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(This is CNBC Pro’s live coverage of Friday’s analyst calls and Wall Street chatter. Please refresh every 20-30 minutes to view the latest posts.) Check out the latest calls below. 5:40 a.m. ET: UBS upgrades Johnson & Johnson to buy, cites improved outlook Johnson & Johnson is a buy given the improved outlook in its pharmaceutical business, UBS said. Analyst Danielle Antalffy upgraded shares to buy from neutral ahead of the firm’s upcoming analyst day, citing an “increasingly bullish” view on the company’s ability to deliver upside on total sales. Specifically, the analyst said the potential in Darzalex, the prescription drug to treat multiple myeloma, is underappreciated. “Our Buy rating reflects our increased confidence into JNJ’s ability to deliver above-consensus Pharma sales growth and at least in-line MedTech growth for the next few year,” Antalffy wrote on Friday. “Importantly, our conviction in the Pharma outlook is driven more by existing, already commercially available drugs in DARZALEX, STELARA (generic erosion overdone given precedent and launches on the horizon), and TREMFYA, which we believe to be underappreciated,” Antalffy added. The stock is down by more than 12% in 2023. However, the analyst’s $180 price target, raised from $167, suggests 16% upside from Thursday’s close. The stock was higher by nearly 1% in Friday premarket trading. —Sarah Min 5:30 a.m. ET: Bank of America hikes Costco price target Bank of America hiked its price target on Costco to $655 from $610 after the warehouse retailer reported a 4.4% increase in November sales, excluding gasoline and FX impact. “We reiterate our Buy rating and expect COST (and other warehouse clubs) to gain share in the current environment as consumers continue to adjust to higher prices, making COST’s value proposition more attractive,” wrote analyst Robert Ohmes. COST YTD mountain Costco YTD The new target represents a 10% increase from Thursday’s close. —John Melloy
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