Viacom: Analysts' Upgrades, Downgrades
NEW YORK (
) --
CHANGE IN RATINGS
Cenovus Energy
(CVE) - Get Free Report
downgraded at Credit Suisse to Neutral from Outperform on valuation. 2010 and 2011 EPS estimates maintained at $1.60 and $1.63, respectively. $30 price target.
Dendreon
(DNDN)
initiated at JP Morgan. Initiated with an Overweight rating and $46 price target. Introduces 2009 EPS estimates of -$1.98.
Graco
(GGG) - Get Free Report
downgraded at Goldman to Sell from Neutral on translation risk from a stronger US dollar. Price target lowered to $26 from $32.
Human Genome Sciences
( HGSI) reinstated at BofA/Merrill Lynch with a Buy rating and $35 price target. New lupus drug, Benlysta, poised for approval in 2010, has blockbuster potential.
Key Energy Services
(KEG) - Get Free Report
upgraded at UBS. Rating raised to Buy from Neutral. Price target raised to $12.50 from $9.50. Raises 2010 EPS estimates to $0.06 from $0.03.
Limited Brands
(LTD)
initiated at UBS. Initiated with a Buy rating and $25 price target. Introduces fiscal 2010 EPS estimates of $1.21.
Skyworks
(SWKS) - Get Free Report
upgraded at Deutsche Bank to Buy from Hold. Price target raised to $18 from $16. 2010 EPS estimates raised to $0.91 from $0.89.
Viacom
(VIA.B)
upgraded at Deutsche Bank to Buy from Hold. Price target raised to $37 from $28. Maintains 2010 EPS estimates of $2.80.
Vishay Intertechnology
(VSH) - Get Free Report
downgraded at Thomas Weisel to Market Weight from Overweight on valuation. $11 price target.
STOCK COMMENTS / EPS CHANGES
Brady Corp
(BRC) - Get Free Report
target, estimates increased at BofA/Merrill. BRC price target improved by a dollar to $26 as MRO business is gradually improving in Europe. Estimates raised through 2012. Maintain Underperform rating.
DreamWorks Animation
(DWA)
price target higher at Goldman to $50 from $45. Higher anticipated box office numbers as the pace of 3D rollouts exceeded that of the US.
EastGroup Properties
(EGP) - Get Free Report
price target tweaked at BofA/Merrill by a dollar to $32. Modeling sharply negative leasing spreads throughout 2010.
Host Hotels
(HST) - Get Free Report
target up, estimates down at Goldman. HST 2010 and 2011 EPS estimates lowered to $0.78 and $1.08 to account for higher cost pressures. Price target raised to $12.50 from $11.75. Maintain Neutral rating.
J.C. Penney
(JCP) - Get Free Report
numbers boosted at Goldman. JCP 2010 and 2011 EPS estimates increased to $1.55 and $1.80, respectively, to reflect lower pension costs. Maintain Neutral rating and $28 target.
Lamar Advertising
(LAMR) - Get Free Report
estimates increased at Credit Suisse. LAMR 2009 and 2010 EPS estimates raised to -$0.58 and -$0.38, respectively, on slight revenue growth. Maintain Neutral rating and $30 price target.
LifePoint Hospitals
(LPNT)
price target increased at Goldman to $34 from $32 on expected Rockdale acquisition. Volume recovery to drive growth. Maintain Neutral rating, and 2010-2011 estimates.
Oracle
(ORCL) - Get Free Report
target, estimates raised at BofA/Merrill. ORCL price target increased to $30 from $27.50 on potential synergies in revs, COGS and opex with Sun. Estimates raised through 2012. Reiterate Buy rating.
Petroleo Brasilerio
(PBR) - Get Free Report
target, numbers cut at Goldman. PBR price target lowered to $57 from $60 as investors have begun to focus more intensely on the implications of the pending new pre-salt oil regulations. Estimates reduced through 2013. Maintain Buy rating.
WellCare Health Plans
(WCG) - Get Free Report
target, estimates cut at Goldman. WCG 2010 and 2011 EPS estimates reduced to $2.53 and $3.04. Price target sunk to $32 from $34. Reiterate Buy rating.
This article was written by a staff member of TheStreet.com.
