Analysts upwardly revised their ratings and price targets on AAPL, VRX, and FEYE stocks
Analysts are weighing in on iPhone maker Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc (NYSE:VRX), and cybersecurity stock FireEye Inc (NASDAQ:FEYE). Here's a quick roundup of today's bullish brokerage notes on shares of AAPL, VRX, and FEYE.
Apple Stock Could Retreat on iPhone Sales Miss
AAPL stock has been swinging higher all year -- up 27.4% in 2017, based on last night's close at $147.51, and fresh off yesterday's record high of $148.09. The shares seem set to take a breather today, though, with AAPL stock down 1% in electronic trading. Pressuring the security is Apple Inc.'s lower-than-expected iPhone sales in its fiscal second quarter, though earnings came in above the consensus estimate. Analysts don't seem to think the results are that negative, with at least four brokerages boosting their price targets on AAPL stock, including Independent Research to $175 from $170. There's still more room for analysts to wax optimistic on AAPL stock, should it resume its longer-term uptrend. Seven of the 32 brokerages covering the shares maintain a "hold" or worse rating.
Valeant Shares Set to Pop After Upbeat Goldman Sachs Note
Goldman Sachs gave an "outperform" rating to VRX's credit paper today, and said to buy 2020 senior unsecured notes, suggesting Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc's recent troubles on and off the charts have created an attractive opportunity. Against this backdrop, VRX stock is eyeing a 4.3% pop -- on track to build on yesterday's gains that had the shares close at $10.31, their highest settlement in a month. Longer term, VRX is down 68% year-over-year, and most analysts are skeptical. Of the 10 brokerages covering VRX stock, eight maintain a "hold" or "strong sell" recommendation.
FireEye Stock Eyes Big Post-Earnings Pop
FEYE's solid earnings report and upwardly revised guidance was met with a round of bullish brokerage notes, including an upgrade to "outperform" from "market perform" at William Blair -- though Morgan Stanley said the company exceeded "a very low bar." Nevertheless, FEYE stock is trading up almost 15% ahead of the bell, after closing last night at $12.21. Today's projected price move could have the shares toppling their 200-day moving average, a trendline that has helped usher them to a 29% year-over-year deficit. FireEye Inc short sellers will likely be feeling the heat today, too. Short interest on FEYE stock surged 20.1% in the two most recent reporting periods, and now accounts for a whopping 21.2% of the equity's available float.