Zoetis downgraded to Hold from Buy at Stifel

Stifel analyst Jonathan Block downgraded Zoetis (ZTS) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $160, down from $165. The firm contends that the Street’s 2026/27 operational revenue growth estimates for Zoetis may “prove aggressive” as it expects the company’s revenue growth rate to decelerate further and compress the stock’s multiple or at least prevent a further multiple expansion, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Zoetis has dealt effectively with competition in the past, but this time, competitive inroads may prove more successful, with Stifel’s survey identifying strong veterinarian interest in Merck’s (MRK) pending Atopic Dermatitis JAK inhibitor and Elanco’s (ELAN) CQ – chloroquine – gaining traction, the firm added.