Investment Analysts’ downgrades for Wednesday, September 6th:
AMTEK (NYSE:AME) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “AMETEK is a leading manufacturer of electronic appliances and electromechanical devices. The company posted better-than-expected second-quarter 2017 results surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate on earnings and revenues. AMETEK continues to reap the benefits from the execution of its four core growth strategies of operational excellence, global market expansion, investments in product development and strategic acquisitions. This, in combination with a strong portfolio of differentiated businesses, is expected to help the company post better results, going forward. However, weakness in its balance sheet and integration issues and an overly high goodwill associated with an aggressive acquisition strategy are concerns. Foreign exchange headwinds remain. Year to date, the stock has underperformed the industry it belongs to.”
Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Amphenol’s top-line growth is benefiting from improved end-market demand in automotive, mobile networks and military markets. The company remains encouraged by its expanding presence in the fast-growing commercial aerospace market and is well positioned to capitalize on the proliferation of electronics content on next-generation planes. A balanced organic and inorganic growth model, a lean and flexible cost structure, and an agile and entrepreneurial management team augur well for its long-term growth perspectives. Amphenol outperformed the industry year to date. However, increasing cost of raw materials is likely to be a drag on its profitability. Bulk of the company’s revenues comes from sales to the communications industry, demand for which is subject to rapid technological change. In addition, these markets are dominated by several large manufacturers and operators who exert significant price pressure on Amphenol.”
Land Securities Gp (NASDAQ:LSGOF) was downgraded by analysts at HSBC Holdings plc from a buy rating to a hold rating.
Verifone Systems (NYSE:PAY) was downgraded by analysts at Northcoast Research from a buy rating to a neutral rating.
Semtech Corporation (NASDAQ:SMTC) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a sell rating. According to Zacks, “Semtech is a provider of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company reported mixed fiscal second-quarter 2018 results with earnings beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenues missing the same. Improved profitability was driven by differentiated growth drivers and diversification strategy. Key growth drivers for Semtech are product differentiation, operational flexibility and a specific focus on fast-growing segments and regions. However, concerns about the company’s exposure to seasonality, a competitive market and foreign exchange risk persist. In the last one year, the stock has outperformed the industry it belongs to.”
Two River Bancorp (NASDAQ:TRCB) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Two River Bancorp is a state-chartered commercial bank. It engaged in the business of commercial and retail banking. The company offers checking accounts, savings accounts, commercial loans, SBA lending, safe deposit boxes, night depository, wire transfers, money orders, traveler’s checks, automated teller machines, direct deposit, telephone and internet banking. Two River Bancorp, formerly known as Community Partners Bancorp, is headquartered in Tinton Falls, NJ. “
UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “UBS Group AG’s shares on NYSE have underperformed the industry in the last six months. The company’s profitability continues to be challenged by negative interest rates in the domestic economy and strict regulatory framework. However, UBS Group remains focused on building capital levels, global expansion and executing restructuring initiatives. Moreover, management anticipates to achieve CHF 2.1 billion in net cost reductions by the end of 2017. Further, the company’s strong capital position remains a tailwind.”
WebMD Health Corp (NASDAQ:WBMD) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “WebMD announced today that is has signed an agreement to acquire Conceptis Technologies Inc., a Montreal-based provider of online and offline medical education and promotion aimed at physicians and other healthcare professionals. Conceptis has been successful in developing a strong online presence in the cardiology community and is highly respected for the depth and breadth of content contained on its flagship. With the combination of two of the leading cardiology channels on the Internet, Medscape Cardiology and www.theheart.org, WebMD is well positioned to further its lead and penetration in this high value segment of medical marketing. “
William Demant Hol (NASDAQ:WILYY) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “William Demant Holding A/S develops, manufactures and sells products and equipment designed to aid the hearing and communication of individuals. The Company focuses on three business areas: Hearing Devices, Diagnostic Instruments and Personal Communication. William Demant Holding A/S is headquartered in Smorum, Denmark. “
VCA (NASDAQ:WOOF) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “VCA Inc. is a national animal healthcare company operating primarily in the United States and Canada. It owns, operates and manages veterinary hospitals and veterinary-exclusive clinical laboratories in the country, supplies diagnostic imaging equipment and other medical technology products and related services to the veterinary industry, and provides various communication, professional education and marketing solutions to the veterinary community. VCA Inc., formerly known as VCA Antech, Inc., is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. “
Yum China Holdings (NASDAQ:YUMC) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a sell rating. According to Zacks, “Yum China Holdings, Inc. is a licensee of Yum! Brands primarily in mainland China. The company have rights to KFC, China’s quick-service restaurant concept, Pizza Hut, casual dining restaurant brand and Taco Bell. Yum China Holdings, Inc. is based in Shanghai, China. “
