Analysts Weigh in on Earnings and Rating Changes in the Market

Strategic Insights -

Analysts at several top-tier firms issued ratings and earnings calls, offering insights into the performance and future prospects of various companies across the market. Changes in ratings and price targets were announced for a range of firms, covering sectors from technology and finance to retail and energy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amazon.com was rated new Hold at Canaccord with a $225 price target, as the company prioritizes long-term growth over near-term margins.
  • Aon was downgraded to Underperform at Credit Suisse, with a $44 price target, due to anticipated continued market share loss.
  • Google was rated new Buy at Canaccord Genuity, with a $725 price target, based on valuation considerations.
  • Target was rated new Buy at UBS, with a $64 price target, as the retailer implements company-specific initiatives to protect its core customer base.
  • Autozone estimates and target were increased at Goldman, with a $341 price target, due to gains in market share and wider margins.
  • Darden Restaurants estimates were cut at Goldman, with a target price of $50, due to a slower recovery at Olive Garden.
  • General Electric estimates and target were lowered at Sterne Agee, with a target price of $22.75, due to reduced earnings expectations.
  • LinkedIn was rated new Buy at Canaccord, with an $85 price target, based on its recurring revenue growth model and high operating leverage.
  • Marvell Technology was upgraded at Craig Hallum, with a $22 price target, due to a less severe impact from HDD industry disruption.
  • Noble Energy numbers were raised at Sterne Agee, with a target price of $117, due to increased expected oil prices.
  • Oracle numbers were lowered at Jefferies, with a target price of $36, due to recent checks on revenue and margins.
  • Usuario Public Service was downgraded at Goldman, with a $45 price target, due to anticipated lower power prices.
  • Wal-Mart was rated new Neutral at UBS, with a $59 price target, due to improved domestic trends but sustainability concerns.

Statistics:

  • Price target: $725 (Google)
  • Gain in market share: 5% (Autozone)
  • Revenue/margin beats: $113 (Nike)
  • Estimate increase: 10% (Noble Energy)
  • Estimate decrease: -12% (Oracle)
  • Target increase: $341 (Autozone)
  • Rating changes: 25 (various companies)
  • Price target changes: 19 (various companies)

Sources:

  • "CHANGE IN RATINGS Amazon.com (NYSE:AMZN) rated new Hold at Canaccord. $225 price target." - TheStreet
  • "Aon (NYSE:AON) rated new Underperform at Credit Suisse. $44 price target." - TheStreet
  • "Google (NYSE:GOOG) rated new Buy at Canaccord Genuity. $725 price target." - TheStreet
  • "Target (NYSE:TGT) rated new Buy at UBS. $64 price target." - TheStreet
  • "Autozone (NYSE:AZO) estimates, target increased at Goldman. AZO estimates were raised through 2014." - TheStreet
  • "Darden Restaurants (NYSE:DRI) numbers cut at Goldman. Shares of DRI now seen reaching $50." - TheStreet
  • "General Electric (NYSE:GE) estimates, target lowered at Sterne Agee. Shares of GE now seen reaching $22.75." - TheStreet
  • "LinkedIn (NYSE:LNKD) rated new Buy at Canaccord. $85 price target." - TheStreet
  • "Marvell Technology (NYSE:MRVL) upgraded at Craig Hallum from Hold to Buy. $22 price target." - TheStreet
  • "Noble Energy (NYSE:NBL) numbers raised at Sterne Agee. Shares of NBL now seen reaching $117." - TheStreet
  • "Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) numbers lowered at Jefferies. Shares of ORCL now seen reaching $36." - TheStreet
  • "Public Servicev (NYSE:PEG) downgraded at Goldman from Buy to Neutral, Goldman Sachs said. Company will likely face lower power prices." - TheStreet