Stock Analysts’ ratings reiterations for Tuesday, March 5th:
Agrium (NYSE: AGU) had its sector perform rating reissued by analysts at Scotiabank. They currently have a $120.00 target price on the stock.
Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE: AX.UN) had its sector outperform rating reiterated by analysts at CIBC.
Celanese (NYSE: CE) had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank currently has a $55.00 price target on the stock.
Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM) had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Deutsche Bank. They currently have a $230.00 target price on the stock.
America’s Car-Mart (NASDAQ: CRMT) had its market perform rating reaffirmed by analysts at JMP Securities.
EcoSynthetix (TSE: ECO) had its sector outperform rating reissued by analysts at CIBC. The firm currently has a $6.00 price target on the stock.
Great Canadian Gaming (TSE: GC) had its sector perform rating reissued by analysts at RBC Capital. RBC Capital currently has a $10.00 target price on the stock.
HSBC (NYSE: HBC) had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at Zacks. The firm currently has a $57.00 target price on the stock. Zacks’ analyst wrote, “HSBC’s full year 2012 net profit was about 17% down from 2011 primarily due to negative swing in the fair value of its own debt as credit spreads tightened and tax rate was higher. Further, the results were adversely impacted by loss in the Other segment. Nevertheless, all other divisions performed well. Core results were affected by higher operating expenses, partially offset by improved top line. After analyzing the results, we maintain our long term Neutral recommendation on the stock.”
Humana (NYSE: HUM) had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at Zacks. They currently have a $70.00 target price on the stock. Zacks’ analyst wrote, “Humana’s fourth quarter earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate but lagged the year-ago results due to lower income in most segments. Moreover, operating cash flow declined due to lower net income. However, both premium and service revenues and investment income improved. Higher membership and lower operating cost ratio were the other positives. In the long term, strategic acquisitions and alliances are enhancing membership, earnings and Medicare coverage. Strong financials and sturdy ratings also boost optimism. However, Humana’s dependence on Medicare Advantage plans, rising expenses, adverse impact of healthcare reform and high competition raise concerns. Overall, we believe the company needs to follow prudent expense management and focus on growth through acquisitions and diversifying its earning sources to attract long-term investors. We maintain a Neutral recommendation on Humana.”
Major Drilling Group Int'l (TSE: MDI) had its sector outperform rating reissued by analysts at CIBC.
Morguard Real Estate Inv. (TSE: MRT.UN) had its sector perform rating reiterated by analysts at CIBC. CIBC currently has a $19.75 price target on the stock.
Pernod Ricard SA (EPA: RI) had its sell rating reiterated by analysts at Canaccord Genuity. They currently have a $93.51 target price on the stock.
Transocean (NYSE: RIG) had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at FBR Capital. The firm currently has a $60.00 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $68.00.
Rigel Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: RIGL) had its overweight rating reiterated by analysts at JPMorgan Chase. The analysts wrote, “Our recommendation is primarily based on the potential for RIGL’s lead asset, fostamatinib, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA represents a huge worldwide annual market of ~$13B and growing, and we believe fostamatinib could emerge as a meaningful player in this space. We believe that Phase 2b TASKi2 data, as well as RIGL’s partnership with AstraZeneca, provide important validation for the drug and are optimistic that the Phase 3 OSKIRA program will be successful (Phase 3 readout is expected in 1H13). In addition, we believe that RIGL is well positioned financially with a healthy balance sheet (as well as a partner that is paying for fostamatinib’s Phase 3 program) and that the company’s early-stage pipeline represents close to a free call option at current valuation.”
Rio Tinto (LON: RIO) had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at UBS AG. They currently have a $67.50 price target on the stock.
Rio Tinto (LON: RIO) had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at RBC Capital. RBC Capital currently has a $57.13 price target on the stock.
Ross Stores (NASDAQ: ROST) had its hold rating reaffirmed by analysts at Jefferies Group. Jefferies Group currently has a $55.00 price target on the stock.
Repros Therapeutics (NASDAQ: RPRX) had its buy rating reiterated by analysts at Roth Capital.
Range Resources (NYSE: RRC) had its outperform rating reissued by analysts at Credit Suisse. They currently have a $91.00 price target on the stock.
RR Donnelley & Sons (NASDAQ: RRD) had its overweight rating reissued by analysts at Barclays Capital. The firm currently has a $14.00 target price on the stock.
RWE AG (FRA: RWE) had its sector perform rating reaffirmed by analysts at RBC Capital. The firm currently has a $38.96 target price on the stock.
Banco de Sabadell SA (MCE: SAB) had its neutral rating reiterated by analysts at Interdin Bolsa. The firm currently has a $2.29 target price on the stock.
Sanofi SA (EPA: SAN) had its outperform rating reiterated by analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein. The firm currently has a $98.70 target price on the stock.
Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) had its neutral rating reiterated by analysts at Zacks. The firm currently has a $58.00 price target on the stock. Zacks’ analyst wrote, “Starbucks’ fiscal-first quarter 2013 earnings of $0.57 per share were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Earnings increased 14% in the quarter, in line with management’s expectations as top-line growth of 11% and lower taxes made up for the unusual cost pressures in the quarter. Solid comps, strong holiday performance in the U.S, significant innovation, further expansion in China and Asia Pacific and continued momentum in the Channel Development segment drove the top-line growth. Overall, we are encouraged by Starbucks’ strong market standing, new product launches, rapid growth in China, the flourishing CPG business as well as the solid turnaround in its U.S. business. We believe that the company has compelling growth drivers like La Boulange, Verismo, Teavana and K-Cups to sustain earnings momentum in the next few quarters. However, poor sales in Europe due to the depressed macroeconomic conditions keep us on the sidelines. We therefore have a Neutral rating on the stock. “
Schroders plc (LON: SDR) had its hold rating reiterated by analysts at Societe Generale. Societe Generale currently has a $27.81 target price on the stock.
Get Analysts' Upgrades and Downgrades via Email - Stay on top of analysts' coverage with Analyst Ratings Network's FREE daily email newsletter that provides a concise list of analysts' upgrades and downgrades. Click here to register now.
