The most talked about and market-moving research requests around Wall Street are now in one place. Here are today’s research calls that investors should know, as compiled by Fly.
Top 5 improvements:
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Rothschild & Co Redburn promoted GE took over (GEV) to buy from sell with a price target of $1,100, up from $560. The company says demand and margins on new equipment and services for power and utilities are stronger than expected.
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Argus rose Autozone (AZO) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $4,325. The rating change is driven by the company’s expectation that year-over-year profit growth will turn positive for AutoZone, starting with Q3, after showing negative revenue growth in the previous two quarters.
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Scotiabank went up Verizon ( VZ ) outperformed the sector, with a $54.50 price target, up from $50.25, after meeting management. Verizon’s move looks “strong” in both customer load and cost improvements, the company told investors in a research note.
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Wolff’s research is advanced Brinker ( EAT ) outperformed Peer Perform with a $184 price target after trading in analyst coverage. The company says Brinker’s Chile unit has “earned value recognition” and traffic has performed well.
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TD Cowen is promoted Aquoya (IQV) Buy from Hold above $174 with a price target of $213. The company doesn’t see AI driving revenue headlines for the company.
Top 5 lowest ratings:
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Wolff’s research is downplayed Starbucks ( SBUX ) after moving the price target from Outperform to Peer Perform in analyst coverage of the name. While “green shoots” emerge from the company’s turnaround, Wolff wants to see evidence of continued execution.
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William Blair went down A place to talk (TALK) to outperform from Outperform to no price target after the company announced it will be acquired by Universal Health Services (UHS) for $5.25 per share, or $835M. The company expects the deal to close as announced, with additional counter-bids unlikely.
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TD Cowen downgraded Western Union (WAL) maintained from Buy with a price target of $83. The company says that while the bank’s exposure appears unusual, investors’ tolerance for future credit events is likely to decrease, while Western Union’s Cantor credit remains unresolved.
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Bernstein is underrated Brown-Forman (BF.B) outperformed the market with a price target of $29 below $37.50. The company believes that the company’s margins will continue to suffer from initial estimates in the long term with pressure from more expensive barrel whiskey.
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The citizens went down Marriott Vacations (VAC) Market to Outperform with no price target following the Q4 report. The company believes Marriott Vacations’ board should have explored some strategic alternatives after the stock was down 60% over the previous CEO’s three-year tenure.
