Benzinga's Top Ratings Upgrades, Downgrades For December 6, 2022
Upgrades
According to Argus Research, the prior rating for United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UAL) was changed from Hold to Buy. United Airlines Holdings earned $2.81 in the third quarter, compared to $1.02 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $53.12 and a 52-week-low of $30.54. United Airlines Holdings closed at $45.03 at the end of the last trading period.
According to Edward Jones, the prior rating for Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ:ATVI) was changed from Hold to Buy. For the third quarter, Activision Blizzard had an EPS of $0.68, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.72. The stock has a 52-week-high of $86.90 and a 52-week-low of $56.40. At the end of the last trading period, Activision Blizzard closed at $76.33.
Oppenheimer upgraded the previous rating for General Electric Co (NYSE:GE) from Perform to Outperform. In the third quarter, General Electric showed an EPS of $0.35, compared to $0.57 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $103.73 and a 52-week-low of $59.93. At the end of the last trading period, General Electric closed at $84.66.
For PennyMac Financial Services Inc (NYSE:PFSI), Wells Fargo upgraded the previous rating of Equal-Weight to Overweight. NoneThe current stock performance of PennyMac Financial Servs shows a 52-week-high of $71.52 and a 52-week-low of $38.53. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $57.09.
Deutsche Bank upgraded the previous rating for The Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL) from Hold to Buy. NoneAt the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $374.20 and a 52-week-low of $186.47. Estee Lauder Cos closed at $231.47 at the end of the last trading period.
For JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE:JPM), Morgan Stanley upgraded the previous rating of Underweight to Overweight. In the third quarter, JPMorgan Chase showed an EPS of $3.12, compared to $3.74 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of JPMorgan Chase shows a 52-week-high of $169.81 and a 52-week-low of $101.28. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $131.37.
Cowen & Co. upgraded the previous rating for PerkinElmer Inc (NYSE:PKI) from Market Perform to Outperform. In the third quarter, PerkinElmer showed an EPS of $1.51, compared to $2.31 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $203.16 and a 52-week-low of $113.46. PerkinElmer closed at $136.94 at the end of the last trading period.
According to RBC Capital, the prior rating for Reinsurance Group of America Inc (NYSE:RGA) was changed from Sector Perform to Outperform. For the third quarter, Reinsurance Group had an EPS of $5.20, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.11. The current stock performance of Reinsurance Group shows a 52-week-high of $148.75 and a 52-week-low of $96.83. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $139.23.
See all analyst ratings upgrades.
Downgrades
For Kimberly-Clark Corp (NYSE:KMB), Deutsche Bank downgraded the previous rating of Hold to Sell. In the third quarter, Kimberly-Clark showed an EPS of $1.40, compared to $1.62 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $145.79 and a 52-week-low of $108.74. At the end of the last trading period, Kimberly-Clark closed at $137.17.
GLJ Research downgraded the previous rating for First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:FSLR) from Buy to Sell. First Solar earned $0.46 in the third quarter, compared to $0.42 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of First Solar shows a 52-week-high of $173.68 and a 52-week-low of $59.60. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $167.14.
According to Morgan Stanley, the prior rating for SVB Financial Group (NASDAQ:SIVB) was changed from Equal-Weight to Underweight. In the third quarter, SVB Finl Gr showed an EPS of $7.21, compared to $6.24 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $752.68 and a 52-week-low of $204.37. At the end of the last trading period, SVB Finl Gr closed at $209.24.
According to Morgan Stanley, the prior rating for First Republic Bank (NYSE:FRC) was changed from Equal-Weight to Underweight. First Republic Bank earned $2.21 in the third quarter, compared to $1.91 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $217.27 and a 52-week-low of $106.86. First Republic Bank closed at $119.97 at the end of the last trading period.
BTIG downgraded the previous rating for Radian Group Inc (NYSE:RDN) from Buy to Neutral. For the third quarter, Radian Group had an EPS of $1.31, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.67. The stock has a 52-week-high of $24.84 and a 52-week-low of $17.97. At the end of the last trading period, Radian Group closed at $18.44.
For NMI Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:NMIH), BTIG downgraded the previous rating of Buy to Neutral. NMI Holdings earned $0.90 in the third quarter, compared to $0.71 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $27.25 and a 52-week-low of $15.33. At the end of the last trading period, NMI Holdings closed at $19.84.
BTIG downgraded the previous rating for BrightSpire Capital Inc (NYSE:BRSP) from Buy to Neutral. In the third quarter, BrightSpire Capital showed an EPS of $0.25, compared to $0.26 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $10.42 and a 52-week-low of $6.13. At the end of the last trading period, BrightSpire Capital closed at $6.98.
According to Cantor Fitzgerald, the prior rating for Anavex Life Sciences Corp (NASDAQ:AVXL) was changed from Overweight to Neutral. Anavex Life Sciences earned $0.18 in the fourth quarter, compared to $0.15 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Anavex Life Sciences shows a 52-week-high of $20.24 and a 52-week-low of $7.13. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $9.58.
According to Morgan Stanley, the prior rating for Bank of New York Mellon Corp (NYSE:BK) was changed from Equal-Weight to Underweight. In the third quarter, Bank of New York Mellon showed an EPS of $1.21, compared to $1.04 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $64.63 and a 52-week-low of $36.22. At the end of the last trading period, Bank of New York Mellon closed at $44.04.
According to BMO Capital, the prior rating for SL Green Realty Corp (NYSE:SLG) was changed from Outperform to Market Perform. For the third quarter, SL Green Realty had an EPS of $1.66, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.78. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $83.96 and a 52-week-low of $35.77. SL Green Realty closed at $38.06 at the end of the last trading period.
According to Janney Montgomery Scott, the prior rating for Salisbury Bancorp Inc (NASDAQ:SAL) was changed from Buy to Neutral. In the third quarter, Salisbury Bancorp showed an EPS of $0.75, compared to $0.60 from the year-ago quarter.
For New Gold Inc (AMEX:NGD), TD Securities downgraded the previous rating of Hold to Reduce. For the third quarter, New Gold had an EPS of $0.02, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.03. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $2.02 and a 52-week-low of $0.61. New Gold closed at $1.15 at the end of the last trading period.
Oppenheimer downgraded the previous rating for Snap-on Inc (NYSE:SNA) from Outperform to Perform. Snap-on earned $4.14 in the third quarter, compared to $3.57 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $245.56 and a 52-week-low of $190.08. At the end of the last trading period, Snap-on closed at $239.68.
Oppenheimer downgraded the previous rating for TE Connectivity Ltd (NYSE:TEL) from Outperform to Perform. TE Connectivity earned $1.88 in the fourth quarter, compared to $1.69 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $165.81 and a 52-week-low of $104.76. At the end of the last trading period, TE Connectivity closed at $123.95.
Oppenheimer downgraded the previous rating for Eaton Corp PLC (NYSE:ETN) from Outperform to Perform. For the third quarter, Eaton Corp had an EPS of $2.02, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.75. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $174.47 and a 52-week-low of $122.50. Eaton Corp closed at $160.36 at the end of the last trading period.
HC Wainwright & Co. downgraded the previous rating for Oncorus Inc (NASDAQ:ONCR) from Buy to Neutral. Oncorus earned $0.76 in the third quarter, compared to $0.65 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Oncorus shows a 52-week-high of $6.08 and a 52-week-low of $0.41. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $0.44.
According to Deutsche Bank, the prior rating for General Mills Inc (NYSE:GIS) was changed from Buy to Hold. In the first quarter, General Mills showed an EPS of $1.11, compared to $0.99 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $86.73 and a 52-week-low of $61.67. At the end of the last trading period, General Mills closed at $86.30.
According to Deutsche Bank, the prior rating for Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc (NYSE:SPB) was changed from Buy to Hold. In the fourth quarter, Spectrum Brands Holdings showed an EPS of $0.48, compared to $1.11 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Spectrum Brands Holdings shows a 52-week-high of $104.38 and a 52-week-low of $38.93. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $62.19.
According to Deutsche Bank, the prior rating for Boston Beer Co Inc (NYSE:SAM) was changed from Hold to Sell. For the third quarter, Boston Beer Co had an EPS of $3.82, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $2.97. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $547.71 and a 52-week-low of $287.00. Boston Beer Co closed at $379.70 at the end of the last trading period.
Deutsche Bank downgraded the previous rating for Molson Coors Beverage Co (NYSE:TAP) from Hold to Sell. In the third quarter, Molson Coors Beverage showed an EPS of $1.32, compared to $1.75 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $60.12 and a 52-week-low of $42.60. Molson Coors Beverage closed at $54.50 at the end of the last trading period.
For Conagra Brands Inc (NYSE:CAG), Deutsche Bank downgraded the previous rating of Hold to Sell. Conagra Brands earned $0.57 in the first quarter, compared to $0.50 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Conagra Brands shows a 52-week-high of $38.30 and a 52-week-low of $30.06. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $38.25.
Deutsche Bank downgraded the previous rating for Flowers Foods Inc (NYSE:FLO) from Hold to Sell. Flowers Foods earned $0.30 in the third quarter, compared to $0.30 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $30.16 and a 52-week-low of $24.15. At the end of the last trading period, Flowers Foods closed at $30.13.
For State Street Corporation (NYSE:STT), Morgan Stanley downgraded the previous rating of Overweight to Equal-Weight. For the third quarter, State Street had an EPS of $1.82, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $2.00. The current stock performance of State Street shows a 52-week-high of $104.87 and a 52-week-low of $58.62. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $76.24.
BTIG downgraded the previous rating for MEI Pharma Inc (NASDAQ:MEIP) from Buy to Neutral. In the first quarter, MEI Pharma showed an EPS of $0.13, compared to $0.18 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $2.86 and a 52-week-low of $0.28. MEI Pharma closed at $0.39 at the end of the last trading period.
RBC Capital downgraded the previous rating for Equitable Holdings Inc (NYSE:EQH) from Outperform to Sector Perform. For the third quarter, Equitable Holdings had an EPS of $1.28, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.94. The current stock performance of Equitable Holdings shows a 52-week-high of $37.13 and a 52-week-low of $24.61. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $31.03.
For SL Green Realty Corp (NYSE:SLG), Scotiabank downgraded the previous rating of Sector Perform to Sector Underperform. SL Green Realty earned $1.66 in the third quarter, compared to $1.78 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $83.96 and a 52-week-low of $35.77. At the end of the last trading period, SL Green Realty closed at $38.06.
According to Truist Securities, the prior rating for MEI Pharma Inc (NASDAQ:MEIP) was changed from Buy to Hold. In the first quarter, MEI Pharma showed an EPS of $0.13, compared to $0.18 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $2.86 and a 52-week-low of $0.28. At the end of the last trading period, MEI Pharma closed at $0.39.
According to Stifel, the prior rating for Edwards Lifesciences Corp (NYSE:EW) was changed from Buy to Hold. In the third quarter, Edwards Lifesciences showed an EPS of $0.61, compared to $0.54 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Edwards Lifesciences shows a 52-week-high of $131.73 and a 52-week-low of $67.13. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $73.85.
For Steel Dynamics Inc (NASDAQ:STLD), UBS downgraded the previous rating of Buy to Neutral. For the third quarter, Steel Dynamics had an EPS of $5.46, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $4.96. The stock has a 52-week-high of $109.63 and a 52-week-low of $50.54. At the end of the last trading period, Steel Dynamics closed at $106.74.
Credit Suisse downgraded the previous rating for Kymera Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:KYMR) from Outperform to Neutral. Kymera Therapeutics earned $0.79 in the third quarter, compared to $0.56 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $66.45 and a 52-week-low of $13.15. At the end of the last trading period, Kymera Therapeutics closed at $29.11.
See all analyst ratings downgrades.
Initiations
With a Buy rating, Jefferies initiated coverage on RXO Inc (NYSE:RXO). The price target seems to have been set at $25.00 for RXO. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $20.86 and a 52-week-low of $15.17. RXO closed at $17.98 at the end of the last trading period.
For Xencor Inc (NASDAQ:XNCR), Cowen & Co. initiated coverage, by setting the current rating at Outperform. In the third quarter, Xencor showed an EPS of $0.55, compared to $0.69 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $42.30 and a 52-week-low of $19.36. Xencor closed at $29.51 at the end of the last trading period.
Susquehanna initiated coverage on Avis Budget Group Inc (NASDAQ:CAR) with a Neutral rating. The price target for Avis Budget Gr is set to $225.00. Avis Budget Gr earned $21.70 in the third quarter, compared to $10.74 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $327.80 and a 52-week-low of $131.83. At the end of the last trading period, Avis Budget Gr closed at $196.45.
With a Neutral rating, Susquehanna initiated coverage on Hertz Global Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:HTZ). The price target seems to have been set at $18.00 for Hertz Global Holdings. For the third quarter, Hertz Global Holdings had an EPS of $1.08, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.20. The current stock performance of Hertz Global Holdings shows a 52-week-high of $26.93 and a 52-week-low of $15.00. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $16.37.
Needham initiated coverage on Alight Inc (NYSE:ALIT) with a Buy rating. The price target for Alight is set to $12.00. For the third quarter, Alight had an EPS of $0.12, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.18. The stock has a 52-week-high of $11.10 and a 52-week-low of $6.31. At the end of the last trading period, Alight closed at $8.59.
With an Outperform rating, Bernstein initiated coverage on The Kroger Co (NYSE:KR). The price target seems to have been set at $58.00 for Kroger. In the third quarter, Kroger showed an EPS of $0.88, compared to $0.78 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $62.78 and a 52-week-low of $41.81. Kroger closed at $46.07 at the end of the last trading period.
Bernstein initiated coverage on Albertsons Companies Inc (NYSE:ACI) with an Outperform rating. The price target for Albertsons Companies is set to $26.00. In the second quarter, Albertsons Companies showed an EPS of $0.72, compared to $0.64 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $37.99 and a 52-week-low of $20.05. At the end of the last trading period, Albertsons Companies closed at $20.96.
Bernstein initiated coverage on Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) with an Outperform rating. The price target for Target is set to $190.00. In the third quarter, Target showed an EPS of $1.54, compared to $3.03 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $254.87 and a 52-week-low of $137.16. At the end of the last trading period, Target closed at $154.93.
Bernstein initiated coverage on Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:COST) with an Outperform rating. The price target for Costco Wholesale is set to $586.00. Costco Wholesale earned $4.20 in the fourth quarter, compared to $3.90 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Costco Wholesale shows a 52-week-high of $612.27 and a 52-week-low of $406.51. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $488.66.
Bernstein initiated coverage on Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) with a Market Perform rating. The price target for Walmart is set to $159.00. For the third quarter, Walmart had an EPS of $1.50, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.45. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $160.77 and a 52-week-low of $117.27. Walmart closed at $151.65 at the end of the last trading period.
Bernstein initiated coverage on Floor & Decor Holdings Inc (NYSE:FND) with an Outperform rating. The price target for Floor & Decor Hldgs is set to $112.00. In the third quarter, Floor & Decor Hldgs showed an EPS of $0.70, compared to $0.60 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $133.31 and a 52-week-low of $59.91. Floor & Decor Hldgs closed at $74.32 at the end of the last trading period.
With a Market Perform rating, Bernstein initiated coverage on Lowe's Companies Inc (NYSE:LOW). The price target seems to have been set at $237.00 for Lowe's Companies. For the third quarter, Lowe's Companies had an EPS of $3.27, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $2.73. The stock has a 52-week-high of $263.31 and a 52-week-low of $170.12. At the end of the last trading period, Lowe's Companies closed at $206.18.
With an Overweight rating, Wells Fargo initiated coverage on Array Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:ARRY). The price target seems to have been set at $28.00 for Array Technologies. For the third quarter, Array Technologies had an EPS of $0.18, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.07. The current stock performance of Array Technologies shows a 52-week-high of $24.00 and a 52-week-low of $5.45. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $21.85.
With a Neutral rating, Piper Sandler initiated coverage on Cass Information Systems Inc (NASDAQ:CASS). The price target seems to have been set at $45.00 for Cass Information Sys. Cass Information Sys earned $0.64 in the third quarter, compared to $0.48 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $44.35 and a 52-week-low of $31.84. At the end of the last trading period, Cass Information Sys closed at $42.72.
Citigroup initiated coverage on Xponential Fitness Inc (NYSE:XPOF) with a Buy rating. The price target for Xponential Fitness is set to $29.00. In the third quarter, Xponential Fitness showed an EPS of $0.13, compared to $0.31 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $26.90 and a 52-week-low of $11.20. Xponential Fitness closed at $22.47 at the end of the last trading period.
With a Buy rating, UBS initiated coverage on Legend Biotech Corp (NASDAQ:LEGN). The price target seems to have been set at $66.00 for Legend Biotech. For the first quarter, Legend Biotech had an EPS of $0.24, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.30. The stock has a 52-week-high of $57.67 and a 52-week-low of $30.75. At the end of the last trading period, Legend Biotech closed at $50.99.
UBS initiated coverage on United Therapeutics Corp (NASDAQ:UTHR) with a Buy rating. The price target for United Therapeutics is set to $320.00. For the third quarter, United Therapeutics had an EPS of $4.91, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $3.42. The current stock performance of United Therapeutics shows a 52-week-high of $282.22 and a 52-week-low of $158.38. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $273.72.
Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on R1 RCM Inc (NASDAQ:RCM) with a Equal-Weight rating. The price target for R1 RCM is set to $11.00. For the third quarter, R1 RCM had an EPS of $0.07, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.05. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $27.86 and a 52-week-low of $6.71. R1 RCM closed at $10.11 at the end of the last trading period.
RBC Capital initiated coverage on Valvoline Inc (NYSE:VVV) with an Outperform rating. The price target for Valvoline is set to $39.00. Valvoline earned $0.59 in the fourth quarter, compared to $0.50 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $37.97 and a 52-week-low of $24.40. Valvoline closed at $32.79 at the end of the last trading period.
RBC Capital initiated coverage on Driven Brands Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:DRVN) with an Outperform rating. The price target for Driven Brands Hldgs is set to $37.00. Driven Brands Hldgs earned $0.32 in the third quarter, compared to $0.26 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $35.45 and a 52-week-low of $24.62. Driven Brands Hldgs closed at $29.97 at the end of the last trading period.
Cowen & Co. initiated coverage on Veeva Systems Inc (NYSE:VEEV) with a Market Perform rating. The price target for Veeva Sys is set to $184.00. NoneThe stock has a 52-week-high of $274.29 and a 52-week-low of $151.02. At the end of the last trading period, Veeva Sys closed at $167.24.
With an Outperform rating, Cowen & Co. initiated coverage on IQVIA Holdings Inc (NYSE:IQV). The price target seems to have been set at $251.00 for IQVIA Hldgs. NoneThe stock has a 52-week-high of $285.61 and a 52-week-low of $165.75. At the end of the last trading period, IQVIA Hldgs closed at $211.93.
Stifel initiated coverage on Enhabit Inc (NYSE:EHAB) with a Buy rating. The price target for Enhabit is set to $17.00. NoneThe stock has a 52-week-high of $23.51 and a 52-week-low of $11.65. At the end of the last trading period, Enhabit closed at $13.68.
JonesTrading initiated coverage on BrightSpire Capital Inc (NYSE:BRSP) with a Buy rating. The price target for BrightSpire Capital is set to $11.00. BrightSpire Capital earned $0.25 in the third quarter, compared to $0.26 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $10.42 and a 52-week-low of $6.13. At the end of the last trading period, BrightSpire Capital closed at $6.98.
Piper Sandler initiated coverage on Perfect Corp (NYSE:PERF) with a Neutral rating. The price target for Perfect is set to $7.00. The current stock performance of Perfect shows a 52-week-high of $21.03 and a 52-week-low of $4.90. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $5.78.