LiveRamp (NASDAQ:RAMP) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report released on Thursday. The brokerage presently has a $59.00 target price on the stock. Zacks Investment Research‘s price target would indicate a potential upside of 13.86% from the stock’s previous close. According to Zacks, “LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. operates as a marketing technology company. It provides data foundation, digital transformation, consumer engagement, and online marketing and... 

BidaskClub upgraded shares of Franklin Electric (NASDAQ:FELE) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday. FELE has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Zacks Investment Research downgraded Franklin Electric from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Monday, November 19th. Boenning Scattergood reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $54.00 price objective on shares of Franklin Electric in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, ValuEngine raised Franklin Electric from a hold rating to... 

BEACH ENERGY LT/ADR (OTCMKTS:BCHEY) announced a Semi-Annual dividend on Wednesday, February 13th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 27th will be paid a dividend of 0.124 per share on Monday, April 15th. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 26th. BEACH ENERGY LT/ADR stock opened at $25.05 on Thursday. BEACH ENERGY LT/ADR has a 12-month low of $18.17 and a 12-month high of $29.68. Separately, Canaccord Genuity upgraded shares of BEACH ENERGY LT/ADR to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, October 29th. WARNING:... 

Zacks Investment Research cut shares of Fortuna Silver Mines (NYSE:FSM) (TSE:FVI) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Wednesday. According to Zacks, “Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is engaged in the exploration, mining and development of silver and base metal properties in Latin America. Its core assets include the Caylloma Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu Mine located in Arequipa, Peru and the San Jose Ag – Au Project located in Oaxaca, Mexico. Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is headquartered in Lima, Peru. “ A number of other... 

BidaskClub upgraded shares of STAAR Surgical (NASDAQ:STAA) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Wednesday morning. STAA has been the topic of a number of other reports. ValuEngine cut STAAR Surgical from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 21st. TheStreet cut STAAR Surgical from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Friday, December 14th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research cut STAAR Surgical from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November... 

OLD National Bancorp IN lifted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) by 1.1% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 6,637 shares of the healthcare conglomerate’s stock after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the quarter. OLD National Bancorp IN’s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $1,653,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their... 

Tivity Health (NASDAQ:TVTY) had its target price reduced by Piper Jaffray Companies to $29.00 in a report issued on Wednesday morning, The Fly reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the stock. Piper Jaffray Companies also issued estimates for Tivity Health’s FY2019 earnings at $2.73 EPS, Q1 2020 earnings at $1.04 EPS, Q2 2020 earnings at $1.00 EPS, Q3 2020 earnings at $0.86 EPS and Q4 2020 earnings at $0.65 EPS. Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. SunTrust Banks decreased their price target... 

Cranswick (LON:CWK) had its price target trimmed by Berenberg Bank from GBX 3,550 ($46.39) to GBX 3,050 ($39.85) in a research report released on Wednesday morning. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock. A number of other research analysts have also commented on the company. Liberum Capital raised Cranswick to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 10th. Peel Hunt reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Cranswick in a report on Monday, November 19th. HSBC began coverage on Cranswick in a report on Friday, January 25th. They issued... 

Hays plc (LON:HAS) declared a dividend on Thursday, February 21st, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, March 7th will be given a dividend of GBX 1.11 ($0.01) per share on Friday, April 12th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 7th. The official announcement can be viewed at this link. Shares of HAS opened at GBX 151.10 ($1.97) on Thursday. Hays has a 52-week low of GBX 155 ($2.03) and a 52-week high of GBX 206.20 ($2.69). Several equities analysts recently weighed... 

Independence Realty Trust (NYSE:IRT) issued an update on its FY 2019 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $0.74-0.78 for the period. IRT opened at $10.70 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.24 and a current ratio of 0.24. Independence Realty Trust has a 1-year low of $8.26 and a 1-year high of $10.76. The firm has a market cap of $953.23 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.66 and a beta of 0.93. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend,... 

DNB Asset Management AS grew its position in General Electric (NYSE:GE) by 15.0% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,668,085 shares of the conglomerate’s stock after acquiring an additional 217,965 shares during the period. DNB Asset Management AS’s holdings in General Electric were worth $12,627,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings... 

Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Vera Bradley, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRA) during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund bought 9,660 shares of the textile maker’s stock, valued at approximately $83,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in VRA. Allianz Asset Management GmbH grew its position in Vera Bradley by 537.8% during the 3rd quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 84,769 shares of the textile maker’s stock worth $1,294,000... 

PICTET BANK & TRUST Ltd reduced its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) by 10.3% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 39,100 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock after selling 4,500 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories accounts for approximately 1.1% of PICTET BANK & TRUST Ltd’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position. PICTET BANK & TRUST Ltd’s holdings in Abbott... 

Analysts expect Tenneco Inc (NYSE:TEN) to report sales of $4.27 billion for the current quarter, according to Zacks Investment Research. Eight analysts have provided estimates for Tenneco’s earnings, with estimates ranging from $4.18 billion to $4.33 billion. Tenneco reported sales of $2.39 billion in the same quarter last year, which indicates a positive year over year growth rate of 78.7%. The firm is scheduled to announce its next quarterly earnings report before the market opens on Monday, February 25th. According to Zacks, analysts expect... 

Pictet & Cie Europe SA reduced its position in United Technologies Co. (NYSE:UTX) by 1.7% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 54,250 shares of the conglomerate’s stock after selling 923 shares during the period. Pictet & Cie Europe SA’s holdings in United Technologies were worth $5,777,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified... 

Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in Keane Group Inc (NYSE:FRAC) during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 8,450 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $69,000. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc lifted its position in shares of Keane Group by 0.8% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc now owns 4,167,693 shares of the company’s stock worth $51,555,000... 

Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Schwab US Broad Market ETF (NYSEARCA:SCHB) during the fourth quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm bought 1,084 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $65,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. NewSquare Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Schwab US Broad Market ETF during the fourth quarter worth approximately $37,000. Simplex Trading LLC acquired a new position... 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH) and The Castle Group (OTCMKTS:CAGU) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, earnings, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and analyst recommendations. Dividends Wyndham Hotels & Resorts pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. The Castle Group does not pay a dividend. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts pays out 36.9% of its earnings in the... 

First Interstate Bank decreased its position in shares of United Technologies Co. (NYSE:UTX) by 1.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 6,299 shares of the conglomerate’s stock after selling 91 shares during the quarter. First Interstate Bank’s holdings in United Technologies were worth $671,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of UTX. Guidant Wealth Advisors boosted its stake in United Technologies by 64.9%... 

Northstar Group Inc. reduced its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) by 4.0% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 17,396 shares of the company’s stock after selling 725 shares during the period. Northstar Group Inc.’s holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $1,329,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in MRK. Bank of New... 

Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in Hortonworks Inc (NASDAQ:HDP) during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 5,250 shares of the software maker’s stock, valued at approximately $76,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. New Jersey Better Educational Savings Trust increased its position in shares of Hortonworks by 20.0% during the 4th quarter. New Jersey Better... 

Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of Tristate Capital Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:TSC) by 138.4% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 218,619 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after buying an additional 126,910 shares during the quarter. Morgan Stanley’s holdings in Tristate Capital were worth $6,034,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised... 

Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in Mammoth Energy Services Inc (NASDAQ:TUSK) during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 4,073 shares of the energy company’s stock, valued at approximately $73,000. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Legal & General Group Plc lifted its stake in shares of Mammoth Energy Services by 62.0% in the third quarter. Legal & General Group... 

JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut its holdings in shares of Matrix Service Co (NASDAQ:MTRX) by 5.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 306,352 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock after selling 17,377 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s holdings in Matrix Service were worth $7,552,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company.... 

FTB Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Intel Co. (NASDAQ:INTC) by 4.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 340,926 shares of the chip maker’s stock after acquiring an additional 15,068 shares during the quarter. Intel makes up about 1.3% of FTB Advisors Inc.’s portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest position. FTB Advisors Inc.’s holdings in Intel were worth $16,122,000 as of its most recent... 

MML Investors Services LLC raised its holdings in Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) by 47.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 25,546 shares of the information services provider’s stock after buying an additional 8,169 shares during the period. MML Investors Services LLC’s holdings in Alphabet were worth $30,836,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have... 

Dumont & Blake Investment Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of Global X SuperDividend ETF (NYSEARCA:SDIV) by 23.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 27,529 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock after selling 8,387 shares during the period. Dumont & Blake Investment Advisors LLC’s holdings in Global X SuperDividend ETF were worth $471,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also... 

Workday (NASDAQ:WDAY) and Her Imports (OTCMKTS:HHER) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends, valuation, profitability and institutional ownership. Risk and Volatility Workday has a beta of 1.89, meaning that its share price is 89% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Her Imports has a beta of -9.64, meaning that its share price is 1,064% less volatile than the S&P 500.... 

ExlService Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXLS) COO Pavan Bagai sold 5,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.86, for a total transaction of $309,300.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 45,861 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,836,961.46. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Pavan Bagai also recently made the following... 

Fiserv (NASDAQ:FISV) and Computer Services (OTCMKTS:CSVI) are both business services companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, risk, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, dividends and analyst recommendations. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Fiserv and Computer Services, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Fiserv 1 6 12 0 2.58 Computer Services 0 0 0 0 N/A Fiserv... 

Crystal Rock Capital Management reduced its holdings in Red Rock Resorts Inc (NASDAQ:RRR) by 2.3% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 175,129 shares of the company’s stock after selling 4,196 shares during the quarter. Red Rock Resorts comprises 3.2% of Crystal Rock Capital Management’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest holding. Crystal Rock Capital Management’s holdings in Red Rock Resorts were worth $3,557,000 as... 

Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. reduced its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin Corp (NYSE:PH) by 3.6% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,631 shares of the industrial products company’s stock after selling 97 shares during the quarter. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc.’s holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $392,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently made changes... 

Intermede Investment Partners Ltd grew its holdings in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) by 4.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 344,477 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after purchasing an additional 13,817 shares during the period. Apple makes up 5.8% of Intermede Investment Partners Ltd’s portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest position. Intermede Investment Partners Ltd’s holdings in Apple were worth $77,762,000... 

CRA Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:SCHD) during the fourth quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm acquired 80,056 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $3,760,000. Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF comprises 2.7% of CRA Financial Services LLC’s holdings, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares... 

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ:CCRN) – Research analysts at SunTrust Banks dropped their Q1 2019 earnings estimates for Cross Country Healthcare in a report issued on Tuesday, February 19th. SunTrust Banks analyst T. Sommer now expects that the business services provider will post earnings per share of ($0.01) for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $0.01. SunTrust Banks has a “Hold” rating on the stock. SunTrust Banks also issued estimates for Cross Country Healthcare’s Q2 2019 earnings at $0.01 EPS,... 

National Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:NTIOF) – Equities research analysts at National Bank Financial lowered their Q1 2019 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of National Bank of Canada in a report released on Monday, February 18th. National Bank Financial analyst G. Dechaine now expects that the financial services provider will post earnings of $1.17 per share for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $1.20. A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. Zacks Investment Research upgraded... 

Henkel AG & Co KGaA (FRA:HEN3) has been given a €84.00 ($97.67) price objective by research analysts at UBS Group in a report issued on Thursday, www.boersen-zeitung.de reports. The brokerage presently has a “sell” rating on the stock. UBS Group’s target price would indicate a potential downside of 6.00% from the stock’s current price. Several other research analysts have also commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group set a €96.00 ($111.63) price target on Henkel AG & Co KGaA and gave the stock... 

Engie (EPA:ENGI) has been given a €16.10 ($18.72) price target by analysts at Credit Suisse Group in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday. The firm currently has a “buy” rating on the stock. Several other research firms also recently issued reports on ENGI. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a €19.50 ($22.67) price objective on shares of Engie and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 31st. UBS Group set a €15.00 ($17.44) price objective on shares of Engie and... 

Csenge Advisory Group boosted its position in shares of Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) by 520.7% in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,496 shares of the aerospace company’s stock after acquiring an additional 1,255 shares during the period. Csenge Advisory Group’s holdings in Raytheon were worth $229,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in... 

Corient Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SBA Communications Co. (NASDAQ:SBAC) in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 1,453 shares of the technology company’s stock, valued at approximately $235,000. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in SBAC. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. grew its position in shares of SBA Communications by 18,340.5% during the 4th quarter. Daiwa... 

Checchi Capital Advisers LLC bought a new position in Alleghany Co. (NYSE:Y) in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 387 shares of the insurance provider’s stock, valued at approximately $241,000. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Simplex Trading LLC bought a new stake in Alleghany in the third quarter valued at approximately $190,000. Quantamental Technologies LLC bought a new stake in Alleghany in the fourth quarter... 

Comerica Bank lifted its position in shares of Cigna Corp (NYSE:CI) by 49.6% in the fourth quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 76,046 shares of the health services provider’s stock after acquiring an additional 25,202 shares during the quarter. Comerica Bank’s holdings in Cigna were worth $15,086,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Brave Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake... 

Research Frontiers (NASDAQ:REFR) and Spherix (NASDAQ:SPEX) are both small-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations and risk. Insider & Institutional Ownership 6.3% of Research Frontiers shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 3.7% of Spherix shares are owned by institutional investors. 9.5% of Research Frontiers shares are owned by... 

Moody’s (NYSE:MCO) had its price target increased by equities researchers at BMO Capital Markets to $172.00 in a research note issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. The firm currently has a “market perform” rating on the business services provider’s stock. BMO Capital Markets’ target price would indicate a potential upside of 1.50% from the stock’s previous close. A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald lowered their price target on Moody’s to $145.00... 

Retail Value (NYSE:RVI) and Armada Hoffler Properties (NYSE:AHH) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, risk, earnings and institutional ownership. Dividends Retail Value pays an annual dividend of $1.30 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.1%. Armada Hoffler Properties pays an annual dividend of $0.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.1%. Armada Hoffler Properties pays out 77.7% of... 

Superconductor Technologies (NASDAQ:SCON) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report issued on Tuesday. The brokerage currently has a $2.00 price target on the semiconductor company’s stock. Zacks Investment Research‘s target price points to a potential upside of 21.21% from the stock’s previous close. According to Zacks, “Superconductor Technologies Inc. manufactures and markets high-performance filters to service providers and original equipment... 

Bp Plc decreased its holdings in shares of FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX) by 16.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 26,000 shares of the shipping service provider’s stock after selling 5,000 shares during the quarter. Bp Plc’s holdings in FedEx were worth $4,193,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of FDX. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its stake in... 

Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI grew its position in shares of Progressive Corp (NYSE:PGR) by 47.1% during the fourth quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 15,050 shares of the insurance provider’s stock after acquiring an additional 4,821 shares during the quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI’s holdings in Progressive were worth $908,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PGR. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC acquired... 

Congress Park Capital LLC lessened its position in shares of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) by 21.6% in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 6,538 shares of the home improvement retailer’s stock after selling 1,799 shares during the quarter. Congress Park Capital LLC’s holdings in Lowe’s Companies were worth $604,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares... 

Veracyte (NASDAQ:VCYT) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report released on Tuesday. According to Zacks, “Veracyte, Inc. is a diagnostics company. It is focused on discovering, developing and commercializing molecular cytology solutions. The Company provides Afirma Thyroid FNA Analysis, which helps physicians in reducing unnecessary diagnostic surgeries for patients with thyroid nodules. Veracyte is also developing Afirma Malignant GEC test. It serves endocrinologists,...