CHANGE IN RATINGS
Hertz Global (HTZ Quote) rated new Buy at Goldman:
HTZ was initiated with a Buy rating at Goldman Sachs. $20 price target. Pricing should be strong through 2008.
Hertz (HTZ Quote) rated new Neutral at JP Morgan:
HTZ was initiated with a Neutral rating at JP Morgan. Company has a strong earnings outlook over the next several quarters, but already trades at a premium to its peers.
STOCK COMMENTS / EPS CHANGES
Costco (COST Quote) ranked Top Pick for 2007 at Wachovia:
Wachovia cited COST as its Top Pick for 2007 based on a very favorable risk/reward profile. Believes rising fee income will drive meaningful share price gains. Sets valuation range of $60-$62 a share.
Fifth Third (FTB Quote) target raised at Morgan Stanley:
Morgan Stanley raises its price target on Fifth Third Bank from $35 to $39, but maintains underweight rating.
Lockheed (LMT Quote) added to Conviction Buy list at Goldman:
LMT was added to the Conviction Buy list at Goldman Sachs. $102 price target. Company has relatively high ROIC, and should benefit from market share gains in 2006.
STRATEGY CALLS / MARKET CALLS
Goldman cuts estimates on two discount brokers:
ET and
SCHW fourth quarter estimates were lowered, Goldman Sachs said. Discount brokers are seeing lower trading volume, as well as a narrowing net interest margin.