Investment Analysts’ updated eps estimates for Tuesday, August 29th:
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) was upgraded by analysts at Cleveland Research from a neutral rating to a buy rating.
Instinet started coverage on shares of AveXis (NASDAQ:AVXS). The firm issued a reduce rating and a $32.31 price target on the stock.
Beowulf Mining plc (LON:BEM) had its not rated rating reissued by analysts at Shore Capital.
The Bank Of Prn (NASDAQ:BPRN) had its buy rating reissued by analysts at Sandler O’Neill. Sandler O’Neill currently has a $36.00 price target on the stock.
Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX) was downgraded by analysts at Bank of America Corporation from a buy rating to a hold rating.
Northland Securities assumed coverage on shares of Esperion Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ESPR). They issued an outperform rating on the stock.
Findel plc (LON:FDL) had its corporate rating reissued by analysts at N+1 Singer.
The Finish Line (NASDAQ:FINL) was downgraded by analysts at Robert W. Baird to a neutral rating. The firm currently has $8.00 target price on the stock, down from their previous target price of $15.00. They noted that the move was a valuation call. The analysts noted that the move was a valuation call.
Fitbit (NYSE:FIT) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $6.50 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “Fitbit Inc. is a manufacturer of wearable fitness tracking devices. The company reported second-quarter 2017 adjusted loss of 18 cents per share, which was narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Over the last year, the stock has underperformed the industry it belongs to. Fitbit’s growth has been slowing down with smartwatches outshining the fitness wearable category, influx of new wearables, lack of upgrades among existing users and lackluster growth in the Asia Pacific region. Management has taken some recovery initiatives that include executive shakeup and cost structuring.”
Gresham Technologies PLC (LON:GHT) had its corporate rating reiterated by analysts at N+1 Singer.
Gamestop Corporation (NYSE:GME) had its outperform rating reissued by analysts at Robert W. Baird. They currently have a $24.00 price target on the stock.
H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) had its sell rating reiterated by analysts at BTIG Research. They currently have a $19.00 target price on the stock.
Hummingbird Resources (LON:HUM) had its not rated rating reaffirmed by analysts at Shore Capital.
Horizonte Minerals Plc (LON:HZM) had its not rated rating reiterated by analysts at Shore Capital.
ImmunoGen (NASDAQ:IMGN) had its hold rating reiterated by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald.
Bluejay Mining Plc (LON:JAY) had its not rated rating reiterated by analysts at Shore Capital.
Jenoptik AG (ETR:JEN) had its buy rating reiterated by analysts at DZ Bank AG.
J P Morgan Chase & Co (NYSE:JPM) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “JPMorgan's shares have outperformed the industry over the past year. This price performance is backed by impressive earnings surprise history. The company has surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in all the trailing four quarters. The company’s efforts to control expenses through streamlining and branch consolidation are commendable. These have been supporting bottom line growth. While the company faces a persistent fee income growth challenge, the improved rate scenario, potential lesser regulations (once the Financial Choice Act gets implemented) and rising loan demand should continue to benefit its financials. Also, the bank's impressive capital deployment plans reflect its strong balance sheet position.”
KEFI Minerals plc (LON:KEFI) had its not rated rating reissued by analysts at Shore Capital.
LifePoint Health (NASDAQ:LPNT) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a sell rating. According to Zacks, “LifePoint Health’s stock has underperformed the industry in the last six months. Following second-quarter results, the company trimmed its 2017 guidance on a challenging volume environment and weak revenue growth. The company is faced with increasing expenses which has outpaced revenue growth thereby squeezing operating margins. High bad debt is another concern. The stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings being revised 2.9% downward over the last 30 days.”
Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $97.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Shares of Motorola Solutions have outperformed its industry on a year-to-date basis. The company has an impressive track record with respect to earnings having surpassed estimates in each of the preceding four quarters. We expect the company to deliver impressive bottom-line performances in the coming quarters as well, driven by its strong product portfolio. In keeping with its growth-by-acquisition strategy, the company recently completed the acquisition of Kodiak Networks. The buyout has strengthened its software product portfolio. Moreover, Motorola’s efforts to reward its investors raise optimism in the stock. However, high costs continue to limit bottom-line growth. The company's high debt levels also remain a concern.”
Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at J P Morgan Chase & Co.
Norbord (NYSE:OSB) was downgraded by analysts at Vertical Research from a buy rating to a hold rating.
Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE:PHG) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating. Zacks Investment Research currently has $44.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Philips’ shares have outperformed the industry’s average return over the past six months. Philips’ Healthcare segment is showing impressive momentum and the company believes increased spending on healthcare and fitness will act as a long-term growth driver. Philips’ continuous investments in this segment and innovative product launches are adding to its strength and its recent string of acquisitions should help strengthen its foothold in the end markets. Philips is seeing impressive momentum in its HealthTech portfolio sales, and is benefiting from cost-productivity programs and higher volumes. Its Personal Health vertical is also progressing well, and is seeing particular strength in the Health & Wellness and Sleep & Respiratory Care units. However, the company sees an increasingly uncertain business environment in the near future, particularly in the U.S, which could dampen its growth.”
Prosiebensat 1 Media SE (ETR:PSM) had its neutral rating reiterated by analysts at DZ Bank AG.
Papa John’s International (NASDAQ:PZZA) had its buy rating reissued by analysts at BTIG Research. They currently have a $100.00 target price on the stock.
Dow Jones Equity All REIT Total Return Index (NASDAQ:REIT) had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. Citigroup Inc. currently has a $167.00 price target on the stock, up from their previous price target of $142.00.
Rexford Industrial Realty (NASDAQ:REXR) was upgraded by analysts at National Securities from a hold rating to a buy rating. The firm currently has $32.00 price target on the stock, up from their previous price target of $23.00. The analysts wrote, “REXR Rating Upgrade to BUY and 2Q17 Recap. Southern California remains one of the tightest industrial markets in the country, with occupancy rates approaching 100% in several core sub-markets and it’s already highest asking rents in the nation only expected to increase further. The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are the two BUSIEST ports in the US, with recently annualized July TEU volume slated to be up 8.7% and 28%, Y/Y, respectively. Despite the unique high demand/low supply dynamic that exists in REXR’s backyard which is unlike any other in the country, its current portfolio occupancy does not reflect as such, even when adjusted for repositioning assets. Despite this, REXR has increased its FFO 7.15% in 2016 and 8.7% in the last quarter, meaning higher occupancy rates will further increase owned asset yields, FFO, and subsequently, dividends. In the trailing twelve month period, REXR has acquired some $587mln in assets, which will grow its portfolio 37.3% Y/Y. We are fundamentally positive on the industrial REIT sector as a whole and recognize the unique environment REXR operates in, and thus despite the premium that the shares trade relative to peers, those premiums are warranted. As such, we are upgrading our Neutral rating to BUY and adjusting our $23.00 price target to $32.00. “
Rhoen Klinikum AG (ETR:RHK) had its sell rating reiterated by analysts at DZ Bank AG.
Ritter Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RTTR) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $0.75 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “Ritter Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is involved in developing therapeutic products to treat inflammatory, gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases. Its lead product candidate is RP-G28, a novel microbiome modulator, which is under development for the reduction of symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. Ritter Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. “
Raven Russia Limited (LON:RUS) had its corporate rating reaffirmed by analysts at N+1 Singer.
SAFRAN (OTCMKTS:SAFRF) had its neutral rating reiterated by analysts at UBS AG.
Sanmina Corporation (NASDAQ:SANM) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Sanmina Corporation is engaged in providing electronics contract manufacturing services. It focuses on engineering and fabricating complex components and also on providing complete end-to-end supply chain solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers. The Company’s services include product design and engineering, including initial development, detailed design, prototyping, validation, preproduction services and manufacturing design release; manufacturing of components, subassemblies and complete systems; final system assembly and test; direct order fulfillment and logistics services, and after-market product service and support. Sanmina Corporation, formerly known as Sanmina-SCI Corp., is based in San Jose, California. “
National Securities started coverage on shares of Saratoga Investment Corp (NYSE:SAR). National Securities issued a neutral rating and a $23.00 target price on the stock. The analysts wrote, “Investment Conclusion . We are initiating coverage of Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) with a NEUTRAL rating and $23 price target. Saratoga is a lower middle market (LMM) focused company, making loans to companies with EBITDA between $2 – $50 million. The company commenced operations in March 2007 but was known as GSC Investment Corp. and was externally managed by GSCP, LP. In July 2010 the company recapitalized and Saratoga Investment Advisors became the new external manager of the company. SAR did not begin to pay regular cash dividends until fiscal 2Q15 and since then it has increased its quarterly dividend every quarter. The company recently had a couple non-accruals pop up totaling $20.1 million or 5.9% of the portfolio at amortized cost. We expect portfolio growth to offset the pressure on earnings that the non-accruals would otherwise cause. However, we note that we do model NAV to decrease the next fiscal quarter before stabilizing. Ample dry powder with increased first tier sponsor relationships should drive good volume for Saratoga, helping NII to overcome the anticipated earnings drag from non-accruals. Additionally, we expect the company to have to issue minimal equity on a flow basis through its ATM program given the reasonable regulatory leverage on the balance sheet. “
Sabra Healthcare REIT (NASDAQ:SBRA) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $24.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. is a real estate investment trust that owns and invests in real estate serving the healthcare industry. The trust owns nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and independent living centers. It leases properties to tenants and operators throughout the United States. Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. is based in Irvine, California. “
Swisscom AG (OTCMKTS:SCMWY) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Swisscom is Switzerland’s leading telecommunications company. The innovative, customer-focused and strongly-competitive group offers a full range of voice and data communication services on fixed-line and mobile networks. Swisscom offers the complete spectrum of state-of-the-art data services, from leased lines to integrated solutions for corporate customers. “
SCYNEXIS (NASDAQ:SCYX) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $2.00 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “SCYNEXIS, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company. It is engaged in the discovery, development, and commercialization of anti-infectives to address unmet therapeutic needs. The Company is developing its lead product candidate, SCY-078, as an oral and intravenous (IV) drug for the treatment of serious and life-threatening invasive fungal infections in humans. It also provides contract research and development services. SCYNEXIS, Inc. is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. “
Seiko Epson Corp (NASDAQ:SEKEY) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $14.00 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “Seiko Epson Corporation is engaged in the development, manufacturing, sales, marketing and servicing of information-related equipment, electronic devices, precision products and other products. The Information Equipment segment manufactures and offers computers and peripherals, including PCs, printers, scanners and projectors. The Electronic Devices and Precision Equipment segment is engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of quartz devices, semiconductors, and displays, watches, plastic corrective lenses, and factory automation equipment. Seiko Epson Corporation has its head office in Suwa, Nagano. “
Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ:SFNC) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORP bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Act of 1956. Through its subsidiaries, Co. provides a full range of banking and mortgage services to individual and corporate customers. “
Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ:SGEN) had its hold rating reaffirmed by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald.
J.M. Smucker Company (The) (NYSE:SJM) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a sell rating. According to Zacks, “Smucker posted disappointing first-quarter fiscal 2018 results wherein both the top and bottom lines lagged estimates. Earnings declined 19% year over year due to planned increases in commodity costs and marketing expense. Net sales in the quarter declined 4% year over year on account of lower volume/mix, notably in its coffee segment. This marked the fifth straight quarter of sales decline in its coffee business. Moreover the company expects lower pricing in U.S. Retail Coffee to negatively impact profits in the remainder of fiscal 2018. Moreover, the Pet Foods segment also did not depict significant growth during the quarter owing to unfavorable cost to price relationship combined with high marketing expenses. Owing to such factors, Smucker’s shares have underperformed the industry over the past six months. Nevertheless, the company has resorted to cost cuts amid the tough industry conditions to uplift its performance”
Summit Financial Group (NASDAQ:SMMF) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Summit Financial Group operates thirteen banking locations through its three wholly owned subsidiary banks, Summit Community Bank headquartered in Moorefield, West Virginia, Capital State Bank, Inc. headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, and Shenandoah Valley National Bank in Winchester, Virginia. Summit also operates Summit Financial, LLC, a residential mortgage loan originator located in Herndon, Virginia. “
Sundance Energy Australia (NASDAQ:SNDE) had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Iberia Capital. Iberia Capital currently has a $7.00 target price on the stock.
Telecom Italia S.P.A. (NYSE:TI) was downgraded by analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein from an outperform rating to a market perform rating.
