Stifel cuts United Parks & Resorts to 'hold' on cost pressures

Stifel downgrades rating on entertainment company United Parks & Resorts PRKS.N to "hold" from "buy", slashes price target to $40 from $43

New PT still shows an upside of 9.5% from the stock's last close

Stifel says ongoing cost pressures alongside persistent operational missteps have continued to weigh on confidence in co's near-term outlook

Brokerage sees upside beginning in second-half as easier comparisons, firmer bookings, and a slow return of international demand lift attendance and earnings if costs stay disciplined

Co's Q1 revenue missed Wall Street estimates on Monday

Five of 12 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, seven "hold"; their median PT is $45 - data compiled by LSEG

As of last close, stock had risen nearly 1% YTD