Analyst Upgrades

• Chesapeake (CHK) to buy from hold at Canaccord.
• Biogen (BIIB) and Regeneron (REGN) to outperform from sector perform at RBC Capital.
• Caribou Coffee (CBOU) to outperform from neutral and Encore Energy (ENP) to neutral from underperform at RW Baird.
• Fluor (FLR) to market perform from underperform at BMO Capital.
• Hornbeck Offshore (HOS) to conviction buy from neutral at Goldman.
• Saks (SKS) and Zale (ZLC) to neutral from underperform at BofA/Merrill.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: BIIIB, CBOU, CELG, CHK, CIEN, HOS, LULU, RHT, SKS, ZLC ...

Analyst Calls: BIIIB, CBOU, CELG, CHK, CIEN, HOS, LULU, RHT, SKS, ZLC ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Our recommendations for the Buyback Premium Portfolio center on a collection of five stocks that we believe, as a group, will outperform the market this month.

The Buyback Premium Portfolio has beat the S&P 500 by more than 72% since its inception (August 2, 2000)! It is up 54.87% since inception vs. a decline of 17.90% in the S&P 500. For the month of November, the portfolio gained 3.41% vs. a decline of 0.23% in the S&P 500.

Continue reading David Fried's Buyback Premium Portfolio: Mid-Month Update

David Fried's Buyback Premium Portfolio: Mid-Month Update originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Goldman upgraded Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to buy from neutral.
• Credit Suisse upgraded Pulte Group (PHM) to neutral from underperform. Note that Citigroup downgraded the stock.
• Ameristar Casinos (ASCA) was upgraded to neutral from sell at Merriman.
• Citigroup upgraded Kimco Realty (KIM) to hold from sell.
• Mistras (MG) was upgraded to buy from hold at KeyBanc.
• Devon Energy (DVN) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Macquarie.
• Garmin (GRMN) was upgraded to outperform from sector perform at PacCrest.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AAPL, AMGN, BIIB, BSX, CHK, DVN, EOG, GRMN, PHM, WPO ...

Analyst Calls: AAPL, AMGN, BIIB, BSX, CHK, DVN, EOG, GRMN, PHM, WPO ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: QE2 Giveth and Taketh Away (BIIB, BAC, BRCM, PGI, REE, BWLD)

Closing Bell: QE2 Giveth and Taketh Away (BIIB, BAC, BRCM, PGI, REE, BWLD) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Deutsche Bank upgraded Smurfit-Stone (SSCC) to buy from hold after raising its estimates for containerboard names and upped its target for shares to $28 from $22. The firm also raised its price target for International Paper (IP) to $38 from $32, for Packaging Corp. (PKG) to $33 from $28, for Temple-Inland (TIN) to $31 from $28, for Greif (GEF) to $67 from $65, and for Rock-Tenn (RKT) to $70 from $65. All stocks are buy rated.
• ThinkEquity upgraded VMware (VMW) to buy from hold and has a $90 price target on the stock. The firm expects VMware to benefit from increased virtual infrastructure adoption and improving vSphere solutions.
• Needham upgraded Cavium Networks (CAVM) to strong buy from buy, citing the recent pullback in shares following Cisco's (CSCO) cautious commentary. The firm has a $37 target on the stock.
• Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Credit Suisse.
• MedAssets (MDAS) was upgraded to buy from hold at Auriga.
• Brookfield Properties (BPO) was upgraded to buy from hold at Citigroup.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AMGN, CAVM, COCO, GENZ, GILD, ICE, PWRD, SSCC, VMW ...

Analyst Calls: AMGN, CAVM, COCO, GENZ, GILD, ICE, PWRD, SSCC, VMW ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Biogen Idec (BIIB) improved its bullish prospects today as it announced earnings of $1.31 per share -- well above the Wall Street consensus estimate of $1.12 -- and raised its 2010 earnings outlook.

Total revenue for last quarter -- thanks in large part to better-than-expected sales of Biogen's multiple sclerosis drug Avonex -- came in at $1.2 billion, up 11% year over year.

Perhaps most exciting, however, was Biogen's announcement that it is raising its guidance for 2010 earnings to $4.70 per share, up from the current consensus of $4.57.

Continue reading Biogen Idec Looks Bullish on Earnings Guidance

Biogen Idec Looks Bullish on Earnings Guidance originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It appears that U.S.-based drug makers and cigarette companies caught the attention of traders Tuesday -- at least, that's what they're searching for.

If you want to know what stocks traders are interested in right now at this very second, you need look no further than what's hot in Google.

Here's what's hot Friday:

Continue reading Allergan, BJ's Wholesale and Others Heating Up in Google

Allergan, BJ's Wholesale and Others Heating Up in Google originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Biogen Multiple Sclerosis Drug Loses Out in Study

Biogen Multiple Sclerosis Drug Loses Out in Study originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Scotia Capital upgraded Apple (AAPL) to outperform from sector perform, citing valuation, potential increased iPhone distribution and iPad upside. The firm's two-year price target is $325.
• UBS upgraded Parker-Hannifin (PH) to neutral from sell following the company's better-than-expected Q3 report.
• Piper Jaffray upgraded Arkansas Best (ABFS) to neutral from underweight after the Teamsters union announced a tentative agreement with the company. The firm has a $33 price target for shares.
• Harley-Davidson (HOG) was upgraded to market perform from underperform at Raymond James.
• Allegheny Tech (ATI) was upgraded to buy from hold at KeyBanc.
• Manhattan Associates (MANH) was upgraded to buy from hold at Benchmark.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AAPL, ABFS, BIIB, EXC, HOG, PH, RIG, UTH, VITC ...

Analyst Calls: AAPL, ABFS, BIIB, EXC, HOG, PH, RIG, UTH, VITC ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Abbott Labs to Acquire Facet Biotech

Abbott Labs to Acquire Facet Biotech originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• UBS upgraded Yum! Brands (YUM) to buy from neutral, citing valuation, improving momentum and stabilizing China fast-food sales. The firm raised its target to $44 from $38.
• United Technologies (UTX) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Cowen.
• Needham upgraded Arris (ARRS) to buy from hold, citing valuation and positive near-term business trends. The firm has a $16 price target on shares.
• Warnaco (WRC) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Credit Suisse.
• Aetna (AET) was upgraded to neutral from underperform at BofA/Merrill.
• Nestle (NSRGY) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at JPMorgan.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AET, ARRS, BIIB, CMA, CP, ENER, FSLR, UTX, YUM ...

Analyst Calls: AET, ARRS, BIIB, CMA, CP, ENER, FSLR, UTX, YUM ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage on BloggingStocks:

• Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) received an analyst's upgrade ahead of next week's Q4 earnings report.
• Acer Inc. reported its highest quarterly earnings in almost three years due in part to growth in shipments.
• Baidu Inc. (BIDU) swung to a better-than-expected Q4 profit, with strong revenue growth, and offered rosy guidance.
• Biogen Idec Inc. (BIIB) offered an upside surprise as well as full-year earnings above Wall Street estimates.
• Coinstar Inc. (CSTR) strong quarterly results and guidance, as well as litigation concerns, failed to inspire Wall Street.
• Coca-Cola Co. (KO) posted strong Q4 and full-year earnings results due to growth in emerging markets.

Continue reading Earnings Highlights: Acer, Baidu, Coca-Cola, Disney, Hasbro, Sprint ...

Earnings Highlights: Acer, Baidu, Coca-Cola, Disney, Hasbro, Sprint ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Post Earnings, Biogen Idec (BIIB) Sees Unusual Options Activity

Post Earnings, Biogen Idec (BIIB) Sees Unusual Options Activity originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: The Awful Day That Wasn't So Awful (ARG, APD, JPM, CSCO, N, BIDU, BIIB)

Closing Bell: The Awful Day That Wasn't So Awful (ARG, APD, JPM, CSCO, N, BIDU, BIIB) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Baird upgraded United Parcel Service (UPS) to outperform from neutral based on operating leverage, improving industry pricing and exposure to a cyclical recovery. The firm raised its target to $70 from $61.
• JMP Securities upgraded Qualcomm (QCOM) following positive wireless industry checks. The firm, which has a $60 target on the stock, believes Qualcomm is the best positioned wireless company to enable 3G deployments and the early ramp of 4G technology.
• Credit Suisse has taken a more positive stance on the potash sector given the settlement of the Chinese contracts and improving near-term fundamentals. The firm upgraded Potash (POT) to outperform from neutral and raised its price target to $135 from $119. Credit Suisse also raised Intrepid Potash (IPI) to neutral from underperform and raised its price target to $30 from $28.
• Avery Dennison (AVY) was raised to outperform from neutral at Baird.
• Biogen Idec (BIIB) was upgraded at BofA/Merrill to neutral from underperform.
• RadioShack (RSH) was upgraded to conviction buy from neutral at Goldman.

Continue reading Analyst Upgrades, Downgrades and Initiations: DELL, NSRGY, POT, QCOM, RIMM, UPS, V ...

Analyst Upgrades, Downgrades and Initiations: DELL, NSRGY, POT, QCOM, RIMM, UPS, V ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Decoupling of inverse dollar and stock relationship (POT, CHTT, ETFC, ATHX, V, BIIB)

Closing Bell: Decoupling of inverse dollar and stock relationship (POT, CHTT, ETFC, ATHX, V, BIIB) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Biogen Idec names new chairman, announces positive drug test results

Biogen Idec names new chairman, announces positive drug test results originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst upgrades:

• Jefferies upgraded Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) to Buy from Hold based on valuation. The firm, which has a $50 target on the stock, believes Tysabri PML cases are reflected in shares.
• Deutsche Bank upgraded Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) to Buy from Hold as it finds the valuation attractive and believes the company's sales are benefiting from stabilization in California and share gains. Deutsche raised its target on shares to $45 from $36.
• RBC Capital upgraded Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) to Outperform from Sector Perform and raised its target to $39 from $36 citing valuation and views it as a low risk option on a global economic recovery.
• Credit Suisse (NYSE: CS) was upgraded to Buy from Hold at Citigroup.
• Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL) was upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at Wells Fargo.
• Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU) was upgraded to Hold from Sell at RBS.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: CMCSA, CS, JWN, RCL, RIMM, YUM ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: CMCSA, CS, JWN, RCL, RIMM, YUM ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Losing the DJIA 10K (AMZN, BIIB, BRCM, COF, DOLE, MSFT, SPWRA)

Closing Bell: Losing the DJIA 10K (AMZN, BIIB, BRCM, COF, DOLE, MSFT, SPWRA) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst upgrades:

• FBR Capital upgraded M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) to Market Perform from Underperform following the Q3 results to reflect the company's improved earnings outlook and better credit trends. The firm has a $70 price target on shares.
• Kaufman Bros. upgraded Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK) to Buy from Hold as it believes a bottom has been reached in the manufacturing and construction industries. The firm raised its target on shares to $30 from $26.
• Goldman upgraded Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) to Neutral from Sell and raised its target to $64 from $48 citing improved cost controls and construction outlook.
• Pentair (NYSE: PNR) was upgraded to Buy from Hold at KeyBanc.
• Lexmark (NYSE: LXK) was upgraded to Neutral from Underweight at JPMorgan.
• Stryker (NYSE: SYK) was upgraded to Neutral from Underperform at BofA/Merrill.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: BCS, CAT, LMT, MTB, NVS, WSM ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: BCS, CAT, LMT, MTB, NVS, WSM ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.