Analysts’ updated eps estimates for Monday, August 28th:
Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (NYSE:ACH) was upgraded by analysts at CLSA from an underperform rating to a buy rating.
Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) had its buy rating reiterated by analysts at Cann. The analysts wrote, “Amgen announced today positive results from a new Repatha (evolocumab) analysis of cardiovascular outcomes study (FOURIER) that showed a statistically significant relationship between lower achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and lower cardiovascular event rates in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Importantly, there was no evidence of a leveling off of effect and no new safety concerns were identified in this analysis.””
Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU) had its top pick rating reiterated by analysts at Macquarie. Macquarie currently has a $305.00 target price on the stock.
Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG) had its buy rating reiterated by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald.
Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:DLTR) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. The firm currently has $88.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Dollar Tree raised its fiscal 2017 view after posting strong numbers for the second quarter. Further, Dollar Tree has been gaining from its integration of Family Dollar, which is contributing significantly to the company’s results. This has helped the stock to surpass the industry year to date. It also helped Dollar Tree to achieve comps growth for the 38th straight time in the second quarter, wherein both the top and bottom line grew year over year and topped the Zacks Consensus mark. Apart from solid performance at stores, growth of the company’s online business – Dollar Tree Direct also fueled results. Moreover, reduced merchandise and freight costs, as well as lower markdowns boosted margins. Based on these results and expected benefits from Family Dollar, management remains confident of the second half. However, volatile consumer behavior remains a concern for Dollar Tree. Also, significant global exposure may pose threats.”
Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) had its hold rating reaffirmed by analysts at Maxim Group.
Infosys Limited (NYSE:INFY) was upgraded by analysts at Deutsche Bank AG from a hold rating to a buy rating.
Intuit (NASDAQ:INTU) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $152.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Intuit reported encouraging fourth-quarter fiscal 2017 results. Its revenue performance improved on a year-over-year basis, backed by better-than-expected growth in QuickBooks Online. The company also issued upbeat earnings guidance for the first quarter and fiscal 2018. We are optimistic on Intuit’s growing SMB exposure and believe that its strategic acquisitions will fortify this segment. Due to the continuously emerging new technologies and current market trends, cloud-based business and financial software solutions have been gaining momentum. As Intuit is already a market leader in this segment, the increased adoption helped it gain new customers, in turn, boosting the overall performance. Moreover, the company’s strategy of shifting its business to cloud-based subscription model will help generate more stable revenues over the long run. The stock has outperformed the industry in a year’s time.”
Integer Holdings (NASDAQ:ITGR) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a sell rating. According to Zacks, “Integer Holdings derives a significant portion of its revenues from Medicare’s service reimbursement programs. The company expects rental revenue per patient to decline in the future quarters owing to lower reimbursement rates in connection with the nationalization of competitive bidding and continued reimbursement declines. Integer Holdings reported a tepid second-quarter of 2017 missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both counts. Over the last one year the company outperformed the broader industry in terms of price performance. Integer Holdings has provided a positive guidance for full-year 2017. The company’s steadfast focus on customer relationship, spotlight on cost reduction, and burgeoning financial performance are the key catalysts in our view. However, revenue headwinds remain a concern, thanks to private insurance rate reductions, higher provisions for rental revenue adjustments, and lower net patient additions.”
Juno Therapeutics (NASDAQ:JUNO) was upgraded by analysts at BTIG Research from a sell rating to a neutral rating.
Knoll (NYSE:KNL) was upgraded by analysts at UBS AG from a market perform rating to an outperform rating.
Leerink Swann began coverage on shares of Lilis Energy (NASDAQ:LLEX). Leerink Swann issued an outperform rating and a $6.00 target price on the stock.
Lilis Energy (NASDAQ:LLEX) was upgraded by analysts at Northland Securities from a market perform rating to an outperform rating.
Lowe’s Companies (NYSE:LOW) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a sell rating. According to Zacks, “Lowe’s shares have slid and underperformed the industry in the past three months. In fact, the stock came under pressure after it posted weaker-than-expected second-quarter fiscal 2017 results. This was the second quarter in row wherein both the top and bottom lines fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Nevertheless, both sales and earnings grew year over year, albeit at a rate lower than the preceding quarter. However, comps showed considerable improvement. Further, improving job scenario, recovery in the housing market and merchandising initiatives along with efforts to enhance omni-channel capabilities bode well. Management continues to expect sales to increase 5% with comps growth of 3.5% during fiscal 2017. However, lower-than-expected second-quarter results and investment plans compelled Lowe’s to trim fiscal 2017 earnings view. Lowe’s investment in customer-facing hours in stores and promotions will hurt margins.”
NASDAQ Other Finance (NASDAQ:OTHER) had its hold rating reaffirmed by analysts at Canaccord Genuity. The firm currently has a $1.90 target price on the stock. The analysts wrote, “We believe this acquisition (and recent acquisitions by Trinidad’s US peers) highlights the importance of vertical integration and enhanced technology offerings in order to remain relevant in the highly competitive North American land drilling market.””
TE Connectivity (NYSE:TEL) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. Zacks Investment Research currently has $88.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “TE Connectivity has a striking earnings surprise history over the four trailing quarters, beating estimates all through. Strong progress on strategic priorities, solid execution and impressive top-line growth are proving conducive to the company’s profitability. It expects transportation business to experience high-single-digit organic growth, fuelled by rise in global auto production and impressive heavy truck business in key end markets. Also, its Communications and Industrial segments are witnessing strong rebound, thus stoking growth. Additionally, TE Connectivity’s solid financial health adds to its strength. However, sluggish industrial markets and derivative impact of lower oil prices are posing as major headwinds, thwarting growth. Also, adverse currency fluctuations and high restructuring expenses might hurt the company’s performance. The stock has also underperformed the industry average, year to date.”
Vmware (NYSE:VMW) had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. Citigroup Inc. currently has a $124.00 price target on the stock.
