Benzinga's Top Ratings Upgrades, Downgrades For October 6, 2022

Upgrades

According to JP Morgan, the prior rating for RPM International Inc (NYSE:RPM) was changed from Neutral to Overweight. In the first quarter, RPM International showed an EPS of $1.47, compared to $1.08 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of RPM International shows a 52-week-high of $101.48 and a 52-week-low of $74.56. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $92.87.

For TechnipFMC PLC (NYSE:FTI), Barclays upgraded the previous rating of Equal-Weight to Overweight. TechnipFMC earned $0.02 in the second quarter, compared to $0.06 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of TechnipFMC shows a 52-week-high of $9.49 and a 52-week-low of $5.47. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $9.26.

Seaport Global upgraded the previous rating for CMS Energy Corp (NYSE:CMS) from Neutral to Buy. For the second quarter, CMS Energy had an EPS of $0.53, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.55. The current stock performance of CMS Energy shows a 52-week-high of $73.76 and a 52-week-low of $58.04. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $58.53.

Seaport Global upgraded the previous rating for PPL Corp (NYSE:PPL) from Neutral to Buy. For the second quarter, PPL had an EPS of $0.30, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.19. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $30.99 and a 52-week-low of $24.98. PPL closed at $26.12 at the end of the last trading period.

For Westlake Corp (NYSE:WLK), UBS upgraded the previous rating of Sell to Neutral. In the second quarter, Westlake showed an EPS of $6.60, compared to $4.04 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Westlake shows a 52-week-high of $141.19 and a 52-week-low of $81.28. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $90.90.

According to Oppenheimer, the prior rating for Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ) was changed from Perform to Outperform. Verizon Communications earned $1.31 in the second quarter, compared to $1.37 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Verizon Communications shows a 52-week-high of $55.51 and a 52-week-low of $37.95. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $39.40.

According to JP Morgan, the prior rating for Sonic Automotive Inc (NYSE:SAH) was changed from Neutral to Overweight. In the second quarter, Sonic Automotive showed an EPS of $2.45, compared to $2.63 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $59.19 and a 52-week-low of $34.17. At the end of the last trading period, Sonic Automotive closed at $43.66.

According to JP Morgan, the prior rating for Group 1 Automotive Inc (NYSE:GPI) was changed from Neutral to Overweight. Group 1 Automotive earned $12.00 in the second quarter, compared to $10.31 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Group 1 Automotive shows a 52-week-high of $201.83 and a 52-week-low of $136.16. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $150.04.

For Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (NASDAQ:TTWO), Goldman Sachs upgraded the previous rating of Neutral to Buy. In the first quarter, Take-Two Interactive showed an EPS of $0.71, compared to $1.01 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Take-Two Interactive shows a 52-week-high of $182.25 and a 52-week-low of $101.85. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $117.30.

Goldman Sachs upgraded the previous rating for Pinterest Inc (NYSE:PINS) from Neutral to Buy. For the second quarter, Pinterest had an EPS of $0.11, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.25. The current stock performance of Pinterest shows a 52-week-high of $36.95 and a 52-week-low of $16.14. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $24.63.

Goldman Sachs upgraded the previous rating for Steel Dynamics Inc (NASDAQ:STLD) from Neutral to Buy. For the second quarter, Steel Dynamics had an EPS of $6.73, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $3.40. The stock has a 52-week-high of $100.37 and a 52-week-low of $50.54. At the end of the last trading period, Steel Dynamics closed at $77.83.

See all analyst ratings upgrades.

Downgrades

DA Davidson downgraded the previous rating for First Citizens BancShares Inc (NASDAQ:FCNCA) from Buy to Neutral. For the second quarter, First Citizens BancShares had an EPS of $16.86, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $15.09. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $947.71 and a 52-week-low of $598.01. First Citizens BancShares closed at $852.99 at the end of the last trading period.

According to DA Davidson, the prior rating for Carter Bankshares Inc (NASDAQ:CARE) was changed from Buy to Neutral. For the second quarter, Carter Bankshares had an EPS of $0.44, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.24. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $17.99 and a 52-week-low of $12.58. Carter Bankshares closed at $16.66 at the end of the last trading period.

UBS downgraded the previous rating for Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE:TM) from Buy to Neutral. In the first quarter, Toyota Motor showed an EPS of $4.14, compared to $5.87 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $213.74 and a 52-week-low of $130.07. Toyota Motor closed at $138.09 at the end of the last trading period.

DA Davidson downgraded the previous rating for Heartland Financial USA Inc (NASDAQ:HTLF) from Buy to Neutral. In the second quarter, Heartland Financial USA showed an EPS of $1.17, compared to $1.41 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $53.98 and a 52-week-low of $39.27. At the end of the last trading period, Heartland Financial USA closed at $45.04.

According to DA Davidson, the prior rating for PacWest Bancorp (NASDAQ:PACW) was changed from Buy to Neutral. For the second quarter, PacWest Banc had an EPS of $1.02, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.52. The stock has a 52-week-high of $51.81 and a 52-week-low of $22.26. At the end of the last trading period, PacWest Banc closed at $24.30.

For Adeia Inc (NASDAQ:ADEA), BWS Financial downgraded the previous rating of Top Pick to Buy. The stock has a 52-week-high of $8.91 and a 52-week-low of $6.52. At the end of the last trading period, Adeia closed at $8.60.

Barclays downgraded the previous rating for ChampionX Corp (NASDAQ:CHX) from Overweight to Equal-Weight. ChampionX earned $0.28 in the second quarter, compared to $0.11 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $26.98 and a 52-week-low of $16.64. At the end of the last trading period, ChampionX closed at $21.92.

According to Barclays, the prior rating for Cactus Inc (NYSE:WHD) was changed from Overweight to Equal-Weight. For the second quarter, Cactus had an EPS of $0.44, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.16. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $64.18 and a 52-week-low of $34.70. Cactus closed at $45.52 at the end of the last trading period.

For Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (NYSE:CMG), Barclays downgraded the previous rating of Overweight to Underweight. In the second quarter, Chipotle Mexican Grill showed an EPS of $9.30, compared to $7.46 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Chipotle Mexican Grill shows a 52-week-high of $1754.56 and a 52-week-low of $1196.28. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $1519.78.

For Dominion Energy Inc (NYSE:D), Seaport Global downgraded the previous rating of Buy to Neutral. For the second quarter, Dominion Energy had an EPS of $0.77, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.76. The stock has a 52-week-high of $88.78 and a 52-week-low of $68.43. At the end of the last trading period, Dominion Energy closed at $69.01.

According to UBS, the prior rating for Splunk Inc (NASDAQ:SPLK) was changed from Buy to Neutral. In the second quarter, Splunk showed an EPS of $0.09, compared to $0.62 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Splunk shows a 52-week-high of $150.79 and a 52-week-low of $75.16. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $83.31.

According to Raymond James, the prior rating for Triumph Bancorp Inc (NASDAQ:TBK) was changed from Strong Buy to Outperform. For the second quarter, Triumph Bancorp had an EPS of $1.74, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.17. The stock has a 52-week-high of $126.12 and a 52-week-low of $53.68. At the end of the last trading period, Triumph Bancorp closed at $58.31.

Raymond James downgraded the previous rating for Third Coast Bancshares Inc (NASDAQ:TCBX) from Outperform to Market Perform. In the second quarter, Third Coast Bancshares showed an EPS of $0.16, compared to $0.55 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Third Coast Bancshares shows a 52-week-high of $26.75 and a 52-week-low of $17.01. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $17.50.

For Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc (NASDAQ:PNFP), Raymond James downgraded the previous rating of Outperform to Market Perform. For the second quarter, Pinnacle Finl Partners had an EPS of $1.86, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.68. The current stock performance of Pinnacle Finl Partners shows a 52-week-high of $111.31 and a 52-week-low of $67.86. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $86.79.

According to UBS, the prior rating for Venator Materials PLC (NYSE:VNTR) was changed from Neutral to Sell. In the second quarter, Venator Materials showed an EPS of $0.13, compared to $0.00 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $2.80 and a 52-week-low of $0.87. At the end of the last trading period, Venator Materials closed at $0.96.

According to BMO Capital, the prior rating for Global Medical REIT Inc (NYSE:GMRE) was changed from Outperform to Market Perform. For the second quarter, Global Medical REIT had an EPS of $0.25, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.23. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $18.51 and a 52-week-low of $8.22. Global Medical REIT closed at $8.57 at the end of the last trading period.

BMO Capital downgraded the previous rating for Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR) from Outperform to Market Perform. In the second quarter, Equity Residential showed an EPS of $0.89, compared to $0.72 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $94.32 and a 52-week-low of $65.58. At the end of the last trading period, Equity Residential closed at $66.53.

For Fair Isaac Corp (NYSE:FICO), Baird downgraded the previous rating of Outperform to Neutral. For the third quarter, Fair Isaac had an EPS of $4.47, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $3.38. The stock has a 52-week-high of $531.03 and a 52-week-low of $340.48. At the end of the last trading period, Fair Isaac closed at $439.98.

According to Raymond James, the prior rating for Mercantile Bank Corp (NASDAQ:MBWM) was changed from Strong Buy to Outperform. In the second quarter, Mercantile Bank showed an EPS of $0.74, compared to $1.12 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Mercantile Bank shows a 52-week-high of $40.01 and a 52-week-low of $29.26. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $31.77.

For Farmers National Banc Corp (NASDAQ:FMNB), Raymond James downgraded the previous rating of Outperform to Market Perform. For the second quarter, Farmers National Banc had an EPS of $0.49, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.55. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $20.00 and a 52-week-low of $12.90. Farmers National Banc closed at $12.99 at the end of the last trading period.

For CrossFirst Bankshares Inc (NASDAQ:CFB), Raymond James downgraded the previous rating of Strong Buy to Outperform. In the second quarter, CrossFirst Bankshares showed an EPS of $0.31, compared to $0.30 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of CrossFirst Bankshares shows a 52-week-high of $16.50 and a 52-week-low of $12.27. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $13.56.

Raymond James downgraded the previous rating for Central Pacific Financial Corp (NYSE:CPF) from Outperform to Market Perform. In the second quarter, Central Pacific Financial showed an EPS of $0.64, compared to $0.66 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $30.97 and a 52-week-low of $20.19. Central Pacific Financial closed at $21.51 at the end of the last trading period.

Raymond James downgraded the previous rating for Ally Financial Inc (NYSE:ALLY) from Outperform to Market Perform. In the second quarter, Ally Financial showed an EPS of $1.76, compared to $2.33 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Ally Financial shows a 52-week-high of $53.83 and a 52-week-low of $27.77. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $30.69.

For ArcelorMittal SA (NYSE:MT), UBS downgraded the previous rating of Buy to Neutral. In the second quarter, ArcelorMittal showed an EPS of $4.24, compared to $3.46 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $37.87 and a 52-week-low of $19.25. At the end of the last trading period, ArcelorMittal closed at $21.74.

For Esports Entertainment Group Inc (NASDAQ:GMBL), HC Wainwright & Co. downgraded the previous rating of Buy to Neutral. Esports Entertainment earned $0.43 in the third quarter, compared to $0.73 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $4.26 and a 52-week-low of $0.12. At the end of the last trading period, Esports Entertainment closed at $0.16.

Exane BNP Paribas downgraded the previous rating for Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX) from Outperform to Neutral. In the second quarter, Freeport-McMoRan showed an EPS of $0.58, compared to $0.77 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Freeport-McMoRan shows a 52-week-high of $51.99 and a 52-week-low of $24.80. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $30.51.

According to Wells Fargo, the prior rating for Silvergate Capital Corp (NYSE:SI) was changed from Overweight to Underweight. Silvergate Capital earned $1.13 in the second quarter, compared to $0.80 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Silvergate Capital shows a 52-week-high of $162.65 and a 52-week-low of $50.65. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $78.91.

For AutoNation Inc (NYSE:AN), JP Morgan downgraded the previous rating of Overweight to Neutral. AutoNation earned $6.48 in the second quarter, compared to $4.83 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of AutoNation shows a 52-week-high of $135.57 and a 52-week-low of $96.56. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $104.94.

Vertical Research downgraded the previous rating for Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) from Buy to Neutral. In the second quarter, Twitter showed an EPS of $0.08, compared to $0.20 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Twitter shows a 52-week-high of $54.57 and a 52-week-low of $31.30. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $51.30.

For Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co (NYSE:RS), Goldman Sachs downgraded the previous rating of Buy to Neutral. For the second quarter, Reliance Steel & Aluminum had an EPS of $9.15, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $5.06. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $211.66 and a 52-week-low of $145.78. Reliance Steel & Aluminum closed at $187.97 at the end of the last trading period.

For BTRS Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:BTRS), Keybanc downgraded the previous rating of Overweight to Sector Weight. For the second quarter, BTRS Holdings had an EPS of $0.04, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.07. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $9.35 and a 52-week-low of $3.95. BTRS Holdings closed at $9.30 at the end of the last trading period.

See all analyst ratings downgrades.

Initiations

BTIG initiated coverage on Aclaris Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:ACRS) with a Buy rating. The price target for Aclaris Therapeutics is set to $32.00. In the second quarter, Aclaris Therapeutics showed an EPS of $0.31, compared to $0.34 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $18.59 and a 52-week-low of $9.26. At the end of the last trading period, Aclaris Therapeutics closed at $15.75.

With a Buy rating, Canaccord Genuity initiated coverage on PENN Entertainment Inc (NASDAQ:PENN). The price target seems to have been set at $50.00 for PENN Entertainment. PENN Entertainment earned $0.15 in the second quarter, compared to $1.17 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $53.36 and a 52-week-low of $25.49. At the end of the last trading period, PENN Entertainment closed at $31.40.

With a Neutral rating, JP Morgan initiated coverage on Western Alliance Bancorp (NYSE:WAL). The price target seems to have been set at $85.00 for Western Alliance. For the second quarter, Western Alliance had an EPS of $2.39, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $2.29. The stock has a 52-week-high of $124.93 and a 52-week-low of $64.71. At the end of the last trading period, Western Alliance closed at $69.71.

BWS Financial initiated coverage on Xperi Inc (NYSE:XPER) with a Top Pick rating. The price target for Xperi is set to $30.00. For the second quarter, Xperi had an EPS of $0.52, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.61. The current stock performance of Xperi shows a 52-week-high of $19.90 and a 52-week-low of $13.30. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $15.58.

For DraftKings Inc (NASDAQ:DKNG), Exane BNP Paribas initiated coverage, by setting the current rating at Underperform. For the second quarter, DraftKings had an EPS of $0.50, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.76. The current stock performance of DraftKings shows a 52-week-high of $28.55 and a 52-week-low of $9.77. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $16.70.

With a Buy rating, Maxim Group initiated coverage on Oncolytics Biotech Inc (NASDAQ:ONCY). The price target seems to have been set at $3.00 for Oncolytics Biotech. For the second quarter, Oncolytics Biotech had an EPS of $0.07, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.11. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $2.08 and a 52-week-low of $0.80. Oncolytics Biotech closed at $1.27 at the end of the last trading period.

With an Outperform rating, Evercore ISI Group initiated coverage on CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:CRWD). The price target seems to have been set at $250.00 for CrowdStrike Holdings. For the second quarter, CrowdStrike Holdings had an EPS of $0.36, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.11. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $242.00 and a 52-week-low of $130.00. CrowdStrike Holdings closed at $176.70 at the end of the last trading period.

Roth Capital initiated coverage on Nauticus Robotics Inc (NASDAQ:KITT) with a Buy rating. The price target for Nauticus Robotics is set to $10.00. The current stock performance of Nauticus Robotics shows a 52-week-high of $9.05 and a 52-week-low of $3.14. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $6.32.

With an Underperform rating, Evercore ISI Group initiated coverage on Okta Inc (NASDAQ:OKTA). The price target seems to have been set at $45.00 for Okta. For the second quarter, Okta had an EPS of $0.10, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.11. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $226.49 and a 52-week-low of $52.75. Okta closed at $59.49 at the end of the last trading period.

Evercore ISI Group initiated coverage on Zscaler Inc (NASDAQ:ZS) with an Outperform rating. The price target for Zscaler is set to $235.00. Zscaler earned $0.25 in the fourth quarter, compared to $0.14 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $323.55 and a 52-week-low of $125.12. Zscaler closed at $180.15 at the end of the last trading period.

With an Underperform rating, Credit Suisse initiated coverage on Element Solutions Inc (NYSE:ESI). The price target seems to have been set at $15.00 for Element Solutions. In the second quarter, Element Solutions showed an EPS of $0.38, compared to $0.35 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $25.26 and a 52-week-low of $16.07. At the end of the last trading period, Element Solutions closed at $17.73.

Credit Suisse initiated coverage on Entegris Inc (NASDAQ:ENTG) with an Outperform rating. The price target for Entegris is set to $108.00. For the second quarter, Entegris had an EPS of $1.00, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.85. The current stock performance of Entegris shows a 52-week-high of $141.82 and a 52-week-low of $82.50. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $90.32.

Credit Suisse initiated coverage on Verve Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:VERV) with a Neutral rating. The price target for Verve Therapeutics is set to $48.00. For the second quarter, Verve Therapeutics had an EPS of $0.84, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $6.66. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $43.00 and a 52-week-low of $10.70. Verve Therapeutics closed at $36.15 at the end of the last trading period.

Credit Suisse initiated coverage on Bread Financial Holdings Inc (NYSE:BFH) with a Neutral rating. The price target for Bread Financial Holdings is set to $38.00. For the second quarter, Bread Financial Holdings had an EPS of $0.25, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $5.99. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $60.79 and a 52-week-low of $30.55. Bread Financial Holdings closed at $32.76 at the end of the last trading period.

Deutsche Bank initiated coverage on Ballys Corp (NYSE:BALY) with a Hold rating. The price target for Ballys is set to $23.00. For the second quarter, Ballys had an EPS of $0.98, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.48. The current stock performance of Ballys shows a 52-week-high of $39.38 and a 52-week-low of $17.54. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $22.46.

With a Buy rating, Rosenblatt initiated coverage on Viavi Solutions Inc (NASDAQ:VIAV). The price target seems to have been set at $18.00 for Viavi Solutions. Viavi Solutions earned $0.24 in the fourth quarter, compared to $0.22 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $18.14 and a 52-week-low of $12.65. At the end of the last trading period, Viavi Solutions closed at $13.93.

With an Overweight rating, Stephens & Co. initiated coverage on Guardant Health Inc (NASDAQ:GH). The price target seems to have been set at $99.00 for Guardant Health. Guardant Health earned $1.00 in the second quarter, compared to $0.61 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Guardant Health shows a 52-week-high of $102.85 and a 52-week-low of $27.65. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $59.78.

Stephens & Co. initiated coverage on Akoya Biosciences Inc (NASDAQ:AKYA) with an Overweight rating. The price target for Akoya Biosciences is set to $16.00. Akoya Biosciences earned $0.47 in the second quarter, compared to $0.20 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Akoya Biosciences shows a 52-week-high of $16.57 and a 52-week-low of $8.02. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $12.67.

With a Equal-Weight rating, Stephens & Co. initiated coverage on Myriad Genetics Inc (NASDAQ:MYGN). The price target seems to have been set at $22.00 for Myriad Genetics. For the second quarter, Myriad Genetics had an EPS of $0.04, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.12. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $28.45 and a 52-week-low of $16.02. Myriad Genetics closed at $20.82 at the end of the last trading period.

See all analyst ratings initiations.