# Apple, Nvidia, Tesla Analyst Ratings Shift Ahead of Earnings

**Published:** 2026-09-17T13:20:52.593Z  
**Topic:** Tesla  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/47b9d5c3-b63a-4fe2-9ae8-0373f9ec6447

Analysts adjust ratings for Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla. Goldman Sachs lowers Apple's price target to $256, while Citi reiterates Nvidia's buy rating ahead of May

Goldman Sachs reaffirmed its buy rating on Apple but lowered its price target to $256 from $259, while UBS maintained a neutral stance, cutting its target to $210 from $236 [1]. These adjustments come as analysts weigh anticipated product innovations and potential tariff impacts against flat demand trends for the iPhone.

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Apple Price Target (Goldman Sachs) | $256 (from $259) [1] |
| Apple Price Target (UBS) | $210 (from $236) [1] |
| Nvidia Rating (Citi) | Buy [1] |
| Tesla Rating (Deutsche Bank) | Buy [1] |

## Tech Giants Face Shifting Outlooks
Goldman Sachs remains optimistic about Apple's performance ahead of its May 1 earnings release, citing expected innovation in upcoming products like the iPhone 16e, M4-powered MacBook Air, and updated iPads [1]. The firm also suggests that concerns over tariff-related price changes may be boosting near-term sales [1]. UBS, however, noted that Apple likely accelerated iPhone shipments in anticipation of tariffs, which helped boost year-over-year revenue in the March quarter despite overall flat demand trends [1]. Wells Fargo also maintained an overweight rating on Apple but dropped its price target to $245 from $275, cautioning that Apple might not issue detailed third-quarter guidance due to economic and tariff uncertainties [1]. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on Apple, with checks suggesting iPhone 18 demand might be "better than feared" [2].

Citi reiterated its buy rating on Nvidia, highlighting the company's strong position to benefit from long-term growth in artificial intelligence ahead of its earnings expected later in May [1]. KeyBanc also reaffirmed Nvidia as an overweight pick, citing its strong generative AI position and favorable inventory trends, naming it a top investment idea alongside Broadcom [1].

Deutsche Bank maintained its buy rating on Tesla following the company’s earnings update, believing the company is reaching a turning point where vehicle deliveries and investor sentiment could stabilize after a turbulent start to the year [1]. In contrast, Goldman Sachs reiterated a neutral rating on Tesla, with its checks indicating that Q3 2026 vehicle deliveries are tracking below consensus, leading to a lowered forecast of 435,000 from 490,000 [2].

## Other Notable Analyst Moves
In other tech sector coverage, Morgan Stanley initiated coverage of Duolingo with an overweight rating, pointing to its fast-growing user base, improving margins, and opportunities related to generative AI [1]. Benchmark began coverage of Coinbase with a buy rating and a $252 price target, expecting the cryptocurrency platform to benefit from growing institutional interest in digital assets [1]. Citi opened a 30-day positive catalyst watch on Roblox, anticipating the gaming company could exceed first-quarter bookings expectations based on third-party data [1]. Morgan Stanley also reiterated an overweight rating on SpaceX, citing its "defensive" attributes and potential to drive improvements in "intelligence-per-watt-per-dollar-per-second" [2].

Oracle saw a downgrade from Piper Sandler to neutral from overweight, with the price target reduced to $130 from $190, due to concerns that increasing AI-related investments may pressure margins and free cash flow [1]. HSBC upgraded Intuit to buy from hold, noting its heavy reliance on small businesses and significant untapped growth potential in the mid-market segment [1]. Wolfe Research upgraded Toast to outperform, citing consistent growth, an expanding market, and improving profitability [1].

## What to watch
*   Apple's May 1 earnings release for insights into iPhone demand and future product guidance [1].
*   Nvidia's earnings report later in May for updates on its AI growth trajectory [1].
*   Tesla's vehicle delivery figures and investor sentiment for signs of stabilization [1].

The varied analyst calls reflect a complex market environment where the potential for AI-driven growth and new product innovation is balanced against concerns over economic uncertainties, tariff impacts, and competitive pressures.

## Sources
1. Tradealgo — [Wednesday’s Biggest Analyst Calls: Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Cava...](https://www.tradealgo.com/news/wednesdays-biggest-analyst-calls-nvidia-apple-tesla-cava-toast-roblox-coinbase-duolingo-more)
2. CNBC — [Wednesday biggest analyst calls like Nvidia](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/16/wednesday-biggest-analyst-calls-like-nvidia.html)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Apple, Nvidia, Tesla Analyst Ratings Shift Ahead of Earnings", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/47b9d5c3-b63a-4fe2-9ae8-0373f9ec6447