The analysts wrote, “We remain positive on Pharmaceuticals and see valuation as attractive for most stocks. Our Top Pick in the US is AbbVie, with Novartis being our most preferred name in Europe. Sanofi, Roche and Pfizer remain high conviction Buy ratings. We point to Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline as least preferred names.”

Several other analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Analysts at BMO Capital Markets set a $43.00 price target on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note to investors on Monday. They now have a “market perform” rating on the stock. Separately, analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a “market perform” rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note to investors on Thursday, March 28th. They now have a $34.00 price target on the stock. Finally, analysts at TheStreet reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note to investors on Wednesday, March 27th.

Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. The company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $38.22.

Shares of Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) traded up 0.62% during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $41.085. Bristol Myers Squibb has a 52 week low of $30.64 and a 52 week high of $41.79. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $38.79. The company has a market cap of $67.271 billion and a P/E ratio of 35.20.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) last released its earnings data on Thursday, January 24th. The company reported $0.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.42 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $4.19 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.14 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.53 earnings per share. Bristol Myers Squibb’s revenue was down 23.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY13 guidance at $1.78-1.88 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Bristol Myers Squibb will post $1.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1st. Investors of record on Friday, April 5th will be paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.43%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, April 3rd.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) is engaged in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of biopharmaceutical products on a global basis.

The analysts wrote, “We remain positive on Pharmaceuticals and see valuation as attractive for most stocks. Our Top Pick in the US is AbbVie, with Novartis being our most preferred name in Europe. Sanofi, Roche and Pfizer remain high conviction Buy ratings. We point to Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline as least preferred names.”

A number of other firms have also recently commented on MRK. Analysts at TheStreet reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Merck & Co in a research note to investors on Thursday, April 4th. Separately, analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an “outperform” rating on shares of Merck & Co in a research note to investors on Thursday, March 28th. They now have a $48.00 price target on the stock.

Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. The stock currently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $48.15.

Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) traded up 2.55% during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $46.67. Merck & Co has a 52-week low of $37.02 and a 52-week high of $48.00. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $43.81. The company has a market cap of $141.1 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.75.

Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 1st. The company reported $0.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.81 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $11.70 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.46 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.97 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was down 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. Merck & Co has set its FY13 guidance at $3.60-3.70 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Merck & Co will post $3.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Merck & Co, Inc. (NYSE: MRK) is a global health care company that delivers health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products, which it markets directly and through its joint ventures.

The analysts wrote, “We remain positive on Pharmaceuticals and see valuation as attractive for most stocks. Our Top Pick in the US is AbbVie, with Novartis being our most preferred name in Europe. Sanofi, Roche and Pfizer remain high conviction Buy ratings. We point to Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline as least preferred names.”

Several other analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Analysts at Goldman Sachs reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of AbbVie in a research note to investors on Tuesday. They now have a $45.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $42.00. Separately, analysts at BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of AbbVie from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research note to investors on Monday, April 1st. They now have a $42.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $41.00. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Finally, analysts at Bank of America reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of AbbVie in a research note to investors on Monday, March 11th. They now have a $42.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $40.00.

Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. The company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $40.33.

AbbVie (NASDAQ: ABBV) traded up 1.03% on Wednesday, hitting $42.9903. AbbVie has a 1-year low of $33.33 and a 1-year high of $43.56. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $38.84. The company has a market cap of $67.810 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.72.

AbbVie Inc. (NASDAQ: ABBV) is a research-based pharmaceuticals company.

Several other analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Analysts at JPMorgan Chase downgraded shares of Diana Shipping from a “neutral” rating to an “underweight” rating in a research note to investors on Monday, April 1st. They now have a $9.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $9.50. Separately, analysts at Clarkson Capital raised their price target on shares of Diana Shipping from $7.50 to $8.50 in a research note to investors on Wednesday, March 13th. They now have a “market perform” rating on the stock.

Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. The company has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $9.83.

Diana Shipping (NYSE: DSX) traded down 3.26% on Wednesday, hitting $9.5099. Diana Shipping has a 52-week low of $5.89 and a 52-week high of $11.09. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $9.23. The company has a market cap of $768.2 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.67.

Diana Shipping (NYSE: DSX) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, March 14th. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $50.03 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $49.73 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.25 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was down 13.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Diana Shipping will post $-0.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Diana Shipping Inc. is a holding company. The Company is a global provider of shipping transportation services.

The analysts wrote, “Over the past 12 months, investor owned hospitals have returned 67%, on average (including dividends), vs. 14% for the S&P 500 and 27% for the S&P Healthcare, respectively. During this timeframe, the group’s trading multiple has re-rated one full turn to 6.75x-7.0x on 2013E EV/EBITDA and 6.25x-6.5x on 2014E EV/EBITDA. In our view, the group’s multiple expansion has been warranted — especially post-election — due to potential upside risks associated with coverage expansion from the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (PPACA). However, in our experience, investor appetite begins to wane as the group’s multiple begins to approach 7x EBITDA, and thus we believe a nearterm breather seems likely. Our decision to downgrade selectively underpins our view that an approach of buying a full basket is no longer warranted.”

Several other analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Analysts at BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of Community Health Systems from an “underperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research note to investors on Wednesday, March 27th. Separately, analysts at JPMorgan Chase reiterated an “overweight” rating on shares of Community Health Systems in a research note to investors on Monday, March 25th. They now have a $52.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $38.00. Finally, analysts at Jefferies Group upgraded shares of Community Health Systems from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note to investors on Monday, March 18th. They now have a $56.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $29.00.

Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Community Health Systems currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $41.00.

Community Health Systems (NYSE: CYH) traded down 3.32% on Wednesday, hitting $42.45. Community Health Systems has a 1-year low of $20.71 and a 1-year high of $48.59. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $43.7. The company has a market cap of $3.829 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.86.

Community Health Systems (NYSE: CYH) last released its earnings data on Thursday, February 21st. The company reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.85. The company had revenue of $3.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.25 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.85 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% on a year-over-year basis. Community Health Systems has set its Q1 guidance at $0.82-0.92 EPS and its FY13 guidance at $3.50-3.90 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Community Health Systems will post $3.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Community Health Systems, Inc. is an operator of hospitals in the United States. The Company provides healthcare services through the hospitals that it owns and operates in non-urban and selected urban markets throughout the United States.

The analysts wrote, “Over the past 12 months, investor owned hospitals have returned 67%, on average (including dividends), vs. 14% for the S&P 500 and 27% for the S&P Healthcare, respectively. During this timeframe, the group’s trading multiple has re-rated one full turn to 6.75x-7.0x on 2013E EV/EBITDA and 6.25x-6.5x on 2014E EV/EBITDA. In our view, the group’s multiple expansion has been warranted — especially post-election — due to potential upside risks associated with coverage expansion from the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (PPACA). However, in our experience, investor appetite begins to wane as the group’s multiple begins to approach 7x EBITDA, and thus we believe a nearterm breather seems likely. Our decision to downgrade selectively underpins our view that an approach of buying a full basket is no longer warranted.”

Several other analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Analysts at JPMorgan Chase reiterated an “overweight” rating on shares of Tenet Healthcare in a research note to investors on Monday, March 25th. They now have a $55.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $41.00. Separately, analysts at Ameriprise Financial initiated coverage on shares of Tenet Healthcare in a research note to investors on Friday, March 15th. They set a “buy” rating on the stock. Finally, analysts at Zacks downgraded shares of Tenet Healthcare from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research note to investors on Thursday, March 14th. They now have a $46.00 price target on the stock.

Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $39.74.

Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC) traded down 3.70% on Wednesday, hitting $41.91. Tenet Healthcare has a 1-year low of $17.24 and a 1-year high of $49.13. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $42.98. The company has a market cap of $4.371 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.58.

Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 26th. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.23. The company had revenue of $2.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.34 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.10 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 7.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Tenet Healthcare will post $2.80 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Tenet Healthcare Corporation, and its subsidiaries (NYSE: THC) is an investor-owned health care services company whose subsidiaries and affiliates own and operate acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic imaging centers and related health care facilities.

The analysts wrote, “We are downgrading shares of AGU to Neutral from Overweight and lowering our price target from $133 to $105 as we struggle to identify company-specific catalysts to support valuation multiple expansion following yesterday’s proxy vote results. Agrium management’s victory yesterday maintains the status quo following an often contentious exchange between management and activist shareholder Jana leading up to the vote. Jana has already pledged to not back down, and has called out foul play, which will undoubtedly prolong a highly public debate that investors have already grown fatigued with. Lacking specific catalysts, we believe that AGU shares are more susceptible to near-term risk to estimates due to weather, a perceived overhang following the proxy vote results, and over-arching sector concerns of downward trending corn prices.”

A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on AGU. Analysts at CIBC reiterated a “sector perform” rating on shares of Agrium in a research note to investors on Monday. They now have a $130.00 price target on the stock. Separately, analysts at Scotiabank reiterated a “sector perform” rating on shares of Agrium in a research note to investors on Monday, April 1st. They now have a $120.00 price target on the stock. Finally, analysts at Canaccord Genuity cut their price target on shares of Agrium from $127.00 to $123.00 in a research note to investors on Monday, April 1st. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock.

Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. The company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $117.11.

Shares of Agrium (NYSE: AGU) traded down 0.14% during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $94.91. Agrium has a 52 week low of $74.28 and a 52 week high of $115.31. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $101.3. The company has a market cap of $14.142 billion and a P/E ratio of 9.95.

Agrium (NYSE: AGU) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 21st. The company reported $2.34 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the analysts’ consensus estimate of $2.03 by $0.31. The company had revenue of $3.26 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.20 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.04 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Agrium will post $10.00 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which is scheduled for Thursday, July 18th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 28th will be paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.10%.

Agrium Inc. (NYSE: AGU), is a global producer and marketer of nutrients for agricultural and industrial markets.

The analysts wrote, “We are upgrading shares of AEO to Overweight following our Taking Stock With Teens survey results, which point to resiliency in the AE brand across gender, age, and income profiles, which is evidence of a solid demand trajectory into 2013. While near-term trends across retail have been inconsistent, which merits a more conservative assumption for Q1, we think AE is well positioned to benefit into 2H and 2014. With shares trading in the high-teens, we favor owning for outperformance potential. Further, we are intrigued by the company’s evolving digital strategy and potential for a multi-channel benefit to overall operating margin. We are adding one multiple point turn to maintain our modest premium to the group, warranted by execution, brand equity, and margin potential. Our PT goes from $23 to $24/share.”

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Analysts at Barclays Capital initiated coverage on shares of American Eagle in a research note to investors on Tuesday, April 2nd. They set an “overweight” rating and a $25.00 price target on the stock. Separately, analysts at Zacks downgraded shares of American Eagle from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research note to investors on Monday, March 18th. They now have a $21.00 price target on the stock. Finally, analysts at JPMorgan Chase cut their price target on shares of American Eagle from $23.00 to $22.00 in a research note to investors on Wednesday, March 13th.

Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. The stock currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $22.08.

Shares of American Eagle (NYSE: AEO) opened at 19.09 on Wednesday. American Eagle has a one year low of $16.20 and a one year high of $23.94. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $19.97. The company has a market cap of $3.705 billion and a P/E ratio of 16.44.

American Eagle (NYSE: AEO) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, March 6th. The company reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $1.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.12 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.35 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. American Eagle has set its Q1 guidance at $0.16-0.19 EPS. On average, analysts predict that American Eagle will post $1.51 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a specialty retailer that operates in the United Sates and Canada, and online at ae.

The analysts wrote, “We are upgrading shares to Overweight following the results of our Spring 2013 Taking Stock With Teens Survey, which pointed to improved mindshare and validation of the company’s strategic evolution as a lifestyle and fashion retailer. The demand curve for branded action sports product continues to crest with moderating rates of growth, but through a more fashion focused (boutique) assortment, PacSun is (re)capturing its core customer. Our thesis is predicated on sustained market share improvement and an accelerated timeline to profitability. We are tweaking our estimates slightly higher, now calling for the company to turn profitable in 2014. Given improved demand, merchandise balance, store rationalization, and corporate cost realignment efforts, we’ve increased our target multiple from 0.2x to 0.25x, arriving at $3/share (0.25x FY14 sales/share).”

PSUN has been the subject of a number of other recent research reports. Analysts at Wedbush raised their price target on shares of Pacific Sunwear of California from $1.60 to $2.00 in a research note to investors on Thursday, March 21st. They now have an “underperform” rating on the stock. Analysts at DA Davidson upgraded shares of Pacific Sunwear of California from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note to investors on Friday, February 15th. They now have a $3.50 price target on the stock, up previously from $2.20.

Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Pacific Sunwear of California currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $2.38.

Pacific Sunwear of California (NASDAQ: PSUN) opened at 2.25 on Wednesday. Pacific Sunwear of California has a 52-week low of $1.17 and a 52-week high of $2.73. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $2.20. The company’s market cap is $153.9 million.

Pacific Sunwear of California (NASDAQ: PSUN) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 20th. The company reported ($0.17) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.16) by $0.01. The company had revenue of $228.03 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $227.86 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($0.19) earnings per share. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Pacific Sunwear of California will post $-0.28 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc. (NASDAQ: PSUN) is a specialty retailer rooted in the action sports, fashion and music influences of the California lifestyle.

The analysts wrote, “With our Diversified Natural Gas (i.e., C-Corp stocks) industry up ~20% YTD and EV/EBITDA and P/E multiples up 13% and 21% y/y, respectively (giving more credit to longer-term growth), we see a more balanced near-term risk-reward (1.2:1.0 bull/bear skew). We reiterate our longer-term Attractive industry view predicated on earnings growth of ~9% through 2015e, driven largely by volumetric and contracted midstream projects. However, with stock prices elevated, we are looking to be more selective…In this Playbook we are downgrading XTXI and TRGP to Equal-weight.”

Targa Resources Investments (NASDAQ: TRGP) traded down 1.24% on Wednesday, hitting $67.72. Targa Resources Investments has a 1-year low of $39.89 and a 1-year high of $69.21. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $63.56. The company has a market cap of $2.867 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 75.35.

A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on TRGP. Analysts at TheStreet upgraded shares of Targa Resources Investments from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note to investors on Tuesday, March 5th. Separately, analysts at Robert W. Baird raised their price target on shares of Targa Resources Investments from $68.00 to $71.00 in a research note to investors on Friday, February 15th. Finally, analysts at JPMorgan Chase reiterated an “overweight” rating on shares of Targa Resources Investments in a research note to investors on Friday, February 15th. They now have a $65.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $62.00.

Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. Targa Resources Investments has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $63.36.

Targa Resources Corp. (NASDAQ: TRGP) forms the Partnership to own, operate, acquire and develop a diversified portfolio of complementary midstream energy assets.