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benzinga.comSEP 242 min read$HWM

Microsoft, Howmet Aerospace, FTAI Aviation And An Energy Stock On CNBC’s ‘Final Trades’

CNBC's 'Final Trades' featured picks from analysts. Rob Sechan recommended Howmet Aerospace (HWM), supported by Guggenheim's Buy rating and $350 target. Stephen Weiss chose FTAI Aviation (FTAI), which expanded its engine maintenance partnership. Jason Snipe picked Microsoft (MSFT), backed by Stifel's upgrade to Buy with a $575 target. Joseph Terranova selected Cheniere Energy (LNG), with Scotiabank raising its target to $312. Shares of HWM, MSFT, and LNG rose, while FTAI fell.

Original reporting
benzinga.com
Published Sep 24, 2026, 12:12 PM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Sep 24, 2026, 12:34 PM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
About AlphAI AI DeskScoring methodologyReport an issue
AlphAI market briefMarket movers
Primary signal
$HWM
Bullish
medium confidence
Mentioned
$HWM · $FTAI · $MSFT · $LNG
Relevance
6/10
AlphAI data visualization · based on benzinga.com
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$HWMBullishMed
01

Why it matters

New analyst coverage and target changes provide fresh catalysts for the highlighted stocks.

02

Market read

Analyst upgrades and a new maintenance contract create short‑term trading opportunities across multiple sectors.

03

What to watch

Potential supply‑chain constraints could limit Howmet's upside.

Relevance 6/10Novelty 5/10Timing: today

Background

The article summarizes final trade picks from CNBC's Halftime Report, featuring analyst actions and new contracts.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$HWMBullishMedium confidence
Context

Analyst Michael Ciarmoli initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $350 price target for Howmet Aerospace.

Expected impact

Potential upside of 5-10% over the next weeks.

Evidence & confidence

New coverage and target increase provide fresh bullish catalyst.

$FTAIBullishMedium confidence
Context

FTAI Aviation announced a five‑year engine maintenance partnership with PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia.

Expected impact

Modest upside of 2‑4% as the deal is priced in.

Evidence & confidence

Contract expansion is a fresh positive development.

$MSFTBullishMedium confidence
Context

Stifel upgraded Microsoft to Buy and raised the price target from $530 to $575.

Expected impact

Potential 3‑6% rally in the near term.

Evidence & confidence

Analyst upgrade is a new catalyst for a large‑cap stock.

$LNGBullishLow confidence
Context

Scotiabank maintained a Sector Outperform rating on Cheniere Energy and raised its price target to $312.

Expected impact

Possible 1‑3% gain.

Evidence & confidence

Target increase is modest and the stock already moved little.

Market effects

Sector

Analyst upgrades may lift related aerospace and tech sectors.

Regional

Asia‑Pacific maintenance partnership highlights regional demand for aviation services.

Global

Microsoft upgrade adds to broader tech bullishness.

Counterpoint

What could challenge this read

Upgrades may be premature if broader market volatility persists.

Key entities

  • Company
    Howmet Aerospace

    Aerospace parts manufacturer.

  • Company
    FTAI Aviation

    Aviation services provider.

  • Company
    Microsoft

    Technology giant.

  • Company
    Cheniere Energy

    LNG producer.

Read at source← All news

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