Analyst Downgrades: Cree, Inc., First Solar, Inc., and Intel Corporation

Analysts downwardly revised their ratings and price targets on Cree, Inc. (CREE), First Solar, Inc. (FSLR), and Intel Corporation (INTC)

Oct 19, 2016 at 9:28 AM

Analysts are weighing in on LED specialist Cree, Inc. (NASDAQ:CREE), alternative energy issue First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR), and Dow stock Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC). Here's a quick roundup of today's bearish brokerage notes on CREE, FSLR, and INTC.

CREE is bracing for an 11.4% drop out of the gate and a possible annual low, on the heels of a fiscal first-quarter revenue miss and a disappointing current-quarter forecast. Making matters worse, no fewer than five analysts cut their price targets on the stock, with Goldman Sachs lowering its outlook to $17 -- waters not charted since early 2009, and a 32.5% discount to Tuesday's close at $25.20. While Cree, Inc. will almost surely land on the short-sale restricted list this morning, short interest is already sky-high. Over 9% of the stock's float is sold short, which -- at CREE's typical trading levels -- would take nearly three weeks to cover.

Baird cut its price target on FSLR to $58 from $60 -- though this is still a whopping 46.6% premium to last night's settlement at $39.57. The shares have done little to inspire confidence in 2016, shedding two-fifths of their value. Perhaps that's why option bears have been barraging First Solar, Inc. of late. Specifically, the stock's 10-day put/call volume ratio at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) is a top-heavy 3.58 -- which ranks in the extreme 100th percentile of its annual range.

INTC is pointed 4.5% lower ahead of the bell, as the company's disappointing guidance overshadows better-than-expected earnings and revenue. Analysts are throwing salt on the stock's wounds, with no fewer than eleven cutting their price targets -- including Bernstein to $33 from $35 -- though Morgan Stanley broke from the pack, upping its target price to $35 from $34. While Intel Corporation could struggle today, it's been strong overall, advancing nearly 10% year-to-date to settle last night at $37.75, and recently touching a 15-year high. Not surprisingly, bullish options betting has accelerated lately, per INTC's 10-day ISE/CBOE/PHLX call/put volume ratio of 2.43 -- which ranks in the high 89th percentile of its 12-month range.

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