Analysts' Actions: A Daily Roundup of Street Research
CHANGE IN RATINGS
Abercrombie
upgraded at Goldman: Goldman said it is upgrading its rating on ANF to Outperform from Inline. Business transformation will yield further market share gains and greater efficiencies.
Convergys
upgraded at UBS: UBS said it is upgrading CVG to Buy from Neutral. Sees catalyst ahead including possible takeover candidate and new employee care segment disclosures. Raised target price to $20 from $17.
Outback Steakhouse
upgraded at Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley said it is increasing its rating on OSI to Overweight from Equalweight with a $50 target price. Opportunity lies in turning outback brand.
Potash
downgraded at UBS: UBS said it is downgrading POT to Neutral from Buy based on share price appreciation.
UnumProvident
rated new Underperform at CSFB: CSFB said it is initiating coverage on UNM with an Underperform rating. Sees no meaningful earnings recovery over next 12 months. Sets $18 target price.
STOCK COMMENTS / EPS CHANGES
Amylin
target raised at Piper: Piper said it is raising its target on AMLN to $52 due to positive feedback from physicians in Byetta survey and analysis of IMS data.
American Tower
outlook revised at Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley said it is increasing its target price on AMT to $36 a share from $33 a share. Estimates for 2006 cut to 10 cents a share from 13-cents a share. Solid execution with a favorable outlook cited.
Avon
estimates cut at Goldman: Goldman said it is lowering its estimates on AVP for the full year to $1.22 a share from $1.34 a share based on higher restructuring charges in 2006 and 2007. Maintained Inline rating.
Avon
estimates raised at Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley said it is increasing its estimates on AVP for the full year 2007 to $1.77 a share from $1.72 a share. Maintained Equalweight rating.
Chesapeake Energy
estimates raised at Goldman: Goldman said it is increasing its estimates on CHK for 2007 to $4.24 a share from $4.14 a share. Commercializing emerging plays key to long-term returns. Maintained Inline rating.
Carter's
estimates raised at Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley said it is increasing its estimates on CRI for fiscal 2007 to $2.94 a share from $2.52 a share. Maintained Equalweight rating.
EarthLink
estimates slashed at Jefferies: Jefferies said it was cutting FY 2006 and 2007 EPS estimates on ELNK from $0.81 and $0.86 to $-0.07 and $-0.03 respectively following last Thursday's Analyst Day. Maintained $14 target and Hold rating.
Foot Locker
estimates raised at UBS: UBS said it is raising its 2006 EPS estimates on FL by 3 cents to $1.67. Expects positive comments when company reports results on 3/1. Maintained Buy rating.
Huntsman
target, estimates raised at Jefferies: Jefferies said it was raising FY 2007 EPS estimates on HUN from $2.47 to $2.70 and target from $19.50 to $22 on Q4 results. Maintained Hold rating.
Huntsman
estimates cut at UBS: UBS said it is lowering its 2006 EPS estimates on HUN by 15 cents to $3.10 after less than stellar 4Q results. Maintained Buy rating.
Jones Apparel
estimates cut at Goldman: Goldman said it is lowering its estimates on JNY for 2005 to $2.20 a share from $2.48 a share. Maintained Underperform rating.
Wynn Resorts
target raised at Jefferies: Jefferies said it was lowering FY 2006 and 2007 EPS estimates on WYNN from $0.86 and $2.13 to $0.72 and $2.05 and raising the target from $64.50 to $75 on Q4 results. Maintained Buy rating.