CNBC's Halftime Report wrapped up Monday with three distinct market plays from prominent investors, each backed by recent analyst activity and corporate developments.
Joseph M. Terranova, senior managing director at Virtus Investment Partners, led off with Citigroup Inc. (C). His timing aligns with renewed Wall Street enthusiasm for the banking giant. JPMorgan analyst Vivek Juneja upgraded Citigroup from Neutral to Overweight on December 12, bumping the price target from $107 to $124. That's a meaningful vote of confidence in the bank's trajectory.
Stephen Weiss, chief investment officer and managing partner at Short Hills Capital Partners, went with Leidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS). His rationale centers on the defense contractor's expanding AI capabilities and fresh leadership. Leidos just named Theodore "Ted" Tanner Jr. as its new chief technology officer on Monday, signaling a strategic push into emerging tech. Citi analyst John Godyn initiated coverage on November 12 with a Buy rating and a $218 price target, giving Weiss's pick some analytical backing.
Shannon Saccocia, chief investment officer at NB Private Wealth, took a broader approach with the iShares U.S. Industrials ETF (IYJ), betting on sector-wide strength rather than individual names.
Price Action:
- Citigroup shares gained 0.9% to close at $112.80 on Monday.
- Leidos dipped 1.8% to settle at $185.95 during the session.
- iShares U.S. Industrials ETF rose slightly by 0.02% during the session.