Zacks Broker Upgrades: Sempra Energy, Temple-Inland, Network Appliance and Micron Technology

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Studies have shown that broker upgrades lead to short-term outperformance. Stocks recently upgraded by brokerage analysts include Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), Temple-Inland (NYSE: TIN), Network Appliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTAP) and Micron Technology, Inc. (NYSE: MU). To learn more about how you can profit from broker upgrades, visit: http://at.zacks.com/?id=139.

Here is a synopsis of stocks with recent broker upgrades:

Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) is an energy services holding company with an Average Broker Recommendation that has improved to 1.73 of late. Analysts polled by Zacks Research Digest are encouraged by several of the company’s moves, including its early-July joint venture with The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to expand its commodities business globally. The joint venture is dubbed RBS Sempra Commodities LLP and it will absorb the operations of Sempra Commodities. Analysts also consider the signing of several major power-purchase contracts by San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) as a positive for Sempra Energy. In addition, the new gas-fired Palomar plant is expected to have a positive impact on the company’s earnings.

Temple-Inland’s (NYSE: TIN) Average Broker Recommendation is up to 2.00. Analysts polled by Zacks Research Digest like that the company is offsetting high operations costs through higher-than-expected cost reductions from various initiatives, other ongoing cost reduction programs, and project TIP. Furthermore, a share buyback program, internal improvements and underlying asset values could provide upside to the stock going forward. In addition, analysts believe the company is better positioned compared to other paper and forest product companies as its corrugated strategy is estimated to offer protection during periods of price declines.

Network Appliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTAP) watched its Average Broker Recommendation rise to 1.86. According to Zacks Research Digest, analysts appreciate Network Appliance’s solid balance sheet and its solid position in the Secure Content and Application Delivery market. Furthermore, analysts believe the company’s market position can be enhanced by favorable competitive dynamics, product transitions, technology assimilations and an evolving IBM relationship.

Micron Technology, Inc. (NYSE: MU) has enjoyed a couple of rating upgrades in recent days, helping its Average Broker Recommendation rise to 2.00. According to Zacks Research Digest, analysts like the company’s diversification into non-DRAM products, which now account for approximately 35% of total revenue. They also appreciate the company’s dominating market share in CMOS image sensors incorporating DigitalClarity technology. Also, an alliance with Intel (INTC) has enhanced the Micron’s competitive position, diversified its revenue base and bolstered its long-term profitability. The Lexar acquisition is also seen as a positive for Micron.

About Broker Upgrades

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