Investment Analysts’ price target changes for Monday, May 14th

Investment Analysts’ price target changes for Monday, May 14th:

Amtrust Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFSI) had its price target raised by analysts at FBR Capital from $32.00 to $35.00. They now have an “outperform” rating on the stock.

Allstate (NYSE: ALL) had its price target raised by analysts at FBR Capital from $35.00 to $40.00. They now have an “outperform” rating on the stock.

Alere Inc (NYSE: ALR) had its price target lowered by analysts at Wedbush to $23.00.

Ariad Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ: ARIA) had its price target raised by analysts at Summer Street Research from $16.00 to $21.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock.

Ariad Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ: ARIA) had its price target raised by analysts at Summer Street to $21.00.

Aruba Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARUN) had its price target lowered by analysts at Mizuho from $23.00 to $18.00. They now have a “neutral” rating on the stock.

ATP Oil & Gas Co. (NASDAQ: ATPG) had its price target lowered by analysts at Pritchard Capital to $10.00.

Breitburn Energy (NASDAQ: BBEP) had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup from $26.00 to $27.00.

Biomarin Pharm (NASDAQ: BMRN) had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup from $45.00 to $49.00.

Career Education Corp. (NASDAQ: CECO) had its price target lowered by analysts at Bank of America from $7.00 to $6.50.

Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK) had its price target lowered by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from $29.00 to $25.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock.

Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK) had its price target lowered by analysts at JPMorgan Chase from $15.50 to $10.00.

Chesapeake Midstream Partners LP (NASDAQ: CHKM) had its price target lowered by analysts at Ladenburg Thalmann to $37.00.

Dangdang (NASDAQ: DANG) had its price target lowered by analysts at Credit Suisse from $10.40 to $9.60.

Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) had its price target raised by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus to $50.00.

Finisar (NASDAQ: FNSR) had its price target lowered by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus to $22.00.

Full Circle Capital (NASDAQ: FULL) had its price target lowered by analysts at Ladenburg Thalmann from $8.00 to $7.50.

Furiex Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: FURX) had its price target raised by analysts at Ladenburg Thalmann from $28.00 to $33.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock.

IAMGOLD Corp (NYSE: IAG) had its price target lowered by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus to $18.00.

McDermott International (NYSE: MDR) had its price target lowered by analysts at Citigroup from $19.00 to $18.00.

McDermott International (NYSE: MDR) had its price target lowered by analysts at Goldman Sachs from $15.00 to $14.00.

Medivation Inc (NASDAQ: MDVN) had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup from $90.00 to $129.00.

McCormick (NYSE: MKC) had its price target raised by analysts at Deutsche Bank from $56.00 to $59.00.

Medicis Pharmaceutic (NYSE: MRX) had its price target raised by analysts at Jefferies Group to $49.00.

Targa Resources Partners (NASDAQ: NGLS) had its price target raised by analysts at Bank of America from $44.00 to $46.00.

NetApp Inc. (NASDAQ: NTAP) had its price target lowered by analysts at Piper Jaffray from $53.00 to $49.00.

NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) had its price target lowered by analysts at Jefferies Group to $15.00.

Prospect Capital (NASDAQ: PSEC) had its price target raised by analysts at Ladenburg Thalmann from $11.00 to $11.50.

Renewable Energy Group Inc (NASDAQ: REGI) had its price target lowered by analysts at Canaccord Genuity from $13.00 to $12.00.

Sagent Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: SGNT) had its price target lowered by analysts at Morgan Stanley to $27.00.

Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCR) had its price target lowered by analysts at Goldman Sachs from $37.00 to $28.00.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) had its price target raised by analysts at Canaccord Genuity from $32.00 to $35.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock.

Tornier BV (NASDAQ: TRNX) had its price target lowered by analysts at Piper Jaffray from $26.00 to $24.00.

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) had its price target raised by analysts at Canaccord Genuity from $36.00 to $41.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock.

WuXi PharmaTech (NYSE: WX) had its price target raised by analysts at Deutsche Bank from $16.00 to $17.00.

 

Investment Pros vs. Average Joes: Corning vs. Crompton Greaves Ltd.

When it comes to handy work – I’m all sore thumbs. So when there’s work to be done around the house, I’m quick to call in a professional (I have my plumber’s number on speed dial, conveniently right after my loan shark).

When it comes to investing – I used to think I was a Do-It-Yourself Investor, but lately I’m not so sure, especially after poor selections in RIMM, C, GE, and MFC last year.

Since my portfolio building skills seem to be on par with my patio building skills, I’ve started to pay more attention to what portfolio managers, CFOs, and other investment pros have to say – scouring the internet for research reports and analysts recommendations each day.

I even built an app called Investment Pro Stock Picks picks – which gathers pro price targets and commentary each day. But that doesn’t mean I think the average investor doesn’t have just as good insight into which stocks are ready to make a move.

Here’s a look at our first Pro vs. Joe battle in Portfolio Stadium: Corning vs. Crompton.

PRO PICK: Corning Inc. (GLW)

Darren Sissons of Portfolio Management Corp has a BUY on Corning Inc.

He examined the LCD market, which includes everything from cell phone screens, to TV screens, to any screens actually. According to Sissons, the LCD business is currently having a pretty tough time. However, the market is starting to rationalize supply, which will be good for Corning. Corning is in a joint venture with Samsung and ultimately any earnings from this will be 100% credited to earnings. He also likes Corning’s very strong balance sheet. The stock is currently very cheap as well.

JOE PICK: Crompton Greaves Ltd. (CROMPTON.BO)

When it comes to Diversified Electronics stocks, I’m thinking way outside of the box – as in outside of North America. Crompton is based in Mumbai, India and can be found on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

Fitch Ratings recently affirmed Crompton’s National Long Term Rating at ‘Fitch AA+(ind)’ with a Stable Outlook:

The affirmation reflects that despite a sharp decline in the PBIT margins of CGL’s power division to 3.5% in the nine months ended 31 December 2011 (9MFY12) from 12.4% in FY11, its credit metrics continue to be strong for the rating category and are comparable to similarly rated peers. The power division accounts for approximately two thirds of the company’s consolidated revenues.

The weak performance of CGL’s power division in this period was driven by a slowdown in the business of CGL’s overseas subsidiaries, which contribute around 60% to division sales. Challenging demand scenario in the power utility segment in the key regions of Europe and Middle East and North Africa severely impacted demand for the company’s products. CGL’s India operations also reported muted final performance in this period, with high input costs and slowing demand affecting the profitability of power and industrial products divisions. On consolidated basis, EBITDA margins declined to 7.2% in 9MFY12 from 13.4% in FY11.

THE VERDICT:
At the end of trading day on Friday April 13, 2012 – Corning finished at $13.58
-0.15 (-1.09%) for the day, while Crompton was at 133.75 -1.45 (-1.07%) on a day when the markets sold off.

Over the longer run – Corning had a 1-year return of -29.1% and Crompton was down -52.3%.

Based on these performance numbers and research commentary, I’m going to have to give this one to Corning.

When it comes to home renos or investments – it looks like I should leave it to the pros. Because for me, DIY might as well stand for: Don’t Injure Yourself.

Other Pro Picks This Week (as of Friday, April 13, 2012):

• Avalon Rare Metals (AVL). CIBC cuts price target to C$8.50 from C$9.30

• Celtic Exploration (CLT). NBF resumes with outperform; price target C$20;
CIBC cuts price target to C$21.50 from C$23

• Cogeco Cable Inc. (CCA). CIBC cuts to sector performer from sector outperformer;
Canaccord Genuity cuts to hold from buy

• Eldorado Gold Corp. (ELD). BMO raises to outperform; raises price target
to C$20 from $18.50

• Goldgroup (GGA). Canaccord Genuity cuts price target to C$2 from C$2.60

• Ivanhoe Mines (IVN). Macquarie cuts target to C$23.50 from C$27, rating
Outperform

• Lake Shore Gold (LSG). Canaccord Genuity cuts target to C$1.65, rating
Hold

• Parallel Energy (PLT_u). CIBC raises to sector outperformer from sector
Performer

• Superior Plus Corp. (SPB). CIBC raises price target to C$8.25 from C$7.50

• Taseko Mines Ltd. (TKO). CIBC cuts price target to C$5.80 from C$6; Canaccord
Genuity cuts target to C$4.10 from C$4.50, rating buy

More pro stock picks and commentary can be found at: Investment Pro Stock Picks

 

Lorne Steinberg president of Lorne Steinberg Wealth has a TOP PICK on Sun Life.

Among the most conservatively run insurance companies in its industry. It never had to raise capital or cut its dividend during the financial crisis. Besides its well-respected North American operations, it is the largest foreign insurer in India. Earnings should rebound sharply this year to over $2.50 per share. With a 7% dividend yield, these shares offer plenty of upside.