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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Analyst Calls: BUD, H, HPT, HTHT, ISRG, KFY, NOC, NTAP, THI ...]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-reports/" rel="tag">Analyst Reports</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-upgrades-and-downgrades/" rel="tag">Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/bud/" rel="tag">Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-initiations/" rel="tag">Analyst Initiations</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/noc/" rel="tag">Northrop Grumman (NOC)</a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/03/flywall_final_logo_mini.gif" /></a>Analyst Upgrades</strong></p>
<ul>
    <li>Hyatt Hotels (<a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/hyatt-hotels-corporation-class-a-common-stock/h/nys">H</a>) and Hospitality Properties (<a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/hospitality-properties-trust/hpt/nys" class="inlinked">HPT</a>) to outperform from neutral at RW Baird.</li>
    <li>AB InBev (<a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/anheuser-busch-inbev-sa-nv/bud/nys" class="inlinked">BUD</a>) to buy from neutral at Goldman.</li>
    <li>Amerisafe (<a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/amerisafe-inc/amsf/nas" class="inlinked">AMSF</a>) to buy from hold at Wunderlich.</li>
    <li>Northrop Grumman (<a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/northrop-grumman-corporation/noc/nys" class="inlinked">NOC</a>) to sector perform from underperform at RBC Capital.</li>
    <li>China Lodging Group (<a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/china-lodging-group-limited-american-depositary-shares-each-representing-four-ordinary-shares/htht/nas">HTHT</a>) to buy from hold at Brean Murray and to buy from neutral at Roth Capital.</li>
</ul><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Analyst Calls: BUD, H, HPT, HTHT, ISRG, KFY, NOC, NTAP, THI ...</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/">Analyst Calls: BUD, H, HPT, HTHT, ISRG, KFY, NOC, NTAP, THI ...</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19875388/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>AB InBev</category><category>AI</category><category>Amerisafe</category><category>AMSF</category><category>analyst upgrades</category><category>ARCL</category><category>BKCC</category><category>BlackRock Kelso</category><category>BUD</category><category>downgrades</category><category>H</category><category>HPT</category><category>HTHT</category><category>Hyatt</category><category>initiations</category><category>inthenews</category><category>Intuitive Surgical</category><category>ISRG</category><category>Ixia</category><category>KFY</category><category>KornFerry</category><category>NetApp</category><category>NOC</category><category>Northrop Grumman</category><category>NTAP</category><category>THI</category><category>Tim Hortons</category><category>VC</category><category>Visteon</category><category>XXIA</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eric Buscemi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyst Calls: AOL, FMCN, GT, HD, JNJ, JNS, LOW, QCOM, RY, UA, WAG ...]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-reports/" rel="tag">Analyst Reports</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-upgrades-and-downgrades/" rel="tag">Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/hd/" rel="tag">Home Depot (HD)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/wag/" rel="tag">Walgreen Co (WAG)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/jnj/" rel="tag">Johnson and Johnson (JNJ)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/low/" rel="tag">Lowe's Cos (LOW)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/ua/" rel="tag">Under Armour'A' (UA)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/qcom/" rel="tag">QUALCOMM Inc (QCOM)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-initiations/" rel="tag">Analyst Initiations</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/gt/" rel="tag">Goodyear Tire and Rubber (GT)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/aol/" rel="tag">AOL (AOL)</a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/03/fly-logo-%28aol%29.gif" alt="" /></a>Analyst Upgrades</strong></p>
<ul>
    <li>Walgreen (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/walgreen-co/wag/nys">WAG</a>) and Triumph Group (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/triumph-group-incorporated/tgi/nys">TGI</a>) to buy from neutral at UBS.</li>
    <li>Focus Media (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/focus-media-holding-limited-sponsored-american-depositary-receipt-cayman-islands/fmcn/nas">FMCN</a>) to buy from neutral at Goldman.</li>
    <li>Home Depot (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/the-home-depot-inc/hd/nys">HD</a>) to outperform from market perform at FBR Capital.</li>
    <li>Arbitron (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/arbitron-inc/arb/nys">ARB</a>) to overweight from neutral at JPMorgan.</li>
    <li>Waddell &amp; Reed (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/waddell-and-reed-financial-inc/wdr/nys">WDR</a>) and Legg Mason (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/legg-mason-inc/lm/nys">LM</a>) to overweight from equal weight, and Janus Capital (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/janus-capital-group-inc/jns/nys">JNS</a>) to overweight from underweight, at Barclays.</li>
    <li>Central Euro Media (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/central-european-media-enterprises-ltd/cetv/nas">CETV</a>) to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank.</li>
    <li>GenOn Energy (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/genenews-limited-com-npv/gen/tor">GEN</a>) and Ntelos (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/ntelos-holdings-corp/ntls/nas">NTLS</a>) to outperform from sector perform at RBC Capital.</li>
    <li>Cooper Tire (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/cooper-tire-and-rubber-company/ctb/nys">CTB</a>) to buy from neutral and Goodyear Tire (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/the-goodyear-tire-and-rubber-company/gt/nys">GT</a>) to buy from underperform at BofA/Merrill.</li>
</ul><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Analyst Calls: AOL, FMCN, GT, HD, JNJ, JNS, LOW, QCOM, RY, UA, WAG ...</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/">Analyst Calls: AOL, FMCN, GT, HD, JNJ, JNS, LOW, QCOM, RY, UA, WAG ...</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19753700/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>analyst upgrades</category><category>AOL</category><category>ARB</category><category>Arbitron</category><category>CETV</category><category>CNW</category><category>Con-Way</category><category>Cooper Tire</category><category>CSFS</category><category>CTB</category><category>downgrades</category><category>FMCN</category><category>Focus Media</category><category>GEN</category><category>HD</category><category>Home Depot</category><category>initiations</category><category>inthenews</category><category>Janus Capital</category><category>JNJ</category><category>JNS</category><category>Johnson and Johnson</category><category>Legg Mason</category><category>LM</category><category>LOW</category><category>Lowes</category><category>Ntelos</category><category>NTLS</category><category>Paychex</category><category>PAYX</category><category>PerkinElmer</category><category>PKI</category><category>POWL</category><category>QCOM</category><category>Qualcomm</category><category>Royal Bank of Canada</category><category>RY</category><category>TGI</category><category>THI</category><category>Tim Hortons</category><category>UA</category><category>Under Armour</category><category>Vistaprint</category><category>VPRT</category><category>Waddell and Reed</category><category>WAG</category><category>Walgreen</category><category>WDR</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eric Buscemi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DELL, NFLX, PALM, SPWRA, XOM ...]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-reports/" rel="tag">Analyst Reports</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-upgrades-and-downgrades/" rel="tag">Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/xom/" rel="tag">Exxon Mobil (XOM)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/nflx/" rel="tag">Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/palm/" rel="tag">Palm Inc (PALM)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-initiations/" rel="tag">Analyst Initiations</a></p><p><a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com"><img border="1" hspace="4" alt="" vspace="4" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2009/11/flywall_final_logo_mini.gif" /></a><strong>Analyst upgrades:</strong><br /></p>
<ul>
    <li>Barclays upgraded Exxon (<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/exxon-mobil-corporation/xom/nys">XOM</a>) to overweight from equal weight based on a higher production growth outlook. The firm, which raised its target to $92 from $90, expects Exxon to have organic growth of more than 3% in 2010 and an average growth rate of 2.6% between 2009 and 2013. </li>
    <li>Kaufman Bros. upgraded Palm (<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/palm-inc-new/palm/nas">PALM</a>) to buy from hold citing the recent pullback in shares and indications that Verizon (<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/verizon-communications-inc/vz/nys">VZ</a>) will carry webOS phones as early as 1H10. The firm has a $16 target on the stock. </li>
    <li>Piper Jaffray raised Medicis (<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/mrx/nys">MRX</a>) to neutral from underweight and raised its target to $20 from $16. Following a management meeting, Piper said they have increased confidence in Soldyn risk and LipoSonix's safety profile. </li>
    <li>Illinois Tool Works (<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/illinois-tool-works-inc/itw/nys">ITW</a>) was upgraded to buy from neutral at UBS. </li>
    <li>Devon Energy (<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/devon-energy-corporation/dvn/nys">DVN</a>) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Wells Fargo. </li>
    <li>Carmike Cinemas (<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/carmike-cinemas-inc/ckec/nas">CKEC</a>) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Merriman. </li>
</ul><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DELL, NFLX, PALM, SPWRA, XOM ...</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/">Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DELL, NFLX, PALM, SPWRA, XOM ...</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19242946/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>analyst upgrades</category><category>CKEC</category><category>DELL</category><category>downgrades</category><category>DVN</category><category>ES</category><category>Exxon Mobil</category><category>GRA</category><category>initiations</category><category>inthenews</category><category>ITW</category><category>JOYG</category><category>LEA</category><category>MRX</category><category>Netflix</category><category>NFLX</category><category>PALM</category><category>PSUN</category><category>SII</category><category>SPWRA</category><category>THI</category><category>TIBB</category><category>VOLC</category><category>VZ</category><category>XOM</category><category>ZUMZ</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eric Buscemi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: SWHC, WFC ,CCE, GM, FCX]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-swhc-wfc-cce-gm/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-swhc-wfc-cce-gm/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-swhc-wfc-cce-gm/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-reports/" rel="tag">Analyst Reports</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-upgrades-and-downgrades/" rel="tag">Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">General Motors (GM)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/cce/" rel="tag">Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/kmb/" rel="tag">Kimberly-Clark (KMB)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-initiations/" rel="tag">Analyst Initiations</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/fcx/" rel="tag">Freep't McMoRan Copper (FCX)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/wfc/" rel="tag">Wells Fargo (WFC)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/urbn/" rel="tag">Urban Outfitters (URBN)</a></p><a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com/splashPage.php?source=AOL"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2008/11/fly-logo-(aol).gif" /></a><strong>Analyst upgrades:</strong>
<ul>
    <li>Merriman upgraded <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/smith-and-wesson-holding-corporation/swhc/nas">Smith &amp; Wesson</a> (NASDAQ:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/smith-and-wesson-holding-corporation/swhc/nas">SWHC</a>) to Buy from Neutral on valuation after channel checks indicated an increase in gun sales in October after an Obama win became apparent. The firm believes shares can trade up into the $4 to $5 range. <br /></li>
    <li>Credit Suisse upgraded <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/wells-fargo-and-company/wfc/nys">Wells Fargo</a> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/wells-fargo-and-company/wfc/nys">WFC</a>) to Outperform from Neutral citing the company's improved balance and potential earnings power following its $11B equity offering. <br /></li>
    <li>JP Morgan upgraded <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/coca-cola-enterprises-inc/cce/nys">Coca-Cola Enerprises</a> (NYSE<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/coca-cola-enterprises-inc/cce/nys">:CCE</a>) to Overweight from Neutral on valuation and easing commodity and labor costs.</li>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/manulife-financial-corporation/mfc/nys">Manulife</a> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/manulife-financial-corporation/mfc/nys">MFC</a>) was raised to Outperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital. <br /></li>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/manulife-financial-corporation/mfc/nys">SL Green Realty</a> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/manulife-financial-corporation/mfc/nys">SLG</a>) was upgraded at UBS to Buy from Neutral. <br /></li>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/molina-healthcare-inc/moh/nys">Molina Healthcare </a>(NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/molina-healthcare-inc/moh/nys">MOH</a>) was upgraded to Equal Weight from Underweight at Barclays.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Analyst downgrades:</strong>
<ul>
    <li>Barclays downgraded <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/general-motors-corporation/gm/nys">General Motors</a> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/general-motors-corporation/gm/nys">GM</a>) to Underweight from Equal Weight on cash concerns and believes any assistance from the government would substantially dilute equity holders. Barclays set a $1 target on GM shares. <br /></li>
    <li>Stephens cut <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/landamerica-financial-group-inc/lfg/nys">LandAmerica</a> (NYSE<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/landamerica-financial-group-inc/lfg/nys">:LFG</a>) to Underweight from Equal Weight following the<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/fidelity-national-financial-inc/fnf/nys"> Fidelity Nationa</a>l (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/fidelity-national-financial-inc/fnf/nys">FNF</a>) takeover as they expect no other bidders to emerge and believe shares could go back to under $5 if Fidelity National walks away. <br /></li>
    <li>Deutsche Bank downgraded solar companies to reflect deteriorating fundamentals in the sector, an adequate supply of c-Si modules, the strengthening dollar and restricted access to capital. <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/first-solar-inc/fslr/nas">First Sola</a>r (NASDAQ:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/first-solar-inc/fslr/nas">FSLR</a>), <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/canadian-solar-inc-common-shares/csiq/nas">Canadian Solar</a> (NASDAQ<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/canadian-solar-inc-common-shares/csiq/nas">:CSIQ</a>), <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/energy-conversion-devices-inc/ener/nas">Energy Conversion</a> (NASDAQ<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/energy-conversion-devices-inc/ener/nas">:ENER</a>) and <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/sunpower-corporation/spwra/nas">Sunpower</a> (NASDAQ:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/sunpower-corporation/spwra/nas">SPWRA</a>) were downgraded to Hold from Buy.</li>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/urban-outfitters-inc/urbn/nas">Urban Outfitters</a> (NASDAQ:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/urban-outfitters-inc/urbn/nas">URBN</a>) and<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/aeropostale-inc/aro/nys"> Aeropostale</a> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/aeropostale-inc/aro/nys">ARO</a>) were downgraded to Underweight from Equal Weight at Barclays. <br /></li>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/fmc-technologies-inc/fti/nys">FMC Technologies</a> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/fmc-technologies-inc/fti/nys">FTI</a>) was lowered to Underweight from Neutral at JP Morgan.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Analyst initiations:</strong><br />
<ul>
    <li>Freeport McMoRan, HLS Systems, and Kimberly Clark were today's noteworthy initiations: <br /></li>
    <li>Banc of America expects<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/freeport-mcmoran-copper-and-gold-inc/fcx/nys"> Freeport McMoRan's </a>(NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/freeport-mcmoran-copper-and-gold-inc/fcx/nys">FCX</a>) earnings will decline sharply in 2009 and thinks the dividend could be at risk. Shares were initiated with a Neutral rating and $29 target. <br /></li>
    <li>Roth Capital initiated <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/hls-systems-international-ltd/holi/nas">HLS Systems</a> (NASDAQ:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/hls-systems-international-ltd/holi/nas">HOLI</a>) with a Buy rating and $5 target. The firm is positive on the company's management team and the company's outlook for EPS growth. <br /></li>
    <li>Citigroup thinks <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/kimberly-clark-corporation/kmb/nys">Kimberly Clark's </a>(NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/kimberly-clark-corporation/kmb/nys">KMB</a>) margins have bottomed and that the current valuation is too low. Shares were assumed with a Buy rating and $65 target.</li>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/synaptics-incorporated/syna/nas">Synaptics </a>(NASDAQ<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/synaptics-incorporated/syna/nas">:SYNA</a>) and <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/intercontinentalexchange-inc/ice/nys">Intercontinental Exchange</a> (NYSE<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/intercontinentalexchange-inc/ice/nys">:ICE</a>) were initiated at Merrill Lynch with Neutral ratings. <br /></li>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys">Tim Hortons</a> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys">THI</a>) was assumed with a Sell rating at Goldman.</li>
</ul><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-swhc-wfc-cce-gm/">Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: SWHC, WFC ,CCE, GM, FCX</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:34:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-swhc-wfc-cce-gm/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1367438/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-swhc-wfc-cce-gm/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>analyst downgrade</category><category>analyst initiations</category><category>analyst upgrades</category><category>AnalystDowngrade</category><category>AnalystInitiations</category><category>AnalystUpgrades</category><category>aro</category><category>cce</category><category>csiq</category><category>erer</category><category>fcx</category><category>fslr</category><category>fti</category><category>gm</category><category>holi</category><category>ice</category><category>inthenews</category><category>kmb</category><category>lfg</category><category>mfc</category><category>moh</category><category>slg</category><category>spwra</category><category>swhc</category><category>thi</category><category>urbn</category><category>wfc</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eric Buscemi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:34:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tim Hortons' (THI) homeless policy?]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/23/tim-hortons-thi-homeless-policy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/23/tim-hortons-thi-homeless-policy/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/23/tim-hortons-thi-homeless-policy/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/consumer-experience/" rel="tag">Consumer Experience</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/sbux/" rel="tag">Starbucks (SBUX)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/marketing-and-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing and Advertising</a></p><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys">Tim Hortons</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys">THI</a>) can't seem to get enough of bad PR lately.<br /><br />Only two weeks ago Canada was in an uproar when Tim Hortons <a href="http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/422864">fired a single mother</a> employee from a London, Ontario location because she gave a child a free Timbit (a doughnut center). Tim Hortons has since rehired the woman.<br /><br />Then, on Wednesday, Teresa Lee, a Good Samaritan who happens to be a Toronto investment manager, bought breakfast for a pregnant homeless woman. When she was about to leave and go to her job, an employee admonished her, saying the <a href="http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/429178">homeless woman cannot stay</a> to eat the purchased breakfast in the restaurant. According to the employee, "Tim Hortons at King and Victoria Sts. does not let homeless people eat inside, even if they are eating Tim Hortons food, because they 'make a mess.'"<br /><br />Well, the chain claims it has no policy on the treatment of the homeless. Since 95% of the Tim Hortons stores in Canada are independent franchises, it is up to franchises to "make delicate judgment decisions when dealing with any disruptive customers to ensure the store is pleasant, comfortable and safe." Tim Hortons has apologized to Lee, the investment manager, but failed to apologize to the homeless woman.<br /><br />It's quite surprising to see Tim Hortons, which has been called "a Canadian icon of best practices from a franchising perspective," getting it so wrong lately. Tim Hortons is a Canadian icon, not just from business perspective, but from a cultural one too.<br /><br />If there was one thing Tim Hortons definitely didn't need to learn from <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/starbucks-corporation/sbux/nas">Starbucks</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/starbucks-corporation/sbux/nas">SBUX</a>), it was this. Starbucks had a <a href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2007/12/al_and_dawn_homeless_at_starbu.html">few incidents involving homeless</a> and bad PR itself. Tim Hortons has hurt its brand image with this negative publicity. So while indeed it comes down more often than not to judgment calls, those calls have been wrong of late. Perhaps Timmies should have a specific company policy on the treatment of the homeless after all.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/23/tim-hortons-thi-homeless-policy/">Tim Hortons' (THI) homeless policy?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Fri, 23 May 2008 16:14:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/429178>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/23/tim-hortons-thi-homeless-policy/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1204254/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/23/tim-hortons-thi-homeless-policy/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>sbux</category><category>starbucks</category><category>thi</category><category>tim hortons</category><category>TimHortons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Melly Alazraki]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2008 16:14:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[McDonald's (MCD) will beat expectations as September sales grow 11.5%]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/12/mcdonalds-mcd-will-beat-expectations-as-september-sales-grow/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/12/mcdonalds-mcd-will-beat-expectations-as-september-sales-grow/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/12/mcdonalds-mcd-will-beat-expectations-as-september-sales-grow/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/earnings-reports/" rel="tag">Earnings Reports</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/forecasts/" rel="tag">Forecasts</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/sbux/" rel="tag">Starbucks (SBUX)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/mcd/" rel="tag">McDonald's (MCD)</a></p>I remember the last time I had a burger at a <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/mcdonald-s-corporation/mcd/nys">McDonald's Corp.</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/mcdonald-s-corporation/mcd/nys">MCD</a>) restaurant. It was two and a half years ago and I just couldn't stomach it. After the first bite, it went into the garbage with me feeling utterly nauseous. Yet, even I, a person who purports to eat healthy, don't boycott McDonald's altogether. While I had the last McDonald's burger on that fateful day, I came back for breakfasts, the salads and even the coffee. Indeed, I am not embarrassed to admit that I prefer it to <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/starbucks-corporation/sbux/nas">Starbucks</a>' (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/starbucks-corporation/sbux/nas">SBUX</a>) coffee, though not to <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys">Tim Hortons</a>' (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys">THI</a>).<br /><br />Well, it seems that McDonald's has indeed managed to offer something for everyone, even granolas like me. The results could be seen in its latest reported same-store sales report, which have continued the fast food chain's hot streak. McDonald's global sales from restaurants open more than a year <a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/mcdonalds-september-same-store-sales/n20071012110109990008">rose 5.9%</a> in September. The world has been kinder to McDonald's than its domestic sales. While U.S. sales rose 3.5% -- increasing consecutively for the 54th month -- same-store sales rose 5.7% in Europe and 12% in its Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa division. Its total systemwide sales rose 11.5% for the month and 11.8% for the quarter.<br /><br />Following these impressive numbers, the company now expects to exceed Wall Street's estimates for third-quarter profit. It now expects to earn 83 cents per share in the quarter when it reports October 19. Including a 6 cents per share gain from the sale of Boston Market, it should report 89 cents per share for the quarter, beating estimates.<br /><br />No doubt, the company has found a way to offer something for everyone. Its value menu, breakfast offerings and drinks helped boost sales, as did premium coffee. The long hours, the promotions and new products like the wraps I occasionally enjoy, also drove sales growth.<br /><br />McDonald's shares are trading up 29 cents to $56.54, 0.52% higher. This isn't perhaps the surge some had hoped for, but as the company has been doing so well, much of that surprise was already priced in. MCD shares have gained nearly 28% year-to-date and over 34% the past year. It may just continue this performance a while longer, especially as it encroaches further on Starbucks' business.<br /><br /><a href="http://money.aol.com/news/earnings"><strong>Visit AOL Money &amp; Finance for more </strong></a><strong><a href="http://money.aol.com/news/earnings">earnings</a></strong><a href="http://money.aol.com/news/earnings"><strong> coverage</strong></a><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/12/mcdonalds-mcd-will-beat-expectations-as-september-sales-grow/">McDonald's (MCD) will beat expectations as September sales grow 11.5%</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:12:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/mcdonalds-september-same-store-sales/n20071012110109990008>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/12/mcdonalds-mcd-will-beat-expectations-as-september-sales-grow/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1011837/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/12/mcdonalds-mcd-will-beat-expectations-as-september-sales-grow/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>inthenews</category><category>mcd</category><category>mcdonald's</category><category>same-store sale</category><category>Same-storeSale</category><category>sbux</category><category>starbucks</category><category>thi</category><category>tim hortons</category><category>TimHortons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Melly Alazraki]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:12:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tim Hortons Inc. (THI): Canadians love it - can Americans?]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/09/17/tim-hortons-inc-thi-canadians-love-it-can-americans/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/09/17/tim-hortons-inc-thi-canadians-love-it-can-americans/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/09/17/tim-hortons-inc-thi-canadians-love-it-can-americans/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/mcd/" rel="tag">McDonald's (MCD)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/hilary-on-stocks/" rel="tag">Hilary On Stocks</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/canada/" rel="tag">Canada</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/09/hilary.jpg" />I recently blogged about how I love Darden Restaurants, a company with strong fundamentals and very popular, casual dining chains like Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Even when people are getting squeezed by higher gas prices, the drop in the market, and rising interest rates, they still will treat themselves to a meal out at their favorite, fairly affordable restaurant. What about other casual dining chains? <br /><br />I'm a little bit less bullish on <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys">Tim Hortons</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys">THI</a>), even though Tim Hortons has a solid breakfast business (its mainstays are coffee and baked goods, with additional soups and sandwich offerings), and like Darden, has fairly strong fundamentals. While breakfast chains tend to suffer less when wallets are pinched, I think its presence in the U.S. is not strong enough to give it real legs in the U.S. marketplace, and this will hurt it as the economy staggers. <br /><br />THI is a huge success in Canada, where is originated. There, it now dominates the fast food space -- with a staggering 24% market share -- and more restaurants than even McDonald's. In 2007, it plans to open 120-140 more restaurants. It captures repeat guests, and has made a solid brand for itself by serving quality, fresh food and great coffee. Its stock has benefited from the growing strength of the Canadian dollar of late, and it has excellent cash flow.<p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/09/17/tim-hortons-inc-thi-canadians-love-it-can-americans/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Tim Hortons Inc. (THI): Canadians love it - can Americans?</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/09/17/tim-hortons-inc-thi-canadians-love-it-can-americans/">Tim Hortons Inc. (THI): Canadians love it - can Americans?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/09/17/tim-hortons-inc-thi-canadians-love-it-can-americans/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/991091/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/09/17/tim-hortons-inc-thi-canadians-love-it-can-americans/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Canada</category><category>Hilary on Stocks</category><category>HilaryOnStocks</category><category>MCD</category><category>THI</category><category>tim hortons</category><category>TimHortons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Hilary Kramer]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyst downgrades: AN, COT, HOV and TOL]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/21/analyst-downgrades-an-cot-hov-and-tol/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/21/analyst-downgrades-an-cot-hov-and-tol/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/21/analyst-downgrades-an-cot-hov-and-tol/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/before-the-bell/" rel="tag">Before the Bell</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-reports/" rel="tag">Analyst Reports</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-upgrades-and-downgrades/" rel="tag">Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/bad-news/" rel="tag">Bad News</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/an/" rel="tag">AutoNation Inc (AN)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/tol/" rel="tag">Toll Brothers (TOL)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/stocks-to-sell/" rel="tag">Stocks to Sell</a></p><strong><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-axle-and-manufacturing-holdings-inc/axl/nys?tabs=quotesandnews"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/08/aol-fly-logo.gif"  alt="" /></a>MOST NOTEWORTHY: </strong>Toll Brothers (TOL), COTT Corp (COT), Tim Hortons (THI) and Linktone (LTON) were today's noteworthy downgrades: <br />
<ul>
    <li>Banc of America downgraded shares of <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/toll-brothers-inc/tol/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">Toll Brothers</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/toll-brothers-inc/tol/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">TOL</a>) to Sell from Neutral, citing expected deterioration in luxury sales due to mortgage distress in the marketplace. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/cott-corporation/cot/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">COTT Corp</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/cott-corporation/cot/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">COT</a>) was cut to Hold from Buy at Stifel, citing the difficult macro environment and continued profit declines. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">Tim Hortons</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">THI</a>) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Goldman, citing valuation, and notes that fundamentals remain favorable. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Montgomery cut <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/linktone-ltd-american-depository-shares/lton/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">Linktone </a>(NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/linktone-ltd-american-depository-shares/lton/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">LTON</a>) to Hold from Buy, citing the sudden decline in its wireless VAS revenues following Q2 results... </li>
</ul>
<strong>OTHER DOWNGRADES:</strong> <br />
<ul>
    <li>Banc of America downgraded <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/hovnanian-enterprises-inc-cl-a/hov/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">Hovnanian </a>(NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/hovnanian-enterprises-inc-cl-a/hov/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">HOV</a>) and <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/standard-pac-corp-new/spf/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">Standard Pacific</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/standard-pac-corp-new/spf/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">SPF</a>) to Neutral from Buy. <br /></li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Merrill Lynch cut <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/autonation-inc/an/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">AutoNation</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/autonation-inc/an/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">AN</a>) and <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-axle-and-manufacturing-holdings-inc/axl/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">American Axle</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-axle-and-manufacturing-holdings-inc/axl/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">AXL</a>) to Sell from Neutral.</li>
</ul>
<em>Analyst summaries provided by <a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com/splashPage.php?source=AOL">TheFlyOnTheWall.com</a> (subscription required).</em><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/21/analyst-downgrades-an-cot-hov-and-tol/">Analyst downgrades: AN, COT, HOV and TOL</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:33:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/21/analyst-downgrades-an-cot-hov-and-tol/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/970269/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/21/analyst-downgrades-an-cot-hov-and-tol/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>american axle</category><category>AmericanAxle</category><category>an</category><category>analyst</category><category>autonation</category><category>axl</category><category>cot</category><category>cott</category><category>downgrade</category><category>hov</category><category>hovnanian</category><category>linktone</category><category>lton</category><category>rating</category><category>spf</category><category>standard pacific</category><category>StandardPacific</category><category>thi</category><category>tim hortons</category><category>TimHortons</category><category>tol</category><category>toll</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Kevin Shult]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyst upgrades 6-14-07: EXPE, KSS, ORCL, SHOO and THI]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/14/analyst-upgrades-6-14-07-expe-kss-orcl-shoo-and-thi/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/14/analyst-upgrades-6-14-07-expe-kss-orcl-shoo-and-thi/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/14/analyst-upgrades-6-14-07-expe-kss-orcl-shoo-and-thi/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/before-the-bell/" rel="tag">Before the Bell</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-upgrades-and-downgrades/" rel="tag">Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/good-news/" rel="tag">Good news</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/expe/" rel="tag">Expedia Inc (EXPE)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/orcl/" rel="tag">Oracle Corp (ORCL)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/kss/" rel="tag">Kohl's Corp (KSS)</a></p><strong><a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com/splashPage.php?source=AOL"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/06/aol-fly-logo.gif"  alt="" /></a>MOST NOTEWORTHY: </strong>Steven Madden, Ltd (SHOO), Expedia, Inc (EXPE), Oracle Corp (ORCL) and Tim Horton's Inc (THI) round up today's noteworthy upgrade list: <br />
<ul>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/madden-steven-ltd/shoo/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">Steve Madden, Ltd</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/madden-steven-ltd/shoo/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">SHOO</a>) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Nollenberger as they believe Madden is well positioned going into the back half of 2007 with clean inventories and focused products. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Matrix believes increasing marketing efforts and European growth are contributing to significant improvement in fundamental trends for <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/expedia-inc-del/expe/nas">Expedia Inc </a>(NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/expedia-inc-del/expe/nas">EXPE</a>), and upgraded shares to Hold from Sell. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Pacific Crest upgraded shares of <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/oracle-corporation/orcl/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">Oracle Corp</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/oracle-corporation/orcl/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">ORCL</a>) to Outperform from Sector Perform to reflect improved channel checks and the probability of continued success. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>CIBC upgraded <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">Tim Horton's </a>(NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">THI</a>) to Sector Outperformer from Sector Performer based on valuation... </li>
</ul>
<strong>OTHER UPGRADES: </strong><br />
<ul>
    <li>Banc of America upgraded <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/intersil-corporation-cl-a/isil/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">Intersil Corp</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/intersil-corporation-cl-a/isil/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">ISIL</a>) to Buy from Neutral. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Bear Stearns upgraded <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/illumina-inc/ilmn/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">Illumina, Inc</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/illumina-inc/ilmn/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">ILMN</a>) to Outperform from Peer Perform. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Buckingham raised <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/kohl-s-corporation/kss/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">Kohl's Corp</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/kohl-s-corporation/kss/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">KSS</a>) to Strong Buy from Neutral. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Matrix USA raised <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/titanium-metals-corporation/tie/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">Titanium Metals Corp</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/titanium-metals-corporation/tie/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">TIE</a>) to Buy from Hold. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Merrill Lynch upgraded <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/kulicke-and-soffa-industries-inc/klic/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">Kulicke and Soffa Industries Inc </a>(NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/kulicke-and-soffa-industries-inc/klic/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">KLIC</a>) to Buy from Neutral.</li>
</ul>
<em>Analyst summaries provided by <a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com/splashPage.php?source=AOL">TheFlyOnTheWall.com</a> (subscription required).</em><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/14/analyst-upgrades-6-14-07-expe-kss-orcl-shoo-and-thi/">Analyst upgrades 6-14-07: EXPE, KSS, ORCL, SHOO and THI</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:37:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/14/analyst-upgrades-6-14-07-expe-kss-orcl-shoo-and-thi/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/918100/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/14/analyst-upgrades-6-14-07-expe-kss-orcl-shoo-and-thi/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>analyst</category><category>expe</category><category>expedia</category><category>illumina</category><category>ilmn</category><category>intersil</category><category>isil</category><category>klic</category><category>kohl</category><category>kss</category><category>kulicke</category><category>oracle</category><category>orcl</category><category>rating</category><category>shoo</category><category>steve madden</category><category>SteveMadden</category><category>theflyonthewall.com</category><category>thi</category><category>tie</category><category>tim horton</category><category>TimHorton</category><category>titanium</category><category>upgrade</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Kevin Shult]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:37:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyst initiations 3-14-07: Time Warner Cable &amp; Tim Hortons initiated today]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/14/analyst-initiations-3-14-07-time-warner-cable-and-tim-hortons-ini/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/14/analyst-initiations-3-14-07-time-warner-cable-and-tim-hortons-ini/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/14/analyst-initiations-3-14-07-time-warner-cable-and-tim-hortons-ini/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/before-the-bell/" rel="tag">Before the Bell</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-initiations/" rel="tag">Analyst Initiations</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/twc/" rel="tag">Time Warner Cable (TWC)</a></p><strong><a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com/splashPage.php?source=AOL"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/03/aol-fly-logo.gif"  alt="" /></a>MOST NOTEWORTHY:</strong> Time Warner Cable (TWC) and Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals (MIPI) were today's more notable initiations: <br />
<ul>
    <li><strong>Time Warner Cable</strong> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/time-warner-cable-a/twc/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">TWC</a>) was initiated at Bernstein with an Outperform rating and $46 target, citing a compelling diversification alternative for cable/CMCS investors. Goldman started Time Warner Cable with a Neutral rating and $44 target. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><strong>Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals Inc</strong> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/molecular-insight-pharmaceuticals-inc/mipi/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">MIPI</a>) was initiated at RBC with an Outperform rating and $18 target.  RBC said Molecular Insight is a leader in developing and commercializing superior radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment and management of life-threatening diseases. Jefferies initiated shares of Molecular Insight with a Buy rating and $20 target, saying Zemiva has blockbuster potential. </li>
</ul>
<strong>OTHER INITIATIONS: </strong><br />
<ul>
    <li>UBS started <strong>Amedisys, Inc </strong>(NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/amedisys-inc/amed/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">AMED</a>) with aBuy rating and $39 target. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Goldman Sachs initiated <strong>TransCanada</strong> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/transcanada-corporation/trp/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">TRP</a>) with a Buy rating. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Credit Suisse initiated<strong> Tim Hortons Inc</strong> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">THI</a>) with an Outperform rating. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li>Pacific Growth initiated <strong>Ormat Technologies, Inc</strong> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/ormat-technologies-inc/ora/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">ORA</a>) with a Buy rating.</li>
</ul>
<em>Analyst summaries provided by <a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com/splashPage.php?source=AOL">TheFlyOnTheWall.com </a>(subscription required).</em><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/14/analyst-initiations-3-14-07-time-warner-cable-and-tim-hortons-ini/">Analyst initiations 3-14-07: Time Warner Cable &amp; Tim Hortons initiated today</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:31:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/14/analyst-initiations-3-14-07-time-warner-cable-and-tim-hortons-ini/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/852523/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/14/analyst-initiations-3-14-07-time-warner-cable-and-tim-hortons-ini/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>amed</category><category>amedisys</category><category>analyst</category><category>initiations</category><category>mipi</category><category>molecular insight</category><category>MolecularInsight</category><category>ora</category><category>ormat</category><category>rating</category><category>theflyonthewall.com</category><category>thi</category><category>tim hortons</category><category>time warner cable</category><category>TimeWarnerCable</category><category>TimHortons</category><category>transcanada</category><category>trp</category><category>twc</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Kevin Shult]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:31:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forget about Starbucks, Canadians love Tim Hortons]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/05/forget-about-starbucks-canadians-love-tim-hortons/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/05/forget-about-starbucks-canadians-love-tim-hortons/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/05/forget-about-starbucks-canadians-love-tim-hortons/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/after-the-bell/" rel="tag">After the Bell</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/good-news/" rel="tag">Good news</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/products-and-services/" rel="tag">Products and Services</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/sbux/" rel="tag">Starbucks (SBUX)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/wen/" rel="tag">Wendy's Intl (WEN)</a></p>Tim Hortons Inc. (NYSE:THI), the Canadian coffee-and-doughnut chain, had an unbelievable day. THI shares, which debuted only in March 2006, closed the day up 6.82%, or $2.00, to $31.31. 52-week range (since the IPO): $23.79-$33.00. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.timhortons.com/en/index.html">Tim Hortons</a> <span class="ccbnTxt">opened its first restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario in 1964 and currently</span> has 2,637 restaurants in Canada and 305 in the U.S. In 1995 it merged with <span class="ccbnTxt">Wendy's International Inc. (NYSE:WEN) but was </span><span class="ccbnTxt">fully spun off as a separate company in September 29, 2006.</span> <br /><br />Today, the company <a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=195616&amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;ID=947060&amp;highlight=">said</a> that same-store sales grew 10.9-11% percent in Canada and 9.5% in the U.S. in December. For the fourth quarter, same-store sales grew 9.3% in Canada and 8.3% in the U.S. For the full year, Canadian store sales were up 7.5% in Canada and 8.9% in the United States.<br /><br />If you've ever been to Canada, I'm sure you've come across a Tim Hortons. You can't have missed these coffee shops; they're all around the country. Like <a href="http://canadiantire.ca/welcome.jsp">Canadian Tire</a>, Tim Hortons truly has become a Canadian cultural icon as its seems the northeners' taste buds differ a bit from their neighbors to the south. In fact, I can walk ten minutes from my house and find two Timmy's, but to get to a Starbucks, I'd have to try harder. And quite frankly I do prefer Tim Hortons' coffee to Starbucks Corp.'s (NASDAQ:SBUX) coffee. It's no wonder Tim Hortons holds 62% of the Canadian coffee market.<br /><br />Like other coffee chains, Tim Hortons is expanding its menu and during the quarter, the company introduced a breakfast sandwich in Canada and promoted its chili and garlic toast in the U.S. and Canada. Personally, I was never a big fan of their food, but I know I'm the exception in this matter.<br /><br />Ask a Canadian and he'll tell you -- Timmy's rocks!<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/05/forget-about-starbucks-canadians-love-tim-hortons/">Forget about Starbucks, Canadians love Tim Hortons</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 20:47:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/05/forget-about-starbucks-canadians-love-tim-hortons/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/730161/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/05/forget-about-starbucks-canadians-love-tim-hortons/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>canada</category><category>mcd</category><category>sbux</category><category>starbucks</category><category>thi</category><category>tim hortons</category><category>TimHortons</category><category>wendy's</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Melly Alazraki]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jan 2007 20:47:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyst upgrades 10-27-06: DreamWorks, Boeing and Tim Hortons all Buys]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/10/27/analyst-upgrades-10-27-06-dreamworks-boeing-and-tim-hortons-al/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/10/27/analyst-upgrades-10-27-06-dreamworks-boeing-and-tim-hortons-al/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/10/27/analyst-upgrades-10-27-06-dreamworks-boeing-and-tim-hortons-al/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/analyst-upgrades-and-downgrades/" rel="tag">Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/ba/" rel="tag">Boeing Co (BA)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/schw/" rel="tag">Charles Schwab Corp (SCHW)</a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2006/10/flywall_final_logo_mini.gif" alt="" id="vimage_1" /></a>MOST NOTEWORTHY:</strong> Dreamworks Animation (DWA), Boeing (BA), and Tim Hortons (THI) top today's short list of upgrades. </p>
<ul>
    <li><strong>DreamWorks Animation, Inc.</strong> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/dreamworks-animation-skg-inc-cl-a/dwa/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">DWA</a>) was upgraded by Merrill Lynch to Buy from Neutral. The firm believes shares are positioned to outperform given the stronger slate of releases, including Shrek 3, and the removal of the secondary overhang. </li>
    <li><strong>Boeing Co.</strong> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/the-boeing-company/ba/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">BA</a>) was upgraded by Matrix USA to Strong Buy from Hold, citing fundamentals and valuation. </li>
    <li>Goldman Sachs added <strong>Tim Hortons, Inc.</strong> (NYSE:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tim-hortons-inc/thi/nys?tabs=quotesandnews">THI</a>) to their Americas Conviction Buy List. Following the completion of Wendy's spin-off, Goldman believes continued earnings power, strong SSS and buybacks can drive shares to their $34 target. </li>
</ul>
<p><strong>OTHER UPGRADES:</strong> </p>
<ul>
    <li><strong>@Road, Inc.</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/road-incorporated/ardi/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">ARDI</a>) was upgraded to Strong Buy from Buy at First Albany based on the company's strong backlog and positive cash flows. </li>
    <li>Prudential upgraded <strong>Charles Schwab Corp.</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/charles-schwab-corporation-the/schw/nas?tabs=quotesandnews">SCHW</a>) to Overweight from Neutral as the firm prefers wholesale capital markets and sees Schwab as a pure-play retail capital market beneficiary. </li>
</ul>
<p><em>Analyst summaries provided by </em><a href="http://www.theflyonthewall.com/"><em>TheFlyOnTheWall.com</em></a><em> (subscription required).</em></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/10/27/analyst-upgrades-10-27-06-dreamworks-boeing-and-tim-hortons-al/">Analyst upgrades 10-27-06: DreamWorks, Boeing and Tim Hortons all Buys</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Fri, 27 Oct 2006 11:41:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/10/27/analyst-upgrades-10-27-06-dreamworks-boeing-and-tim-hortons-al/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/691950/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/10/27/analyst-upgrades-10-27-06-dreamworks-boeing-and-tim-hortons-al/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>ba</category><category>Boeing</category><category>Dreamworks Animation</category><category>DreamworksAnimation</category><category>dwa</category><category>thi</category><category>Tim Hortons</category><category>TimHortons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Melly Alazraki]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2006 11:41:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
