Research Analysts’ upgrades for Thursday, August 17th:
Atwood Oceanics (NYSE:ATW) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a hold rating to a buy rating.
Amplify Snack Brands, inc. (NYSE:BETR) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. is a snack food company. The Company’s brand consists of SkinnyPop is a popcorn brand. SkinnyPop product portfolio consists of flavors which include original, black pepper, white cheddar flavor and naturally sweet. It is engaged in marketing and distribution of better-for-you and ready-to-eat snacking products. The company serves natural and conventional grocery, drug, convenience, club, mass merchandise channels as well as foodservice and other non-food retail channels; over the Internet through third-party Websites. Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. is headquartered in Austin, Texas. “
Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) (TSE:CNQ) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a strong sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Canadian Natural Resources Limited is a senior independent oil and natural gas exploration, development and production company based in Calgary, Alberta. The Company’s operations are focused in Western Canada, the North Sea and Offshore West Africa. “
Cathay Pacific Airways (OTCMKTS:CPCAY) was upgraded by analysts at Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) from a neutral rating to a buy rating.
Dermira (NASDAQ:DERM) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Dermira, Inc. is a specialty biopharmaceutical company. It is focused on bringing medical dermatology products to dermatologists and their patients. The Company markets topical small molecule therapeutics that target acne, sebaceous gland hyperactivity, and inflammatory skin diseases. Its late-stage product candidates comprise Cimzia which has completed Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis; DRM04 that is in a Phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating; and DRM01 which has completed a Phase IIa clinical trial for the treatment of acne. Dermira, Inc. is headquartered in Redwood City, California. “
Employers Holdings (NYSE:EIG) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. Zacks Investment Research currently has $47.00 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “Employers Holdings, Inc. is a specialty provider of workers compensation insurance focused on select small businesses engaged in low to medium hazard industries. It markets its products through independent local, regional, and national agents and brokers, as well as through its strategic partnerships and alliances and relationships with national, regional, and local trade groups and associations. Employers Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Reno, Nevada. “
Electronic Systems Technology (OTCMKTS:ELST) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a sell rating to a hold rating.
Environmental Tectonics Corp. (OTCMKTS:ETCC) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a hold rating to a buy rating.
East West Bancorp (NASDAQ:EWBC) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. The firm currently has $63.00 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “East West Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for East West Bank, East West Capital Trust I, East West Capital Trust II and Risk Services, Inc. “
Fate Therapeutics (NASDAQ:FATE) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $3.50 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Fate Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company. The company focused on the discovery and development of adult stem cell modulators to treat hematologic malignancies, lysosomal storage disorders and muscular dystrophies. Fate Therapeutics, Inc. is headquartered in San Diego, California. “
FBL Financial Group (NYSE:FFG) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $80.00 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “FBL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. is a holding company and hrough its subsidiaries underwrites, markets and distributes life insurance, annuities, property-casualty insurance and mutual funds to individuals and small businesses in 15 midwestern and western states. The Company has exclusive marketing arrangements with the state Farm Bureau Federations in its territory and targets sales to approximately 700,000 Farm Bureau member families and other rural, small town andsuburban residents through an exclusive agency force. The Company offers a full range of life insurance products. “
Fidelity National Financial (NYSE:FNF) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $54.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Fidelity National Title Group, Inc. is a leading provider of title insurance, specialty insurance and claims management services. FNT is one of the nation’s largest title insurance companies through its title insurance underwriters. FNT also provides flood insurance, personal lines insurance and home warranty insurance through it specialty insurance business. FNT also is a leading provider of outsourced claims management services to large corporate and public sector entities through its minority-owned subsidiary, Sedgwick CMS. “
H. B. Fuller (NYSE:FUL) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “H.B. Fuller Company is a worldwide manufacturer and marketer of adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints and other specialty chemical products. The company’s largest worldwide business category is adhesives, sealants and coatings. These products are sold to customers in a wide range of industries, including packaging, woodworking, automotive, aerospace, graphic arts (books/magazines), appliances, filtration, windows, sporting goods, nonwovens, shoes and ceramic tile. “
Hudson Global (NASDAQ:HSON) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a strong sell rating to a sell rating.
Leidos Holdings (NYSE:LDOS) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a hold rating to a buy rating.
LifePoint Health (NASDAQ:LPNT) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a hold rating to a buy rating.
SVB Financial Group (NASDAQ:SIVB) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a hold rating to a buy rating.
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:SPPI) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a sell rating to a hold rating.
Tikcro Technologies (OTCMKTS:TIKRF) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a sell rating to a hold rating.
Uqm Technologies (NYSEMKT:UQM) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a sell rating to a hold rating.
Vascular Biogenics (NASDAQ:VBLT) was upgraded by analysts at ValuEngine from a sell rating to a hold rating.
