(This is CNBC Pro’s live coverage of Thursday’s analyst calls and Wall Street chatter. Please refresh every 20-30 minutes to view the latest posts.) Some of the biggest calls on Thursday involved a banking giant and a red hot insurance stock. Wells Fargo raised its price target on Bank of America, now calling for more than 15% upside. Meanwhile, HSBC upgraded Allstate after a strong start to the year. Check out the latest calls and chatter below. All times ET. 5:37 a.m.: HSBC upgrades Allstate Allstate shares are poised to build on their strong start to 2024, according to HSBC. Analyst Vikram Gandhi upgraded the insurance stock to buy from hold, raising his price target to $190 from $158. The new forecast implies upside of 11.9% from Wednesday’s close. Allstate has outperformed year to date, surging 21.3% in that time, while the S & P 500 is up 10%. ALL .SPX YTD mountain ALL vs SPX year to date “The US personal lines space may be hitting a sweet spot as continuing rate momentum coupled with decelerating inflationary trends implies scope for strong margin expansion over the next couple of years,” Gandhi wrote. “We see much improved prospects for a turnaround in its underwriting profitability, driven by a combination of decisive management actions, and a more conducive regulatory environment.” 5:37 a.m.: Wells Fargo raises price target for ‘Goliath’ Bank of America Wells Fargo sees more room to run for Bank of America shares after a strong start to the year. Analyst Mike Mayo raised his price target for the bank stock by $4 to $44, implying a 16.4% upside over Wednesday’s close. He has an overweight rating on the stock. Mayo said it’s one of the “best positioned” large-cap banks when looking at deposits, costs management, credit quality or reputation. It’s also a technology leader in the sector, he said, which can help it expand deposit share and prove elite operating leverage. “Overall, BAC is a Goliath at a time when Goliath is winning,” Mayo wrote. Mayo also raised expectations for first quarter per-share earnings by 1 cent to 74 cents and by 5 cents for the whole year to $3.15. That move is largely tied to better models for investment banking and trading, he said. The analyst’s call comes amid a period of outperformance, with shares up more than 12% since the start of 2024. — Alex Harring
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