Bloomberg Analyst Upgrades/Downgrades: DIS, COP, GLW, AXON
ByAinvest
Monday, Aug 18, 2025 1:22 pm ET1min read
COP--
ConocoPhillips (COP) has seen a significant upgrade from multiple analysts, with the latest positive outlook highlighting the company's strong free cash flow (FCF) forecasts and successful execution of strategic initiatives. SA analyst Torsten Asmus upgraded COP to a "Buy" rating, citing robust FCF growth and successful portfolio optimization [1]. Additionally, the Value Portfolio also upgraded COP, reflecting the company's improved financial performance and strategic initiatives.
The upgrade comes amidst ConocoPhillips' ongoing efforts to streamline its portfolio. The company recently agreed to sell its Oklahoma assets to Stone Ridge Energy for approximately $1.3 billion, a move that aligns with its broader strategy to focus on more competitive assets [1]. RBC Capital has trimmed COP's price target from $115 to $113, while maintaining an Outperform rating, expecting higher earnings and cash flow per share driven by reduced major capital outlays in the third quarter of 2025 [4].
Disney (DIS) Maintains "Buy" Rating Despite NFL Acquisition Concerns
Howard Jay Klein maintained a "Buy" rating for Disney (DIS), despite expressing concerns about the company's NFL media acquisition. Klein highlighted Disney's creative strength and the company's ability to leverage its diversified intellectual property (IP) across various platforms [3]. Analysts rate DIS as a "Moderate Buy" with a $131.18 average target, citing undervalued metrics and the company's diversified IP monetization [3].
Disney's strategic transformation under CEO Bob Iger is anchored in four pillars: innovation, global expansion, brand loyalty, and operational efficiency. The company's Abu Dhabi theme park resort, a $60 billion investment, aims to boost international revenue, with the Experiences division projected to generate $20 billion annually by 2035 [3]. Additionally, Disney's streaming business has emerged as a profit engine, with profitability surging to $346 million in Q3 2025, aided by Hulu integration and ad-supported tiers [3].
Conclusion
The upgrades for ConocoPhillips and Disney reflect the strong financial performance and strategic initiatives of both companies. As ConocoPhillips continues to optimize its portfolio and Disney expands its global reach, investors can expect to see sustained value creation. However, investors should remain vigilant, particularly for ConocoPhillips, as crude oil price fluctuations could impact its ability to drive shareholder returns [2].
References
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/conocophillips-nears-deal-sell-oklahoma-assets-stone-ridge-energy-2508/
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/article/4814308-conocophillips-knife-done-falling
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/disney-iger-led-turnaround-strategic-expansion-assessing-long-term-growth-potential-dis-stock-2508/
[4] https://www.investing.com/news/analyst-ratings/conocophillips-stock-maintains-outperform-rating-at-rbc-as-free-cash-flow-improves-93CH-4193032
SA analyst Torsten Asmus upgrades ConocoPhillips (COP) due to strong free cash flow forecasts and successful execution. Howard Jay Klein maintains a Buy rating for Disney (DIS) despite questioning the NFL media acquisition, citing the company's creative strength. The Value Portfolio also upgrades COP based on its financial performance.
ConocoPhillips (COP) Upgraded by AnalystsConocoPhillips (COP) has seen a significant upgrade from multiple analysts, with the latest positive outlook highlighting the company's strong free cash flow (FCF) forecasts and successful execution of strategic initiatives. SA analyst Torsten Asmus upgraded COP to a "Buy" rating, citing robust FCF growth and successful portfolio optimization [1]. Additionally, the Value Portfolio also upgraded COP, reflecting the company's improved financial performance and strategic initiatives.
The upgrade comes amidst ConocoPhillips' ongoing efforts to streamline its portfolio. The company recently agreed to sell its Oklahoma assets to Stone Ridge Energy for approximately $1.3 billion, a move that aligns with its broader strategy to focus on more competitive assets [1]. RBC Capital has trimmed COP's price target from $115 to $113, while maintaining an Outperform rating, expecting higher earnings and cash flow per share driven by reduced major capital outlays in the third quarter of 2025 [4].
Disney (DIS) Maintains "Buy" Rating Despite NFL Acquisition Concerns
Howard Jay Klein maintained a "Buy" rating for Disney (DIS), despite expressing concerns about the company's NFL media acquisition. Klein highlighted Disney's creative strength and the company's ability to leverage its diversified intellectual property (IP) across various platforms [3]. Analysts rate DIS as a "Moderate Buy" with a $131.18 average target, citing undervalued metrics and the company's diversified IP monetization [3].
Disney's strategic transformation under CEO Bob Iger is anchored in four pillars: innovation, global expansion, brand loyalty, and operational efficiency. The company's Abu Dhabi theme park resort, a $60 billion investment, aims to boost international revenue, with the Experiences division projected to generate $20 billion annually by 2035 [3]. Additionally, Disney's streaming business has emerged as a profit engine, with profitability surging to $346 million in Q3 2025, aided by Hulu integration and ad-supported tiers [3].
Conclusion
The upgrades for ConocoPhillips and Disney reflect the strong financial performance and strategic initiatives of both companies. As ConocoPhillips continues to optimize its portfolio and Disney expands its global reach, investors can expect to see sustained value creation. However, investors should remain vigilant, particularly for ConocoPhillips, as crude oil price fluctuations could impact its ability to drive shareholder returns [2].
References
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/conocophillips-nears-deal-sell-oklahoma-assets-stone-ridge-energy-2508/
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/article/4814308-conocophillips-knife-done-falling
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/disney-iger-led-turnaround-strategic-expansion-assessing-long-term-growth-potential-dis-stock-2508/
[4] https://www.investing.com/news/analyst-ratings/conocophillips-stock-maintains-outperform-rating-at-rbc-as-free-cash-flow-improves-93CH-4193032
Stay ahead of the market.
Get curated U.S. market news, insights and key dates delivered to your inbox.
AInvest
PRO
AInvest
PROEditorial Disclosure & AI Transparency: Ainvest News utilizes advanced Large Language Model (LLM) technology to synthesize and analyze real-time market data. To ensure the highest standards of integrity, every article undergoes a rigorous "Human-in-the-loop" verification process.
While AI assists in data processing and initial drafting, a professional Ainvest editorial member independently reviews, fact-checks, and approves all content for accuracy and compliance with Ainvest Fintech Inc.’s editorial standards. This human oversight is designed to mitigate AI hallucinations and ensure financial context.
Investment Warning: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional investment, legal, or financial advice. Markets involve inherent risks. Users are urged to perform independent research or consult a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Ainvest Fintech Inc. disclaims all liability for actions taken based on this information. Found an error?Report an Issue
Comments
No comments yet