On CNBC’s ‘Halftime Report Final Trades,’ investment experts shared their final picks for the day, offering insights into the potential of several companies. Josh Brown of Ritholtz Wealth Management highlighted PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL), noting its consistent climb to new highs. He expressed his confidence in the stock by raising his stop-loss level while maintaining his investment position.
Adding fuel to the bullish sentiment, Deutsche Bank analyst Bryan Keane reaffirmed his ‘Buy’ rating on PayPal, further boosting investor confidence. Keane even increased the price target from $74 to $94, indicating a significant upside potential for the company.
Shifting gears to the financial sector, Brian Belski of BMO Capital Markets spotlighted Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG), praising its attractive dividend yield of 4% and impressive 18% free cash flow yield. These indicators suggest a strong financial foundation and the potential for steady returns for investors.
Citizens Financial recently announced the appointment of Claude E. Wade to the board of directors, effective March 1, 2025. This move signals a focus on strengthening the company’s leadership and future prospects. Additionally, Wendy Watson will be retiring from the board after her current term expires in April 2025.
Moving on to the technology sector, Jim Lebenthal of Cerity Partners predicted that Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) would soon reach a new high for the year. This optimistic outlook was further supported by HSBC analyst Stephen Bersey, who upgraded Cisco from ‘Hold’ to ‘Buy’ and raised the price target from $46 to $58.
Finally, Shannon Saccocia of NB Private Wealth recommended iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (IYR) as her final trade. This ETF provides diversified exposure to the US real estate market, potentially offering investors a balanced portfolio approach.
The price performance of these stocks reflected the market sentiment discussed on ‘Halftime Report Final Trades.’ PayPal gained 0.1% on Tuesday, closing at $78.40. Citizens Financial shares fell 0.7% to $40.76. iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF saw a slight increase of 0.03%, while Cisco shares rose by 0.6%, closing at $52.52. These insights from industry experts provide valuable information for investors seeking to make informed decisions in the dynamic stock market.
