ON Semiconductor, Nordson: Rating Changes

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BOSTON (TheStreet) -- TheStreet.com's stock-rating model upgraded ON Semiconductor(ONNN Quote) to "hold."

The numbers: The company swung to a second-quarter loss of $3 million, or 1 cent per share, from a profit of $34 million, or 9 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue fell 25% to $420 million. Its gross margin fell from 46% to 40% and its operating margin dropped from 15% to 5%. A quick ratio of 1.1 indicates adequate liquidity. A debt-to-equity ratio of 1.1 reflects higher-than-ideal leverage.

The stock: ON Semiconductor has advanced 156% this year, outpacing major U.S. indices, despite three consecutive quarterly losses. The company doesn't pay dividends.

The model upgraded machinery maker Nordson(NDSN Quote) to "buy."

The numbers: Fiscal third-quarter net income fell 26% to $24 million and earnings per share dropped 24% to 71 cents. Revenue declined 29% to $207 million. Its gross margin rose from 59% to 63% and its operating margin increased from 18% to 19%. A quick ratio of 1.6 reflects ample liquidity. A debt-to-equity ratio of 0.3 demonstrates modest leverage.

The stock: Nordson is up 77% this year, beating major U.S. indices. The stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 24, a premium to the market and machinery peers. The shares pay a 1.3% dividend yield.

The model upgraded gold miner Golden Star Resources(GSS Quote) to "hold."

The numbers: The company swung to a second-quarter profit of $380,000, or breakeven per share, from a loss of $7 million, or 3 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue increased 30% to $92 million. Its gross margin rose from 16% to 36%, but its operating margin remained in shallow negative territory. A quick ratio of 0.7 indicates less-than-ideal liquidity. But a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.3 demonstrates conservative leverage.