Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Prime Iowa, Minnesota Corn Country Faces Drought

Prime corn-growing regions of Iowa and Minnesota are facing challenges similar to the last major drought in the region in 1988, causing some growing concern in a year starting with tight corn supply.

Some of the more productive parts of northwest Iowa and southern Minnesota are under pressure, and there's little relief seen to be coming at this time.

While the weather this year is in fact very similar to 1988, the one difference is it is happening earlier than that disastrous year, and so has more time to rebound if wetter weather arrives.

Of course if that doesn't happen, there will be some production and supply problems emerging from the area. If it continues, expectations are parts of eastern Nebraska could be affected as well, and it could spread from there; although that is more the worst case scenario.

In 1988, on average, the drought resulted in about 25 percent less yields for corn.

One major change in corn farming since than has been more drought-resistant corn seed, which should help alleviate some of the effects of dry weather.

That would make it better than 1988, but it would still have a major impact if the weather patterns don't change.

You can see on the map how conditons look at this time.

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Crunched on Earnings Miss

Shares of Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM) got hammered Tuesday, dropping over 4 percent (including after hours trading), as higher corn prices weighed on the company's performance in the last quarter.

Other notable factors having a significant impact were miniscule margins for oilseed processing, as well as the changing global supply market for grains.

For the latest quarter, net income plummeted to $80 million, or 12 cents a share, a dramatic fall of 89 percent from last year in the same quarter, where the company generated a net income of $732 million, or $1.14 a share.

Taking into account one-off events, earnings came in at 51 cents a share, down by 58 percent over last year.

Profits for its agricultural services business were under heavy pressure for the quarter, dropping 63 percent, with the company citing “poor international merchandising results and lower US export volumes.” That particular unit acquires grain from exporters and sells it to importers.

Recognizing the ongoing challenges, early in January 2012, Archers Daniels Midland said it's going to lay off 1,000 workers.

ADM closed Tuesday at $28.63, falling $1.08, or 3.64 percent.

NuStar (NS) (AEP) (SN) (ARG) (NSC) (SOA) Ratings, Price Targets

NuStar Energy L.P. (NYSE: NS), American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), Sanchez Energy (NYSE: SN), Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE: NSC) and Solutia Inc. (NYSE: SOA) ratings and price targets.

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its “Buy” rating on American Electric Power (AEP).

Jefferies Group reiterated its “Buy” rating on Airgas, Inc. (ARG).

Capital One initiated coverage on Sanchez Energy (SN). They placed an “Add” rating on the company.

NuStar Energy L.P. (NS) was downgraded by Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC) was downgraded by Atlantic Equities from an “Overweight” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Solutia Inc. (SOA) was downgraded by Macquarie to a “Neutral” rating.

Costco (COST) (CPSI) (DISH) (SNCR) (SOA) (MCHX) (MS) Ratings, Price Targets

Costco (NASDAQ: COST), Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CPSI), DISH (NASDAQ: DISH), Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCR), Solutia Inc. (NYSE: SOA), Marchex, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHX) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) ratings and price targets.

Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) reiterated its "Overweight" rating on Costco (COST). They have a price target of $97.00 on the company.

Auriga reiterated its "Buy" rating on Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. (CPSI).

Brean Murray Carret & Co. reiterated its "Buy" rating on DISH (DISH).

Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (SNCR) was downgraded by Sidoti from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Solutia Inc. (SOA) was downgraded by Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Marchex, Inc. (MCHX) was upgraded by BMO Capital Markets from a “Market Perform” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Morgan Stanley (MS) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Buy” rating.

Endo (ENDP) (EW) (FRC) (PG) (RS) (LM) Ratings, Price Targets

Endo Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ENDP), Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW), First Republic Bank (NYSE: FRC), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), Reliance Steel & Aluminum (NYSE: RS) and Legg Mason, Inc. (NYSE: LM) ratings and price targets.

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its "Buy" rating on Endo Pharmaceuticals (ENDP).

Canaccord Genuity reiterated its "Buy" rating on Edwards Lifesciences (EW).

Jefferies Group reiterated its "Hold" rating on First Republic Bank (FRC).

Procter & Gamble (PG) was downgraded by BMO Capital Markets from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Reliance Steel & Aluminum (RS) was downgraded by CLSA from an “Outperform” rating to an “Underperform” rating.

Legg Mason, Inc. (LM) was upgraded by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc from a “Market Perform” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Ford (F) (TWX) (UBSH) (FFIN) (FOLD) (KAR) Ratings, Price Targets

Ford (NYSE: F), Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), Union First Market Bankshares (NASDAQ: UBSH), First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIN), Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FOLD) and KAR Auction Services (NYSE: KAR) ratings and price targets.

Time Warner Inc. (TWX) was downgraded by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) from an “Overweight” rating to an “Equal Weight” rating.

Union First Market Bankshares (UBSH) was downgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its "Buy" rating on Ford (F).

Sterne Agee reiterated its "Buy" rating on FSI (FSII) First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (FFIN).

Canaccord Genuity reiterated its "Buy" rating on FSI (FSII) Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD).

KAR Auction Services (KAR) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Buy” rating.

FSI (FSII) (GBCI) (STI) (PFS) (PG) (IIM) Ratings, Price Targets

FSI (NASDAQ: FSII), Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: GBCI), SunTrust (NYSE: STI), Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFS), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and Invesco Value Municipal Income (NYSE: IIM) ratings and price targets.

Needham & Company reiterated its "Buy" rating on FSI (FSII).

Sterne Agee reiterated its "Neutral" rating on Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (GBCI).

SunTrust (STI) had its price target lowered by FBR Capital from $25.00 to $23.00. They have a “Market Perform” rating on the company.

Provident Financial Services, Inc. (PFS) was downgraded by Janney Montgomery Scott from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Procter & Gamble (PG) was downgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $66.00 on the company, down from $72.00.

Invesco Value Municipal Income (IIM) was upgraded by Stifel Nicolaus to a “Hold” rating.

Hancock (HBHC) (GDOT) (GTXI) (RYL) (OMC) (PFS) Ratings, Price Targets

Hancock Holding (NASDAQ: HBHC), Green Dot Co. (NASDAQ: GDOT), GTx, Inc. (NASDAQ: GTXI), The Ryland Group, Inc. (NYSE: RYL), Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) and Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFS) ratings and price targets.

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its "Buy" rating on Green Dot Co. (GDOT).

Citigroup (NYSE:C) reiterated its "Buy" rating on GTx, Inc. (GTXI).

The Ryland Group, Inc. (RYL) had its price target raised by FBR Capital from $18.00 to $20.00. They have a “Market Perform” rating on the company.

Omnicom (OMC) was downgraded by BMO Capital Markets from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Provident Financial Services, Inc. (PFS) was downgraded by Stifel Nicolaus from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.

Hancock Holding (HBHC) was upgraded by Morgan Keegan from a “Market Perform” rating to an “Outperform” rating. They have a price target of $37.00 on the company, up from $32.00.

Honeywell (HON) (IMGN) (PG) (NSH) (NVR) (GBCI) Ratings, Price Targets

Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE: HON), ImmunoGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMGN), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), NuStar GP Holdings (NYSE: NSH), NVR, Inc. (NYSE: NVR) and Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: GBCI) ratings and price targets.

Nomura (NYSE:NMR) reiterated its "Buy" rating on Honeywell International Inc. (HON).

Canaccord Genuity reiterated its "Buy" rating on ImmunoGen, Inc. (IMGN).

Procter & Gamble (PG) had its price target lowered by Hilliard Lyons from $81.00 to $79.00. They have a “Long-Term Buy” rating on the company.

NuStar GP Holdings (NSH) was downgraded by Citigroup (NYSE:C) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

NVR, Inc. (NVR) was downgraded by Susquehanna from a “Positive” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (GBCI) was upgraded by Roth Capital from a “Neutral” rating to a “Buy” rating.

Citigroup (C) (NFLX) (JDSU) (JWN) (PG) (MNST) Ratings, Price Targets

Citigroup (NYSE: C), Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX), JDS Uniphase Co. (NASDAQ: JDSU), Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and Monster Beverage (NASDAQ: MNST) ratings and price targets.

Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) reiterated its "Buy" rating on JDS Uniphase Co. (JDSU). They have a price target of $14.00 on the company.

Piper Jaffray reiterated its "Overweight" rating on Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN). They have a price target of $61.00 on the company.

Procter & Gamble (PG) had its price target lowered by Caris & Company from $72.00 to $68.00. They have an “Average” rating on the company.

Monster Beverage (MNST) was downgraded by SunTrust (NYSE:STI) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) was downgraded by B. Riley from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Citigroup (C) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Buy” rating.

Kopin (KOPN) (MDVN) (JPM) (MEI) (WTW) (BRKS) Ratings, Price Targets

Kopin Co. (NASDAQ: KOPN), Medivation (NASDAQ: MDVN), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), Methode Electronics (NYSE: MEI), Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) and Brooks Automation, Inc. (NASDAQ: BRKS) ratings and price targets.

Wunderlich reiterated its "Buy" rating on Kopin Co. (KOPN). They have a price target of $5.00 on the company.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) reiterated its "Overweight" rating on Medivation (MDVN). They have a price target of $65.00 on the company.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) to a “Buy” rating.

Methode Electronics (MEI) was downgraded by Robert W. Baird from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $9.00 on the company.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (WTW) had its price target raised by Auriga from $75.00 to $87.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Brooks Automation, Inc. (BRKS) was upgraded by Brigantine from a “Hold” rating to a “Buy” rating. They have a price target of $13.50 on the company.

Panera (PNRA) (SCBT) (SIVB) (JBHT) (HNI) (INHX) Ratings, Price Targets

Panera Bread Company (NASDAQ: PNRA), SCBT Financial Co. (NASDAQ: SCBT), SVB Financial Group (NASDAQ: SIVB), J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT), HNI Co. (NYSE: HNI) and Inhibitex (NASDAQ: INHX) ratings and price targets.

Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) reiterated its "Overweight" rating on Panera Bread Company (PNRA). They have a price target of $156.00 on the company.

Sterne Agee reiterated its "Buy" rating on SCBT Financial Co. (SCBT). They have a price target of $35.00 on the company.

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its "Hold" rating on SVB Financial Group (SIVB).

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) had its price target raised by FBR Capital from $52.00 to $56.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

HNI Co. (HNI) was downgraded by Sidoti from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Inhibitex (INHX) was downgraded by William Blair from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Molex (MOLX) (MRVL) (ITUB) (JOE) (BPFH) (MOH) Ratings, Price Targets

Molex (NASDAQ: MOLX), Marvell Technology Group (NASDAQ: MRVL), Itau Unibanco Holding Sociedade (NASDAQ: ITUB), The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE), Boston Private Financial Holdings Incorporated (NASDAQ: BPFH) and Molina Healthcare (NYSE: MOH) ratings and price targets.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) reiterated its "Underperform" rating on Molex (MOLX). They have a price target of $19.00 on the company.

Nomura (NYSE:NMR) reiterated its "Neutral" rating on Marvell Technology Group (MRVL).

Itau Unibanco Holding Sociedade (ITUB) was downgraded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) from an “Overweight” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

The St. Joe Company (JOE) was downgraded by Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Boston Private Financial Holdings Incorporated (BPFH) was upgraded by analysts at BMO Capital Markets from a “Market Perform” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Molina Healthcare (MOH) had its price target raised by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from $22.00 to $31.00. They have a “Neutral” rating on the company.

AutoZone (AZO) (SOA) (WCRX) (WMS) (IGTE) (HITT) Ratings, Price Targets

AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE: AZO), Solutia Inc. (NYSE: SOA), Warner Chilcott (NASDAQ: WCRX), WMS Industries Inc. (NYSE: WMS), iGATE Co. (NASDAQ: IGTE) and Hittite Microwave (NASDAQ: HITT) ratings and price targets.

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its "Buy" rating on Solutia Inc. (SOA).

Canaccord Genuity reiterated its "Buy" rating on Warner Chilcott (WCRX).

Nomura (NYSE:NMR) reiterated its "Neutral" rating on WMS Industries Inc. (WMS).

iGATE Co. (IGTE) had its price target raised by Oppenheimer (NYSE:OPY) from $18.00 to $22.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Hittite Microwave (HITT) was downgraded by DA Davidson from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

AutoZone, Inc. (AZO) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Sell” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Williams (WMB) (CRBC) (ALGN) (ALKS) (AMLN) (BMS) Ratings, Price Targets

Williams (NYSE: WMB), Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRBC), Align Tech (NASDAQ: ALGN), Alkermes Inc. (NASDAQ: ALKS), Amylin Pharma (NASDAQ: AMLN) and Bemis (NYSE: BMS) ratings and price targets.

Tudor Pickering initiated coverage on Williams (WMB). They placed a “Buy” rating on the company.

Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. (CRBC) had its price target raised by Citigroup (NYSE:C) to $15.00.

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its "Buy" rating on Align Tech (ALGN).

Jefferies Group reiterated its "Buy" rating on Alkermes Inc. (ALKS).

Rodman & Renshaw reiterated its "Buy" rating on Amylin Pharma (AMLN). They have a price target of $8.00 on the company.

Jefferies Group reiterated its "Hold" rating on Bemis (BMS).

Timken (TKR) (SQNM) (TSCO) (WBC) (MUSA) (AAP) Ratings, Price Targets

Timken (NYSE: TKR), Sequenom (NASDAQ: SQNM), Tractor Supply Co. (NASDAQ: TSCO), WABCO Holdings Inc. (NYSE: WBC), Metals Holdings (NASDAQ: MUSA) and Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP) ratings and price targets.

Auriga reiterated its "Buy" rating on Sequenom (SQNM).

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its "Buy" rating on Timken (TKR).

Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) reiterated its "Buy" rating on Tractor Supply Co. (TSCO). They have a price target of $90.00 on the company.

William Blair initiated coverage on WABCO Holdings Inc. (WBC). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Metals Holdings (MUSA) was downgraded by Credit Agricole from an “Outperform” rating to an “Underperform” rating.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP) was upgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Buy” rating. They have a price target of $90.00 on the company, up from $74.00.

AngloGold (AU) (HMY) (RTP) (DISH) (HON) (K) Ratings, Price Targets

AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE: AU), Harmony Gold Mining (NYSE: HMY), Rio Tinto plc (NYSE: RTP), DISH (NASDAQ: DISH), Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE: HON) and Kellogg (NYSE: K) ratings and price targets.

AngloGold Ashanti (AU) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) to a “Neutral” rating.

Harmony Gold Mining (HMY) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs to a “Neutral” rating.

Rio Tinto (RTP) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs to a “Buy” rating.

Brean Murray reiterated its "Buy" rating on DISH (DISH).

Honeywell International Inc. (HON) had its price target raised by Oppenheimer (NYSE:OPY) from $62.00 to $65.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Kellogg (K) was downgraded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) from an “Overweight” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

NextEra (NEE) (LINE) (KEG) (LPI) (OAS) (TEN) Ratings, Price Targets

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), Linn Energy, LLC (NASDAQ: LINE), Key Energy (NYSE: KEG), Laredo Petroleum Holdings (NYSE: LPI), Oasis Petroleum Inc. (NYSE: OAS) and Tenneco Inc. (NYSE: TEN) ratings and price targets.

Wunderlich reiterated its “Buy” rating on Linn Energy, LLC (LINE). They have a price target of $44.00 on the company.

Canaccord Genuity reiterated its “Buy” rating on Key Energy (KEG).

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its “Hold” rating on NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE).

Howard Weil initiated coverage on Laredo Petroleum Holdings (LPI). They placed an “Outperform” rating and a price target of $31.00 on the company.

Oasis Petroleum Inc. (OAS) had its price target raised by Wunderlich from $38.00 to $42.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Tenneco Inc. (TEN) was upgraded by Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) from a “Market Perform” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Brazil Drought Effect Downgraded

The severity of the effect of the ongoing drought in Brazil's Parana state, located in the southern region of the country, is worse than originally believed, according to a Dow Jones Newswires report.

Agroconsult's Fabio Meneghin, said, "The western part of Parana, near the border with Paraguay, has been particularly affected. I didn't expect it to be so bad."

Quoting one farmer from the region, the story said corn losses are estimated to be 40 percent on his farm, with soybean losses even higher, estimated to be about 60 percent.

There was no rain in the region for about 45 days, added the farmer.

Ukrainian Corn Planting Expected to Jump 25 Percent

According to the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, the amount of corn sownin 2012 could rise as much as 25 percent, climbing to 11.1 million acres (4.5 million hectares).

Corn production could be as high as 25 million metric tons, in contrast to the 22.8 million tons yield in 2011, the organization said in a statement e-mailed to Bloomberg.

Michigan Corn Produces Record Yields

After a dubious start to the 2011 corn season, where cold weather and wet fields delayed the Michigan corn planting season, it ended strongly, with corn rising to a record yield of 153 bushels and acre, according to the Michigan Field Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistics Service.

Jay Johnson, director of the USDA NASS Michigan Field Office, said, "The pollination period had ideal conditions, the weather cooperated, and we escaped what could could have disastrous crop. We had ideal conditions throughout the season in most of the state."

A significant number of Michigan farmers weren't able to complete planting until the first week of June, a full month later than usual.

Johnson said the reason for the higher yields is attributable to breakthroughs in seed quality as well as technological improvements.

Oasis (OAS) (NRGY) (AZO) (MSI) (HFC) (LPL) Ratings, Price Targets

Oasis Petroleum (NYSE:OAS), Inergy (NYSE:NRGY), AutoZone (NYSE:AZO), Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI), HollyFrontier (NYSE:HFC) and LG Display (NYSE:LPL) ratings and price targets.

Oasis Petroleum (OAS) was downgraded by Suntrust (NYSE:STI) from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Inergy (NRGY) was downgraded by Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) from a "Market Perform" rating to an "Underperform" rating.

Goldman upgraded gives AutoZone (AZO) from a "Sell" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Motorola Solutions (MSI) was upgraded by Argus from a "Hold" rating to a "Buy" rating. They have a price target of $55.00 on the company.

HollyFrontier (HFC) was downgraded by Citigroup (NYSE:C) rom a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

LG Display (LPL) was upgraded by Nomura (NYSE:NMR) from a "Neutral" rating to a "Buy" rating.

AK Steel (AKS) (APKT) (SAVE) (SPLS) (PRGS) (REGN) Ratings, Price Targets

AK Steel (NYSE:AKS), Acme Packet (NASDAQ:APKT), Spirit Airlines (NASDAQ:SAVE), Staples (NASDAQ:SPLS), Progress Software (NASDAQ:PRGS) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN) ratings and price targets.

AK Steel (AKS) was downgraded by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) from an "Overweight" rating to an "Eqaul Weight" rating.

Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Acme Packet (APKT). They have an "Equal Weight" rating on the company.

Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) initiated coverage on Spirit Airlines (SAVE). They have a "Buy" rating on the company.

Staples (SPLS) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a "Neutral" rating to a "Sell" rating.

Progress Software (PRGS) was upgraded by JMP Securities from a "Market Perform" rating to an "Outperform" rating.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) was upgraded by Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) from a "Neutral" rating to a "Buy" rating.

Rio Tinto (RIO) (POT) (COG) (KWK) (MON) (NGLS) Ratings, Price Targets

Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO), Potash (NYSE: POT), Cabot Oil & Gas (NYSE: COG), Quicksilver Resources (NYSE: KWK), Monsanto (NYSE: MON) and Targa Resources Partners LP (NASDAQ: NGLS) ratings and price targets.

Potash (POT) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Citigroup (NYSE:C) initiated coverage on Cabot Oil & Gas (COG). They placed a “Buy” rating on the company.

Citigroup initiated coverage on Quicksilver Resources (KWK). They placed a “neutral” rating on the company.

Macquarie initiated coverage on Monsanto (MON). They placed a “Neutral” rating on the company.

Morgan Keegan initiated coverage on Targa Resources Partners LP (NGLS). They placed an “Outperform” rating and a price target of $46.00 on the company.

Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) initiated coverage on Rio Tinto (RIO) . They placed an “Equal Weight” rating on the company.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Iowa Corn Profits Projected Lower for 2012

Chad Hart, Iowa State University agricultural economist, said the outlook for corn profits for state farmers doesn't look as good as it did in 2011.

“In Iowa, we’re projecting season-average prices to range between $5.30 and $5.40/bu., and we’re projecting inputs costs to be about $4.40/bu. So, if that holds true, the market in Iowa will be offering 90¢-$1/bu. in profits to grow corn for 2012. Returns from growing corn in Iowa last year have averaged about $1.60/bu., but that corn is still being sold,” Hart said.

Economic uncertainty continues to weigh on corn overall corn profits, in Iowa, and elsewhere in the U.S. Prices could fall as low as $3 a bushel, but could rise as high as $7 a bushel, according to Hart.

All factors inputed, I would bet on a more downward movement in price than upward for corn in 2012.

Corn, Ag, Looking for Direction

A variety of factors have generated uncertainty for corn and other agriculture futures, as corn was the only pit ending the Friday session higher.

Continual macro-economic concerns over the European debt crisis, as well as the extent of the corn production, and other crop shrinkage in South America related to weather, has made traders tentative.

Another factor in the mix is the hint of an export ban in Russia, which would offer up more support.

Expectations are grains still have some room to move upwards before leveling off or falling.

Friday corn closed 7 1/4 cent a bushel higher on the nearby contract, ended the trading day at $6.41 3/4.

Nearby contract for soybeans dropping trading 3 3/4 cents and 6 1/4 cents lower, to $12.19 and $6.47 1/4.

Goodrich (GDP) (KWK) (SD) (WLL) (COG) (TRGP) Ratings, Price Targets

Goodrich Petroleum (GDP), Quicksilver Resources (KWK), SandRidge Energy (SD), Whiting Petroleum (WLL), Cabot Oil & Gas (COG) and Targa Resources (TRGP) ratings and price targets.

Citigroup (NYSE:C) initiated coverage on Goodrich Petroleum (GDP). They have a "Neutral" rating on the company.

Citigroup initiated coverage on Quicksilver Resources (KWK). They have a "Neutral" rating on the company.

Citigroup initiated coverage on SandRidge Energy (SD). They have a "Buy" rating on the company.

Citigroup initiated coverage on Whiting Petroleum (WLL). They have a "Buy" rating on the company.

Citigroup initiated coverage on Cabot Oil & Gas (COG). They have a "Buy" rating on the company.

Morgan Keegan initiated coverage on Targa Resources (TRGP). They have an "Outperform" rating and price target of $57.00 on the company.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Corn Exports Up 25 Percents Says USDA

A U.S. Export Sales report from the USDA siad that corn exports for the week were up 940,700 MT from last week.

Top export regions, according to the report, were Japan (214,000 MT), Mexico (193,300 MT), South Korea (126,700 MT), China (120,200 MT), Saudi Arabia (70,200 MT), and Taiwan (48,700 MT).

The announcement by the Federal Reserve that it was going to keep interest rates supressed through 2014, had a positive impact on corn futures, which were up on Wednesday's close, and were called up 8 to 9 cents on Thursday.

Argentine Corn Farmers Hit by Heat Wave

The effects of La Nina continue to wreak havoc in Argentina, as well as Mexico and Brazil, as corn farmers in Argentina could lose up to 33 percent of the corn for the 2011-2012 season.

Already struggling from recent drought conditions, the projections are the corn in the Pampas agricultural zone will experience drought conditions through February 2.

Expected tempertures are expected to go above the 104 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the region, with little rain expected to dampen things down.

Rick Tolman, chief executive officer of the National Corn Growers Association, said this in Buenos Aires, “It looks very similar to what we experienced in 2011." He added that the rain “seemed to be timely enough to help the soybean yields, but for a lot of the corn, it may be too little, too late.”

The worst case scenario for Argentina could result in the harvest dropping to as low as 20 million tons, 10 million less than the 30 million projected.

For the December through March season, the estimated corn havest was cut from 7.4 million tons to 6.1 million tons. The soybean harvest estimates were slashed from 14.1 million tons to 11.7 million tons during the same period.

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Ratings Reiterated

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Looking forward to the release of its quarterly report on January 31, 2012, analysts' consensus is for earnings to drop to 78 cents a share, from $1.14 a share last year in the same quarter.

Earnings are expected to come in at $2.98 a share for the fiscal year. Revenue for the year is estimated to be $89.56 billion. Quarterly revenue is estimated at $23.1 billion, a gain of 10.4 percent over last year.

The majority of analysts recommend for investors to hold on ADM. Over the last quarter sentiment on the company has improved a little.

Archer Daniels Midland closed Thursday at $29.84, dropping $0.24, or 0.80 percent.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Inergy Midstream (NRGM) Ratings, Price Targets

Inergy Midstream (NASDAQ: NRGM) ratings and price targets.

Inergy Midstream L (NRGM) is now covered by Robert W. Baird. They placed an “Outperform” rating and a price target of $24.00 on the company.

Inergy Midstream is now covered by analysts at Bank of America (NYSE:BAC). They placed a “Buy” rating on the company.

Inergy Midstream is now covered by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS). They placed an “Equalweight” rating on the company.

Inergy Midstream is now covered by Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Inergy Midstream is now covered by Stifel Nicolaus. They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $21.00 on the company.

Inergy Midstream is now covered by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS). They placed an “Overweight” rating on the company.

Inergy (NASDAQ: NRGY) is now covered by Barclays Capital. They placed an “Equal Weight” rating on the company.

Inergy (NRGY) is now covered by Bank of America. They placed a “Neutral” rating on the company.

Inergy (NRGY) is now covered by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS). They placed an “Equalweight” rating on the company.

Apple (AAPL) Ratings, Price Targets

Apple, Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) ratings and price targets.

Apple (AAPL) had its “buy” rating reiterated by analysts

at Brigantine Advisors.

Apple had its “Buy” rating reiterated by ISI Group. They have a $525.00 price target on the stock.

Apple had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB).

Apple had its “Conviction Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Apple had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Needham & Company.

Apple had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Auriga.

Apple had its “Outperform” rating reiterated by FBN Securities.

Apple had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF).

Texas Instruments (TXN) Ratings, Price Targets

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) ratings and price targets.

Texas Instruments (TXN) had its “Hold” rating reiterated by Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB).

Texas Instruments had its price target raised by Oppenheimer (NYSE:OPY) from $37.00 to $40.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Texas Instruments had its price target raised by Stifel Nicolaus from $36.00 to $38.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Texas Instruments had its price target raised by Evercore Partners from $34.00 to $38.00.

Texas Instruments was downgraded by Kaufman Brothers from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating. They have a price target of $35.00 on the company, up from $32.00.

Western Digital (WDC) Ratings, Price Targets

Western Digital (NYSE: WDC) ratings and price targets.

Western Digital (WDC) was upgraded by Needham & Company from a “Hold” rating to a “Buy” rating. They have a price target of $41.00 on the company.

Western Digital had its price target raised by Citigroup (NYSE:C) to $49.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Western Digital had its price target raised by Brean Murray to $42.00.

Western Digital had its price target raised by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) to $39.00.

Western Digital had its price target raised by Auriga to $59.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Baxter (BAX) (CFN) (PLCM) (ELNK) (CMI) (OHI) Ratings, Price Targets

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), CareFusion Co. (NYSE: CFN), Polycom (NASDAQ: PLCM), EarthLink (NASDAQ: ELNK), Cummins (NYSE: CMI) and Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE: OHI) ratings and price targets.

Baxter International Inc. (BAX) had its “Overweight” rating reiterated by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS).

CareFusion Co. (CFN) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Citigroup (NYSE:C). They have a price target of $28.00 on the company.

Polycom (PLCM) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS). They have a price target of $21.00 on the company.

Stephens initiated coverage on EarthLink (ELNK). They placed an “Overweight” rating on the company.

Cummins (CMI) was downgraded by Standpoint Research from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (OHI) was downgraded by JMP Securities from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Volterra Semi (VLTR) Ratings, Price Targets

Volterra Semi ratings and price targets.

Volterra Semi (NASDAQ: VLTR) had its price target raised by JMP Securities from $28.00 to $31.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Volterra Semi (VLTR) had its price target raised by Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) to $34.00.

Volterra Semi had its price target raised by Evercore Partners to $28.00. They have an “Equal Weight” rating on the company.

Volterra Semi had its price target raised by Needham & Company from $28.00 to $33.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Volterra Semi had its price target raised by Collins Stewart from $29.00 to $35.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Maxim (MXIM) (BLL) (CCK) (LRCX) (ALXN) (PGN) Ratings, Price Targets

Maxim Integrated Products Inc. (NASDAQ: MXIM), Ball (NYSE: BLL), Crown Cork & Seal (NYSE: CCK), Lam Research (NASDAQ: LRCX), Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALXN) and Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN) ratings and price targets.

Maxim Integrated Products (MXIM) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Nomura (NYSE:NMR).

Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on Ball (BLL). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Wells Fargo & Co. initiated coverage on Crown Cork & Seal (CCK). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Lam Research (LRCX) had its price target raised by Citigroup (NYSE:C) from $48.00 to $64.00.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) had its price target raised by Oppenheimer (NYSE:OPY) from $75.00 to $84.00. They have an "Outperform” rating on the company.

Progress Energy (PGN) had its price target raised by Wunderlich from $47.00 to $56.00. They have a “Hold” rating on the company.

Michael Kors (KORS) Ratings, Price Targets

Michael Kors Holdings (KORS) ratings and price targets.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) initiated coverage on Michael Kors Holdings Ltd (KORS). They placed an “Overweight” rating on the company.

Nomura (NYSE:NMR) initiated coverage on Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. They placed a “Buy” rating on the company.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) initiated coverage on Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $34.00 on the company.

Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) initiated coverage on Michael Kors Holdings Ltd . They placed a “Buy” rating on the company.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on Michael Kors Holdings Ltd . They placed an “Overweight” rating and a price target of $34.00 on the company.

Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) initiated coverage on Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. They placed an “Overweight” rating and a price target of $33.00 on the company.

Robert W. Baird initiated coverage on Michael Kors Holdings Ltd . They placed an “Outperform” rating and a price target of $34.00 on the company.

VMware (VMW) Ratings, Price Targets

VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW) ratings and price targets.

VMware, Inc. (VMW) had its “Hold” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF).

VMware, Inc. had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Nomura (NYSE:NMR).

VMware, Inc. had its “Market Perform” rating reiterated by Morgan Keegan. They have a price target of $95.00 on the company.

VMware, Inc. had its “Sell” rating reiterated by Citigroup (NYSE:C). They have a $80.00 price target on the company.

Texas Instruments (TXN) Ratings, Price Targets

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) ratings and price targets.

Texas Instruments (TXN) had its “Hold” rating reiterated by Canaccord Genuity.

Texas Instruments had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Sterne Agee.

Texas Instruments had its “Reduce” rating reiterated by Nomura (NYSE:NMR).

Texas Instruments had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF).

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Netflix (NFLX) (TSN) (GRPN) (CSCO) (RBCN) (BBBY) Ratings, Price Targets

Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN), Groupon (NASDAQ: GRPN), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), Rubicon Technology (NASDAQ: RBCN) and Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ: BBBY) ratings and price targets.

Netflix (NFLX) had its “Equal Weight” rating reiterated by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS).

Tyson Foods (TSN) had its “Equal Weight” rating reiterated by Morgan Stanley.

Ascendiant Capital Markets initiated coverage on Groupon (GRPN). They placed a “Sell” rating and a price target of $14.00 on the company.

Cisco Systems (CSCO) had its price target raised by Auriga to $24.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Rubicon Technology (BCN) was downgraded by Kaufman Brothers from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating. They have a price target of $13.00 on the company, down from $16.00.

Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) was upgraded by Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) from a “Hold” rating to a “Buy” rating.

Apple (AAPL) (AZO) (HOG) (A) (HD) (WMT) Ratings, Price Targets

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), AutoZone (NYSE: AZO), Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG), Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A), Home Depot (NYSE: HD) and Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) ratings and price targets.

Apple (AAPL) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Sterne Agee.

AutoZone (AZO) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Nomura (NYSE:NMR).

Harley-Davidson (HOG) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Citigroup (NYSE:C). They have a price target of $37.00 on the company.

Agilent Technologies (A) had its price target raised by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from $43.00 to $47.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Home Depot (HD) had its price target raised by Argus from $46.00 to $51.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Wal-Mart (WMT) had its price target raised by Telsey Advisory Group to $67.00.

Laredo Petroleum (NYSE: LPI) Ratings, Price Targets

Laredo Petroleum Holdings (NYSE: LPI) ratings and price targets.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) initiated coverage on Laredo Petroleum Holdings (LPI). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $28.00 on the company.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) initiated coverage on Laredo Petroleum Holdings (LPI). They placed a “Buy” rating on the company.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) initiated coverage on Laredo Petroleum Holdings (LPI). They placed an “Overweight” rating on the company.

Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on Laredo Petroleum Holdings (LPI). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Halliburton (HAL) Ratings, Price Targets

Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) ratings and price targets.

Halliburton (HAL) had its price target raised by Dahlman Rose from $58.00 to $64.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Halliburton had its price target lowered by Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) to $54.00. The have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Halliburton had its price target lowered by Morgan Keegan to $43.00.

Halliburton had its price target raised by Bank of America (NYSE:BAC)to $48.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Halliburton had its price target lowered by Argus from $63.00 to $54.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Halliburton had its price target lowered by Canaccord Genuity from $46.00 to $43.00. They have a “Hold” rating on the company.

Halliburton had its price target lowered by Howard Weil from $52.00 to $48.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Halliburton had its price target lowered by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from $51.00 to $48.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Barrick (ABX) (HMY) (MFN) (CRK) (SARA) (PXD) Ratings, Price Targets

Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX), Harmony Gold Mining (NYSE: HMY), Minefinders Corp. Ltd. (NYSE: MFN), Comstock Resources (NYSE: CRK), Saratoga Resources (NASDAQ: SARA) and Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE: PXD) ratings and price targets.

Barrick Gold (ABX) was downgraded by RBC Capital from an “Outperform” rating to a “Sector Perform” rating.

Harmony Gold Mining (HMY) was upgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Buy” rating.

Minefinders Corp. Ltd. (MFN) was downgraded by Canaccord Genuity from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.

Comstock Resources (CRK) was downgraded by Global Hunter Securities from an “Accumulate” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $20.00 on the company, down from $30.00.

C.K. Cooper initiated coverage on Saratoga Resources (SARA). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $10.00 on the company.

Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD) was downgraded by Stifel Nicolaus from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.

Molex (MOLX) (MCRS) (NFLX) (PH) (RIMM) (UA) Ratings, Price Targets

Molex (NASDAQ: MOLX), Micros Systems (NASDAQ: MCRS), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Parker-Hannifin (NYSE: PH), Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) and Under Armour (NYSE: UA) ratings and price targets.

Micros Systems (MCRS) had its “buy” rating reiterated by Needham & Company.

Molex (MOLX) had its “Outperform” rating reiterated by Barrington Research.

Netflix (NFLX) had its “Underperform” rating reiterated by Wedbush.

Parker-Hannifin (PH) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Research In Motion (RIMM) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated Wedbush.

Under Armour (UA) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Roper (ROP) (TFM) (THS) (TIF) (UA) (WFM) Ratings, Price Targets

Roper Industries (NYSE: ROP), The Fresh Market (NYSE: TFM), TreeHouse Foods (NYSE: THS), Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF), Under Armour (NYSE: UA) and Whole Foods Market (NYSE: WFM) (NYSE: PG) ratings and price targets.

Roper Industries (ROP) had its price target raised by Longbow Research from $88.00 to $104.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

The Fresh Market (TFM) had its price target raised by Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) to $50.00.

TreeHouse Foods (THS) had its price target lowered by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) to $70.00.

Tiffany & Co. (TIF) had its price target lowered by Oppenheimer (NYSE:OPY) to $75.00.

Under Armour (UA) had its price target lowered by Auriga to $70.00. They have a “Hold” rating on the company.

Whole Foods Market (WFM) had its price target raised by Bank of America to $85.00.

Sanchez Energy (SN) Ratings, Price Targets

Sanchez Energy (NYSE: SN) ratings and price targets.

Sanchez Energy (SN) is getting new coverage from Canaccord Genuity. They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $33.00 on the company.

Sanchez Energy is getting new coverage from analysts at Macquarie. They placed an “Outperform” rating and a price target of $28.00 on the company.

Sanchez Energy is getting new coverage from Stifel Nicolaus. They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $25.00 on the company.

Sanchez Energy is getting new coverage from Northland Securities. They placed an “Outperform” rating and a price target of $28.00 on the company.

Sanchez Energy is getting new coverage from Johnson Rice. They placed an “Overweight” rating on the company.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Lear (LEA) (HRS) (CNQR) (RDS-A) (JIVE) (RIMM) Ratings, Price Targets

Lear (NYSE:LEA), Harris (NYSE:HRS), Concur Technologies (NASDAQ:CNQR), Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS-A), Jive Software (NASDAQ:JIVE) and Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) Ratings, Price Targets

Barclays (NYSE:BCS) downgraded Lear (LEA) from an "Overweight" rating to an "Equal Weight" rating.

Barclays (NYSE:BCS) downgraded Harris (HRS) from an "Overweight" rating to an "Equal Weight" rating.

FBR Capital downgraded Concur Technologies (CNQR) from an "Outperform" rating to a "Market Perform" rating.

ING Group initiated coverage on Royal Dutch Shell (RDS-A). They have a "Buy" rating on the company.

Citigroup (NYSE:C) initiated coverage on Jive Software (JIVE). They have a "Buy" rating on the company.

Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) upgraded Research In Motion (RIMM) from a "Sell" rating to a "Hold" rating.

Freeport (FCX) (ACI) (CF) (AGU) (MOS) (JRCC) Ratings, Price Targets

Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold (NYSE: FCX), Arch Coal (NYSE: ACI), CF Industries Holdings (NYSE: CF), Agrium (NYSE: AGU), The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS) and James River Coal Company (NASDAQ: JRCC) ratings and price targets.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) reiterated its "Buy" rating on Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold (FCX).

Arch Coal (ACI) was downgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) initiated coverage on CF Industries Holdings (CF). They placed a “Buy” rating on the company.

Bank of America initiated coverage on Agrium (AGU). They placed a “Buy” rating on the company.

Bank of America initiated coverage on The Mosaic Company ( MOS). They placed a “Buy” rating on the company.

James River Coal Company (JRCC) was downgraded by UBS AG from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Orbitz (OWW) (RSH) (TOL) (TSCDY) (GLNG) (SMG) Ratings, Price Targets

Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: OWW), RadioShack (NYSE: RSH), Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE: TOL), Tesco PLC (NASDAQ: TSCDY), Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ: GLNG) and Scotts Miracle-Gro (NYSE: SMG) ratings and price targets.

RadioShack (RSH) was downgraded by Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) from a “Neutral” rating to an “Underperform” rating. They have a price target of $8.00 on the company.

Toll Brothers, Inc. (TOL) was downgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $25.00 on the company.

Tesco PLC (TSCDY) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) was upgraded by Dahlman Rose from a “Hold” rating to a “Buy” rating. They have a price target of $50.00 on the company.

Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG) was downgraded by BMO Capital Markets from a “Market Perform” rating to an “Underperform” rating. They have a price target of $40.00 on the company.

Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. (OWW) had its price target raised by UBS AG from $3.00 to $4.00. They have a “Neutral” rating on the company.

F5 Networks (FFIV) Ratings, Price Targets

F5 Networks (NASDAQ: FFIV) had its price target boosted by numerous analysts.

F5 Networks (FFIV) had its price target raised by Barclays Capital from $125.00 to $135.00. They have an “Overweight” rating on the company.

F5 Networks had its price target raised by FBN Securities to $125.00.

F5 Networks had its price target raised by Wedbush to $125.00.

F5 Networks had its price target raised by Sterne Agee to $123.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

F5 Networks had its price target raised by Stifel Nicolaus from $115.00 to $125.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

F5 Networks had its price target raised by ISI Group from $110.00 to $130.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

F5 Networks had its price target raised by Mizuho from $127.00 to $137.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

F5 Networks had its price target raised by Wunderlich from $110.00 to $120.00. They have a “Hold” rating on the company.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Apple (AAPL) (DTV) (KFT) (RIMM) (NFLX) (LNKD) Ratings, Price Targets

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), DirecTV (NYSE: DTV), Kraft Foods (NASDAQ: KFT), Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) and Linkedin (NASDAQ: LNKD) ratings and price targets.

DirecTV (DTV) was downgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Kraft Foods (KFT) had its price target raised by Stifel Nicolaus from $39.00 to $42.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Research In Motion (RIMM) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Sterne Agee.

Netflix (NFLX) had its “Market Perform” rating reiterated by Sanford C. Bernstein.

Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) initiated coverage on Linkedin (LNKD). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Apple (AAPL) had its price target raised by RBC Capital from $500.00 to $525.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Rex Energy (REXX) (SUN) (GPOR) (ETR) (LNG) (NEE) Ratings, Price Targets

Rex Energy (NASDAQ: REXX), Sunoco Incorporated (NYSE: SUN), Gulfport Energy Co. (NASDAQ: GPOR), Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR), Cheniere Energy (NYSE: LNG) and NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) ratings and price targets.

Rex Energy (REXX) had its price target raised by Rodman & Renshaw from $18.00 to $20.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Sunoco Incorporated (NYSE: SUN) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $40.00 to $33.00. They have a “Sector Perform” rating on the company.

Wunderlich Securities initiated coverage on Gulfport Energy Co. (GPOR). They placed a “buy” rating and a $41.00 price target on the company.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on Entergy Corp. (ETR). They placed an “underweight” rating on the company.

Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) initiated coverage on Cheniere Energy (LNG). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on NextEra Energy (NEE). They placed an “Overweight” rating on the company.

RRI (GEN) (PQ) (WAT) (CERX) (D) (EIX) Ratings, Price Targets

RRI Energy, Inc. (NYSE: GEN), PetroQuest Energy, Inc. (NYSE: PQ), Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), Colombia Energy Resources (OTC: CERX.OB), Dominion Resources, Inc. (NYSE: D) and Edison International (NYSE: EIX) ratings and price targets.

PetroQuest Energy, Inc. (PQ) was downgraded by Capital One to a “Neutral” rating.

Waters Corporation (WAT) was downgraded by Cowen from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Rodman & Renshaw initiated coverage on Colombia Energy Resources (CERX). They placed a “Market Perform” rating on the company.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on Dominion Resources, Inc. (D). They placed an “Equal Weight” rating on the company.

Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Edison International (EIX). They placed an “Equalweight” rating on the company.

Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on RRI Energy, Inc. (GEN). They placed an “Underweight” rating on the company.

Chesapeake Energy (CHK) Ratings, Price Targets

Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK) ratings and price targets.

Chesapeake Energy (CHK) was downgraded by Pritchard from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Chesapeake Energy was downgraded by Brean Murray from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating. They have a price target of $43.00 on the company.

Chesapeake Energy was downgraded by Brean Murray Carret & Co. from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating. They have a price target of $43.00 on the company.

Chesapeake Energy was downgraded by Capital One to a “Neutral” rating.

Kraft (KFT) Slashing 1,600 Jobs

With a split looming in the near future, Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE:KFT) announced it will be cutting 1,600 job in North America.

These particular cuts will be in the sales, business and corporate units, but the company said they are still in the process of looking over its manufacturing business to see if they'll take any action there going forward.

Tony Vernon, executive vice president and president of Kraft Foods North America, said, "Making these tough choices is never easy, and we recognize the impact these changes will have on many of our people and their families. But our plan for a more nimble company, combined with the current economic and competitive pressures, led us to this point. Taking the necessary steps now will enable us to continue investing in our beloved brands to drive growth."

Vernon has been named CEO of the new grocery company emerging from the split of the giant food company.

Kraft said on Tuesday earnings for 2011 will come in at a minimum of $1.95 a share, and after adjusted costs, about $2.28 a share. Projected revenue are for $54.13 billion. Both figures are below analysts' estimates.

Kraft closed Tuesday at $38.13, gaining $0.36, or 0.95 percent.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Apple (AAPL) (WFC) (WPI) (WYNN) (AMTD) (ANN) Ratings Reiterated

Apple, Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC), Watson Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NYSE: WPI), Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ: WYNN), TD Ameritrade (NASDAQ: AMTD) and AnnTaylor Stores Corp. (NYSE: ANN) had ratings on them reiterated by analysts.

Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Nomura (NYSE:NRM).

Watson Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (WPI) had its “Overweight” rating reiterated by Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC). They have a price target of $78.00 on the company.

Wynn Resorts, Limited (WYNN) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Nomura.

Apple (AAPL) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF).

TD Ameritrade (AMTD) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Nomura.

AnnTaylor Stores (ANN) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Sterne Agee.

Wynn (WYNN) (MDT) (WLK) (LYB) (TSLA) (SCHW) Upgraded

Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:WYNN), Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), Westlake Chemical (NYSE:WLK), LyondellBasell (NYSE:LYB), Tesla Motors (NASDAQ:TSLA) and Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW) were upgraded by analysts.

Medtronic (MDT) was upgraded by Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) from a "Market Perform" rating to an "Outperform" rating.

Wynn Resorts (WYNN) was upgraded by The casino company from a "Neutral" rating to a "Positive" rating.

Westlake Chemical (WLK) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a "Neutral" rating to a "Buy" rating.

LyondellBasell (LYB) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs from a "Neutral" rating to a "Buy" rating.

Tesla Motors (TSLA) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs from a "Neutral" rating to a "Buy" rating.

Charles Schwab (SCHW) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs from a "Neutral" rating to a "Buy" rating.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Jim Rogers on Obama Juicing Up Economy

Billionaire investor Jim Rogers recently said the American government is attempting to create an illusion the economy is improving in light of the upcoming elections.

Talking to India's Economic Times, Rogers stated, "You have the American government spending staggering amounts of money right now, printing a lot of money and getting ready for the election."

"You have to remember the election in America in November...they do their best to get the economy juiced up so they can win the election," he concluded.

The problem is this will be even more devastating economically after the elections, with the fallout of the increasing money supply sure to wreak havoc on the economy.

"2013 and 2014 are what I am most worried about because this year everybody is trying to just get through the next election...Everybody is going to do their best to get us through the election. Watch out for 2013," said Rogers.

Rogers says he continues to hold onto gold, and hopes it consolidates more before continuing its upwards price movement.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Freeport McMoRan (FCX) Could Have Great 2012

The uncertainty surrounding the global economy heading into 2012 makes any projection almost impossible in any industry, and that includes base metals like copper, and miners like Freeport McMoRan (FCX).

Freeport has significant exposure to copper, but also to gold, molybdenum, silver, and cobalt.

Gold could take a breather in 2012, depending on decisions in Europe and whether the Federal Reserve deems it necessary to print up more money to throw into the market.

Silver is being driven by industrial demand at this time, but could easily migrate to an alternative currency, based upon the same parameters driving gold prices.

Copper appears to be in rebound mode, and similar to aluminum, has the potential to be short of supply, which could drive up prices. Much of this will be determined by China.

While Freeport has been rebounding in price since October lows, it still seems to be a decent price point to enter at this time, even if 2012 isn't as strong a year for copper as expected at this time.

Freeport downgraded by Standpoint Research from a "Buy" rating to a "Hold" rating.

The mining giant was trading at $41.74, falling $0.71, or 1.67 percent, as of 1:37 PM EST.

Xcel Energy (XEL) (WEC) (PGH) (PWE) (EXC) (HE) Ratings, Price Targets

Xcel Energy Inc. (NYSE: XEL), Wisconsin Energy (NYSE: WEC), Pengrowth Energy Trust (NYSE: PGH), Penn West Energy Trust (NYSE: PWE), Exelon Co. (NYSE: EXC) and Hawaiian Electric (NYSE: HE) ratings and price targets.

Wisconsin Energy (WEC) was downgraded by Robert W. Baird from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $35.00 on the company.

RBC Capital initiated coverage on Pengrowth Energy Trust (PGH). They placed a “Sector Perform” rating on the company.

RBC Capital initiated coverage on Penn West Energy Trust (PWE). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Exelon Co. (EXC) had its price target lowered by Benchmark Co. from $48.00 to $45.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Hawaiian Electric (HE) was downgraded by Robert W. Baird from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $28.00 on the company.

Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) was downgraded by Robert W. Baird from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $27.00 on the company.

MetLife (MET) (VMW) (WSM) (BZH) (CNI) (CX) Downgraded

MetLife (NYSE:MET), VMware (NYSE:VMW), Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM), Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH), Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI) and CEMEX S.A. (NYSE:CX) were downgraded by analysts.

MetLife (MET) was downgraded by Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) from a "Strong Buy" rating to a "Market Perform" rating.

VMware (VMW) was downgraded by Citigroup (NYSE:C) from a "Neutral" rating to a "Sell" rating.

Williams-Sonoma (WSM) was downgraded by Wedbush from an "OUtperform" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Beazer Homes (BZH) was downgraded by Guggenheim from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Canadian National Railway (CNI) was downgraded by JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) from a "Neutral" rating to an "Underweight" rating.

CEMEX S.A. (CX) was downgraded by Barclays (NYSE:BCS) from an "Overweight" rating to an "Equal Weight" rating.

JA Solar (JASO) (SFLY) (TESO) (AKAM) (BECN) (PHM) Downgraded

JA Solar (JASO), Shutterfly (SFLY), Tesco (TESO), Akamai Technologies (AKAM), Beacon Roofing Supply (BECN) and PulteGroup (PHM) were downgraded by analysts.

JA Solar (JASO) was downgraded by Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) from a "Market Perform" rating to an Underperform" rating.

Shutterfly (SFLY) was downgraded by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) from an "Overweight" rating to an "Equal Weight" rating.

Tesco (TESO) was downgraded by Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) from an "Outperform" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Akamai Technologies (AKAM) was downgraded by DA Davidson from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating. They have a price target of $36.00 on the company.

Beacon Roofing Supply (BECN) was downgraded by Suntrust (NYSE:STI) fomr a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

PulteGroup (PHM) was downgraded by Guggenheim from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

SVB (SIVB) (TGH) (CATY) (EWBC) (RF) (SBNY) Get New Coverage

SVB Financial (SIVB), Textainer Group (TGH), Cathay Bancorp (CATY), East West Bancorp (EWBC), Regions Financial (RF) and Signature Bank (SBNY) getting new coverage from analysts.

FBR Capital initiated coverage on Textainer Group (TGH). They placed a "Market Perform" rating on the company.

FBR Capital initiated coverage on Atlas Air (AAWW). They placed a "Market Perform" rating on the company.

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on Cathay Bancorp (CATY). They placed an "Outperform" rating on the company.

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on East West Bancorp (EWBC). They placed a "Market Perform" rating on the company.

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on Regions Financial (RF). They placed a "Market Perform" rating on the company.

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on SVB Financial (SIVB). They placed a "Market Perform" rating on the company.

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on Signature Bank (SBNY). They placed a "Market Perform" rating on the company.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Oasis (OAS) (TSCO) (EIX) (CVX) (BEN) (SXC) Ratings, Price Targets

Oasis Petroleum Inc. (NYSE: OAS), Tractor Supply Co. (NASDAQ: TSCO), Edison International (NYSE: EIX), Chevron (NYSE: CVX), Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) and Suncoke Energy Inc. (NYSE: SXC) ratings and price targets.

Tractor Supply Co. (TSCO) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Bank of America (NYSE:BAC).

Edison International (EIX) had its price target raised by Ticonderoga from $51.00 to $54.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Chevron (CVX) had its price target raised by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) to $125.00. They have a “Hold” rating on the company.

UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) initiated coverage on Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $104.00 on the company.

Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on Suncoke Energy Inc. (SXC). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Canaccord Genuity downgraded Oasis Petroleum Inc. (OAS) from a "Buy" rating to a "Hold" rating. They have a price target of $32.00 on the company.

Covidien (COV) (SLG) (PKG) (WSM) (JNPR) Downgraded

Covidien (NYSE:COV), SL Green Realty (NYSE:SLG), Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG), Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM) and Juniper Networks (NASDAQ:JNPR) were downgraded by analysts.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) downgraded Covidien (COV) from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Goldman Sachs downgraded SL Green Realty (SLG) from a "Neutral" rating to a "Sell" rating.

JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) downgraded Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) from an "Overweight" rating to an Underweight" rating.

Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) downgraded Williams-Sonoma (WSM) from an "Overweight" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Argus downgraded Juniper Networks (JNPR) from a "Buy" rating to a "Hold" rating.

EnCana (ENA) (LAZ) (LEN) (SYK) (CNI) Downgraded

EnCana (NYSE:ENA), Lazard (NYSE:LAZ), Lennar (NYSE:LEN), Stryker (NYSE:SYK) and Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI) were downgraded by analysts.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) downgraded Lazard (LAZ) from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Keefe Bruyette downgraded Lennar (LEN) from an "Outperform" rating to a "Market Perform" rating.

Citigroup (NYSE:C) downgraded Stryker (SYK) from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

TD Newcrest downgraded Canadian National Railway (CNI) from a "Buy" rating to a "Hold" rating.

Bank of America downgraded EnCana (ENC) from a "Neutral" rating to an "Underperform" rating.

ConocoPhillips (COP) (BSYBY) (FTE) (UN) (HBC) Downgraded

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), British Sky Broadcasting (OTC:BSYBY), France Telecom (NYSE:FTE), Unilever NV (NYSE:UN) and HSBC Holdings (NYSE:HBC) were downgraded by analysts.

Jefferies (NYSE:JEF) downgraded ConocoPhillips (COP) from a "Buy" rating to a "Hold" rating.

Citigroup (NYSE:C) downgraded British Sky Broadcasting (BSYBY) from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) downgraded France Telecom (FTE) from a "Neutral" rating to an "Underweight" rating.

Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) downgraded Unilever NV (UN) from a "Buy" rating to a "Hold" rating.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) downgraded HSBC Holdings (HBC) from a "Neutral" rating to an "Underperform" rating.

Genpact (G) (KIM) (PLL) (AME) (WCC) Upgraded

Genpact (NYSE:G), Kimco Realty (NYSE:KIM), Pall Corp. (NYSE:PLL), Ametek Inc. (NYSE:AME) and Wesco International (NYSE:WCC) were upgraded by analysts.

JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) upgraded Genpact (G) from a "Neutral" rating to an "Overweight" rating.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) upgraded Kimco Realty (KIM) from a "Sell" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

William Blair upgraded Pall Corp. (PLL) from a "Market Perform" rating to an "Outperform" rating.

Robert W. Baird upgraded Ametek Inc. (AME) from a "Neutral" rating to an "Outperform" rating. They have a price target of $53.00 on the company.

Robert W. Baird upgraded Wesco International (WCC) from a "Neutral" rating to an "Outperform" rating. They have a price target of $69.00 on the company.

BP (BP) (EMC) (URBN) (SINA) (CREE) Upgraded

BP Plc (NYSE:BP), EMC Corp. (NYSE:EMC), Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ:URBN), SINA Corp. (NASDAQ:SINA) and Cree Inc. (NASDAQ:CREE) were upgraded by analysts.

Jefferies (NYSE:JEF) upgraded BP (NYSE:BP) from a "Hold" rating to a "Buy" rating.

JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) upgraded EMC Corp. (EMC) from a "Neutral" rating to an "Overweight" rating.

Wedbush upgraded Urban Outfitters (URBN) from an "Underperform" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

JPMorgan upgraded SINA Corp. (SINA) from a "Neutral" rating to an "Overweight" rating. They have a price target of $79.00 on the company.

Kaufman Brothers upgraded Cree Inc. (CREE) from a "Sell" rating to a "Hold" rating. They have a price target of $24.00 on the company, up from $19.00.

Amazon (AMZN) (EBAY) (TEO) (CME) (CHKP) (AIV) (AVB) Get New Coverage

Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN), eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY), Tele Argentina STET (NYSE:TEO), Commercial Metals (NYSE:CMC), Check Point Software (NASDAQ:CHKP), Apartment Investment and Management (NYSE:AIV) and AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB) getting new coverage from analysts.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on Tele Argentina STET (TEO). They have an "Overweight" rating on the company.

Crédit Agricole initiated coverage on Amazon.com (AMZN). They have a "Buy" rating on the company. They have a price target of $230.00 on the company.

Crédit Agricole initiated coverage on eBay Inc (EBAY). They have a "Buy" rating on the company.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) initiated coverage on Commercial Metals (CMC). They have an "Underperform" rating on the company.

FBN Securities initiated coverage on Check Point Software (CHKP). They have an "Outperform" rating on the company.

Imperial Capital initiated coverage on Apartment Investment and Management (AIV). They have an "Outperform" rating and a price target of $26.00 on the company.

Imperial Capital initiated coverage on AvalonBay Communities (AVB). They have an "In-Line" rating on the company.

WellCare (WCG) (MOH) (TROW) (BEN) (BLK) (IVZ) (IBKC) Get New Coverage

WellCare Group (NYSE:WCG), Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH), T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ:TROW), Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN), BlackRock (NYSE:BLK), Invesco (NYSE:IVZ) and IberiaBank (NASDAQ:IBKC) getting new coverage from analysts.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on WellCare Group (WCG). They have an "Equal Weight" rating on the company.

Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Molina Healthcare (MOH). They have an "Equal Weight" rating on the company.

UBS (NYSE:UBS) initiated coverage on Franklin Resources (BEN). They have a "Neutrals" rating on the company.

UBS (NYSE:UBS) initiated coverage on T. Rowe Price (TROW). They have a "Neutrals" rating on the company.

UBS (NYSE:UBS) initiated coverage on BlackRock (BLK). They have a "Buy" rating on the company.

UBS (NYSE:UBS) initiated coverage on Invesco (IVZ). They have a "Buy" rating on the company.

Jefferies initiated coverage on IberiaBank (IBKC). They have a "Hold" rating on the company.

Umpqua (UMPQ) (URBN) (WCG) (WBMD) (PNY) Ratings, Price Targets

Umpqua Holdings (NASDAQ: UMPQ), Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN), WellCare Group (NYSE: WCG), Webmd Health (NASDAQ: WBMD) and Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY) ratings and price targets.

Urban Outfitters (URBN) had its “Underperform” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF).

WellCare Group (WCG) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Umpqua Holdings (UMPQ) was downgraded by B. Riley from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Webmd Health (WBMD) was downgraded by Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Piedmont Natural Gas (PNY) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “Underperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Teekay (TK) (OMI) (PDM) (TRMK) (TROW) (TW) Ratings, Price Targets

Teekay (NYSE: TK), Owens & Minor (NYSE: OMI), Piedmont Office Realty Trust (NYSE: PDM), Trustmark (NASDAQ: TRMK), T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ: TROW) and Towers Watson and Co. (NYSE: TW) ratings and price targets.
Owens & Minor (OMI) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Sell” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $28.00 on the company.

Piedmont Office Realty Trust (PDM) was upgraded by RBC Capital from a “Sector Perform” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Teekay (TK) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Underperform” rating.

Trustmark (TRMK) was downgraded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) from a “Neutral” rating to an “Underweight” rating.

T. Rowe Price (TROW) was downgraded by Ticonderoga from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Towers Watson and Co. (TW) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

SXC (SXCI) (TRIP) (TSS) (TIF) (RIG) (VMED) Ratings, Price Targets

SXC Health Solutions (NASDAQ: SXCI), TripAdvisor (NASDAQ: TRIP), Total System Services (NYSE: TSS), Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF), Transocean (NYSE: RIG) and Virgin Media (NASDAQ: VMED) ratings and price targets.
SXC Health Solutions (SXCI) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

TripAdvisor (TRIP) had its “Positive” rating reiterated by Bank of America (NYSE:BAC).

Total System Services (TSS) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by by analysts at Goldman Sachs.

Tiffany & Co. (TIF) had its price target lowered by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) to $66.00. They have an “Equal Weight” rating on the company.

Transocean (RIG) was upgraded by Tudor Pickering to an “Accumulate” rating.

Virgin Media (VMED) was upgraded by Macquarie from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

SPX (SPW) (SON) (SLG) (PEGA) (URBN) (WBMD) Ratings, Price Targets

SPX (NYSE: SPW), Sonoco Products (NYSE: SON), SL Green Realty (NYSE: SLG), Pegasystems (NASDAQ: PEGA), Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN) and Webmd Health (NASDAQ: WBMD) ratings and price targets.

Sonoco Products (SON) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

SPX (SPW) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

SL Green Realty (SLG) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $96.00 to $80.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Pegasystems (PEGA) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “Underperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Urban Outfitters (URBN) was downgraded by Robert W. Baird from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $28.00 on the company, down from $34.00.

Webmd Health (WBMD) was downgraded by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) from an “Equal Weight” rating to an “Underweight” rating.

Neustar (NSR) (SLH) (PLD) (SWN) (TIF) (NSPH) Ratings, Price Targets

Neustar (NYSE: NSR), Solera Holdings (NYSE: SLH), ProLogis (NYSE: PLD), Southwestern Energy (NYSE: SWN), Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) and Nanosphere (NASDAQ: NSPH) ratings and price targets.

Solera Holdings (SLH) had its “Sell” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

ProLogis (PLD) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $38.00 to $30.00. They have a “Sector Perform” rating on the company.

Southwestern Energy (SWN) was downgraded by Robert W. Baird from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $39.00 on the company, down from $45.00.

Tiffany & Co. (TIF) was downgraded by Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Nanosphere (NSPH) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Neustar (NSR) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Neutral” rating to a “Conviction Buy” rating.

WNS (WNS) (WU) (KOG) (SSREY) (NATL) (NCT) Ratings, Price Targets

WNS Holdings Ltd (NYSE: WNS), The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU), Kodiak Oil & Gas (NYSE: KOG), SWISS RE LTD (NASDAQ: SSREY), National Interstate (NASDAQ: NATL) and Newcastle Investment (NYSE: NCT) ratings and price targets.

WNS Holdings Ltd (WNS) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

The Western Union Company (WU) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) had its price target raised by RBC Capital from $9.00 to $12.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

SWISS RE LTD (SSREY) was downgraded by Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) from a “Neutral” rating to an “Underperform” rating.

National Interstate (NATL) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “Underperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Newcastle Investment (NCT) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “Underperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Roper (ROP) (SLGN) (KEY) (SF) (SI) (POWL) Ratings, Price Targets

Roper Industries (NYSE: ROP), Silgan Holdings (NASDAQ: SLGN), KeyBanc (NYSE: KEY), Stifel Financial (NYSE: SF), Siemens (NYSE: SI) and Powell (NASDAQ: POWL) ratings and price targets.

Roper Industries (ROP) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Silgan Holdings (SLGN) had its “neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

KeyBanc (KEY) had its price target raised by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) to $9.50.

Stifel Financial (SF) was downgraded by Sandler O’Neill from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.

Siemens (SI) was downgraded by BNP Paribas from a “Neutral” rating to an “Underperform” rating.

Powell (POWL) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “Underperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Paychex (PAYX) (PNR) (RLD) (RLH) (BEN) (SUNS) Ratings, Price Targets

Paychex (NASDAQ: PAYX), Pentair (NYSE: PNR), RealD (NYSE: RLD), Red Lion Hotels (NYSE: RLH), Franklin Resources (NYSE: BEN) and Solar Senior Capital Ltd. (NASDAQ: SUNS) ratings and price targets.

Paychex (PAYX) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Pentair (PNR) had its “Sell” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

RealD (RLD) had its “Hold” rating reiterated by Hudson Square Research.

Red Lion Hotels (RLH) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “Underperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Franklin Resources (BEN) was downgraded by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods to a “Market Perform” rating.

Solar Senior Capital Ltd. (SUNS) was downgraded by Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Saia (SAIA) (ONE) (ONNN) (PAY) (ROK) (KRC) Ratings, Price Targets

Saia (NASDAQ: SAIA), Higher One Holdings (NYSE: ONE), ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ: ONNN), Verifone (NYSE: PAY), Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) and Kilroy Realty (NYSE: KRC) ratings and price targets.

Higher One Holdings (ONE) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

ON Semiconductor (ONNN) had its “Overweight” rating reiterated by Evercore Partners. They have a price target of $9.00 on the company.

Verifone (PAY) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Rockwell Automation (ROK) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Neutral” rating to a “Conviction Buy” rating.

Saia (SAIA) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Kilroy Realty (KRC) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $45.00 to $42.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

NXP (NXPI) (NYT) (OI) (SATC) (RAH) (RL) Ratings, Price Targets

NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI), New York Times (NYSE: NYT), Owens-Illinois (NYSE: OI), SatCon (NASDAQ: SATC), Ralcorp Holdings (NYSE: RAH) and Polo Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL) ratings and price targets.

NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS). They have a price target of $21.00 on the company.

New York Times (NYT) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS).

Owens-Illinois (OI) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

SatCon (SATC) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “Underperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Ralcorp Holdings (RAH) was downgraded by BB&T (NYSE:BBT) from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.

Polo Ralph Lauren (RL) was downgraded by Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.

Maxim (MXIM) (NTSP) (NVDA) (SYKE) (LULU) (PVTB) Ratings, Price Targets

Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM), NetSpend (NASDAQ: NTSP), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Sykes Enterprises (NASDAQ: SYKE), Lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU) and PrivateBancorp (NASDAQ: PVTB) ratings and price targets.

Maxim Integrated Products (MXIM) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS). They have a price target of $26.00 on the company.

NetSpend (NTSP) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

NVIDIA (NVDA) had its “Underweight” rating reiterated by Evercore Partners. They have a price target of $11.00 on the company.

Sykes Enterprises (SYKE) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Lululemon (LULU) had its price target raised by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) from $58.00 to $68.00. They have an “Overweight” rating on the company.

PrivateBancorp (PVTB) was downgraded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) from an “Overweight” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Timken (TKR) (MGI) (MOH) (MRVL) (MAN) (UMPQ) Ratings, Price Targets

Timken (NYSE: TKR), MoneyGram International (NYSE: MGI), Molina Healthcare (NYSE: MOH), Marvell Technology Group (NASDAQ: MRVL), Manpower (NYSE: MAN) and Umpqua Holdings (NASDAQ: UMPQ) ratings and price targets.

MoneyGram International (MGI) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Molina Healthcare (MOH) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Marvell Technology Group (MRVL) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs. They have a price target of $18.00 on the company.

Manpower (MAN) had its price target lowered by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) from $55.00 to $53.00. They have an “Overweight” rating on the company.

Umpqua Holdings (UMPQ) was downgraded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) from an “Overweight” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Timken (TKR) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Lennox (LII) (JNY) (LSCC) (MPC) (PSSI) (MURGY) Ratings, Price Targets

Lennox International (NYSE: LII), Jones Apparel Group (NYSE: JNY), Lattice Semiconductor (NASDAQ: LSCC), Marathon Petroleum (NYSE: MPC), PSS World Medical (NASDAQ: PSSI) and MUENCHENER (NASDAQ: MURGY) ratings and price targets.

Jones Apparel Group (JNY) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Lennox International (LII) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Lattice Semiconductor (LSCC) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF). They have a price target of $8.00 on the company.

Marathon Petroleum (MPC) had its price target lowered by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) from $51.00 to $43.00. They have an “Overweight” rating on the company.

PSS World Medical (PSSI) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating. They have a price target of $21.00 on the company.

MUENCHENER (MURGY) was upgraded by Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Jacobs (JEC) (IR) (ITW) (ILMN) (PHG) (MTA) Ratings, Price Targets

Jacobs Engineering (NYSE: JEC), Ingersoll-Rand (NYSE: IR), Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW), Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN), Koninklijke Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG) and Magyar Telekom (NYSE: MTA) ratings and price targets.

Ingersoll-Rand (IR) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Illinois Tool Works (ITW) had its “Sell” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Jacobs Engineering (JEC) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Zacks Investment Research. They have a price target of $44.00 on the company.

Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays Capital from $33.00 to $36.00. The analysts now have an “overweight” rating on the company.

Koninklijke Philips Electronics (PHG) was downgraded by BNP Paribas from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Magyar Telekom (MTA) was upgraded by Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Intel (INTC) (HPY) (HRC) (ESS) (PER) (MKTG) Ratings, Price Targets

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), Heartland Payment Systems (NYSE: HPY), Hill-Rom Holdings (NYSE: HRC), Essex Property Trust (NYSE: ESS), SandRidge Permian Trust (NYSE: PER) and Responsys (NASDAQ: MKTG) ratings and price targets.

Heartland Payment Systems (HPY) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Hill-Rom Holdings (HRC) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by analysts at Goldman Sachs.

Intel (INTC) had its “Hold” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs. They have a price target of $25.00 on the company.

Essex Property Trust (ESS) had its price target raised by ISI Group to $131.00. They have a “Hold” rating on the company.

SandRidge Permian Trust (PER) was downgraded by Robert W. Baird from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $22.00 on the company.

Responsys (MKTG) was upgraded by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) from an “Equal Weight” rating to an “Overweight” rating.

PacWest (PACW) (GWW) (HGG) (HON) (OSBC) (MKL) Ratings, Price Targets

PacWest Bancorp (NASDAQ: PACW), W.W. Grainger (NYSE: GWW), HHGregg (NYSE: HGG), Honeywell International (NYSE: HON), Old Second Bancorp (NASDAQ: OSBC) and Markel (NYSE: MKL) ratings and price targets.
W.W. Grainger (GWW) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

HHGregg (HGG) had its “Hold” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF).

Honeywell International (HON) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Old Second Bancorp (OSBC) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating.

PacWest Bancorp (PACW) was downgraded by B. Riley from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Markel (MKL) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Marriott (MAR) (DRE) (GLNG) (LOPE) (ECL) (OFC) Ratings, Price Targets

Marriott (NYSE: MAR), Duke Realty (NYSE: DRE), Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ: GLNG), Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ: LOPE), Ecolab (NYSE: ECL) and Corp Office Properties (NYSE: OFC) ratings and price targets.
Duke Realty (DRE) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $16.00 to $14.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Grand Canyon Education (LOPE) was upgraded by Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Buy” rating.

Ecolab (ECL) had its price target raised by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) from $62.00 to $67.00. They have an “Overweight” rating on the company.

Corp Office Properties (OFC) was downgraded by RBC Capital from an “Outperform” rating to a “Sector Perform” rating.

Marriott (MAR) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Neutral” rating to a “Buy” rating. They have a price target of $38.00 on the company.

Hyatt (H) (HBAN) (LUX) (GME) (GPN) (GTIV) Ratings, Price Targets

Hyatt Hotels (NYSE: H), Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ: HBAN), Luxottica Group S.p.A. (NYSE: LUX), GameStop (NYSE: GME), Global Payments (NYSE: GPN) and Gentiva Health Services (NASDAQ: GTIV) ratings and price targets.

Hyatt Hotels (H) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $43.00 on the company.

Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) was downgraded by Stifel Nicolaus from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.

Luxottica Group S.p.A. (LUX) was upgraded by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) from an “Equal Weight” rating to an “Overweight” rating.

GameStop (GME) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Sterne Agee. They have a price target of $30.00 on the company.

Global Payments (GPN) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Gentiva Health Services (GTIV) had its “Hold” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF).

Lamar (LAMR) (GDOT) (GE) (GIB) (DXCM) (EMR) Ratings, Price Targets

Lamar Advertising Company (NASDAQ: LAMR), Green Dot (NASDAQ: GDOT), General Electric (NYSE: GE), CGI Group (NYSE: GIB), DexCom (NASDAQ: DXCM) and Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR) ratings and price targets.
Green Dot (GDOT) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

General Electric (GE) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

CGI Group (GIB) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

DexCom (DXCM) was downgraded by McNicoll Lewis & Vlak to a “Hold” rating.

Emerson Electric (EMR) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Lamar Advertising Company (LAMR) was upgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “Sell” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Genpact (G) (FITB) (FLT) (CWH) (DXCM) (GM) Ratings, Price Targets

Genpact Limited (NYSE: G), Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ: FITB), FleetCor Technologies (NYSE: FLT), CommonWealth REIT (NYSE: CWH), DexCom (NASDAQ: DXCM) and General Motors (NYSE: GM) ratings and price targets.

Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Zacks Investment Research. They have a price target of $15.00 on the company.

FleetCor Technologies (FLT) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Genpact Limited (G) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

CommonWealth REIT (CWH) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $20.00 to $18.00. They have a “Sector Perform” rating on the company.

DexCom (DXCM) was downgraded by MLV & Co from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating. They have a price target of $9.00 on the company.

General Motors (GM) was upgraded by Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) from a “Neutral” rating to an “Overweight” rating.

Equifax (EFX) (ETN) (EXLS) (TIF) (AF) (GLP) Ratings, Price Targets

Equifax (NYSE: EFX), Eaton (NYSE: ETN), ExlService Holdings (NASDAQ: EXLS), Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF), Astoria Financial (NYSE: AF) and Global Partners LP (NYSE: GLP) ratings and price targets.

Equifax (EFX) had its “Sell” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Eaton (ETN) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

ExlService Holdings (EXLS) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Tiffany & Co. (TIF) had its price target lowered by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) from $88.00 to $80.00. They have an “Overweight” rating on the company.

Astoria Financial (AF) was downgraded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) from a “Neutral” rating to an “Underweight” rating.

Global Partners LP (GLP) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Dover (DOV) (DOX) (DVA) (HCC) (ARE) (GGG) Ratings, Price Targets

Dover (NYSE: DOV), Amdocs Limited (NYSE: DOX), DaVita (NYSE: DVA), HCC Insurance Holdings (NYSE: HCC), Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE: ARE) and Graco (NYSE: GGG) ratings and price targets.

Dover (DOV) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Amdocs Limited (DOX) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

DaVita (DVA) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

HCC Insurance Holdings (HCC) was downgraded by Macquarie from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (ARE) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $83.00 to $77.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Graco (GGG) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Sell” rating to a “Buy” rating.

Dell (DELL) (DECK) (DHR) (BDN) (KKPNY) (GET) Ratings, Price Targets

Dell (NASDAQ: DELL), Deckers Outdoor (NASDAQ: DECK), Danaher (NYSE: DHR), Brandywine Realty (NYSE: BDN), Koninklijke KPN (NASDAQ: KKPNY) and Gaylord (NYSE: GET) ratings and price targets.

Deckers Outdoor (DECK) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF).

Dell (DELL) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB).

Danaher (DHR) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Brandywine Realty (BDN) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $13.00 to $10.00. They have a “Sector Perform” rating on the company.

Koninklijke KPN (KKPNY) was downgraded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) from an “Overweight” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Gaylord (GET) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Diebold (DBD) (CVH) (DCIX) (HRC) (CRM) (ESI) Ratings, Price Targets

Diebold (NYSE: DBD), Coventry Health Care (NYSE: CVH), Diana Containerships (NASDAQ: DCIX), Hill-Rom Holdings (NYSE: HRC), Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM) and ITT Educational Services (NYSE: ESI) ratings and price targets.

Coventry Health Care (CVH) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Diebold (DBD) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Diana Containerships (DCIX) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF).

Hill-Rom Holdings (HRC) was downgraded by Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) to an “Underperform” rating.

Salesforce.com (CRM) had its price target lowered by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) to $150.00. They have an “Overweight” rating on the company.

ITT Educational Services (ESI) was upgraded by Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) from an “Underperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Cognizant (CTSH) (CSC) (CVG) (AKZOY) (JNY) (ERII) Ratings, Price Targets

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH), Computer Sciences (NYSE: CSC), Convergys (NYSE: CVG), Akzo Nobel (NASDAQ: AKZOY), Jones Apparel Group (NYSE: JNY) and Energy Recovery (NASDAQ: ERII) ratings and price targets.
Computer Sciences (CSC) had its “Sell” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Cognizant (CTSH) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Convergys (CVG) had its “Sell” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Akzo Nobel (KZOY) was downgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating.

Jones Apparel Group (JNY) had its price target lowered by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) from $15.00 to $11.00. They have an “Equal Weight” rating on the company.

Energy Recovery (ERII) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “Underperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.

Amylin (AMLN) (CCK) (CHSI) (CNC) (ADP) (DTV) Ratings, Price Targets

Amylin Pharma (NASDAQ: AMLN), Crown Cork & Seal (NYSE: CCK), Catalyst Health Solutions (NASDAQ: CHSI), Centene (NYSE: CNC), Automatic Data Processing Incorporated (NYSE: ADP) and DirecTV (NYSE: DTV) ratings and price targets.

Crown Cork & Seal (CCK) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Catalyst Health Solutions (CHSI) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Centene (CNC) had its “Neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Amylin Pharma (AMLN) was downgraded by MKM Partners from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating. They have a price target of $8.50 on the company.

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) had its price target raised by Barclays Capital from $58.00 to $60.00. They have an “Overweight” rating on the company.

DirecTV (DTV) was upgraded by Sanford C. Bernstein from a “Market Perform” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Broadcom (BRCM) (CAVM) (CBE) (DFT) (AWH) (HL) Ratings, Price Targets

Broadcom (NASDAQ: BRCM), Cavium Networks (NASDAQ: CAVM), Cooper Industries (NYSE: CBE), DuPont Fabros Technology (NYSE: DFT), Allied World Assurance (NYSE: AWH) and Hecla Mining (NYSE: HL) ratings and price targets.

Broadcom (BRCM) had its “buy” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF). They have a price target of $45.00 on the company.

Cavium Networks (CAVM) had its “buy” rating reiterated by Jefferies Group. They have a price target of $32.00 on the company.

Cooper Industries (CBE) had its “neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

DuPont Fabros Technology (DFT) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $32.00 to $29.00. They have an “outperform” rating on the company.

Allied World Assurance (AWH) was upgraded by Macquarie from a “Neutral” rating to an “Outperform” rating.

Hecla Mining (HL) was downgraded by Canaccord Genuity from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.

AK Steel (AKS) (BXP) (GE) (AVGO) (BBT) (BLL) Ratings, Price Targets

AK Steel Holding Co. (NYSE: AKS), Boston Properties (NYSE: BXP), General Electric (NYSE: GE), Avago Technologies (NASDAQ: AVGO), BB&T (NYSE: BBT) and Ball Co. (NYSE: BLL) ratings and price targets.

AK Steel Holding Co. (AKS) was upgraded by Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.

Boston Properties (BXP) was downgraded by RBC Capital from an “outperform” rating to a “sector perform” rating.

General Electric (GE) had its price target raised by Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS) from $20.00 to $22.00. They have an “overweight” rating on the company.

Avago Technologies (AVGO) had its “buy” rating reiterated by analysts at Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF). They have a price target of $41.00 on the company.

BB&T (BBT) had its “neutral” rating reiterated by Zacks Investment Research. They have a price target of $28.00 on the company.

Ball Co. (BLL) had its “neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs.

Cree (CREE) (AGP) (BKI) (SLF) (MHK) (MHR) Ratings, Price Targets

Cree (NASDAQ: CREE), AMERIGROUP (NYSE: AGP), Buckeye Technologies (NYSE: BKI), Sun Life Financial (NYSE: SLF), Mohawk Industries (NYSE: MHK) and Magnum Hunter (NYSE: MHR) ratings and price targets.

AMERIGROUP (AGP) had its “buy” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Cree (CREE) had its “neutral” rating reiterated by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS).

Buckeye Technologies (BKI) had its price target raised by RBC Capital from $37.00 to $44.00. They have an “outperform” rating on the company.

Sun Life Financial (SLF) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating.

Mohawk Industries (MHK) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.

Magnum Hunter (MHR) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Apple (AAPL) (REX) (FPO) (NYX) (SIMO) (ADP) Ratings, Price Targets

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Rex Stores (NYSE: REX), First Potomac Realty (NYSE: FPO), NYSE Euronext (NYSE: NYX), Silicon Motion Technology Corp. (NASDAQ: SIMO) and Automatic Data Processing Incorporated (NYSE: ADP) ratings and price targets.

Apple (AAPL) had its “overweight” rating reiterated by Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC).

Rex Stores (REX) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.

First Potomac Realty (FPO) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $19.00 to $16.00. They have an “outperform” rating on the company.

NYSE Euronext (NYX) was downgraded by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods to a “market perform” rating.

Silicon Motion Technology Corp. (SIMO) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Automatic Data Processing Incorporated (ADP) had its “neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Wright (WXS) (TNB) (CTCM) (DASTY) (RDN) (RENT) Ratings, Price Targets

Wright Express Co. (NYSE: WXS), Thomas & Betts Co. (NYSE: TNB), CTC Media (NASDAQ: CTCM), Dassault Systemes S.A. (NASDAQ: DASTY), Radian Group (NYSE: RDN) and Rentrak (NASDAQ: RENT) ratings and price targets.

Wright Express Co. (WXS) had its “neutral” rating reiterated by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) .

Thomas & Betts Co. (TNB) was downgraded by Macquarie from a “neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating.

CTC Media (CTCM) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Dassault Systemes S.A. (DASTY) was downgraded by Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating.

Radian Group (RDN) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.

Rentrak (RENT) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Patriot (PCX) (THG) (TICC) (SFI) (SNV) (SRSL) Ratings, Price Targets

Patriot Coal (NYSE: PCX), The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE: THG), TICC Capital (NASDAQ: TICC), iStar Financial (NYSE: SFI), Synovus Financial (NYSE: SNV) and SRS Labs (NASDAQ: SRSL) ratings and price targets.

The Hanover Insurance Group (THG) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating.

Patriot Coal (PCX) was downgraded by Simmons to a “neutral” rating.

TICC Capital (TICC) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating.

iStar Financial (SFI) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.

Synovus Financial (SNV) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.

SRS Labs (SRSL) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Aurizon (AZK) (AWK) (KO) (LAZ) (MA) (DTG) Ratings, Price Targets

Aurizon Mines Ltd. (NYSE: AZK), American Water Works (NYSE: AWK), The Coca Cola (NYSE: KO), Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ), MasterCard (NYSE: MA) and Dollar Thrifty (NYSE: DTG) ratings and price targets.

American Water Works (AWK) was upgraded by Ladenburg Thalmann from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating.

Aurizon Mines Ltd. AZK) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.

The Coca Cola (KO) was downgraded by UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Lazard Ltd (LAZ) was downgraded by Citigroup (NYSE:C) from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating.

MasterCard (MA) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Dollar Thrifty (DTG) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.

MIPS (MIPS) (EFC) (NCR) (NYX) (ENS) (ACN) Ratings, Price Targets

MIPS Technologies (NASDAQ: MIPS), Ellington Financial (NYSE: EFC), NCR (NYSE: NCR), NYSE Euronext (NYSE: NYX), EnerSys (NYSE: ENS) and Accenture Plc (NYSE: ACN) ratings and price targets.

Ellington Financial (EFC) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating.

MIPS Technologies (MIPS) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating.

NCR (NCR) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) to a “buy” rating.

NYSE Euronext (NYX) was downgraded by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating.

EnerSys (ENS) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.

Accenture Plc (ACN) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Markel (MKL) (VIP) (BEN) (BPFH) (RNO) (ROK) Ratings, Price Targets

Markel (NYSE: MKL), Vimpelcom (NYSE: VIP), Franklin Resources (NYSE: BEN), Boston Private Financial (NASDAQ: BPFH), Rhino Resource Partners LP (NYSE: RNO) and Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) ratings and price targets.

Markel (MKL) was downgraded by Macquarie from a “neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating.

Vimpelcom (VIP) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “sell” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Franklin Resources (BEN) was downgraded by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating.

Boston Private Financial (BPFH) was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Rhino Resource Partners LP (RNO) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating.

Rockwell Automation (ROK) was upgraded by Nomura (NYSE:NMR) from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating.

DTS (DTSI) (URBN) (VMED) (DXCM) (SNX) (TIF) Ratings, Price Targets

DTS (NASDAQ: DTSI), Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN), Virgin Media (NASDAQ: VMED), DexCom (NASDAQ: DXCM), SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) and Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) ratings and price targets.

Urban Outfitters (URBN) had its “positive” rating reiterated by Nomura (NYSE:NMR).

Virgin Media (VMED) had its “equal weight” rating reiterated by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS).

DexCom (DXCM) had its price target lowered by Feltl & Co. to $9.00.

SYNNEX (SNX) had its price target raised by Sterne Agee to $32.00.

Tiffany & Co. (TIF) had its price target lowered by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) to $64.00. They have a “neutral” rating on the company.

DTS (DTSI) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating.