Investing

Top Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades: AMD, Apple, Exxon and More

Stocks have pulled back marginally but are still close to all-time highs. We are sliding into year-end, and investors are trying to position themselves for 2014 and beyond. 24/7 Wall St. reviews dozens of Wall Street analyst reports each morning, with a goal of finding new investment and trading ideas for our readers. Some turn out to be stocks to buy, some are stocks to sell. These are this Monday’s top analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations seen from Wall Street research firms.

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NYSE: AMD) was downgraded to Underperform from Perform at Oppenheimer.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) was reiterated as Buy and the price target was raised to $650 from $600 at Jefferies.

Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) was raised to Buy from Neutral and the price target was raised to $109 from $96 (versus a $95.31 close at Goldman Sachs.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (NASDAQ: JAZZ) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Goldman Sachs, although the price target was raised to $123 from a prior $105 target (versus a $114.53 close).

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) was started with an Outperform rating and a $95 price target (versus a $82.23 close) at Credit Suisse.

Marathon Oil Corp. (NYSE: MRO) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Goldman Sachs.

Monster Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ: MNST) was added to the Top Pick List at RBC Capital Markets, after having previously been rated as Outperform, and the price target is $77 (versus a $61.46 close).

TASER International Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR) was raised to Overweight from Neutral with an $18.50 price target (versus a $15.52 close) at J.P. Morgan.

Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) was raised to Hold from Sell and the price target was raised to $83 from $65 at Canaccord Genuity.

YUM! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) was raised to Outperform from Market Perform and the price target was raised to $85 from $75 (versus a $71.81 close) at Bernstein.

Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.