Analysts’ upgrades for Wednesday, September 6th:
Astrazeneca PLC (NYSE:AZN) was upgraded by analysts at Natixis from a neutral rating to a buy rating.
Bankinter SA (OTCMKTS:BKNIY) was upgraded by analysts at Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) from a sell rating to a neutral rating.
Hasbro (NASDAQ:HAS) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $110.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Hasbro’s earnings have topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the past 10 quarters. Revenues too have been surpassing the consensus mark, except for the last quarter. Consistent efforts to establish its global presence via strategic partnerships and rapid growth in emerging markets should continue driving the top- and bottom–line performance. Going forward, this year’s rich content slate, new product launches, diverse initiatives to boost sales along with a favorable gaming portfolio is likely to further drive growth. The Franchise and Partner Brands, particularly, are also expected to perform consistently in 2017 given global digital content and innovative offerings. Yet, increased competition from alternative modes of entertainment might limit top-line growth, while high costs along with macroeconomic and currency headwinds may pressurize profits.”
ING Group, N.V. (NYSE:ING) was upgraded by analysts at Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) from a neutral rating to a buy rating.
Landauer (NYSE:LDR) was upgraded by analysts at Hilliard Lyons from an underperform rating to a neutral rating.
Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. They currently have $77.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Over the last one year, Lincoln National’s shares have outperformed the industry. The company is well positioned for long-term growth on the back of changes made in product and business mix. In order to shield itself from long-term claims variability, the company has been emphasizing on sale of Life products without long-term guarantees. It has also streamlined its business by axing unprofitable and non-core lines. The company’s Group Protection segment which was challenged earlier, has been recovering. The stock has witnessed an upward revision in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2017 over the past 60 days.”
Live Oak Bancshares (NASDAQ:LOB) was upgraded by analysts at Sandler O’Neill from a hold rating to a buy rating.
lululemon athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. The firm currently has $69.00 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “Lululemon has surpassed the industry in the past three months, mainly driven by its focus on strategy for 2020, as part of which it aims to generate revenues of $4 billion. To achieve this, the company is committed toward product innovation, building store fleet in North America, expanding digital business and global expansion. All these factors helped Lululemon to post robust numbers in second-quarter fiscal 2017, even amid a tough retail landscape. Both sales and earnings topped estimates and grew year over year. While the bottom line marked its 2nd consecutive beat, the top line recorded its 7th straight quarter of positive surprise. Also, sturdy e-Commerce growth fueled comps. Apart from this, the company is on track with ivivva’s remodeling. The solid results and favorable third quarter trends encouraged management to raise its fiscal 2017 view. However, stiff competition and volatile consumer spending patterns may pose concerns.”
Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Apart from displaying successful integration and achievement of synergy targets, Medtronic’s major business groups continue to contribute to top-line growth which highlighted sustainability across all segments and geographies. Recently, the company announced the receipt of CE Mark for Attain Stability Quad MRI SureScan Active-Fixation heart lead. The stabilizing trend in the global Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure (CRHF) market is another upside. We are also encouraged by the solid growth trend, continuing in the U.S. as well as the healthy global acceptance of its advanced therapies. However, over the last three months, Medtronic has been observed to underperform the broader industry. We note that, escalating costs and expenses are weighing on margins. Also, unfavorable foreign exchange continues to remain a drag.”
Norsk Hydro ASA (OTCMKTS:NHYDY) was upgraded by analysts at BNP Paribas from a neutral rating to an outperform rating.
Pernod Ricard SA (OTCMKTS:PDRDY) was upgraded by analysts at Macquarie from a neutral rating to an outperform rating.
Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Starbucks’s operating fundamentals such as solid global retail footprint, successful innovations, best-in-class loyalty program and digital offerings remain strong. Again, digital initiatives like mobile order/pay, delivery services and third-party loyalty partnerships can stimulate stronger sales trends in the Americas. CPG growth across the world as well as China/Asia expansion will also lead to value creation. These initiatives might benefit the company in the long run. However, the consequential increment in spending is likely to create pressure on its bottom line in the near term. Also, economic, geopolitical and consumer headwinds continue to impact Starbucks' results. Meanwhile, the company’s shares have underperformed the industry so far this year.”
Tile Shop Hldgs (NASDAQ:TTS) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of The Tile Shop. The Tile Shop is a specialty retailer of manufactured and natural stone tiles, setting and maintenance materials, and related accessories in the United States. It offers floor, wall, natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, glass, and metal tile products; tile patterns; basins; fixtures; listellos/borders; and profiles. Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. is based in Plymouth, Minnesota. “
Healthways (NASDAQ:TVTY) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Tivity Health, Inc. provides health management services. The company offers services which include chiropractic services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, acupuncture, massage and complementary and alternative medicine services. Its network comprises SilverSneakers(R), Prime(R) Fitness and WholeHealth Living (TM). Tivity Health, Inc., formerly known as Healthways, Inc., is based in Franklin, Tennessee. “
Union Bankshares Corporation (NASDAQ:UBSH) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Union Bankshares Corporation is the holding company for Union First Market Bank. The Company operates through two segments, Community Bank and Mortgage. The Banks offer a wide range of banking and related financial services including checking, savings, certificates of deposit and other depository services, discount brokerage services, and a variety of loans. It provides credit cards, automated teller machine services, Internet banking services, and online bill payment services, as well as private banking and trust services to individuals and corporations. Union Bankshares Corporation, formerly Union First Market Bankshares Corporation, is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. “
Unifirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. Zacks Investment Research currently has $162.00 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “UniFirst Corporation is a provider of workplace uniforms and protective clothing. They rent, manufacture and sell a wide range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, jumpsuits, lab coats, smocks and aprons, and also rent industrial wiping products, floormats and other non-garment items, to a variety of manufacturers, retailers and service companies. They serve businesses of all sizes in numerous industry categories. “
Unite Group (NASDAQ:UTGPF) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. Zacks Investment Research currently has $8.50 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “The Unite Group plc is a property investment company. It develops and operates student accommodation primarily in the United Kingdom. The Unite Group plc is headquartered in Bristol, the United Kingdom. “
UNITIL Corporation (NYSE:UTL) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Unitil Corporation is a registered public utility holding company and the parent company of the Unitil System. “
Vistra Energy Corp. (NYSE:VST) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. Zacks Investment Research currently has $20.00 target price on the stock. According to Zacks, “Vistra Energy Corp. is an energy company. It offers electricity and power generation, distribution and transmission solutions. Vistra Energy Corp. is based in Dallas, United States. “
Verastem (NASDAQ:VSTM) was upgraded by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald from a neutral rating to an overweight rating.
Wentworth Resource Ord (NASDAQ:WENTF) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a sell rating to a hold rating. According to Zacks, “Wentworth Resources Ltd. is an oil & gas company with: natural gas production; exploration and appraisal opportunities; large-scale gas monetisation initiatives primarily in the Rovuma Delta Basin of coastal southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Wentworth Resources Ltd. is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. “
Yanzhou Coal Mining Co (NASDAQ:YZCAY) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. Zacks Investment Research currently has $11.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited is engaged in the underground mining of prime quality, low-sulfur coal from its mines in Shandong Province, China and is one of China’s largest coal producers and coal exporters. Based on coal output per production employee, the company is one of the most efficient underground coal mining enterprises in China.(Press Release) “
Zte Corp. (OTCMKTS:ZTCOY) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a hold rating to a buy rating. Zacks Investment Research currently has $6.00 price target on the stock. According to Zacks, “ZTE Corporation is engaged in providing telecom equipment and networking solutions to telecom operators. The company offers wireless communications systems, wireline switch and access equipment, optical and data communications equipment, mobile phone handsets, data card products, and telecommunications software systems. It also engages in the production of remote control switch systems, multimedia communications systems, and communications transmission systems. The company also provides technical design, development, consultation, and related services for the research, manufacture and production of mobile communications systems equipment, satellite communications, microwave communications equipment, beepers, computer hardware and software, closed-circuit TVs, microwave communications, automated signal control, computer information processing, process monitoring systems, and fire alarm systems. ZTE Corporation is based in Shenzhen, the People’s Republic of China. “
