Investment Analysts’ updated eps estimates for Thursday, August 17th:
Susquehanna Bancshares Inc initiated coverage on shares of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (NASDAQ:AAWW). The firm issued a positive rating and a $72.00 price target on the stock.
Susquehanna Bancshares Inc initiated coverage on shares of Air Transport Services Group (NASDAQ:ATSG). They issued a neutral rating and a $22.00 target price on the stock.
Enbridge Energy, L.P. (NYSE:EEP) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a sell rating. According to Zacks, “Enbridge Energy Partners units underperformed the broader industry in the last one year. The partnership’s U.S. L3R Program in Wisconsin and the Canadian L3R Program cost has been revised about 12% above the original estimate at the time the project was approved in 2014. This mainly reflects delays in the regulatory process, changes in scope and route alteration as well as other changes that resulted from the extensive consultation process. Any further delay in starting the project may increase costs, which is detrimental to the partnership’s growth. Moreover, Enbridge Energy Partners’ both earnings and revenue estimates declined year over year in second-quarter 2017. Lower tolls on the North Dakota system along with weak commodity prices led to the underperformance. Additionally, the high capital expenditure required for the ambitious growth plans may reduce cash distribution growth.”
Enersys (NYSE:ENS) was upgraded by analysts at Sidoti to a buy rating. Sidoti currently has $83.00 price target on the stock.
Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating. They currently have $32.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Honda reported better-than-expected earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 (ended Jun 30). Consolidated sales revenues also beat estimate. Both earnings and revenues rose year over year too. The year-over-year increase can be attributed to higher revenues in financial services, motorcycle business operations and foreign currency conversion effects. Also, record-high production in the first-half of calendar year 2017 outside Japan is aiding Honda. Moreover, the company has been focusing on infrastructural development, new product introductions and car launches in Asia, North and South America. Moreover, it has also planned to launch fuel cell vehicles in U.S. and European markets. These efforts are expected to popularize the company and attract more customers, which in turn will boost the revenue figure. It is also undertaking frequent collaborations in order to expand its business.”
Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR). Evercore ISI issued a line rating and a $20.00 target price on the stock.
Nielsen N.V. (NYSE:NLSN) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a strong sell rating. According to Zacks, “Nielsen Holdings is a leading global information and measurement company which offers media and marketing information on what consumers watch and buy on a global and local basis. The company delivered strong second-quarter profits driven by the strength in its Watch segment. Weakness in the U.S. Buy segment continues to impact revenues. Continued dividend payment and share repurchase reflect Nielsen’s financial strength and commitment to return value to shareholders. Also, the company's product launches are progressing well and should drive revenues in the near term. However, continued investments in technology and infrastructure could weigh on margins and profitability, going forward. Year-to-date the stock has underperformed the Zacks Business-Information Services industryy.”
Performance Food Group (NYSE:PFGC) had its hold rating reiterated by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company.
Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG) had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Jefferies Group LLC. They currently have a $92.44 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $103.00.
Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE:PXD) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Pioneer Natural Resources is focused on the Permian Basin, which is among the lucrative oil shale plays with lesser risks. The company’s second-quarter 2017 results were strong on the back of significantly high commodity price realizations along with the Spraberry/Wolfcamp horizontal drilling program. Moreover, the upstream player has excellent financial health. For second-quarter 2017, the company’s production grew 12% year over year to 259.1 MBOE/d, which touched the high end of the company’s guidance. On top of that, Pioneer expects production growth between 15% and 18% for 2017. However, we are concerned about the high exploration expenses incurred during the second quarter of this year. Also, over the last one year, the company’s price fell 28.4%, following the trend of the broader industry’s 31% decline over the same time frame.”
TJX Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:TJX) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “The TJX Companies posted second-quarter fiscal 2018 results, wherein both earnings and revenues exceeded expectations, driven by improved traffic and margin improvements, as well as higher market share. The company also raised its fiscal 2018 earnings guidance. We are impressed on the company’s brand enhancing initiative, aggressive store opening strategy and improving e-Commerce business. Though shares have been declining for the last several quarters, the stock has started rallying over the last one month in comparison to the industry’s growth. However, the company is facing disappointing comps growth of late. In the second quarter, though sales grew on the back of increase in comps and improved traffic, comps growth of 3% were lower than the 4% comps growth in the year-ago quarter. The company is also facing margin pressure due to higher payroll and pension related costs. Currency headwinds also remain a concern.”
Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $56.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Unum Group’s premiums continue to increase, fueled by solid persistency levels in core business lines and sturdy volume of sales, along with solid benefits experience. Acquisitions have provided an additional support. Starmount Life Insurance Company buyout gave access to growth opportunities in the dental market, which is in sync with its strategy to focus more on the employee benefits business. A sustained favorable performance drives solid capital generation and strong financial flexibility aiding active capital deployment. Unum expects 2017 operating earnings to grow 5–8% over the 2016 level. However, exposure to low interest rate environment remains the key headwind affecting the Unum U.K. results. Shares of Unum Group have the underperformed industry year to date. With respect to quarterly results, Unum Group’s second-quarter 2017 earnings outpaced our expectations and also improved year over year.”
CIBC assumed coverage on shares of Westport Fuel Systems (NASDAQ:WPRT) (TSE:WPT). The firm issued an outperform rating and a $3.00 price target on the stock.
