. The rapid pace of buybacks, CFRA argues, minimizes downside risk. With shares looking attractive heading into 2025, the analyst is bullish. For now, MGM keeps betting on itself—and CFRA seems inclined to call that bet.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG
What happened? On Friday, Evercore upgraded Crispr Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) to Outperform with a $99 price target.
*TLDR: A steady drumbeat of data could redefine CRSP’s story, even if some programs remain early-stage question marks.
What’s the full story? Evercore upgrades CRSP, slapping a $99 price target on the back of its in vivo pipeline, $1.9B cash cushion, and a cocktail of catalysts. CTX320, aiming to knock down Lp(a) in ASCVD, is the star here, with non-human primate data showing a 70% knockdown leading to a 95% sustained reduction. The analyst sees potential, especially with Novartis’ pelacarsen CVOT results on deck—though setting the bar high. As for CTX310? - Less buzz for now, given the competitive noise.
Meanwhile, CTX112, a second-gen CAR-T, dangles updates in B-cell malignancies and autoimmune SLE by mid-2025, though Evercore keeps SLE in the “upside” column for now, waiting for clearer competitive signals.
Elsewhere, CTX131 (solid tumors), CTX221 (T1D), and Casgevy—with 10 new cell collections in Q4—keep the pipeline humming. Evercore tips their hat to CRSP’s in-house manufacturing and hefty cash reserves as added tailwinds.
The thesis? A steady drumbeat of data could redefine CRSP’s story, even if some programs remain early-stage question marks. Nothing’s guaranteed, but hey, $1.9B buys a lot of runway.
