Here’s a look at the companies making headlines in midday trading: Boeing – shares up 3%. The plane maker has agreed on a new contract proposal with its machinists union that could end a strike that has lasted more than a month. A ratification vote is scheduled for Wednesday. Warby Parker — The eyewear maker and retailer gained nearly 6% after Goldman Sachs upgraded its stock rating to buy from neutral, saying its profit growth potential and solid fundamentals supported its “slightly elevated” valuation. Cigna — Shares of Cigna fell more than 4% after Bloomberg reported that Cigna has restarted merger discussions with Humana, citing people familiar with the matter. Bloomberg sources said talks are still in the early stages. Humana shares also fell slightly following the report. United Parcel Service — The package delivery stock fell 2% after Barclays downgraded the stock to underweight from equal weight. The British bank said it has faced a number of recent challenges. AppLovin — The app technology stock rose 8% after Bank of America raised its price target sharply. The company also reiterated a buy rating and said AppLovin’s artificial intelligence engine “ushered in a transformation in growth and profitability.” Bank of America now expects shares to hit $210, up 75% from its previous target of $120. Southwest Airlines — Shares of the airline fell nearly 2%. CNBC reported Sunday that Southwest Airlines is in early settlement talks with Elliott Investment Management that would give the activist investor representation on Southwest’s board. ASML Holdings — Semiconductor equipment stocks fell nearly 2%. Bernstein lowered its price target on ASML to $815 from $1,052, with the firm citing concerns about a potentially “challenging” outlook for 2025. Revenue fell more than 5% and missed analysts’ expectations. Atlantic Alliance reported net interest income of $186.8 million, while analysts polled by FactSet expected net interest income of $195.0 million. KENVUE — Shares of Starboard Value rose more than 6% on news that activist investor Starboard Value has taken a large position in Johnson & Johnson spinoffs. —CNBC’s Samantha Subin, Michelle Fox, Alex Harring and Sean Conlon contributed reporting.
