Top Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades: Monsanto, Virgin America and More

Investing

Published: December 24, 2014 9:10 am

Last Updated: December 24, 2014 9:12 am

With stocks indicated slightly higher after the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above the vaunted 18,000 level, investors will look to extend gains and perhaps see yet another day of records for the indexes on this trading shortened Christmas Eve. 24/7 Wall St. reviews dozens of analyst research reports each morning to find new investment and trading ideas for its readers. Some analyst research reports cover new stocks to buy, and others cover stocks to sell or avoid.

Here are Wednesday’s top analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations from top research calls from around Wall Street.

Arctic Cat Inc. (NASDAQ: ACAT) was started at a Market Perform rating at Wells Fargo.

Ellington Financial LLC (NYSE: EFC) was started at Hold at MLV & Co. with a $21 price target. The shares closed Tuesday at $20.75.

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) was started at Buy at MLV & Co. with a $12 price objective.

Monsanto Co. (NYSE: MON) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Miller Tabak.

OvaScience Inc. (NASDAQ: OVAS) was raised to Outperform from Perform at Oppenheimer.

Virgin America Inc. (NASDAQ: VA) saw its post-IPO quiet period end, with numerous firms weighing in. Cowen started the stock at Outperform with a $42 target. Deutsche Bank started it at a Buy rating with a $44 target. Merrill Lynch started it at Buy with a $40 target, and Raymond James started it with a Market Perform rating.

If you missed Tuesdays top analysts upgrades, downgrades and initiations, they were in Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Kimberly Clark, Red Hat, Sonus Networks and more.

Take Charge of Your Retirement In Just A Few Minutes (Sponsor)

Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance—and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor.

Here’s how it works:

Answer a Few Simple Questions. Tell us a bit about your goals and preferences—it only takes a few minutes!
Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Our smart tool matches you with up to three pre-screened, vetted advisors who serve your area and are held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Click here to begin
Choose Your Fit Review their profiles, schedule an introductory call (or meet in person), and select the advisor who feel is right for you.

Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to get started today!