Benzinga's Top Ratings Upgrades, Downgrades For September 5, 2023

Upgrades

For Belden Inc (NYSE:BDC), Goldman Sachs upgraded the previous rating of Neutral to Buy. Belden earned $1.91 in the second quarter, compared to $1.60 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $99.13 and a 52-week-low of $58.88. Belden closed at $93.96 at the end of the last trading period.

According to Argus Research, the prior rating for Catalent Inc (NYSE:CTLT) was changed from Hold to Buy. For the fourth quarter, Catalent had an EPS of $0.09, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.08. The current stock performance of Catalent shows a 52-week-high of $97.48 and a 52-week-low of $31.45. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $50.20.

For Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR), Wells Fargo upgraded the previous rating of Equal-Weight to Overweight. Equity Residential earned $0.94 in the second quarter, compared to $0.89 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $77.92 and a 52-week-low of $54.60. At the end of the last trading period, Equity Residential closed at $64.00.

According to Scotiabank, the prior rating for Brixmor Property Group Inc (NYSE:BRX) was changed from Sector Perform to Sector Outperform. Brixmor Property Group earned $0.52 in the second quarter, compared to $0.49 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $24.27 and a 52-week-low of $17.62. Brixmor Property Group closed at $21.99 at the end of the last trading period.

For Valley National Bancorp (NASDAQ:VLY), Hovde Group upgraded the previous rating of Market Perform to Outperform. Valley Ntl earned $0.28 in the second quarter, compared to $0.32 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $13.06 and a 52-week-low of $6.38. At the end of the last trading period, Valley Ntl closed at $9.44.

Susquehanna upgraded the previous rating for NetApp Inc (NASDAQ:NTAP) from Neutral to Positive. NetApp earned $1.15 in the first quarter, compared to $1.20 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of NetApp shows a 52-week-high of $80.53 and a 52-week-low of $58.08. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $77.60.

B of A Securities upgraded the previous rating for Centene Corp (NYSE:CNC) from Underperform to Neutral. For the second quarter, Centene had an EPS of $2.10, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.77. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $93.56 and a 52-week-low of $60.83. Centene closed at $61.27 at the end of the last trading period.

B of A Securities upgraded the previous rating for AllianceBernstein Holding LP (NYSE:AB) from Neutral to Buy. In the second quarter, AllianceBernstein Holding showed an EPS of $0.61, compared to $0.71 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $44.38 and a 52-week-low of $29.05. At the end of the last trading period, AllianceBernstein Holding closed at $31.21.

B of A Securities upgraded the previous rating for Stryker Corp (NYSE:SYK) from Neutral to Buy. For the second quarter, Stryker had an EPS of $2.54, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $2.25. The stock has a 52-week-high of $306.93 and a 52-week-low of $200.87. At the end of the last trading period, Stryker closed at $284.45.

For Woodward Inc (NASDAQ:WWD), TD Cowen upgraded the previous rating of Market Perform to Outperform. For the third quarter, Woodward had an EPS of $1.37, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.64. The stock has a 52-week-high of $133.15 and a 52-week-low of $79.26. At the end of the last trading period, Woodward closed at $129.85.

Wolfe Research upgraded the previous rating for Liberty Formula One Group (NASDAQ:FWONK) from Peer Perform to Outperform. For the second quarter, Liberty Formula One Group had an EPS of $0.41, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.35. The current stock performance of Liberty Formula One Group shows a 52-week-high of $80.13 and a 52-week-low of $50.13. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $69.03.

For Hudson Pacific Properties Inc (NYSE:HPP), Piper Sandler upgraded the previous rating of Neutral to Overweight. For the second quarter, Hudson Pacific Properties had an EPS of $0.24, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.51. The stock has a 52-week-high of $14.67 and a 52-week-low of $4.04. At the end of the last trading period, Hudson Pacific Properties closed at $7.02.

Stifel upgraded the previous rating for Vail Resorts Inc (NYSE:MTN) from Hold to Buy. For the third quarter, Vail Resorts had an EPS of $8.18, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $9.16. The stock has a 52-week-high of $268.24 and a 52-week-low of $202.00. At the end of the last trading period, Vail Resorts closed at $227.90.

According to RBC Capital, the prior rating for American Express Co (NYSE:AXP) was changed from Sector Perform to Outperform. In the second quarter, American Express showed an EPS of $2.89, compared to $2.57 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $182.15 and a 52-week-low of $130.82. American Express closed at $159.62 at the end of the last trading period.

For Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:ASB), Baird upgraded the previous rating of Neutral to Outperform. For the second quarter, Associated Banc had an EPS of $0.56, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.56. The current stock performance of Associated Banc shows a 52-week-high of $25.48 and a 52-week-low of $14.47. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $17.67.

UBS upgraded the previous rating for Corteva Inc (NYSE:CTVA) from Neutral to Buy. In the second quarter, Corteva showed an EPS of $1.60, compared to $1.64 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Corteva shows a 52-week-high of $68.42 and a 52-week-low of $48.68. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $51.11.

According to Raymond James, the prior rating for Retail Opportunity Investments Corp (NASDAQ:ROIC) was changed from Market Perform to Outperform. Retail Opportunity earned $0.27 in the second quarter, compared to $0.28 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Retail Opportunity shows a 52-week-high of $17.48 and a 52-week-low of $11.97. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $13.39.

According to TD Cowen, the prior rating for Domino's Pizza Inc (NYSE:DPZ) was changed from Market Perform to Outperform. In the second quarter, Domino's Pizza showed an EPS of $3.08, compared to $2.82 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Domino's Pizza shows a 52-week-high of $409.95 and a 52-week-low of $285.84. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $391.14.

According to Raymond James, the prior rating for Regency Centers Corp (NASDAQ:REG) was changed from Market Perform to Outperform. For the second quarter, Regency Centers had an EPS of $1.03, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.00. The stock has a 52-week-high of $68.56 and a 52-week-low of $52.00. At the end of the last trading period, Regency Centers closed at $62.39.

Bernstein upgraded the previous rating for Lowe's Companies Inc (NYSE:LOW) from Market Perform to Outperform. In the second quarter, Lowe's Companies showed an EPS of $4.56, compared to $4.67 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Lowe's Companies shows a 52-week-high of $237.21 and a 52-week-low of $176.62. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $232.51.

For Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL), Barclays upgraded the previous rating of Equal-Weight to Overweight. Oracle earned $1.67 in the fourth quarter, compared to $1.54 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $127.54 and a 52-week-low of $60.78. Oracle closed at $120.93 at the end of the last trading period.

For Lululemon Athletica Inc (NASDAQ:LULU), Bernstein upgraded the previous rating of Underperform to Market Perform. Lululemon Athletica earned $2.68 in the second quarter, compared to $2.20 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $406.75 and a 52-week-low of $277.61. At the end of the last trading period, Lululemon Athletica closed at $404.19.

According to Keybanc, the prior rating for Olin Corp (NYSE:OLN) was changed from Sector Weight to Overweight. For the second quarter, Olin had an EPS of $1.13, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $2.76. The current stock performance of Olin shows a 52-week-high of $64.70 and a 52-week-low of $41.34. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $51.98.

Goldman Sachs upgraded the previous rating for Keysight Technologies Inc (NYSE:KEYS) from Neutral to Buy. For the third quarter, Keysight Techs had an EPS of $2.19, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $2.01. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $189.38 and a 52-week-low of $125.89. Keysight Techs closed at $133.88 at the end of the last trading period.

Goldman Sachs upgraded the previous rating for Lamb Weston Holdings Inc (NYSE:LW) from Neutral to Buy. Lamb Weston Hldgs earned $1.22 in the fourth quarter, compared to $0.65 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Lamb Weston Hldgs shows a 52-week-high of $117.38 and a 52-week-low of $74.93. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $97.28.

See all analyst ratings upgrades.

Downgrades

According to Melius Research, the prior rating for Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc (NYSE:SPR) was changed from Buy to Hold. For the second quarter, Spirit AeroSystems Hldgs had an EPS of $1.46, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.21. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $38.55 and a 52-week-low of $18.80. Spirit AeroSystems Hldgs closed at $21.37 at the end of the last trading period.

According to Vertical Research, the prior rating for Olin Corp (NYSE:OLN) was changed from Buy to Hold. In the second quarter, Olin showed an EPS of $1.13, compared to $2.76 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $64.70 and a 52-week-low of $41.34. Olin closed at $51.98 at the end of the last trading period.

According to HC Wainwright & Co., the prior rating for Acer Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:ACER) was changed from Buy to Neutral. In the second quarter, Acer Therapeutics showed an EPS of $0.33, compared to $0.17 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $4.52 and a 52-week-low of $0.55. At the end of the last trading period, Acer Therapeutics closed at $1.14.

Wells Fargo downgraded the previous rating for Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc (NYSE:ELS) from Overweight to Equal-Weight. Equity Lifestyle Props earned $0.66 in the second quarter, compared to $0.64 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $74.40 and a 52-week-low of $57.01. At the end of the last trading period, Equity Lifestyle Props closed at $66.51.

For General Mills Inc (NYSE:GIS), Exane BNP Paribas downgraded the previous rating of Outperform to Neutral. For the fourth quarter, General Mills had an EPS of $1.12, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.12. The stock has a 52-week-high of $90.89 and a 52-week-low of $65.91. At the end of the last trading period, General Mills closed at $66.25.

UBS downgraded the previous rating for ResMed Inc (NYSE:RMD) from Buy to Neutral. In the fourth quarter, ResMed showed an EPS of $1.60, compared to $1.49 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $243.52 and a 52-week-low of $157.73. ResMed closed at $159.19 at the end of the last trading period.

According to B of A Securities, the prior rating for Agiliti Inc (NYSE:AGTI) was changed from Neutral to Underperform. For the second quarter, Agiliti had an EPS of $0.14, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.19. The current stock performance of Agiliti shows a 52-week-high of $20.11 and a 52-week-low of $9.34. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $9.79.

According to RBC Capital, the prior rating for Bread Financial Holdings Inc (NYSE:BFH) was changed from Outperform to Sector Perform. In the second quarter, Bread Finl Hldgs showed an EPS of $1.27, compared to $0.25 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $44.52 and a 52-week-low of $23.19. At the end of the last trading period, Bread Finl Hldgs closed at $38.73.

Compass Point downgraded the previous rating for NewLake Capital Partners Inc (OTC:NLCP) from Buy to Neutral. The current stock performance of NewLake Capital Partners shows a 52-week-high of $19.50 and a 52-week-low of $11.80. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $14.29.

Compass Point downgraded the previous rating for Innovative Industrial Properties Inc (NYSE:IIPR) from Buy to Neutral. Innovative Ind Props earned $2.26 in the second quarter, compared to $2.14 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $125.10 and a 52-week-low of $63.36. Innovative Ind Props closed at $87.72 at the end of the last trading period.

For Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance Inc (NASDAQ:REFI), Compass Point downgraded the previous rating of Buy to Neutral. For the second quarter, Chicago Atlantic Real had an EPS of $0.55, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.50. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $16.50 and a 52-week-low of $12.91. Chicago Atlantic Real closed at $15.21 at the end of the last trading period.

Piper Sandler downgraded the previous rating for Douglas Emmett Inc (NYSE:DEI) from Overweight to Neutral. Douglas Emmett earned $0.48 in the second quarter, compared to $0.51 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Douglas Emmett shows a 52-week-high of $22.15 and a 52-week-low of $10.09. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $14.03.

According to RBC Capital, the prior rating for Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF) was changed from Outperform to Sector Perform. For the second quarter, Synchrony Finl had an EPS of $1.32, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $1.60. The current stock performance of Synchrony Finl shows a 52-week-high of $40.88 and a 52-week-low of $26.59. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $32.66.

Raymond James downgraded the previous rating for Bread Financial Holdings Inc (NYSE:BFH) from Outperform to Sector Perform. Bread Finl Hldgs earned $1.27 in the second quarter, compared to $0.25 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Bread Finl Hldgs shows a 52-week-high of $44.52 and a 52-week-low of $23.19. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $38.73.

For Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT), Raymond James downgraded the previous rating of Strong Buy to Outperform. Federal Realty Investment earned $1.67 in the second quarter, compared to $1.65 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $115.08 and a 52-week-low of $85.27. Federal Realty Investment closed at $98.06 at the end of the last trading period.

Raymond James downgraded the previous rating for Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG) from Strong Buy to Market Perform. In the second quarter, Kite Realty Gr Trust showed an EPS of $0.51, compared to $0.49 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $24.26 and a 52-week-low of $16.43. At the end of the last trading period, Kite Realty Gr Trust closed at $22.57.

According to UBS, the prior rating for FMC Corp (NYSE:FMC) was changed from Buy to Neutral. FMC earned $0.50 in the second quarter, compared to $1.93 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of FMC shows a 52-week-high of $134.38 and a 52-week-low of $85.68. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $86.09.

Seaport Global downgraded the previous rating for Eos Energy Enterprises Inc (NASDAQ:EOSE) from Buy to Neutral. In the second quarter, Eos Energy Enterprises showed an EPS of $1.12, compared to $1.01 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Eos Energy Enterprises shows a 52-week-high of $5.67 and a 52-week-low of $0.96. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $3.85.

See all analyst ratings downgrades.

Initiations

With a Buy rating, Citigroup initiated coverage on Braze Inc (NASDAQ:BRZE). The price target seems to have been set at $60.00 for Braze. Braze earned $0.13 in the first quarter, compared to $0.19 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $47.64 and a 52-week-low of $22.62. At the end of the last trading period, Braze closed at $47.02.

With a Buy rating, Citigroup initiated coverage on HubSpot Inc (NYSE:HUBS). The price target seems to have been set at $695.00 for HubSpot. In the second quarter, HubSpot showed an EPS of $1.34, compared to $0.44 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $581.40 and a 52-week-low of $245.85. At the end of the last trading period, HubSpot closed at $551.61.

Citigroup initiated coverage on ZoomInfo Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:ZI) with a Neutral rating. The price target for ZoomInfo Technologies is set to $19.00. ZoomInfo Technologies earned $0.26 in the second quarter, compared to $0.21 in the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of ZoomInfo Technologies shows a 52-week-high of $48.76 and a 52-week-low of $17.34. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $18.58.

With a Buy rating, Ladenburg Thalmann initiated coverage on Sonoma Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:SNOA). The price target seems to have been set at $3.25 for Sonoma Pharmaceuticals. Sonoma Pharmaceuticals earned $0.29 in the first quarter, compared to $0.29 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $3.34 and a 52-week-low of $0.76. Sonoma Pharmaceuticals closed at $0.92 at the end of the last trading period.

With an Outperform rating, Exane BNP Paribas initiated coverage on Phinia Inc (NYSE:PHIN). The price target seems to have been set at $36.00 for Phinia. The current stock performance of Phinia shows a 52-week-high of $36.99 and a 52-week-low of $24.49. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $28.38.

Northland Capital Markets initiated coverage on Clean Energy Fuels Corp (NASDAQ:CLNE) with an Outperform rating. The price target for Clean Energy Fuels is set to $7.50. In the second quarter, Clean Energy Fuels showed an EPS of $0.00, compared to $0.00 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Clean Energy Fuels shows a 52-week-high of $7.73 and a 52-week-low of $3.83. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $4.25.

Craig-Hallum initiated coverage on Bowman Consulting Group Ltd (NASDAQ:BWMN) with a Buy rating. The price target for Bowman Consulting Group is set to $46.00. In the second quarter, Bowman Consulting Group showed an EPS of $0.05, compared to $0.03 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Bowman Consulting Group shows a 52-week-high of $36.36 and a 52-week-low of $14.00. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $28.49.

Craig-Hallum initiated coverage on Pulmonx Corp (NASDAQ:LUNG) with a Buy rating. The price target for Pulmonx is set to $18.00. In the second quarter, Pulmonx showed an EPS of $0.43, compared to $0.40 from the year-ago quarter. The current stock performance of Pulmonx shows a 52-week-high of $20.86 and a 52-week-low of $4.07. Moreover, at the end of the last trading period, the closing price was at $10.22.

With a Sector Perform rating, RBC Capital initiated coverage on Paychex Inc (NASDAQ:PAYX). The price target seems to have been set at $130.00 for Paychex. Paychex earned $0.97 in the fourth quarter, compared to $0.81 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $129.70 and a 52-week-low of $104.09. At the end of the last trading period, Paychex closed at $122.40.

RBC Capital initiated coverage on Automatic Data Processing Inc (NASDAQ:ADP) with a Sector Perform rating. The price target for Automatic Data Processing is set to $267.00. In the fourth quarter, Automatic Data Processing showed an EPS of $1.89, compared to $1.50 from the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $273.89 and a 52-week-low of $201.46. Automatic Data Processing closed at $255.75 at the end of the last trading period.

With a Buy rating, BTIG initiated coverage on Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc (NYSE:DO). The price target seems to have been set at $20.00 for Diamond Offshore Drilling. In the second quarter, Diamond Offshore Drilling showed an EPS of $0.04, compared to $0.22 from the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $16.52 and a 52-week-low of $6.13. At the end of the last trading period, Diamond Offshore Drilling closed at $15.26.

With an Outperform rating, RBC Capital initiated coverage on Pyxis Oncology Inc (NASDAQ:PYXS). The price target seems to have been set at $7.00 for Pyxis Oncology. Pyxis Oncology earned $0.41 in the second quarter, compared to $0.79 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $6.92 and a 52-week-low of $1.10. Pyxis Oncology closed at $2.32 at the end of the last trading period.

With a Neutral rating, B of A Securities initiated coverage on Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc (NYSE:MAA). The price target seems to have been set at $158.00 for Mid-America Apartment. For the second quarter, Mid-America Apartment had an EPS of $2.28, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $2.02. The stock has a 52-week-high of $176.36 and a 52-week-low of $138.68. At the end of the last trading period, Mid-America Apartment closed at $144.27.

With a Buy rating, HC Wainwright & Co. initiated coverage on Acelyrin Inc (NASDAQ:SLRN). The price target seems to have been set at $44.00 for Acelyrin. Acelyrin earned $0.40 in the second quarter, compared to $9.12 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $29.88 and a 52-week-low of $16.60. At the end of the last trading period, Acelyrin closed at $27.12.

HC Wainwright & Co. initiated coverage on SoundHound AI Inc (NASDAQ:SOUN) with a Buy rating. The price target for SoundHound AI is set to $5.00. SoundHound AI earned $0.10 in the second quarter, compared to $0.19 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $5.11 and a 52-week-low of $0.93. SoundHound AI closed at $2.52 at the end of the last trading period.

With a Market Perform rating, BMO Capital initiated coverage on The Duckhorn Portfolio Inc (NYSE:NAPA). The price target seems to have been set at $14.00 for Duckhorn Portfolio. Duckhorn Portfolio earned $0.16 in the third quarter, compared to $0.17 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $18.89 and a 52-week-low of $12.17. Duckhorn Portfolio closed at $12.22 at the end of the last trading period.

With a Buy rating, Citigroup initiated coverage on Sana Biotechnology Inc (NASDAQ:SANA). The price target seems to have been set at $8.00 for Sana Biotechnology. Sana Biotechnology earned $0.45 in the second quarter, compared to $0.47 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $8.01 and a 52-week-low of $2.99. At the end of the last trading period, Sana Biotechnology closed at $5.34.

Citigroup initiated coverage on Cabaletta Bio Inc (NASDAQ:CABA) with a Buy rating. The price target for Cabaletta Bio is set to $22.00. Cabaletta Bio earned $0.37 in the second quarter, compared to $0.45 in the year-ago quarter. The stock has a 52-week-high of $15.39 and a 52-week-low of $0.59. At the end of the last trading period, Cabaletta Bio closed at $13.32.

Stifel initiated coverage on Patterson-UTI Energy Inc (NASDAQ:PTEN) with a Buy rating. The price target for Patterson-UTI Energy is set to $19.00. For the second quarter, Patterson-UTI Energy had an EPS of $0.43, compared to year-ago quarter EPS of $0.05. The stock has a 52-week-high of $19.81 and a 52-week-low of $9.70. At the end of the last trading period, Patterson-UTI Energy closed at $14.91.

UBS initiated coverage on Dine Brands Global Inc (NYSE:DIN) with a Buy rating. The price target for Dine Brands Global is set to $68.00. Dine Brands Global earned $1.82 in the second quarter, compared to $1.65 in the year-ago quarter. At the moment, the stock has a 52-week-high of $82.43 and a 52-week-low of $53.52. Dine Brands Global closed at $54.82 at the end of the last trading period.

See all analyst ratings initiations.