A number of stocks were upgraded and downgraded by equities research analysts today, as reported by Analyst Ratings Network (http://bit.ly/equitybriefdaily) and Equity Brief:
Zacks reiterated its neutral rating on shares of Regency Centers (NYSE: REG). They have a $51.00 price target on the stock. Zacks' analyst wrote, "Regency reported strong third quarter 2012 results with recurring FFO exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.04. Regency is one of the largest retail-strip format REITs in the U.S. and its dominant anchor tenants are grocery stores, which produce a steady revenue stream. The company also has a relatively strong balance sheet. However, Regency has an active development pipeline, which increases operational risks in the current credit-constrained market, exposing it to rising construction costs, entitlement delays, and lease-up risk. We maintain our long-term Neutral rating as we expect it to perform in line with the broader market. "
KeyBanc upgraded shares of The Ryland Group, Inc. (NYSE: RYL) from a hold rating to a buy rating.
Argus upgraded shares of Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) from a hold rating to a buy rating.
RBC Capital reiterated its outperform rating on shares of Schroders plc (LON: SDR). They have a $25.58 price target on the stock.
Howard Weil downgraded shares of Stone Energy (NYSE: SGY) from a focus stock rating to an outperform rating.
Zacks reiterated its neutral rating on shares of Sigma-Aldrich Corp (SIAL). They have a $74.00 price target on the stock.
Bank of America upgraded shares of Signet Jewelers Ltd. (SIG) to a buy rating. They wrote, "We are upgrading Signet from Neutral to Buy as we expect mark share gains to accelerate in the coming quarters. The acquisition of Ultra indicates to us that management is willing to be increasingly aggressive in driving sales growth. Signet's sales will benefit from favorable industry trends (jewelry & watch sales were +5.4% September), new products, more marketing support and the acquisition of Ultra. In our view, Signet will also benefit from a gross margin (GM) tailwind on lower product costs beginning in Q4. We expect these drivers to result in multiple expansion as the potential for earnings beats rises."
Standpoint Research downgraded shares of SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW) from a buy rating to a hold rating. They noted that the move was a valuation call. They noted that the move was a valuation call.
Zacks reiterated its neutral rating on shares of Schlumberger (SLB). They have a $74.00 price target on the stock. Zacks' analyst wrote, "We are maintaining our Neutral recommendation on Schlumberger following its third quarter results. The company was bolstered by strong performances in global exploration and deepwater activity, as well as efficiency in operations. Its international reach and diverse product offerings aided the company to offset the challenging North American market during the quarter. Schlumberger is expected to outperform its peers in the fourth quarter. Already in the third quarter, the company has taken the margin lead in North America. However, weaker North American onshore activity continues to weigh on results. Additionally, Schlumberger faces a number of headwinds, including changes in exploration and production spending patterns, commodity price fluctuations and overall economic conditions."
Zacks reiterated its outperform rating on shares of Standard Motor Produ (SMP). They have a $24.00 price target on the stock.
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