Mixed Stock Ratings
Stifel Issues Mixed Ratings Across Major Retail and Biotech Stocks
Anonymous
Stifel issued mixed assessments across retailers and biotechnology companies. It reiterated Hold ratings on Lowe’s and Home Depot, citing slowing price trends, and maintained a Hold on Whirlpool despite August appliance pricing that Stifel viewed as supportive of the company’s fiscal 2026 guidance; it also flagged risks including weak demand and competition. In biotech, Stifel maintained Buy ratings on Oculis and Nkarta, pointing to progress in clinical trials and upcoming data that could guide further development. Oculis is advancing pivotal trials of privosegtor and expects a separate licaminlimab trial readout in late 2026 or early 2027, while Nkarta plans to present preliminary trial results in November.
Key Points
1
Stifel said August pricing declined sequentially in all three categories at both Lowe’s and Home Depot, with Lowe’s appliance pricing the exception to the broader three-month deceleration trend.
2
Although Stifel viewed Whirlpool’s August pricing as a positive check on its fiscal 2026 outlook, its $2.25 adjusted EPS estimate remains below the company’s $2.50–$3.00 guidance range. Stifel attributed Whirlpool’s pricing to list-price changes and reduced promotions, while Samsung led competitor pricing.
3
Oculis said its PIONEER-1 pivotal trial of privosegtor in acute optic neuritis is enrolling; PIONEER-2 and PIONEER-3 are planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. Stifel estimated the three targeted indications collectively represent a total addressable market exceeding $20 billion.
4
Nkarta’s planned November Ntrust-1/2 preliminary data will include efficacy and safety results from at least a handful of myositis and scleroderma patients treated at the highest dose, with at least three months of follow-up. Recent protocol amendments are intended to improve patient convenience and enrollment.
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