MOST NOTEWORTHY: Bear Stearns (BSC), Citigroup (C), Lehman (LEH), Chicago Bridge & Iron (CBI) and Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) were today's noteworthy downgrades:
- Merrill downgraded Bear Stearns (NYSE: BSC), Citigroup (NYSE: C) and Lehman Brothers (NYSE: LEH) to Neutral from Buy to reflect greater earnings risk stemming from the slowdown in securitization and mortgage. Merrill also finds it "inevitable" that revenue from underwriting and advising on takeovers will slow.
- Stanford downgraded shares of Chicago Bridge & Iron (NYSE: CBI) to Sell from Hold as they believe the premium valuation is unjustified given the Lummus acquisition.
- Merrill Lynch cut Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ: BBBY) to Sell from Neutral based on slowing secular growth...
OTHER DOWNGRADES:
- Goldman downgraded Zale (NYSE: ZLC) to Sell from Neutral.
Analyst summaries provided by TheFlyOnTheWall.com (subscription required).