Circuit City upgraded to $13

Circuit City (NYSE: CC), the consumer electronics retailer that has been down in then dumps almost all of 2007, has been upgraded by a Soleil Securities Group analyst to a price target of $13 per share. Right now, Circuit City shares are hovering around the $8 per share level. With Circuit City having more than a few disastrous quarters this year, why the upgrade now?

The upgrade from "Buy" to "Hold" was made by the Soleil analyst based on an anticipated $50 million in savings from a store reorganization plan that's in progress. Not increasing sales, soaring profit or a new marketing program to get customers in doors, but a store reorganization plan. Wow, that's exciting. While it's not organic growth, the savings should boost Circuit City's bottom line in the current quarter. At least, that would be my thinking. Is that enough to justify such an upgrade? That's your call.

Circuit City is a retailer who has lost its way, but still manages to rake in sales every quarter. It can't quite compete (yet) with larger retailer Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) when it comes to profit and making all the right retail moves to ensure success, but it's not going anywhere either unless a private equity buyout happens. Want to get in now?' The Soleil analyst suggests a hedged play on CC shares for those who want to play a little, using an April bull-put credit spread below the $5 range