** 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