Movers Roundup: JC Penney, Accenture

Among the stock activity stories for Friday, March 27, from AP Financial News:

NEW YORK (AP) — J.C. Penney's shares rose Friday as a JPMorgan analyst upgraded the stock's rating to "neutral" from "underweight" and raised its earnings outlook amid signs that the business is improving.

NEW YORK (AP) — Share of Accenture Ltd. took a beating in early trading as analysts berated the consultancy and outsourcing firm for a surprise slash in its guidance amid a deteriorating climate for its consulting services.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Shares of Apollo Investment Corp. surged Friday after an analyst upgraded the investment management company, citing an attractive share price and saying concerns over the company's debt obligation are unnecessary.

NEW YORK (AP) — A faster-than-expected drop-off in revenue per available room for Choice Hotels International Inc. led a JPMorgan analyst to lower the hotel franchiser's rating and price target on Friday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of Juniper Networks Inc. declined after a report from Lazard Capital Markets pointed to growing order cancellations and delays for the network equipment maker.

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of PDL BioPharma Inc. jumped Friday after the company set first-quarter revenue expectations and a Lazard Capital analyst upgraded shares, citing the potential for more royalty revenue.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Shares of UTi Worldwide Inc. fell sharply Friday, a day after the shipping and supply chain company reported losses for the fourth quarter and fiscal year due to charges and falling freight and logistics volumes.