Analysts’ updated eps estimates for Wednesday, August 23rd:
American Assets Trust (NYSE:AAT) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “American Assets, Inc. is a real estate investment trust, or REIT, that owns, operates, acquires and develops retail and office properties primarily in Southern California, Northern California and Hawaii. The trusts assets include retail properties, office properties, Waikiki Beach Walk property and multifamily properties. American Assets, Inc. is based in San Diego, California. “
Alimera Sciences (NASDAQ:ALIM) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a sell rating. According to Zacks, “Alimera Sciences, Inc., based in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development and commercialization of prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. The Company is presently focused on diseases affecting the back of the eye, or retina because it believes these diseases are not well treated with current therapies and represent a significant market opportunity. Its product candidate Iluvien(R) is an intravitreal insert containing fluocinolone acetonide, a non-proprietary corticosteroid with demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of ocular disease. Iluvien is in development for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). DME is a disease of the retina that affects individuals with diabetes and can lead to severe vision loss and blindness. “
ArQule (NASDAQ:ARQL) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. The firm currently has $1.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “ArQule, Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the research and development of next-generation, small-molecule cancer therapeutics. The Company’s targeted, broad-spectrum products and research programs are focused on key biological processes that are central to cancer. ArQule’s lead clinical-stage products have been generated from two scientific platforms: Cancer Survival Protein modulation and Activated Checkpoint Therapy. The Cancer Survival Protein modulation platform has generated a clinical-stage product that mediates its effects by inhibiting the activity of a molecule known as c-Met, which plays multiple roles in cancer cell growth, survival, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The ACT platform is designed to kill cancer cells selectively while sparing normal cells through direct activation of DNA damage response/checkpoint pathways. The Company’s lead ACT program, based on the E2F-1 pathway, is partnered with Roche. “
Ascendis Pharma A/S (NASDAQ:ASND) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a sell rating. According to Zacks, “Ascendis Pharma A/S is a biopharmaceutical company. The company’s product pipeline consist of TransCon Human Growth Hormone, TransCon Treprostinil, TransCon Insulin, TransCon Peptide and TransCon Ranibizumab, which are in different clinical stage, for the treatments of hormone deficiency, endocrinology, central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases and diabetes. Its technology includes TransCon which develop prodrug therapies. Ascendis Pharma A/S is based in Denmark. “
Aspen Aerogels (NYSE:ASPN) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $4.75 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an energy technology company that designs, develops and manufactures aerogel insulation used primarily in large-scale energy infrastructure facilities. The Company offers insulation for high temperature steam pipes, vessels, and equipment. Aspen serves petrochemical, refinery, industrial, and power generation sectors. It manufactures Cryogel (R), Pyrogel (R) and Spaceloft (R) products. Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is headquartered in Northborough, Massachusetts. “
Athersys (NASDAQ:ATHX) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. The firm currently has $1.75 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “Athersys is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life. The company’s lead product candidate, ATHX-105, is an oral, selective 5HT2c receptor agonist in Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of obesity. The company is also developing other orally active pharmaceutical product candidates for the treatment of metabolic and central nervous system disorders, utilizing proprietary technologies, including Random Activation of Gene Expression (RAGE). Athersys is developing MultiStem(r), its patented, adult-derived “off the shelf” stem cell product platform, for multiple disease indications, including damage caused by myocardial infarction, bone marrow transplantation/oncology support, ischemic stroke and other indications. “
Anixter International (NYSE:AXE) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Anixter International Inc. is a leading global distributor of communication products used in building enterprise and service provider data, voice and video networks. In addition, Anixter is a leading distributor of specialty wire and cable products to original equipment manufacturers and to industrial companies for maintenance and repair operations. “
Sidoti began coverage on shares of Bob Evans Farms (NASDAQ:BOBE). Sidoti issued a neutral rating and a $76.00 price target on the stock.
Bouygues (NASDAQ:BOUYY) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. The firm currently has $7.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Bouygues SA is a diversified industrial group. The company’s business sectors of activity consists of Construction includes building & civil works and energies & services, Immobilier includes property development and Colas, Telecoms, with Bouygues Telecom and Media, with TF1. Bouygues SA is based in Paris, France. “
Salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM) had its buy rating reiterated by analysts at Rosenblatt Securities. The firm currently has a $115.00 target price on the stock.
Energizer Holdings (NYSE:ENR) had its buy rating reiterated by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. Citigroup Inc. currently has a $54.00 target price on the stock.
HNI Corp (NYSE:HNI) was upgraded by analysts at UBS AG from a market perform rating to an outperform rating.
HNI Corp (NYSE:HNI) was upgraded by analysts at Citigroup Inc. to an outperform rating. They currently have $42.00 price target on the stock.
HNI Corp (NYSE:HNI) was upgraded by analysts at Raymond James Financial, Inc. from a market perform rating to an outperform rating.
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Argus. Argus currently has a $45.00 price target on the stock.
Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT) had its outperform rating reiterated by analysts at BMO Capital Markets. BMO Capital Markets currently has a $92.00 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $94.00.
Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) had its outperform rating reiterated by analysts at Robert W. Baird. They currently have a $48.00 price target on the stock.
Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ:WFM) was downgraded by analysts at Barclays PLC from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating.
