McDonald's, Interpace Diagnostics, Barracuda Networks Stocks Moving Today

Three stocks making big moves on the charts today are McDonald's, Interpace Diagnostics, and Barracuda Networks

Josh Selway

Apr 18, 2017 at 2:43 PM

Stocks are struggling today, as traders digest the latest corporate earnings data. Among specific stocks on the move this afternoon are Dow component McDonald's, molecular specialist Interpace Diagnostics Group Inc (NASDAQ:IDXG), and cybersecurity concern Barracuda Networks Inc (NYSE:CUDA). Here's a quick look at what's moving MCD stock, IDXG stock, and CUDA stock.

MCD Stock Hits Record High After Upgrade

MCD stock earlier hit a record high of $132.80, and was last seen up 0.5% at $132.03, thanks to an upgrade to "outperform" from "market perform" at Bernstein, which also raised its price target to $160 from $129. The brokerage firm cited the restaurant chain's investments in digital initiatives, which should boost sales. This is just more of the same from McDonald's stock, which is up 11.7% since its early January low near $118. More bullish analyst attention could still come through, too, since more than half of those covering MCD shares say they're just a "hold." Looking ahead, the company will report earnings next Tuesday morning.

UnitedHealth News Boosts Interpace Diagnostics

Shares of IDXG are soaring today, up 27% at $2.73 after being halted earlier, thanks to news UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) will cover the company's thyroid cancer test, ThyraMir. IDXG stock, which is the top Nasdaq gainer today, traded as high at $4.45 earlier, a level just above its year-to-date breakeven point. Interpace Diagnostics Group Inc is no stranger to huge moves on the charts, either, surging as high as $19.80 back in December.

Weak Forecast Sinks Barracuda Networks Stock

Meanwhile, CUDA stock is near the bottom of the Nasdaq, as a disappointing full-year outlook overshadows a fiscal fourth-quarter earnings beat. D.A. Davidson cut its price target to $23 from $25 as a result. The shares have so far lost 15.9% to trade at $19.69, earning a spot on the short-sale restricted list, and on pace for their first close below the 200-day moving average since July. What's more, Barracuda Networks Inc is in danger of additional bear notes, since 10 of 15 covering analysts recommend buying CUDA stock.

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