Analysts' Upgrades and Downgrades
Tuesday's Analysts' Upgrades and Downgrades
TSC Staff
03/06/07 - 09:00 AM EST
CHANGE IN RATINGS
Apria Healthcare (AHG Quote) downgraded at UBS to Reduce rating from Neutral. Price target and 2007 EPS estimates hold at $29 and $1.80, respectively.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD Quote) upgraded at JMP Securities to Market Outperform from Market Perform based on several long-term catalysts including strong sales for new products and potential spin-off of units. Maintained $17 target price.
Anheuser Busch (BUD Quote) upgraded at AG Edwards to Buy from Hold based on valuation. Expects accelerated growth in volume and pricing terms. Establishes $55 price objective.
eSpeed (ESPD Quote) downgraded at Goldman Sachs to Sell from Neutral based on lack of catalysts and continuing challenges, which include margin pressure as Wagner patent revenues roll off, limits to revenue upside due to fixed pricing models, and competition in new product areas like cash equities and FX. Price target at $7.
International Gaming Technology (IGT Quote) upgraded at Goldman Sachs to Buy from Neutral based on valuation. Shares have pulled back 20% from January highs. Goldman believes concerns over competition and the timing of downloadable gaming are overblown. Target price at $46.
Meridian Gold (MDG Quote) upgraded at UBS to Buy rating from Neutral. Price target and 2007 EPS estimates hold at $34 and $1.01, respectively.
Spirit AeroSystems (SPR Quote) upgraded at Credit Suisse to Outperform from Neutral based on valuation. Raised target price to $36 from $35.
Station Casinos (STN Quote) downgraded at Goldman Sachs to Neutral from Buy based on share price relative to buyout offer. Company recently agreed to be purchased for $90 a share by Fertitta Colony Partners, and shares now trade above $86. Price target at $90.
St. Mary Land & Exploration (SM Quote) initiated at Jefferies with Hold rating. Price target starts at $38 and 2007 EPS estimates set at $2.63.
STOCK COMMENTS / EPS CHANGES
ADC Telecom (ADCT Quote) numbers raised at Jefferies. Price target lifts to $16 from $14 and 2007 EPS estimates rise to $0.80 from $0.75. Reiterates Hold rating.
Barnes and Noble (BKS Quote) target price reduced at Goldman to $36 from $40 after company cut 2007 guidance to $1.65-$1.80 from $2.20-$2.30. Success of Readers Advantage promotion has pushed margins lower. Also see weak demand and increased competition. Maintained Neutral rating.
Chevron (CVX Quote) price target cut at Goldman to $72 from $74. After reviewing asset base and profitability models, believe key for company is resuming growth in E&P business. Company scheduled to host analyst meeting on March 13. Maintained Neutral rating.
Forest Oil (FST Quote) initiated at Jefferies with Buy rating. Price target starts at $42 and 2007 EPS estimates begin at $2.49.
Georgia Gulf (GGC Quote) initiated at Morgan Stanley with an equalweight rating and $20 price target.
