Apple, Gartner, Incyte Upgraded

Analysts are weighing in on iPhone maker Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), tech advisory firm Gartner Inc (NYSE:IT), and drug stock Incyte Corporation (NASDAQ:INCY). Here's a roundup of today's bullish brokerage notes on AAPL, IT, and INCY shares.

Credit Suisse Ups the Ante on Apple Shares

Analysts are again eyeing the $160 level for AAPL stock, with Credit Suisse bumping its price target to $160 from $150, saying its iPhone estimates remain intact. Apple Inc. has added over 20% year-to-date to trade at $139.14, but it still remains an opportune time to target near-term options. This is based on AAPL's Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 15%, which is just 6 percentage points from an annual low. In short, near-term volatility expectations for the shares are very low at the moment. 

RBC names Gartner Stock a Top Pick

Shares of IT have also been hot in recent months, adding 17.2% since their early January low to trade at $105.95. Now, the stock is set to open in record-high territory, after RBC named it a "top pick," and raised its price target to $124 from $117, expressing confidence the company will be able to better manage CEB, which it purchased earlier this year. Even though Gartner Inc has been strong on the charts, short interest jumped by 18.8% during the past two reporting periods, and is now at its highest point since May. 

M&A Prospects Make Incyte Shares Even More Attractive

INCY is edging higher in pre-market trading, after Credit Suisse boosted its price target to $174 from $136, deeming the stock a valid M&A target amid recent reports Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is interesting in buying the company. At $149.24, Incyte Corporation has already more than doubled in value year-over-year, and options activity remains call-heavy. For instance, INCY's 10-day call/put volume ratio at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) comes in at 1.65.